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Humana
Annual Report 2018

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FY2018 Annual Report · Humana
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Annual Report  
& Accounts 2018

EXPLORE

DEVELOP

PRODUCE

Hummingbird is an African gold 
company with a producing mine 
in Mali, a large development 
asset in Liberia and further 
significant exploration ground  
in both countries.

EXPLORE

Yanfolila is a high grade,  
open pit gold mining operation.

DEVELOP

Dugbe is Liberia’s largest gold 
project with significant further 
exploration potential.

PRODUCE

The company has a large 
exploration footprint of 
around 4,000km2 in both 
Mali and Liberia.

Contents

Overview

04  Chairman’s Statement
05  CEO’s Statement

Operational Review

08  Operational Review
15  Financial Review
21  Strategic Review

Corporate Governance

24  Board of Directors
26  Corporate Governance
31  Directors’ Report
34  Directors’ Responsibilities Statement

Financial Statements

36  Independent Auditor’s Report
39  Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
40  Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
41  Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
42  Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
43  Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
76  Company Statement of Financial Position
77  Company Statement of Cash Flows
78  Company Statement of Changes in Equity
79  Notes to the Company Financial Statements

Hummingbird is focused on high-margin production, seeking to deliver the best value possible for 
its shareholders, whilst having total commitment to operating in an environmentally and socially 
responsible manner. Through this, we seek to provide long-term benefits for all of our stakeholders. 

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We are centred on technical excellence in exploration, 
development and operation in Africa, where we have progressed 
from explorers to fully-fledged gold producers. Our focus is on 
growth, unlocking and delivering value, while empowering our 
people and the local communities. 

FOCUS AND PRIORITIES

Growth
Our near-term strategy is to produce year-on-year sustainable 
profitable margin gold ounces and Life of Mine extension 
at Yanfolila, through Resource and Reserve replacement/
expansion. Medium-to-long-term, we strive to continue to 
evaluate M&A opportunities with a focus on our proven 
expertise as developers.

Explore and Unlock Value
Operating the business with strict technical and capital allocation 
discipline, we explore to unlock long term value. 

We have a significant total gold inventory of 6.4Moz across two 
projects in West Africa and further exploration exposure through 
Cora Gold (AIM). 

Socially and Environmentally Responsible 
We want our employees and local communities to feel 
enlightened and empowered. Our organisational structure 
encourages us to learn, grow and, above all else, challenge. 
Hummingbird strives to execute business in the most beneficial 
way possible for our staff, host governments and communities, 
and for the environments where we work.

Entrepreneurial and Experienced
Strategic focus on technical and corporate expertise at all levels 
from the Board down. Hummingbird has been and is committed 
to remain entrepreneurial in conducting business, an essential 
skill in a fast-moving industry.

Mining at Komana West

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Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWOPERATIONAL REVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
Explore  |  Develop  |  Produce

Overview
How we operate

Multi-Asset  
Gold Company 

Producer with 6.4Moz gold 
inventory

Two West African projects

91,620oz  
Gold Poured 
at the Yanfolila Gold Mine, Mali

Full Year AISC of US$1,087 per oz

US$21M  
Cash Balance 
at year end

91,546oz  
Gold Sold 
at avg. gold price of US$1,271 per oz

Total debt US$61m

Generated revenue of US$116.5m

Near-Term 
Growth at  
Yanfolila
28,349m successfully drilled in 
exploration campaign

Major Stake in  
Exploration  
Firm
Owns 18.41% of Cora Gold 
(AIM:CORA)

Plant expansion underway with ball 
mill project completing in Q3 2019

Positive drill results close  
to Yanfolila

Dugbe Gold  
Project MDA 

Passed into law by Liberian 
government in Q2 2019

Potential of significant project now 
ready to be unlocked

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Hummingbird Resources

Explore  |  Develop  |  Produce

Bamako Office

Monrovia Office

Strong Safety  
Record at  
Yanfolila 

1.8 lost time injury frequency rate

Continually improving & favourable 
industry comparison

Mali 
Home of The Yanfolila Gold Mine

91,620oz Au year 1

2.2Moz resource

30 year mining licence

Liberia 
Home of The Dugbe Gold Project

4.2Moz resource

25 year mineral development agreement

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Annual Report & Accounts 2018

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Chairman’s Statement
Overview

It was pleasing to see Hummingbird emerge as a commercially operating gold 
miner on time and budget on 1 April 2018. The achievements made by the team 
to progress from a Liberian private explorer to a Malian gold producer in eight 
years are impressive and I think it is important to recognise the significance of 
this achievement. A huge number of people came together and put an enormous 
amount of effort into making this happen and the Board wishes to express their 
thanks to everyone involved. We also welcomed two new members to the Board 
in the year, Attie Roux and Ernie Nutter, who both bring a wealth of operational 
and capital market experience.

markets and directly to the mine kitchen. 
Other youth programmes that have been 
carried out in the last 12 months include 
transferable skills training workshops, such 
as welding and fencing. 

I would like to thank all our shareholders 
who have helped see us through this 
journey so far. I hope that you are able to 
recognise the strides the Company has 
made and the foundations that it has built 
for the future. 

Russell King 
Non-Executive Chairman

After a positive Q2 2018, where the 
Yanfolila Gold Mine delivered over 
33,000oz of gold, a combination of factors 
coincided to create severe operational 
challenges which led us to revise our 
production guidance. Hummingbird is still 
a young mining company and, importantly, 
will continue to build experience and learn 
from the challenges that many mining 
companies inevitably face. Consequently, 
the business is becoming more resilient 
and able to anticipate, rather than react to, 
operational issues. Our longer term view 
remains the same: Yanfolila is a high-grade 
open pit mining operation that is forecast 
to deliver strong, high-margin cash flow 
over future years and we are focused on 
extending its mine life beyond the current 
forecast.

I am pleased to report that the year saw 
an improved safety record on site and 
Environment, Social and Governance 
(“ESG”) has remained a constant 
focus for the business. A reflection of 
our commitment to our ESG values is 
evidenced by our continued employment 
of a large number of locals, with over 95% 
of the workforce being Mali nationals. 
Furthermore, to ensure that we achieve 
our goals to promote a high proportion of 
local talent to senior leadership roles, we 
have continued to run a series of training 
and education programmes throughout 
the year. The year also saw an extremely 
regrettable incident occur on our mining 
permit between the Malian military and 
protesting artisanal miners, which led to 
the death of three people. Following this 
tragic incident, the Company conducted 
a full review into how it interacts with 
all stakeholders who live and work on 
the permit area, to better improve these 
relationships. 

Community development projects have 
made significant progress throughout 
the year. One particularly successful 
initiative is a new alternative livelihood 
programme in the shape of four poultry 
projects. By funding and assisting with the 
construction of the hen houses, providing 
necessary equipment, maintenance 
materials and training, the communities 
are now presented with four cash-positive 
farms that produce product to sell at local 

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Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird ResourcesCEO’s Statement
Overview

2018 proved to be a period dominated by key milestones and operational 
challenges. After pouring first gold to plan on 19 December 2017, the Yanfolila 
Gold Mine successfully ramped up to full scale production in Q1 2018, 
displaying both the operational efficiency of the mine and positive cash flows 
for the subsequent quarters. As much as we can take assurance from past 
achievements, our focus now turns to the future growth of Hummingbird and 
the maintenance of the progress achieved so far to ensure stable production. 

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Notwithstanding our successes during the 
period, the Group also faced operational 
setbacks in Mali. Heavy rainfall, which 
led to potential pit wall instability issues, 
and a damaged public bridge on the only 
road to site certainly tested us. From 
the Board to the operations team on the 
ground, we were all faced with a complex 
challenge. The fact that we recovered from 
this within such a short space of time is a 
real testament to the team’s hard work.

Looking forward to 2019, growth at 
Yanfolila is already within our sights. The 
2018 exploration campaign has brought 
excellent drilling results across our 2.2Moz 
gold base; focused on infilling the currently 
defined resources, we are optimistic 
that this will allow us to increase our 
cumulative gold production over the mine 
life. Particularly strong results came from 
Gonka, a deposit located just 5km from 
the process plant, where mineral-rich 
intercepts included 15m @ 16.03 g/t and 
18m @ 9.39 g/t. Such high-grade potential 
has made us even more confident in our 
long-term plans for the mine and the 
potential for underground developments.

What is more, the period saw the 
commencement of the construction of 
a Second Ball Mill, which will increase 
plant throughput and align with these new 
discoveries. The second mill will boost 
plant capacity from 1.24mtpa to 1.4mtpa 
when processing a blend of ore, and from 
1mtpa to 1.24mtpa when processing 
100% fresh ore. The circa US$13m capex 
project is expected to be completed during 
Q3 2019 and will significantly enhance our 
throughput capacity with an estimated 
24% increase above original design. 

As ever, while we dedicate our efforts 
to safe production at Yanfolila, we 
must also put our technical know-how 
and experience towards considering 
future projects. M&A remains a regular 
question for Hummingbird in the context 
of delivering shareholder value, with 
such considerations to only be explored 
in a strict and disciplined manner. We 
recognise the risk inherent in a single mine 
operation and are ambitious to diversify 
that risk; however, only if we believe such 
a change would be value-accretive on a 
per-share basis. 

I am pleased to report that the Group 
recorded an improving safety record at 
Yanfolila during the year, with a Total 
Recordable Injury Frequency Rate 
(“TRIFR”) of 3.64 at the end of Q4 2018. 
Consequently, the Company exceeded its 
annual internal safety performance target 
and we continue to remain committed to 
reducing our TRIFR by targeting to reduce 
the TRIFR to a rate below 2.5. 

Although the remediation work at Komana 
East carried out at the end of 2018 
increased expected capital expenditure 
in the year, our cash position as at 31 
December 2018 is US$21m, including 
US$9.6m drawn under a new loan for the 
Second Ball Mill. Debt at the end of the 
year was US$61m, which, while higher 
than would have been expected at this 
stage, allowed the Company to carry out 
its remediation plan. 

In the full year, Yanfolila produced 
91,620oz of gold with an average gold 
price sold of US$1,271/oz. In the Group’s 
first quarter of full-scale production in Q2 
2018, Yanfolila achieved production of 
33,101oz. Subsequent quarters were hit by 
the disruptions previously noted, however, 
I think it is important to acknowledge the 
capability of this great asset as we look to 
2019 and forecast production of 110,000 – 
125,000oz.

We continue to be extremely proud of 
our community engagement in Mali and 
throughout the period we invested heavily 
in far-reaching initiatives based on the five 
main pillars that constitute responsible 
mining: health; education; food and 
agriculture; water and sanitation; and local 
economic development.

Some of the many projects carried out 
in the period include the successful 
completion of a new community health 
centre in Bougoudale village, designed 
to serve over 5,000 people from across 
three communes. Equipped and staffed 
by fully-trained medical professionals, 
the new centre provides care to a large 
number of people who would otherwise 
have to visit an inadequate clinic, built to 
serve a much smaller quantum. We have 
continued to carry-out regular healthcare 
training workshops on subjects such as 
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Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OPERATIONAL REVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSCEO’s Statement continued
Overview

a Second Ball Mill, expanding our mine 
plan through exploration, adding further 
resources to our plan, and considering the 
potential for underground mining. It means 
unlocking the potential of Dugbe, now 
that the Mineral Development Agreement 
has been passed into law by the 
Government and it also means developing 
prospective strategic opportunities to 
capitalise on the platform we have built 
through the exploration of potential 
M&A opportunities. 

Hummingbird has evolved greatly since 
it began. It has discovered gold from 
first principles of grass roots exploration 
and taken that all the way through 
development, permitting, financing, 
engineering to production and now, 
onto finished goods. We believe that 
the development of SMO (Single Mine 
Origin) gold (www.singlemineorigin.
com) to showcase the wonderful work 
Hummingbird, and the wider mining 
industry does in the ESG space, is another 
fantastic opportunity for Hummingbird to 
lead the way ahead. 

Dan Betts 
Chief Executive Officer 

sessions seek to improve community 
medical care and dispel potentially 
damaging beliefs. On site, recent ‘toolbox 
talks’ at Yanfolila have provided employees 
with insight and education on a range 
of general health topics, including HIV, 
nutrition and smoking addiction. 

The promotion of diversity is also an 
important focus for us and in 2018 we 
supported the launch of a poultry project 
across four villages, from which 80 youths 
have learned the skills required to build 
and sustain the now cash-positive chicken 
farming business. We also funded the 
extension of the soap-making initiative 
to benefit 120 more women who now 
sell their soap products to the mine 
site’s cleaning contractor. As before, 
we continue to support the salaries of 
12 teachers who bring education to some 
of the poorest communes in Mali.

2019 will see us continue to expand on 
the successful initiatives already in place, 
as well as take on significant new plans. 
These include, but are not limited to, 
arrangements to expand both the market 
garden and soap-making programmes, 
build an additional water tower, and 
reinforce the water drilling programme 
across three communes to continue our 
mission of providing clean drinking water 
for all in the local community.

At our Dugbe Gold Project in Liberia, 
our Mineral Development Agreement 
(“MDA”) proceeded through the final 
stages of approval with the Government 
of Liberia, I am pleased to be able to say 
that this has now passed into law. This is 
the first and only MDA to be successfully 
negotiated with the Government of Liberia 
on a new discovery in the last 15 years. 
Hummingbird can now consider the 
next steps of development at Dugbe, 
which is Liberia’s largest gold deposit. 
Consisting of 4.2Moz gold in resources, 
with Hummingbird having an additional 
2,000km² of highly prospective ground 
under licence in the country, we are 
confident in realising the inherent value 
of the project in due course.

I feel that 2018 has been a year of 
learning from challenges faced as an 
operating mining company. We have 
grown stronger and are more capable 
as a team, having overcome and learnt 
from our challenges. Our mission is now 
to leverage the tremendous platform 
we have built as an operator in order 
to create real, tangible value for all the 
stakeholders in our business. This means 
developing our operating capabilities at 
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Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird Resources“2018 has been a year of learning from 
challenges faced as an operating 
mining company. We have grown 
stronger and are more capable as a 
team, having overcome and learnt 
from our challenges.”

Komana Camp at Yanfolila, Mali

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Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018 
 
Operational Review

Yanfolila Gold Mine 
Mali

Review of 2018 – With first gold poured in December 2017, 2018 marked our first year of production 
at Yanfolila. Q1 2018 was a quarter of ramp up and Q2 2018 was our first quarter of commercial 
production with 33,101oz of gold poured at 3.43g/t. The Company was pleased to meet these 
milestones on time and budget and delivered a strong Q2 2018. As the Company has previously 
reported, a number of operational issues were encountered that hampered production during Q3 
and Q4 2018, leading to reduced guidance for the year. The Company was pleased to have largely 
overcome these challenges by year end and meet the top end of its revised guidance with 91,620oz 
gold poured.

Highlights
•  91,620 ounces (“oz”) of gold poured 
in FY 2018, against guidance of 
87,000 – 92,000 oz

•  Second Ball Mill construction at 

Yanfolila remains on budget and on 
schedule for completion in Q3 2019

•  Guidance for 2019 of 110-125,000oz 

production

FULL YEAR RESULTS

Pits

Gold poured (Ounces)

Ore mined (Tonnes)

Ore processed (Tonnes)

Avg. grade mill feed (g/t)

Recovery (%)

Gold sales (Ounces)

AISC (US$/oz)

Avg. gold sales price (US$/oz)

FY ‘18

91,620

1,130,990

1,092,485

2.83

95.38

91,546

1,087

1,271

SECOND BALL MILL CONSTRUCTION

Currently, the Yanfolila crushing circuit 
is a two-stage operation, incorporating 
both primary and secondary crushing 
circuits designed to treat mainly oxides 
and a blend of oxide and transition ores. 
The installation of a Second Ball Mill will 
increase throughput capacity from 1mtpa 
to 1.24mtpa, when operating with 100% 
fresh material, and as such offers a good 
return on investment in the Company’s 
view. US$9.6m of additional debt was 
drawn from Coris Bank in Q4 2018 to 
part-finance the US$13m capex for the 
construction of the Second Ball Mill. 

Construction is progressing to plan and 
budget, with 60% of the project (and 75% 
of the civil works) completed at the end 
of Q1 2019. Following the arrival of the 
mill installation team on site in April, the 
project is due to be completed in Q3 2019.

PIT WALL REMEDIATION

During Q4 2018, significant progress was 
made on the pit wall remediation, which 
was required after a crack appeared 
75m back from the pit wall in Q3 2018. 
The demands of this remediation had 

an ongoing impact on operations in Q3 
and Q4 2018, which led to a reduced 
production forecast for the FY 2018.  
The Company has worked closely with its 
contract miner to mobilise additional fleet 
to site. 

The Company also encountered a 
significant logistical issue in Q4 since a 
public bridge on the main road to site was 
put under a strict weight limit. The bridge 
remained in use in accordance with the 
restrictions by the Company throughout 
the Q4 period, however, to overcome 
the weight limit issue, the Company 
mobilised a military barge to transport 
heavy equipment and other large loads 
across the river. Work on a new bridge by 
a Government contractor is progressing 
well and the Company understands the 
project is due to be completed at the end 
of Q2 2019. 

2019 GUIDANCE

Following operational issues encountered 
in Q1 2019, the Company believes that 
the total production guidance for 2019 of 
110,000 to 125,000 ounces is achievable 
and maintains its guidance forecast. 

The ball mill at the Yanfolila process plant

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Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird Resources 
RESERVES AND RESOURCES

Pre-production resources and reserves. 
An update to the Company’s resources 
and reserves will be published shortly.

Probable Reserves – December 2015*

Pits

Komana East

Komana West

Total

Total Mineral Inventory

CSA JORC

GF 2012 SAMREC

GF 2012 DRS 
– internal de-risking study1

Total

Tonnes

4,606,000

2,433,000

7,039,000

Tonnes

18,645,000

3,520,000

6,324,200

28,489,200

Contained  
Ounces (Au)

Grade (g/t)

470,600

239,000

709,800

3.18

3.06

3.14

Ounces

Grade (g/t)

1,587,600

224,400

390,700

2,202,700

*Gross Project Reserves and mineral inventory, Hummingbird interest is 80%
1 —  Non-JORC and non-SAMREC

2018 EXPLORATION RESULTS

An overview of the deposits is as follows: 

Drilling

Reverse Circulation

Diamond Drill Hole

Reverse Circulation

Diamond Drill Hole

Reverse Circulation

Deposit

Gonka

Komana West

Guirin West

Total

The completed drilling programme largely 
focused on the resource definition at 
Gonka, with some further follow up drilling 
at Komana West. Hummingbird was 
pleased to announce a set of high-grade 
results, of which the stand-out intercept 
was 15m @ 16.03g/t at Gonka. Please 
refer to the Company’s website for a full 
breakdown of the drill results.

Hummingbird is now focused on 
integrating the positive results seen in its 
exploration programme into its mine plan. 
The Gonka deposit is situated just 5km 
from the process plant, making it suitable 
to be included in the current mine plan. 
The deposit is fully permitted and within 
the mining license, which will allow mining 
to start immediately once the resource 
modelling and mine planning is completed 
during the course of 2019.

On the completion of the 2018 drilling 
programme the total metres drilled was 
approximately 28,000m.

The geology shed at Yanfolila

2.64

1.98

1.92

2.39

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6,836

13,930

3,091

2,536

1,956

28,349

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Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
Operational Review continued

Dugbe Gold Project 
Liberia

The Dugbe Gold Project is a 4.2Moz gold resource with a completed Preliminary Economic 
Assessment (“PEA”) showing a 20-year LoM of 125Koz annual gold production. This is Liberia’s 
largest gold deposit and the Company strongly believes there is significant potential to grow these 
resources further.

Highlights
4.2Moz at 1.4g/t

•  Liberia’s largest gold deposit

•  Positive Preliminary Economic 

Assessment at gold price estimate 
of US$1,300 per oz

 – US$186m NPV

 – 29% IRR

 – 125,000oz average production 
per year over a 20 year LoM 

•  Significant exploration upside

•  Mineral Development Agreement 
(“MDA”) passed into law and 
printed into handbills in Q2 2019

The core shed at Dugbe

January 2018 saw the transition of power 
to the newly elected President Weah, 
who has set out a pro-business agenda 
for the country. Hummingbird is pleased 
to report that during Q1 2019 the 25-year 
Mineral Development Agreement was 
ratified by both houses of Parliament and 
was subsequently passed into law by the 
President in Q2 2019. The agreement 
marks the first and only post-conflict MDA 
on a new discovery with the Government 
and as such represents a major milestone 
for both parties.

The project therefore now possesses the 
long-term stability and framework required 
to be a transformational asset, not only 
for the Company but also for Liberia; 
when in production, Dugbe would make a 
meaningful impact on the country’s GDP. 
In Mali, Hummingbird has shown that it 
is committed to building mines for the 
benefit of all stakeholders and would look 
to achieve the same in Liberia. 

The existing discovered resources offer 
a compelling opportunity to build a 
large bulk tonnage open pit gold mine 
and, combined with an extremely large 
and unexplored exploration area, there 
is clearly a large amount of unlocked 
potential. Hummingbird has over 2,000km2 
of exploration ground in southeast Liberia. 
This offers huge upside potential for 
future gold discoveries in a still largely 
unexplored, yet highly prospective region 
of the Birimian gold province. 

We’re proud to support our staff across all 
operations and must make particular note 
of our Dugbe project Finance Supervisor, 
Claus Massaquoi, who successfully 
completed his MBA in Accounting in the 
year. Congratulations, Claus.

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For further information on the Dugbe Gold Project please visit our website; 
www.hummingbirdresources.co.uk

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird Resources 
Sustainability

At Hummingbird, we believe that it is our responsibility to work across all our operations in the most 
socially and environmentally responsible way possible. From Board level through to our in-country 
team, every Hummingbird employee has a duty to work safely and respectfully, protecting the 
environment and the communities in the countries we are privileged to work in.

Responsible Principles
•  Zero Harm is possible no matter where we work.

•  No Repeats. All necessary steps will be taken to learn from 
incidents, audit findings and other nonconformances to 
prevent their recurrence.

•  Continuous improvement is essential. We must learn, adapt, 

anticipate and prevent recurrence. 

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Safety remains an integral part of the business and in 2018 the 
Company improved its Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) 
to 1.8, compared to 3.37 for the year 2017. We have worked hard 
to ensure all incidents are recorded and reported and that lessons 
are identified and shared. We achieved a Total Recordable 
Injury Frequency Rate (“TRIFR”) of 3.64 in the year, comparing 
favourably with peers and against some of the industry’s largest 
companies. With the transition from construction to operations 
and the development of the site safety culture, Hummingbird 
aims to reduce LTIFR to below 1.2, and TRIFR to below 2.5.

•  Simplicity and consistency are the basis for exceptional 
performance across our business wherever we work.

Yanfolila LTIFR

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HUMMINGBIRD TRIFR – 2016 TO 2018

Induction and training programmes are developed by the 
Company and its contractors to address specific workplace 
risks and hazards. All employees are required to have completed 
training modules in hazard awareness, job safety analysis, basic 
fire response, first aid and chemicals awareness. 

For the year we delivered over 7,500 hours of safety training and 
have set ambitious targets for 2019.

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Women making soap to sell at the market and to the mines cleaning 
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Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
Operational Review continued

TRIFR Benchmarking – ICMM 2017 Safety

Malaria Incidence Rate

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Lonmin

AngoGold Ashanti

Codelco

South 32

Mitsubishi Materials

Teck

Antofagasta Minerals

BHP Billiton

African Rainbow Minerals

Randgold

Freeport McMoran

Hummingbird

Goldcorp

Anglo American

Orano

Glencore

Hydro

Gold Fields

Newmont

Rio Tinto

MMG

Polyus

JX Nippon

Barrick

Sunitomo

3.64

0

2

4

6

8

10

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TRIFR/1,000,000 Hours

BENCHMARKING TRIFR – ICMM 2017 SAFETY DATA

The Company reviewed and updated Group level documentation 
and its approach to management systems to ensure alignment 
with international best practice during the first half of 2018. 
Operational sites are now well advanced to ensure uniformity 
and compliance. 

Working alongside our doctors and nurses, medical services 
contractor Critical Care International continues to deliver 
exceptional standard of health care, both to our workforce of 
over 1,100 employees and contractors, and to the wider region 
through our community health programme. Areas of focus for 
employee healthcare include malaria, communicable diseases, 
chronic conditions and occupational health.

Throughout 2018, the clinic provided over 2,500 initial 
consultations and delivered first aid training courses to 231 
employees.

e
t
a
R
e
c
n
e
d
i
c
n

I

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

2017

2018

Malaria continues to present a major health risk to employees and 
community members. Our malaria programme has started to see 
favourable results with a decrease in workforce malaria incidence 
from 59% in 2017 to 36% in 2018. Nevertheless, malaria 
contributes 23% of total sick days and will remain a key area of 
focus as we aim to reduce incidence to below 30% in 2019. 

PAYMENTS TO GOVERNMENT AND LOCAL CONTENT

Hummingbird complies with EITI requirements in both Mali and 
Liberia. In 2018 Hummingbird paid a total of US$10 millon to 
the Government of Mali comprising taxes, duties and royalties. 
In Liberia, Hummingbird paid US$167 thousand in licence fees 
and taxes, to the Government of Liberia.

Payments to Government of Mali 2018

Pits

Payroll taxes

Social security

Withholding tax IBIC

Royalties – CPS tax payable

Custom duties

VAT receivable

Gold export fee

Total

XOF 
‘000,000

539

461

1,500

2,000

389

281

394

USD 
‘000

976

836

2,800

3,600

700

500

700

5,564

10,112

Payments to Government of Liberia 2018

Business registration fees

Licence fees

Payroll taxes

Withholding tax

Total

USD 
‘000

5

139

11

12

167

12

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird Resources 
 
 
 
LOCAL PROCUREMENT

In 2018, 78% of payments of goods and services were made to 
national suppliers, equating to over US$93 million of payments.

Vendors

Local vendors

National vendors

International vendors

Total

USD 
‘000

373

93,000

26,000

119,373

LOCAL EMPLOYMENT

Local hiring remains a key performance indicator and 
Hummingbird is proud to report that 95% of all employees 
(including contractors) are Mali nationals.

ENVIRONMENT

The environmental management plan applied across the 
Company’s operations first looks to avoid impact wherever 
possible, before minimising, managing and monitoring 
impacts, and finally restoring, rehabilitating or compensating. 
The environmental department continues to implement 
the environmental management plan, including monitoring 
parameters, across the project site. Over the course of the year, 
these included 144 dust fallout samples, over 300 water quality 
samples, continuous particulate monitoring and management of 
all waste. Waste management included materials for recycling, 
off-site transport and disposal, and landfill. Elsewhere in host 
communities, we carried out monthly noise monitoring. 

