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IGO

igo · ASX Basic Materials
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Employees 201-500
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FY2014 Annual Report · IGO
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A N N U A L   R E P O R T

2014TROPICANA GOLD MINE 
P R O D U C T I O N   R A M P   U P   C O M P L E T E D

Joint Venture with 
AngloGold Ashanti

Scoping Study 
commenced

2001

2002

2005

2006

2007

Tenement 
Application  
Lodged

Discovery Hole

Pre-feasibility 
Study commenced

Bankable Feasibility 
Study commences

Construction 
Completed and first 
gold poured (Sept 2013)

2009

2010

2013

Project Approved by  
Joint Venture Partners

2014

Production  
Ramp-up to  
nameplate  
capacity 
completed  
(March 2014)

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     1

CONTENTS

Company Highlights  

Board Profile 

Chairman’s Review  

Managing Director’s Report  

Operations and Projects 

Regional Exploration  

Community Development and Assistance Programs  

Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves 

Corporate Governance Statement  

Financial Report  

Additional ASX Information  

Glossary of Terms  

COMPANY DIRECTORY

7

 13

14

16

19

41

45

47

53

65

136

137

Directors

Perth Office

Peter Bilbe  
(Chairman and Non-Executive Director)

Peter Bradford 
(Managing Director)

Kelly Ross  
(Non-Executive Director)

Rod Marston  
(Non-Executive Director)

Geoffrey Clifford  
(Non-Executive Director)

Peter Buck 
(Non-Executive Director)

Management

Peter Bradford 
(Managing Director)

Brett Hartmann 
(Group Operations Manager)

Tony Walsh 
(Company Secretary & General 
Manager Corporate)

Suite 4, Level 5 
South Shore Centre 
85 South Perth Esplanade 
South Perth WA 6151

Postal: PO Box 496 
South Perth WA 6951

Telephone: +61 8 9238 8300 
Facsimile: +61 8 9238 8399 
Email: contact@igo.com.au 
Website: www.igo.com.au

Share Registry 

Computershare Investor Services Pty 
Limited  
Level 2, 45 St Georges Terrace  
Perth WA 6000  
Telephone: 1300 850 505 (within 
Australia),  
+61 3 9415 4000 (outside Australia)  
Fax: +61 3 9473 2500  
Email: www.investorcentre.com/contact 
Web: www.computershare.com

Matt Dusci 
(General Manager New Business)

Shares

Listed on Australian Securities 
Exchange [ASX]

ASX code: IGO

Shares on issue: 234,256,573 ordinary 
shares

Scott Steinkrug 
(Chief Financial Officer)

Sam Retallack 
(Human Resources Manager) 

Auditor

BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd 
128 Hay Street 
Subiaco WA 6008 
Telephone: +61 8 9380 8400

2      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

T O   B U I L D   A   D I V E R S I F I E D 

R E S O U R C E S   G R O U P   D E L I V E R I N G 

S U P E R I O R   R E T U R N S

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     3

OUR VISION

“To build a diversified resources group delivering superior returns”

OUR MISSION

• 

• 

• 

Engaging our people through development of their capabilities and recognition of their contributions to our future

Encouraging innovation to drive efficiency and growth

Achieving measured and sustainable growth through high returns from diverse, low cost, long life assets

•  Committing to the wellbeing of all stakeholders 

OUR VALUES

We will build an organisation that reflects the following values:

• 

• 

• 

Integrity: Working as a whole (undivided) and with honesty and strong moral principles

Teamwork: Working together to achieve shared goals

Accountability: Taking ownership for what we do and responsibility for others

•  Diligence: Careful (safe) and persistent effort

• 

Respect :Valuing the views of others and accepting people for who they are

4      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Darlot JV (Cu-Zn-Ag) 
IGO earning 70-80%

Karlawinda (Au) 
IGO 100%

Bryah Basin JV (Cu) 
IGO earning 70-80%

JAGUAR MINE (Zn-Cu-Ag) 
IGO 100%

LONG MINE (Ni) 
IGO 100%

Rebecca JV (Ni-Cu-PGE) 
IGO earning 70%

Empress Springs (Au) 
IGO earning 100%

Lake Mackay JV (Au) 
IGO earning 70%

TROPICANA JV (Au) 
IGO 30%

Stockman (Cu-Zn-Ag-Au) 
IGO 100%

Gold Projects

Mines

De Beers Diamond Database sample locations

Base Metal Projects

Development Projects

Figure 1:  Independence Group NL (“IGO” or the “Company”): Mining operations and project locations

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     5

W O R K I N G   A S   A   W H O L E 

( U N D I V I D E D )   A N D   W I T H   H O N E S T Y 

A N D   S T R O N G   M O R A L   P R I N C I P L E S

Integrity

6      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

• 

The Company realised a $46.6 million Net Profit After Tax in the 2014 Financial Year (FY2014) (FY2013: $18.3 million), which 
included an abnormal non-cash impairment of $17 million. 

•  Underlying EBITDA1 increased to $174.8 million (FY2013: $56.8 million). 

• 

Revenue increased to $399.0 million (FY2013: $225.9 million) primarily due to the addition of revenue from Tropicana.

•  Net cash flows from operating activities increased to $153.6 million (FY2013: $67.5 million).

• 

• 

• 

At 30 June 2014 the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $57.0 million (2013: $27.2 million) and debt of $29.0 
million (2013: $20.0 million), a net increase of $14.8 million since 30 June 2013 which is inclusive of the Tropicana project 
construction spend. 

The Company announced a fully franked Final Dividend of 5.0 cents per share (FY2013: 1.0 cent).

Total fully franked dividends paid during FY2014 were 4.0 cents per share (FY2013: 2.0 cents).

OPERATIONAL SUMMARY

• 

• 

• 

Tropicana Gold Mine (TGM) [IGO 30%]: Ramp up to nameplate capacity is now complete following commissioning and first 
gold pour in September 2013. Targeted production from Tropicana in FY2015 is expected to be in the range of 470,000 to 
490,000 ounces (oz) (100% basis), with cash costs2 expected to be in the range of $590 to $630 per ounce of gold  
(A$/oz Au).

Long Operation [IGO 100%]: Annual production was 10,909 tonnes (t) of contained nickel metal in FY2014 (FY2013: 11,180t) 
9% above the upper range of guidance. Cash costs including royalties and by-product credits for the year were $3.78 per 
payable pound of nickel (FY2013: $4.34), 12.1% below the lower end of guidance. 

Jaguar Operation [IGO 100%]: Production for FY2014 was 41,162 tonnes of contained zinc metal (FY2013: 33,809t), 7,692 
tonnes of contained copper metal (FY2013: 4,992t) and 1,657,161 oz of contained silver metal (FY2013: 1,376,804 oz). The 
payable cash costs including royalties and by-product credits were $0.31 per pound zinc (FY2013: $0.49 per pound zinc), 
being 22.5% below the lower end of market guidance. Production of copper was 28.2% above the higher end of guidance 
and zinc production was 1.6% above the upper range of guidance.

JAGUAR (Zn-Cu-Ag) 
IGO 100%

TROPICANA JV (Au) 
IGO 30%

LONG MINE (Ni) 
IGO 100%

Gold Projects

Base Metal Projects

Mines

1 See JORC Code (2012) Competent Persons’ Statements and Forward-looking statements in Section 8 for a definition of Underlying EBITDA. 
2 See JORC Code (2012) Competent Persons’ Statements and Forward-looking statements in Section 8 for a definition of cash costs.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     7

FY2014 Under lying EBITDA 3 Analysis

$85M

$2.3M

$4.6M

$4.3M

$12.9M

$53M

$61M

Long

Jaguar

Tropicana MTM Hedging(1) PRP(2)

Exploration

Corporate

Year on Ye ar NPAT Analysis

$9.6M

$0.7M $6.2M

$4.2M

$1.3M $18.4M

$1.2M

$0.8M $1.5M $4.5M

$46.6M

$19.0M

$35.2M

$18.3M

$M

$250

$200

$150

$100

$50

$0

$M

  $90

$80

$70

$60

$50

$40

$30

$20

$10

$0

FY13

Tropicana  U nderlying E BIT
Revenue (Volu m e variance)
Revenue (Price variance)
C ost of production

D & A

C orporate

M T M H edging
Exploration Im pairm ent
Exploration Expense

FY14

P R P

M T M Investm ents

N et Finance C ost

Notes

(1) MTM is mark to market.
(2) PRP is the non-cash charge for the Company’s employee performance rights plan. 
3 See JORC Code (2012) Competent Persons’ Statements and Forward-looking statements in Section 8 for a definition of Underlying EBITDA.

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Financial Year Ended 30 June

2014

2013

Increase

Total Revenue

Underlying EBITDA4

Profit Before Tax

Profit After Tax

Net Cash Flow From Operating Activities

Total Assets

Total Liabilities

Shareholders’ Equity

Net tangible assets per share

$399.0M

$225.9M

$174.8M

$56.8M

$67.8M

$27.8M

$46.6M

$18.3M

$153.6M

$67.5M

$891.3M

$822.0M

$204.4M

$172.5M

$686.9M

$649.5M

$2.94

$2.79

77%

208%

144%

155%

128%

8%

18%

6%

5%

4 See JORC Code (2012) Competent Persons’ Statements and Forward-looking statements in Section 8 for a definition of Underlying EBITDA.

8      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

PROJECT AT FEASIBILITY STUDY STAGE

Stockman project [IGO 100%]

The Stockman Project’s Environmental Effects Statement (EES) permitting documentation for the State of Victoria (also accredited 
with the Federal EPBC Act) was completed and lodged during FY2014, with permitting expected to be received in the first half of 
FY2015.

The Enhanced Feasibility Study (EFS) was progressed in parallel with the approvals process. The Company expects to complete 
the EFS work in the first half of FY2015. This will allow an accurate project timeline and the approval conditions to be properly 
assessed and integrated into the final investment assessment expected to be considered by the Board in the December 2014 
Quarter.

EXPLORATION PROJECTS

Tropicana Gold Mine [IGO 30%] – Near Mine Exploration

Work on the Havana Deeps Pre-Feasibility study included the design, permitting and site preparation for the 3D seismic survey 
targeting depth extensions to the Tropicana and Havana mineralisation. The survey was completed early in the September 2014 
Quarter and will be used to help define drill targets below the current mineral resource pit shells. 

Tropicana Project – Beachcomber Joint Venture (IGO Earning 70%)

During FY2014, the Company entered into a joint venture with AngloGold Ashanti Australia Pty Ltd (AngloGold Ashanti) on five 
tenements at the southern end of the Tropicana footprint whereby the Company has the right to increase its interest in these 
tenements from 30% to 70% by spending $3M over 4 years. The Company has identified Electromagnetic (EM) conductors co-
incident with copper geochemical anomalism defined in previous aircore drilling, which warrant drill testing. Drill testing is planned 
for FY2015.

Jaguar Regional Exploration - Darlot JV (IGO Manager And Earning 70% - 80%)

During FY2014, the Company entered into a joint venture on the Darlot Project, held by Enterprise Metals Limited (ASX: ENT). The 
Company is earning a 70%-80% interest in the project which covers some 740 square kilometres of tenure approximately 60km 
north and along-strike from IGO’s Jaguar Project. The Project, which covers similar volcanic stratigraphy to the Jaguar Project, has 
strategic value to the Company as any base metals discoveries are potentially within economically viable trucking distance of its 
Jaguar processing facility.

Lake Mackay Exploration Alliance (IGO Has Potential To Earn Up To 70%)

During FY2014, the Company entered into an exploration alliance with ABM Resources NL (ASX: ABU) under which the Company 
could earn up to 70% of a portfolio of tenements in the Lake Mackay region in the Northern Territory. The Lake Mackay Project 
is located 400km northwest of Alice Springs, adjacent to the Western Australian border, and includes 7,200 square kilometres of 
exploration licences and 5,000 square kilometres of exploration licence applications. The project area is considered prospective 
for gold, base metals and nickel sulphide mineralisation.

Bryah Basin Joint Venture (JV) (IGO Manager And Earning 70% - 80%)

During FY2014, the Company entered into an exploration alliance with Alchemy Resources Limited (ASX: ALY) under which the 
Company could earn up to a 70% interest in ALY’s Bryah Basin portfolio of tenements. The Bryah Basin JV tenure is situated 
approximately 40km west along strike from the DeGrussa Cu-Au VMS deposit currently being mined by Sandfire Resources 
Ltd (ASX: SFR) and covers the same prospective Narracoota Volcanic host stratigraphy.  The Company intends to apply the 
exploration techniques developed at these projects together with its in-house geophysical expertise in the exploration of the Bryah 
Basin JV Project.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     9

OUTLOOK

A major focus for IGO in the 2015 financial year (FY2015) will be working with its joint 
venture partner, AngloGold Ashanti, on gaining additional operating efficiencies at 
the TGM. IGO’s attributable gold production from this project in FY2015 is expected 
to be in the range of 141,000 to 147,000 ounces at a cash cost plus royalties in the 
range of $590 to $630/oz Au. IGO’s attributable share of production from TGM is 
expected to provide substantial cash flows and profits to IGO during FY2015 and 
beyond. 

Production guidance for the Long Operation for FY2015 is 230,000 to 270,000 ore 
tonnes for production of between 9,000 and 10,000 tonnes of contained nickel. 
Payable cash costs plus royalties for FY2015 are forecast at $4.30 to $4.70 per 
payable pound of nickel, net of copper credits. Exploration at Long over the next 12 
months will continue to test for extensions to existing deposits and for new deposits in 
the tenement area.

Production guidance for the Jaguar Operation for FY2015 is 420,000 to 440,000 
ore tonnes for production of 5,800 to 6,500 tonnes of copper metal, 40,000 to 
43,000 tonnes of zinc metal and 1,000,000 to 1,100,000 ounces of silver metal in 
concentrate. Cash costs for FY2015 are forecast at A$0.40 to A$0.60 per payable 
pound of zinc, including royalty costs and net of copper and silver credits. Drilling 
over the next 12 months will focus on increasing the confidence in existing indicated 
and inferred resources and looking for new deposits.

At the Stockman Project in Victoria, work to complete the EES permitting and EFS is 
expected to conclude in the first half of FY2015. The Company expects to spend in 
the order of $3 million to complete this process.

IGO is expecting to spend in the order of $11 million on greenfields exploration 
and $26 million on brownfields exploration during FY2015. There has been a 
reduction in the total cost of the greenfields exploration program, compared with 
the previous year, due to a change in the nature of IGO’s priorities during FY2015 
and an emphasis on brownfields exploration, permitting at the Stockman Project 
and identifying new, more advanced assets that will enhance the Company’s project 
pipeline.

A major focus for IGO in the 2015 financial year (FY2015) will be working 

with its joint venture partner, AngloGold Ashanti, on gaining additional 

operating efficiencies at the TGM.

10      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     11

Left to right: Rod Marston, Geoffrey Clifford, Peter Bradford, Peter Bilbe, Kelly Ross, Peter Buck.

Peter Bilbe (64) 
B.Eng. (Mining) (Hons), MAusIMM 

Peter Bradford (56) 
B.AppSc., FAusIMM, MSMME

Rod Marston (71) 
B.Sc. (Hons), Ph.D., MAIG, MSEG

Non-Executive Chairman

Managing Director

Non-Executive Director

Dr. Marston is a geologist with over 
40 years’ experience in the mineral 
exploration and mining industry, both 
in Australia and internationally. He 
has held senior positions with the 
Geological Survey of Western Australia 
and several mineral resource consulting 
groups. He compiled landmark mineral 
resource bulletins on copper and nickel 
mineralisation in Western Australia when 
at the Survey.  Dr.  Marston played a 
key role in the discovery, development 
and management of the multi-million 
ounce Damang Gold Mine in Ghana, 
West Africa. Dr. Marston was previously 
a director of Ranger Minerals Ltd (now 
merged with Perilya Ltd) and is also a 
director of Kasbah Resources Limited.

Mr. Bilbe is a mining engineer with 
40 years Australian and international 
mining experience in gold, base 
metals and iron ore at the operational, 
managerial and board levels. Mr. Bilbe 
has held senior positions at Mount 
Gibson Iron Limited, Aztec Resources 
Limited, Portman Limited, Aurora Gold 
Limited and Kalgoorlie Consolidated 
Gold Mines Pty Ltd. Mr. Bilbe’s most 
recent executive position was Managing 
Director of Aztec Resources Limited, 
which successfully developed the 
Koolan Island iron ore project from 
exploration to production. Mr. Bilbe is 
also a past member of the Executive 
Council of Chamber of Minerals and 
Energy. Mr Bilbe is currently a director 
of Northern Iron Limited. Mr Bilbe holds 
a Bachelor of Engineering (Mining) 
degree from the University of New South 
Wales and is a member of the AusIMM.

Mr. Bradford is a senior executive and 
a qualified metallurgist with over 35 
years’ experience in gold and base 
metals mining operations, exploration 
and development and has held senior 
positions internationally and within 
Australia. Mr. Bradford graduated as a 
metallurgist at the Western Australian 
School of Mines and commenced his 
career with various gold, nickel and 
mineral sands operations in Western 
Australia. Mr. Bradford was resident 
manager at both Gidgee and Plutonic 
Gold Mines during the development and 
early operational phases. Internationally, 
Mr. Bradford has held senior and chief 
executive roles with Ashanti Goldfields 
(and Golden Shamrock Mines), 
Golden Star Resources, Anvil Mining, 
Copperbelt Minerals and PMI Gold, 
providing leadership in the development 
of strategy and growth for many of these 
companies. More recently, Mr. Bradford 
successfully oversaw the merger of 
PMI Gold with TSX listed, Asanko Gold, 
which was completed in February 2014. 
Mr. Bradford is a non-executive director 
of Asanko Gold, Inc., a fellow of the 
AusIMM and a member of the Society of 
Mining Engineers.

12      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kelly Ross (52) 
B.Bus., CPA, ACIS, ACSA

Geoffrey Clifford (64) 
B.Bus., FCPA, FCIS, FAICD 

Peter Buck (65) 
M.Sc. (Geology), M.AusIMM 

Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Mrs. Kelly Ross is an accountant with 
over 25 years’ experience in the mineral 
exploration and mining industry. Mrs. 
Ross was with the Resolute group 
from 1987 to 2000, during which time 
Resolute grew from being a small 
exploration company to become a 
major multi-national gold producer. 
Mrs. Ross has held positions with 
National Resources Exploration Pty 
Ltd, the Kimseed Group, Murchison 
United NL and the Department of 
Mineral & Petroleum Resources. Mrs. 
Ross was the Company Secretary 
of Independence Group NL until 23 
August 2011. Mrs. Ross is currently a 
director of Musgrave Minerals Limited.

From 2007 until 2011 Mr. Clifford was 
a Non-Executive Director of Atlas Iron 
Limited, Centaurus Metals Limited 
and Fox Resources Limited. From 
December 2008 to July 2011, he was 
Non-Executive Chairman of Atlas Iron 
Limited. During that time Mr. Clifford 
presided over a period of exceptional 
growth in production and shareholder 
wealth. From 2005 to 2007, Mr. Clifford 
was a Non-Executive Director of, and 
consultant to, Aztec Resources Limited 
and, prior to his time at Aztec, he was 
General Manager Administration and 
Company Secretary of Portman Limited 
for 8 years.

Mr. Clifford holds a Bachelor of 
Business degree from Curtin University 
and undertook post graduate studies 
in Administrative and Secretarial 
Practice. Mr. Clifford has more than 35 
years’ experience in senior accounting, 
finance, administration and company 
secretarial roles in the mining, retail 
and wholesale industries. Mr. Clifford 
was admitted as a Fellow of the 
Australian Society of Certified Practising 
Accountants in 1989 and as a Fellow 
of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries 
and Administrators in 1995. Mr. Clifford 
was also admitted as a Fellow of 
the Australian Institute of Company 
Directors in March 2011.

Mr. Peter Buck was appointed as a 
Non-Executive Director of the Company 
in October 2014. Mr. Buck is a geologist 
with over 35 years’ experience in the 
mineral exploration and mining industry 
who is associated with the discovery 
and development of a number of 
mineral deposits in Australia and Brazil. 
Mr. Buck commenced his career and 
spent 23 years with WMC Resources. In 
1994, Mr. Buck joined Forrestania Gold 
as exploration manager and, following 
Forrestania Gold’s acquisition by 
LionOre Mining International, became 
director of exploration and geology 
with LionOre Mining International until 
2006. Mr. Buck played a key role in 
progressing the Maggie Hays, Emily 
Ann, Waterloo, Amorac and Thunderbox 
deposits from discovery through to 
production. Mr. Buck was managing 
director of Breakaway Resources from 
2006 to 2009 and has been a non-
executive director of Gallery Gold Ltd 
and PMI Gold Corporation. Mr. Buck 
is currently a non-executive director of 
Antipa Minerals Ltd.

Mr. Buck holds a Bachelor of Science 
(Geology) degree from Macquarie 
University, a Master of Science degree 
from the University of Manitoba, Canada 
and is a member of the Australian 
Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. 
Mr. Buck is a Board member of the 
Centre for Exploration Targeting at the 
University of Western Australia and 
Curtin University and formerly was a 
Vice President of the Association of 
Mining and Exploration Companies.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     13

Teamwork

W O R K I N G   T O G E T H E R   T O 

A C H I E V E   S H A R E D   G O A L S

CHAIRMAN’S REVIEW

Dear Shareholders

Following the decision by the joint 
venture partners in late 2010 to 
proceed with the development of 
the Tropicana Gold Mine (TGM), the 
commissioning, first gold production 
and ramp up to nameplate capacity of 
the TGM represents a very significant 
milestone in the history of the Company 
and consequently has substantially 
enhanced the Company’s revenue and 
profitability. Our base metals operations 
at Long (nickel) and Jaguar (zinc, 
copper, silver) continue to perform 
strongly and represent important 
sources of free cash flow. As envisaged, 
the Company has now become a 
diversified resources group.

As I mentioned at the 2013 Annual 
General Meeting, it was with regret 
that in November 2013 the Company 
accepted the resignation of Chris 
Bonwick as Managing Director after a 
period of ill-health. The Board wishes 
to express its thanks to Chris for his 
service to the Company which spanned 
the founding of Independence, its listing 
on the ASX, the acquisition and restart 
of the Long Nickel mine, the discovery 
and development of the Tropicana 
Gold Project deposits and the takeover 
of Jabiru Metals Limited, which has 
culminated in Independence Group 
becoming an ASX 200 multi-commodity 
mining and exploration company. 
I thank Chris for his dedication, 
leadership, incredible exploration talent 
and hard work over the last 13 years.

As envisaged, the Company 

has now become a diversified 

resources group.

14      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Following the retirement of Chris 
Bonwick, the Company was pleased 
to announce, after an extensive 
executive search, the appointment 
of Peter Bradford in March 2014, an 
experienced mining industry executive, 
as its Managing Director and Chief 
Executive Officer. Peter Bradford has 
over 35 years experience in Australia 
and internationally across all aspects 
of the industry including exploration, 
development and mining operations. 
Peter graduated as a metallurgist from 
the Western Australian School of Mines 
and then worked in a number of roles 
in Western Australia in various gold, 
nickel and mineral sands operations, 
including resident manager of the 
Gidgee and Plutonic Gold Mines during 
the development and early operational 
phases. Since then, Peter has worked 
internationally in senior and chief 
executive roles for Ashanti Goldfields 
(and Golden Shamrock Mines), 
Golden Star Resources, Anvil Mining, 
Copperbelt Minerals and PMI Gold, 
providing leadership in the development 
of strategy and the growth of many of 
these companies. More recently, Peter 
successfully oversaw the merger of 
PMI Gold with TSX listed Asanko Gold, 
which was completed in February 
2014. Peter is a fellow of the AusIMM 
and member of the Society of Mining 
Engineers.

The Board sought to find an 
experienced mining professional who 
is a recognised leader of listed mining 
companies and in Peter Bradford, the 
Board believes it has found a high 
calibre and well proven leader for 
the Company with a demonstrated 
track record at chief executive level in 
mining operations, finance, commercial 
transactions and development of 
strategy. Since joining the Company, 
Peter and the Management team have 
taken substantial steps in developing 
strategies to grow shareholder value 
and to continue to build a diversified 
resources group. The Board is delighted 
with the appointment and has strong 
confidence in Peter’s ability to lead 
the Company and deliver growth in 
shareholder value.

The Company continues to investigate 
opportunities both in Australia and 
overseas. In the light of the economic 
and legislative risks associated with 
some countries, the Board believes 
that any overseas opportunity needs 
to be rigorously assessed against the 
Company’s investment criteria prior to 
consideration.

Commodity markets, particularly 
nickel prices and foreign exchange 
rates, again fluctuated this year 
and, despite some financial risk 
management strategies such as 
hedging, most of these external 
conditions remain beyond our control. 
What remains constant is the Board 
and Management’s continued focus on 
creating value for shareholders through 
cost control, innovation, discovery and 
development. A prudent approach to 
any decision on the development of 
the Stockman Project and a sustained 
focus on costs at existing operations 
has continued to improve net cash flow 
from operating activities and Underlying 
EBITDA (5).

The Company’s improved profit and 
cashflow performance in FY2014, low 
debt and strong financial position has 
enabled it to increase the dividends 
payment for FY2014 despite the 
considerable capital investment made 
in the TGM in the first half of FY2014. 

FY2015 will be the first full financial 
year of revenue and cashflows from the 
TGM. The Board expects FY2015 to be 
an exciting year as the Company sees 
gold sales from TGM representing circa 
60% of total revenue and cashflows, 
Long and Jaguar continue robust 
operational performance, progression 
at its Stockman Project and ongoing 
investment in exploration.

It is with great sadness I advise 
shareholders that, after 14 years of 
service, founding director and former 
chairman, Dr Rod Marston is retiring as 
a director effective from the close of the 
2014 Annual General Meeting. 

I would like to acknowledge Rod’s 
tremendous contribution to the 
Company on so many levels and, 
on behalf of the Company and its 
shareholders, I thank Rod for his 
outstanding dedication and service. 
We wish Rod all the best in his well-
deserved retirement.

The Board recently appointed 
respected geologist and mining 
executive, Mr Peter Buck, as Dr 
Marston’s replacement. Peter Buck has 
been associated with the discovery and 
development of a number of mineral 
deposits in Australia and Brazil and, 
during his career, has worked with 
WMC Resources, Forrestania Gold, 
LionOre Mining International, following 
its acquisition of Forrestania Gold, and 
was managing director of Breakaway 
Resources. I would like to welcome 
Peter to the Company and look forward 
to his contribution in the coming years.

In particular, I would like to 
acknowledge and thank our employees 
for their hard work and achievements 
during the year in which so much has 
been accomplished.

On behalf of the Board, Management 
and all the Company’s employees, I 
thank you, our shareholders, for your 
continued support.

Peter Bilbe  
Chairman 

Retiring director, Dr Rod Marston at a recent 

Tropicana Gold Mine gold pour

5 See JORC Code (2012) Competent Persons’ Statements and Forward-looking statements in Section 8 for a definition of Underlying EBITDA.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     15

Accountability

TA K I N G   O W N E R S H I P   F O R   W H AT 

W E   D O   A N D   R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y   

F O R   O T H E R S

MANAGING DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Dear Shareholders,

It is my great pleasure to report to you 
on the growth and progress of the 
Company during FY2014.

Early in FY2014 the Company made 
a significant step towards creating 
sustainable value for shareholders 
with the commissioning and first gold 
pour at the Tropicana Gold Mine (TGM) 
(IGO 30%, AngloGold Ashanti 70%) in 
September 2013. The Company has 
now developed from a nickel production 
company into a diversified resources 
group producing gold, nickel, copper, 
zinc and silver from three separate 
operations.

The commissioning and completion 
of the ramp-up of the TGM is a 
very important achievement for the 
Company. The Company’s 30% share 
of gold production is expected to 
represent circa 60% of the Company’s 
revenue in FY2015. Because TGM will 
be one of the lowest cash cost gold 
producers in Australia, the increase in 
the Company’s earnings is expected 
to be significant. I would like to thank 
our joint venture partner and project 
manager, AngloGold Ashanti for their 
hard work in commissioning and 
ramping-up the TGM. 

Independence Group, thanks to 
AngloGold Ashanti, now has an interest 
in a world class gold project that was 
completed safely, on budget and ahead 
of schedule.

The Long Operation continues to be an 
important source of free cashflow for 
the Company. The mine’s nickel metal 
production was greater than FY2014 
guidance by 9%. Cash costs per pound 
of payable nickel were again kept at 
a low level through some cost control 
measures instigated at the start of 
FY2014. Cash costs were 12% below 
the lower end of FY2014 guidance.

The Jaguar Operation has had an 
excellent FY2014 and, despite two 
unplanned shutdowns at the mill, metal 
production in concentrate of zinc, 
copper and silver increased during the 
year and was ahead of guidance. The 
Jaguar mill has shown during FY2014 
that it can support additional throughput 
beyond just one source of ore, currently 
being the Bentley deposit.

The Company has during FY2014, 
continued to place significant emphasis 
on exploration. The Company continues 
to see great potential at Tropicana, Long 
and Jaguar as well as the prospects at 
joint venture tenements. 

The commissioning and completion 

of the ramp-up of the TGM is a 

very important achievement for the 

Company.

16      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Our Jaguar Regional Exploration Project 
covers a 50 kilometre long corridor, 
along which ten Volcanogenic Massive 
Sulphide (VMS) alteration zones have 
been defined, indicating potential for 
other base metal discoveries. During 
the latter half of FY2014, the Company’s 
brownfields and greenfields exploration 
teams have identified the Flying 
Spur lens and Triumph mineralisation 
respectively. Subsequent to the year 
end, the Company reported a mineral 
resource for Flying Spur, an extension to 
the Bentley deposit. Additional drilling 
is already underway at Triumph with 
the objective of assessing the potential 
of this prospect. During the next 12 
months, we will continue to focus on 
exploring for high grade massive zinc-
copper sulphides associated with those 
anomalies in this highly prospective 
VMS camp.

At Long, the Company has a history 
of successful discoveries over the 
last seven years. In the second half 
of FY2014 four underground diamond 
drill holes for 1,514m and one surface 
diamond drill hole for 1,072m were 
completed at the McLeay South 
prospect. Nickel sulphide mineralisation 
was intersected by both the 
underground and surface drill holes. 

The surface drill hole intersected nickel 
mineralisation 450m south of current 
mine development. Exploration over 
the next twelve months will continue 
to test for extensions at McLeay South 
and Long North and new deposits in 
Moran South. The capital development 
is focusing on the development of 
the Moran South exploration drilling 
platform with the first platform expected 
to be completed in the first half of 
FY2015. 

You will recall that the Company had 
loan facilities with National Australia 
Bank Limited (NAB) totalling A$170 
million. These loan facilities gave the 
Company the financial flexibility needed 
to complete the development of the 
TGM and to provide support to further 
the Company’s growth strategy. During 
FY2014 the Company started to repay 
this debt facility with a view to becoming 
debt free during FY2015. At 30 June 
2014, the Company had net cash of $28 
million.

During the last quarter of FY2014 the 
Management team recommended, 
and the Board approved, new Vision 
and Mission statements as well as best 
practice values. Our Vision is “To build 
a diversified resources group delivering 
superior returns”. 

One the most important aspects of our 
Mission is “Achieving measured and 
sustainable growth through high returns 
from diverse, low cost, long life assets”. 

I thank all shareholders for welcoming 
me as Managing Director and I look 
forward to your continued support in 
FY2015. The Company’s employees and 
I are striving to achieve measured and 
sustainable growth.

Peter Bradford 
Managing Director

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     17

18      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

TGM construction was within 

budget and production 

commenced in September 2013, 

ahead of schedule.

OPERATIONS AND PROJECTS

TROPICANA GOLD PROJECT, WESTERN AUSTRALIA  
(IGO 30%, ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI 70% AND MANAGER)

Background

The Tropicana Gold Project comprises 
approximately 9,200 square kilometres 
of tenements stretching over more than 
350 kilometres in strike length along 
the Yilgarn Craton and Fraser Range 
Mobile Belt Collision Zone (Figures 1 
and 4). The Company targeted and 
pegged the area containing the current 
gold reserves in 2001. AngloGold 
Ashanti farmed into the project in 
2002, discovering Tropicana, Havana 
and Boston Shaker Gold Deposits 
respectively in 2005, 2006 and 2010. 
The gold deposits occur over a 5km 
strike length with gold mineralisation 
intersected over 1km vertically beneath 
the natural surface.

The decision by the Tropicana Joint 
Venture (TJV) partners to develop 
the Tropicana Gold Mine (TGM) was 
announced to the market in November 
2010 following a positive Bankable 
Feasibility Study (BFS) assessment. 

In early 2011, construction of the 220km 
access road commenced, followed 
by development of site infrastructure 
such as an aerodrome, accommodation 
village, borefields and processing 
plant. Mining of the Havana deposit 
commenced in 2012.

In FY2014, activity has centred 
around commissioning activities for 
first gold production in September 
2013. Commissioning and ramp up to 
nameplate capacity was completed in 
March 2014.

Annual gold production is anticipated 
to average between 470,000 – 490,000 
ounces in the first three years. This 
translates to IGO’s attributable gold 
production averaging in the range of 
141,000 ounces to 147,000 ounces 
per annum during the first three years 
of production. Average cash costs 
over the first 3 years of production are 
expected to be in the range of A$590 – 
A$630/oz Au. 

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     19

FY2014 Production

TGM construction was within budget and production commenced in September 2013, ahead of schedule.

During FY2014, ore was predominantly sourced from the Havana pit with smaller amounts sourced from the Tropicana pit. Run of 
mine (ROM) grades for the total ore mined averaged 2.48g/t Au over this period. Total material movement, inclusive of ore, was 
44.4 million tonnes (Mt). Pre-strip mining in the Tropicana open cut continued during the FY2014.

The ramp-up to processing plant design capacity was achieved in March 2014 and this was sustained during the June 2014 
Quarter. In FY2015, the Company expects the manager to focus on process improvements to access efficiency opportunities in an 
attempt to push mill throughput beyond nameplate capacity.

IGO was pleased to report that its attributable gold production for FY2014 was 104,542 ounces with 100,167 ounces of gold sold. 
Average cash costs per ounce were $552/oz Au.

FY2015 Guidance

IGO expects approximately 6Mt of ore to be processed during FY2015. The Company’s attributable gold production during FY2015 
is expected to be in the range of 141,000 to 147,000 ounces with cash costs plus royalties in the range of $590 to $630/oz Au.

IGO’s share of exploration is expected to be approximately $6 million on an annualised spend rate basis until December 2014, 
with an expected increase in spend in the calendar year 2015 (CY2015). IGO’s share of sustaining capital is expected to be 
approximately $9 million.

Havana Deeps Pre-Feasibility Study

The Havana Deeps Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) examined development options for extracting the Havana resource below the 
Havana Pit BFS design. Options reviewed included expansion of the BFS final Havana Pit and/or underground extraction. Work on 
the PFS was suspended in FY2014 and a decision to do additional exploration work, including a 3D seismic survey, which started 
in July 2014, was agreed as part of an enhanced PFS. 

Design, permitting and site preparation for the 3D seismic survey, targeting depth extensions to the high grade shoots at Tropicana 
and Havana, were completed in FY2014. The results of the survey, completed in early in FY2015, will be used to refine deep drill 
targets.

Gas Pipeline Project

In July 2014, AngloGold Ashanti, on behalf of the TJV, entered into agreements with APA Group (APA) for the transportation of 
natural gas to the TGM. Under the agreements APA will construct a new 292km gas pipeline which will connect TGM to APA’s 
Goldfields Gas Pipeline and Murrin Murrin lateral. TGM power generation costs are expected to reduce by 12 to 15% which will 
result in a reduction in cash costs of about $25 to $30/oz Au.

20      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Figure 2 – Proposed gas pipeline construction (in orange)

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     21

June 2014 A$1,249/oz Au
Open Cut Reserve Pit Design

HAVANA SOUTH
OPEN PIT

HAVANA OPEN PIT

TROPICANA OPEN PIT

Open

Open

BOSTON SHAKER
OPEN PIT

Open

June 2014 A$1,500/oz Au
Mineral Resource Pit Shell

Open

Havana Deeps
Underground
Target

Open

Figure 3:Tropicana Gold Project - Boston Shaker, Tropicana, Havana and Havana South open pit outlines 

Image source:

Tropicana-Havana Near-Mine Exploration

A total of 417 aircore (AC) holes (12,998m), 27 reverse circulation (RC) holes (4,250m) and one diamond hole (184m) were 
completed in FY2014 exploring for additional mineralisation within trucking distance of the TGM. During the year, encouraging 
results from this work were received at the Phoenix and Tumbleweed Prospects.

Regional Exploration

Regional exploration continued identifying and testing numerous prospects throughout the year. In total 1,433 AC holes (70,997m), 
20 RC holes (3,075m) and seven diamond holes (1,309m) were completed.

Encouraging gold assay results from AC drilling at the Lichini Prospect located 90km southwest of Tropicana and at Madras, 25km 
south of Tropicana, were received. AC drilling at Beetle Juice, located 20km south of Tropicana, returned a significant Ni-Cu-PGE-
Au intercept. Though follow-up drilling returned only low level anomalism, the results do highlight the base metal potential of the 
area. Airborne electromagnetic surveys tested selected areas for conductors possibly representing base metals mineralisation. 
A ground EM survey commenced in late June 2014 to better define a conductor identified in the airborne survey, the Belvedere 
Prospect. Results are expected in FY2015 and will be modelled to determine whether follow up drilling is justified.

Beachcomber Joint Venture (BJV)

The Company has entered into a joint venture with AngloGold Ashanti on five tenements at the southern end of the TJV footprint 
whereby the Company has the right to increase its interest in these tenements from 30% to 70% by spending $3 million over 4 
years. The area is considered to have potential for base metal mineralisation which has not been the focus of previous exploration. 
A total of 200 line Km of Moving Loop Electromagnetic (MLEM) surveying has been completed over BJV tenements testing a 
number of target areas. This work has identified EM conductors, some coincident with previous aircore geochemical anomalism, 
which are planned to be drill tested in the second half of FY2015.

22      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

600,000mE

700,000mE

Map
Coverage

N
m
0
0
0
,
0
0
8
,
6

N
m
0
0
0
,
0
0
7
,
6

N
m
0
0
0
,
0
0
6
,
6

Tumbleweed

Tropicana/Havana
Open Cut

Monsoon East

Seahorse

Lichini

Mad Hatter

High Ball

Belvedere

Madras
MAA267 - 14.0m @ 0.8 g/t Au

Sanpan
SPA020 - 4.0m @ 1.8 g/t Au

Cobra

N

0

25km

Tropicana Tenements

2014 Q4 Significant Au
Intercepts

>6ppb

5ppb

3ppb

2ppb

Geochemical (Au)
Image Legend

Note: Widths quoted are down hole widths.

600,000mE

700,000mE

N
m
0
0
0
,
0
0
8
,
6

N
m
0
0
0
,
0
0
7
,
6

N
m
0
0
0
,
0
0
6
,
6

Figure 4: Tropicana Joint Venture tenure (IGO – 30%) 

See June 2014 Quarterly Report released to ASX on 28 July 2014

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     23

24      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

LONG OPERATION, WESTERN AUSTRALIA IGO 100%

Background

The Company acquired the Long Operation in Kambalda, WA, from BHP Billiton Nickel West Pty Ltd (BHPB) (formerly WMC 
Resources Ltd) in September 2002. The mine was successfully re-commissioned in October 2002 and has been operating 
successfully and safely since then (Figures 5 and 6). 

Since October 2002, the Company has produced over 2Mt of nickel ore, producing approximately 100,000 contained nickel metal 
tonnes. A commitment to brownfields exploration has seen the discovery of the McLeay (2005) and Moran (2008) ore bodies and 
has enabled the operation to develop a reserve base to support a 3 to 4 year life until at least 2017/18, at a nominal production 
rate of 9,000 to 10,000 tonnes of contained nickel metal per annum.

OTTER
JUAN
(260,000t Ni)

DURKIN
(100,000t Ni)

L

F

e

f

a

r

u

o

l

y

t

552000mN

100% IGO

Long North
Target

LONG

Kambalda
Dome

VICTOR SOUTH

McLEAY

McLeay Extension
Target

FISHER

548000mN

MORAN

Moran
Extension
Target

Gold Fields
Royalty Area

LUNNON
(130,000t Ni)

1km

E
m
0
0
0
2
7
3

Nickel shoots

544000mN

Figure 5: Long Operation - Regional geology, tenure, nickel shoots and targets.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     25

Offtake Agreement

The Company has an agreement with BHPB whereby the ore produced from the mine is delivered to the adjacent BHPB Kambalda 
Nickel Concentrator for toll treatment and production of nickel concentrate. This offtake agreement expires in 2019.

Safety

The Company is committed to continual improvement and targeting zero injuries at the Long Operation.  We also recognise that 
our safety objectives cannot be attained without equal input from all our employees and contractors, so we continue to actively 
engage and consult all employees and contractors to revise safe work practices. Four Lost Time Injuries (“LTIs”) occurred at Long 
during FY2014. The 12 month LTIFR at 30 June 2014 was 11.8.

The occupational health and safety regime is based on the belief that profits can be made without compromising safety. It is 
Management’s conviction that a positive attitude towards safety is the key to any safety program. Hazard identification, accident/
incident investigation, competency training, safe work procedures, competency reassessment and regular workplace inspections 
and task observations are carried out with the input of our employees.

There continues to be a strong focus on emergency preparedness, with the application of risk mitigation and emergency 
management procedures throughout the year.

Long Operation Seismicity

Shareholders will be familiar with the fact that mining-induced and regional seismicity is an inherent risk at the Long Operation. 
The Long Operation ore bodies are, to a varying degree, disrupted by a swarm of cross-cutting porphyries, some of which are 
stressed. When mining the discrete ore blocks within the Long Operation, procedures to manage these conditions are built into the 
operating standards and are well understood by our mining team.

To ensure continued safety of our people, as well as regulatory compliance, the Company undertakes regular internal audits 
on its geotechnical systems and ground control practices. In addition, geotechnical professionals are also utilised to undertake 
external independent geotechnical audits. This constant feedback forms part of our continued focus on safety as well as ensuring 
regulatory compliance. 

Mine Production

The Long Operation continues to use various mining methods ranging from mechanised cut and fill, long-hole open stoping, long-
stoping with backfill and non-mechanised methods. Safety and the practicalities of the ore body dictate which extraction method is 
utilised. 

The majority of production in FY2014 came from mining of the high grade Moran ore body. Production achieved (Table 1) was 
268,162 tonnes (FY2013: 291,195t) at an average head grade of 4.07% nickel (FY2013: 3.84%) for 10,909 tonnes of contained 
nickel metal (FY2013: 11,180t), 9% above the upper range of FY2014 guidance.

Payable cash costs for the year including royalties and by-product credits were $3.78 per pound nickel (FY2013 $4.34), which was 
12% below the lower end of FY2014 guidance.

Table 1: Long Nickel Operation – FY2014 Ore Production

Orebody

Ore Tonnes

Ni %

Ni Tonnes

Long (mechanised and hand-held)

Victor South (mechanised)

McLeay (mechanised and hand-held)

Moran (mechanised)

TOTAL

14,523

8,790

35,707

209,142

268,162

2.5

3.1

3.3

4.4

4.1

363

270

1,185

9,091

10,909

26      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Quarterly Mine Production and Cash Cost performance in last 8 quarters

Contained Nickel (t)

Production Guidance

Cash Cost ($/lb Ni)

Cost Guidance

FY2015 Production Guidance

Production guidance for the Long Operation for FY2015 is 230,000 to 270,000 ore tonnes for production of between 9,000 and 
10,000 tonnes of contained nickel. Payable cash costs plus royalties for FY2015 are forecast at $4.30 to $4.70 per payable 
pound of nickel, net of copper credits. Exploration at Long over the next 12 months will continue to test for extensions to existing 
ore bodies at McLeay, Moran South and Long North, and for new deposits in the tenement area. Approximately $12 million is 
budgeted for exploration in FY2015 of which around 45% is budgeted on development for exploration access. Sustaining capital 
expenditure is forecast to be approximately $8 million during FY2015.

Figure 6: Long Operation - Longitudinal Projection showing target areas, TEM conductors and significant intercepts. See June 2014 Quarterly Report 

released to ASX on 28 July 2014.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     27

Development

During FY2014, a total of 2,784m was advanced by jumbo development, of which 1,264m was booked as capital development 
and 1,520m as operational. FY2015 capital development is focusing on the development of the Moran South exploration drilling 
platform, with the first platform expected to be completed in the first half of FY2015.

Near Mine Exploration 

The Company maintained a strong focus on exploration over the course of the year to find extensions to existing orebodies and 
to identify new ore bodies in order to extend the mine life of the Long Operation. A total of 17,150m of drilling tested targets at 
McLeay South, Moran South and Long North.

At McLeay South, nine underground diamond drill holes for 1,660m and one surface diamond drill hole for 1,072m were 
completed. Drilling intersected nickel sulphide mineralisation in both the underground and surface drill holes with the best results 
reported in the following drill holes:

• 

LNSD-063W2 with 4.9m @ 5.4% Ni from 997.5m (True width 4.4m);

•  MDU-687A with 2.2m @ 7.6% Ni from 235m (True width 1.6m); and

•  MDU-688 with 2.2m @ 5.0% Ni from 306m (True width 2.0m).

The intercept in surface drill hole LNSD-063W2 is located some 450m south of current mine development (Figures 6 and 7) and 
provides strong encouragement for the extension of this ore body further to the south . The hole was part funded through the 
“Western Australia Government Exploration Incentive Scheme Co-funded Drilling” program (see Table 5 in Appendix 4 of June 
2014 Quarterly Report for further details). A surface drill hole targeting 60m north of drill hole LNSD-063W2 is planned for FY2015.

At Long North, 33 underground diamond drill holes for 6,197m were completed. Drilling targeting a down-hole electromagnetic 
(DHEM) conductor, referred to as the “Spanner Plate”, intersected disseminated, matrix and massive nickel sulphide mineralisation 
with the best result from drill hole LG16-387 which returned 2.50m @ 4.16% Ni from 99.8m (true width 1.7m) (Refer to Table 6 in 
Appendix 4 of June 2014 Quarterly Report for further details). The intercept is coincidental with a DHEM target approximately 40m 
by 35m in size and located 240m north of the 2013 Long resource boundary (Figure 6). Further drill testing is planned for Long 
North in FY2015.

McLeay South Long Section
(Kambalda Nickel Operations Grid)

N

MDU-688
2.2m @ 5.0% Ni

MDU-653
10.5m @ 1.2% Ni

MDU-400
1.6m @ 5.2% Ni

LNSD-063W2
4.9m @ 5.4% Ni

McLeay

McLeay South

Victor South

Moran

Fault

I n t e r p r e t e d C h a n n e l

i o n

t

  P o s i

MDU-641
0.2m @ 12.4% Ni

Fault

MDU-642
4.2m @ 5.5% Ni

MDU-687A
2.2m @ 7.6% Ni

MDU-653
9.7m @ 4.0% Ni

MDU-667
0.8m @ 8.7% Ni

MDU-685
0.5m @ 8.9% Ni

0

250m

n

s iti o

e l  P o

n

n

a

C h

d

e t e

r

p

r

I n t e

2014 June Qtr drilling

Pre 2014 June Qtr drilling

Significant drill hole intercepts >1% Ni
(drill intercepts are quoted as down hole width,
not true width)

Porphyry - drill intercept

Nickel Sulphide Surfaces

Interpreted Mineralisation Outline

Mine Development

Figure 7: Long Operation – Longitudinal Projection showing McLeay South Target areas, TEM conductors and significant intercepts. See June 2014 

Quarterly Report released to ASX on 28 July 2014

28      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     29

JAGUAR OPERATION, WESTERN AUSTRALIA IGO 100%

Background

The Jaguar Operation, located 60km north of Leonora in Western Australia (Figure 13), was acquired by the Company in 2011.  
The Jaguar Operation has significant exploration potential along 50km of prospective tenure.

The Operation originally comprised the Jaguar and Bentley zinc-copper-silver-gold underground mines and processing facility. 
The Jaguar deposit was discovered in 2002 approximately 4km south of the historic Teutonic Bore open cut and underground 
zinc-copper-silver mine. Bentley was discovered in 2008 and brought into production in 2011 when development intersected the 
top of the ore body. Ore is processed at the Jaguar concentrator which produces a copper and a zinc concentrate. The copper 
concentrate also contains significant silver and gold credits. The concentrates are trucked to the port of Geraldton where they are 
shipped to our customers. 