Environmental Key Performance Indicators:
•  20,258,015 litres of diesel resulting in 54,040 tonnes of CO² 

equivalent

•  2,759,400 m3 of water used in the process plant, 75% of 
which was recycled. Hummingbird aims to increase this 
percentage in 2019 to over 80%. Fresh water usage equated 
to 0.64m3/tonne of ore

•  Cyanide detoxification plant achieved less than 5ppm  

WAD CN

•  Total electricity generation of 21,590.28MWh with an average 

efficiency of 255.91 litres of diesel/MWh

The wet season in Mali presented challenges to sediment control 
across the operation, particularly in active mining areas. As a 
result, compensation was paid to 14 farmers due to the effects 
of sediment run-off. A review of the control measures is set to be 
undertaken in the dry season ahead of the rains in 2019, seeking 
to ensure that this is not repeated.

O
P
E
R
A
T

I

O
N
A
L

R
E
V

I

E
W

Areas of focus for 2019:
•  Improvement of sediment control
•  Continued good operational performance of the detox 

system (<5ppm)

•  Improved water management – increase recycling of 

water to >80% and reduce freshwater usage to below 
0.50m3/tonne of ore

•  Compliance with monitoring system requirements

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Hummingbird has developed and implemented a community 
development plan (“CDP”) at the Yanfolila Gold Mine and the 
Dugbe Gold Project in partnership with local communities, 
government agencies and non-governmental partner 
organisations.

In 2018, the CDP in Mali focused on five main pillars:
•  Health
•  Water & Sanitation
•  Education
•  Local Economic Development
•  Food, Security and Agriculture

Water and Sanitation remained a key focus for the Company 
throughout the year, as we built upon our established programme 
to bring clean drinking water to the communities local to Yanfolila. 
In three host communities (Kenieba, Leba and Komana), we 
provided new comprehensive water supply systems. These 
consisted of new boreholes, pumps, 16 taps, solar panels 
and water storage tanks, all of which provide potable water. 
Additionally, we installed a new borehole and pump in the village 
of Kona and rehabilitated four existing boreholes in the villages of 
Donsosso and Kona. To service these, we trained two delegates 
per village on pump maintenance and repair, which resulted in 
20 workers with the new skills to put into action in their own and 
others’ communes. We are proud to report that the total number 
of beneficiaries from the year’s WASH programme is 6,445 
people.

In education, we continued to sponsor 12 teachers across the 
local commune and donated school materials and equipment to 
over 2,000 pupils. Furthermore, we partnered with Malian NGO, 
Negeblon, to offer a three-month training vocational training 
programme to three communes. Training topics for the 26 youths 
included boiler-making, first aid and basic business skills. Both 
the Company and our mining contractor, African Mining Services, 
are looking to carry out independent traineeships in Mali in 2019. 

We have made a significant contribution to community health 
in the region surrounding Yanfolila in the past 12 months. 
Key achievements include the construction and opening of 
a new community health centre in Bougoudale, which hosts 
maternity facilities, a laboratory, an incinerator for safe medical 
waste disposal and a pharmacy. The building has solar power 
and a water supply, as well as accommodation for Doctors 
and nurses, and the Company provided the first fills of drugs 
and consumables.

13

Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
In May 2018, a security incident occurred with tragic 
consequences when, following a period of heightened tension, 
a unit of the National Guard, which was deployed to the area by 
the Government (which is a shareholder in the mine), opened fire 
on protestors. The incident initially arose from artisanal miners 
asserting their rights to exploit the Komana West deposit and 
followed an extended period of engagement with local leaders. 
The actions of the National Guard led to the deaths of three 
people. Since then, no material security incidents have occurred. 
Reconciliation meetings and processes have been held involving 
the Company, local communities, local, regional and national 
authorities, as well as local civil society leaders. Regrettably, 
similar fatalities have occurred previously and since in other 
parts of Mali. 

Following the incident in May 2018, Hummingbird embarked 
on a third-party review of security practices and management 
plan including assessment of our alignment with the Voluntary 
Principles on Security and Human Rights. 

Artisanal and small-scale mining remains a significant challenge 
around Yanfolila. We seek to manage the interface between our 
operations and their activities in a manner that minimises the 
potential for conflict. The Company is advancing a renewed and 
ambitious artisanal mining strategy in 2019 and looks forward 
to updating all stakeholders on this process throughout the 
coming year.

Operational Review continued

With our focus on malaria, the Company was visited by the 
National Malaria Delegation and an entomological survey was 
completed. Following 2017’s highly successful donation of 
blood to the National Malian Blood Bank, two blood donation 
campaigns were carried out in 2018. The total contribution 
of the two programmes reached 268 units of blood. We also 
continued our work with local healthcare workers, running 
training programmes and setting up a fruitful nurse shadowing 
programme in collaboration with the Yanfolila School of Nursing. 
Additionally, we developed a new partnership with the NGO 
Soutoura, which focuses on sex-worker health.

In food security and agriculture, the Company extended the 
successful market garden project by building two new market 
gardens, totalling four hectares, and training the participants. 
Through planting, reaping and selling the produce grown in these 
gardens, 200 women benefited from the project which provided 
a wholly positive alternative livelihood. The projects were 
provided with all necessary equipment, as well as being fenced 
and irrigated. We are pleased to report that the first crops were 
sold in both the local communities and to the mine site’s kitchen. 
This project is moving rapidly towards being self-supporting with 
investments into production now being made by beneficiaries. 

Throughout the year, our local economic development projects 
focused largely on youth training. In four villages the Company 
implemented poultry projects for 40 young people to take part 
in. Having provided the equipment and training to construct, 
establish and maintain a chicken farm, each village’s project is 
now providing meat to the mine catering contractor. Similarly, 
the Company has engaged 35 youths in a livestock rearing 
and fattening programme, and 11 youths in a fence-making 
programme. We believe that these great skills will bring benefit 
to both the individual participants, their households, and their 
local communities. 

The community relations team continued with their extensive 
engagement in 2018, again recording over 300 meetings 
with stakeholders. 2018 saw an annual increase in recorded 
grievances, with 19 cases registered, as opposed to 10 in 
2017, largely in relation to new project activities. Of these, over 
50% were related to field compensation claims associated 
with expansion activities on the mine and/or sediment run-off 
events as mentioned earlier. Grievances were promptly closed 
with compensation paid as necessary. As the operation moves 
towards steady-state operations, we naturally expect the number 
of grievances to reduce and change in nature. A review of 2018 
grievances has led to an update of procedures and introduction 
of mechanisms, seeking to ensure none are repeated.

Community Indicators

20

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2 

0

f
o
r
e
b
m
u
N

14

2016

2017

2018

Grievances

Incidents

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird Resources 
 
Financial Review

Basis of preparation
The Group’s financial information has been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as 
published by the International Accounting Standards Boards (“IASB”) and as adopted by the EU. The Group’s adoption of new 
and revised standards, significant accounting policies, and critical accounting judgments are disclosed in the notes to consolidated 
financial statements. The functional currency of the Group is United States Dollar (“$”). The financial information below is presented 
in thousands of United States dollars (“$’000”).

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
An unabridged analysis of the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year ended 31 December 2018 is shown 
below:

Continuing operations

Revenue

Production costs

Amortisation and depreciation 

Royalties and taxes

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Share based payments

Other administrative expenses

Operating loss

Finance income

Finance expense

Profit on disposal of subsidiaries

Share of associate loss

Share of joint venture loss

Impairment of associate

Reversals in impairment of financial assets

Losses on financial assets measured at fair value

Loss before tax 

Tax 

Loss for the year 

Principal items of income and expense are explained as follows:

2018
$’000

2017
$’000

116,539 

(87,016)  

(19,881)  

(3,942)  

(110,839)  

5,700

338

(10,975)  

(4,937)  

 4,797 

(9,119)  

—

(235)  

(2)  

(2,044)  

88

(198)  

—

—

—

—

—

—

(424)  

(6,351)  

(6,775)  

6,514

(6,877)  

1,919

(117)  

—

—

—

—

(11,650)  

(5,336)  

(1,163)  

—

(12,813)  

(5,336)  

Revenue
In the first year of full operations the Group sold 91,546 ounces of gold, generating revenue of $116.5 million at an average realised 
gold price of $1,271 per ounce.

Cost of sales
Cost of sales of $110.8 million primarily relate to the following cost elements:

•  Mining costs of $59.3 million, represents both owner and contract mining costs. African Mining Services (a part of Ausdrill Group), 

are the mining contractor who perform the full mining scope from mining, production drilling and blasting, to ore haulage for 
processing. Their contract is based on a fixed and variable rate with allowances for inflationary rise and fall adjustments.

•  Processing costs of $19.9 million, represents costs incurred at the processing plant. Major cost categories include power, plant 

maintenance and chemical reagents costs.

•  Inventory write downs of $4.9 million, represents reporting adjustments to reflect the lower of cost and net realisable value.
•  Support costs of $2.9 million, represents costs incurred in supporting the core mining and processing areas. Included in this are 
insurance, finance and administration (excluding corporate head office costs), community affairs, security and human resources.
•  Amortisation and depreciation of $19.9 million - following the commencement of production, all capital costs, including previously 
incurred mine development costs commenced being depreciated. Amortisation and depreciation costs are for most, based on a 
unit of production method, in line with ounces produced.

•  Royalties costs of $3.9 million, representing amounts due to the Government of Mali (approximates 3% of revenue).

15

Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWOPERATIONAL REVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
Financial Review continued

Other administrative expenses
Other administrative costs of $11.0 million, represents mainly corporate costs, staff costs and professional fees, as well as 
business development costs. Increases in other administrative costs were primarily due to increased head office, legal and business 
development costs (2017: $6.4 million).

Finance income and expenses
Finance income of $4.8 million, represents interest on deposits and receivables, foreign exchange gains and fair value adjustments 
on warrants (2017: $6.5 million).

Finance expenses of $9.1 million, represents interest and amortised costs on borrowings, foreign exchange losses, and unwinding of 
present value discounts on provisions (2017: $6.9 million).

In reference to borrowings (note 17):

•  Interest and amortised costs during the year totaled $5.9 million and $0.3 million respectively (2017: $4.1 million and $0.9 million 

respectively, capitalised into mine development costs).

•  Foreign exchange gains during the year totaled $2.9 million, as a result of a weakening of FCFA against USD (2017: $6.0 million 

foreign exchange loss).

Impairment of associate
As at 31 December 2018, the Group had a 28% stake in Cora Gold, an AIM listed exploration company. As a result of a weakening 
in the Cora’s share price during the year to $0.08 (£0.06) from, $0.16 (£0.12) at 31 December 2017, the Group recognised an 
impairment charge of $2.0 million. The carrying value of $1.4 million approximates the investments fair value at 31 December 2018.

Taxation
The taxation of the Group’s operations in Mali are aligned to the mining convention (Mining Code of Mali 1999) under which tax is 
charged at an amount not less than 1% of turnover and not more than 30% of taxable profits.

Statement of Financial Position
An abridged analysis of the statement of financial position for the year ended 31 December 2018 is shown below:

 2018
$’000

 2017
 $’000

211,540

197,070

27,123

21,530

16,257

40,620

260,193

254,217

13,541

40,819

55,106

20,112

129,578

130,615

129,388

1,227

—

53,404

44,790

11,246

109,440

144,777

140,606

4,171

130,615

144,777

Non-current assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Non-current liabilities

Non-current borrowings

Current liabilities 

Current borrowings

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent

Non-controlling interest

Total equity 

16

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird Resources 
Principal movements in assets and liabilities are explained as follows:

Total assets
As at 31 December 2018, the Group’s assets totaled $260.2 million, an increase of $6.0 million on the prior year. Total assets 
comprise: Non-current assets; including investments, exploration and evaluation assets, property plant and equipment, and Current 
assets; including cash and cash equivalents, inventories, trade and other receivables.

•  Non-current assets – Increased by $14.5 million during the year, as a result of both additions and offsetting transfers and 
charges. Additions during the year included; exploration and evaluation expenditure of $6.0 million and property, plant and 
equipment of $34.0 million. Offsetting transfers and charges during the year included; transfers to opening stock of $3.5 million 
(on commencing production), impairment in associates of $2.0 million, and amortisation and depreciation charges of $20.0 million. 
Of total exploration and evaluation expenditure of $6.0 million, $5.2 million relates to staff, technical and drilling costs in Mali, as 
the Group focuses on extending the Yanfolila mine life. Total property, plant and equipment additions consisted; mine completion 
costs of $14.0, sustaining capital of $4.4 million, initial expenditure on the Second Ball Mill of $1.3 million, estimated future mine 
closure costs of $13.2 million, and capitalised construction incentives of $1.1 million.

•  Current assets – Increased by $10.6 million during the year, as a result of; additions to inventory of $12.4 million and reduction 
in trade and other receivables of $1.8 million. Additions to inventory consisted; finished gold of $4.6 million, gold in process of 
$5.6 million and stockpiled ore and consumables of $2.2 million. Reduction in trade and other receivables is largely attributed to 
impairment charges arising on adoption of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments during the year of $1.8 million (note 16).

•  Cash and cash equivalents – As at 31 December 2018 the Group held cash and cash equivalents of $21.5 million, of which 
$4.2 million is restricted in accordance with the Group’s borrowing obligations (2017: $40.6 million, of which $4.4 million was 
restricted). See analysis of consolidated statement of cashflow.

Total liabilities
As at 31 December 2018, the Group’s liabilities totaled $129.6 million, an increase of $20.1 million on the prior year. Total liabilities 
comprise: Non-current liabilities, including rehabilitation provision, and Current liabilities; including trade and other payables, and other 
financial liabilities. Borrowings; current and non-current.

•  Current liabilities – Increased by $10.3 million during the year, as a result of growth in trade and other payables of $11.3 million 
and reduction in other financial liabilities of $1.0 million. Growth in trade and other payables is largely attributed to the transition 
of the Group’s Yanfolila Mine from development into production, hence increased demand for supplies and services to support 
the mining operations and impost of royalties and taxes on revenue generation. Reduction in other financial liabilities relates to a 
reduction in the fair value of warrants issued.

•  Non-current liabilities – Increased by $13.5 million during the year, as a result of recognising a rehabilitation provision. The 
rehabilitation provision represents the present value of estimated future rehabilitation costs relating to mine sites (note 18).
•  Borrowings – Borrowings (including capitalised issue costs) decreased by $3.7 million during the year. The decrease is the net 
result of a paydown of the existing Senior Loan Facility and draw down of the Second Ball Mill Facility. Details of the Group’s 
borrowings are set out below:

Coris Senior Loan Facility
On 11 April 2017, the Group’s subsidiary, Société des Mines de Komana SA (“SMK”) entered into a senior secured term debt 
facility with Coris Bank International (“Coris”) for CFA 37, billion (approximately $60 million). On 10 April 2017 SMK drew down 
the CFA 15.5 billion (approximately $25 million) and on 4 July 2017 drew down the remaining CFA 21.5 billion (approximately 
$35 million). The facility carries an interest rate of 9% per annum and tenure of four years from signing date. Principal repayments 
commenced during the year (initially deferred for twelve months from first drawdown). Principal and interest repayments during 
the year totaled $16.8 million (2017: $4.1 million). Issue costs of $3.6 million were capitalised and are amortised over the life of 
the facility. See analysis of consolidated statement of comprehensive income for details of interest, amortised borrowing costs 
and exchange differences.

Balance outstanding at 31 December 2018 $51.7 million (2017: $64.7 million).

Coris Second Ball Mill Facility
On 26 November 2018, following approval for the construction of the Second Ball Mill at the Yanfolila Mine, the Group’s 
subsidiary SMK entered into a senior secured term debt facility with Coris for CFA 5.5 billion (approximately $9.6 million). On 
28 December 2018 SMK drew down the balance of the facility. The facility carries an interest rate of 9% per annum and tenure 
of two years from signing date. Principal repayments are deferred for twelve months from first drawdown. Issue costs of 
$0.4 million were capitalised and will be amortised over the life of the facility.

Balance outstanding at 31 December 2018 $9.2 million (2017: N/A).

Coris Overdraft Facility
On 26 November 2018, the Group’s subsidiary, SMK entered into an overdraft facility with Coris for CFA 5.5 billion (approximately 
$9.6 million), to provide additional working capital flexibility. The Coris Overdraft Facility carries an interest rate of 9% per annum 
and remains available twelve months from date of signing.

The facility was undrawn as at 31 December 2018 2017: N/A).

17

Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWOPERATIONAL REVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSFinancial Review continued

Consolidated statement of cash flows
An unabridged analysis of the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended 31 December 2018 is shown below:

Net cash inflow / (outflow) from operating activities

Investing activities

Purchases of intangible exploration and evaluation assets

Purchase of intangible assets

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

Purchase of shares in other companies

Loans provided net of issue costs

Interest received

Net cash used in investing activities

Financing activities

Exercise of warrants

Loan interest paid

Loans repaid

Loans received net of issue costs

Net cash (used in) / from financing activities

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

2018
$’000

18,134

2017
$’000

(649)  

(5,922)  

(1,233)  

 —

(185)  

(20,070)  

(56,368)  

(105)  

(2,000)  

 181

(741)  

—

320

(27,916)  

(58,207)  

36

434

(5,871)  

(3,955)  

(10,911)  

(15,000)  

9,168

(7,578)  

57,980

39,459

(17,360)  

(19,397)  

(1,730)  

40,620

21,530

6,178

53,839

40,620

Net cash generated by operating activities
During the year ended 31 December 2018, the Group reported a $18.1 million in net cash inflow from operating activities (2017: 
$0.6 million cash outflow), reflecting the Group’s transition from asset development into gold production.

Net cash used in investing activities
During the year ended 31 December 2018, the Group reported a $27.9 million cash outflow from investing activities (2017: 
$58.2 million cash outflow), of which $2.0 million was an advancement (by way of a convertible loan) to Bunker Hill Mining, $19.9 
million property plant and equipment and $5.9 million exploration as the Group seeks to unlock further deposits at its Yanfolila project 
in Mali.

Net cash used in financing activities
During the year ended 31 December 2018, the Group reported a $7.6 million cash outflow from financing activities (2017: 
$39.5 million cash inflow), of which $16.8 million was scheduled debt and interest repayments on borrowings, and $9.2 million 
additional debt funding raised, as part of planned expansion of the Yanfolila Plant.

Future obligations and their maturities stated at their gross, contractual and undiscounted amounts, are shown below:

At 31 December 2018

Trade and other payables (note 20)

Other financial liabilities (note 22)

Borrowings (note 17)

Operating lease commitments (note 21)

Other commitments (note 29)

18

Less than one
year
$’000

Between one
and five years
$’000

39,787

319

20,112

60,218

1,901

14,666

76,785

—

—

40,819

40,819

5,898

—

Over five
years
$’000

—

15,000

—

Total
$’000

39,787

15,319

60,931

15,000

116,037

—

—

7,799

14,666

46,717

15,000

138,502

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird Resources 
Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures
The performance of the Group against its strategy and objectives is linked to the remuneration of the executives, as the annual 
bonus plan performance targets are aligned to the Group’s Key Performance Indicators (“KPI’s”) and strategic priorities.

No meaningful information can be derived from the comparison of the below non-GAAP measures to prior year given the transition 
of the Group from a developer to gold producer. As such, an analysis of the prior year is omitted.

We use the following non-GAAP financial performance measures in assessing performance.

•  EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA
•  Cash costs per ounce; and
•  All-in sustaining costs per ounce

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) is a factor of volumes, prices and cost of production. This 
is a measure of the underlying profitability of the Group, widely used in the mining sector. Adjusted EBITDA removes the effect of 
impairment charges, foreign currency translation gains/losses and other non-recurring expense adjustments.

Reconciliation of Net Earnings to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

Net loss before tax 

Less: Finance income 

Add: Finance costs

Add: Depreciation and amortisation

EBITDA

Share based payments

Share of associate loss

Share of joint venture loss

Impairment of associate

Reversals in impairment of financial assets

Losses on financial assets measured at fair value

Adjusted EBITDA

2018
$’000

(11,650)  

(4,797)  

9,119

20,006

12,678

(338)  

 235

 2

 2,044

(88)  

198

14,737

Cash cost performance
Cash costs per ounce and all-in sustaining costs per ounce are non-GAAP financial measures which are calculated based on the 
definition published by the World Gold Council (“WGC”), a market development organisation for the gold industry. Management 
uses these measures to monitor the performance of our gold mining operations and their ability to generate positive cash flow.

Cash costs is calculated as direct mine operating costs (including mine based general and administration costs but excluding 
depreciation and amortisation) divided by ounces of gold sold.

All-in sustaining cash cost (“AISC”) is calculated as cash cost above plus sustaining capital expenditures divided by ounces of gold 
sold.

Our use of cash costs and all-in sustaining are intended to assist analysts, investors and other stakeholders to understand the costs 
associated with producing gold better as well as assessing our operating performance and our ability to generate free cash flow from 
current operations.

19

Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWOPERATIONAL REVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSFinancial Review continued

Reconciliation of Cost of Sales to Cash Costs, All-in Sustaining Costs including on a per ounce basis

Cost of sales applicable to mining operations 

Administration expenses related to mining operations

Depreciation and amortisation related to mining operations

Group recharges applicable to mining operations eliminated on consolidation

Cash cost

Mine sustaining capital expenditures

All-in sustaining cash cost

Ounces sold

Cash cost per ounce

All-in sustaining cash cost per ounce

2018
$’000

111,609

2,410

(19,882)  

665

94,802

4,712

99,514

91,546

1,036

1,087

Cash costs were mainly affected by lower production in Q1 2018 during the ramp up and commissioning phase together with pit wall 
remediation required in Q3 and Q4 2018. The pit wall remediation in Q3 and Q4 2018 meant that production was lower whilst costs 
were higher as the focus of operations was on remediation.

20

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird Resources 
Strategic Review

The purpose of this report is to show how the Group assesses and manages risk and uncertainty 
and adopts appropriate policies and targets. Further details of the Group’s business and expected 
future developments are also set out elsewhere in the Strategic Review (the Chairman’s Statement, 
CEO’s Statement, Our Strategies, and Operational Review form part of this Strategic Review in order 
to achieve compliance with provision of the Companies Act 2006).

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES 
The nature of the Group’s activities and the locations in which it operates mean that it is generally exposed to significant and 
uncertain risk factors, some of which are beyond its control. The ability to deliver the Group’s objectives and vision depends on 
an ability to understand and appropriately respond. The table below, while not exhaustive, sets out the principal risk factors and 
uncertainties which may impact the Group’s future performance, and its strategy for managing them.

Risk

Asset Portfolio

Mitigation/Comment

The Group’s revenue is currently derived from a single asset - the 
Yanfolila Gold Mine in Mali. Reliance on a single asset requires 
continual focus on managing efficient operations. 

The Group continually reviews and implements targeted projects 
seeking to enhance the reliability, effectiveness and long term 
profitability of the Yanfolila Gold Mine. 

In 2018 the cash flows from the Group’s sole revenue producing 
asset were materially impacted by unexpected events, requiring the 
Group to raise further funding. 

Should the cash flows from the Group’s sole producing asset be 
impacted adversely from an unexpected event again then the Group 
may need to raise additional funding. Should additional funding be 
required then as noted in note 3, there is a risk that the Group may 
not be able to obtain it in the necessary timeframe.

Changes to Commodity Prices, Cash Flow and Credit Risk

As an unhedged junior mining company operating its first gold mine, 
the Group’s financial performance is significantly exposed to the 
price of gold. Should the gold price fall significantly this will impact 
future reserves, profitability and could ultimately impact the Group’s 
ability to service debt and meet operating costs.

Financial performance may also be impacted through foreign 
exchange movements, rises in fuel prices or where there is an 
inability to secure adequate funding. 

Mining risk

The Group’s financial performance is largely dependent on the 
efficient operation of the Yanfolila Gold Mine in Mali. This requires 
effective management of the mining contractor, strip ratios and 
mining techniques in ensuring cost effectiveness, and timely delivery 
of material at sufficient quantity and grade for processing. 

Any significant delays in delivering the planned ore volumes or 
additional costs of mining, ore losses and additional dilution could 
lead to the project requiring additional working capital or becoming 
uneconomic.

The Group is assessing a range of internal and external growth 
opportunities to build on its existing asset portfolio as well 
as ensuring that efficient production from existing asset is 
maximised. For example, exploration activities are ongoing in Mali 
and Liberia, where the Group has recently been granted a 25 year, 
renewable Mineral Development Agreement with the Government 
of Liberia, encompassing the Dugbe Project. 

The Group monitors its exposure to commodity price fluctuations 
and foreign exchange rate fluctuations as part of financial and 
treasury planning. 

The board reviews these risks regularly (including at the quarterly 
board meetings and considers whether any additional actions are 
appropriate, taking into account forecasts and expectations of 
stakeholders.

The Group continuously reviews its mining methods and, together 
with the mining contractor, assesses performances against targets 
on a regular basis.

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Strategic Review continued

Risk

Geological risk

The Groups cashflows and profitability is dependent on achieving the 
predicted grades and tonnages of ore forecast in the mine plans. The 
mine plans are based on geological models, supported by resource 
and reserve estimates. Resources and reserves are estimated based 
on assumed continuity between points of observation where data 
samples have been gathered. Until material is mined and processed, 
there is a risk that the grades and tonnages of ore may be materially 
different to that estimated.

Fraud, Error and Corruption

The Group is aware of the risk of internal fraud, error and corruption 
activities, and the various ways that such risk may transpire. There is 
also awareness that the risk is increased where there are differences 
in financial processes, language or culture between stakeholders. 

Operational performance and reporting

Mitigation/Comment

Geological models are subject to internal and external reviews 
before being classified as resources and reserves, or being used 
to support mine plans. Additionally as further information becomes 
available, including through mining, geological models are updated 
accordingly.

The Group has internal controls in place with the objective of 
mitigating the risk of fraud, corruption and error to the business. 

As a listed company, the Group acknowledges the importance of 
communicating actual and forecast operational performance on a 
timely basis.

The Group’s focus on a culture of good governance and disclosure 
is aimed to provide up-to-date information on activities impacting 
shareholders and other key stakeholders.

Social Licence to operate

The Group’s ability to develop and operate its projects is dependent 
on the support of its host communities.

Overall relations with the host communities have been positive, 
however there is a risk that if the relationships deteriorate then the 
ability of the Group to operate could be temporarily or permanently 
adversely impacted.

Safety

The mining workplace environment is subject to a number of 
hazards, including the risk of serious injury or fatality while working 
on site. The physical remoteness of sites also increases the risk 
of commuting to site and the availability of medical assistance in 
the event of an incident. The Group is also aware of the risk of 
an outbreak of a serious illness amongst the workforce and the 
associated potential for large-scale disruption to operations as a 
consequence.

Security and Conflict Risk

The Group is exposed to the external physical security risks 
presented by artisanal mining activities, territorial conflicts and/or 
terrorist actions which could impact our people, our operations and 
our broader supply chain.

The Group is proactive in its social engagement and places a high 
importance on its relationship with the host communities as key 
stakeholders.

The Group employs a wide range of safety management systems 
with the objective of ensuring the safety of the team. The 
Group provides training and supervision on safety management, 
which the intention of promoting and embedding safe operating 
practices.

The Group employs a range of measures to mitigate the risk 
of harm to our people and operations. Country and regional 
information is continuously monitored to assess the risk of 
terrorism and security plans are in place to mitigate identified 
risks.