During FY2014, mining was completed at Jaguar and, as a result, all FY2015 mill production ore is expected to be sourced from 
the Bentley deposit.

Figure 8: Jaguar Operation - Bentley Mine - 3D isometric projection showing mineralised envelopes, drilling and planned development. See June 

2014 Quarterly Report released to ASX on 28 July 2014

30      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Jaguar Operation – Processing plant at sunrise.

Safety

Two LTIs occurred during FY2014. The 12 month LTIFR at 30 June 2014 was 3.4. The Company is dedicated to improving its 
safety performance and targeting zero injuries at the Jaguar operation. The Company believes that profits can be made without 
compromising safety. Safety remains our highest priority with the key being engagement of management, employees and 
contractors. Proactive safety standards, hazard identification, competency training, continual reviewing of safe work procedures, 
competency reassessment and regular workplace inspections all play a large role in our safety culture and commitment. 

In FY2015, some of our objectives in safety include standardising systems and practices, benchmarking and ongoing process 
improvements.

Mine Production

A total of 431,362t of ore was mined during FY2014 predominantly from the Bentley underground mine, with a minor contribution 
from the Jaguar underground mine (Table 2). Mining at the Jaguar underground mine ceased during FY2014.

Table 2: Jaguar Operation – FY2014 Ore Production

Ore Tonnes

11,302

420,060

431,362

Cu%

2.8

2.0

2.0

Zn%

0.5

11.5

11.2

Ag g/t

19

153

150

Jaguar

Bentley

TOTAL

Mill Production

A total of 441,867 tonnes of ore at an average grade of 10.65% Zn, 1.97% Cu and 145g/t Ag (FY2013: 392,125t @ 10.1% Zn, 
1.63% Cu and 143g/t Ag) was milled. Metal production in concentrate was 41,162 tonnes of contained zinc metal (FY2013: 
33,809t), 7,692 tonnes of contained copper metal (FY2013: 4,992t) and 1,657,461 ounces of contained silver metal (FY2013: 
1,376,804oz). Production of copper was 28% above the higher end of guidance. Zinc production exceeded the higher end of 
guidance by 1.6%. The payable cash costs plus royalties was $0.31 per pound payable zinc net of by-product (FY2013: $0.49 per 
pound), 22.5% below the lower end of FY2014 guidance. 

FY2015 Production Guidance

Production guidance for the Jaguar Operation for FY2015 is 420,000 to 440,000t of ore for production of 5,800 to 6,500t of copper 
metal and 40,000 to 43,000t of zinc metal in concentrate. Cash costs for FY2015 are forecast at $0.40 to $0.60 per pound of zinc, 
including royalty and net of by-product credits. 

Sustaining capital, development and exploration expenditure are forecast to be approximately $10 million, $11 million and $8 
million respectively during FY2015.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     31

Figure 9 : Jaguar Operation:  Bentley Composite Long Section showing location of Flying Spur and Bentley Deeps drill holes. Down 

hole widths are true widths. Note: North is to the left in the diagram. See June 2014 Quarterly Report released to ASX on 28 July 2014 

and ASX release dated 22 September 2014

Figure 10: Cross Section of Bentley deposit showing location of Arnage and Flying Spur lenses, intercept pierce points and planned 

follow-up drilling pierce points (see ASX release dated 22 September 2014)

32      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Near Mine Exploration

Early in 2014, the Flying Spur lens, located at the down dip extremity and in the hanging wall to the main Arnage lens at Bentley 
(see Figure 9), was identified and a drilling program was initiated.

The defined extent of Flying Spur at the end of June 2014 was 290m of strike and 350m of dip. The lens remains open down 
plunge and along strike. Further drill testing is planned on the Flying Spur lens in early FY2015. All significant underground 
exploration drill hole intercepts from drilling at Flying Spur were reported in the March and June 2014 Quarterly Reports. An 
Inferred Resource estimate of 449,000t @ 12.6% Zn, 0.6% Cu, 209g/t Ag and 1.7g/t Au has been delineated to date for the Flying 
Spur lens (for full details see Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve update released to ASX on 28 August 2014). 

Subsequent to year end the Company announced significant new results from diamond drilling programs recently completed 
proximal to the Bentley Mine. A two-hole drilling program testing deep target positions beneath the Bentley resource was 
undertaken from surface. The drill result below the Arnage Lens indicates the potential to define significant mineralisation more 
than 250m below the current Resource (see ASX release dated 22 September 2014 for full details).

Regional Exploration

The Jaguar Project covers 50km of strike prospective for the discovery of Volcanogenic Massive Sulphides (VMS) deposits 
(Figure 14). It encompasses three known high grade zinc-copper-silver-gold deposits: Teutonic Bore (inactive), Jaguar (recently 
completed) and Bentley (in production). Fertile VMS belts generally contain numerous deposits and accordingly the Teutonic Bore 
belt has high potential for the discovery of additional ore lenses. Deep drilling outside the resource envelope of the known deposits 
has been limited to date and much of it has been directed at gold exploration rather than base metals exploration.

Unlike most other major VMS belts elsewhere around the globe, the surface geophysical and geochemical expression of buried 
deposits in Western Australia is generally subtle to non-existent due to a very strong weathering profile. The relatively short 
strike length of deposits, combined with the complex interplay of post-mineralising structures and intrusives, further complicates 
exploration. Accordingly, successful targeting within the Jaguar Project requires the careful integration of multidisciplinary 
datasets including regolith geochemistry, geophysics (IP and EM), spectral, stratigraphic and structural interpretation followed by 
aggressive multi-phase drilling programs. 

Ongoing exploration has identified a number of high priority areas including Wilson, the Daimler–Triumph–Lagonda trend, Jensen 
and South Bentley areas, which exhibit the signatures of mineralised hydrothermal centres and are being systematically assessed. 

Exploration activities during the second half of FY2014 focused on the Triumph Prospect approximately 5km north of the Jaguar 
processing plant. Previous work at Triumph had defined an extensive geochemical anomaly with associated hydrothermally altered 
rocks at the prospective Bentley/Jaguar/Teutonic Bore ore position. During early 2014, a comprehensive geological review of 
Triumph identified a high priority target that was tested by a program of nine diamond drill holes for a total of 4,777m of drilling. 
This drilling intersected a significant zone of hydrothermally altered rocks containing varying thicknesses of VMS style massive to 
semi-massive pyrite-sphalerite rich mineralisation and underlying stringer style pyrite-chalcopyrite-sphalerite mineralisation. At 30 
June 2014, results had been received for five holes including the best intercept of 2.7m (true width) @ 14.8% Zn, 1,115/t Ag and 
1.8g/t Au from 456.95m in 14TRDD006.

The mineralised system has a strike length of over 450m and remains open up and down-plunge. The down-plunge extent is 
trending towards the Daimler prospect and is approximately 900m north of the Daimler VMS style stringer mineralisation. The area 
between Triumph and Daimler remains largely untested by previous drilling. 

Work during FY2015 at Triumph will focus on interpreting the geometry of the Triumph hydrothermal system, delineating the higher 
grade parts of the system and developing drill targets within the untested area. Also planned is a comprehensive geological 
review and re-modelling of the Daimler prospect where a stringer style copper zone has been defined. The work aims to discover 
potential massive sulphide lenses associated with Daimler stringer mineralisation and the relationship with the newly discovered 
Triumph mineralisation. A long section showing drill hole pierce points into the Triumph target is provided in Figure 12. All 
significant intercepts received at 30 June 2014 from drilling at Triumph were reported in the June 2014 Quarterly Report.

Subsequent to year end the Company announced a significant new result from diamond drilling programs recently completed 
at the Triumph Prospect. Recent 3D geological modelling and re-logging of an historic drill hole JHDD0003 in the prospect area 
identified that an additional target horizon may have been present beyond the end of the hole.  Consequently, the hole was 
re-entered and extended from 764.4m to a final depth of 936.8m. Within 6m of the commencement of drilling, the extension 
intersected significant zones of light to heavy semi-massive sulphide mineralisation within a volcaniclastic sediment package 
which extended over a thickness of 50m. This mineralisation included a best intercept of 8.4m (true width) @ 9.7% Zn, 0.1% Cu, 
44g/t Ag and 0.3g/t Au between 788.0m and 799.1m at a vertical depth of 650m (an extension of JHDD0003 originally drilled in 
2008). The intercept remains open in all directions and confirms the exploration potential of the Triumph Prospect. Results for the 
Triumph Prospect continue to provide evidence that this prospect could host a VMS style base metal deposit (see ASX release 
dated 22 September 2014 for full details).

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     33

Figure 11: Jaguar Operation – Tenure, Regional Geology, Mines and Significant Prospect Locations 50km long corridor surrounding three known 

mines with ten Zn-Cu-Ag alteration anomalies under cover

Figure 12: Jaguar Operation Regional Exploration - Long-section of Triumph Prospect showing location of the intercept in JHDD0003 extension 

relative to other drilling at the prospect. See June 2014 Quarterly Report released to ASX on 28 July 2014 and ASX release dated 22 September 2014

34      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Approx 16km untested strike

Wilson Crk

Wilson

Lagonda

Triumph

Daimler

TB South

Jensen

Teutonic Bore
(closed)

Jaguar
(closed)

N

Warramboo Gossan

Bentley
(incl Flying Spur)

0

5km

Felsic Volcanic

Granitic Gneiss

Monzonite

Mafic/Intermediate package

Ultramafic/mafic package

Ultramafic

Mine / prospect

Prospective Stratigraphy

Tenement Outline

Approx 6km untested strike

Figure 13: Jaguar Operation Regional Exploration targets

Sth Bentley

Pumping Station

Charlie Chicks

Possie Well

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     35

Darlot JV (IGO Manager and Earning 70% - 80%)

During the year the Company entered into a joint venture on the Darlot Project, held by Enterprise Metals Limited (ASX: ENT). The 
Company is earning a 70%-80% interest in the project which covers some 740 square kilometres of tenure approximately 60km 
north and along-strike from IGO’s Jaguar Project. The Project, which covers similar volcanic stratigraphy to the Jaguar Project, has 
strategic value to the Company as any base metals discoveries are potentially within economically viable trucking distance of its 
Jaguar processing facility.

During FY2014, an AC drilling program comprising 111 holes (4,732m) tested six prospect areas. The drilling was designed to 
identify geochemical anomalism and alteration signatures potentially representing VMS mineralisation at depth. Interpretation of 
the drilling results will be completed once assay results have been received.

FY2015 Jaguar Operation Exploration

Drilling over the next twelve months will continue to focus on defining high grade massive zinc-copper sulphides. The Company is 
expecting to spend approximately $8 million on exploration during FY2015 for ongoing work at Flying Spur, Triumph and elsewhere 
on the Jaguar concession and on Darlot JV tenements.

300,000mE

350,000mE

N
m
0
0
0
,
0
5
9
,
6

N
m
0
0
0
,
0
0
9
,
6

N
m
0
0
0
,
0
5
8
,
6

N

0

20km

Darlot JV
(IGO earning 70 - 80% )

Jaguar Project
(IGO 100%)

Gold Deposit

Base Metals Deposit

Prospect (Base Metals)

Mafic - Felsic Contact

Waterloo (Ni)

Thunderbox

Teutonic Bore

Jaguar

Bentley

Spring Well
Felsic Complex

Darlot

Prospective Contact

Teutonic Bore
Felsic Complex

Lagonda

Triumph

Daimler

N
m
0
0
0
,
0
5
9
,
6

N
m
0
0
0
,
0
0
9
,
6

N
m
0
0
0
,
0
5
8
,
6

Figure 14: Jaguar Operation and Darlot Joint Venture – Tenure, Regional Geology, Mines and Significant 

300,000mE

350,000mE

Prospect Locations

36      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     37

STOCKMAN PROJECT, VICTORIA IGO 100%

Background

The Stockman Project is located in Eastern Victoria, 460km by road north-east of Melbourne. The project encompasses two 
copper-zinc-lead-silver-gold deposits, Wilga and Currawong, which were discovered in 1978 and 1979. The larger Currawong 
deposit is fully intact, whilst a core of copper-rich ore from the Wilga deposit was mined and processed onsite between 1992 and 
1996. 

The Wilga and Currawong VMS deposits are hosted within the Lachlan Fold Belt that are known to contain VMS deposits. Both 
massive sulphide deposits are approximately 350m in strike and dip extent, dip shallowly to the north (local grid) and are located 
some 100m below the surface. The Currawong deposit comprises five massive sulphide lenses and associated stringer style 
mineralisation stacked by a series of post-mineralisation faults. Located approximately 4km to the south, Wilga comprises a single 
massive sulphide lens with an extensive halo of stringer style mineralisation. The sulphide mineralogy is predominantly pyrite, 
sphalerite, chalcopyrite and galena.

The Currawong massive sulphide lenses contain copper-rich domains that in part reflect primary hydrothermal fluid pathways 
controlled by original structural trends. The structural complexity of the larger landholding is being interpreted with a view to 
greater understanding of the potential for additional host stratigraphy under barren cover in the vicinity of the two deposits, as well 
as regionally.

The scope of the project encompasses concurrent development of the two underground deposits to feed a central 1.0Mtpa 
differential flotation concentrator that could produce approximately 150,000tpa of copper and zinc concentrates over a project life 
of approximately nine years. The concentrate products would be exported to customer smelters in the southern Asia region.

The existing modern Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) would be expanded for use by the project, whilst additional water would 
be sourced from the Benambra plains, some 30km from the project site. Other key infrastructure would include a site gas-fired 
power station, an accommodation village for the drive-in drive-out regional workforce and re-commissioning of a nearby Telstra 
communications tower.

Following the completion of the FY2013 Feasibility Study (FS) substantial additional work has been undertaken during FY2014 on 
an Enhanced Feasibility Study (EFS) including:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the opportunities identified in the FS;

a review of proposed capital and operating expenditure;

assessing opportunities to enhance revenue;

updating and optimisation of key technical and economic parameters; and

reduction of technical risk.

The EFS will be finalised in the first half of FY2015 to coincide with expected permitting milestones. 

Permitting

An Environment Effects Statement (EES), which is the overarching permitting instrument for Stockman under the Victorian 
Environment Effects Act 1978, was submitted during FY2014. The EES describes all aspects of the Stockman project. In total, 
some 26 separate studies have been completed and reported, covering biophysical, social and economic impacts and benefits 
from the project. The EES also addresses matters raised by the Commonwealth through the Environmental Biodiversity and 
Conservation Act 1999. The Company has worked with a wide range of stakeholders during the EES process to ensure robust 
consultation, and the resultant community support for the project is strong and based on in-depth understanding of project 
components.

38      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Submission to government of the Stockman EES included exhibition for public comment in the June 2014 Quarter, and a formal 
Inquiry Panel undertaken by Planning Panels Victoria in June 2014. The Inquiry Panel delivered its report to the Minister for 
Planning during the September 2014 Quarter, allowing the Minister to then commence production of his Assessment Report for the 
licencing agencies. 

While it is anticipated that the Minister will release his Assessment Report before the end of 2014, it must be noted that there are no 
statutory timelines mandating this timing.

FY2015

Approximately $3 million is expected to be spent in FY2015 on evaluation, permitting and targeting new mineralised zones at site. 
Shareholders should note that this budget is likely to be revised once the outcomes of the EES assessment are known.

Figure 15: Artist’s impression of proposed Stockman concentrator and administration areas

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     39

Diligence

C A R E F U L   ( S A F E )   A N D 

P E R S I S T E N T   E F F O R T

40      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

REGIONAL EXPLORATION

OVERVIEW

Exploration in FY2014 has focused on target refinement and drill testing at the Jaguar and Karlawinda Gold Projects as well as four 
new exploration joint ventures. 

Target generation activities continued in Australia, South America and Scandinavia, boosted by the application of the Global 
Lithospheric Architecture Mapping (GLAM) database. These targeting initiatives, together with the ongoing De Beers generative 
work and the current market downturn, are expected to continue to create a number of new exploration opportunities in FY2015. 
With its high calibre exploration team and robust exploration budget, the Company is confident of adding value, through ongoing 
exploration success.

KARLAWINDA GOLD PROJECT (IGO 100%)

The Company has determined that the Karlawinda Gold Project is unlikely to meet its size and economic thresholds for 
development and accordingly is seeking expressions of interest from parties regarding a potential divestment. 

LAKE MACKAY EXPLORATION ALLIANCE (IGO HAS POTENTIAL TO EARN UP TO 70%)

500,000 mE

550,000 mE

600,000 mE

650,000 mE

WILBRUNGA RANGE

y
r
a
d
n
u
o
B
e
t
a
t
S
A
W

/

T
N

N
m
0
0
0
,
0
0
6
,
7

N
m
0
0
0
,
0
5
5
,
7

N
m
0
0
0
,
0
0
5
,
7

N

0

25km

Granted Tenements

Application Tenements

2013
Approved Work Areas

2013 Au Anomalies

Historic Au Intercepts

Dodger Prospect
Rock chips to 10.8 g/t Au

Drill Intercepts include:
3m @ 2.3 g/t Au

MC EWIN HILLS

VAM HILL

Dodger
Dodger

Whakatipu
Whakatipu

Tekapo
Tekapo

MOUNT NICKER

Manapouri
Manapouri

Te Anau
Te Anau

MOUNT CAREY

NIRRIPPI

Ohau
Ohau

Taupo Prospect
Rock chips to 1.2 g/t Au
Soils 15 samples > 100 ppb Au

Taupo
Taupo

MOUNT MORRIS

Tekapo Prospect
Rock chips to 32.6 g/t Au

Drill Intercepts include:
16m @ 3.4 g/t Au
18m @ 3.05 g/t Au
(includes 4m @ 2.67% Cu)
26m @ 2.2 g/t Au

CAMPBELL RANGE

Manapouri-Te Anau
Lag sample to 74 ppb Au

N
m
0
0
0
,
0
0
6
,
7

N
m
0
0
0
,
0
5
5
,
7

N
m
0
0
0
,
0
0
5
,
7

500,000 mE

550,000 mE

600,000 mE

650,000 mE

Figure 16 – Lake Mackay tenure with aeromagnetic underlay

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     41

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Early in FY2014, the Company entered into an exploration alliance with ABM Resources NL (ASX: ABU) under which the Company 
could earn up to 70% of a portfolio of tenements in the Lake Mackay region in the Northern Territory.

The Lake Mackay Project is located 400km northwest of Alice Springs, adjacent to the Western Australian border, and includes 
7,200 square kilometres of exploration licences and 5,000 square kilometres of exploration licence applications. The project area 
comprises poorly explored Proterozoic age metasediments intruded by granitic and mafic rocks beneath varying thickness of 
aeolian sand cover and is considered prospective for gold, base metals and nickel sulphide mineralisation.

The exploration approach being taken by IGO is to initially blanket the project area with high quality surface geochemical 
sampling to identify large gold bearing mineralised systems. During FY2014, IGO collected 8,716 soil samples, consisting of 4,094 
reconnaissance samples and 4,622 in-fill samples over soil anomalies identified from the reconnaissance sampling.

Results were received for 6,587 samples which have refined known targets and highlighted a number of new target areas. Once 
the current phase of sampling is completed it is planned to test the highest priority targets by a program of AC drilling in FY2015.

The Central Land Council conducted an additional heritage survey in June 2014 to allow access to the highly prospective, and 
presently un-sampled, south western block of the Lake Mackay Project.

BRYAH BASIN JOINT VENTURE (JV) (IGO MANAGER AND EARNING 70% - 80%)

In the second half of FY2014, the Company entered into an exploration alliance with Alchemy Resources Limited (ASX: ALY) 
under which the Company could earn up to a 70% interest in ALY’s Bryah Basin portfolio of tenements. The Bryah Basin JV tenure 
is situated approximately 40km west along strike from the DeGrussa Cu-Au VMS deposit currently being mined by Sandfire 
Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR) and covers the same prospective Narracoota Volcanic host stratigraphy. The IGO exploration team has 
extensive VMS exploration and discovery experience through its Jaguar and Stockman projects. The Company intends to apply 
the exploration techniques developed at these projects together with its in-house geophysical expertise in the exploration of the 
Bryah Basin JV Project.

In the second half of FY2014, the Company undertook a comprehensive data review in order to prioritise target areas. A ground 
EM survey, followed by an AC drilling program, will be undertaken in early FY2015 as a preliminary test of the target areas 
identified.

42      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

675,000mN

700,000mN

725,000mN

750,000mN

Fiddler
Fiddler

Fiddler South
Fiddler South

Bullgullan Bore
Bullgullan Bore

Horseshoe Lights

Jubilee

Peak Hill

Harmony

DeGrussa

Reefer Well
Reefer Well

Henry
Henry

Jones
Jones

Central Bore
Central Bore

St Crispin
St Crispin

Seaborg
Seaborg

Halloween
Halloween

Old Highway
Old Highway

Mount Pleasant

Wilgeena
Wilgeena

Magnus
Magnus

Neptune
Neptune

Churchill
Churchill

N
m
0
0
0
,
0
0
2
,
7

N
m
0
0
0
,
5
7
1
,
7

N
m
0
0
0
,
0
5
1
,
7

N
m
0
0
0
,
0
0
2
,
7

N
m
0
0
0
,
5
7
1
,
7

N
m
0
0
0
,
0
5
1
,
7

N

Bryah Basin JV

IGO Active

Bangemall Group

Padbury Group

Peak Hill Schist

Granite

0

10km

GDA94 MGA Zone 50

Au Mine/Prospect

Bryah Group

Cu-Au Mine/Prospect

Prospective Stratigraphy

675,000mN

700,000mN

725,000mN

750,000mN

Figure 17 – Bryah Basin joint venture tenure 

REBECCA JV (IGO MANAGER AND EARNING 70%)

Early in the second half of FY2014, the Company entered into an exploration alliance with Apollo Consolidated Limited (ASX: 
AOP) under which the Company could earn up to 70% in AOP’s Rebecca Project tenements. The Rebecca Project is located 
approximately 145km east of Kalgoorlie and covers ultramafic volcanic stratigraphy on the eastern margin of the Norsemen Wiluna 
Greenstone Belt, considered to be prospective for massive Ni-Cu-PGE sulphide mineralisation. 

A MLEM survey has been completed over 28 strike kilometres of ultramafic stratigraphy considered to have the highest potential. 
This work has delineated a number of conductors in five separate prospect areas. The conductors in three of these areas, East, 
Addis and North are interpreted to represent sulphide mineralisation. A two hole RC drill program in the second half of FY2014 has 
downgraded the East prospect with no further work planned.

Further work, including surface geochemical sampling, is being completed at the Addis and North prospects to determine if drill 
testing of these targets is warranted.

FY2015 REGIONAL EXPLORATION

IGO has budgeted $11 million for greenfields and generative exploration in FY2015. This is in addition to funds committed to 
ongoing brownfields and regional exploration at the Tropicana Gold Project and the Company’s in-mine programs and regional 
exploration at Long and Jaguar discussed in previous sections of this Annual Report.

A number of new gold and base metal exploration projects are currently being evaluated and a budget has been set aside 
to commence exploration on one or more of these in the coming 12 months. There will be a continued strong focus on target 
generation including ongoing evaluation of the De Beers database. 

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     43

Respe ct

V A L U I N G   T H E   V I E W S   O F 

O T H E R S   A N D   A C C E P T I N G 

P E O P L E   F O R   W H O   T H E Y   A R E

44      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT   
AND ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

The Company works closely with 

these organisations during the 

The Company has a structured and 
targeted Community Development and 
Assistance Program (CDAP) in place. 

The Kambalda West District High 
School Youth Leadership Program

entire program cycle to help them 

achieve the planned and potentially 

sustainable outcomes.

The CDAP provides targeted 
assistance to a range of community-
based programs with an emphasis 
on education and capacity building 
for Indigenous and non-Indigenous 
groups across urban, regional and 
disadvantaged communities. 

The Company identifies appropriate 
opportunities and participates in the 
programs in consultation with the 
relevant organisations. The Company 
works closely with these organisations 
during the entire program cycle to 
help them achieve the planned and 
potentially sustainable outcomes. The 
Company is focused on establishing 
and maintaining programs in Leonora, 
Kambalda and Boulder, regions in 
which the Company has its mining 
operations. 