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Risk

Mitigation/Comment

The Group monitors legal and geopolitical risks as a key part of 
its overall assessment process when considering changes to 
operations or pursuing new growth opportunities. 

The Group actively engages with Governments and policy makers 
at the most senior levels to discuss regulatory developments that 
are applicable to the Group’s business activities.

Geopolitical, Legal and Regulatory Risks

The Group’s exploration, development and exploitation activities 
are dependent upon the grant of appropriate licences, concessions, 
leases, permits and regulatory consents which may be withdrawn 
or made subject to limitations. Such licences and permits are 
as a practical matter subject to the discretion of the applicable 
Government or Government office. The Group must comply with 
known standards, existing laws and regulations that may entail 
greater or lesser costs and delays depending on the nature of the 
activity to be permitted. The interpretations, amendments to existing 
laws and regulations, or more stringent enforcement of existing laws 
and regulations could have a material adverse impact on the Group’s 
results of operations and financial condition. Whilst the Group 
continually seeks to do everything within its control to ensure that 
the terms of each licence are met and adhered to, third parties may 
seek to exploit any technical breaches in licence terms for their own 
benefit. 

There is a risk that negotiations with a Government in relation to the 
grant, renewal or extension of a licence, or Mineral Development 
Agreement (“MDA”), may not result in the grant, renewal or 
extension taking effect prior to the expiry of the previous licence 
period, and there can be no assurance of the terms of any extension, 
renewal or grant. 

Additionally, whilst the Group has diligently investigated title to its 
licences and, to the best of its knowledge, title is in good standing, 
this should not be construed as a guarantee of title. If a title defect 
does exist it is possible that the Group may lose all or part of its 
interest in the relevant properties. 

Changes to existing applicable laws and regulations, more stringent 
interpretations of existing laws or inconsistent interpretation or 
application of existing laws by relevant authorities have the potential 
to adversely impact the Group’s business activities. 

The Group’s operational and exploration activities are subject to 
extensive regulation in the relevant jurisdictions

Exploration and Development Risk

There is no assurance that the Group’s exploration and development 
activities will be successful, and statistically few properties that are 
explored are ultimately developed into profitable producing mines.

The Group aims to conduct exploration on a systematic basis 
focusing on opportunities to increase long term shareholder value 
within available budgets.

Where funding is limited the Group will consider farmouts and 
joint ventures such as with Cora Gold in 2017.

This Strategic Review has been approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by:

Dan Betts 
Chief Executive Officer

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RUSSELL KING 
Non-Executive Chairman
Russell is Senior Independent Director of Spectris plc and an Independent Non-
Executive Director of BDO LLP. Between 2010 and 2013 he was a Senior Advisor 
to RBC Capital Markets on Metals and Mining. Prior to this, Russell served as Chief 
Strategy Officer at Anglo American plc where he had global responsibility for strategy, 
business development, government relations, safety and sustainable development. 
He was also a member of Anglo American’s executive committee for eight years. 
Additionally, Russell was Senior Independent Non-Executive Director of Aggreko plc, 
the FTSE 100 temporary power company, from February 2007 to April 2017.

DANIEL EDWARD BETTS
Chief Executive Officer
Daniel founded Hummingbird in November 2005 and has run the Company since 
its inception. After graduating from Nottingham University he worked for Accenture 
Management Consultants until he joined the Betts family business in 2000. Founded 
in 1760, the family business is the oldest privately owned gold bullion smelters and 
refiners in the country, and it has a long history of trading across the world and dealing 
in all areas of the precious metal industry. Whilst working for the Betts family business 
Daniel established a number of natural resource based businesses in Uganda, Namibia, 
Sierra Leone, Mauritania and Peru, before starting Hummingbird in 2005.

THOMAS HILL 
Finance Director & Company Secretary
Thomas joined the Company as Chief Financial Officer in September 2010 and was 
appointed as Finance Director in July 2012. Prior to this Thomas was a senior manager 
within BDO LLP’s natural resources department, where he worked extensively with 
quoted mining and exploration companies and was involved with numerous flotations 
and other corporate transactions. He has a metallurgy, economics and management 
degree from Trinity College, Oxford and qualified as a chartered accountant with BDO 
LLP in 2001.

24

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STEPHEN ALEXANDER BETTS
Non-Executive Director
Stephen founded the Company in November 2005. He has 
over 40 years’ experience in trading with gold and related 
businesses in developing countries, having established 
several businesses in West Africa during his career. He is 
the chairman of the Stephen Betts group of companies. 
The family business has over 250 years’ history in smelting, 
refining and bullion dealing.

DAVID STRAKER-SMITH 
Non-Executive Director
David Straker-Smith is a Director of CrossBorder Capital 
Ltd, which he joined in April 1999. CrossBorder Capital is 
a London-based investment research and advisory firm 
regulated by the FCA. Previously, he worked at ING Barings 
Securities Ltd from 1996 to 1999, where he was Head of 
Equity Sales for Eastern Europe, and at Gerrard & National 
Holdings plc from 1980 until 1995, a firm which operated as 
a discount house, futures broker, money broker, stockbroker 
and fund manager. During his time at Gerrard & National 
Holdings plc, he became a main Board Director and active 
Fund Manager. He is a Director of New Vision Management 
Limited, a Dublin regulated management company, and a 
Director of Nomad Energy UK Limited.

ERNIE NUTTER 
Non-Executive Director
Ernest (Ernie) Nutter is a highly regarded mining analyst, 
formerly with one of the world’s largest fund managers, 
Capital Group, from 2004 until his retirement in 2017. Prior 
to this, he spent over 13 years with the Royal Bank of 
Canada where he was Managing Director of RBC Capital 
Markets, Director of RBC’s Global Mining Research team 
and former Chairman of RBC Dominion Securities’ (now 
RBC Capital Markets) Strategic Planning Committee. Mr. 
Nutter holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from 
Dalhousie University and sits on the Technical Advisory 
Committee.

ATTIE ROUX 
Non-Executive Director
Adriaan (Attie) Roux is a metallurgical engineer with over 
40 years’ operational, technical and executive management 
experience in the mining industry. He is currently an 
independent technical and management consultant and 
COO of Leagold Mining. Attie was previously the COO 
of Endeavour Mining where he was instrumental in its 
development and growth. He has been internal director 
in a number of companies such as Anglogold Ashanti and 
Endeavour Mining. He is a registered professional with the 
SA Council for Natural Scientific Professions. Mr Roux also 
serves as chairman of the TAC.

Committees

The Audit Committee
The Audit Committee oversees and 
reviews the Company’s financial 
reporting and internal control 
processes, its relationship with 
external auditors and the conduct 
of the audit process together with 
its process for ensuring compliance 
with laws, regulations and corporate 
governance. The Company’s external 
auditors are invited to attend the 
meetings of the Committee on a 
regular basis. The Audit Committee 
comprises David Straker-Smith 
(Chairman) and Ernie Nutter.

The Technical Advisory 
Committee
The Technical Advisory Committee 
acts as an independent body of 
experts for the Company in order 
to establish formal and transparent 
arrangements to assist the Company 
in assessing and guiding technical 
and operational performance. 
The TAC committee comprises 
Attie Roux, David Lunt, Ernie Nutter 
& John Meneghini.

The ESG Committee
The Environment, Social and 
Governance (‘ESG’) Committee acts 
as an independent body of experts 
to establish formal and transparent 
arrangements for considering how 
the Board should assist the Company 
to meet its commitments under 
the Group’s ESG Policy, complying 
with its obligations concerning 
occupational and community 
health and safety, environmental 
performance and compliance,  
and community engagement.  
The ESG committee comprises of 
Kate Harcourt, Edward Bickham and 
David Hebditch.

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Corporate Governance
The Board of Hummingbird Resources PLC (the ‘Company’) have adopted the QCA Corporate Governance Code 2018 (the ‘QCA 
Code’) and believe the application of the QCA Code supports the Company in pursuing medium to long-term value for shareholders, 
without stifling the entrepreneurial spirits and creativity. The Board will provide annual updates on compliance with the QCA Code. 
Our current progress against the ten principles of the QCA Code are set out below.

Strategy and Business Model
The Company currently has two core gold projects, the Yanfolila Gold Mine in Mali and the Dugbe Gold Project in Liberia. Yanfolila 
produced its first gold pour on time and on budget in December 2017, and has implemented an expansion project to plant capacity 
with the addition of a Second Ball Mill.

The Strategic Review on pages 21 to 23 provides details the Company’s strategy, as well as key risks and mitigation actions.

Understanding and meeting shareholder needs and expectations
The Company endeavours to communicate with shareholders on a regular basis to understand and meet their needs and 
expectations.

Shareholders are encouraged to engage with the Company throughout the year through RNS announcements, direct communication, 
conference calls, website content, corporate presentations, national and international medias including social media.

Additionally, shareholders are invited to the AGM where they are given opportunities to ask questions.

Contact details are provided within every Company announcement and are available on the Company’s website.

Wider stakeholder needs and social responsibilities
The Company has an active policy of engagement with key internal and external stakeholders, in particular with the local 
communities in which it operates, its host governments, employees and suppliers. The Company recognises that the relationships 
with key stakeholders are central to the long-term success of the business and therefore seeks feedback from all groups.

The Responsible Mining page on the Company’s website provides details regarding the Company’s commitment to creating value 
for all stakeholders and building a lasting legacy for the communities living within its licence areas.

Effective Risk Management Throughout the Organisation
The Company has three committees to assist in its continuous assessment and management of potential risks to the Company, both 
from a corporate and project perspective:

•  The Audit Committee
•  The Technical Advisory Committee
•  The Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Committee

The Audit and ESG Committees aim to meet a minimum of four times a year; the Technical Advisory Committee typically meets 
once a month.

The Board receives and reviews reports on Company’s principle risks on a regular basis, including Political, Financial, Mining and 
Technical risks. Control mechanisms have been put in place for the purpose of monitoring and mitigating these risks.

A balanced and well-functioning Board led by the Chairman
The Board consists of the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, the Finance Director and Company Secretary and five Non-Executive 
Directors (including the Chairman). All Non-Executive Directors are considered to be independent, and the Board believes to be an 
appropriate composition, given the size and nature of the business.

Biographies of all Directors are included on pages 24 and 25.

The Board endeavours to meet on a quarterly basis and holds additional meetings either in person or by conference calls to review 
and, if necessary, make plans to improve Company performance.

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The table below shows the number of meetings of Board and committees during the year to 31 December 2018:

Director

Russell King

Dan Betts *

Thomas Hill *

Stephen Betts

Richard Straker-Smith

Attie Roux 1

Ernie Nutter 2

Board of 
Directors

Audit 
Committee

Technical 
Advisory 
Committee 
(“TAC”)

5/5

5/5

5/5

4/5

4/5

3/3

3/3

—

—

—

—

5/5

—

5/5

—

—

—

—

6/6

6/6

* All Directors were invited to attend TAC Meetings. The CFO was invited to attend all Audit Committee meetings.
1 —  Attie Roux was appointed 30 April 2018, and is Chairman of TAC Committee.
2 —  Ernie Nutter was appointed 30 April 2018 and is a member of Audit and TAC committees.

Experience, skills and capabilities of the Board
The Board is satisfied that the current Directors have a breath of experience, skills and capabilities relevant to the Company’s 
evolving activities.

All Directors retire at intervals in accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association, and if appropriate offer themselves for 
election by the shareholders.

The Directors have gained their skillsets and knowledge through experience in gold exploration, development and production, as well 
as in wider business sectors; their skillsets and knowledge are kept up to date by the Company’s advisory teams, involvement and 
participation in industry conferences, and through their own continuing professional development.

The Company Secretary ensures the Board is informed of its legal responsibilities, and the Company is compliant with applicable 
regulatory requirements and legislation. The Board also has access to advice from external bodies such as the Company’s nominated 
advisors, auditors and lawyers.

Board Evaluation
The Board reviews its performance quarterly, seeking to identify opportunities for improvement with the overriding objective of 
maximising long-term shareholder value.

Corporate Culture
A key part of the Board’s function is to ensure that there are sound ethical values and behaviours upheld throughout the organisation.

The Company strives to drive environmental and community projects which will leave the environments where we work a better 
place for the long term. The Company aims to build a legacy of improvement in the education, health, standard of living and 
environment in the places where it has been, and wants to be known for always dealing in an honest and respectful manner at all 
times.

People are central in the Company’s long-term success, and therefore the Company encourages opportunities for people to develop 
their skills to the best they can, to learn, to grow and above all, to challenge.

Honesty and trust are paramount values throughout the business.

Governance Structure and Processes
The Chairman is responsible for the Company’s adherence to an appropriate corporate governance structure. Detailed roles and 
responsibilities of the Directors can be found on pages 24 and 25.

The Board is supported in its decision making by three committees. Each Committee has Terms and Reference setting out its duties, 
authorities and reporting responsibilities.

Audit Committee
The Audit Committee oversees and reviews the Company’s financial reporting and internal control processes, its relationship with 
external auditors and the conduct of the audit process together with its process for ensuring compliance with laws, regulations and 
corporate governance. The Company’s external auditors are invited to attend the meetings of the Committee on a regular basis and 
given the opportunity to meet the Committee with no Executive Directors present.

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Technical Advisory Committee
The Technical Advisory Committee acts as an independent body of experts for the Company in order to establish formal and 
transparent arrangements to assist the Board in assessing and guiding technical and operational performance.

ESG Committee
The ESG Committee acts as an independent body of experts to establish formal and transparent arrangements for considering how 
the Board should assist the Company to meet its commitments under the Group’s Safety, Health, Environment and Community 
(SHEC) Policy, complying with its obligations concerning occupational and community health and safety, environmental performance 
and compliance and community engagement. Full details regarding the roles and responsibilities of these committees can be found 
here. The Company has adopted, and will maintain, governance structures and processes that are fit for purpose. This governance 
structure may evolve over time in parallel with the development of the Company and therefore any fluctuation in its objectives, 
strategy and business model.

Communication with Shareholders and other relevant stakeholders
The Company seeks to engage regularly with shareholders, including through post-RNS announcements, conference calls and the 
AGM. The Company welcomes engagement with shareholders throughout the year either in person, by telephone or by email. 
A range of corporate information, including all Company announcements, historical annual reports and other governance-related 
material, is also available to shareholders, investors and the public on the Company’s website.

This Corporate Governance Report has been approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by:

Russell King 
Non-Executive Chairman

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Audit Committee Report

Dear Shareholder,

I am pleased to present you the Audit Committee Report for the financial year ended 31st December 2018.

Composition
The Audit Committee consists of two Non-Executive Directors. Ernie Nutter and myself. The Board consider that the Committee as a 
whole has competence relevant to the sector in which the Company operates.

The Audit Committee held 5 meetings in 2018 and all members attended.

Responsibility
The Board has formally approved Audit Committee’s Terms of Reference, which sets out detailed duties and responsibilities. The primary 
function of the Committee is to assist the Board of Directors of the Company in fulfilling its responsibilities with regard to financial 
reporting, external and internal audit, risk management and controls and to oversee various policies including anti-corruption and bribery.

In the past financial year, the Committee reviewed and approved the interim and year-end financial results. The Committee met with 
the auditors to review and approve their audit plan, received their findings and monitored the integrity of the financial statements of 
the Company.

External Audit
The Audit Committee reviewed and recommend to the Board the appointment and remuneration of the Company’s external auditor, 
and is satisfied that the current auditor, RSM UK Audit LLP maintains its objectivity and independence in carrying out audit work.

Accordingly, the Committee recommended to the Board that RSM UK Audit LLP be re-appointed for the next financial year.

Significant issues related to the financial statements
The Committee reviewed the key judgements applied to a number of significant issues in the preparation of the financial statements. 
The review included consideration of the following:

Going concern
As set out in note 3, the annual financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. In making an assessment on going 
concern, the Group has prepared cash flow forecasts based on estimates of key variables including production, gold price, operating 
costs and capital expenditure through to December 2020 that supports the conclusion of the Directors that there is sufficient funding 
available to meet the Group’s anticipated cash flow requirements to this date. These cashflow forecasts are subject to a number of 
risks and uncertainties, in particular the ability of the Group to achieve the planned levels of production.

Having considered the above, the Committee found the Group’s going concern assessment to be appropriate.

Exploration and evaluation (E&E) assets
As a result of a deficit arising between the Group’s market value (capitisation) against book value (net assets) at 31 December 2018, 
the Group conducted an assessment of impairment over E&E assets. As set out in note 4, in respect of E&E assets, the Group 
considers there to be two cost pools, being the whole of Liberia and whole of Mali, and therefore aggregates assets in respect of 
each for the purposes of determining whether impairment of E&E assets has occurred. Having considered the recoverable amount 
of the Liberian cash generating unit (“CGU”), with reference to the 2013 Preliminary Economic Assessment (‘PEA’) for the Group’s 
Dugbe Gold Project in Liberia, no impairment loss was recognised for the year ended 31 December 2018. Having considered the 
recoverable amount of the Malian CGU, with reference to the Group’s latest budget and life of mine (“LOM”) plan for the Group’s 
Yanfolila Gold Mine in Mali, no impairment loss was recognised for the year ended 31 December 2018. There is a possibility that 
changes in circumstances will alter these projections, which may impact on the recoverable amount of the assets.

Having considered the above, the Committee found the Group’s assessment of impairment in respect of E&E assets to be 
appropriate.

Property, plant and equipment
As a result of a deficit arising between the Group’s market value (capitisation) against book value (net assets) at 31 December 
2018, the Group conducted an assessment of impairment over property, plant and equipment. As set out in note 4, determination 
as to whether, and by how much, an asset or cash generating unit (“CGU”) is impaired involves management estimates on highly 
uncertain matters such as; gold price, discount rates used in determining the estimated discounted cash flows of CGU, foreign 
exchange rates, the level of proved and probable reserves and measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources that may be 
included in the determination of fair value less cost to dispose (“fair value”).

The principal CGU, to which mine property, plant and equipment relates is the Group’s Yanfolila Gold Mine in Mali (operating 
segment). In determining the recoverable amount of CGU at 31 December 2018, future cash flows were discounted using rates 
based on the Group’s estimated weighted average cost of capital. Operating and capital cost assumptions are based on the Group’s 
latest budget and life of mine (“LOM”) plan.

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Audit Committee Report continued

The table below summarises the key assumptions used in the carrying value assessments:

Gold price ($ per ounce):

2018: $1,150 - $1,250 
2017: N/A

Commodity price and foreign exchange rates were estimated with 
reference to external market forecasts. The rates applied to the valuation 
had regard to observable market data. 

Discount rate % (post tax):

2018: 18.5% – 23.5% 
2017: N/A

In determining the fair value of CGU, the future cash flows were 
discounted using rates based on the Group’s estimated real weighted 
average cost of capital, with an additional premium applied having regard 
to the geographic location of the CGU and Company size.

Operating and capital costs: LOM operating and capital cost assumptions are based on the Group’s latest budget and life of mine 

plan.

Based on the recoverable amount of the CGU, no impairment loss was recognised for the year ended 31 December 2018. There is a 
possibility that changes in circumstances will alter these projections, which may impact on the recoverable amount of the assets.

Having considered the above, the Committee found the Group’s assessment of impairment in respect of property, plant and 
equipment to be appropriate.

Other receivables
As set out in note 4, included in other receivables is an amount of CFA 6,624,517,000, $10,768,000 (2017: $10,955,000), due from 
the Government of Mali, arising on 2 February 2017 when the Government of Mali exercised its right to acquire an additional 10% 
of Societe Des Mines De Komana SA (taking its total interest in Societe Des Mines De Komana SA to 20%). The Group remains in 
discussions with the Government of Mali as to the timing and mechanism of payment of this consideration. The relevant shares will 
not be issued until the payment mechanism has been agreed.

The Group consider the receivable to be ‘credit-impaired’ as it remains unpaid more than 1 year since the Government of Mali 
exercised its right. Having considered multiple scenarios on the manner, timing, quantum and probability of recovery on the 
receivable, the Group recognised a lifetime expected credit loss of $1,903,000 on adoption of IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ (taken 
directly to opening retained earnings). Following a weakening of CFA against USD, the assessment of lifetime expected credit 
loss was revised to $1,815,000 as at 31 December 2018. The allowance for lifetime expected credit losses assessment requires a 
significant degree of estimation and judgement.

Having considered the above, the Committee found the Group’s assessment of impairment (on application of IFRS 9 ‘Financial 
Instruments’) in respect of the receivable due from the Government of Mali to be appropriate.

Rehabilitation provision
The Group makes full provision for the future cost of rehabilitating mine sites and related production facilities on a discounted basis 
at the time of developing the mines and installing and using those facilities. The rehabilitation provision represents the present 
value of rehabilitation costs relating to mine sites, which are expected to be incurred up to 2029. The Group assesses its mine 
rehabilitation provision at each reporting date. Significant estimates and assumptions are made in determining the provision for 
mine rehabilitation as there are numerous factors that will affect the ultimate amount payable. These factors include estimates 
of the extent and costs of rehabilitation activities, technological changes, regulatory changes, cost increases as compared to the 
inflation rates (2%) and changes in discount rates (2%). These uncertainties may result in future actual expenditure differing from 
the amounts currently provided. The provision at reporting date represents management’s best estimate of the present value of the 
future rehabilitation costs required.

Having considered the above, and an independent external review of the Group’s mine closure plan and cost estimates, the 
Committee found the Group’s estimate and assumptions therein to be appropriate.

Looking forward
In the coming financial year, in addition to ongoing duties, the Committee will review the cost and benefit of increased internal 
control and internal audit capability and will make recommendations to the Board accordingly.

Approval
This Audit Committee Report has been approved by the Committee and signed on its behalf by:

David Straker-Smith 
Chair of the Audit Committee

24 May 2019

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Directors’ Report

The Directors present their report on the affairs of the Group, together with the financial statements and Auditor’s Report for the 
year ended 31 December 2018.

Principal activities
The Group’s principal activity is the exploration, evaluation and development of mineral projects, principally gold, focused in West 
Africa.

The subsidiary and associated undertakings principally affecting the losses or net assets of the Group in the year are listed in note 15 
to the financial statements.

Corporate Governance
The Group has adopted to the Quoted Companies Alliance (QCA) Code as set out in the United Kingdom. Further details are set out 
on pages 26 to 28 and the Group’s website.

Board
The Board currently comprises seven members, two of whom are executive. The Board meets regularly and is responsible for 
strategy, performance, approval of major capital projects and the framework of internal controls. To enable the Board to discharge 
its duties, all Directors receive appropriate and timely information. Briefing papers are distributed to all Directors in advance of Board 
meetings, and all Directors have access to the advice and service of the Company Secretary. The Articles of Association provide that 
Directors will be subject to re-election at the first opportunity after their appointment and they will voluntarily submit to re-election at 
intervals of three years.

Audit Committee
The audit committee comprises David Straker-Smith (Chairman) and Ernie Nutter. The audit committee is responsible for reviewing 
a wide range of financial matters including the annual and interim reports, the Company’s internal control and risk management 
system. The audit committee’s responsibilities include meeting with the Company’s auditor and agreeing the scope of their audit.

Post reporting date events
Events after the reporting date have been disclosed in note 31 to the financial statements.

Results and dividends
The results of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2018 are set out in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive 
Income. The Directors do not recommend payment of a dividend for the year (2017: $Nil).

Directors interests
The Directors of the Company during the year and their beneficial interests in the ordinary shares of the Company for the year were 
as follows:

 DE Betts 1 & 2

 TR Hill 3

 SA Betts 1 & 4

 RJ King

 RD Straker-Smith

 AA Roux

 GE Nutter

 MC Idiens 5

 DA Pelham 5

Appointment date

Resignation date

30 October 2005

17 July 2012

28 April 2006

17 November 2014

24 May 2017

30 April 2018

30 April 2018

Number of 
shares at 
31 December 
2018

Number of 
shares at 
31 December 
2017

4,949,149

4,949,149

148,235

712,542

303,955

148,235

712,542

53,955

—

—

—

—

—

—

31 October 2005

01 April 2008

26 June 2018

26 June 2018

— 2,741,607

—

25,052

1 —  The 292,000 shares held by Stephen Betts & Sons Limited and 180,000 shares held by Stephen Betts & Sons Limited (Self Administered) Pension Scheme 

are included in both SA Betts and DE Betts.

2 —  DE Betts’s interest consists of 4,477,149 shares held by DE Betts, 292,000 shares held by Stephen Betts & Sons Limited, and 180,000 shares held by the 

Stephen Betts & Sons Limited (Self Administered) Pension Scheme.

3 —  TR Hill’s interest includes contracts for difference over 5,000 ordinary shares, 58,684 ordinary shares which are held in his pension, and 23,933 ordinary 

shares which are owned by his wife.

4 —  SA Betts’s interests consist of 148,042 shares held by SA Betts, 92,500 shares held by Caroline Betts, 292,000 shares held by Stephen Betts & Sons 

Limited, and 180,000 shares held by the Stephen Betts & Sons Limited (Self Administered) Pension Scheme.

5 —  MC Idiens and DA Pelham resigned as Directors on 26 June 2018. The number of shares held on resignation was 2,741,607 and 25,052 respectively.

31

Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWOPERATIONAL REVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
Directors’ Report continued

The Directors’ interests in the share options of the Company at 31 December 2018 were as follows:

 DE Betts
 DE Betts
 DE Betts
 DE Betts
 DE Betts
 DE Betts
 DE Betts
 DE Betts
 DE Betts
 DE Betts
 DE Betts

 TR Hill
 TR Hill
 TR Hill
 TR Hill
 TR Hill
 TR Hill
 TR Hill
 TR Hill
 TR Hill
 TR Hill
 TR Hill

 SA Betts
 SA Betts
 SA Betts

 RJ King
 RJ King

 Total

Options at 
1 Jan 2018

1,125,000
217,000
217,000
150,000
426,136
426,136
426,136
426,137
—
—
—

67,500
100,500
100,500
100,000
340,909
340,909
340,909
340,909
—
—
—

337,500
33,000
33,000

125,000
125,000

Granted 

Exercised 

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
683,594
341,797
341,797

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
439,844
219,922
219,922

—
—
—

—
—

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

—
—
—

(125,000)
(125,000)

Options at 
31 Dec 2018

1,125,000
217,000
217,000
150,000
426,136
426,136
426,136
426,137
683,594
341,797
341,797

67,500
100,500
100,500
100,000
340,909
340,909
340,909
340,909
439,844
219,922
219,922

337,500
33,000
33,000

—
—

Exercise price

Date of grant

First date of 
exercise

Final date of 
exercise

£0.22
£0.22
£0.22
£0.22
£0.01
£0.01
£0.01
£0.01
£0.01
£0.01
£0.01

£0.22
£0.22
£0.22
£0.22
£0.01
£0.01
£0.01
£0.01
£0.01
£0.01
£0.01

£0.22
£0.22
£0.22

£0.01
£0.01

26/10/2010
05/12/2013
05/12/2013
05/12/2013
30/09/2016
30/09/2016
30/09/2016
30/09/2016
30/04/2018
30/04/2018
30/04/2018

26/10/2010
05/12/2013
05/12/2013
05/12/2013
30/09/2016
30/09/2016
30/09/2016
30/09/2016
30/04/2018
30/04/2018
30/04/2018

26/10/2010
05/12/2013
05/12/2013

24/12/2011
01/06/2014
01/06/2015
10/04/2019
19/12/2017
30/06/2018
Note 1
Note 1
Note 1
Note 1
Note 1

24/12/2011
01/06/2014
01/06/2015
10/04/2019
19/12/2017
30/06/2018
Note 1
Note 1
Note 1
Note 1
Note 1

24/12/2011
01/06/2014
01/06/2015

26/10/2020
01/06/2024
01/06/2025
10/04/2029
19/12/2022
30/06/2023
—
—
—
—
—

26/10/2020
01/06/2024
01/06/2025
10/04/2029
19/12/2022
30/06/2023
—
—
—
—
—

26/10/2020
01/06/2024
01/06/2025

17/11/2014
17/11/2014

17/11/2015
17/11/2016

17/11/2024
17/11/2024

 5,799,181

 2,246,876

(250,000)

 7,796,057

1 —  the exercise dates are dependent on meeting certain vesting criteria (refer note 25).