Structured programs to which the 
Company contributed during FY2014 
under its CDAP are as follows: 

Leonora District High School “Young 
Leaders in the Field” Program

This program invites a number of 
students aged between 9 and 16 years 
to participate in a Leadership Program 
as a means of developing their skills to 
become major contributors and leaders 
within the Leonora school environment. 
All students involved are elected by 
their peers to participate in the program. 
The program focuses on the importance 
of leadership, the critical role of good 
communication and the ability to act on 
the students’ leadership aspirations. 

The Company is providing funding to 
support the Youth Leadership Program 
at Kambalda West District High 
School which encourages students to 
engage in leadership training and skill 
development. The program promotes 
school attendance and achievement, 
and encourages students to explore 
their vocational options. The program 
also supports the liaison with community 
groups and local council to plan 
community improvement projects and 
social events.

Teach, Learn, Grow

Teach, Learn, Grow is a volunteer based 
tutoring program that sees university 
students give up their vacation time to 
spend one week, twice a year, in rural 
and remote schools throughout WA.  
The Company sponsors the Teach, 
Learn, Grow team to work with primary 
school students in Coolgardie and 
Boulder Primary Schools and CAPS 
Kurrawang Aboriginal Independent 
School as part of its CDAP in the 
Goldfields. The tutors engage in pre-
service training and work in teams to 
provide assistance to both teachers and 
students. The Company has received 
positive feedback from all parties 
involved in the program. 

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     45

Challis Primary School: Independence Group Human Resources Manager, Sam Retallack officially launching the playground construction program

The Challis Primary School

Challis Primary School, located in 
Armadale, Perth, is in a disadvantaged 
area experiencing a range of social 
issues. The Company supports various 
programs at the school which aim 
to encourage social and scholastic 
development in the crucial early years 
of a child’s education. The programs 
include a focus on early childhood 
development through the construction 
of a nature playground and the 
development of a youth leadership 
program to encourage leadership skills 
and effective decision making in the 
older primary students.

Leonora District High School “Young Leaders 

in the Field” Program (Camping beneath  

Mt Ballard)

Leonora District High School “Young Leaders 

Mt Lawley Senior High School students 

in the Field” Program (Evening campfire 

attending Reconciliation Week services at 

marshmallow roast)

Kings Park, Perth, Western Australia

The Aboriginal Student Scholarship 
Program with Mt Lawley Senior High 
School 

This program has been designed 
to provide Aboriginal students with 
a sound academic aptitude the 
opportunity to attend a premier high 
school in Perth. Participating students 
receive strong encouragement from 
teachers to reach graduation and 
continue on to tertiary education or 
vocational outcomes. The program 
provides individual learning plans, 
homework classes, university student 
mentors, access to the adjoining 
facilities at Edith Cowan University, 
cultural excursions and completion 
of a relevant research assignment as 
part of the program. The Company is 
providing scholarships to a number 
of students in 2014. Mt Lawley SHS’s 
Aboriginal Excellence Program (AEP) 
students have been strong supporters 
of Reconciliation Week Services at the 
Kings Park War Memorial since the 
program commenced in 2011. AEP 
students laid a wreath at the site of the 
Eternal Flame as a sign of their respect 
for the fallen soldiers. This special 
service required the involvement of 
all the armed services, the Returned 
Services League, Department of 
Veterans’ Affairs, Honouring Indigenous 
War Graves Inc. and affiliated Aboriginal 
organisations. 

46      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

MINERAL  RESOURCES   
AND ORE  RESERVES

Table 1: Tropicana Gold Mine – 100% Project (IGO Share 30%) – 30 June 2014 Resources (and 2013 comparison)

Mineral Resource – 31 December 20131

Mineral Resource – 30 June 2014

Classification

Tonnes  
(Mt)

Au g/t

Contained  
Au (M Oz)

Tonnes 
(Mt)

Au g/t

Contained  
Au (M Oz)

Open Pit

Underground

Stockpiles
Total Tropicana

GRAND TOTAL

Measured
Indicated
Inferred
Sub-Total
Measured
Indicated
Inferred
Sub-Total
Measured
Measured
Indicated
Inferred

28.6
74.0
5.8
108.4
-
2.4
6.1
8.5

28.6
76.4
11.9

116.8

2.06
1.88
2.57
1.97
-
3.58
3.07
3.21

2.06
1.94
2.83

2.06

1.89
4.48
0.48
6.85
-
0.27
0.60
0.87

1.89
4.75
1.08

7.72

22.8
73.7
5.8
102.4
-
2.4
6.1
8.5
4.9
27.7
76.1
11.9

115.7

2.11
1.89
2.57
1.97
-
3.58
3.07
3.21
1.04
1.92
1.94
2.83

2.03

1.56
4.47
0.48
6.50
-
0.27
0.60
0.87
0.16
1.72
4.74
1.08

7.54

Notes:
1.  As reported by Independence Group to the ASX on 28 February 2014.

2.  For the Open Pit Mineral Resource estimate, mineralisation in the Havana, Havana South, Tropicana and Boston Shaker areas was calculated 

within a US$1,550/oz pit optimisation at an AUD:USD exchange rate of $1.03 (A$1,500/oz).

3.  The Open Pit Mineral Resources have been estimated using the geostatistical technique of Uniform Conditioning, using cut-off grades of 0.3g/t 

Au for Transported and Saprolite material, 0.4g/t Au for Transitional and Fresh material.

4.  The Havana Deeps Underground Mineral Resource estimate has been reported outside the US$1,550/oz pit optimisation at a cut-off grade of 

1.73g/t Au, which was calculated using a gold price of US$2,000/oz (AUD:USD 1.05) (A$1,896/oz).

5.  The Havana Deeps Underground Mineral Resource was estimated using the geostatistical technique of Ordinary Kriging using average drill hole 

intercepts.

6.  Mining depletion as at 30 June 2014 has been removed from the 2014 resource estimate.

7.  Resources are inclusive of Reserves.

8.  The Competent Persons statement is incorporated in the JORC Code and Forward-Looking Statements section of this report.

9.  See IGO’s ASX Release of 28 August 2014 for JORC Code (2012) Table 1 Parameters.

Table 2: Tropicana Gold Mine – 100% Project (IGO Share 30%) – 30 June 2014 Reserves (and December 2013 comparison)

Classification

Proved
Probable
Stockpiles

Open Pit

GRAND TOTAL

Ore Reserve – 31 December 20131

Ore Reserve – 30 June 2014

Tonnes 
(Mt)

22.2
29.9
2.6

54.8

Au g/t

2.29
2.02
2.04

2.13

Contained  
Au (M Oz)

 Tonnes 
(Mt)

1.64
1.95
0.17

3.76

20.2
29.7
3.3

53.3

Au g/t

2.29
2.02
1.27

2.08

Contained 
Au (M Oz)

1.49
1.94
0.13

3.56

Notes:
1.  As reported by Independence Group to the ASX on 28 February 2014.

2.  The Proved and Probable Ore Reserve (30 June 2014) is reported above economic break-even gold cut-off grades of 0.4 g/t for Transported/

Upper Saprolite material, 0.5 g/t for Lower Saprolite material, 0.6g/t for Sap-Rock (Transitional) material and 0.7g/t for Fresh material at nominated 
gold price US$1,100/oz and exchange rate 0.88 AUD:USD (equivalent to A$1,249/oz Au).

3.  The 30 June 2014 Reserve estimate is updated using the end of June 2014 surveyed surface topography and end of June 2014 stockpile 

balances. The final pit designs, cut-off grades and the Resource model used are unchanged from the December 2013 estimate.

4.  The Competent Persons statement is incorporated in the JORC Code and Forward-Looking Statements section of this report.

5.  See IGO’s ASX Release of 28 August 2014 for JORC Code (2012) Table 1 Parameters. 

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table 3: Long Nickel Operation – June 2014 Resources (and 2013 comparison) 

Mineral Resource - 30 June 2013

Mineral Resource - 30 June 2014

Ni %

Ni Tonnes

Classification

Measured
Indicated
Inferred
Sub-Total
Measured
Indicated
Inferred
Sub-Total
Measured
Indicated
Inferred
Sub-Total
Measured
Indicated
Inferred
Sub-Total
Measured

Long 

Victor South

McLeay

Moran

Stockpiles

GRAND TOTAL

Tonnes

61,000
213,000
116,000
390,000
-
212,000
28,000
240,000
79,000
164,000
75,000
318,000
181,000
241,000
11,000
433,000

1,381,000

5.4
5.2
5.1
5.2
-
2.4
1.4
2.3
6.7
5.7
4.5
5.6
6.7
7.4
4.5
7.0

5.4

3,300
11,100
5,900
20,300
-
5,000
400
5,400
5,300
9,300
3,400
18,000
12,200
17,700
500
30,400

Tonnes

70,000
270,000
138,000
478,000
-
188,000
28,000
216,000
74,000
85,000
75,000
234,000
285,000
90,000
86,000
461,000
3,000

74,100

1,392,000

Ni %

Ni Tonnes

5.5
5.5
5.4
5.5
-
2.0
1.6
1.9
6.7
4.8
4.6
5.3
7.3
6.9
4.0
6.6
3.3

5.3

3,900
15,000
7,400
26,300
-
3,700
400
4,100
4,900
4,100
3,400
12,400
20,800
6,300
3,500
30,600
100

73,400

Notes:
1.  Mineral Resources are reported using a 1% Ni Cut-off grade except for the Victor South disseminated Mineral Resource which is reported using 

a cut-off grade of 0.6% Ni.

2.  Mining depletion as at 30 June 2014 has been removed from the 2014 resource estimate.

3.  Resources are inclusive of Reserves.

4.  Ore tonnes have been rounded to the nearest thousand tonnes and nickel tonnes have been rounded to the nearest hundred tonnes. This may 

result in slight rounding differences in the total values in the table above.

5.  The Competent Persons statement is incorporated in the JORC Code and Forward-Looking Statements section of this report.

6.  See IGO’s ASX Release of 28 August 2014 for JORC Code (2012) Table 1 Parameters.

Table 4: Long Nickel Operation – June 2014 Reserves (and 2013 comparison) 

Ore Reserve - 30 June 2013

Ore Reserve - 30 June 2014

Classification

Proved
Probable
Sub-Total
Proved
Probable
Sub-Total
Proved
Probable
Sub-Total
Proved
Probable
Sub-Total
Proved

Long 

Victor South

McLeay

Moran

Stockpiles

GRAND TOTAL

Tonnes

45,000
66,000
111,000
-
20,000
20,000
46,000
70,000
116,000
229,000
405,000
634,000

881,000

Ni %

Ni Tonnes

3.1
2.9
3.0
-
3.9
3.9
3.0
3.6
3.3
4.5
3.9
4.1

3.8

1,400
1,900
3,300
-
800
800
1,400
2,500
3,900
10,300
15,600
25,900

33,900

Tonnes

50,000
56,000
106,000
5,000
8,000
13,000
49,000
3,000
52,000
449,000
120,000
569,000
3,000

743,000

Ni %

Ni Tonnes

3.8
3.1
3.4
3.7
3.2
3.4
4.1
3.3
3.9
4.5
3.1
4.2
3.3

4.0

1,900
1,700
3,600
200
200
400
1,900
100
2,000
20,200
3,600
23,800
100

29,900

Notes:
1.  Ore Reserves are reported above an economic Ni Cut-off value as at 30 June.

2.  A Net Smelter Return (NSR) value of $214 per ore tonne has been used in the evaluation of the 2014 reserve.

3.  Mining depletion as at 30 June 2014 has been removed from the 2014 reserve estimate.

4.  Ore tonnes have been rounded to the nearest thousand tonnes and nickel tonnes have been rounded to the nearest hundred tonnes.

5.  Revenue factor inputs (US$): Ni $14,508/t, Cu $6,820/t. Exchange rate AU$1.00 : US$0.90.

6.  The Competent Persons statement is incorporated in the JORC Code and Forward-Looking Statements section of this report.

7.  See IGO’s ASX Release of 28 August 2014 for JORC Code (2012) Table 1 Parameters.

48      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

 
 
 
 
 
 
Table 5: Jaguar Operation – June 2014 Resources (and 2013 comparison)

Mineral Resource - 30 June 2013

Mineral Resource - 30 June 2014

Jaguar

Bentley

Tonnes
Classification
264,000
Measured
181,000
Indicated
30,000
Inferred
475,000
Sub-Total
Measured
453,000
Indicated 1,442,000
849,000
Inferred
Stockpiles
27,000
Sub-Total 2,771,000

Cu %
2.4
1.8
2.6
2.2
1.6
1.7
2.4
1.3
1.9

Zn % Ag g/t
47
28
42
39
212
103
161
135
139

3.4
2.0
2.7
2.8
17.1
7.9
8.4
11.0
9.6

Au g/t

Tonnes Cu %

Zn %

-
-
-
-
1.0
0.6
1.0
0.4
0.8

-
-
-
-
706,000
1,502,000
631,000
16,000
2,855,000

-
-
-
-
2.2
1.5
1.2
1.8
1.6

-
-
-
-
12.3
8.0
6.1
11.7
8.7

Ag g/t Au g/t
-
-
-
-
172
123
101
166
130

-
-
-
-
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.8
0.7

Mineral Resource - August 2009

Mineral Resource - August 2009

Teutonic Bore

Measured
Indicated
Inferred

-
946,000
608,000
Sub-Total 1,554,000

GRAND TOTAL

4,800,000

-
1.7
1.4
1.6

1.8

-
3.6
0.7
2.5

6.6

-
65
25
49

100

-
-
-
-

-

-
946,000
608,000
1,554,000

4,409,000

-
1.7
1.4
1.6

1.6

-
3.6
0.7
2.5

6.5

-
65
25
49

102

-
-
-
-

-

Notes:
1.  Mineral Resources include massive sulphide and stringer sulphide mineralisation. Massive sulphide resources are geologically defined; stringer 

sulphide resources for 2014 are reported above cut-off grades of 0.6% Cu for Bentley and 0.7% Cu for Teutonic Bore.

2.  Block modelling mainly used ordinary kriging grade interpolation methods within wireframes for all elements and density. The Flying Spur lens, 
part of the Bentley deposit, was estimated using the Inverse Distance Squared Weighting method (IDW2). The Flying Spur addition to Mineral 
Resources this year comprised 449,000t @ 12.6% Zn, 0.6% Cu, 209g/t Ag and 1.7g/t Au (Inferred).

3.  Mining depletion as at 30 June 2014 has been removed from the 2014 resource estimate for Bentley. Historic mining has been removed from the 

2009 resource estimate for Teutonic Bore.

4.  Resources are inclusive of Reserves.

5.  Mining of the Jaguar deposit was completed on 29 February 2014. Economic evaluation of remaining resources has shown that they are not 

economic at foreseeable metal prices within a reasonable timeframe and have been removed from the 2014 inventory.

6.  The Teutonic Bore resource estimate is now reported in compliance with JORC Code 2012 reporting guidelines. The model is unchanged from 

the 2009 model.

7.  The Competent Persons statement is incorporated in the JORC Code and Forward-Looking Statements section of this report.

8.  See IGO’s ASX Release of 28 August 2014 for JORC Code (2012) Table 1 Parameters.

Table 6: Jaguar Operation – June 2014 Reserves (and 2013 comparison)

Ore Reserve - 30 June 2013

Ore Reserve - 30 June 2014

Classification

Tonnes

Cu % Zn % Ag g/t

Au g/t

Tonnes

Cu %

Zn % Ag g/t

Au g/t

Jaguar

Bentley

20,000
Proved
3,000
Probable
23,000
Sub-Total
431,000
Proved
Probable
830,000
Sub-Total 1,261,000

1.7
1.8
1.7
1.3
1.8
1.6

0.4
0.3
0.4
13.4
7.7
9.6

15
11
14
163
107
126

Stockpiles

Proved

-
-
-
-
-
-
499,000
0.8
0.6
771,000
0.7 1,270,000
16,000

GRAND TOTAL

1,284,000

1.6

9.4

124

- 1,286,000

-
-
-
2.1
1.6
1.8
1.8

1.8

-
-
-
12.1
8.8
10.1
11.7

10.1

-
-
-
168
144
154
166

154

-
-
-
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8

0.8

Notes:
1.  Cut-off values were based on Net Smelter Return (NSR) values of $180 per ore tonne for direct mill feed and $100 per ore tonne for marginal 

feed.

2.  Revenue factor inputs (US$): Cu $6,820/t, Zn $2,070/t, Ag $19.50/troy oz, Au $1,248/troy oz. Exchange rate AU$1.00 : US$0.90.

3.  Metallurgical recoveries – 82% Cu, 53% Ag, and 43% Au in Cu concentrate; 83% Zn and 22% Ag in Zn concentrate.

4.  Longitudinal sub-level long hole stoping is used at Bentley.

5.  All Measured Resource and associated dilution was classified as Proved Reserve. All Indicated Resource and associated dilution was classified 

as Probable Reserve. No Inferred Resource has been converted to Reserve.

6.  Mining of the Jaguar deposit was completed on 29 February 2014. All remaining in situ mineralisation was evaluated and deemed inappropriate 

for Reserve conversion. The Jaguar underground mine was subsequently closed.

7.  Mining depletion as at 30 June 2014 has been removed from the 2014 reserve estimate.

8.  The Competent Persons statement is incorporated in the JORC Code and Forward-Looking Statements section of this report.

9.  See IGO’s ASX Release of 28 August 2014 for JORC Code (2012) Table 1 Parameters.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table 7: Stockman Project – June 2014 Resources (and 2013 comparison)

Mineral Resource - 30 June 2013

Mineral Resource - 30 June 2014

Tonnes

Cu %

Zn % Ag g/t

Au g/t

Tonnes

Cu %

Zn % Ag g/t Au g/t

Currawong

Wilga

Inferred

Measured
-
Indicated 9,548,000
781,000
Sub-Total 10,329,000
Measured
-
Indicated 2,987,000
670,000
3,657,000

Inferred
Sub-Total

GRAND TOTAL

13,986,000

-
2.0
1.4
2.0
-
2.0
3.7
2.3

2.1

-
4.2
2.2
4.0
-
4.8
5.5
4.9

4.3

-
42
23
40
-
31
34
32

38

-
-
9,548,000
1.2
781,000
0.5
1.1 10,329,000
-
2,987,000
670,000
3,657,000

-
0.5
0.4
0.53

1.03 13,986,000

-
2.0
1.4
2.0
-
2.0
3.7
2.3

2.1

-
4.2
2.2
4.0
-
4.8
5.5
4.9

4.3

-
42
23
40
-
31
34
32

38

-
1.2
0.5
1.1
-
0.5
0.4
0.53

1.03

Notes:
1.  All Resources tonnes have been rounded to the nearest one thousand tonnes and grade to the nearest 1/10th percentage/gram per tonne.

2.  Mineral Resources include massive sulphide and stringer sulphide mineralisation. Massive sulphide resources are geologically defined; stringer 

sulphide resources are reported above cut-off grades of 0.5% Cu.

3.  Au grades for Wilga are all inferred due to paucity of Au data in historic drilling.

4.  Block modelling used ordinary kriging grade interpolation methods within wireframes for all elements and density.

5.  Mining depletion as at end of historic mine life (1996) has been removed from the Resource estimate for Wilga.

6.  The Mineral Resource estimate is unchanged since 2012.

7.  Resources are inclusive of Reserves. 

8.  The Competent Persons statement is incorporated in the JORC Code and Forward-Looking Statements section of this report.

9.  See IGO’s ASX Release of 28 August 2014 for JORC Code (2012) Table 1 Parameters.

Table 8: Stockman Project – June 2014 Reserves (and 2013 comparison)

Ore Reserve - 30 June 2013

Ore Reserve - 30 June 2014

Tonnes 
(Mt)

-
7.3
7.3
-
1.1
1.1

8.4

Cu %

Zn %

Ag g/t

Au g/t

-
2.2
2.2
-
2.5
2.5

2.3

-
4.1
4.1
-
5.3
5.3

4.3

-
40
40
-
30
30

39

-
1.2
1.2
-
0.53
0.53

1.13

Tonnes 
(Mt)

-
7.3
7.3
-
1.1
1.1

8.4

Cu %

Zn %

Ag g/t

Au g/t

-
2.2
2.2
-
2.5
2.5

2.3

-
4.1
4.1
-
5.3
5.3

4.3

-
40
40
-
30
30

39

-
1.2
1.2
-
0.53
0.53

1.13

Currawong

Wilga

Proved
Probable
Sub-Total
Proved
Probable
Sub-Total

GRAND TOTAL

Notes:
1.  All Reserves tonnes have been rounded to the nearest one hundred thousand tonnes and grade to the nearest 1/10th percentage/gram per 

tonne.

2.  The Ore Reserve is unchanged since 2013.

3.  Gold (Au) grades are Inferred at Wilga due to a paucity of gold assays in historic drilling. Revenue from gold in the Wilga ore was included in the 
estimation of the Ore Reserve. The contribution to Revenue of this gold was estimated to be $3.84 per gram of gold in situ. This inclusion was 
not material to the value of the mining envelopes considered and did not warrant downgrading of any portion of the Ore Reserve attributable to 
Wilga. The contribution from Wilga represents 13% of the Total Ore Reserve.

4.  Historic mining depletion for Wilga has been removed from the Reserve estimate.

5.  The Competent Persons statement is incorporated in the JORC Code and Forward-Looking Statements section of this report.

6.  See IGO’s ASX Release of 28 August 2014 for JORC Code (2012) Table 1 Parameters.

50      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table 9: Karlawinda Gold Project – Bibra Prospect - June 2014 Resources (and 2013 comparison)

Mineral Resource - 30 June 2013

Mineral Resource - 30 June 2014

Tonnes  
(Mt)

-

-
18.0

18.0

Au g/t

-

-
1.1

1.1

Contained  
Au (Oz)

Tonnes 
 (Mt)

-

-
650,800

650,800

-

-
18.0

18.0

Au g/t

-

-
1.1

1.1

Contained  
Au (Oz)

-

-
650,800

650,800

Classification

Measured

Indicated
Inferred

GRAND TOTAL

Notes:

1.  The Mineral Resource estimate was estimated within a conceptual A$1,600/oz Au pit optimisation shell completed in 2012 and for the area of drill 

coverage at 100m x 50m spacing or less. Contained gold (oz) figures have been rounded to the nearest one hundred ounces.

2.  The Mineral Resource is unchanged since 2013.

3.  Mostly RC drilling with 1m cone split samples analysed for Au by 50g fire assay.

4.  Mineralisation was wireframed at a cut-off grade of 0.3g/t Au and Mineral Resources were reported above a cut-off grade of 0.5g/t Au.

5.  Block modelling used ordinary kriging grade interpolation methods for composites that were top-cut to 10g/t Au in the supergene zone and 16g/t 

Au for the remaining mineralisation. Top-cuts are not severe, trimming no greater than 0.5% of the samples.

6.  There are no Ore Reserves for Karlawinda.

7.  The Competent Persons statement is incorporated in the JORC Code and Forward-Looking Statements section of this report.

8.  See IGO’s ASX Release of 28 August 2014 for JORC Code (2012) Table 1 Parameters.

JORC Code (2012) Competent Persons’ Statements and Forward-looking Statements

General

The information in this report that relates to Exploration Results is based on information compiled by Mr Tim Kennedy. Mr Kennedy is a full-time 

employee and security holder of the Company and is a member of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr Kennedy has sufficient 

experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to 

qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 edition of the ‘Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and 

Ore Reserves’ (the JORC Code) and consents to the inclusion in the report of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it 

appears.

Tropicana Gold Mine (TGM) Resources and Reserves

The information that relates to TGM Mineral Resources was based on information compiled by Mr Mark Kent, a full-time employee and security 

holder of AngloGold Ashanti Australia Limited, who is a member of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr Kent has sufficient 

experience relevant to the type and style of mineral deposits under consideration, and to the activity which has been undertaken, to qualify as a 

Competent Person as defined in the 2012 edition of the JORC Code. Mr Kent consented to the release of the Mineral Resource estimate, based on 

the information in the form and context in which it appears. The information that relates to TGM Ore Reserves was based on information compiled by 

Dr Salih Ramazan, a full-time employee and security holder of AngloGold Ashanti Australia Limited, who is a member of The Australasian Institute of 

Mining and Metallurgy. Dr Ramazan has sufficient experience relevant to the type and style of mineral deposit under consideration, and to the activity 

which has been undertaken, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 edition of the JORC Code. Dr Ramazan consented to the 

release of the Ore Reserve estimate, based on his information, in the form and context in which it appears.

Long Operation Resources and Reserves

The information in this report that relates to the Long Operation’s Mineral Resources is based on information compiled by Ms Somealy Sheppard. The 

information in this report that relates to the Long Operation’s Ore Reserves is based on information compiled by Mr Brett Hartmann. Ms Sheppard 

is a full-time employee and security holder of the Company and is a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists. Mr Hartmann is a full-

time employee and security holder of the Company and is a member of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Ms Sheppard and Mr 

Hartmann have sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which 

they are undertaking to qualify as Competent Persons as defined in the 2012 edition of the JORC Code, and consent to the inclusion in the report of 

the matters based on their information in the form and context in which it appears.

Jaguar Operation: Bentley / Teutonic Bore Resources and Reserves

The information in this report that relates to the Bentley Mineral Resources is based on information compiled by Ms Michelle Wild. The information 

in this report that relates to the Teutonic Bore Mineral Resources is based on information compiled by Mr Graham Sweetman. The information in this 

report that relates to the Bentley Ore Reserves is based on information compiled by Mr Brett Hartmann. Ms Wild, Mr Sweetman and Mr Hartmann 

are full-time employees and security holders of the Company and are members of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Ms Wild, Mr 

Sweetman and Mr Hartmann have sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to 

the activity which they have undertaken to qualify as Competent Persons as defined in the 2012 edition of the JORC Code.  Ms Wild, Mr Sweetman 

and Mr Hartmann consent to the inclusion in the report of the matters based on their information in the form and context in which it appears.

Stockman project: Currawong and Wilga Resources and Reserves 

The information in this report that relates to the Stockman Mineral Resources is based on information compiled by Mr Bruce Kendall. Mr Kendall 

is a full-time employee and security holder of the Company and is a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists. Mr Kendall has sufficient 

experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration, and the activity which he is undertaking, to qualify 

as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 edition of the JORC Code. Mr Kendall consents to the inclusion in the report of the matters based on 

his information in the form and context in which it appears.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     51

 
The information in this report that relates to the Stockman Ore Reserves is based on information compiled by Mr Geoff Davidson who is a member 

of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr Davidson is a consultant working for Mining and Cost Engineering Pty Ltd and is not a 

security holder of the Company.  Mr Davidson has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under 

consideration, and the activity which he is undertaking, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 edition of the JORC Code. Mr 

Davidson consents to the inclusion in the report of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.

Karlawinda Resources

The information in this report that relates to the Bibra Prospect Mineral Resources is based on information compiled by Ms Michelle Wild.  Ms 

Wild is a full-time employee and security holder of the Company and is a member of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Ms Wild 

has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which she is 

undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 edition of the JORC Code. Ms Wild consents to the inclusion in the report of the 

matters based on her information in the form and context in which it appears.

Annual Report Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Statement

The information in this report that relates to the Independence Group Annual Report Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves Statement as a whole 

is based on information compiled by Ms Michelle Wild who is a member of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and is a full-time 

employee and security holder of the Company.  The Annual Report Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves Statement is based on, and fairly 

represents, information and supporting documentation prepared by the above-named Competent Persons. The Annual Report Mineral Resources 

and Ore Reserves Statement has been issued with the prior written consent of Ms Wild, in the form and context in which it appears in the Annual 

Report.

Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Governance

Governance of the Independence Group Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves estimation and development is a major responsibility of the Resources 

& Reserves Committee (the Committee). The Committee was established in 2013 and oversees the governance arrangements and internal controls 

for verifying the Estimates and Estimation processes for Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. The Committee is comprised key technical personnel 

and currently includes an appropriately qualified Board representative who is an independent non-executive director. The Committee meets at least 

twice a year and reports to the Board on its activities.

The Committee is responsible for:

• 

Adopting annual Board approved metal prices and foreign exchange assumptions for use in Estimates

•  Monitoring the planning, progress, estimation and reporting of Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves across the Group

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The framework of quality control protocols from drilling, sampling, sample preparation, analysis, sample and assay security, to data collection 

and storage

Provision of standards, procedures and guidelines

JORC Code compliant reporting

Company procedures for public reporting aligned with current regulatory requirements

Annual reporting to ASX of Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Estimates accounting for mining depletion for operating mines owned by the 

Company. Prior to this reporting, a reconciliation of performance metrics is completed to validate Ore Reserves Estimates for each operating 

mine owned by the Company

Internal peer assessment of process compliance and data veracity

Periodic external review of process, data, Estimates and reports for new or materially changed Estimates.

Independence Group NL reports its Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves on an annual basis, in accordance with the ‘Australasian Code for 

Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves’ (the JORC Code) 2012 Edition. Mineral Resources are quoted inclusive of 

Ore Reserves.

Competent Persons named by Independence Group NL are Members or Fellows of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and/or the 

Australian Institute of Geoscientists, and qualify as Competent Persons as defined in the JORC Code.

Forward-looking statements 

This document may include Forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning IGO’s 

planned production and planned exploration program and other statements that are not historical facts. When used in this document, the words such 

as “could”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “potential”, “should” and similar expressions are Forward-looking statements. Although IGO 

believes that its expectations reflected in these Forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and no 

assurance can be given that actual results will be consistent with these Forward-looking statements.

Cash Costs

All cash costs quoted include royalties and net of by-product credits unless otherwise stated.

Underlying Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) for FY2014

Underlying EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure and comprises $67.8M profit before tax (FY2013:$27.8M) less $5.1M interest income net of finance costs 

(FY2013: $1.2M), $69.8M depreciation & amortisation expense (FY2013: $24.4M) and $32.0M exploration impairment expenses (FY2013: $5.8M).

Currency

All currency amounts in this report are Australian Dollars unless otherwise stated.

52      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

CORPORATE  GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

The Board of Directors has a clear understanding that it is responsible for the Company’s corporate governance and recognises 
the importance of its corporate governance framework in establishing accountabilities, guiding and regulating activities, monitoring 
and managing risks and optimising the Company’s performance. The Board also recognises the need to review regularly its 
system of corporate governance as best practice evolves over time. This Statement outlines the Company’s current corporate 
governance framework, by reference to the Corporate Governance, Principles and Recommendations (“CGC Principles and 
Recommendations”) of the ASX Corporate Governance Council.

The CGC Principles and Recommendations presently consist of recommendations relating to eight Principles. The ASX Corporate 
Governance Council recognises that not all Recommendations are appropriate for all companies and acknowledges that a 
company should only adopt those Recommendations that are suitable for its circumstances. The Board believes that the corporate 
governance policies and procedures in place as at the date of this Statement follow all Recommendations. 

During the second half of FY2014 the Board reviewed all of the Company’s Corporate Governance Codes, Charters, Policies and 
Guidelines. A new Risk Committee Charter and a new Privacy Policy were approved by the Board. The following new and updated 
Corporate Governance Codes, Charters, Policies and Guidelines have been put on the Company’s website and presented to staff 
on all sites:

1.  Code of Conduct;

2.  Guidelines for Dealing in Securities;

3.  Continuous Disclosure and Communication Policy;

4.  Board Charter;

5.  Audit Committee Charter;

6.  Risk Committee Charter;

7.  Remuneration Committee Charter;

8.  Nomination Committee Charter;

9.  Diversity and Equal Opportunity Policy;

10.  Privacy Policy; and

11.  Legal, Environmental and Social Policy.

An annual review process for all of the Company’s Corporate Governance Codes, Charters, Policies and Guidelines has now 
been put in place to ensure all of the Company’s Corporate Governance Codes, Charters, Policies and Guidelines are reviewed 
annually, kept up to date and are in line with best practice. 

The third edition of the CGC Principles and Recommendations was published by the ASX Corporate Governance Council on 27 
March 2014. ASX introduced the requirement to publish the information set out in Appendix 4G - Key to Disclosures Corporate 
Governance Council Principles and Recommendations.

As part of the review process, and in preparation for compliance with the third edition of the CGC Principles and 
Recommendations in next year’s annual report (FY2015), the Company has assessed itself against the criteria set out in Appendix 
4G of the ASX Listing Rules. These are set out below:

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     53

Third edition of the cgc principles and recommendations

Principle 1 – lay solid foundations for management and oversight

Recommendation

Status/Document - Location

1.1

A listed entity should disclose:

(a) 

(b) 

the respective roles and responsibilities of its  
board and management; and

Board Charter – IGO website

those matters expressly reserved to the board and 
those delegated to management.

Board Charter - IGO website

1.2

A listed entity should:

(a) 

undertake appropriate checks before appointing 
a person, or putting forward to security holders a 
candidate for election, as a director; and

(b)  provide security holders with all material information  
in its possession relevant to a decision on whether or 
not to elect or re-elect a director.

Nominations Committee Charter - IGO website

Nominations Committee Charter - IGO website

2014 Notice of AGM - IGO website

1.3

1.4

A listed entity should have a written agreement with each 
director and senior executive setting out the terms of their 
appointment.

Comply

The company secretary of a listed entity should be 
accountable directly to the board, through the chair, on all 
matters to do with the proper functioning of the board.

Board Charter - IGO website

1.5

A listed entity should:

(a) 

have a diversity policy which includes requirements  
for the board or a relevant committee of the board 
to set measurable objectives for achieving gender 
diversity and to assess annually both the objectives 
and the entity’s progress in achieving them;

(b)  disclose that policy or a summary of it; and

Diversity and Equal Opportunity Policy - IGO website

Summary of Diversity and Equal Opportunity Policy in  
Annual Report - IGO website

(c)  disclose as at the end of each reporting period the 

Annual Report - IGO website

measurable objectives for achieving gender diversity 
set by the board or a relevant committee of the board 
in accordance with the entity’s diversity policy and its 
progress towards achieving them and either:

(1) 

(2) 

the respective proportions of men and women 
on the board, in senior executive positions and 
across the whole organisation (including how  
the entity has defined “senior executive” for 
these purposes); or

if the entity is a “relevant employer” under the 
Workplace Gender Equality Act, the entity’s 
most recent “Gender Equality Indicators”, as 
defined in and published under that Act.

1.6

A listed entity should:

(a) 

have and disclose a process for periodically 
evaluating the performance of the board, its 
committees and individual directors; and

Board Charter and Nominations Committee Charter  
- IGO website

(b)  disclose, in relation to each reporting period, whether 
a performance evaluation was undertaken in the 
reporting period in accordance with that process.

A performance evaluation of the Board was completed  
in June 2014

1.7

A listed entity should:

(a) 

have and disclose a process for periodically 
evaluating the performance of its senior executives; 
and

(b)  disclose, in relation to each reporting period, whether 
a performance evaluation was undertaken in the 
reporting period in accordance with that process.

Each year a performance review and improvement plan  
is completed

A performance evaluation for FY2014 was completed  
in August 2014

54      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

 
Principle 2 - structure the board to add value

Recommendation

Status/Document - Location

2.1

The board of a listed entity should:

(a) 

have a nomination committee which:

Comply

(1) 

has at least three members, a majority of whom 
are independent directors; and

Six members (all of the Board)

(2) 

is chaired by an independent director,

Yes

and disclose:

(3) 

the charter of the committee;

Nominations Committee Charter - IGO website

(4) 

the members of the committee; and

Disclosed in Annual Report – IGO Website

(5) 

as at the end of each reporting period, the 
number of times the committee met throughout 
the period and the individual attendances of the 
members at those meetings; OR

Disclosed in Annual Report – IGO Website

(b) 

if it does not have a nomination committee, disclose 
that fact and the processes it employs to address 
board succession issues and to ensure that the board 
has the appropriate balance of skills, knowledge, 
experience, independence and diversity to enable it 
to discharge its duties and responsibilities effectively.

n/a

2.2

A listed entity should have and disclose a board skills 
matrix setting out the mix of skills and diversity that 
the board currently has or is looking to achieve in its 
membership.

2.3

A listed entity should disclose:

Disclosed in Annual Report – IGO Website

(a) 

(b) 

the names of the directors considered by the board to 
be independent directors;

Disclosed in Annual Report – IGO Website

if a director has an interest, position, association or 
relationship of the type described in Box 2.3 but the 
board is of the opinion that it does not compromise 
the independence of the director, the nature of 
the interest, position, association or relationship in 
question and an explanation of why the board is of 
that opinion; and

Disclosed in Annual Report – IGO Website

(c) 

the length of service of each director.

Disclosed in Annual Report – IGO Website

2.4

2.5

2.6

A majority of the board of a listed entity should be 
independent directors.

The chair of the board of a listed entity should be an 
independent director and, in particular, should not be the 
same person as the CEO of the entity.

A listed entity should have a program for inducting 
new directors and provide appropriate professional 
development opportunities for directors to develop and 
maintain the skills and knowledge needed to perform their 
role as directors effectively.

Comply: Disclosed in Annual Report – IGO Website

Comply: Disclosed in Annual Report – IGO Website

An updated version of the exiting induction process was 
reviewed and approved by the Board subsequent to year 
end as referred to in the Board Charter and Nominations 
Committee Charter - IGO website

Principle 3 – act ethically and responsibly

Recommendation

3.1

A listed entity should:

Status/Document - Location

(a) 

have a code of conduct for its directors, senior 
executives and employees; and

Comply: Code of Conduct – IGO Website

(b)  disclose that code or a summary of it.

Summary of Code of Conduct in Annual Report - IGO website

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     55

 
 
Principle 4 – safeguard integrity in corporate reporting

Recommendation

Status/Document - Location

4.1

The board of a listed entity should:

(a) 

have an audit committee which:

(1) 

has at least three members, all of whom are 
non-executive directors and a majority of whom 
are independent directors; and

Comply

Comply

(2) 

is chaired by an independent director, who is 
not the chair of the board,

Comply

and disclose:

(3) 

the charter of the committee;

Audit Committee Charter - IGO website

(4) 

(5) 

the relevant qualifications and experience of 
the members of the committee; and

in relation to each reporting period, the number 
of times the committee met throughout the 
period and the individual attendances of the 
members at those meetings; OR

Disclosed in Annual Report – IGO Website

Disclosed in Annual Report – IGO Website

(b) 

if it does not have an audit committee, disclose 
that fact and the processes it employs that 
independently verify and safeguard the integrity of its 
corporate reporting, including the processes for the 
appointment and removal of the external auditor and 
the rotation of the audit engagement partner.

n/a

4.2

The board of a listed entity should, before it approves the 
entity’s financial statements for a financial period, receive 
from its CEO and CFO a declaration that, in their opinion, 
the financial records of the entity have been properly 
maintained and that the financial statements comply with 
the appropriate accounting standards and give a true and 
fair view of the financial position and performance of the 
entity and that the opinion has been formed on the basis 
of a sound system of risk management and internal control 
which is operating effectively.

4.3

A listed entity that has an AGM should ensure that its 
external auditor attends its AGM and is available to answer 
questions from security holders relevant to the audit.

Complied for 

1. FY2013 Annual Accounts sign-off;

2. H1 FY2014 Half Year Accounts sign-off; and

3. FY2014 Annual Accounts sign-off.

Complied for 2013 AGM

2014 Notice of AGM discloses external auditor will  
attend 2014 AGM

Principle 5 – make timely and balanced disclosure

Recommendation

5.1

A listed entity should:

Status/Document - Location

(a) 

have a written policy for complying with its 
continuous disclosure obligations under the Listing 
Rules; and

Continuous Disclosure and Information Policy – IGO Website

(b)  disclose that policy or a summary of it.

Disclosed in Annual Report – IGO Website

56      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

 
 
 
6.1

6.2

6.3

6.4

Principle 6 – respect the rights of security holders

Recommendation

A listed entity should provide information about itself and its 
governance to investors via its website.

A listed entity should design and implement an investor 
relations program to facilitate effective two-way 
communication with investors.

A listed entity should disclose the policies and processes 
it has in place to facilitate and encourage participation at 
meetings of security holders.

Status/Document - Location

Comply – IGO Website

Comply

Comply

Continuous Disclosure and Information Policy – IGO Website

A listed entity should give security holders the option to 
receive communications from, and send communications 
to, the entity and its security registry electronically.

Comply

Principle 7 – recognise and manage risk

Recommendation

Status/Document - Location

7.1

The board of a listed entity should:

(a) 

have a committee or committees to oversee risk, 
each of which:

Comply – appointed in March 2014

(1) 

has at least three members, a majority of whom 
are independent directors; and

Comply – appointed in March 2014

(2) 

is chaired by an independent director,

Yes – appointed in March 2014

and disclose:

(3) 

the charter of the committee;

Risk Committee Charter - IGO website

(4) 

the members of the committee; and

Disclosed in Annual Report – IGO Website

(5) 

as at the end of each reporting period, the 
number of times the committee met throughout 
the period and the individual attendances of the 
members at those meetings; OR

Disclosed in Annual Report – IGO Website

(b) 

if it does not have a risk committee or committees 
that satisfy (a) above, disclose that fact and the 
processes it employs for overseeing the entity’s risk 
management framework.

n/a

7.2

The board or a committee of the board should:

(a) 

review the entity’s risk management framework at 
least annually to satisfy itself that it continues to be 
sound; and

Comply

(b)  disclose, in relation to each reporting period, whether 

such a review has taken place.

Disclosed in Annual Report – IGO Website 
The last review was completed in June 2014.

7.3

A listed entity should disclose:

(a) 

(b) 

if it has an internal audit function, how the function is 
structured and what role it performs; OR

if it does not have an internal audit function, that fact 
and the processes it employs for evaluating and 
continually improving the effectiveness of its risk 
management and internal control processes.

7.4

A listed entity should disclose whether it has any 
material exposure to economic, environmental and social 
sustainability risks and, if it does, how it manages or 
intends to manage those risks.

The Company does not have an internal audit function

The Company does not have an internal audit function. 
However, it does have

1. Regular monthly reports presented to the Board.

2. Regular risk management reviews.

3. The results of risk management reviews are presented to the 
Risk Committee and Board

Disclosed in Annual Report – IGO Website

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     57

 
 
 
Principle 8 – remunerate fairly and responsibly

Recommendation

Status/Document - Location

8.1

The board of a listed entity should:

(a) 

have a remuneration committee which:

Comply 

(1) 

has at least three members, a majority of whom 
are independent directors; and

Comply 

(2) 

is chaired by an independent director,

Yes 

and disclose:

(3) 

the charter of the committee;

Remuneration Committee Charter - IGO website

(4) 

the members of the committee; and

Disclosed in Annual Report – IGO Website

(5) 

as at the end of each reporting period, the 
number of times the committee met throughout 
the period and the individual attendances of the 
members at those meetings; OR

Disclosed in Annual Report – IGO Website

(b) 

if it does not have a remuneration committee, 
disclose that fact and the processes it employs for 
setting the level and composition of remuneration for 
directors and senior executives and ensuring that 
such remuneration is appropriate and not excessive.

n/a

8.2

A listed entity should separately disclose its policies and 
practices regarding the remuneration of non-executive 
directors and the remuneration of executive directors and 
other senior executives.

8.3

A listed entity which has an equity-based remuneration 
scheme should:

(a) 

have a policy on whether participants are permitted 
to enter into transactions (whether through the use of 
derivatives or otherwise) which limit the economic risk 
of participating in the scheme; and

Disclosed in Annual Report – IGO Website

(see Remuneration Report)

Comply

Dealing in Securities Guidelines – IGO Website

(b)  disclose that policy or a summary of it.

Disclosed in Annual Report – IGO Website

Prior to the publication of the third edition of the CGC Principles and Recommendations by the ASX Corporate Governance Council 
on 27 March 2014 the Company was required to consider the second edition of the CGC Principles and Recommendations. The 
second edition of the CGC Principles and Recommendations was followed throughout the entire financial year and up to the date 
of this Statement. 

As mentioned above, in the second half of FY2014 the Board reviewed all of the Company’s Corporate Governance Codes, 
Charters, Policies and Guidelines. A new Risk Committee Charter and a new Privacy Policy were approved by the Board. 

Principle 1: Lay solid foundations for management and oversight

The matters reserved to the Board are set out in the Board Charter in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’s website. 
In summary, the Board is responsible for delegating powers to Management for the day to day management of the Company, 
approving long term corporate strategy, reviewing and approving business plans and annual budgets, approving material capital 
expenditure, approving and monitoring the adherence to Company policies, developing and promoting corporate governance, 
and approval of financial statements. The Board is also responsible for monitoring compliance with the Code of Conduct, 
monitoring the Company’s performance, overseeing risk management and internal controls, and the assessment, appointment and 
removal of the Managing Director, Company Secretary and other senior management.

58      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

 
 
The Board has delegated the following functions to the Managing Director and the other senior executives:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the effective leadership of IGO;

the preparation and implementation of development and operational plans to achieve the strategic, operational and financial 
objectives of IGO as determined by the Board;

the management of the day to day affairs of IGO, including its people, processes, policies and systems;

the conduct of commercial negotiations with other entities;

the development and maintenance of effective relationships with IGO’s employees, shareholders, joint venture partners, 
governments at all levels and government agencies, suppliers and customers and local landowners;

reporting to the Board and providing prompt and full information regarding the conduct of the business of IGO; and

ensuring all material matters that affect IGO are brought to the Board’s attention.

The process for evaluating the performance of senior executives is carried out within the framework of the Remuneration 
Policy and delegations set out in the Remuneration Committee Charter which is set out in the Corporate Governance section 
of the Company’s website. Evaluations are conducted annually. The evaluations of the Managing Director are conducted by 
the Remuneration Committee. Their most recent evaluation was carried out in August 2014. The evaluations of the other senior 
executives are conducted by the Managing Director, through a structured interview process. The most recent evaluations were 
carried out in August 2014. All evaluations were carried out in accordance with the process disclosed. 

Principle 2: Structure the Board to add value

The Board currently consists of one executive director (the Managing Director) and five non-executive directors (including the 
Chairman). The Board considers that four of the six directors are independent: Mr Peter Bilbe (Chairman), Dr Rod Marston, Mr 
Geoff Clifford and Mr Peter Buck. 

The Board considers that Mrs Kelly Ross is not independent because she was an executive director of the Company for 
approximately 10 years until 2011 when she became a non-executive director. In making these assessments of independence the 
Board has followed the evaluation criteria of the Board’s Guidelines on Director Independence which is set out in the Board Charter 
available in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’s website. These guidelines are in conformity with the guidelines 
of the ASX Corporate Governance Council and requires the satisfaction of all of the items on a list of criteria, the most significant of 
which are:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The director must be in a non-executive role where any fees payable by the Company could not be considered to make the 
director reliant on such remuneration;

The director must have no other material contractual relationship with the Company other than as a director of the Company;

The director is not a substantial shareholder of the Company;

The director has not been employed in an executive capacity by the Company and has not been a principal of a material 
adviser or consultant to the Company within the last 3 years; and

The director is free from any interest which could reasonably be perceived to materially interfere with the director’s ability to 
act in the best interests of the Company.

The Board considers that Dr Rod Marston is independent despite he being a director of the Company for more than 14 years.

Information pertaining to the relevant skills, experience and expertise of the directors of the Company as at the date of this 
Statement is included at the front of this 2014 Annual Report. As at that date the period in office of each of those directors was as 
follows:

•  Mr Peter Bilbe: 5 years

•  Mr Peter Bradford: less than 1 year (appointed 17 March 2014)

•  Dr Rod Marston: 14 years

•  Mrs Kelly Ross: 12 years

•  Mr Geoff Clifford: 22 months

•  Mr Peter Buck: less than 1 month

The Board has established a Nomination Committee pursuant to the Nomination Committee Charter and the policies included 
therein. Given that the current total number of directors is six, the Board considers it appropriate that all of the directors should be 
members of that Nomination Committee. It is chaired by an independent director, the Board’s Chairman, Mr Peter Bilbe. 