Directors’ remuneration

DE Betts 1

TR Hill

SA Betts

RJ King 

RD Striker-Smith

GE Nutter 2

AA Roux 2

MC Idiens 3

DA Pelham 3 & 4

Directors 
emoluments
2018
$’000

Directors 
emoluments
2017
$’000

 486 

 329 

 65 

 88 

 68 

 69 

 94 

 31 

 30 

 479 

 383 

 44 

 47 

 28 

 — 

 — 

 44 

 41 

Total Directors’ remuneration

1,260

1,066

In addition to the amounts above, the Directors are accruing potential benefits under incentive schemes as set out in note 25.

1 —  DE Betts is entitled to a contingent deferred bonus as disclosed in note 25.
2 —  GE Nutter and AA Roux were appointed as Directors 30 April 2018.
3 —  MC Idiens and DA Pelham resigned as Directors on 26 June 2018.
4 —  DA Pelham is entitled to a discovery bonus based on $0.10 cents per proved/probable resource ounce in respect of the Group’s Dugbe Shear Zone licences 

in Liberia.

32

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird Resources 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ indemnities
The Company has obtained third party indemnity provisions for the benefit of its Directors and Officers.

Supplier payment policy
It is the Group’s policy to make payments, where possible, to suppliers in accordance with agreed terms provided that the supplier 
has performed in accordance with the relevant terms and conditions. Trade payables of the Group at 31 December 2018 were 
equivalent to 56 (2017: 55) days’ purchases, based on the average daily amount invoiced by suppliers during the year. Trade payables 
of the Company at 31 December 2018 were equivalent to 63 (2017: 63) days’ purchases, based on the average daily amount 
invoiced by suppliers during the year.

Charitable and political donations
During the year the Company made charitable donations of $38,000 to the Pygmy Hippo Foundation (2017: $Nil). As disclosed in 
note 28 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Pygmy Hippo Foundation is a related party of the Group because Daniel Betts and 
Thomas Hill are Directors of the Pygmy Hippo Foundation.

The Company did not make any payments to political parties during the year (2017: $Nil).

Financial risk management
The Group is exposed to a variety of financial risks including currency risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. Some of the objectives and 
policies applied by management to mitigate these risks are outlined in both the Strategic Review and note 27 to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

Future developments
Details of future developments are set out in the CEO’s Statement and Chairman’s Statement.

Statement as to disclosure of information to the auditor
Each of the persons who is a Director at the date of approval of this Annual Report confirms that:

•  so far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s auditor is unaware; and
•  the Director has taken all the steps that he ought to have taken as a Director in order to make himself aware of any relevant audit 

information and to establish that the Company’s auditor is aware of that information.

This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in accordance with the provisions of sections 418 of the Companies Act 2006.

Auditor
RSM UK Audit LLP have expressed their willingness to continue in office as auditor and a resolution to re-appoint them will be 
proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

Strategic Review
The Strategic Review is shown on pages 21 to 23.

Directors’ Report and Strategic Review have been approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by:

DE Betts 
Director 
24 May 2019

Registered Office: 
49-63 Spencer Street, Hockley, Birmingham, B18 6DE 
Company registered in England and Wales 05467327

33

Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWOPERATIONAL REVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ Responsibilities Statement

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic Review, the Directors’ Report, and the financial statements in accordance 
with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare Group and Company financial statements for each financial year. The Directors are 
required by the AIM Rules of the London Stock Exchange to prepare Group financial statements in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by the European Union (“EU”) and have elected under company law to prepare 
the company financial statements in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU.

The financial statements are required by law and IFRS adopted by the EU to present fairly the financial position of the Group and the 
Company and the financial performance of the Group. The Companies Act 2006 provides in relation to such financial statements that 
references in the relevant part of that Act to financial statements giving a true and fair view are references to their achieving a fair 
presentation.

Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair 
view of the state of affairs of the Group and the Company and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period.

In preparing the Group and Company financial statements, the Directors are required to:

•  select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
•  make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
•  state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs adopted by the EU;
•  prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and the 

Company will continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group’s and the 
Company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group and the Company 
and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for 
safeguarding the assets of the Group and the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of 
fraud and other irregularities.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the 
Hummingbird Resources PLC website.

Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in 
other jurisdictions.

34

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird Resources 
“Hummingbird is now focused on 
integrating the positive results seen 
in its exploration programme into its 
mine plan.”

Komana Camp at Yanfolila, Mali

O
V
E
R
V

I

E
W

O
P
E
R
A
T

I

O
N
A
L

R
E
V

I

E
W

G
O
V
E
R
N
A
N
C
E

F
I

N
A
N
C

I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

35

Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report
to Members of Hummingbird Resources PLC
For the year ended 31 December 2018

AUDITORS REPORT 

Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Hummingbird Resources Plc (the ‘parent company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘group’) 
for the year ended 31 December 2018 which comprise the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated and 
parent company statement of financial position, the consolidated and parent company statement of cash flows, the consolidated and 
parent company statement of changes in equity, and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting 
policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union and, as regards the parent company financial statements, as applied 
in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

In our opinion:

•  the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 31 

December 2018 and of the group’s loss for the year then ended;

•  the group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union;
•  the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European 

Union and as applied in accordance with the Companies Act 2006; and

•  the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our 
responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 
section of our report. We are independent of the group and parent company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are 
relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to SME listed entities and 
we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we 
have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Material uncertainty related to going concern
We draw attention to the accounting policy on going concern in note 3 of the financial statements, which indicates that there is a risk 
that further funding will be required should anticipated levels of gold production not be achieved. As stated in the accounting policy 
on going concern, these events or conditions, along with the other matters set forth in note 3, indicate that a material uncertainty 
exists that may cast significant doubt on the group’s ability to continue as a going concern. Our opinion is not modified in respect of 
this matter.

Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the group and 
parent company financial statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement 
(whether or not due to fraud) we identified, including those which had the greatest effect on the overall audit strategy, the allocation 
of resources in the audit and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters were addressed in the context of our 
audit of the group and parent company financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a 
separate opinion on these matters.

In addition to the matter described in the Material uncertainty related to going concern section, we have determined the matters 
described below to be the key audit matters to be communicated in our report.

Group key audit matters
Potential impairment of the Yanfolila mine Cash Generating Unit
As disclosed in note 4 and note 14, the Yanfolila mine cash generating unit (CGU) includes substantial property, plant and equipment 
totalling $140.4m. The lower than anticipated gold production in the second half of 2018 and the first quarter of 2019, together with 
the currently low Group market capitalisation, are potential indicators of impairment. Any recorded impairment charge would most 
likely have a material impact on the financial statements and we therefore considered this matter to be one of the matters of most 
significance in the current year.

Impairment testing requires management to compare the carrying amount of the CGUs attributable assets and liabilities with the 
higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. Where the carrying amount is higher than fair value or value in use then an 
impairment charge arises. Impairment testing involves a significant degree of judgement because management’s determination 
of value in use is based on a number of assumptions including an assessment of future performance and the selection of an 
appropriate discount rate.

36

Hummingbird ResourcesExplore | Develop | ProduceManagement provided us with an impairment model for the Yanfolila CGU as detailed in note 4 that showed no impairment provision 
was necessary. We performed audit work on this model by:

•  Assessing the appropriateness and application of the model used including consideration of the assumptions made about the 

discount rate and the expected future trading performance,

•  Reviewing and considering the sensitivity analysis performed by management (which included a range of gold selling prices and 

the consequence of mining delays).

We discussed the forecasts, discount rate and sensitivity analysis with management and challenged key assumptions, requesting 
evidence where available to support management’s conclusions.

Provision for rehabilitation of Yanfolila mine
As disclosed in note 4 and note 18, the group makes full provision for the future cost of rehabilitating the Yanfolila mine site and the 
recorded provision was $13.5m at 31 December 2018. Significant estimates and assumptions are made in determining the provision 
for mine rehabilitation and there are numerous factors that will affect the ultimate cost of rehabilitation. Given the high degree of 
estimation involved, and that this was the first full year of operation for Yanfolila, we considered this matter to be one of the most 
significant in the current year.

Management provided us with a mine closure plan and a financial cost estimate (together “the Model”) supporting the recorded 
provision. We performed audit work on this Model by:

•  Understanding the basis upon which management had prepared the Model and assessing the extent of their own internal expert 

involvement,

•  Engaging our own expert to assist us in assessing the completeness of the Model and the overall reasonableness of the 

provision,

•  Assessing the qualifications and expertise of our expert, considering their objectivity and any threats to their independence, and
•  Assessing the appropriateness of the discount rate applied to the provision.

We discussed our findings with management and challenged them on constituent parts of the Model as we deemed appropriate.

Our application of materiality
When establishing our overall audit strategy, we set certain thresholds which help us to determine the nature, timing and extent of 
our audit procedures. When evaluating whether the effects of misstatements, both individually and on the financial statements as a 
whole, could reasonably influence the economic decisions of the users we take into account the qualitative nature and the size of the 
misstatements. During planning materiality for the group financial statements as a whole was calculated as $2,674,000, which was 
revised to $2,551,000 as the audit progressed. Materiality for the parent company financial statements as a whole was calculated as 
$1,186,000, which was revised to $1,070,000 as the audit progressed. We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report 
to them all unadjusted differences in excess of $80,000, as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted 
reporting on qualitative grounds.

An overview of the scope of our audit
Our audit approach covered 100% of group revenue and expenditure, group profit, and total group assets and liabilities. It was 
performed to the materiality levels set out above.

Other information
The Directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual 
report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover 
the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance 
conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider 
whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or 
otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, 
we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of 
the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other 
information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

37

Annual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWOPERATIONAL REVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSExplore | Develop | ProduceIndependent Auditor’s Report
to Members of Hummingbird Resources PLC continued
For the year ended 31 December 2018
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

•  the information given in the Strategic Review and the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial statements 

are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

•  the Strategic Review and the Directors’ Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent company and their environment obtained in the course 
of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Strategic Review or the Directors’ Report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to 
you if, in our opinion:

•  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received 

from branches not visited by us; or

•  the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
•  certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
•  we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement set out on page 34, the Directors are responsible for the 
preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the 
Directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether 
due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the group’s and the parent company’s ability 
to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of 
accounting unless the Directors either intend to liquidate the group or the parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic 
alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a 
high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material 
misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the 
aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial 
statements.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s 
website at: http://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Use of our report
This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 
2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are required to 
state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume 
responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the 
opinions we have formed.

Michael Thornton (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of RSM UK AUDIT LLP, Statutory Auditor 
Chartered Accountants 
Central Square 
Fifth Floor 
29 Wellington Street 
Leeds 
LS1 4DL 
24 May 2019

38

Hummingbird ResourcesExplore | Develop | ProduceConsolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Continuing operations

Revenue

Production costs

Amortisation and depreciation

Royalties and taxes

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Share based payments

Other administrative expenses

Operating loss

Finance income

Finance expense

Profit on disposal of subsidiaries

Share of associate loss

Share of joint venture loss

Impairment of associate

Reversals in impairment of financial assets

Losses on financial assets measured at fair value

Loss before tax

Tax

Loss for the year

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent

Non-controlling interests

Loss for the year

Notes

2018
$’000

2017
$’000

25

6

9

9

12

12

12

12

16

16

10

 116,539

(88,157)  

(19,881)  

(3,942)  

(111,980)  

4,559

338

(9,834)  

(4,937)  

 4,797

(9,119)  

—

(235)  

(2)  

(2,044)  

88

(198)  

—

—

—

—

—

—

(424)  

(6,351)  

(6,775)  

6,514

(6,877)  

1,919

(117)  

—

—

—

—

(11,650)  

(5,336)  

(1,163)  

—

(12,813)  

(5,336)  

(10,250)  

(5,336)  

(2,563)  

(12,813)  

—

(5,336)  

Earnings per share (attributable to equity holders of the parent)

Basic and diluted ($ cents)

11

(2.93)  

(1.55)  

39

Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWOPERATIONAL REVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSConsolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at 31 December 2018

Notes

 2018
$’000

 2017
 $’000

Assets

Non-current assets

Intangible exploration and evaluation assets

Intangible assets software

Property, plant and equipment

Investment in associates and joint ventures

Current assets

Inventory

Trade and other receivables

Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Borrowings

Provisions

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Other financial liabilities

Borrowings

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity

Share capital

Share premium

Other reserves

Retained earnings

Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent

Non-controlling interest

Total equity

13

13

14

12

16

16

16

16

17

18

20

22

17

69,171

118

63,249

163

140,723

129,954

1,528

3,704

211,540

197,070

13,807

13,316

17,320

4,210

48,653

1,392

15,135

36,210

4,410

57,147

260,193

254,217

40,819

13,541

53,404

—

39,787

15,319

20,112

129,578

130,615

23

5,271

—

—

124,117

129,388

1,227

28,422

16,368

11,246

109,440

144,777

5,176

148,930

2,000

(15,500)  

140,606

4,171

130,615

144,777

The financial statements of Hummingbird Resources PLC were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 
24 May 2019. They were signed on its behalf by:

DE Betts 
Director

Company number 05467327

The notes to the consolidated financial statements form part of these financial statements.

40

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird ResourcesConsolidated Statement of Financial Position

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Net cash inflow / (outflow) from operating activities

Investing activities

Purchases of intangible exploration and evaluation assets

Purchase of intangible assets

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

Purchase of shares in other companies

Loans provided net of issue costs

Interest received

Net cash used in investing activities

Financing activities

Exercise of warrants

Loan interest paid

Loans repaid

Loans received net of issue costs

Net cash (used in) / from financing activities

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

Notes

26

2018
$’000

18,134

2017
$’000

(649)  

(5,922)  

 —

(1,233)  

(185)  

(20,070)  

(56,368)  

(105)  

(2,000)  

 181

(741)  

—

320

(27,916)  

(58,207)  

36

434

(5,871)  

(3,955)  

(10,911)  

(15,000)  

9,168

(7,578)  

57,980

39,459

(17,360)  

(19,397)  

(1,730)  

40,620

21,530

6,178

53,839

40,620

41

Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWOPERATIONAL REVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSConsolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 December 2018

As at 31 December 2016

Comprehensive loss for the year:

Loss for the year

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Transactions with owners in their capacity 
as owners:

Acquisition of minority interests (note 23)

Disposal of minority interest (note 16)

Exercise of warrants

Total transactions with owners in their 
capacity as owners

Share based payments

As at 31 December 2017

Aggregate adjustments on adoption of 
IFRS 9

Share
capital
$’000

5,156

Share
premium
$’000

148,516

—

—

—

—

20

20

—

—

—

—

—

414

414

—

Other 
Reserves
$’000

Retained
earnings
$’000

Total equity 
attributable to 
the parent
$’000

Non-
controlling 
interest
$’000

—

—

—

2,000

—

—

2,000

—

(17,262)  

136,410

(5,336)  

(5,336)  

(5,336)  

(5,336)  

(1,000)  

6,678

—

5,678

1,420

1,000

6,678

434

8,112

1,420

—

—

—

—

4,171

—

4,171

—

Total
$’000

136,410

(5,336)  

(5,336)  

1,000

10,849

434

12,283

1,420

5,176

148,930

2,000

(15,500)  

140,606

4,171

144,777

—

—

—

(1,522)  

(1,522)  

(381)  

(1,903)  

Balance at 1 January 2018 as restated

 5,176

 148,930

 2,000

(17,022)  

 139,084

 3,790

 142,874

Comprehensive loss for the year:

Loss for the year

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Transactions with owners in their capacity 
as owners:

Acquisition of minority interests (note 23)

Exercise of warrants

Total transactions with owners in their 
capacity as owners

Share based payments

Cancellation of share premium 1

As at 31 December 2018

—

—

 84

 11

 95

 —

—

—

—

—

(10,250)  

(10,250)  

(2,563)  

(12,813)  

(10,250)  

(10,250)  

(2,563)  

(12,813)  

 1,916

 25

(2,000)  

—

 1,941

(2,000)  

 —

— (150,871)  

 5,271

 —

 —

—

 —

 —

 —

 —

 518

 150,871

 —

 36

 36

 518

 —

 —

—

 —

 —

 —

 —

 36

 36

 518

 —

 124,117

 129,388

 1,227

 130,615

1 —  On 25 September 2018 the Company received court approval for the cancellation of the Company’s share premium. The cancellation has the effect of 

creating distributable reserves.

Share capital
The share capital comprises the issued ordinary shares of the Company at par value.

Share premium
The share premium comprises the excess value recognised from the issue of ordinary shares for consideration above par value.

Other Reserves
Other reserves comprise of shares that are awaiting to be issued in connection with the purchase of minority interest.

Retained earnings
Retained earnings comprise distributable reserves.

Non-controlling interest
The non-controlling interest relates to the 20% stake the Government of Mali has in Société Des Mines De Komana SA (“SMK”) 
which owns and operates the Yanfolila Mine.

42

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird ResourcesNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31st December 2018

1.  GENERAL INFORMATION

Hummingbird Resources PLC is a public limited company with securities traded on the AIM market of the London Stock 
Exchange. It is incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom and has a registered office at 49-63 Spencer Street, Hockley, 
Birmingham, West Midlands, B18 6DE.

The nature of the Group’s operations and its principal activities are the exploration, evaluation, development, and operating of 
mineral projects, principally gold, focused currently in West Africa.

2.  ADOPTION OF NEW AND REVISED STANDARDS

The financial statements have been drawn up on the basis of accounting policies consistent with those applied in the financial 
statements for the year ended 31 December 2017. With the exception of IFRS 9 (outlined below), the following standards have 
been adopted in the year with no material impact on the financial statements of the Company or the Group.

IFRS 2
IFRS 9
IFRS 15
IFRIC 22

(effective January 2018)
(effective 1 January 2018)
(effective 1 January 2018)
(effective 1 January 2018)

Classification and measurement of share-based payment transactions
Financial Instruments
Revenue from contracts with customers
Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration

The following Standards and Interpretations which have not been applied in the financial statements were in issue but not yet 
effective (and in some cases had not yet been endorsed by the EU).

IFRS 16
IFRS 17
IFRIC 23
IAS 28

(effective 1 January 2019)
(effective 1 January 2021)
(effective 1 January 2019)
(effective 1 January 2019)

Leases
Insurance contracts
Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments
Sale or contribution of assets between an investor and its associates or joint 
venture

IFRS 15 is intended to introduce a single framework for revenue recognition and clarify principles of revenue recognition. This 
standard modifies the determination of when to recognise revenue and how much revenue to recognise. The core principle 
is that an entity recognises revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods and services to the customer of an amount that 
reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Having completed 
an assessment of the gold sale contract, management adopted the standard effective of 1 January 2018. There was no revenue 
from contracts with customers in the prior year, and consequently no impact on adoption. IFRS 16 introduces a single lease 
accounting model. This standard requires lessees to account for all leases under a single on balance sheet model. Under the 
new standard, a lessee is required to recognise all lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet; recognise amortisation of 
leased assets and interest on lease liabilities over the lease term; and separately present the principal amount of cash paid and 
interest in the cash flow statement. The requirements of IFRS 16 extend to certain service contracts, such as mining contractors 
in which the contractor provides services and the use of assets, which may impact the Group. Accordingly, management has 
initiated an impact assessment in respect of IFRS 16 and while it is expected that on adoption the impact to be material, further 
work is required before this can be quantified.

Initial application of IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ (IFRS 9)
IFRS 9 addresses the classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities. The complete version of IFRS 
9 was issued in July 2014. It replaces the guidance in IAS 39 that relates to the classification and measurement of financial 
instruments. IFRS 9 retains but simplifies the mixed measurement model and establishes three primary measurement 
categories for financial assets: amortised cost, fair value through other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and fair value through 
profit or loss. The basis of classification depends on the entity’s business model and the contractual cash flow characteristics 
of the financial asset. Investments in equity instruments are required to be measured at fair value through profit or loss with 
the irrevocable option at inception to present changes in fair value in OCI. There is now a new expected credit loss model that 
replaces the incurred loss impairment model used in IAS 39. For financial liabilities there were no changes to classification and 
measurement except for the recognition of changes in credit risk in other comprehensive income, for liabilities designated at fair 
value through profit or loss.

The Group has applied IFRS 9 for the first time in the year ended 31 December 2018.

As a result of the adoption of IFRS 9 the Group has adopted consequential changes to IAS 1 Presentation of financial 
statements. In addition, the Group has applied the consequential amendments to IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosure 
to the current period only. Comparatives have not been restated as the cumulative catch-up approach has been applied. Any 
adjustments arising on transition to IFRS 9 are recognised in opening equity. Therefore, information presented for 2017 does not 
reflect the requirements of IFRS 9 and is not comparable with the information presented for the year ended 31 December 2018.

43

Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWOPERATIONAL REVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31st December 2018

All the Group’s financial assets at 1 January 2018 were previously classified as loans and receivables under IAS 39 and are now 
classified as assets at amortised cost under IFRS 9.

The only change in measurement of financial assets on application of IFRS 9 arises from impairment of financial assets. IFRS 
9 requires impairments of financial assets to be assessed using an ‘expected loss’ model. The change from the ‘incurred loss’ 
model previously applied under IAS 39 resulted in an additional impairment loss of $1,903,000 recognised at 1 January 2018 
(note 27).

The financial impact of applying IFRS 9 is set out below:

Loss allowance at 1 January 2018 under IAS 39

Loss allowance on transition to IFRS 9

Loss allowance at 1 January 2018 under IFRS 9

Net assets, as previously reported at 1 January 2018

Loss allowance on transition to IFRS 9

Net assets, as restated at 1 January 2018

IAS 39
Loans and 
receivables
$’000

IFRS 9
Financial assets 
at amortised 
cost
$’000

—

—

—

—

1,903

1,903

Total
$’000

—

1,903

1,903

Total
$’000

144,777

(1,903)  

142,874

3.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued 
by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) and as adopted by the EU and those parts of the Companies Act 2006 
applicable to companies reporting under IFRS.

The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

The functional currency of all companies in the Group is United States Dollar (“$”). The financial statements are presented 
in thousands of United States dollars (“$’000”). For reference the year-end exchange rate from Sterling to $ was $1.2690 
(2017: $1.3491).

Going concern
The financial position of the Group, its cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing facilities are set out in the Finance Review 
on pages 15 to 20. At 31 December 2018, the Group had cash and cash equivalents of $17.3 million and total borrowings of 
$60.9 million. Details on the Group’s borrowings are set out in note 17 to the financial statements.

The Group has prepared cash flow forecasts based on estimates of key variables including production, gold price, operating 
costs, capital expenditure through to December 2020 that supports the conclusion of the Directors that they expect sufficient 
funding to be available to meet the Group’s anticipated cash flow requirements to this date. In completing this assessment, the 
Directors have assumed that an overdraft facility of $10m provided by Coris Bank and due to expire in December 2019 will be 
renewed until at least June 2020.

These cashflow forecasts are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, in particular the ability of the Group to achieve the 
planned levels of production.

In the Q1 2019 production levels were adversely impacted through a combination of lower than expected plant throughput and 
grades processed. The plant throughput was reduced due to limited availability of softer oxide ore to blend with the harder fresh 
ore as well as plant availability, which the Group is actively taking steps to address. The lower grades and availability of oxide 
ore were due to a combination of factors, including delays in accessing certain areas of the orebodies, artisanal mining depletion 
being deeper and more extensive than estimated in the reserve model (the impact of which is expected to reduce significantly 
as the pits progress deeper), and partially as a result of the recent focus on rehabilitation and mining volumes it appears that 
unnecessary mining dilution and ore loss has been suffered which the Group is in the process of addressing through additional 
procedures and geological checks. The initial results of these changes are encouraging, however until such a time as there are 
sustained results, there remains a risk that the Group may not achieve sufficient production levels.

The Board have considered sensitivities and cash flow scenarios (including where production is lower than forecast) which 
in some cases would require additional funding. Should this situation arise, the Directors believe that they have a number of 
options available to them, such as deferring certain expenditures and/or obtaining additional funding, which would allow the 

44

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird ResourcesGroup to meet its cash flow requirements through this period, however there remains a risk that should such additional funding 
be required the Group may not be able to obtain it in the necessary timeframe.

Accordingly, the Board continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Should the Group be unable to achieve the required levels of production and associated cashflows, defer expenditures or obtain 
additional funding such that the going concern basis of preparation were no longer appropriate, adjustment would be required 
including the reduction of balance sheet asset values to their recoverable amounts and to provide for future liabilities should they 
arise.

Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and entities controlled by the 
Company (its subsidiaries) made up to 31 December 2018. Control is achieved where the Company has the power to govern the 
financial and operating policies of an investee entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.

The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed during the period are included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income from the effective date of acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate. Where necessary, 
adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring accounting policies used into line with those used by 
the Group. All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.

Non-controlling interests in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries are identified separately from the Group’s equity therein. 
Non-controlling interests consist of the amount of those interests at the date of the original business combination and the 
non-controlling interest’s share of changes in equity since the date of the combination. Losses applicable to the non-controlling 
interest in excess of the non-controlling parties’ interests in the subsidiary’s equity are allocated against the interest of the 
Group except to the extent that the non-controlling interest has a binding obligation and is able to make an additional investment 
to cover the losses.

Associates
Associates are all entities over which the Group has significant influence but not control or joint control. This is generally the 
case where the Group holds between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. Investments in associates are accounted for using the 
equity method of accounting, after initially being recognised at cost.

Joint ventures
Joint ventures are entities or arrangements where the Group has joint control . Investments in Joint ventures are accounted for 
using the equity method of accounting, after initially being recognised at cost.

Equity method
When the Group’s share of losses in an equity-accounted investment equals or exceeds its interest in the entity, including any 
other unsecured long-term receivables, the Group does not recognise further losses, unless it has incurred obligations or made 
payments on behalf of the other entity.

Unrealised gains on transactions between the Group and its associates and joint ventures are eliminated to the extent of 
the Group’s interest in these entities. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an 
impairment of the asset transferred. Accounting policies of equity accounted investees have been changed where necessary to 
ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.