In accordance with the Nomination Committee Charter and the Diversity Policy, the Board seeks to achieve in its membership 
persons with demonstrable skills, capability, experience and ability to question and debate with other Board members, the ability 
to operate as part of a team, the ability to contribute outstanding performance and have a track record of impeccable ethics and 
values. The Board seeks to have a mix of age, skills, knowledge, experience and expertise in its ranks. The current mix of skills 
and experience on the Board is as follows:

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     59

Board Skills Matrix

Skills and Experience

Board

Audit 
Committee

Risk Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

4 directors

1 director

4 directors

2 directors

4 directors

Mining and 
Processing

Exploration and 
Geology

3 directors

Financial Acumen

3 directors

Capital Projects

Governance

Strategy

Remuneration

5 directors

5 directors

5 directors

6 directors

Executive Leadership

6 directors

Sustainability

ECM and M&A

3 directors

6 directors

1 director

2 directors

2 directors

3 directors

2 directors

3 directors

3 directors

1 director

3 directors

3 directors

3 directors

5 directors

5 directors

5 directors

6 directors

6 directors

3 directors

6 directors

1 director

1 director

2 directors

3 directors

2 directors

3 directors

3 directors

2 directors

3 directors

3 directors

3 directors

5 directors

5 directors

5 directors

6 directors

6 directors

3 directors

6 directors

In considering new appointments the Board will have regard to the need to augment the skills, knowledge, experience and 
capabilities of the current members and to meet its future needs, the Company’s sustainable growth ambitions and diversity 
aspirations. In doing so, the Board recognises the unique skills, experience and outlook that different genders can bring to the 
group. 

The process, which has been adopted by the Board, for evaluating the performance of the Board, its Committees and non-
executive directors is that every third year the Board engages the services of an independent facilitator with expertise in this field 
to guide the Board through a comprehensive evaluation process. In the other years, the Board carries out an internal evaluation. A 
comprehensive evaluation with the assistance of an independent consultant was carried out in June 2013. In June 2014, the Board 
carried out an internal evaluation of the experience, performance and composition of the Board. The results of this evaluation are 
currently being implemented. The process for evaluating the performance of the only executive director, the Managing Director, 
was referred to above in the section relating to Principle 1. 

Board members have the right to seek independent professional advice at the Company’s expense in the furtherance of their 
duties as directors.

Principle 3: Promote ethical and responsible decision making

The Company aims to maintain the highest standard of ethical behaviour in business dealings and to behave with integrity in all its 
dealings with customers, clients, shareholders, government, employees, suppliers and the community. Directors and employees 
are expected to perform their duties in a professional manner and act with the utmost integrity and objectivity, striving at all times 
to enhance the reputation and performance of the Company.

The Board has a clear understanding that it is responsible for setting the tone of legal, ethical and moral conduct to ensure 
that the Company is considered reputable by the industry and other outside entities. This involves considering the impact of 
the Company’s decisions on the industry, its colleagues and the general community. With this in mind the Board reviewed and 
approved an updated and best practice Code of Conduct that has now been presented to staff at all sites. In summary, the Code 
of Conduct adopted by the Company and set out in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’s website requires that all 
employees and directors:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

act in accordance with occupational health and safety legislation, regulations and policies applicable to their respective 
organisations and to use security and safety equipment provided;

act with honesty and integrity;

respect the law and act accordingly;

respect confidentiality and not misuse information;

value and maintain professionalism;

avoid conflicts of interest;

act in accordance with the Company’s policies procedures and guidelines;

strive to be good corporate citizens on responsibilities such as sustainable development, health, safety, environment and 
community; and

have respect for each other, including by embracing diversity, openness, sharing, mutual trust and teamwork.

60      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

The Code of Conduct imposes a responsibility on individuals to report breaches of the Code to executive management or to a 
director so that appropriate remedial action can be taken. 

In March 2014, the Company has reviewed and updated its Diversity and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy. The 
Board recognises that corporate performance is enhanced when a company has an appropriate and diverse mix of skills and 
experience. The policy aims to ensure fair and unbiased remuneration between the genders, recruitment and retention campaigns 
that encourage diversity, no gender bias when considering senior executive and Board positions and that no discrimination on the 
basis of gender or race takes place within the Company. The Board will monitor compliance with the Diversity and EEO Policy and 
to ensure that there is annual reporting of the achievement of performance measures contained in that Policy.

The following measurable objectives were set early in June 2013 and reviewed in March 2014:

Measurable objectives and progress towards achievement

A.   All persons with appropriate experience and qualifications are to be considered equally when new employees or directors are 

being recruited. All recruitment is being carried out on this basis. The Company’s Human Resources Manager, who oversees 
recruitment processes, is a female who is sensitive to the importance of the Board’s Diversity and EEO Policy.

B.   All persons with appropriate experience and qualifications are to be considered equally when opportunities for promotion or 

advancement arise. All such opportunities are being carried out on this basis.

C.   There is to be at least one female representative of the Company involved in the selection process for all new senior 

executives and directors. This procedure is being followed.

D.   Promotion of equality in remuneration levels: A review of gender remuneration parity is required to be carried out at least once 
each year, taking into account relative performance, experience, location and job nature and a report is to be provided to the 
Board. This objective was set in June 2013. 

The key statistics relating to gender diversity within the Company statistics are as follows:

(a)  Proportion of women employees in the Group at 30 June 2014: 18% (2013: 17%).

(b)  Proportion of women in senior executive roles in the Group at 30 June 2014: 21% (2013: 20%).

(c)  Proportion of women on the Board of the Company at 30 June 2014: 20% (2013: 20%).

For the purposes of (b) above, senior executives are categorised as those who hold a senior manager or senior executive role.

Principle 4: Safeguarding integrity in financial reporting

The Board has an Audit Committee, structured in accordance with the CGC Principles and Recommendations. The Board’s Audit 
Committee’s Charter, which was reviewed and updated for best practice during FY2014, is set out in the Corporate Governance 
section of the Company’s website. 

The Chairman of the Audit Committee is Mr Geoff Clifford, a non-executive director who is not the Chairman of the Board. Mr 
Clifford was appointed to the Audit Committee in December 2012. The other members of the Audit Committee are non-executive 
directors Dr Rod Marston and Mrs Kelly Ross. The majority of the members are independent directors. Mr Clifford and Mrs Ross 
are qualified accountants/chartered secretaries with considerable financial and managerial experience. Dr Marston is an economic 
geologist with considerable corporate experience. There were two meetings of the Audit Committee held during FY2014. Details of 
attendance are disclosed in the Directors’ Report.

The Audit Committee reports to the Board and in summary is responsible for the following:

• 

• 

• 

overseeing the Group’s relationship with the external auditor and the external audit function generally as set out in the External 
Audit Policy (set out in Attachment 1 of the Audit Committee Charter);

overseeing the adequacy of the control processes in place in relation to the preparation of financial statements and reports; 
and

overseeing the adequacy of the Group’s financial controls.

The Audit Committee has specific functions on audit and is required to review and report to the Board on certain matters set out in 
the Audit Committee Charter.

Principle 5: Make timely and balanced disclosure

The Company has established policies and procedures, set out in its Continuous Disclosure and Information Policy, relating to the 
disclosure of information to interested parties. During FY2014 the Company reviewed and updated its Continuous Disclosure and 
Information Policy for best practice and incorporated various changes to the law and regulations. A copy of the Policy is in the 
Corporate Governance section of the Company’s website.

The Company Secretary is responsible for ensuring the Company complies with ASX Listing Rules and is responsible for 
communicating with the ASX. 

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     61

Principle 6: Respect the rights of shareholders

The Company has established a Continuous Disclosure and Information Policy which is designed to ensure that the Company 
communicates effectively with its shareholders and the investment community and that information is released and made available 
in an equitable manner.

It is the policy of the Company to communicate effectively with its shareholders by giving them ready access to balanced and 
understandable information about the Company and making it easier for them to participate in general meetings. 

All shareholders receive a copy of the Company’s annual report unless they have elected not to receive a copy. Copies of the 
Company’s quarterly and half yearly reports are provided to the ASX and placed on the website. Copies of these reports are sent 
to any shareholder or interested party requesting a copy.

Notices of meetings are mailed to all shareholders unless they have elected not to receive a copy and are also placed on the 
Company’s website. Notices of meeting are to be as easily read and understandable as possible, however they must comply with 
the legal requirements contained in the Corporations Act and the ASX Listing Rules.

All information disclosed to the ASX is placed on the Company’s website as soon as it is disclosed to and acknowledged by the 
ASX. When analysts are briefed on the Company’s activities, any information provided in the presentation (if material and not 
previously released) is released to the ASX and placed on the Company’s website.

As part of the Company’s efforts to ensure that it communicates effectively with its shareholders and the investment community, 
the Company’s analyst briefing and presentation for the June 2014 Quarterly Report was webcast live on the Company’s website. 
A link to this webcast was released to ASX to allow shareholders to either listen live or at a later date. Webcasts are available for a 
substantial period after the live webcast.

Principle 7: Recognise and manage risk

The Board is responsible for the identification of significant areas of business risk, implementing procedures to manage such risks 
and developing policies regarding the establishment and maintenance of appropriate ethical standards to:

• 

ensure compliance in legal, statutory and ethical matters;

•  monitor the business environment;

• 

• 

identify business risk areas;

identify business opportunities; and

•  monitor systemlished to ensure prompt and appropriate responses to shareholder complaints and enquiries.

During FY2014, the Board approved a Risk Committee Charter and formally established a Risk Committee to review the Company’s 
risk management systems and procedures. The Board’s Risk Management Policy is set out in the Company’s new Risk Committee 
Charter as disclosed in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’s website.

Management has put in place a risk management system which requires regular risk reviews and requires all identified risks to 
be entered into a risk register. Any controls implemented to mitigate these risks are then linked to the risks to produce a mitigated 
risk register. The Board discusses with senior management periodically at Board Meetings the subject of risk management. The 
Risk Committee meets at least annually with senior management to interrogate the risk register and to ensure that all reasonable 
procedures have been put in place to mitigate the Company’s risks. The last Risk Committee review was held in June 2014. At that 
Meeting the Risk Committee carried out the above-mentioned procedures and senior management reported on the effectiveness of 
the Company’s management of its material business risks. 

The Company’s risk management program is designed to ensure that the Company identifies, documents, communicates and 
proactively manages material risks in a systematic way. This ensures that risk management is embedded within the culture of the 
business. This structure enables consideration of both the long term interests of the business as well as the day to day operations. 
It also ensures focus is given to those unlikely events with potentially catastrophic impacts to our business.

The Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer provided a declaration in accordance with Section 295A of the Corporations 
Act most recently on 27 August 2014 for the FY2014 annual accounts and assured the Board that the declaration is founded on a 
sound system of risk management and internal controls and that the systems are operating effectively and efficiently in all material 
respects. The Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer also provided a similar declaration during FY2014 in relation to 
accounts for the half-year ended 31 December 2013 and the annual accounts for FY2013.

62      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Material exposure to economic, environmental and social sustainability risks 

The Company does have material exposure to economic, environmental and social sustainability risks, including exposure to 
commodity and foreign exchange market fluctuations and changes in environmental regulatory legislation. 

To assist with management of its exposure to commodity and foreign exchange market fluctuations, the Company has established 
a Financial Risk Management Policy which is overseen by the Hedging Committee (discussed below).

The Company employs suitably qualified personnel to assist with the management of its exposure to environmental and social 
sustainability risks including appropriate health and safety personnel as well as heritage and environmental experts.

Hedging Committee

The Company has a Hedging Committee to make recommendations to the Board on hedging policies, consider relevant financial 
risk management strategies and to maintain the hedging portfolio. The members of the Hedging Committee at the date of this 
Statement are director, Mr Geoff Clifford, director, Mrs Kelly Ross, Managing Director, Mr Peter Bradford and Chief Financial Officer, 
Mr Scott Steinkrug. 

Dealing in Securities Guidelines (Share Trading Policy)

The Company has put in place guidelines to ensure that directors, officers and employees do not trade in the Company’s shares 
if they are aware of non-public information that could be expected to have a material effect on the market price of the Company’s 
shares. The Company has also put in place a restriction on any employee or director securing Company’s shares by way of margin 
loans and other derivative trading methods. Executive directors and employees are prohibited from entering into transactions or 
arrangements which limit the risk of participating in unvested employee entitlements (i.e. hedging arrangements). A copy of the 
recently reviewed and updated Dealing in Securities Guidelines is set out in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’s 
website. 

Principle 8: Remunerate fairly and responsibly

The Board has a Remuneration Committee, structured in accordance with the CGC Principles and Recommendations. The 
Chairman of the Committee is Dr Rod Marston. The other two members are Mr Geoff Clifford and Mr Peter Bilbe. All three are 
independent directors. The Board’s Remuneration Policy, as set out in the Remuneration Report, was reviewed in August 2014. 

During FY2014, the Board reviewed and approved an updated Remuneration Committee Charter. This updated Remuneration 
Committee Charter is disclosed in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’s website.

The Company has clearly distinguished the remuneration structures of the non-executive directors from that of executive directors 
and executives. The full details of the remuneration of these persons during the year ended 30 June 2014 is set out in the 
Remuneration Report within the Directors’ Report in this 2014 Annual Report. 

Non-executive directors are not entitled to retirement benefits other than statutory superannuation or other statutory required 
benefits.

Legal and Environmental Policy

The Company has a Legal and Environmental Policy which requires that all employees comply with the laws and environmental 
regulations in force in the region in which work is undertaken. The Company is committed to dealing fairly and equitably with 
interested parties relating to community matters, environmental issues, such as landholders, governmental agencies and native 
title claimants.

Sustainability Report

The Long Operation, acquired by the Company in 2002, is one of the oldest operating mines in the Kambalda Nickel field. Despite 
there being limited scope to change the mine’s environmental footprint, mine management continue to work with an internal and 
external environmentalist teams who undertake regular review and development improvement plans. These plans are being 
implemented and will continue to be implemented as areas become available and are no longer required for mining operations. 
Regular internal and external audits are performed to ensure and advise on compliance and best practice. 

At the Jaguar Operation, an in-house environmental officer has been employed for a number of years. The environmental officer’s 
skills and local knowledge base are supplemented by regular site visits by external environmental consultants and specialists. An 
operational environmental plan is in place to minimise the future environmental footprint and to continually monitor and rehabilitate 
previously disturbed areas. 

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     63

At both the Long Operation and the Jaguar Operation external specialists are employed to undertake annual environmental audits. 
These audits focus on all areas of environmental responsibility and feedback into the operational planning phase. This process 
also forms the basis of, and assists with, the Company’s annual regulatory compliance reporting.  

The National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 (NGER Act) creates registration and reporting obligations for controlling 
corporations whose greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and energy production reach certain thresholds.The 
Company is registered with the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) and has been disclosing its greenhouse gas emissions under the 
NGER Act since 2008. The Company will next be reporting in October 2014.

The Company is currently in the process of refreshing its Environmental Management Plan to align it across all operations. This 
document sets minimum acceptable environmental standards for all Company sites and is supported by specific policies and 
procedures to ensure that the Company is able to comply with the laws and regulations. These standards, policies and procedures 
are periodically reviewed as part of the Company’s Risk Management system and, as required, are updated to ensure compliance 
in all the jurisdictions in which the Company operates.

Policies and Procedures on the Company’s website

The following codes, policies, guidelines and charters are contained in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’s 
website www.igo.com.au:

1.  Code of Conduct;

2.  Guidelines for Dealing in Securities;

3.  Continuous Disclosure and Communication Policy;

4.  Board Charter;

5.  Audit Committee Charter;

6.  Risk Committee Charter;

7.  Remuneration Committee Charter;

8.  Nomination Committee Charter;

9.  Diversity and Equal Opportunity Policy;

10.  Privacy Policy; and

11.  Legal, Environmental and Social Policy.

64      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

FINANCIAL REPORT 2014

Contents

Directors’ Report

Auditor’s Independence Declaration

Consolidated Statement Of Profit Or Loss And Other Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Consolidated Statement Of Cash Flows

Consolidated Statement Of Changes In Equity

Notes To The Consolidated Financial Statements

Directors’ Declaration

Independent Auditor’s Report

Additional Information For Listed Public Companies

66

82

83

84

85

86

87

133

134

136

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     65

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Directors’ Report 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT  

Your Directors  submit  their report on the consolidated entity (referred to hereafter as the Group) consisting of Independence Group 
NL (referred to hereafter as the Company) and the entities it controlled at the end of, or during, the year ended 30 June 2014. 

Directors 

The following persons were Directors of the Company during the whole of the financial year and up to the date of this report, unless 
otherwise noted: 

Peter Bradford (Managing Director) 
Peter Bilbe (Non-executive Chairman) 
Geoffrey Clifford (Non-executive Director) 
Rod Marston (Non-executive Director) 
Kelly Ross (Non-executive Director) 

Peter  Bradford  was  appointed  Managing  Director  effective  17  March  2014.    Christopher  Bonwick  was  Managing  Director  from  the 
beginning of the financial year until his resignation on 15 November 2013. 

Principal activities 

The principal activities of the Group during the financial year were non-operator gold mining from the Company’s 30% interest in the 
Tropicana gold mine, nickel mining at the Long nickel mine, zinc and by-product mining at the Jaguar Operations and ongoing mineral 
exploration. 

Dividends – Independence Group NL 

Dividends paid to members during the financial year were as follows:  

Final ordinary dividend for the year ended 30 June 2013 of 1 cent (2012: 1 cent) per fully 
paid share paid on 27 September 2013 
Interim ordinary dividend for the year ended 30 June 2014 of 3 cents (2013: 1 cent) per 
fully paid share paid on 28 March 2014 

2014 
$000 

2,333 

7,000 

9,333 

2013 
$000 

2,329 

2,329 

4,658 

In addition to the above dividends, since the end of the financial year the Directors have announced the payment of a final ordinary 
dividend of $11,713,000 (5 cents per fully paid share) to be paid on 30 September 2014. 

Operating and financial review 

Independence Group NL is a company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX:IGO).  The Group currently has operations 
in the production phase in Western Australia comprising: 

  The Long nickel mine located near Kambalda – 100% owned, 

  The Jaguar zinc, copper and silver mine and processing operations north of Leonora – 100% owned, and 

  The Tropicana gold operation (IGO: Non-operator joint venturer; 30% owned) located 330km east northeast of Kalgoorlie. 

The  Group  is  also  an  active  explorer  for  base  and  precious  metals  within  and  outside  of  Australia.    Active  search  areas  within 
Australia include the Stockman Project (copper, zinc, silver, gold) located in Victoria and numerous tenement holdings at or near the 
above mines, as well as other remote areas. 

This review should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the accompanying notes.  

The objective and strategy of the Group is to create long-term shareholder value through the discovery, development and acquisition 
of  low  cost  and  high  grade  projects.    Since  incorporation  in  2002,  the  Company  is  proud  of  its  achievement  of  returning  to 
shareholders in excess of $108 million by way of a combination of $98.3 million fully franked dividends and a $9.7 million share buy 
back in 2009.  The Company currently has 234,256,573 shares outstanding. 

The Group’s future prospects are dependent on a number of external factors that are summarised towards the end of this report. 

At  the  end  of  the  financial  year,  the  Group  had  cash  and  cash  equivalents  of  $57.0  million  (2013:  $27.2  million).    A  milestone 
achievement  for  the  Company  was the commencement  of commissioning of the Tropicana Operations  by joint venture partner and 
project  operator  AngloGold  Ashanti  Australia  Limited  during  the  September  2013  quarter.    Consequently,  gold  sales  have  largely 
driven the Group’s cash inflows during financial year 2014.  The cash increase of $29.8 million includes $138.4 million in gold sales 
receipts,  which  represented  35%  of  the  Group’s  customer  receipts  for  the  year.    Other  receipts  came  from  nickel  sales  ($113.4 
million)  with  the  remaining  $140.2  million  sales  coming  from  the  Jaguar  Operation.    During  the  financial  year,  the  Company  paid 
Tropicana  joint  venture  contributions  totalling $110.2 million (2013:  $165.1 million).  These contributions provided for funding of the 
Company’s share of construction capital expenditure completion, ongoing funding of its share of the mine’s operational expenditure 
and  ongoing  sustaining  and  non-sustaining  capital  expenditure  and  exploration  expenditure.    Joint  venture  contributions  to  the 
operator  will  be  ongoing  over  the  life  of  the  mine  whereas  gold  sales  receipts  will  be  credited  to  each  individual  venturer’s  metal 
account held with the gold refiner.  

66      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Directors’ Report 

Operating and financial review (continued) 

Other  significant  cash  flows  during  the  year  include  payments to suppliers  and employees of $258 million (2013:  $173 million); the 
higher payments arising due to operating cost  payments for the Tropicana mine.  Total exploration and evaluation expenditure was 
$38.7  million  with  the  significant  expenditure  including  $14  million  at  Long,  $6  million  for  Jaguar  regional  activity,  $4  million  at 
Tropicana, $5 million at the Company's Stockman project and $14 million on the Group’s remaining and varied exploration tenements.  
A number of new joint venture exploration projects were entered into during the year including the Lake MacKay JV in the Northern 
Territory where the Company is targeting large gold deposits in a prospective but underexplored tenure package, the Darlot JV where 
the Company is exploring for satellite VMS deposits within trucking distance of the Jaguar Project and the Bryah Basin JV along strike 
to the west of the DeGrussa copper & gold mine, where the Company is targeting DeGrussa style deposits.  Significant results during 
the year include identification of possible extensions to the McLeay and Long North deposits at the Long Operation, identification of 
the  Flying  Spur  lens  at  the  Jaguar  Operation  and  the  discovery  of  a  zone  of  potentially  significant  mineralisation  at  the  Triumph 
Prospect located 5km to the north of the Jaguar processing plant. 

Total development and construction capital expenditure was $76 million of which $57 million was for plant construction and mine open 
pit  waste  stripping  at  Tropicana.    $16.6  million  was  for  Jaguar  underground  mine  development  and  the  balance  was  for  Long 
underground development. 

Financing  activities  of  the  Group  included  $47  million  in  corporate  facility  borrowings  between  July  and  September  2013  whilst 
Tropicana  was  in  the  construction  phase  and  facility  repayments  of  $32  million  between  March  2014  and  June  2014.    In  addition, 
there were $6 million in equipment finance debt repayments and $9.3 million in fully franked dividends. 

During discussions of the operating results of its business, the Group’s Board and management often refer to a measure known as 
Underlying  EBITDA.  The Board considers this measure to be important to the Group and investors  alike, as it  represents a useful 
proxy  to  measuring  an  operation’s  cash  generating  capabilities.    Underlying  EBITDA  is  calculated  as  profit  after  tax  adjusted  for 
income tax expense, finance costs, interest income, asset impairments, depreciation and amortisation.  Underlying EBITDA increased 
relative to the previous financial year as can be seen in the following chart: 

Net  profit  after  tax  (NPAT)  for  the  year  of  $46.6  million  compares  favourably  with  the  2013  financial  year  NPAT  of  $18.3  million.  
Below is a reconciliation of Underlying EBITDA to NPAT. 

Depreciation  &  amortisation  expense  of  $69.8  million  includes  $36.6  million  relating  to  Tropicana  assets,  $22  million  to  Long,  $9.4 
million  to  Jaguar  Operations  and  the  balance  to  corporate  assets.    Exploration  and  evaluation  asset  impairments  during  the  2014 
financial  year  of  $32  million  include  a  $17.0  million  write-down  of  the  Karlawinda  Gold  Project  as  the  Company  considers  that  the 
Project no longer meets internal metrics for development.   

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

4 

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     67

 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Directors’ Report 

Operating and financial review (continued) 

Operations 

Long Operation 

The  Long  Operation  was  acquired  from  Western  Mining  Corporation  in  2002  and  is  located  adjacent  to  Kambalda.    The  mine  has 
entered into a long term ore tolling agreement with BHP Billiton Nickel West Pty Ltd whereby the Group is paid for the nickel metal 
contained  in  the  ore  mined,  less  applicable  ore  toll  charges.    Revenue  from  nickel  sales  is  priced  on  a  quotational  period  of  three 
months after the month of production.  70% of the sales receipt is provisionally paid based on the average London Metals Exchange 
(LME)  price  for  the  month  of  delivery;  a  balancing  adjustment  is  paid  in the fourth month after delivery based on the average LME 
price of the third month after delivery.  The mine produced 10,909 tonnes of contained nickel during the year at payable cash costs 
including royalties (net of copper credits) of A$3.78 per pound (2013: A$4.34 per pound). 

The Long Operation constitutes an operating segment as disclosed in the Financial Report.  During the year a total of 268,162 tonnes 
of ore was mined, with all four underground ore bodies (Long, Victor South, McLeay and Moran) contributing.  The majority of ore was 
won via long hole stoping with lesser amounts coming from other mechanised mining methods and non-mechanised methods.  

Segment revenue was $118.9 million in 2014, a decrease of 7% from $127.7 million in 2013.  This was the result of a combination of 
lower realised nickel prices (~5%), and lower payable nickel sold as outlined in the table below.  Net operating profit before income tax 
fell  9%  from  $40.1  million  in  2013  to  $36.3  million  in  the  current  year,  due  to  revenue  factors  outlined  above,  offset  by  lower  cash 
costs during the year.   

Based on current ore reserves, the mine currently has a life of approximately four years. 

Table 1 highlights the key operational statistics during the current and prior year. 

Table 1 

Long Operation 

Ore mined 

Nickel grade 

Copper grade 

Tonnes milled 

Nickel delivered 

Copper delivered 

Metal payable (IGO share) 

 - Nickel 

 - Copper 

Tonnes 

Head % 

Head % 

Tonnes 

Tonnes 

Tonnes 

Tonnes 

Tonnes 

C1 Ni cash costs & royalties * 

A$ payable metal pound 

*C1 cash costs include credits for copper 

Jaguar Operation 

2014 

268,162 

4.07 

0.29 

268,162 

10,909 

769 

6,589 

312 

3.78 

2013 

291,196 

           3.84  

           0.28  

291,196 

11,180 

821 

6,754 

332 

4.34 

The  Jaguar  Operation  was  acquired  by  the  Company  from  Jabiru  Metals  Limited  in  2011.  The Operation is located 60km north of 
Leonora and 250km north of Kalgoorlie.  Active mining is currently underway in the Bentley underground mine.  In addition, both near 
mine and greenfields exploration targets continue to be investigated for potential to add mine life to the operation. 

The Bentley mine performed well during the year; copper and zinc grades mined increased year on year by 33% and 8% respectively. 
Ore mined is beneficiated at the Jaguar processing facility to produce zinc and copper concentrates.  

These concentrates  are trucked to the Geraldton port for shipping to customers primarily in Asia.  The copper concentrate contains 
significant  levels  of  silver  and  gold  as  by-products,  which  attract  precious  metal  credits  that  contribute  significantly  to  the  Group’s 
cash flows and revenue.   The zinc concentrate has minor amounts of silver in its concentrate. 

Similar to nickel sales, copper and zinc concentrate sales are paid on a quotational period that varies between one and three months 
with generally 90% of the sales receipt payable by the customer shortly after shipment.  The one month or three month average LME 
copper and zinc price ultimately determines the final price paid by the customer. 

Based on current ore reserves, the Bentley mine is currently anticipated to have a life of approximately four years. 

68      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

5 

 
 
 
  
DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Directors’ Report 

Operating and financial review (continued) 

Jaguar Operation (continued) 

Table 2 

Jaguar Operation 

Ore mined 

Copper grade 

Zinc grade 

Silver grade 

Ore milled 

Concentrate produced 

 - Copper 

 - Zinc 

Metal payable (IGO share) 

 - Copper 

 - Zinc 

 - Silver 

 - Gold 

Tonnes 

% 

% 

g/t 

2014 

431,362 

2.0 

10.6 

145 

2013 

446,584 

1.5 

9.8 

139 

Tonnes 

441,867 

392,125 

Tonnes 

Tonnes 

Tonnes 

Tonnes 

Ounces 

Ounces 

29,574 

86,296 

7,396 

34,258 

1,233,972 

4,467 

20,010 

71,138 

4,792 

28,118 

982,313 

2,938 

Zinc C1 cash costs & royalties * 

A$/lb Total Zn Metal Produced 

0.31 

0.49 

*C1 cash costs include credits for copper, silver and gold  

The Jaguar Operation also constitutes an operating segment.  Segment revenue increased to $141.8 million from $91.8 million in the 
previous year.  Zinc revenue increased 33% due to a combination of 22% higher payable zinc and 9% higher realised prices.  Copper 
revenue increased 105% due to both 54% higher payable copper and 33% higher realised prices.  Segment profit before income tax 
was $42.7 million during the 2014 financial year (2013: $7.0 million). 

Tropicana Gold Project 

The  Tropicana  Gold  Project  segment  comprises  the  Tropicana  Gold  Mine  and  exploration  activities.    The  Project  is  located 
approximately 330km east northeast of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia and has a combined tenement holding of approximately 9,200 
km2.  The Tropicana Gold Mine is operated as an unincorporated joint venture.  Joint operators of the venture are AngloGold Ashanti 
Australia Limited (70% share and manager) and Independence Group NL (30% share).  The mine commenced commissioning during 
the  September  2013  quarter  and  by  financial  year  end  produced  348,371  ounces.    MacMahon  Mining  Contractors  undertake  the 
mining  using  conventional  open  cut  mining  methods.    A  total  of  32.1Mt  of  material  was  mined  this  financial  year  following 
commencement  of the first  full  month of commissioning.   Since September 2013,  4.0Mt  of ore was processed,  with the processing 
plant achieving name plant capacity (5.8Mt/yr) in March 2014. 

Power  on  site  is  currently  generated  via diesel-fired generators.  During the year the feasibility of piping gas to site and generating 
power from gas-fired generators was studied.  In July 2014 a decision to proceed with this project was approved. 

The  Tropicana  Gold  Mine  is  currently  expected  to  have  a  life  in  excess  of  10  years.  Segment  revenue  for  the  financial  year  was 
$137.9 million.  Segment profit was $42.5 million. 

Table 3 

Tropicana Gold Mine 

Gold ore mined (>0.6g/t Au) 

Gold ore mined (>0.4 and <0.6g/t Au) 

Waste mined 

Gold grade mined (>0.6g/t Au) 

Ore milled 

Gold grade milled 

Metallurgical recovery 

Gold recovered 

Gold produced 

Gold refined and sold (IGO share) 

Cash Costs 

All-in Sustaining Costs (“AISC”) ** 

‘000 wmt 

‘000 wmt 

‘000 wmt 

g/t 

‘000 wmt 

g/t 

% 

Ounces 

Ounces 

2014 * 

5,721 

1,088 

25,251 

2.22 

4,043 

3.02 

89.4 

350,743 

348,371 

Ounces 

100,167 

$ per ounce produced 

$ per ounce sold 

552 

740 

* 2014 refers to the period October 2013 to June 2014 being the period when the first full month of commissioning commenced.  

**  All-in  Sustaining  costs  is  a  measure  derived  by  the  World  Gold  Council.    On  27  June  2013,  the  Council  released  a  publication 
outlining definitions of both Cash Costs and All-in Sustaining Costs. 

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     69

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

6 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Directors’ Report 

Operating and financial review (continued) 

External factors affecting the Group’s results 

The  Group  operates  in  an  uncertain  economic  environment  and  its  performance  is  dependent  upon  the  result  of  inexact  and 
incomplete  information.    As  a  consequence,  the  Group’s  Board  and  management  monitor  these  uncertainties  and  mitigate  the 
associated  risk  of  adverse  outcomes  where  possible.    The  following  external  factors  are  all  capable  of  having  a  material  adverse 
effect on the business and will affect the prospects of the Group for future financial years. 

Commodity prices 

The Group’s operating revenues are sourced from the sale of commodities and precious metals that are priced by the London Metals 
Exchange (LME).   The Group is not  a price maker with respect to the commodities  it  sells  and it  is, and will remain, susceptible to 
adverse price movements.  By way of example, average cash seller and settlement LME nickel prices rose 30% from June 2013 to 
June 2014 (compared to a fall of 15% during the previous corresponding period).  Zinc and copper cash seller and settlement LME 
prices rose 16%  and fell  3% over the June 2014 financial year respectively.   The Group’s Board and management regularly review 
commodity prices in light of forecast trends and give consideration to hedging between 0% and 50% of payable production. 

Exchange rates 

The  Group  is  exposed  to  exchange  rate  risk  on  sales  denominated  in  United  States  dollars  whilst  its  Australian  dollar  functional 
currency  is  the  currency  of  payment  to  the  majority  of  its  suppliers  and  employees.   The monthly average AUD/USD currency pair 
strengthened from 0.9138 for the month of June 2013 to 0.9420 in June 2014.  A strengthening AUD implies a lower AUD receipt of 
sales denominated in USD.  The Group’s policy is to mitigate adverse foreign exchange risk by transacting commodity hedges in AUD 
equivalent terms where possible. 

Downstream processing markets 

The  price  of  sea  freight,  smelting  and  refining  charges  are  market  driven  and  vary  throughout  the  year.   These also impact  on the 
Group’s overall profitability. 

Interest rates 

Interest  rate  movements  affect  both  returns  on  funds  on  deposit  as  well  as  the  cost  of  borrowings.    Furthermore,  AUD  and  USD 
interest rate differentials are intimately related to movements in the AUD/USD exchange rate. 

Native Title 

With  regard  to  tenements  in  which  the  Group  has  an  existing  interest  in,  or  will  acquire  an  interest  in the future, it is the case that 
there are areas over which common law Native Title rights exist, or may be found to exist, which may preclude or delay exploration, 
development  or  production  activities.  Specifically,  at  our  Long  Operation,  a  Federal  Court  judgment  has  recently  determined  that 
certain tenements are invalid insofar as they are inconsistent with the exercise of the Native Title rights of the Aboriginal Native Title 
holders. The Company is currently assessing the implications of this judgment however final Orders have not yet been made by the 
Court. The Company will continue to monitor the matter, including any right of appeal, in conjunction with other affected parties. 

Other external factors and risks 

The Group is subject to many other external factors and risks, including the following: 

  Operational  performance  including  uncertain  mine  grades,  seismicity  ground  support  conditions,  grade  control,  in  fill  resource 

drilling, mill performance and experience of the workforce; 

o  Contained metal (tonnes and grades) are estimated annually and published in resource and reserve statements, however 

actual production in terms of tonnes and grade often vary as the ore body can be complex and inconsistent.  

o  Active  underground  mining  operations  can  be  subjected  to  varying  degrees  of  seismicity.   This  natural  occurrence  can 
represent  significant  safety,  operational  and  financial  risk.   To  mitigate  this  risk  substantial  amounts  of  resources  and 
technology are used in an attempt to predict and control seismicity.  

  Exploration success or otherwise; 

o  Due  to  the  nature of an ever depleting reserve/resource base, the ability to continually find or replace reserves/resources 
presents a significant operational risk.  Drill sites need to be continually mined (for underground drilling) to enable effective 
exploration drilling.    

  Operating costs including labour markets and productivity; 

o  Labour is one of the main cost drivers in the business and as such can materially impact the profitability of an operation. 

  Changes in market supply and demand of products; 

o  Any change in the supply or demand impacts on the ability to generate revenues and hence the profitability of an operation. 

  Changes in government taxation legislation; 
  Changes in health, safety and environmental regulations; 
  Environmental issues and social expectations; and 
  Assumption of estimates that impact on reported asset and liability values.  

Shareholders are also encouraged to read notes 3 and 4 in the Financial Report. 

Significant changes in the state of affairs 

There have been no significant changes in the state of affairs of the Group during the year. 

70      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

7 

 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Directors’ Report 

Significant events after the reporting date 

On 27 August 2014, the Company announced that a final dividend for the year ended 30 June 2014 would be paid on 30 September 
2014.  The dividend is 5 cents per share and will be fully franked. 

Other  than  the  above,  there  has  been  no  other  transaction  or  event  of  a  material  and  unusual  nature  likely,  in  the  opinion  of  the 
Directors,  to  significantly  affect  the  operations  of  the  Group,  the  results  of  those  operations,  or  the  state  of  affairs  of  the  Group,  in 
future financial years. 

Environmental regulation and performance 

The Group’s operations are subject to significant environmental regulation under the laws of the Commonwealth and various States of 
Australia.  During the year there were no non-compliance incidents.  

The Group is subject to the reporting obligations of the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007, under which the Group 
reports  its  greenhouse  emissions,  energy  consumption  and  production.    Systems  have  been  put  in  place  to  comply  with  these 
reporting  requirements.    The  Directors  have  considered  compliance  with  the  National  Greenhouse  and  Energy  Reporting  Act  2007 
which requires entities to report annual greenhouse gas emissions and energy use.   

The Environmental Policy is available in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’s website. 

Information on Directors 

Peter Bilbe 
Qualifications 
Tenure 
Special Responsibilities 
Other Directorships 

Peter Bradford 
Qualifications 
Tenure 
Special Responsibilities 

Other Directorships 

Geoffrey Clifford 
Qualifications 
Tenure 
Special Responsibilities 
Other Directorships 

Rod Marston 
Qualifications 
Tenure 
Special Responsibilities 
Other Directorships 

Kelly Ross 
Qualifications 
Tenure 
Special Responsibilities 
Other Directorships 

Christopher Bonwick 
Qualifications 
Tenure 
Special Responsibilities 

Other Directorships 

Chairman and Non-executive Director.  Age 64 
BEng (Mining) (Hons), MAusIMM 
Board member since 31 March 2009 and Chairman since 29 July 2011. 
Mr Bilbe is a member of the Remuneration and Risk Committees. 
Mr  Bilbe  is  currently  a  director  of  Northern  Iron  Limited.    He  was  also  a  director  of  Sihayo  Gold 
Limited until November 2013 and Norseman Gold plc until December 2011.  

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer from 17 March 2014.  Age 56 
BAppSc (Extractive Metallurgy), FAusIMM, MSMME 
Managing Director and Board member since his appointment on 17 March 2014. 
Mr Bradford is the executive in charge of the day to day management of the Group’s  activities, 
including operations, risk management and corporate  development.    He  is  also  a  member  of  the 
Risk Committee.  
Mr Bradford was previously a director of PMI Gold Corporation until February 2014. 

Non-Executive Director.  Age 64 
BBus, FCPA, FCIS, FAICD 
Board member since 2012. 
Mr Clifford is a member of the Remuneration, Audit, Hedging and Risk Committees. 
Mr Clifford is currently a director of Saracen Mineral Holdings Limited (from 1 October 2013).  Mr 
Clifford was also previously a director of Atlas Iron Limited (until July 2011), Centaurus Metals 
Limited (until August 2011) and Fox Resources Limited (until September 2011). 

Non-executive Director.  Age 71 
BSc (Hons), PhD, MAIG, MSEG 
Board member since 2001.   
Dr Marston is a member of the Remuneration, Audit and Risk Committees. 
Dr Marston has been a director of Kasbah Resources Limited since November 2006. 

Non-Executive Director.  Age 52 
BBus, CPA, ACSA 
Board member since 2002. 
Mrs Ross is a member of the Hedging , Audit and Risk Committees. 
Mrs Ross is currently a director of Musgrave Minerals Limited. 

Managing Director until 15 November 2013.  Age 55 
BSc (Hons), MAusIMM 
Managing Director and Board member until his resignation on 15 November 2013. 
Mr Bonwick was the executive in charge of the day to day management of the Group’s  activities, 
including operations, risk management and corporate  development. 
None. 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     71

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Directors’ Report 

Company Secretary qualifications 

Mr  Tony  Walsh  was  appointed  Company  Secretary  effective  17  July  2013.        Mr  Walsh,  who  is  also  employed  as  the  Company’s 
General Manager Corporate, was previously Company Secretary of ASX listed iron ore producer Atlas  Iron Limited for seven years 
from July 2006.   Mr Walsh has  over 25 years’ experience in dealing with listed companies,  ASX,  ASIC and corporate transactions, 
including four years as a director of Shaw River Manganese Limited and 14 years with the ASX Limited in Perth where he acted as 
ASX  liaison  with  the  JORC  Committee.    Mr  Walsh  is  currently  a  member  of  the  West  Australian  State  Council  of  Chartered 
Secretaries Australia and a member of Newman College school council.  Prior to his role at the ASX, he worked with Ernst & Young 
for over 5 years in an audit and compliance capacity.  Mr Walsh is also a Fellow of Chartered Secretaries Australia and the Institute of 
Chartered Accountants in Australia. 

Mr  Adrian  Di  Carlo  was  the  interim  Company  Secretary  from  11  February  2013  until  2  August  2013.    Mr  Di  Carlo  is  a  member  of 
Chartered Secretaries Australia. 

Meetings of Directors 

The numbers of meetings  of the Company’s Board of Directors  and of each Board Committee held during the year ended 30 June 
2014, and the numbers of meetings attended by each Director were: 

Meetings of Committees 

Director 

Peter Bilbe 

Christopher Bonwick1 

Peter Bradford2 

Geoffrey Clifford 

Rod Marston 

Kelly Ross 

Eligible to 
attend 

11 

4 

3 

11 

11 

11 

Directors’ meetings 

Remuneration 
Committee 

Eligible to 

Attended 

attend  Attended 

attend  Attended 

Audit Committee  Hedging Committee  Risk Committee 
Eligible to 

Eligible to    

Eligible to    
attend 

Attended 

11 

2 

3 

11 

11 

10 

1 

- 

- 

1 

1 

- 

1 

- 

- 

1 

1 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2 

2 

2 

- 

- 

- 

2 

2 

1 

- 

- 

- 

1 

- 

1 

- 

- 

- 

1 

- 

1 

attend  Attended 

1 

- 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

- 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1.  Mr Bonwick resigned with effect from 15 November 2013. 

2.  Mr Bradford was appointed Managing Director with effect from 17 March 2014. 

Interests in shares and share rights of the Company 

At the date of this report, the interests of the Directors in the shares and share rights of Independence Group NL were as follows:  

Peter Bilbe 

Peter Bradford 

Geoffrey Clifford 

Rod Marston 

Kelly Ross 

Total 

Ordinary Fully Paid 
Shares 

Share Rights 

- 

- 

- 

1,321,917 

345,000 

1,666,917 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

72      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Directors’ Report 

AUDITED REMUNERATION REPORT 

The information provided in this Remuneration Report has been audited as required by section 308(3C) of the Corporations Act 2001. 

Remuneration policy and procedures 

The Company has established a Remuneration Committee to oversee the remuneration of senior executives and executive directors.  
At the date of this report,  the Committee members were Rod Marston (Chairman), Geoffrey Clifford and Peter Bilbe, each of which 
are independent non-executive directors. 

The Committee reviews executive directors’ and senior management’s remuneration and other terms of employment annually, having 
regard  to  the  skills,  experience,  the  relative  industry  remuneration  levels  and  performance  of  both  the  Group  and  the  individuals 
themselves.  No director may be involved in setting their own remuneration or terms and conditions. 

The  remuneration  of  non-executive  directors  is  determined  by  the  Board  within  the  maximum  amount  approved  by  shareholders  in 
general meeting.  Non-executive directors are not entitled to retirement benefits other than statutory superannuation or other statutory 
required  benefits.    Non-executive  directors  do  not  participate  in  share  or  bonus  schemes  designed  for  executive  directors  or 
employees.  The remuneration of non-executive directors is fixed to encourage impartiality, high ethical standards and independence 
on  the  Board.    The  available  non-executive  directors’  fees  pool  is  $600,000  which  was  approved  by  shareholders  at  the  Annual 
General Meeting on 24 November 2010, of which $490,000 was being utilised at 30 June 2014 (2013: $440,000).  

Non-executive directors may provide additional consulting services to the Group, at a rate approved by the Board.  During the current 
year, the Board approved an additional one-off payment of $20,000 to Mr Bilbe (Chairman) for the extra services he provided to the 
Company during the current year. 

Performance  evaluations  of  the  Board  are  undertaken  with  a  view  to  comparing  the  performance  of  the  Board  and  directors  to  the 
performance and growth of companies of similar size and complexity within the mining industry.  The current base remuneration was 
reviewed during the current financial year and was amended accordingly. 

Bonuses may be given to senior managers where the Committee believes their performance, experience and skills have provided the 
Group  with  ongoing  and  enduring  benefits  that  align  with  shareholder  interests.    Other  performance-based rewards,  including short 
term incentives, are given where the Committee believes performance of an individual senior manager compares favourably with their 
peers within the industry and is at the discretion of the Committee.  The objectives of the rewards are to both reinforce the short and 
long term goals of the Group and to provide a common interest between management and shareholders.  The following summarises 
the performance of the Group over the last 5 financial years: 

Revenue ($millions) 

Net profit (loss) after income tax ($millions) 

Share price at year end ($/share) 

Dividends paid (cents/share) 

2010 

20111 

116.7 

28.7 

4.72 

5 

163.6 

5.5 

5.63 

7 

2012 

216.6 

(285.3)2 

3.16 

5 

2013 

2014 

225.9 

18.3 

2.26 

2 

399.1 

46.6 

4.35 

4 

1.  Includes results and performance of Jabiru Metals Limited from 4 April 2011. 
2.  Includes after tax non-cash asset impairments of $288 million. 

Company performance based remuneration  

Short term incentive (STI)   

The objective of STI’s is to link the creation of shareholder wealth in the short term with the remuneration of those employees who are 
charged with the management of the Group and are primarily responsible for its performance.   The total potential STI available is set 
annually at a level to provide sufficient incentive to executive directors and senior managers to achieve operational targets at a cost to 
the Group that is reasonable in the circumstances.   

Managing Director’s STI 

The Board introduced performance based criteria in 2010 to incentivise the former Managing Director, based on achievement versus 
target key performance indicators (KPI’s).  The target KPI’s relate to matters such as mine production, safety, mine development and 
costs, as well as exploration success, corporate growth, environmental activity and risk management actions.  The total available to 
be paid in 2014 as an STI for the Managing Director’s performance in the 2013 financial year was $300,000 (2013: $300,000).  STI 
payments  are  normally  delivered  as  a  yearly  cash  bonus  payable  in  the  subsequent  financial  year.   During  the  year,  the  former 
Managing Director, Mr Bonwick, was allocated 72% of the total bonus available ($216,000) for his performance in the 2013 financial 
year.   

Long term incentive (LTI) – Executives and other employees 

The LTI component of the remuneration package is to reward executive directors, senior managers and other invited employees of 
the Group in a manner which aligns a proportion of their remuneration package with the creation of shareholder wealth over a longer 
period than the STI.  

The  Independence  Group  NL  Employee  Performance  Rights  Plan  (PRP)  was  approved  by  shareholders  at  the  Annual  General 
Meeting  in  November  2011.    Under  the  PRP,  participants  are  granted  share  rights  which  will  only  vest  if  certain  performance 
conditions are met and the employees are still employed by the Group at the end of the vesting period.  Participation in the PRP is at 
the Board’s discretion and no individual has a contractual right to participate in the plan or to receive any guaranteed benefits. 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

10 

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     73

 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Directors’ Report 

AUDITED REMUNERATION REPORT (continued) 

Long term incentive (LTI) – Executives and other employees (continued) 

Vesting  of  the  performance  rights  to  executive  directors  and  executives  is  subject  to  a  combination  of  the  Company’s  shareholder 
return  and  return  on  equity.    The  performance  rights will  vest if over the three year measurement  period the following performance 
hurdles are achieved: 

Shareholder Return 

The vesting of 75%  of the performance rights at the end of the third year will be based on measuring the actual shareholder return 
over the three year period compared with the change in the S&P ASX 300 Metals  and Mining Index (Index) over that same period.  
The portion of performance rights (75% of the total) that will vest based on the comparative shareholder return will be: 

Shareholder return 

100% of the Index 

Level of vesting 

25% 

Between 100% and 115% of the Index 

Pro-rata straight line percentage 

115% of the Index or greater 

100% 

Return on equity 

The vesting of the remaining 25% of the performance rights at the end of the third year will be based on the average return on equity 
over the three year period compared with the average target return on equity as set by the Board for the same period. 

Return on equity (ROE) for each year will be calculated in accordance with the following formula: 

ROE = Net profit after tax / Total shareholders’ equity 

The target ROE will be set each year by the Board as part of the budget approval process for the following year.  The target ROE for 
the  financial  year  ending  30  June  2014  was  10%  (2013:  10%).    The  portion  of  performance  rights  (25%  of  the  total)  that  will  vest 
based on the comparative return on equity will be: 

Actual ROE 

100% of average target ROE 

Level of vesting 

25% 

Between 100% and 115% of average target ROE 

Pro-rata straight line percentage 

115% of average target ROE or greater 

100% 

The performance rights will not be subject to any further escrow restrictions once they have vested to the employees. 