The carrying amount of equity-accounted investments is tested for impairment in accordance with the policy described in 
note 12.

Changes in ownership interests
When the Group ceases to consolidate or equity account for an investment because of a loss of control, joint control or 
significant influence, any retained interest in the entity is remeasured to its fair value with the change in carrying amount 
recognised in profit or loss. This fair value becomes the initial carrying amount for the purposes of subsequently accounting for 
the retained interest as an associate, joint venture or financial asset. In addition, any amounts previously recognised in other 
comprehensive income in respect of that entity are accounted for as if the Group had directly disposed of the related assets or 
liabilities. This may mean that amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income are reclassified to profit or loss.

If the ownership interest in a joint venture or an associate is reduced but joint control or significant influence is retained, only a 
proportionate share of the amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income are reclassified to profit or loss where 
appropriate.

Leasing
Rentals payable by the Group under operating leases are charged to income on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant 
lease.

45

Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWOPERATIONAL REVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31st December 2018

Foreign currencies
For the purpose of the consolidated financial statements, the results and financial position of each Group company are 
expressed in US Dollars (“$”), which is the functional currency of all of the entities in the Group, and the presentation currency 
for the consolidated financial statements.

Exchange differences are recognised in profit or loss in the period in which they arise.

Taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the 
statement of comprehensive income because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other 
years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group’s liability for current tax is calculated using 
tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.

Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and 
liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and is accounted 
for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences 
and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which 
deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises 
from the initial recognition of goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets and 
liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and associates, 
and interests in joint ventures, except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is 
probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer 
probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is 
realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the statement of comprehensive income, except when it relates to items charged 
or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current 
tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Group intends to settle its 
current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

Revenue
The consolidated entity recognises revenue as follows:

Revenue from contracts with customers
Revenue is recognised at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the consolidated entity is expected to be entitled 
in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer. For each contract with a customer, the consolidated entity: 
identifies the contract with a customer; identifies the performance obligations in the contract; determines the transaction price 
which takes into account estimates of variable consideration and the time value of money; allocates the transaction price to 
the separate performance obligations on the basis of the relative stand-alone selling price of each distinct good or service to be 
delivered; and recognises revenue when or as each performance obligation is satisfied in a manner that depicts the transfer to 
the customer of the goods or services promised.

Sale of gold
Revenue from gold sales is recognised when the customer has accepted delivery of the goods. Amounts disclosed as revenue 
are net of sales returns and trade discounts. Consideration is paid by the customer once the customer has accepted delivery.

Intangible exploration and evaluation assets
The Group applies the full cost method of accounting for exploration and evaluation (“E&E”) costs, having regard to the 
requirements of IFRS 6 Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral Resources. Under the full cost method of accounting, costs of 
exploring for and evaluating mineral resources are accumulated by reference to appropriate cost centres being the appropriate 
licence area, but are tested for impairment on a cost pool basis as described below.

E&E assets comprise costs of (i) E&E activities that are ongoing at the reporting date, pending determination of whether or not 
commercial reserves exist and (ii) costs of E&E that, whilst representing part of the E&E activities associated with adding to the 
commercial reserves of an established cost pool, did not result in the discovery of commercial reserves.

Costs incurred prior to having obtained the legal rights to explore an area are expensed directly to the statement of 
comprehensive income as they are incurred.

46

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird ResourcesExploration and evaluation costs
Once the legal rights are obtained to explore all costs of E&E are initially capitalised as E&E assets. Payments to acquire the 
legal right to explore, costs of technical services and studies, seismic acquisition, exploratory drilling and testing are capitalised 
as intangible E&E assets.

Such costs include directly attributable overheads, including the depreciation of property plant and equipment utilised in E&E 
activities, together with the cost of other materials consumed during the E&E phases.

Treatment of E&E assets at conclusion of appraisal activities
Intangible E&E assets related to each exploration licence/prospect are carried forward, until the existence (or otherwise) of 
commercial reserves has been determined. If commercial reserves have been discovered, the related E&E assets are assessed 
for impairment on a cost pool basis as set out below and any impairment loss is recognised in the statement of comprehensive 
income. The carrying value, after any impairment loss, of the relevant E&E assets is then reclassified as Mine Development 
assets.

Impairment of E&E assets
E&E assets are assessed for impairment when facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying amount may exceed 
its recoverable amount. Such indicators include, but are not limited to, those situations outlined in paragraph 20 of IFRS 6 
Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral Resources and include the point at which a determination is made as to whether or not 
commercial reserves exist.

Where there are indications of impairment, the E&E assets concerned are tested for impairment. Where the E&E assets 
concerned fall within the scope of an established full cost pool, the E&E assets are tested for impairment together with all 
development and production assets associated with that cost pool, as a single cash-generating unit.

The aggregate carrying value is compared against the expected recoverable amount of the pool, generally by reference to the 
present value of the future net cash flows expected to be derived from production of commercial reserves. Where the E&E 
assets to be tested fall outside the scope of any established cost pool, there will generally be no commercial reserves and the 
E&E assets concerned will generally be written off in full.

Any impairment loss is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income as additional depreciation and amortisation, and 
separately disclosed.

The Group considers there to be two cost pools, being the whole of Liberia and whole of Mali, and therefore aggregates assets 
in respect of each for the purposes of determining whether impairment of E&E assets has occurred.

Intangible assets software
Intangible software assets are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation. Amortisation of the software to the statement 
of comprehensive income will be completed in line with the useful life of the software. However, where the software assets 
relate to mine development assets, amortisation to mine development assets will occur and follow the amortisation of mine 
development as shown below.

Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”) are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and any recognised impairment loss.

Property, plant and equipment are depreciated using the units of production method based on ounces produced, or the straight-
line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets using the following rates:

Mine development assets 
Mine closure assets 
Plant & equipment 
Infrastructure 
Mobile & other equipment 
Other 

units of production method 
units of production method 
units of production method 
10% – 33.3% per annum 
10% – 33.3% per annum 
10% – 33.3% per annum

Under the units of production (UOP) method, estimated economically recoverable reserves are used in determining the 
depreciation and/or amortisation of mine development assets and plant. This results in a depreciation/amortisation charge 
proportional to the depletion of the anticipated remaining life of mine production. Each item’s life, which is assessed annually, 
has regard to both its physical life limitations and present assessments of economically recoverable reserves of the mining 
interest at which the asset is located. The Group has adopted the total output method (i.e. ounces produced) as a basis for 
determining the UOP. Changes are accounted for prospectively.

Upon disposal or abandonment, the carrying amounts of property, plant and equipment and accumulated depreciation and 
depletion are removed from the accounts and any associated gains or losses are recorded in the statement of comprehensive 
income.

47

Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWOPERATIONAL REVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31st December 2018

Amounts incurred on assets under construction are capitalised until the asset becomes available for its intended use, at which 
time depreciation commences on the assets over its useful life. Repairs and maintenance of plant and equipment are expensed 
as incurred. Costs incurred to enhance the service potential of plant and equipment are capitalised and depreciated over the 
remaining useful life of the improved asset.

Impairment of property, plant and equipment
At each reporting date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its property, plant and equipment to determine whether there 
is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of 
the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where the asset does not generate cash 
flows that are independent from other assets, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which 
the asset belongs.

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future 
cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the 
time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.

If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying 
amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised as an 
expense immediately, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as 
a revaluation decrease.

Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is increased to the 
revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that 
would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (or cash-generating unit) in prior years. A 
reversal of an impairment loss is recognised as income immediately, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in 
which case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.

Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs are capitalised when they are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying 
assets, which are assets that take a substantial period of time to get ready for their intended use or sale. Borrowing costs 
are added to the cost of those assets, until such time as the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale, or 
if construction is interrupted for an extended period. All other borrowing costs are recognised in profit or loss in the period in 
which they are incurred.

Inventory
Inventory consists of finished goods, work-in-process, stockpiled ore and consumables. Finished goods, work-in-process, and 
stockpiled ore are valued at the lower of average production costs and net realisable value. Production costs include the cost 
of raw materials, direct labour, mine-site overhead expenses, depreciation and depletion of mining interests. Consumables are 
valued at the lower of average cost and net realisable value. Cost includes acquisition, freight and other directly attributable 
costs.

Net realisable value is calculated as the estimated sale price (based on prevailing market rates) less estimated future production 
costs to convert the inventories into saleable form. When inventories have been written down to net realisable value, a new 
assessment of net realisable value is made in each subsequent period. When the circumstances that caused the write down no 
longer exist, the amount of the write down is reversed.

Financial instruments
Recognition of financial assets and financial liabilities
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised on the Group’s statement of financial position when the Group becomes a 
party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Derecognition of financial assets and financial liabilities
The Group derecognises a financial asset only when the contractual rights to cash flows from the asset expire; or it transfers 
the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset to another entity. If the Group neither 
transfers nor retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership and continues to control the transferred asset, the 
Group recognises its retained interest in the asset and an associated liability for the amount it may have to pay. If the Group 
retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of a transferred financial asset, the Group continues to recognise the 
financial asset and also recognises a collateralised borrowing for the proceeds received.

The Group derecognises financial liabilities when the Group’s obligations are discharged, cancelled or expired.

Impairment of financial assets
The Group recognises a loss allowance for expected credit losses on financial assets which are either measured at amortised 
cost through other profit or loss. The measurement of the loss allowance depends upon the consolidated entity’s assessment 
at the end of each reporting period as to whether the financial instrument’s credit risk has increased significantly since initial 
recognition, based on reasonable and supportable information that is available, without undue cost or effort to obtain.

48

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird ResourcesWhere there has not been a significant increase in exposure to credit risk since initial recognition, a 12-month expected credit 
loss allowance is estimated. This represents a portion of the asset’s lifetime expected credit losses that is attributable to a 
default event that is possible within the next 12 months. Where a financial asset has become credit impaired or where it is 
determined that credit risk has increased significantly, the loss allowance is based on the asset’s lifetime expected credit losses. 
The amount of expected credit loss recognised is measured on the basis of the probability weighted present value of anticipated 
cash shortfalls over the life of the instrument discounted at the original effective interest rate.

Trade and other receivables
Trade and other receivables are measured at initial recognition at fair value, and are subsequently measured at amortised cost 
less any provision for impairment.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand and demand deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are 
readily convertible to a known amount of cash with three months or less remaining to maturity and are subject to an insignificant 
risk of changes in value.

Trade and other payables
Trade and other payables are initially measured at fair value, and are subsequently measured at amortised cost, using the 
effective interest rate method.

Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a legal or constructive obligation, as a result of past events, for which it is 
probable that an outflow of economic resource will result and that outflow can be reliably measured.

Rehabilitation
The Group records the present value of estimated costs of legal and constructive obligations required to restore mining and 
other operations in the period in which the obligation is incurred. The nature of these restoration activities includes dismantling 
and removing structures, rehabilitating mines and tailings dams, dismantling operating facilities, closure of plant and waste sites, 
and restoration, reclamation and revegetation of affected areas.

The obligation generally arises when the asset is installed, or the ground/environment is disturbed at the mining production 
location. When the liability is initially recognised, the present value of the estimated costs is capitalised by increasing the 
carrying amount of the related mining assets to the extent that it was incurred by the development/construction of the mine. 
Over time, the discounted liability is increased for the change in present value based on the discount rates that reflect current 
market assessments and the risks specific to the liability.

The periodic unwinding of the discount is recognised in profit or loss as a finance cost. Additional disturbances or changes in 
rehabilitation costs are recognised as additions or charges to the corresponding assets and rehabilitation liability when they 
occur.

Changes to estimated future costs are recognised in the statement of financial position by either increasing or decreasing the 
rehabilitation liability and asset to which it relates if the initial estimate was originally recognised as part of an asset measured in 
accordance with IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment.

Any reduction in the rehabilitation liability and, therefore, any deduction from the asset to which it relates, may not exceed the 
carrying amount of that asset. If it does, any excess over the carrying value is taken immediately to profit or loss.

Contingent liabilities
Contingent liabilities are possible obligations whose existence will be confirmed by uncertain future events that are not 
wholly within the control of the Group. An example is litigation against the Group when it is uncertain whether the Group has 
committed an act of wrongdoing and when it is not probable that settlement will be needed.

Contingent liabilities also include obligations that are not recognised because their amount cannot be measured reliably or 
because settlement is not probable. Contingent liabilities do not include provisions for which it is certain that the Group has 
a present obligation that is more likely than not to lead to an outflow of cash or other economic resources, even though the 
amount or timing is uncertain.

Unless the possibility of an outflow of economic resources is remote, a contingent liability is disclosed in the notes to the 
financial statements.

Warrants
Due to the exercise price of the warrants being in a different currency to the functional currency to the Company, at each 
reporting date the warrants are valued at the fair value with changes of fair value recognised in the profit and loss as they arise. 
Fair value is measured using the Black-Scholes model.

49

Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWOPERATIONAL REVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31st December 2018

Other financial liabilities (accounting for royalty financing)
In order to determine the appropriate accounting treatment for the royalty financing which is described in note 22, assessment 
is required of whether the substance of the arrangements constituted a financial liability, prior to commercial production the 
Group can be required to deliver cash to the provider in certain circumstances which are not all within the Group’s control, 
then this is considered by the Group to represent a financial liability. The Group has chosen not to designate this as “a fair 
value through profit or loss” financial liability and therefore it is recognised at amortised cost. Following commencement of 
commercial production, the Group is obliged to pay a percentage of its revenue, then this is considered to have extinguished the 
financial liability, and this is recognised as a part disposal of the relevant asset.

Borrowings
The Group records and measures borrowings at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Equity
Ordinary shares are classed as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares are shown in equity as a 
deduction from the proceeds.

Share-based payments
The Group has applied IFRS 2 Share based Payments for all share based payments.

The Group has used shares, share options and other share based payments as consideration for goods and services received 
from suppliers and employees.

Share based payments to employees and others providing similar services are measured at fair value at the date of grant. The 
fair value determined at the grant date of an equity-settled share based instrument is expensed on a straight-line basis over the 
vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of the shares (or other instruments) that will eventually vest. For equity settled 
share based payments the corresponding amount is credited to retained earnings. For cash settled share based payments the 
corresponding amount is recognised as a liability and remeasured at each reporting date with any changes in fair value being 
recognised in the statement of comprehensive income.

Equity-settled share based payment transactions with other parties are measured at the fair value of the goods or services 
received, except where the fair value cannot be estimated reliably or excess fair value of the identifiable goods or services 
received, in which case they are measured at the fair value of the equity instruments granted, measured at the date the entity 
obtains the goods or the counterparty renders the service. The fair value determined at the grant date of such an equity-settled 
share based instrument is expensed since the shares vest immediately. Where the services are related to the issue of shares, 
the fair values of these services are offset against share premium.

Fair value of share options are measured using the Black-Scholes model. The expected life used in the model has been 
adjusted based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural 
considerations.

Segmental reporting
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision 
maker. The chief operating decision maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the 
operating segments and making strategic decision, has been identified as the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors consider there to be only one operating segment during the year, the exploration, development and 
exploitation of mineral resources, and two geographical segments, being Liberia and Mali.

Business combinations
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the results of business combinations using the purchase method. In the 
consolidated statement of financial position, the acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are initially 
recognised at their fair values at the acquisition date, which is the date when control passes to the Company. The results of the 
acquired operations are included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income from the date on which control was 
obtained. Any difference arising between the fair value and tax base of the acquiree’s assets and liabilities that give rise to a 
taxable deductible difference results in recognition of deferred tax liability. No deferred tax liability is recognised on goodwill.

4.  CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS

In the application of the Group’s accounting policies, which are described in note 3, the Directors are required to make 
judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent 
from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are 
considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised 
in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or in the period of the revision and future 
periods if the revision affects both the current and future periods.

50

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird ResourcesThe following are the critical judgements and estimations that the Directors have made in the process of applying the Group’s 
accounting policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements:

Recoverability of exploration and evaluation assets
Determination as to whether an exploration and evaluation (E&E) asset is impaired requires an assessment of whether there 
are any indicators of impairment, including by reference to specific impairment indicators prescribed in IFRS 6 Exploration 
for and Evaluation of Mineral Resources. As E&E assets are assessed for impairment on a cost pool basis, the existence and 
quantum of any impairment is dependent on the choice of basis of cost pools. If there is any indication of potential impairment, 
an impairment test is required based on value in use of the asset. This assessment involves judgement as to: (i) the likely future 
commerciality of each cost pool of assets; (ii) when such commerciality should be determined; and (iii) the potential future 
revenues and the value in use. The value in use calculation requires the entity to estimate the future cash flows expected to 
arise from the cash-generating unit (“CGU)” and a suitable discount rate in order to calculate present value.

The Group considers there to be two cost pools, being the whole of Liberia and whole of Mali, and therefore aggregates assets 
in respect of each for the purposes of determining whether impairment of E&E assets has occurred.

Liberia
Having considered the recoverable amount of the Liberian CGU, with reference to the 2013 Preliminary Economic Assessment 
(‘PEA’) for the Group’s Dugbe Gold Project in Liberia, no impairment loss was recognised for the year ended 31 December 2018.

Mali
Having considered the recoverable amount of the Malian CGU, with reference to the Group’s latest budget and life of mine plan 
for the Group’s Yanfolila Gold Mine in Mali (noted below), no impairment loss was recognised for the year ended 31 December 
2018.

There is a possibility that changes in circumstances will alter these projections, which may impact on the recoverable amount of 
the assets.

Recoverability of mine property, plant and equipment
Determination as to whether, and by how much, an asset or cash generating unit (“CGU”) is impaired involves management 
estimates on highly uncertain matters such as; gold price, discount rates used in determining the estimated discounted cash 
flows of CGU, foreign exchange rates, the level of proved and probable reserves and measured, indicated and inferred mineral 
resources that may be included in the determination of fair value less cost to dispose (“fair value”), future technological changes 
which could impact the cost of mining, and future legal changes (including changes to environmental restoration obligations). 
The costs to dispose are estimated by management based on prevailing market conditions.

When applicable, fair value is estimated based on discounted cash flows using market based commodity price and exchange 
assumptions, estimated quantities of recoverable minerals, production levels, operating costs and capital requirements, based 
on CGU life of mine (LOM) plans. Consideration is also given to analysts valuations, and the market value of the Company’s 
securities. The fair value methodology adopted is categorised as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy (in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards).

The principal CGU, to which mine property, plant and equipment relates is the Group’s Yanfolila Gold Mine in Mali (operating 
segment). In determining the recoverable amount of CGU at 31 December 2018, future cash flows were discounted using rates 
based on the Group’s estimated weighted average cost of capital. When it is considered appropriate to do so, an additional 
premium is applied with regard to the geographic location and nature of the CGU. LOM operating and capital cost assumptions 
are based on the Group’s latest budget and LOM plan.

The table below summarises the key assumptions used in the carrying value assessments:

Gold price ($ per ounce):

2018: $1,150 – $1,250 
2017: N/A

Commodity price and foreign exchange rates were estimated with 
reference to external market forecasts. The rates applied to the 
valuation had regard to observable market data.

Discount rate % (post tax):

2018: 18.5% – 23.5% 
2017: N/A

In determining the fair value of CGU, the future cash flows were 
discounted using rates based on the Group’s estimated real 
weighted average cost of capital, with an additional premium 
applied having regard to the geographic location of the CGU and 
Company size.

Operating and capital costs:

Life-of-mine operating and capital cost assumptions are based on the Group’s latest budget and 
life of mine plan.

Having considered the recoverable amount of the CGU, no impairment loss was recognised for the year ended 31 December 
2018. As always, there is a possibility that changes in circumstances will alter these projections, which may impact on the 
recoverable amount of the assets.

51

Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWOPERATIONAL REVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31st December 2018

Recoverability of other receivables and impairment of financial assets
Government of Mali
Included in other receivables is an amount of CFA 6,624,517,000 $10,768,000 (2017: $10,955,000), due from the Government 
of Mali, arising on 2 February 2017 when the Government of Mali exercised its right to acquire an additional 10% of Societe Des 
Mines De Komana SA (taking its total interest in Societe Des Mines De Komana SA to 20%). The Group remains in discussions 
with the Government of Mali as to the timing and mechanism of payment of this consideration. The relevant shares will not be 
issued until the payment mechanism has been agreed.

The Group consider the receivable to be ‘credit-impaired’ as it remains unpaid more than 1 year since the Government of Mali 
exercised its right. Having considered multiple scenarios on the manner, timing, quantum and probability of recovery on the 
receivable, the Group recognised a lifetime expected credit loss of $1,903,000 on adoption of IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ 
(taken directly to opening retained earnings). Following a weakening of CFA against USD, the assessment of lifetime expected 
credit loss was revised to $1,815,000 as at 31 December 2018. The allowance for lifetime expected credit losses assessment 
requires a significant degree of estimation and judgement.

Deferred tax assets
In assessing the probability of realising potential deferred tax assets, management makes estimates related to expectations 
of future taxable income, applicable tax opportunities, expected timing of reversals of existing temporary differences and the 
likelihood that tax positions taken will be sustained upon examination by applicable tax authorities. In making its assessments, 
management gives additional weight to positive and negative evidence that can be objectively verified. Estimates of future 
taxable income are based on forecasted cash flows from operations and the application of existing tax laws in each jurisdiction. 
Forecasted cash flows from operations are based on life of mine projections internally developed and reviewed by management. 
Weight is attached to tax planning opportunities that are within the Group’s control, and are feasible and implementable without 
significant obstacles. The likelihood that tax positions taken will be sustained upon examination by applicable tax authorities is 
assessed based on individual facts and circumstances of the relevant tax position evaluated in light of all available evidence. 
Where applicable tax laws and regulations are either unclear or subject to ongoing varying interpretations, it is reasonably 
possible that changes in these estimates can occur that materially affect the amounts of income tax assets recognised. At the 
end of each reporting period, the Group reassesses unrecognised and recognised income tax assets, and there is the possibility 
that a change in circumstances may impact on the recoverability of the relevant deferred tax asset.

Rehabilitation provision
The Group assesses its mine rehabilitation provision at each reporting date. Significant estimates and assumptions are 
made in determining the provision for mine rehabilitation as there are numerous factors that will affect the ultimate amount 
payable. These factors include estimates of the extent and costs of rehabilitation activities, technological changes, regulatory 
changes, cost increases as compared to the inflation rates (2%) and changes in discount rates (2%). These uncertainties may 
result in future actual expenditure differing from the amounts currently provided. The provision at reporting date represents 
management’s best estimate of the present value of the future rehabilitation costs required.

5.  SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

Statement of comprehensive income
Year ended 31 December 2018

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Share based payments

Other administrative expenses

Operating loss

Finance income

Finance expense

Share of associate loss

Share of joint venture loss

Impairment of associate

Reversals in impairment of financial assets

Loss on financial assets measured at fair value

Loss before tax

Tax

Loss after tax

52

Mali
S’000

Liberia
$’000

Corporate
$’000

 116,310 

(111,609)  

4,701

 — 

(2,410)  

 2,291 

 3,583 

(8,588)  

 — 

 — 

 88 

(2,626)  

(1,163)  

(3,789)  

 — 

 — 

 — 

 — 

(24)  

(24)  

 — 

(1)  

 — 

 — 

 — 

 — 

(25)  

 — 

(25)  

Total
$’000

 116,539 

(111,980)  

4,559

 338 

(10,975)  

(4,937)  

 4,797 

(9,119)  

(235)  

(2)  

 229 

(371)  

(142)  

 338 

(7,400)  

(7,204)  

 1,214 

(530)  

(235)  

(2)  

(2,044)  

(2,044)  

(198)  

 88 

(198)  

(8,999)  

(11,650)  

 — 

(1,163)  

(8,999)  

(12,813)  

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird ResourcesStatement of financial position
Year ended 31 December 2018

Segment assets

Segment liabilities

Segment net assets

Statement of comprehensive income
Year ended 31 December 2017

Share based payments

Other administrative expenses

Operating loss

Finance income

Finance expense

Profit on disposal of subsidiaries

Share of associate loss

Loss before tax

Tax

Loss after tax

Statement of financial position
Year ended 31 December 2017

Segment assets

Segment liabilities

Segment net assets

Non-current assets for the year ending 31 December 2018

Intangible exploration and evaluation assets

Intangible assets software

Property, plant and equipment

Investment in associates

Investment in joint ventures

Segment non-current assets

Non-current assets for the year ending 31 December 2017

Intangible exploration and evaluation assets

Intangible assets software

Property, plant and equipment

Investment in associates

Segment non-current assets

Mali  
$’000

Liberia  
$’000

Corporate
$’000

Total
$’000

 187,909 

 61,866 

 10,418 

 260,193 

(109,270)  

(15,272)  

(5,036)  

(129,578)  

 78,639 

 46,594 

 5,382 

 130,615 

Mali
S’000

 — 

(1,081)  

(1,081)  

 5,142 

(6,019)  

 1,919 

 — 

(39)  

 — 

(39)  

Liberia
$’000

Corporate
$’000

Total
$’000

(424)  

(6,361)  

(6,775)  

 6,514 

(6,877)  

 1,919 

(117)  

(424)  

(5,303)  

(5,727)  

 1,372 

(858)  

 — 

(117)  

(5,330)  

(5,336)  

 — 

 — 

(5,330)  

(5,336)  

 — 

(33)  

(33)  

 — 

 — 

 — 

 — 

 33 

 — 

 33 

Mali
S’000

 174,429 

(87,270)  

 87,159 

Liberia
$’000

 61,102 

(15,192)  

 45,910 

Corporate
$’000

Total
$’000

 18,686 

 254,217 

(6,978)  

(109,440)  

 11,708 

 144,777 

Mali
$’000

7,396

118

140,438

—

—

Liberia
$’000

61,775

—

—

—

—

Corporate
$’000

—

—

285

1,425

103

Total
$’000

69,171

118

140,723

1,425

103

147,952

61,775

1,813 

211,540

Mali
$’000

2,245

163

129,659

—

Liberia
$’000

61,004

—

—

—

132,067

61,004

Corporate
$’000

—

—

295

3,704

3,999

Total
$’000

63,249

163

129,954

3,704

197,070

Geographic information
During the year the Group had one operating segment, based in Mali. Revenues in connection with the operating segment 
totalled $116,310,000 and were derived from a single external customer. The Group is not economically dependent on the 
customer, as gold can be sold through numerous commodity market traders worldwide.

53

Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWOPERATIONAL REVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31st December 2018

Additionally, during the year (via its UK head office) the Group commended sale of Single Mine Origin (“SMO”) gold and gold 
investment coins. Revenues of $229,000 were derived from a single related customer (note 28).

Revenues from customers are based on the locations of the customers.

Gold grain

SMO gold and gold investment coins

Total revenue from customers

6.  ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES BY NATURE

Other income

Audit fees, including fees paid to subsidiary auditors (note 7)

Non-audit fees, including fees paid to subsidiary advisors (note 7)

Bank charges

Communications and IT

Charitable donations

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (note 14)

Insurance

Marketing

Office expenses

Other taxes

Professional and consultancy 

Rent under operating leases

Staff costs excluding share-based payments and employers NI accrual on share options

Travel and accommodation

Share based payments 

(Release)/charge of employers NI accrual on share options

Net foreign exchange losses

7.  AUDITOR’S REMUNERATION

Amounts payable to RSM UK Audit LLP and its associates in respect of both audit and non-audit services:

Audit fees

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the annual accounts

Fees payable to the Company’s auditors for the audit of certain subsidiaries

Total audit fees

Non-audit fees payable to associates of the Company’s auditor

Taxation compliance

Taxation advice

Total non-audit fees

54

Location

USA

UK

2018
$’000

116,310

229

116,539

2017
$’000

—

—

—

2017
$’000

(98)  

60

17

3

121

—

10

159

208

123

—

2,574

134

2,210

300

424

153

377

6,775

2017
$’000

39

8

47

8

9

17

 2018
$’000

(203)  

145

18

25

176

38

124

208

656

344

520

2,946

145

3,661

528

(338)  

(152)  

655

9,496

 2018
$’000

108

6

114

8

6

14

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird Resources8.  STAFF COSTS

The average monthly number of employees and directors was:

Directors

Other employees

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

Wages and salaries 

Social security costs

Pensions

(Release)/charge for share based payments

(Release)/charge for potential social security costs related to share based payments

2018
Number

2017
Number

7

230

237

2018
$’000

8,773

1,560

115

(32)  

(106)  

10,310

7

102

109

2017
$’000

6,403

1,056

97

1,844

361

9,761

Within wages and salaries, $1,403,000 (2017: $1,281,000) relates to remuneration payable to directors, included within share 
based payments is a net release from accruals of $338,000 (2017: net charge to accruals $424,000) under cash-settled share 
based payment scheme payable to directors, and within pensions is $68,000 (2017: $59,000) relating to pension contributions in 
respect of directors.

The total remuneration of the highest paid director is $486,000 (2017: $479,000) comprising $447,000 (2017: $444,000) in 
relation to wages and salaries and pension contributions of $39,000 (2017: $35,000).

The number of directors to whom benefits are accruing under defined contribution pension schemes is 2 (2017: 2).

Included within staff costs is $839,000 (2017: $258,000) capitalised to intangible exploration and evaluation assets and 
$930,000 (2017: $6,797,000) capitalised in to Mine Development assets.

9.  FINANCE INCOME AND EXPENSE

Finance income

Interest on bank deposits

Foreign exchange gain

Gain on revaluation of warrants (note 24)

Finance expense

Interest on borrowings

Amortisation of borrowing costs (note 17)

Unwinding of discount on rehabilitation provision

Foreign exchange loss

Loss on revaluation of warrants (note 24)

2018
$’000

250

3,498

1,049

4,797

2018
$’000

6,370

913

312

1,524

—

9,119

Foreign exchange gains and losses arose on non-functional currency bank deposits and foreign currency loans.

2017
$’000

336

6,178

—

6,514

2017
$’000

—

—

—

6,019

858

6,877

55

Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWOPERATIONAL REVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31st December 2018

10.  TAX

The taxation charge for the period can be reconciled to the loss per the statement of comprehensive income as follows:

 Loss before tax

Tax credit at the rate of tax 30.00% (2017: 19.25%)

Tax effect of non-deductible expenses

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

Deferred tax asset not recognised

Minimum tax pursuant to mining convention

Tax expense for the year

2018
$’000

(11,650)  

(3,495)  

11

(6,167)  

9,651

1,163

1,163

2017
$’000

(5,336)  

(1,027)  

3

191

833

—

—

During the year ended 31 December 2018, the Group’s primary tax rate was aligned with its operations in Mali of 30%. The 
taxation of the Group’s operations in Mali are aligned to the mining convention (Mining Code of Mali 1999) under which tax is 
charged at an amount not less than 1% of turnover and not more than 30% of taxable profits.

During the year ended 31 December 2017, the Group’s primary tax rate was aligned with the Company’s tax rate of 19.25% (the 
UK corporate tax rate changed from 20% to 19% on 1 April 2017).

11.  LOSS PER ORDINARY SHARE

Basic loss per ordinary share is calculated by dividing the net loss for the year attributable to ordinary equity holders of the 
parent by the weighted average number of Ordinary shares outstanding during the year.

The calculation of the basic and diluted loss per share is based on the following data:

Losses

Loss for the purposes of basic loss per share being net loss attributable to equity holders 
of the parent

(10,250)  

(5,336)  

Number of shares

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes of basic loss per share

349,510,437

343,566,800

 2018
Number

 2017
Number

 2018
$’000

 2017
$’000

Loss per ordinary share

Basic and diluted 

 2018
$ cents

(2.93)  

 2017
$ cents

(1.55)  

At the reporting date there were 25,029,585 (2017: 20,515,061) potentially dilutive ordinary shares. Potentially dilutive ordinary 
shares include share options issued to employees and directors, warrants issued and the conditional acquisition of the 20% 
interest in the Joe Village licence, which the Group did not previously own as described in note 23. At 31 December 2018 the 
potential ordinary shares are anti-dilutive and therefore there is no difference between basic and diluted loss per share.

56

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird Resources12.  ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES

Name of entity

Place of business/country of 
incorporation

% of ownership interest

2018
$

2017
%

Nature of
relationship

Measurement
method

Cora Gold Limited

British Virgin Islands

28.18% 33.85%  Associate 1

Equity method

Betts Investments Limited

United Kingdom

19.36%

— Joint venture 2

Equity method

Quoted fair value

2018
$’000

1,425

—*

2017
$’000

3,013

—*

1 —  Cora Gold Limited (“Cora”) is incorporated and domiciled in the British Virgin Islands with securities traded on the AIM market of the London Stock 

Exchange. The principal activity of Cora and its subsidiaries is the exploration and development of mineral projects, with a primary focus in West Africa, 
which is aligned with the principal activities of Hummingbird.

2 —  Betts Investments Limited (“BIL”) has been established for the marketing of gold and other precious metals investment products.

* Private entity – no quoted price available.

Investments in associates & joint ventures:

Opening carrying value

Acquisition at cost

Share of loss

Provision for impairment

Closing carrying value

Cora Gold Limited

Betts Investments Limited

2018
$’000

 3,704

 —

(235)  

(2,044)  

 1,425

2017  
$’000

—

 3,821

(117)  

 —

 3,704

2018
$’000

—

 105

(2)  

—

 103

2017 
$’000

—

—

—

—

 —

Investments in associates & joint ventures as at 31 December 2018 totalled $1,528,000 (2017: $3,704,000).

Summarised financial statement information (100% share) of associates and joint ventures, based on their financial statements, 
and a reconciliation with the carrying amount of the investment in the Group’s consolidated financial statements, are set out 
below:

Summarised statement of comprehensive income:

Profit/(loss) before income tax

Income tax expense

Profit/(loss) for the year

Group’s % ownership

Group’s share of loss

Summarised statement of financial position:

Non-current assets

Current assets

Current liabilities

Net assets

Group’s % ownership

Group’s share of net assets

Cora Gold Limited

Betts Investments Limited

2018
$’000

(833)  

 —

(833)  

2017
$’000

(346)  

 — 

(346)  

2018
$’000

(11)  

 —

(11)  

28.18%

33.85%

19.36%

(235)  

(117)  

(2)  

2017
$’000

 —

 —

 —

—

 —

Cora Gold Limited

Betts Investments Limited

2018
$’000

 9,814

 927

(192)  

 10,549

28.18%

 2,973

2017
$’000

 7,342

 3,530

(171)  

 10,701

33.85%

 3,622

2018
$’000

 13

 72

(1)  

 85

19.36%

 16

2017
$’000

 —

 —

 —

 —

—

 —

57

Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWOPERATIONAL REVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31st December 2018

Reconciliation to carrying amounts:

Group’s share of net assets (as shown above)

Goodwill

Provision for impairment

Closing carrying value

Cora Gold Limited

Betts Investments Limited

2018
$’000

 2,973

 —

(1,548)  

 1,425

2017
$’000

 3,622

 82

 —

 3,704

2018
$’000

 16

 87

—

 103

2017
$’000

 —

 —

 —

 —

Cora Gold Limited (“Cora”)
On 11 April 2017 the Group entered in to a sale and purchase agreement to sell two exploration companies containing 
exploration permits, Hummingbird Exploration Mali SARL (“HEM”) and Sankarani Resources Mali SARL (“SKR”), to Cora Gold 
Limited (“Cora”) in exchange for a 50% shareholding in Cora. Accordingly, during the year ended 31 December 2017 the Group 
recognised a profit on disposal of subsidiary totalling $1,919,000.

As a result of a weakening in the Cora’s share price during the year to $0.08 (£0.06) from, $0.16 (£0.12) at 31 December 2017, 
the Group recognised an impairment charge of $2,044,000. The impairment is comprised of a permanent diminution in value of 
$497,000 relating to dilutions in ownership, and a further provision for impairment of $1,548,000 at the reporting date.

The carrying value of $1,425,000 (£1,117,000) approximates the investments fair value at 31 December 2018.

Betts Investments Limited (“BIL”)
On 23 May 2018 the Group entered into a joint venture agreement (“JV Agreement”) with Stephen Betts and Sons Limited 
(“SBS”) and Betts Investments Limited (“BIL”). Daniel Betts and Stephen Betts who are both directors of the Company, are 
also directors of and shareholders in SBS.

Under the JV Agreement, the Group invested $105,000 (£75,000) for a 19.36% interest in BIL, with the option to increase its 
stake to 49% for a further investment of £75,000. The Group has agreed to sell Hummingbird gold investment coins to SBS to 
fulfil orders placed by customers via BIL. Additionally, the Group will provide marketing support and treasury services to BIL. 
SBS shall be responsible for the fulfilment of all orders of gold and other precious metals investment products and BIL will 
receive a commission equal to 50% of the gross margin on all sales of gold and other precious metals investment products.

13.  INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible exploration and evaluation assets

Cost

At 31 December 2016

Additions for the year

Discontinued operations

At 31 December 2017

Additions for the year

At 31 December 2018

Liberia
$’000

60,537

467

—

61,004

771

61,775

Mali
$’000

2,600

800

Total
$’000

63,137

1,267

(1,155)  

(1,155)  

2,245

5,151

7,396

63,249

5,922

69,171

Exploration in Liberia is undertaken by Hummingbird Resources (Liberia) Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary. The intangible 
exploration and evaluation assets in respect of Liberia principally relate to the Dugbe Gold Project (“Dugbe”). As announced on 
1 May 2019 (note 31), the Group has signed a 25-year renewable Mineral Development Agreement (“MDA”) with the with the 
Government of Liberia (“GoL”), covering a land package of approximately 2,000km2, which includes the Group’s 4.2Moz Dugbe 
Project. In accordance with the MDA, the GoL will be granted a 10% free carried interest in Hummingbird Resources (Liberia) 
Inc.

Intangible exploration and evaluation assets in respect of Mali principally relate to the Yanfolila Gold Project. Exploration licences 
in Mali provide the Government with the right to a 10% free carried interest and the right to buy a further 10% interest.

58

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird ResourcesIntangible software assets

Cost

At 31 December 2016

Additions

At 31 December 2017

Disposals

At 31 December 2018

Accumulated amortisation

At 31 December 2016

Charge for the year

At 31 December 2017

Charge for the year

At 31 December 2018

Carrying amount

At 31 December 2017

At 31 December 2018

Total
$’000

—

185

185

(9)

176

—

22

22

36

58

163

118

Intangible software assets include software purchased for the operations of the mine.

14.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Mine 
Development 1
$’000

Mine Closure 1
$’000

Plant & 
Equipment 1
$’000

Infrastructure 2
$’000

Mobile & Other 
Equipment 2
$’000

Assets Under 
Construction 2
$’000

Other 2
$’000

Total PPE
$’000

Cost

At 31 December 2016

Additions

Disposals

At 31 December 2017

Additions

Transfers of finished PPE

Transfers to inventory

At 31 December 2018

Accumulated depreciation 

At 31 December 2016

Charge for the year

Disposals

At 31 December 2017

Charge for the year

At 31 December 2018

Carrying amount

At 31 December 2017

At 31 December 2018

47,032

41,588

—

88,620

1,945

2,948

(3,500)  

90,013

1,060

—

—

1,060

12,089

13,149

87,560

76,864

—

—

—

—

13,229

—

—

737

39

—

776

—

883

60

—

943

—

33,373

16,566

—

—

2,405

117

—

2,522

—

59

—

13,229

34,149

17,509

2,581

—

—

—

—

1,801

1,801

644

49

—

693

3,921

4,614

727

54

—

781

1,977

2,758

2,260

70

—

2,330

58

2,388

4,712

36,950

—

41,662

18,941

(52,937)  

—

7,666

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

83

162

11,428

29,535

14,751

192

193

41,662

7,666

549

293

(42)  

801

114

—

—

56,318

79,047

(42)  

135,323

34,229

9

(3,500)  

915

166,062

537

10

(42)  

505

124

629

295

286

5,228

183

(42)  

5,369

19,970

25,339

129,954

140,723

1 —  Units of Production(“UoP”) method of depreciation
2 —  Straight line (“SL”) method of depreciation

Categories of property, plant and equipment for the year ended 31 December 2017 have been reclassified in order to match a 
broader set of categories identified during preparation of the consolidated financial statements for 31 December 2018. Total PPE 
for the year ended 31 December 2017 remained unchanged.

In respect of the year ended 31 December 2017, additions to Mine Development assets include capitalised borrowing costs of 
$5,012,000, being $4,112,000 of loan interest and $900,000 of amortised borrowing costs (note17).

59

Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWOPERATIONAL REVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31st December 2018

15.  SUBSIDIARIES

The Company had investments in the following subsidiary undertakings as at 31 December 2018:

Name

Directly held

Country of incorporation
and operation

Proportion
of voting
interest %

Activity

Trochilidae Resources Limited
Falcon Cliff,Palace Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM2 4LB

Isle of Man

100

Hummingbird Resources (Liberia) Inc.
Hummingbird House, Sophie Area, Congo Town, Monrovia, Liberia

Afro Minerals Inc.
Hummingbird House, Sophie Area, Congo Town, Monrovia, Liberia

Golden Grebe Mining Limited
46-63 Spencer Street, Hockley, Birmingham, England BD18 6DE, UK

Liberia

Liberia

United Kingdom

Indirectly held

Deveton Mining Company
Hummingbird House, Sophie Area, Congo Town, Monrovia, Liberia

Sinoe Exploration Limited
Warren & Carrey Street Intersection, Congo Town, Monrovia, Liberia

Hummingbird Security Limited
Hummingbird House, Sophie Area, Congo Town, Monrovia, Liberia

Glencar Mining PLC
10 Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, DO2 T380, Ireland

Liberia

Liberia

Liberia

Ireland

100

80

100

80

90

100

100

Centrebind Agency Limited
17 GR.Xenopolou, 3106 Limasol, Cyprus

Glencar International (BVI) Limited
Craigmuirr Chambers, Road Town, Tortola, BVI

Cyprus

100

British Virgin Islands

100

Intermediate 
holding & 
service company

Exploration & 
development

Dormant

Intermediate 
holding 
company

Dormant

Exploration

Security

Intermediate 
holding 
company

Intermediate 
holding 
company

Intermediate 
holding 
company

Glencar Mali SARL
Sebenikoro Villa Fatoumata Bangoura Cissoko, Lot B11 Commune iv, 
Bamako, Mali

Société des Mines de Komana SA 1
Sebenikoro Villa Fatoumata Bangoura Cissoko, Lot B11 Commune iv, 
Bamako, Mali

Sunangel Resources Limited
Falcon Cliff,Palace Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM2 4LB

Sunangel Resources SARL
09 BP 399 Ouagadougou 09, Burkina Faso

Yanfolila Mining Limited
Falcon Cliff,Palace Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM2 4LB

Yanfolila Finance Limited
Falcon Cliff,Palace Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM2 4LB

Yanfolila Holdings Limited
Falcon Cliff,Palace Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM2 4LB

Mali

100

Exploration

Mali

80 Development & 
Mining

Isle of Man

100

Burkina Faso

Isle of Man

Isle of Man

Isle of Man

100

100

100

100

Intermediate 
holding 
company

Exploration

Intermediate 
holding 
company

Finance 
company

Intermediate 
holding 
company

1 —  On 2 February 2017 the Government of Mali exercised its right to participate in the Yanfolila project by acquiring in the subsidiary;

  i)  
  ii) 

a 10% free carried interest (pursuant to the applicable mining law); and
 a 10% additional interest (for agreed consideration). The Group remains in discussions with the Government of Mali as to 
the timing and mechanism of payment for the additional interest. The relevant shares will not be issued until the payment 
mechanism has been agreed.

60

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird ResourcesThe Government of Mali’s participation interest is considered a non-controlling interest, being a change in the ownership of a 
subsidiary that does not result in a change in control.

Additionally, as at 31 December 2018 the Group had a 28.18% investment in Cora Gold Limited and 19.36% investment in Betts 
Investments Limited (note 12).

Non-controlling interests
Société des Mines de Komana SA in which the NCI is 20%.

Movement in NCI during the year are as follows:

At 31 December 2016

10% free carried interest

10% additional interest (note16)

At 31 December 2017

Loss attributable to NCI (on adoption of IFRS 9)

Loss attributable to NCI

31 December 2018

Summarised financial information of the subsidiary, prior to elimination of intra-group items is set out below:

Total
$’000

—

—

4,171

4,171

(381)  

(2,563)  

1,227

Non-current assets

Current assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Loss after tax

16.  CURRENT ASSETS

Inventory

Finished gold

Gold in process

Stockpiled ore

Consumables

2018
$’000

2017
$’000

 188,263

 179,458

 33,400

 36,172

(32,532)  

(21,891)  

(74,472)  

(64,650)  

 114,659

 129,089

2018
$’000

(2,365)  

(2,365)  

2017
$’000

(1,627)  

(1,627)  

2018
$’000

4,565

 5,655

 1,779

1,808

13,807

2017
$’000

—

—

—

1,392

1,392

At 31 December 2018, inventory included a provision of $4,916,000 to adjust finished gold and gold in process inventory to net 
realisable value (2017: $Nil), being a provision of $676,000 and $4,240,000 respectively.

Cost of inventories of $73,862,000 were recognised within production costs during the year.

61

Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWOPERATIONAL REVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31st December 2018

Trade and other receivables

Other receivables

Less: Allowance for expected credit losses

Net other receivables

Prepayments and accrued income

VAT recoverable

2018
$’000

13,347

(2,013)  

11,334

1,298

684

13,316

2017
$’000

14,107

—

14,107

552

476

15,135

Government of Mali
Included in other receivables is an amount of CFA 6,624,517,000, $10,768,000 (2017: $10,955,000), due from the Government 
of Mali, arising on 2 February 2017 when the Government of Mali exercised its right to acquire an additional 10% of Societe Des 
Mines De Komana SA (taking its total interest in Societe Des Mines De Komana SA to 20%). The Group remains in discussions 
with the Government of Mali as to the timing and mechanism of payment of this consideration. The relevant shares will not be 
issued until the payment mechanism has been agreed.

Having considered multiple scenarios on the manner, timing, quantum and probability of recovery on the receivable, the Group 
recognised a lifetime expected credit loss of $1,903,000 on adoption of IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ (taken directly to opening 
retained earnings). Following a weakening of CFA against USD, the assessment of lifetime expected credit loss was revised to 
$1,815,000 as at 31 December 2018.

Refer to note 27 for a reconciliation of lifetime expected credit losses.

Bunker Hill Mining Corp
Included in other receivables is an amount of $2,101,000, due from Bunker Hill Mining Corp (“Bunker Hill”), a Canadian listed 
exploration and development company, arising when the Company entered into an arm’s length convertible loan arrangement, 
advancing $1,500,000 and $500,000 on 18 June 2018 and 9 August 2018 respectively. The loan is repayable one year from the 
date of advance and attracts interest of 10% p.a. calculated daily from date of advance until repayment or conversion.

As at 31 December 2018, management assessed the fair value of the conversion element in light of a weakening in Bunker 
Hills listed share price. Consequently, a loss on revaluation to fair value of $198,000 was recognised in the statement of 
comprehensive income.

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of these assets approximates their fair value.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents as at 31 December 2018 of $17,320,000 (2017: $36,210,000) comprise cash held by the Group.

Restricted cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash and cash equivalents of $4,210,000 (2017: $4,410,000), is cash held in an escrow account as part of the security 
for the Coris Bank loan (note 17).

Net debt reconciliation

Unrestricted cash

Restricted cash

Total cash & cash equivalents

Borrowings (note 17)

Net debt

62

At 
1 January
 2018
$’000

36,210

4,410

40,620

Cash flow
$’000

(17,360)  

—

(17,360)  

(64,650)  

1,742

(24,030)  

(15,618)  

Foreign
Exchange
Movement
$’000

Amortisation
of issue costs
$’000

At 
31 December
2018
$’000

(1,530)  

(200)  

(1,730)  

2,889

1,159

—

—

—

17,320

4,210

21,530

(912)  

(912)  

(60,931)  

(39,401)  

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird Resources17.  BORROWINGS

At 1 January 2018

Received during the year

Issue costs capitalised in the year

Issue costs amortised in the year

Interest charged during the year

Principal & interest repayments during the year

Foreign exchange gain during the year

Total borrowings at 31 December 2018

Payable within one year included under current liabilities

Payable after one year included under non-current liabilities

Coris Senior
Loan Facility
$’000

Coris Second
Ball Mill Facility
$’000

64,650

—

—

912

 5,871

(16,781)  

(2,889)  

51,763

 19,584

 32,179

 —

 9,600

(432)  

—

—

—

—

 9,168

 528

 8,640

Total
Borrowings
$’000

 64,650

 9,600

(432)  

912

 5,871

(16,781)  

(2,889)  

 60,931

 20,112

 40,819

Coris Senior Loan Facility
On 11 April 2017, the Group’s subsidiary, Société des Mines de Komana SA (“SMK”) entered into a senior secured term debt 
facility with Coris Bank International (“Coris”) for CFA 37,000,000,000 (approximately $60,000,000). On 10 April 2017 SMK drew 
down the CFA 15,500,000,000 (approximately $25,000,000) and on 4 July 2017 drew down the remaining CFA 21,500,000,000 
(approximately $35,000,000). The debt facility has the following key terms:

•  A 4 year term.
•  Interest at 9% per annum (payable monthly).
•  Principal deferral period of 12 months from first draw down, payable monthly thereon.

Coris Second Ball Mill Facility
On 26 November 2018, following approval for the construction of the Second Ball Mill at the Yanfolila Mine, the Group’s 
subsidiary, SMK, entered into a senior secured term debt facility with Coris for CFA 5,500,000,000 (approximately $9,600,000). 
On 28 December 2018 SMK drew down the balance of the facility. The debt facility has the following key terms:

•  A 2 year term.
•  Interest at 9% per annum (payable monthly).
•  Principal deferral period of 12 months from first draw down, payable monthly thereon.

Coris Overdraft Facility
On 26 November 2018, the Group’s subsidiary, SMK entered into an overdraft facility with Coris for CFA 5,500,000,000 
(approximately $9,600,000), to provide additional working capital flexibility. The Coris Overdraft Facility carries an interest rate of 
9% per annum and remains available twelve months from date of signing. This facility was undrawn as at 31 December 2018.

Security for the borrowings was granted to Coris over the assets of SMK, a parent company guarantee and restricted cash held 
in an escrow account (note 16).

The Group records and measures borrowings at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

18.  PROVISIONS

Rehabilitation provision

At 1 January 2018

Arising during the year 1

Unwinding of discount

Total borrowing at 31 December 2018

Total
$’000

—

13,229

312

13,541

1 – Capitalised to property, plant and equipment (note 14).
The Group makes full provision for the future cost of rehabilitating mine sites and related production facilities on a discounted 
basis at the time of developing the mines and installing and using those facilities.

The rehabilitation provision represents the present value of rehabilitation costs relating to mine sites, which are expected to be 
incurred up to 2029. These provisions have been created based on the Group’s internal estimates. Assumptions based on the 
current economic environment have been made, which management believes are a reasonable basis upon which to estimate 
the future liability. These estimates are reviewed regularly to take into account any material changes to the assumptions. 

63

Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWOPERATIONAL REVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31st December 2018

However, actual rehabilitation costs will ultimately depend upon future market prices for the necessary decommissioning works 
required which will reflect market conditions at the relevant time. Furthermore, the timing of rehabilitation is likely to depend 
on when the mines cease to produce at economically viable rates. This, in turn, will depend upon future gold prices, which are 
inherently uncertain.

19.  DEFERRED TAX

Differences between IFRS and statutory tax rules give rise to temporary differences between the carrying values of certain 
assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and for income tax purposes.

At 31 December 2018, the Group had unrecognised deferred tax assets of $15,776,000 (2017: $6,554,000) in respect of UK and 
Malian tax losses. No deferred tax asset has been recognised in respect of these amounts as the recovery is dependent on the 
future profitability, the timing and the certainty of which cannot reasonably be foreseen.

The table below sets out the maximum deferred tax assets and liabilities that could be recognised by the Group at 31 December 
2018. The liability of $5,832,000 in respect of accelerated tax depreciation is fully offset against tax losses at the Mali corporate 
tax rate of an equal amount. The resulting net deferred tax balance of $Nil is therefore omitted on the face of the Group’s 
statement of financial position.

At 31 December 2016

Tax losses during the year

At 31 December 2017

Revisions on earlier taxes rates 

Tax losses during the year

Accelerated tax depreciation

At 31 December 2018

Revisions on earlier taxes rates

Tax losses during the year

Accelerated tax depreciation

Effect of different tax rates 

Deferred tax assets not recognised (note 10).

UK Corporate Tax Rate

Mali Corporate Tax Rate 1

Deferred tax 
assets
$’000

Deferred tax 
liability
$’000

Deferred tax 
assets
$’000

Deferred tax 
liability
$’000

Net deferred tax 
assets
$’000

5,721

833

6,554

(85)  

596

—

7,065

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

14,543

—

14,543

—

—

—

—

—

(5,832)  

(5,832)  

2018
$’000

(85)  

15,139

(5,832)  

429

9,651

5,721

833

6,554

(85)  

15,139

(5,832)  

15,776

2017
$’000

—

833

—

—

833

1 — The taxation of the Group’s operations in Mali are aligned to the mining convention (Mining Code of Mali 1999) under which tax is charged at an 

amount not less than 1% of turnover and not more than 30% of taxable profits.

20.  TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Trade payables

Other taxes and social security

VAT payable

Accruals 

Other payables

2018
$’000

20,084

5,496

93

13,060

1,054

39,787

2017
$’000

11,939

4,694

310

9,762

1,717

28,422

The average credit period taken for trade purchases is 56 days (2017: 55 days). Where possible the Group seeks to settle 
agreed payables within the contractual timeframe. The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other payables 
approximates to their fair value.

Included within accruals is an amount of $910,000 (2017: $792,000) being an apportionment of the cash award in respect of 
Hummingbird Incentive Plan – Performance Orientated (“HIPPO 2016”) (note 25). The pension creditor at 31 December 2018 
was $10,000 (2017: $9,000).

64

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird Resources21.  OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS

At the reporting date, the Group had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable 
operating leases, which fall due as follows:

Within one year

In the second to fifth years inclusive

Greater than five years

2018
$’000

1,901

5,898

—

7,799

2017
$’000

1,731

6,785

2,436

10,952

Operating lease payments represent rentals payable by the Group for the Yanfolila Gold Mine power plant generators, in addition 
to lease costs for properties located in Liberia, Mali, and the head office in the UK.

22.  OTHER FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

Royalty liability

Warrant liability (notes 9 and 24)

2018
$’000

15,000

319

15,319

2017
$’000

15,000

1,368

16,368

Royalty liability
On 17 December 2012 the Group entered into a royalty financing arrangement with APG AUS No 5 Pty Limited (a wholly owned 
subsidiary of Anglo Pacific Group PLC “APG”) in relation to the Dugbe 1 Project. Under the terms of the agreement APG agreed 
to advance $15m in three equal tranches subject to the satisfaction of certain criteria. The first tranche of $5m was received 
on 14 March 2013 and the second tranche of $5m was received on 10 April 2013, the third tranche of $5m was received on 13 
March 2014 giving a total of $15m.

During that same year the advances were converted into a 2% net smelter return royalty from any sales of product mined within 
a 20km radius of Dugbe F. After an initial grace period of six months following the commencement of commercial production, in 
the event that quarterly sales of gold produced are less than 50,000 oz, additional quarterly payments will be required until such 
time as the cumulative royalty paid is $15m (the maximum total payment in any such quarter is equivalent to the royalty that 
would have arisen on sales of 50,000 oz of gold). Following this period the royalty is 2% except where both the average gold 
price is above $1,800 and sales of gold are less than 50,000 oz, in which case it increases to 2.5% in respect of that quarter.

The amount advanced of $15m is repayable in certain limited circumstances, such as a change in control, and therefore is 
treated as a financial liability. The amounts advanced are secured by legal charges over the assets of Hummingbird Resources 
(Liberia) Inc and Sinoe Exploration Limited, and a legal charge over the shares of Hummingbird Resources (Liberia) Inc, Sinoe 
Exploration Limited and Golden Grebe Mining Limited. Additionally, the Company has provided a guarantee to APG regarding the 
obligations of its subsidiaries in respect of this arrangement.

23.  SHARE CAPITAL

Authorised share capital
As permitted by the Companies Act 2006, the Company does not have an authorised share capital.

Issued equity share capital

Issued and fully paid

Ordinary shares of £0.01 each 

2018

2017

Number

$’000

Number

$’000

351,826,899

5,271 344,741,250

5,176

65

Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWOPERATIONAL REVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31st December 2018

The Company has one class of Ordinary shares which carry no right to fixed income.

At 1 January 2017

Issue of shares – exercise of warrants 1

Issue of shares - exercise of warrants 2

At 31 December 2017

Issue of shares – new ordinary shares 3

Issue of shares - exercise of options 4

At 31 December 2018

Number of 
Ordinary Shares 
of £0.01

343,241,250

750,000

750,000

344,741,250

6,197,353

888,296

351,826,899

1 —  On 11 September 2017 750,000 warrants were exercised at a price of £0.22 in return for £165,000 ($217,607).
2 —  On 14 November 2017 750,000 warrants were exercised at a price of £0.22 in return for £165,000 ($216,251).
3 —  On 13 June 2017 the Company took up the option with La Petite Mine D’Or (“LPMDO”) to acquire its 5% interest in the Yanfolila project for 

$1,000,000. The Group also acquired the 1% royalty over the Yanfolila mine from LPMDO for consideration of $1,000,000. The total consideration of 
$2,000,000 was paid through issuing 6,197,353 ordinary shares in the Company on 30 April 2018.

4 —  On 9 August 2018, 888,296 options were exercised in the Company. Of the 888,296 options exercised, 90,000 were exercised at a price of £0.22 in 

return for £20,000 ($ 26,000) and 798,296 exercised at a price of £0.01 in return for £8,000 ($10,000).

On 29 February 2012 the Group entered into a conditional agreement to acquire the 20% interest in its Joe Village licence, 
which it did not previously own, for 103,255 ordinary shares in the Company. At 31 December 2018 the acquisition had not yet 
completed and the shares had not been issued.

The total number of outstanding warrants and share options are:

Warrants

As at 31 December 2017

As at 31 December 2018

Share options

As at 31 December 2017

Issued

Exercised

Lapsed

As at 31 December 2018

Total

Number

6,786,602

6,786,602

13,625,204

6,157,819

(888,296)  

(755,000)  

18,139,727

24,926,329

24.  WARRANTS ISSUED

On 21 June 2016 the Company granted 8,286,602 warrants as part of a fundraising:

Number of warrants granted

Exercise price of the warrants

Fair value of the warrants at the dates of grant

Final exercise date

Number of warrants exercised in prior period (note 24)

Number of share options outstanding as at 31 Dec 2018

402,966

£0.22

7,883,636

£0.22

$0.117 (£0.08)  

$0.117 (£0.08)  

21/06/2019

31/12/2019

—

(1,500,000)  

402,966

6,383,636

The fair value of the warrants granted was estimated as at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model, taking into account 
the terms and conditions upon which the warrants were granted. The expected volatility was determined based on the volatility 
of the Company’s own historic volatility from listing on AIM.

66

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird Resources 
The table below lists the principal assumptions and inputs to the model used to fair value the warrants granted on the 21 June 
2016 and to fair value the warrants at reporting date:

Share price 

Expected dividend yield 

Expected volatility 

Expected life 

Risk free interest rate

Resultant fair value

31 Dec 2018

31 Dec 2017

Date of grant

$0.273 (£0.215)   $0.462 (£0.342)   $0.325 (£0.222)  

Nil

45.98%

1

Nil

46.02%

2

0.757%

0.446%

Nil

49.00%

3.5 Years

0.87%

$0.048 (£0.038) 

$0.202 (£0.15)  

$0.117 (£0.08)  

During the year, the Company recognised a gain on revaluation of the warrants of $1,049,000 (2017: loss of $858,000), as 
shown in note 9.

25.  SHARE BASED PAYMENTS

The following table outlines movement in share options granted and outstanding:

Share options

Granted 26/10/2010

Granted 5/12/2013

Granted 17/11/2014

Granted 30/09/2016

Granted 26/09/2017

Granted 30/04/2018

Total number of share options

Weighted average exercise price 

2017
Number

3,095,000

2,144,000

250,000

7,772,568

363,636

Granted
Number

—

—

—

—

Exercised
Number 

—

Lapsed
Number

2018
Number

— 3,095,000

(90,000)  

(130,000)  

1,924,000

(250,000)  

(386,364)  

(161,932)  

—

—

— 7,386,204

—

201,704

—

6,157,819

—

(234,375)  

5,923,444

13,625,204

6,157,819

(888,296)  

(364,375)   18,530,352

£0.09

£0.01

£0.03

£ 0.08 

£0.07

Of the total number of share options outstanding at 31 December 2018, 10,572,857 (2017: 7,523,051) had vested and were 
exercisable.

The weighted average fair value of share options granted during the year was $0.434 (£0.315) (2017: $0.446, £0.33).

The weighted average share price (at the date of exercise) of share options exercised during the year was $0.363 (£0.282) 
(2017: N/A).

The exercise price of share options outstanding at 31 December 2018 ranged between £0.01 and £0.22 (2017: £0.01 and £0.22) 
and their weighted average contractual life was 7 years (2017: 7 years).

The following table outlines share based payment charges:

Charge for equity settled share based payments (HIPPO 2016) 1

Release/(charge) for cash settled share based payments (CEO Deferred bonus)

Total share based payment charges

Total share-based payment charges recognised in profit and loss

1 —  Included within share based payments for the year is $518,000 (2017: $1,420,000) capitalised to mine development assets.

2018
$’000

518

(338)  

180

(338)  

2017
$’000

1,420

424

1,844

424

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Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWOPERATIONAL REVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31st December 2018

Hummingbird incentive plan – performance orientated (“HIPPO 2016”)
In recognition of the critical importance of delivering the Yanfolila Mine (“the Mine”) on time, on budget, to retain and incentivise 
key team members, and to align management and shareholders, the Company granted options to certain group employees 
and directors of the Company under the rules of HIPPO, subject to a maximum dilution limit of 20% of issued share capital. 
On 30 September 2016 and 26 September 2017, the Company granted 7,954,386 and 727,272 share options respectively. 
Additionally, cash awards were granted with a total value of $2,450,000 based on a 95% probability of meeting the vesting 
criteria.

Total award granted

Exercise price of the options

Fair value of the options at the dates of grant
  30 Sep 2016
  26 Sep 2017

Vesting:
  25% – from the first gold pour at the Mine 1
  25% – from the passing of completion tests in respect of the Mine 2
  25% – 12 months from first gold pour at the Mine 3
  25% – 24 months from first gold pour at the Mine

Number of shares options exercised or lapsed in prior periods

Number of share options exercised during the current period

Number of share options outstanding as at 31 December 2018

Share award

8,681,658

£0.01

$0.312 (£0.24)  
$0.446 (£0.33)  

2,170,415
2,170,415
2,170,414
2,170,414

545,454 

548,296

 7,587,908

Cash award 
($’000)  

2,450

—

—
—

*
*
*
*

—

—

—

Proportionally in line with vesting conditions and prevailing exchange rates at the date of payment.
First gold was successfully poured on 17 December 2017, upon which options vested. Cash award paid in December 2017.
Completion tests successfully met in June 2018, upon which options vested. Cash award paid July 2018.

* 
1 
2 
3  Options vested 17 December 2018. Cash award paid January 2019.

The Company has the option to defer payment of cash awards until sufficient funds are available or settle in shares. Cash 
awards may also be increased or decreased by 25% depending on performance against timetable and budget.

The fair value of both the equity settled share award and cash award is capitalised to mine development assets on a straight-line 
basis over the vesting period of the award.

The fair value of equity-settled share options granted was estimated as at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model, 
taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted. The expected volatility was determined 
based on the volatility of similar quoted companies as well as the Company’s own historic volatility from listing on AIM. The 
table below lists the principal assumptions and inputs to the model used:

Share price 

Expected dividend yield 

Expected volatility 

Expected life 

Risk free interest rate

Resultant fair value

Date of grant

26 Sep 2017

30 Sep 2016

$0.459 (£0.340)   $0.324 (£0.249)  

Nil

46.52%

2 years

 0.447%

Nil

47.78%

3 years

 0.164%

$0.446 (£0.33)  

$0.312 (£0.24)  

Multiplied by the probability of meeting the vesting conditions at date of grant

95%

95%

68

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird Resources 
 
Hummingbird incentive plan – performance orientated (“HIPPO 2018”)
In recognition of the critical importance of delivering efficient production from Yanfolila Gold Mine (“the Mine”) in the period 
of operations and to retain and incentivise key team members, the Company has granted share options over the Company’s 
ordinary shares to certain group employees and directors of the Company under the rules of HIPPO 2018, subject to a maximum 
dilution limit of 20% of issued share capital. On 30 April 2018 the Company granted 6,157,819 share options. Additionally, cash 
awards were granted with a total value of $2,010,000 based on an 80%, 75% and 50% probabilities (respectively) of meeting 
the vesting criteria.

Total award granted 30 April 2018

Exercise price of the options

Fair value of the options at the date of grant

Vesting:
50% on 31 March 2019 if AISC is equal to / less than $750 per oz 1
25% on 31 December 2019 if Gold Poured is 100,000 or more 2
25% on 31 December 2020 based on Individual Performance 3

Number of share options lapsed during the current period

Number of share options outstanding as at 31 December 2018

Share award

6,157,819

$0.014 (£0.010)  

$0.434 (£0.315)  

3,078,909
1,539,455
1,539,455

234,375

5,923,444

Cash award 
($’000)  

2,010

—

—

*
*
*

—

—

* 
1 

2 
3 

4 

Proportionally in line with vesting conditions and prevailing exchange rates at the date of payment.
50% on 31 March 2019 if AISC as normalised for a US$0.6/litre fuel price and a US$1,250 gold price (“Normalised AISC”) is equal to or below US$750 
per ounce of gold sold from the Mine during the performance period;
25% on 31 December 2019 if the gold poured from the Mine is 100,000 ounces or more during the performance period; and
25% on 31 December 2020 taking into account safety, business development, individual targets and demonstrated exceptional personal performance 
as determined by the CEO.
Performance period 1 April 2018 to 31 December 2018.

The Company has the option to defer payment of cash awards until sufficient funds are available or settle in shares. Cash 
awards may also be increased or decreased by 25% depending on performance against timetable and budget.

The fair value of equity-settled share options granted was estimated as at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model, 
taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted. The expected volatility was determined 
based on the volatility of similar quoted companies as well as the Company’s own historic volatility from listing on AIM. The 
table below lists the principal assumptions and inputs to the model used for options granted:

Share price at the date of grant

Expected dividend yield 

Expected volatility 

Expected life 

Risk free interest rate

Resultant fair value

Date of grant

$0.448 (£0.325)  

Nil

45.52%

4.5 years

1.117%

$0.434 (£0.315)  

Multiplied by the probability of meeting the vesting conditions at date of grant of 80%, 75% and 50% (respectively)

The Company notes that as a result of operational challenges during the year, no options or cash awards vested during the 
performance period. The charge for the year ended 31 December 2018 in respect of HIPPO 2018 was therefore $Nil. In 
recognition of the critical importance of the recovery plan announced on 29 November 2018 and to retain and incentivise key 
team members, on 24 January 2019 the Company amended the targets for the HIPPO 2018 to align these with the Company’s 
key objectives for 2019, without any increase to dilution (note 31).

CEO Deferred bonus
On 1 June 2014, contingent on the successful acquisition by the Company (or a subsidiary of the Company) of the Yanfolila 
Project the Company awarded the Chief Executive Officer a deferred bonus in the form of a cash settled share based payment 
equivalent to the cash value on the date of payment of 1,785,714 shares (subject to a maximum share price of £2.016). This 
bonus is deferred and except in the event of a change of control, only becomes payable after a vesting period of 2 years and at 
the earlier of the Chief Executive Officer ceasing to be a director of the Company or 10 years.

69

Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWOPERATIONAL REVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31st December 2018

The Yanfolila Project was acquired on 2 July 2014 and accordingly this cash settled share based payment was granted on that 
date. The share price and resultant fair value of this cash settled share based payment was estimated as at the date of grant as 
$0.99 (£0.58) and $1,774,000 (£1,036,000) respectively, which was spread over the vesting period of 2 years and is re-measured 
at each reporting date using the share price on that date. The share price as at 31 December 2018 was $0.273 (£0.215) 
(2017:$0.462, £0.342).

As a result of a weakening in share price during the year, the deferred bonus liability was reduced by $338,000 (2017: increased 
by $424,000 as a result of strengthening in share price).

26.  NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Loss before tax

Adjustments for:

Amortisation and depreciation

Share based payments

Profit on disposal of subsidiaries

Finance income

Finance expense

Share of associate loss

Share of joint venture loss

Impairment of associate

Reversals in impairment of financial assets

Losses on financial assets measured at fair value

Operating cash flows before movements in working capital

Increase in inventory

Decrease in receivables

Increase in payables

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities

Notes

2018
$’000

2017
$’000

(11,650)  

(5,336)  

13 & 14

20,006

25

12

9

9

12

12

12

16

16

(338)  

—

(4,797)  

9,119

 235

 2

2,044

(88)  

198

14,731

(8,915)  

1,624

 10,694

18,134

10

424

(1,919)  

(6,514)  

6,877

117

—

—

—

—

(6,341)  

(1,392)  

5,924

1,790

(649)  

Cash and cash equivalents (which are presented as a single class of assets on the statement of financial position) comprise cash 
in hand, cash at bank and short term bank deposits with an original maturity of three months or less. The carrying value of these 
assets is approximately equal to their fair value.

27.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

In common with all other businesses, the Group and Company are exposed to risks that arise from its use of financial 
instruments. This note describes the Group’s and Company’s objectives, policies and processes for managing those risks and 
the methods used to measure them. Further quantitative information in respect of these risks is presented throughout these 
financial statements.

Capital
The Company and Group define capital as share capital, unissued share capital, share premium, other reserves and retained 
earnings. In managing its capital, the Group’s primary objective is to provide a return to its equity shareholders through capital 
growth. Going forward the Group will seek to maintain a gearing ratio that balances risks and returns at an acceptable level and 
also to maintain a sufficient funding base to enable the Group to meet its working capital and strategic investment needs. In 
making decisions to adjust its capital structure to achieve these aims, either through new share issues or the issue of debt, the 
Group considers not only its short-term position but also its long term operational and strategic objectives.

Externally imposed capital requirements
The Group is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements.

Significant accounting policies
Details of the significant accounting policies and methods adopted, including the criteria for recognition, the basis of 
measurement, and the basis on which income and expenses are recognised, in respect of each class of financial asset, financial 
liability and equity instrument are disclosed in note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

70

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird ResourcesPrincipal financial instruments
The principal financial instruments used by the Group from which financial risk arises are as follows:

Categories of financial instruments

Financial assets measured 
at amortised cost

Financial assets measured 
at fair value through
profit or loss

Financial liabilities 
measured at
amortised cost

Financial liabilities at fair 
value through profit or loss

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents 
(note 16)

Other receivables (note 16)

Financial liabilities

Borrowings (note 17)

Trade payables (note 20)

Other payables (note 20)

Accruals (note 20)

Royalty liability (note 22)

Warrant liability1 (note 22)

21,530

9,431

30,961

40,620

14,107

54,727

—

1,903

1,903

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

60,931

20,084

1,054

13,060

15,000

—

—

—

—

64,650

11,939

1,717

9,762

15,000

—

110,129

103,068

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

319

319

1,368

1,368

1 —  The fair value of the warrant liability (note 24) has been determined using a valuation technique where at least one input (which could have a significant 
effect on the instrument’s valuation) is not based on observable market data and is therefore a level 3 financial instrument. Where inputs can be 
observed from market data without undue cost and effort, the observed input has been used. Otherwise, management determines a reasonable 
estimate for the input.

General objectives, policies and processes
The Board has overall responsibility for the determination of the Group’s risk management objectives and policies. Whilst 
retaining ultimate responsibility for these, the Board has delegated the authority for designing and operating processes that 
ensure the effective implementation of the objectives and policies to the Group’s finance function. The Board receives regular 
reports from the Group’s finance function through which it reviews the effectiveness of the processes put in place and the 
appropriateness of the objectives and policies set.

The overall objective of the Board is to set policies that seek to reduce risk as far as practical without unduly affecting the 
Group’s competitiveness and flexibility. Further details regarding these policies are set out below:

Credit risk
Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Group. 
Credit risk arises principally from the Group’s investment in cash, trade and other receivables.

In respect of investments in cash, the Group seeks to deposit funds with reputable financial institutions until such time as it is 
required.

Impairment of financial assets
The Group’s financial assets that are subject to the expected credit loss model are trade and other receivables.

The Group’s credit risk on the trade receivables is concentrated with its primary customer, a global physical precious metals 
merchant with a strong credit rating. The historical level of customer defaults is nil. As a result, the credit risk associated with 
trade receivables at 31 December 2018 is considered negligible.

The Croup’s credit risk on other receivables include amounts receivable from the Government of Mali and Bunker Hill Mining 
Corp respectively. Having completed a recoverability assessment on other receivables in accordance with IFRS 9, the Group 
recognised a loss allowance at 1 January 2018 (on adoption) and 31 December 2018 (note 16).

The Group’s credit risk management practices and how they relate to the recognition and measurement of expected credit 
losses is set out below.

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For the year ended 31st December 2018

Definition of default
The loss allowance on all financial assets is measured by considering the probability of default.

Receivables are considered to be in default when the principal or any interest is more than 75 days past due, based on an 
assessment of past payment practices and the likelihood of such overdue amounts being recovered.

Determination of credit-impaired financial assets
The Group considers financial assets to be ‘credit-impaired’ when the following events, have occurred:

•  default or late payments;
•  significant financial difficulty of the counterparty arising from significant downturns in operating results and/or significant 
unavoidable cash requirements when the counterparty has insufficient finance from internal working capital resources, 
external funding and/or group support;

•  observations of default or breach of contract; and
•  it becoming probable that the counterparty will enter bankruptcy or liquidation.

Where a significant increase in credit risk is identified, the loss allowance is measured based on the risk of a default occurring 
over the expected life of the instrument rather than considering only the default events expected within 12 months of the year-
end.

Write-off policy
Receivables are written off by the Group when there is no reasonable expectation of recovery, such as when the counterparty is 
known to be going bankrupt, or into liquidation or administration.

The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the financial statements represents the Group’s maximum exposure to 
credit risk.

Lifetime expected credit losses
A reconciliation of the lifetime expected credit losses at 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018 in accordance with IFRS 9, is 
set out below.

As at 1 January 2018 (under IAS 39)

Restated through opening retained earnings

Opening allowance for expected credit losses

(Decrease)/increase during the year

As at 31 December 2018 (under IFRS 9)

Other receivables
Government of 
Mali
$’000

—

1,903

1,903

(88)  

1,815

Total
$’000

—

1,903

1,903

(88)  

1,815

The Group applied IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ for the first time on 1 January 2018. As a result of the adoption, the cumulative 
catch-up approach has been applied. Any adjustments arising on transition to IFRS 9 are recognised in opening retained 
earnings.

Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk arises from the Group and Company’s management of working capital and the amount of funding committed to its 
work programmes. It is the risk that the Group or Company will encounter difficulty in meeting its financial obligations as they 
fall due.

The Group and Company’s policy is to ensure that sufficient funds will be available to allow it to meet its liabilities as they fall 
due. To achieve this, the Board receives cash flow projections as well as information regarding available cash balances on a 
regular basis. The Board will not commit to material expenditures prior to being satisfied that sufficient funding is available. The 
Group’s borrowings including maturity dates are detailed in note 17.

Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of a financial instrument or cash flows associated with the instrument will fluctuate 
due to changes in market interest rates. Interest rate risk arises from interest bearing financial assets and liabilities that the 
Group uses. Interest bearing assets comprise cash and cash equivalents which are considered to be short-term liquid assets. 
The Group’s interest bearing financial liabilities are at a fixed rate of interest.

72

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird ResourcesForeign exchange risk and foreign currency risk management
The Group is exposed to foreign exchange risk through certain costs being denominated in currencies other than the functional 
currency, and from holding non-functional currency cash balances.

Although the Group has no formal policy in respect of foreign exchange risk, as the majority of the Group’s forecast 
expenditures are in United States Dollars, Australian Dollars, the Euro, Sterling, South African Rand, and West Africa CFA Franc, 
the Group holds the majority of its funds in these currencies. Currency exposures are monitored on a monthly basis.

The carrying amounts of the Group’s and foreign currency denominated financial assets and monetary liabilities at the reporting 
date are as follows:

Australian Dollars (“AUD”)

Canadian Dollars (“CAD”)

Euros (“EUR”)

Sterling (“GBP”)

South African Rand (“ZAR”)

West African CFA Franc (“FCFA”)

Liabilities

Assets

2018
$’000

 91

 26

 17

 3,653

 1,224

 79,966

2017
$’000

50

—

206

1,922

42

2018
$’000

 166

 57

 2,673

 2,179

 763

2017
$’000

4

79

2,623

7,195

1,022

81,497

 22,466

34,447

Foreign currency sensitivity analysis
The Group is exposed primarily to movements in the $ against the EUR, GBP, ZAR and FCFA. Sensitivity analyses have been 
performed to indicate how the profit or loss would have been affected by changes in the exchange rate between the $ and 
each of these currencies. The analysis is based on a weakening and strengthening of these key currencies by 10% against the 
$ in which the Group has assets and liabilities at the end of each respective period. A movement of 10% reflects a reasonably 
possible sensitivity when compared to historical movements over a three to five year timeframe. The sensitivity analysis 
includes only outstanding foreign currency denominated monetary items and adjusts their translation at the period end for a 
10% change in foreign currency rates.

A positive number below indicates an increase in profit where each of the key currencies strengthen against the $. For a 10% 
weakening of the key currencies against the $, there would be an equal and opposite impact on the profit, and the balance 
below would be negative.

The following table details the Group’s sensitivity to a 10% strengthening in various currencies against the $.

Increase in comprehensive income and net assets - EUR

(Decrease)/increase in comprehensive income and net assets - GBP

(Decrease)/increase in comprehensive income and net assets - ZAR

Decrease in comprehensive income and net assets – FCFA

2018
$’000

 266 

(147)  

(46)  

2017
$’000

242

527

98

(5,750)  

(4,705)  

28.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation and 
are not disclosed in this note.

Transactions with associate – Cora Gold Limited
During the year the Company charged Cora Gold Limited $19,000 (2017: $5,000) in respect of Non-executive Director’s fees. 
There was no outstanding balance as at 31 December 2018 (2017: $Nil).

Cora Gold Limited is a related party of the Group because It is a 28.18% shareholder (2017: 33.85%) in Cora Gold Limited.

Transactions with Stephen Betts & Sons Limited
During the year Stephen Betts & Sons Limited charged the Company $116,000 (2017: $73,000) under a contract for the 
provision of staff, office equipment and warehouse space. There was no accrued outstanding charges between the parties as at 
31 December 2018 (2017: $6,000). Amounts outstanding are unsecured and have been settled in cash.

Additionally, during the year the Company sold Stephen Betts & Sons Limited $209,000 (2017: $Nil) in gold grain and investment 
gold coins. There was $1,000 accrued outstanding sales between the parties as at 31 December 2018 (2017: $Nil). Amounts 
outstanding are unsecured and have been settled in cash.

73

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For the year ended 31st December 2018

Stephen Betts & Sons Limited is a related party of the Group because Stephen Betts and Daniel Betts are shareholders and 
Directors of the ultimate parent company.

Transactions with Pygmy Hippo Foundation
During the year the Company made charitable, arms-length donations of $38,000 to the Pygmy Hippo Foundation during the 
year (2017: $Nil). Pygmy Hippo Foundation is a related party of the Group because Daniel Betts and Thomas Hill are Directors of 
the Pygmy Hippo Foundation.

Remuneration of key management personnel
The remuneration of the Directors, who are the key management personnel of the Group, is set out below in aggregate for each 
of the categories specified in IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures.

Short-term employee benefits

Social security cost

Pensions

Share based payment charge

(Reduction)/increase in provision for potential social security costs on share options

2018
$’000

1,403

151

68

(254)  

(77)  

1,291

2017
$’000

1,281

167

59

929

223

2,659

29.  COMMITMENTS

As at 31 December 2018 the Group had commitments of $14,666,000 (2017: $5,790,000) in respect of the Yanfolila Project.

30.  CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

In January 2018 Hummingbird Resources PLC (the Company) was served with a Particulars of Claim (the claim) by a former 
lender (collectively, Taurus Funds Management Pty Ltd, Taurus Mining Finance Fund LP and Taurus Mining Finance Annex 
Fund LP), in relation to alleged breach of contract on termination of a Mandate for finance. Damages sought by the claimant are 
to be assessed, but the Claimant has indicated an anticipated figure of approximately $10 million. The Company has received 
strong legal advice that the claim will be successfully defended, and therefore no provision has been made. If however ultimate 
resolution of the claim differs from the Company’s assessment, a material adjustment to the financial position and results could 
arise.

31.  EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING DATE

Hummingbird incentive plan – performance orientated (“HIPPO 2018”)
The Company announced on 30 April 2018 that it had implemented the Hummingbird Incentive Plan – Performance Orientated 
2018 (“HIPPO 2018”) incentive scheme to retain and incentivise key team members to deliver efficient production from 
Yanfolila in its first year of operations.

As a result of operational challenges during the year, no options vested during the performance period 1 April 2018 to 31 
December 2018.

In recognition of the critical importance of the recovery plan announced on 29 November 2018 and to retain and incentivise key 
team members, on 24 January 2019 the Company has amended the targets for the HIPPO 2018 incentive scheme to align these 
with the Company’s key objectives for 2019, without any increase to dilution.

As the core team is developed, further awards may be made under HIPPO 2018 subject to a maximum dilution limit from HIPPO 
2018 of 5% of the issued share capital from time to time.

The options under HIPPO 2018 have been granted over ordinary shares in the Company of £0.01 each (“Shares”) and have an 
exercise price of £0.01 per Share. Subject to the performance criteria being met the respective tranche, where under normal 
circumstances, the options shall vest 50% by 31 March 2020, 25% by 31 December 2020 and 25% by 31 December 2021 
subject to continuous employment with the Company:

a) 

b) 

c) 

 Production Tranche: 1/3 of the options will vest if 120,000 (or more) ounces of gold are poured between 1 January 2019 and 
31 December 2019.
 Cost Tranche: 1/3 of the options will vest if the Yanfolila AISC (as announced by the Company) as normalised for a 
US$0.86 / litre fuel price and a US$1,200 per ounce gold price is equal to or lower than US$800 per ounce sold.
 Performance Tranche: 1/3 of the options will vest based on the individual performance of the participant and the Company’s 
safety performance, which is at the Board’s discretion.

74

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird ResourcesThe performance period runs from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019.

As a part of this amendment, 625,000 options lapsed of which 595,177 were reissued to new participants. Subsequent to 
amendment of HIPPO 2018, a further 251,748 options have lapsed as a result of staff departure.

Hummingbird incentive plan – performance orientated (“HIPPO 2016”)
On 12 February 2019, 1,861,302 share options were exercised under HIPPO 2016. The share price at the date of exercise was 
$0.31 (£0.24).

Cora Gold Limited (“Cora”)
On 30 April 2019 Cora issued 35,064,845 new ordinary shares of no-par value, as a part of a planned fundraising. As a result, the 
Groups shareholding in Cora was diluted from 28.18% to 18.41%.

Liberian Mineral Development Agreement (“MDA”)
The Company announced on 1 May 2019 completion of its 25 year MDA with the Government of Liberia (“GoL”), covering a 
land package of approximately 2,000km2, which includes the Group’s 4.2Moz Dugbe Gold Project (“Dugbe”).

The completion of the MDA is an important milestone for the Group and Liberia. With this agreement in place, the Group can 
now look towards taking the next steps at Dugbe in the best interests of all stakeholders

The Dugbe MDA is the first gold MDA to be negotiated with the GoL following a discovery in over 10 years and represents a 
huge milestone for both the GoL and the Company.

Highlights
•  25-year renewable MDA signed with the GoL
•  Provides necessary long-term framework for further exploration, feasibility studies, mine development, production and 

ultimately mine closure

•  Initial three-year exploration term, with ability to extend MDA into additional areas with geological continuity
•  Flexibility to develop more than one mine and continue exploration on a regional scale
•  Fiscal terms include:
•  Stabilisation of taxes and duties for 15 years (the maximum permitted under Liberian law)
•  GoL to be granted a 10% free carried shareholding in the project (HUM’s post interest: 90%)
•  Royalty of 3%, Income tax rate of 25%
•  Initial signature bonus payable to GoL of US$1.5m
•  Community development funds to be established in partnership with GoL and the communities.

75

Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWOPERATIONAL REVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSCompany Statement of Financial Position
As at 31 December 2018

Assets

Non-current assets

Investments

Property, plant and equipment

Receivables from subsidiaries

Current assets

Inventory

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Liabilities

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Other financial liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity

Share capital

Share premium

Other reserves

Retained earnings

Total equity

Notes

2018
$’000

2017
$’000

37

38

39

40

40

40

41

41

57,786

285

71,330

129,401

3,998

4,529

1,630

10,157

139,558

57,404

296

73,626

131,326

—

4,962

11,183

16,145

147,471

4,852

319

5,171

5,606

1,368

6,974

134,387

140,497

42

5,271

 —

 —

129,116

134,387

5,176

148,930

2,000

(15,609)  

140,497

As permitted by section 408 of the Act, the Company has elected not to present its statement of comprehensive income for the 
year. Hummingbird Resources PLC reported a loss for the year ended 31 December 2018 of $5,431,000. The financial statements 
were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 24 May 2019.

They were signed on its behalf by:

DE Betts 
Director

The notes to the Company financial statements form part of these financial statements.

76

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird ResourcesCompany Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Net cash outflow from operating activities

Investing activities

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

Increase in investment in subsidiaries

Decrease/(increase) in amounts lent to subsidiaries 

Purchase of shares in other companies

Loans provided net of issue costs

Interest received

Net cash used in investing activities

Financing activities

Exercise of warrants

Net cash from financing activities

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

Notes

44

2018
$’000

2017
$’000

(7,775)  

(2,863)  

(114)  

(513)  

1,168

(105)  

(2,000)  

 94

(294)  

(449)  

(34,483)  

(741)  

—

175

(1,470)  

(35,792)  

36

36

434

434

(9,209)  

(38,221)  

(344)  

 11,183

1,630

1,181

48,223

11,183

77

Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWOPERATIONAL REVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSCompany Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 December 2018

As at 31 December 2016

Comprehensive loss for year:

Loss for year

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

Shares to be issued

Exercise of warrants

Total transactions with owners in their capacity as owners

Share based payments

As at 31 December 2017

Share
capital
$’000

5,156

Share
premium
$’000

148,516

—

—

—

20

20

—

—

—

—

414

414

—

Other
reserves
$’000

Retained
earnings
$’000

Total
$’000

—

—

—

2,000

—

2,000

—

(12,959)  

140,713

(4,070)  

(4,070)  

(4,070)  

(4,070)  

—

—

—

1,420

2,000

434

2,434

1,420

5,176

148,930

2,000

(15,609)  

140,497

Aggregate adjustments on adoption of IFRS 9

—

—

—

(1,233)  

(1,233)  

Balance at 1 January 2018 as restated

Comprehensive loss for year:

Loss for year

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

Shares to be issued

Exercise of warrants

Total transactions with owners in their capacity as owners

Share based payments

Cancellation of share premium1

As at 31 December 2018

 5,176 

 148,930 

 2,000 

(16,842)  

 139,264 

—

—

 84 

 11 

 95 

 — 

—

—

—

—

(5,431)  

(5,431)  

(5,431)  

(5,431)  

 1,916 

(2,000)  

 25 

 1,941 

(2,000)  

 — 

 — 

 — 

 — 

 — 

 518 

(150,871)  

 150,871 

 — 

 36 

 36 

 518 

 — 

 5,271 

 — 

 — 

 129,116 

 134,387 

1 —  On 25 September 2018 the Company received court approval for the cancellation of the Company’s share premium. The cancellation has the effect of 

creating distributable reserves.

Share capital
The share capital comprises the issued ordinary shares of the Company at par value.

Share premium
The share premium comprises the excess value recognised from the issue of ordinary shares for consideration above par value.

Other Reserves
Other reserves comprise of shares that are awaiting to be issued in connection with the purchase of minority interest.

Retained earnings
Retained earnings comprise distributable reserves.

78

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird ResourcesNotes to the Company Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

32.  ADOPTION OF NEW AND REVISED STANDARDS

The Company has applied IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ for the first time in the year ended 31 December 2018.

As a result of the adoption of IFRS 9 the Company has adopted consequential changes to IAS 1 Presentation of financial 
statements. In addition, the Company has applied the consequential amendments to IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosure 
to the current period only. Comparatives have not been restated as the cumulative catch-up approach has been applied. Any 
adjustments arising on transition to IFRS 9 are recognised in opening equity. Therefore, information presented for 2017 does not 
reflect the requirements of IFRS 9 and is not comparable with the information presented for the year ended 31 December 2018.

All the Company’s financial assets were previously classified as loans and receivables under IAS 39 and are classified as assets 
at amortised cost under IFRS 9.

The only change in measurement of financial assets on application of IFRS 9 arises from impairment of financial assets. IFRS 
9 requires impairments of financial assets to be assessed using an ‘expected loss’ model. The change from the ‘incurred loss’ 
model previously applied under IAS 39 resulted in an additional impairment loss of $1,233,000 recognised at 1 January 2018 
(note 45).

The financial impact of applying IFRS 9 is set out below:

Loss allowance at 1 January 2018 under IAS 39

Loss allowance on transition to IFRS 9

Loss allowance at 1 January 2018 under IFRS 9

Net assets, as previously reported at 1 January 2018

Loss allowance on transition to IFRS 9

Net assets, as restated at 1 January 2018

IAS 39
Loans and 
receivables
$’000

IFRS 9
Financial assets 
at amortised 
cost
$’000

—

—

—

—

1,233

1,233

Total
$’000

—

1,233

1,233

Total
$’000

140,497

(1,233)  

139,264

33.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The separate financial statements of the Company are presented as required by the Companies Act 2006 (the “Act”). As 
permitted by the Act, the separate financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards.

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis. The principal accounting policies adopted are the same 
as those set out in note 3 to the consolidated financial statements except as noted below.

Investments
Fixed asset investments, including investments in subsidiaries, are stated at cost and reviewed for impairment if there are any 
indications that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

34.  CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY

The Company’s financial statements, and in particular its investments in and receivables from subsidiaries, are affected by the 
critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in respect of the recoverability of exploration and 
evaluation assets which are described in note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.

Recoverability of investment in subsidiaries
Where the majority of the assets of subsidiary undertakings are exploration and evaluation assets and mine development assets, 
determining whether an investment in a subsidiary is impaired requires an assessment of whether there are any indicators 
of impairment of these underlying exploration and evaluation assets. If there is any indication of potential impairment, an 
impairment test is required based on value in use of the asset. This assessment involves judgement as to: (i) the likely future 
commerciality of each cost pool of assets; (ii) when such commerciality should be determined, and (iii) the potential future 
revenues and value in use. The value in use calculation requires the entity to estimate the future cash flows expected to arise 
from the cash-generating unit and a suitable discount rate in order to calculate present value.

79

Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWOPERATIONAL REVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
Notes to the Company Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2018

As the market capitalisation of the Company was less than the carrying value of the Company’s net assets as at 31 December 
2018, an impairment review was carried out in respect of the carrying values of the investment in subsidiaries as stated in 
the Company Statement of Financial Position. As part of the impairment review of the carrying value of the Group’s mine 
development assets and exploration and evaluation assets the Directors considered that there was no impairment as at 31 
December 2018.

Recoverability of receivables from subsidiaries and impairment of financial assets
Receivables from subsidiaries represent trading balances and interest free amounts advanced to Group companies with no fixed 
repayment dates, being amounts due from; Hummingbird Resources (Liberia) Inc, focused on supporting the Group’s Liberia 
exploration interests; and Trochilidae Resources Limited, focused on supporting the Group’s wider business, including its Mali 
operations. In accordance with IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’, where the counterparty would not be able to repay the loan if 
demanded at the reporting date, the Company has made an assessment of expected credit losses.

Having considered multiple scenarios on the manner, timing, quantum and probability of recovery on the receivables, the 
Company recognised a lifetime expected credit loss of $1,233,000 on adoption of IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ (taken directly 
to opening retained earnings). Following an improvement in receivables from subsidiaries, the assessment of lifetime expected 
credit loss was revised to $1,129,000 as at 31 December 2018. The allowance for lifetime expected credit losses assessment 
requires a significant degree of estimation and judgement.

35.  AUDITOR’S REMUNERATION

The auditor’s remuneration for audit and other services is disclosed in note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.

36.  STAFF COSTS

The average monthly number of employees (including directors) was:

Directors

Other employees

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

Wages and salaries 

Social security costs

Pensions

(Release)/charge for share based payments

(Release)/charge for potential social security costs related to share based payments

2018
Number

2017
Number

 7 

 11 

 18 

2018 
$’000

3,018

331

115

(32)  

(106)  

3,326

7

7

14

2017
$’000

2,778

370

97

1,844

361

5,450

Within wages and salaries, $1,403,000 (2017: $1,281,000) relates to remuneration payable to directors, included within share 
based payments is a net release from accruals of $338,000 (2017: net charge to accruals $424,000) under cash-settled share 
based payment scheme payable to directors, and within pensions is $68,000 (2017: $59,000) relating to pension contributions in 
respect of directors.

The total remuneration of the highest paid director is $486,000 (2017: $479,000) comprising $447,000 (2017: $444,000) in 
relation to wages and salaries and pension contributions of $39,000 (2017: $35,000).

The number of directors to whom benefits are accruing under defined contribution pension schemes is 2 (2017: 2).

Key management remuneration is disclosed in note 28 to the consolidated financial statements.

80

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird Resources 
37.  INVESTMENTS

Investments in associates

At 31 December 2016

Additions

At 31 December 2017

Provision for impairment

At 31 December 2018

Investments in joint ventures

At 31 December 2017

Additions

At 31 December 2018

Investment in subsidiaries

At 31 December 2016

Additions

At 31 December 2017

Additions

At 31 December 2018

Total investments

At 31 December 2017

At 31 December 2018

Total
$’000

—

771

771

(495)  

276

—

105

105

53,924

2,709

56,633

772

57,405

57,404

57,786

The Company’s subsidiaries are disclosed in note 15 to the consolidated financial statements. The additions in the year include 
$772,000 (2017: $2,731,000) in respect of HIPPO 2016 incentive scheme that have not been recharged to subsidiaries.

Hummingbird Resources PLC invested in Cora Gold Limited as disclosed in note 12 for a value of $741,000 and received 
$30,000 worth of shares in Cora Gold in settlement of costs. The market value of the shares at 31 December 2018 were 
$276,000 (2017: $585,000).

38.  PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

Cost 

At 31 December 2016

Additions

Disposals

At 31 December 2017

Additions

At 31 December 2018

Accumulated depreciation 

At 1 January 2017

Charge for the year

Disposals

At 31 December 2017

Charge for the year

At 31 December 2018

Carrying amount

At 31 December 2017

At 31 December 2018

Total
$’000

418

294

(42)  

670

114

784

406

10

(42)  

374

125

499

296

285

81

Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWOPERATIONAL REVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Company Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2018

39.  RECEIVABLES FROM SUBSIDIARIES

Receivables from subsidiaries

Less: Allowance for expected credit losses

2018
$’000

72,459

(1,129)  

71,330

2017
$’000

73,626

—

73,626

Receivables from subsidiaries represent deferred trading balances and amounts advanced to Group companies, in the 
interest of supporting long term growth, and are therefore shown within non-current assets. These in include amounts due 
from; Hummingbird Resources (Liberia) Inc, focused on supporting the Group’s Liberia exploration interests; and Trochilidae 
Resources Limited, focused on supporting the Group’s wider business, including its Mali operations. Receivables from 
subsidiaries are interest free and repayable on demand. In accordance with IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’, where the 
counterparty would not be able to repay the loan if demanded at the reporting date, the Company has made an assessment of 
expected credit losses.

Having considered multiple scenarios on the manner, timing, quantum and probability of recovery on the receivables, the 
Company recognised a lifetime expected credit loss of $1,233,000 on adoption of IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ (taken directly 
to opening retained earnings). Following an improvement in receivables from subsidiaries, the assessment of lifetime expected 
credit loss was revised to $1,129,000 as at 31 December 2018. Refer to note 45 for a reconciliation of lifetime expected credit 
losses.

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of the receivables from subsidiaries approximates their fair value.

40.  CURRENT ASSETS

Inventory

Finished gold

2018
$’000

3,998

3,998

2017
$’000

—

—

At 31 December 2018, inventory included a provision of $105,000 to adjust finished gold to net realisable value (2017: $Nil).

Finished gold consist of Single Mine Origin (‘SMO’) gold coins and gold grain, originating from the Yanfolila Gold Mine in Mali. 
Further details are set out on the Group’s website.

Trade and other receivables

Other receivables

Prepayments and accrued income

Trade receivables - intercompany

2018
$’000

2,386

392

1,751

4,529

2017
$’000

3,039

461

1,462

4,962 

Bunker Hill Mining Corp
Included in other receivables is an amount of $2,101,000, due from Bunker Hill Mining Corp (“Bunker Hill”), a Canadian listed 
exploration and development company, arising when the Company entered into an arm’s length convertible loan arrangement, 
advancing $1,500,000 and $500,000 on 18 June 2018 and 9 August 2018 respectively. The loan is repayable one year from the 
date of advance and attracts interest of 10% p.a. calculated daily from date of advance until repayment or conversion.

As at 31 December 2018, management assessed the fair value of the conversion element in light of a weakening in Bunker 
Hills listed share price. Consequently, a loss on revaluation to fair value of $198,000 was recognised in the statement of 
comprehensive income.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents as at 31 December 2018 of $1,630,000 (31 December 2017: $11,183,000) comprise cash and short-
term bank deposits with an original maturity of three months or less. The carrying value of these assets approximates their fair 
value.

The Company’s principal financial assets are bank balances and cash and receivables from related parties, none of which are 
past due. The Directors consider that the carrying amount of receivables from related parties approximates their fair value.

82

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird Resources 
 
 
 
41.  CURRENT LIABILITIES

Trade and other payables

Trade payables

Other taxes and social security

VAT

Accruals

Other payables

Trade payables – Intercompany

2018
$’000

2,105

98

94

1,975

446

134

4,852

2017
$’000

1,833

340

306

2,750

377

—

5,606

The average credit period taken for trade purchases is 63 days (2017: 63 days).

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other payables approximates to their fair value.

Other financial liabilities
The Company’s other financial liabilities are included within note 22 of the consolidated financial statements.

Operating lease commitments
At the reporting date, the Company had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable 
operating leases, which fall due as follows:

Within one year

In the second to fifth years inclusive

2018
$’000

239

293

532

2017
$’000

252

925

1,177

Operating lease payments represent rentals payable by the Company for the UK head office.

42.  SHARE CAPITAL

The movements on this item are disclosed in note 23 to the consolidated financial statements.

43.  SHARE BASED PAYMENTS

The Company’s share based payments information is disclosed in note 25 to the consolidated financial statements.

83

Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWOPERATIONAL REVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
Notes to the Company Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2018

44.  NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Loss before tax

Adjustments for:

Amortisation and depreciation

Share based payments

Finance income

Finance expense

Impairment of associate

Impairment of financial assets

Reversals in impairment of financial assets

Losses on financial assets measured at fair value

Operating cash flows before movements in working capital

Increase in inventories

Decrease in receivables

Decrease in payables

Net cash outflow from operating activities

2018
$’000

2017
$’000

(5,431)  

(4,070)  

 125 

(338)  

10

424

(1,214)  

(1,372)  

 530 

 495 

33

(137)  

198

(5,739)  

(3,998)  

2,310

(348)  

(7,775)  

858

—

—

—

—

(4,150)  

—

2,482

(1,195)  

(2,863)  

45.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company’s strategy and financial risk management objectives are described in note 27.

Principal financial instruments
The principal financial instruments used by the Company from which risk arises are as follows:

Categories of financial instruments

Financial assets

Cash and cash 
equivalents

Other receivables

Intercompany trade 
receivables

Loans due from 
subsidiaries

Financial liabilities

Trade payables

Other payables

Accruals

Intercompany trade 
payables

Warrant liability1 

Financial assets measured  
at amortised cost

Financial assets measured at 
fair value through profit or loss

Financial liabilities measured  
at amortised cost

Financial liabilities at fair  
value through profit or loss

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

1,630

483

11,183

3,039

1,751

1,462

71,330

75,194

73,626

89,310

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1,903

—

—

1,903

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

2,104

446

1,975

134

—

—

—

—

—

—

1,833

377

2,750

—

—

4,659

4,960

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

319

319

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1,368

1,368

1 —  The fair value of the warrant liability (note 24) has been determined using a valuation technique where at least one input (which could have a significant 
effect on the instrument’s valuation) is not based on observable market data, and is therefore a level 3 financial instrument. Where inputs can be 
observed from market data without undue cost and effort, the observed input has been used. Otherwise, management determines a reasonable 
estimate for the input.

84

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird Resources 
 
The risks that the Company is subject to in addition to the Group risks described in note 27 are set out below:

Credit risk
Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the 
Company. In addition to the risks described in note 27, which affect the Group, the Company is also subject to credit risk on 
receivables from subsidiaries.

Lifetime expected credit losses
A reconciliation of the lifetime expected credit losses at 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018 in accordance with IFRS 9, is 
set out below.

As at 1 January 2018 (under IAS 39)

Restated through opening retained earnings

Opening allowance for expected credit losses

Increase / (decrease) during the year

As at 31 December 2018 (under IFRS 9)

Receivables from subsidiaries

Hummingbird 
Resources 
(Liberia) Inc 
$’000

Trochilidae 
Resources 
Limited
$’000

—

724

724

33

757

—

509

509

(137)  

372

Total
$’000

—

1,233

1,233

(104)  

1,129

The Company applied IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ for the first time on 1 January 2018. As a result of the adoption, the 
cumulative catch-up approach has been applied. Any adjustments arising on transition to IFRS 9 are recognised in opening 
retained earnings.

Foreign currency exposure and sensitivity analysis
The Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk through certain costs being denominated in currencies other than the 
functional currency, and from holding non-functional currency cash balances.

The carrying amounts of the Company’s foreign currency denominated financial assets and monetary liabilities at the reporting 
date are as follows:

Australian Dollars (“AUD”)

Canadian Dollars (“CAD”)

Euros (“EUR”)

Sterling (“GBP”)

South African Rand (“ZAR”)

Liabilities

Assets

2018
$’000

 85

 26

 1

 3,312

 1,150

2017
$’000

 74

 23

 1

 5,484

 1,002

2018
$’000

—

 56

—

 633

 687

2017
$’000

 2

 78

 107

 6,459

 41

Foreign currency sensitivity analysis
The Company is exposed primarily to movements in the $ against the AUD, CAD, EUR, GBP and ZAR. Sensitivity analyses 
have been performed to indicate how the profit or loss would have been affected by changes in the exchange rate between 
the $ and each of these currencies. The analysis is based on a weakening and strengthening of these key currencies by 10% 
against the $ in which the Company has assets and liabilities at the end of each respective period. A movement of 10% reflects 
a reasonably possible sensitivity when compared to historical movements over a three to five year timeframe. The sensitivity 
analysis includes only outstanding foreign currency denominated monetary items and adjusts their translation at the period end 
for a 10% change in foreign currency rates.

85

Explore | Develop | ProduceAnnual Report & Accounts 2018OVERVIEWOPERATIONAL REVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2018

A positive number below indicates an increase in profit where each of the key currencies strengthen against the $. For a 10% 
weakening of the key currencies against the $, there would be an equal and opposite impact on the profit, and the balance 
below would be negative.

The following table details the Company’s sensitivity to a 10% strengthening in various currencies against the $.

Decrease in comprehensive income and net assets – AUD

Increase in comprehensive income and net assets – CAD

Increase in comprehensive income and net assets – EUR

(Decrease)/increase in comprehensive income and net assets – GBP

Decrease in comprehensive income and net assets – ZAR

2018
$’000

(8)  

 3

—

(268)  

(46)  

2017
$’000

(7)  

 6

 11

 97

(96)  

46.  RELATED PARTIES

The Company has entered into a number of unsecured related party transactions with its subsidiary undertakings. The most 
significant transactions carried out between the Company and its subsidiary undertakings are mainly for short and long-
term financing. Amounts owed from these entities are interest free and repayable on demand. The following amounts were 
outstanding at the reporting date:

As at 31 December 2017

Trade receivables - Intercompany

Loans due from related parties

Total related party receivables

As at 31 December 2018

Trade receivables – Intercompany

Loans due from related parties

Total related party receivables

Trade payables – Intercompany

Total related party payables

Hummingbird 
Resources 
(Liberia) Inc
$’000

7

34,133

 34,140 

Hummingbird 
Resources 
(Liberia) Inc
$’000

 347 

 34,138 

 34,485 

Trochilidae 
Resources 
Limited
$’000

1,453

39,493

 40,946 

Trochilidae 
Resources 
Limited
$’000

 1,404 

 37,192 

 38,596 

—

—

134

134

Societe Des 
Mines De 
Komana SA
$’000

2

—

 2 

Societe Des 
Mines De 
Komana SA
$’000

 — 

 — 

 — 

—

—

Total
$’000

1,462

73,626

75,088

Total
$’000

 1,751 

 71,330 

 73,081 

134

134

During the year, the Company entered into the following related party transactions with its subsidiary undertakings:

Year ended 31 December 2017

Management fees

Recharge of technical fees

Total sales with related parties

Hummingbird 
Resources 
(Liberia) Inc
$’000

Trochilidae 
Resources 
Limited
$’000

Societe Des 
Mines De 
Komana SA
$’000

—

—

—

789

8,067

8,856

—

—

—

Total
$’000

789

8,067

8,856

86

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Year ended 31 December 2018

Management fees

Recharge of technical fees

Total sales with related parties

Hummingbird 
Resources 
(Liberia) Inc
$’000

Trochilidae 
Resources 
Limited
$’000

Societe Des 
Mines De 
Komana SA
$’000

—

—

—

2,249

3,508

5,987

—

—

—

Total
$’000

2,249

3,508

5,987

The Company’s transactions with other related parties and remuneration of key management personnel are disclosed in note 28 
to the consolidated financial statements.

47.  EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING DATE
Events after the reporting date are disclosed in note 31 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

87

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Company Information & Advisers

Company Secretary 
Thomas Hill

Registered Office & Head Office 
49-63 Spencer Street, Hockley,  
Birmingham, West Midlands, B18 6DE,  
United Kingdom

Company number 
05467327

Nominated Adviser & Broker 
Strand Hanson Limited 
26 Mount Row 
London, W1K 3SQ, United Kingdom

Auditors 
RSM UK Audit LLP 
5th Floor, 29 Wellington Street  
Leeds,LS1 4DL,United Kingdom

Solicitors to the Company (UK Law) 
Gowlings WLG (UK) LLP 
4 More London Riverside 
London, SE1 2AU, United Kingdom

Registrars 
Link Asset Services 
6th Floor, 65 Gresham Street 
London, EC2V 7NQ, United Kingdom

Bank 
Barclays Bank 
1 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf  
London, E14 5HP, United Kingdom

88

Explore | Develop | ProduceHummingbird Resources