Share trading policy 

The  trading  of  shares  issued  to  participants  under  the  PRP  is  subject  to,  and  conditional  upon,  compliance  with  the  Company’s 
employee share trading policy. 

Long term incentives (LTI) – Non-executive directors  

The PRP permits non-executive directors to be eligible employees and therefore to participate in the plan.  It is not currently intended 
that  non-executive  directors  will  be  issued  with  performance  rights  under  the  PRP  and  any  such  issue  would  be  subject  to  all 
necessary shareholder approvals. 

Voting and comments made at the Company’s 2013 Annual General Meeting (AGM) 

Independence Group NL received more than 97% of “yes” votes (with another 1.6% abstaining or at the Chairman’s discretion) on its 
remuneration report for the 2013 financial year.  The Company did not  receive any specific feedback at the AGM or throughout the 
year on its remuneration practices. 

Use of independent remuneration consultants 

During  the  current  financial  year,  the  Board  authorised  the  engagement  of  Aon  Hewitt  McDonald  as  independent  remuneration 
consultants.    Aon  Hewitt  McDonald  were  engaged  to  prepare  a  report  examining  the  competitiveness  of  remuneration  for directors 
and officers employed by the Company in the context of a group of a peer companies.  An amount of $8,500 was paid for the report 
and the Board is satisfied that the recommendations in the report were made free from undue influence from any members of the key 
management personnel. 

Key Management Personnel 

The Directors who held office during the financial year were Peter Bilbe (Non-executive Director and Chairman), Christopher Bonwick 
(Managing  Director  until  his  resignation  on  15  November  2013),  Peter  Bradford  (Managing  Director  and  Chief  Executive  Officer 
following his  appointment  on 17 March 2014), Geoffrey Clifford (Non-executive Director), Rod Marston (Non-executive Director) and 
Kelly Ross (Non-executive Director).  The Directors held office during the entire financial year unless otherwise stated. 

The  only  other  persons  who  qualified  as  key  management  personnel  during  the  financial  year,  and  to  whom  this  Remuneration 
Report also relates, are as follows: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andrew Eddowes – Business Development Manager  

Brett Hartmann – Group Operations Manager (and Acting Chief Executive Officer from 16 October 2013 until 17 March 2014) 

Rodney Jacobs – Development Manager 

Tim Kennedy – Exploration Manager 

Scott Steinkrug – Chief Financial Officer 

Tony Walsh – Company Secretary and General Manager Corporate (following his appointment on 17 July 2013). 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          
74      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

11 

 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Directors’ Report 

AUDITED REMUNERATION REPORT (continued) 

Employment contracts 

Terms and conditions of employment contracts of key management personnel in effect during the year ended 30 June 2014 were as 
follows: 

Non-executive  directors  do  not  have  employment  contracts  with  the  Company.    The  current  base  fees  for  non-executive 

i) 
directors are as follows: 

Base fees 

Chairman 

Non-executive directors 

From 1 January 2014 
$ 

From 1 July 2013 to 31 
December 2013 
$ 

190,000 

100,000 

170,000 

90,000 

ii) 
The current Managing Director, Peter Bradford, is employed under a contract which does not have a defined term.  The contract 
includes provision for a maximum termination benefit payable of up to 12 months of average annual base salary should the Company 
terminate  the  employment  contract  without  cause,  but  only  if  such  payment  would  not  breach  ASX  Listing  Rules.    A  termination 
benefit of three months’ remuneration is payable to the Managing Director should the Company terminate the employment contract 
due  to  illness,  injury  or  incapacity.    In  all  other  circumstances  the  contract  can  be  terminated  by  either  party  after  provision  of  six 
months’  notice.   The Company may pay the executive in lieu of notice.  The current employment  contract for Mr Bradford as at 30 
June  2014  provides  for  total  fixed  remuneration  of  $750,000.    Mr  Bradford  commenced  his  position  with  the  Company  effective  17 
March 2014. 

Mr Bradford is also entitled to short term incentives to a maximum of 40% of total fixed remuneration.  This amount is currently set at 
$300,000  and  is  normally paid in cash in the subsequent financial year.   The short term incentive is based on achievement  versus 
target KPI’s relating to such matters such as mine production, safety, mine development and costs, as well as exploration success, 
corporate growth, environmental activity and risk management actions. 

Mr Bradford is also entitled to participate in the PRP.  The maximum amount he may be awarded under the PRP is 100% of total fixed 
remuneration ($750,000).  The granting of such performance rights are subject to the necessary shareholder approvals. 

iii) 
The key management personnel Andrew Eddowes is employed under a contract which does not have a defined term and can 
be terminated by either party after provision of one month’s notice, in which case only accrued leave and other accrued remuneration 
is payable.  The current employment  contract provides for total  remuneration of $327,750 per annum (2013: $261,600 per annum).  
Mr Eddowes may also receive performance based bonuses should the Remuneration Committee so recommend and those bonuses 
are approved by the Board.  Mr Eddowes is also entitled to participate in the PRP.  

iv) 
The key management personnel Brett Hartmann is employed under a contract which does not have a defined term and can be 
terminated by either party after provision of one month’s notice, in which case only accrued leave and other accrued remuneration is 
payable.  The current employment contract provides for total remuneration of $447,925 per annum (2013: $408,205 per annum).  Mr 
Hartmann  may  also  receive  performance  based  bonuses  should  the  Remuneration  Committee  so  recommend  and  those  bonuses 
are approved by the Board.  Mr Hartmann is also entitled to participate in the PRP. 

v) 
The key management personnel Rodney Jacobs is employed under a contract which does not have a defined term and can be 
terminated by either party after provision of one month’s notice, in which case only accrued leave and other accrued remuneration is 
payable.  The current employment contract provides for total remuneration of $366,741 per annum (2013: $356,975 per annum).  Mr 
Jacobs may also receive performance based bonuses should the Remuneration Committee so recommend and those bonuses are 
approved by the Board.  Mr Jacobs is also entitled to participate in the PRP. 

vi) 
The key management personnel Tim Kennedy is employed under a contract which does not have a defined term and can be 
terminated by either party after provision of one month’s notice, in which case only accrued leave and other accrued remuneration is 
payable.  The current employment contract provides for total remuneration of $345,230 per annum (2013: $317,462 per annum).  Mr 
Kennedy may also receive performance based bonuses should the Remuneration Committee so recommend and those bonuses are 
approved by the Board.  Mr Kennedy is also entitled to participate in the PRP. 

vii)  The key management personnel Scott Steinkrug is employed under a contract which does not have a defined term and can be 
terminated by either party after provision of one month’s notice, in which case only accrued leave and other accrued remuneration is 
payable.  The current employment contract provides for total remuneration of $391,039 per annum (2013: $378,775 per annum).  Mr 
Steinkrug may also receive performance based bonuses should the Remuneration Committee so recommend and those bonuses are 
approved by the Board.  Mr Steinkrug is also entitled to participate in the PRP. 

viii)  The key management personnel Tony Walsh is employed under a contract which does not have a defined term.  The contract 
can  be  terminated  by  the  Company  with  the  provision  of  six  months’  notice,  other  than  in  the  event  of  redundancy  where  the 
termination benefit is the greater of six months’ salary or four weeks salary per year of service.  Mr Walsh can terminate the contract 
with three months’ notice.  The current employment contract provides for total remuneration of $381,501 per annum.  Mr Walsh may 
also receive performance based bonuses should the Remuneration Committee so recommend and those bonuses are approved by 
the Board.  Mr Walsh is also entitled to participate in the PRP. 

The former managing director, Christopher Bonwick, was employed under a contract which did not have a defined term.  The 
ix) 
contract  included  provision  for  termination  benefits  of  one  month’s  remuneration  for  every  year  of  service  should  the  Company 
terminate  the  employment  contract  without  cause.    A  termination  benefit  of  12  months  remuneration  was  payable  to  Mr  Bonwick 
should  the  Company  terminate  the  employment  contract  due  to  a  takeover event, but  only if  such payment  would not  breach ASX 
Listing  Rules.    In  all  other  circumstances  the  contract  could  be  terminated  by  either  party  after  provision  of  one  month’s  notice, in 
which case only accrued leave and other accrued remuneration was payable.  The employment contract for Mr Bonwick provided for 
total  fixed  remuneration  of  $750,000.    Mr  Bonwick  resigned  from  his  position  with  the  Company  effective  15  November  2013.    Mr 
Bonwick was also entitled to receive short term cash bonuses and was entitled to participate in the PRP. 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

12 
ANNUAL REPORT 2014     75

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Directors’ Report 

AUDITED REMUNERATION REPORT (continued) 

Details of remuneration 
The following tables show details of the remuneration received by the Directors and key management personnel of the Group for the 
current and previous financial year: 

Short-term benefits 

Cash salary 
& fees1 
$ 

Cash 
bonus 
$ 

Post-employment 
benefits 

Other 
$ 

Superannuation 
     $ 

Long-term 
benefits 
Long service 
leave2 
$ 

Share-based 
payments 

Share rights3 
$ 

Total 
$ 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

17,851 
8,444 
8,444 
8,444 

17,371 
24,067 

25,000 
45,489 
25,000 
25,000 
25,000 
25,000 

255,110 

14,037 
3,096 
4,187 
7,431 
7,431 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

740 
1,083 

- 
257,509 

19,939 
15,469 
12,618 
11,009 
8,797 
1,248 

70,903 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

49,455 
130,351 
114,042 
101,381 
120,940 
29,587 

803,265 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

210,833 
99,728 
99,728 
99,728 

236,169 
755,041 

396,538 
693,273 
485,365 
466,098 
535,017 
406,820 

4,484,338 

170,000 
37,500 
50,713 
90,000 
90,000 

25,000 

17,795 

224,937 

991,343 

2014 
Non-executive Directors 
Peter Bilbe4 
Geoffrey Clifford 
Rod Marston 
Kelly Ross 

Executive Directors 
Peter Bradford5 
Christopher Bonwick6 

Other key management 
personnel 
Andrew Eddowes 
Brett Hartmann 
Rodney Jacobs 
Tim Kennedy 
Scott Steinkrug 
Tony Walsh7 

192,982 
91,284 
91,284 
91,284 

- 
- 
- 
- 

218,058 
256,382 

- 
216,000 

277,144 
461,964 
333,705 
303,708 
355,280 
350,985 

25,000 
40,000 
- 
25,000 
25,000 
- 

Total remuneration 

3,024,060 

331,000 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

2013 
Non-executive Directors 
Peter Bilbe 
John Christie8 
Geoffrey Clifford9 
Rod Marston 
Kelly Ross 

Executive Directors 
Christopher Bonwick 

Other key management 
personnel 
Terry Bourke10 
Brett Hartmann 
Rodney Jacobs 
Tim Kennedy 
Scott Steinkrug 
Drew Totterdell11 
Andrew Eddowes12 

155,963 
34,404 
46,526 
82,569 
82,569 

723,611 

183,758 
382,054 
312,042 
289,135 
360,394 
159,676 
177,059 

- 
20,000 
15,000 
10,000 
15,000 
- 
15,000 

27,273 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

19,076 
36,994 
25,350 
25,000 
25,000 
5,963 
16,988 

(817) 
12,810 
8,397 
9,732 
6,041 
(6,564) 
10,957 

58,351 

(12,701) 
67,259 
58,852 
52,312 
62,401 
(10,999) 
47,402 

216,589 
519,117 
419,641 
386,179 
468,836 
148,076 
267,406 

489,463 

3,855,400 

Total remuneration 

2,989,760 

75,000 

27,273 

215,553 

1 
2 
3 

4 

5 
6 

Cash salary and fees includes movements in annual leave provision during the year. 
Long service leave relates to movements in long service leave provision during the year. 
Rights to shares granted under the PRP are expensed over the performance period, which includes the vesting period of the rights, in 
accordance with AASB 2 Share-based Payment.  Negative amounts reflect share rights lapsed during the year which have been 
reversed.   Refer to note 31 for details of the valuation techniques used for the PRP. 
In addition to his base fee for the year, the Board approved that Mr Bilbe be paid an additional once off payment of $20,000 for the 
extra services provided by him during the current year for the benefit of the Company.  
Mr Bradford commenced employment as Managing Director effective 17 March 2014. 
Mr Bonwick resigned from his position as Managing Director effective 15 November 2013.  Amounts accrued for annual leave 
($25,210) and long service leave ($161,279) were paid out on termination, these amounts have been offset against the movement in 
the provisions for the year. 
Mr Walsh commenced employment as Company Secretary and General Manager Corporate on 17 July 2013. 
Mr Christie resigned from his position as a Non-executive Director effective 21 November 2012. 
Mr Clifford commenced employment as a Non-executive Director on 10 December 2012. 

7 
8 
9 
10  Mr Bourke ceased employment effective 8 February 2013.  Other short-term benefits relate to a living away from home allowance paid 

to Mr Bourke.  

11  Mr Totterdell resigned from his position as Business Development Manager effective 30 September 2012.  An amount accrued for 

annual leave of $53,223 was paid out on termination, this amount has been offset against the movement in the provision for the 2013 
year. 

12  Mr Eddowes was appointed to the position of Business Development Manager effective 1 October 2012.  Remuneration has been 

included from the date of his appointment as a key management personnel. 

76      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL
Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Directors’ Report 

AUDITED REMUNERATION REPORT (continued) 

Details of remuneration (continued) 

The relative proportions of remuneration that are linked to performance and those that are fixed are as follows: 

Name 
Non-executive Directors 
Peter Bilbe 

Geoffrey Clifford 

Rod Marston 

Kelly Ross 

John Christie 

Executive Directors 
Peter Bradford2 

Christopher Bonwick 

Other key management personnel 

Andrew Eddowes 

Brett Hartmann 

Rodney Jacobs 

Tim Kennedy 

Scott Steinkrug 

Tony Walsh 

Terry Bourke 

Drew Totterdell 

Fixed Remuneration1 

At risk - STI 

At Risk – LTI 

2014 

% 

2013 

% 

2014 

% 

2013 

% 

2014 

% 

2013 

% 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

- 

100.0 

37.3 

81.2 

75.4 

76.5 

72.9 

72.7 

92.7 

- 

- 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

- 

77.3 

76.7 

83.2 

82.4 

83.9 

83.5 

- 

100.0 

100.0 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

28.6 

6.3 

5.8 

- 

5.4 

4.7 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

5.6 

3.8 

3.6 

2.6 

3.2 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

34.1 

22.7 

12.5 

18.8 

23.5 

21.7 

22.6 

7.3 

- 

- 

17.7 

13.0 

14.0 

13.5 

13.3 

- 

- 

- 

1. 

2 

Fixed  remuneration  paid  is  not  based upon any measurable performance indicators.  Non-performance based remuneration is based 
on relative industry remuneration levels and is set at a level designed to retain the services of the director or senior executive. 

Mr Bradford commenced employment with the Company on 17 March 2014.  Eligibility for short term and long term incentives was not 
assessed at 30 June 2014, therefore 100% of Mr Bradford’s remuneration was considered fixed for the current year. 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     77

14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Directors’ Report 

AUDITED REMUNERATION REPORT (continued) 

Share-based payments 

A reference to share rights is a reference to share rights granted under the PRP. 

The details of each grant of share rights affecting remuneration in the current or future reporting period are as follows:  

Name 

Date of 
grant 

Number of 
share rights 
granted  

Executive Directors 
Christopher Bonwick4 

21/11/2012 

183,824 

Christopher Bonwick4 

23/11/2011 

159,235 

Other key management personnel 

Andrew Eddowes 

Andrew Eddowes 

Andrew Eddowes 

Brett Hartmann 

Brett Hartmann 

Brett Hartmann 

Rodney Jacobs 

Rodney Jacobs 

Rodney Jacobs 

Tim Kennedy 

Tim Kennedy 

Tim Kennedy 

Scott Steinkrug 

Scott Steinkrug 

Scott Steinkrug 

Tony Walsh 

28/02/2014 

28/02/2013 

13/03/2012 

28/02/2014 

28/02/2013 

13/03/2012 

28/02/2014 

28/02/2013 

13/03/2012 

28/02/2014 

28/02/2013 

13/03/2012 

28/02/2014 

28/02/2013 

13/03/2012 

28/02/2014 

45,771 

34,597 

17,125 

71,421 

67,324 

58,318 

62,458 

58,908 

51,028 

55,544 

52,363 

45,358 

66,272 

62,461 

54,106 

66,596 

Fair value 
of share 
right at date 
of grant 
$ 

Fair value 
of share 
rights at 
grant date1 
$ 

Vesting 
date3 

Unamortised 
total value of 
grant yet to 
vest2 
$ 

2.00 

2.14 

2.14 

2.06 

3.64 

2.14 

2.06 

1.69 

2.14 

2.06 

1.69 

2.14 

2.06 

1.69 

2.14 

2.06 

1.69 

2.14 

368,179 

341,559 

1/07/2015 

1/07/2014 

97,756 

71,245 

62,370 

152,537 

138,643 

98,848 

133,395 

121,311 

86,492 

118,630 

107,382 

76,880 

141,542 

128,626 

91,708 

142,233 

1/07/2016 

1/07/2015 

1/07/2013 

1/07/2016 

1/07/2015 

1/07/2014 

1/07/2016 

1/07/2015 

1/07/2014 

1/07/2016 

1/07/2015 

1/07/2014 

1/07/2016 

1/07/2015 

1/07/2014 

1/07/2016 

- 

- 

77,421 

29,120 

- 

120,807 

56,668 

- 

105,647 

49,584 

- 

93,953 

44,075 

- 

112,099 

52,574 

- 

112,647 

1.  The value at grant date for share rights granted during the year as part of remuneration is calculated in accordance with AASB 

2 Share-based Payment.  Refer to note 31 for details of the valuation techniques used for the PRP. 

2.  Unamortised  total  value  of  grant  yet  to  vest  comprises  the  total  fair  value  of  the  award  at  the  date  of  grant  less  amounts 

expensed to date. 

3.  Share rights only vest if performance targets are achieved. 

4.  Following Mr Bonwick’s resignation from the Company on 15 November 2013, the Board resolved to allocate the share rights 
previously  granted  to  him  on  a  period  of  service  pro-rata  basis  in  the  relevant  performance  period.    This  resulted  in  the 
cancellation  of  a  total  of  132,746  share  rights  previously  granted  to  Mr  Bonwick.    Refer  to  the  following  table  for  further 
information. 

78      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Directors’ Report 

AUDITED REMUNERATION REPORT (continued) 

Share-based payments (continued) 

The number and percentage of share rights that vested in the financial year and the number and percentage of share rights 
that were forfeited during the financial year are set out below. 

Name 

Date of 
grant 

Vesting 
date 

Number 
of share 
rights 
granted 

% of 
share 
rights 
vested 
during 
the year 
% 

Number 
of share 
rights 
vested 
during 
the year 

Value of 
share 
rights at 
vesting 
date 
$ 

% of 
share 
rights 
forfeited 
during 
the year 
% 

Number 
of share 
rights 
forfeited 
during 
the year 

Value of 
share 
rights 
forfeited 
$ 

Executive Directors 

Christopher 
Bonwick1 

Christopher 
Bonwick1 

21/11/2012 

1/07/2015 

183,824 

23/11/2011 

1/07/2014 

159,235 

Other key management personnel 

Andrew Eddowes 

28/02/2014 

1/07/2016 

Andrew Eddowes 

28/02/2013 

1/07/2015 

Andrew Eddowes 

13/03/2012 

1/07/2013 

Brett Hartmann 

28/02/2014 

1/07/2016 

Brett Hartmann 

28/02/2013 

1/07/2015 

Brett Hartmann 

13/03/2012 

1/07/2014 

Rodney Jacobs 

28/02/2014 

1/07/2016 

Rodney Jacobs 

28/02/2013 

1/07/2015 

Rodney Jacobs 

13/03/2012 

1/07/2014 

Tim Kennedy 

28/02/2014 

1/07/2016 

Tim Kennedy 

28/02/2013 

1/07/2015 

Tim Kennedy 

13/03/2012 

1/07/2014 

Scott Steinkrug 

28/02/2014 

1/07/2016 

Scott Steinkrug 

28/02/2013 

1/07/2015 

Scott Steinkrug 

13/03/2012 

1/07/2014 

Tony Walsh 

28/02/2014 

1/07/2016 

45,771 

34,597 

17,125 

71,421 

67,324 

58,318 

62,458 

58,908 

51,028 

55,544 

52,363 

45,358 

66,272 

62,461 

54,106 

66,596 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

54.2 

99,572 

366,425 

20.8 

33,174 

122,080 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

60.0 

10,275 

25,821 

40.0 

6,850 

17,214 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1.  Following Mr Bonwick’s resignation from the Company on 15 November 2013, the Board resolved to allocate the share rights 
previously  granted  to  him  on  a  period  of  service  pro-rata  basis  in  the  relevant  performance  period.    This  resulted  in  the 
cancellation of a total of 132,746 share rights previously granted to Mr Bonwick. 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

16 

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     79

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Directors’ Report 

AUDITED REMUNERATION REPORT (continued) 

Shareholdings and share rights of key management personnel 

The  number  of  shares  in  the  Company  and  share  rights  for  ordinary  shares  in  the  Company  held  by  each  director  and  other  key 
management personnel, including their personally related entities, are set out below. 

Shareholdings in the Company 

2014 

Directors of Independence Group NL 

Peter Bilbe 

Christopher Bonwick1 

Peter Bradford 

Geoffrey Clifford 

Rod Marston 

Kelly Ross 

Other key management personnel 

Andrew Eddowes 

Brett Hartmann 

Rodney Jacobs 

Tim Kennedy 

Scott Steinkrug 

Tony Walsh2 

Total 

Balance 
1 July 2013 

Granted as 
remuneration3 

Net other 
changes during 
the year 

Balance 
30 June 2014 

- 

2,057,500 

- 

- 

1,321,917 

345,000 

75,500 

40,000 

- 

50,000 

2,000 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

10,275 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(2,057,500) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

10,000 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1,321,917 

345,000 

85,775 

40,000 

- 

50,000 

2,000 

10,000 

3,891,917 

10,275 

(2,047,500) 

1,854,692 

1.  Shareholdings are reversed to show a zero balance at 30 June 2014 on resignation as a director or key management personnel. 
2.  Other changes during the year include opening balances on becoming a key management personnel for the first time during the year. 
3.  Shares granted as remuneration relate to the vesting of share rights under the PRP. 

Share rights in the Company 

2014 

Balance 
1 July 2013 

Granted 
during the 
year 

Vested as 
shares 
during the 
year 

Lapsed 
during the 
year 

Other 
changes 
during the 
year 

Balance  
30 June 2014 

Directors of Independence Group NL 

Peter Bradford 

- 

Christopher Bonwick1 

343,059 

Other key management personnel 
Andrew Eddowes 

51,722 

Brett Hartmann 

Rodney Jacobs 

Tim Kennedy 

Scott Steinkrug 

Tony Walsh 

Total 

125,642 

109,936 

97,721 

116,567 

- 

- 

- 

45,771 

71,421 

62,458 

55,544 

66,272 

66,596 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(132,746) 

(210,313) 

(10,275) 

(6,850) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

80,368 

197,063 

172,394 

153,265 

182,839 

66,596 

852,525 

844,647 

368,062 

(10,275) 

(139,596) 

(210,313) 

1.  Following Mr Bonwick’s resignation from the Company on 13 November 2013, the Board resolved to allocate the share rights previously 
granted to him on a period of service pro-rata basis based in the relevant performance period.  This resulted in the cancellation of a total 
of  132,746  share  rights  previously  granted  to  Mr  Bonwick.    Mr  Bonwick’s  share rights are reversed to show a zero balance at 30 June 
2014 following his resignation as Managing Director. 

The  share  rights  relate  to  the  key  management  personnel’s  participation  in  the  PRP.    The  share  rights  represent  the  maximum 
number of share rights that the key management personnel are entitled to.  They are subject to certain performance conditions being 
met, including the ongoing employment of the key management personnel at the end of the vesting period. 

Other transactions and balances with key management personnel and their related parties 

Consulting fees have been paid to Virtual Genius Pty Ltd, a company to which former Managing Director Mr Bonwick is related.  The 
fees  were  based  on  normal  commercial  terms  and  conditions.    Fees  paid  to  Virtual  Genius  Pty  Ltd  during the year totalled $3,000 
(2013: $4,000). 

80      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

End of Audited Remuneration Report 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Directors’ Report 

Share options 
At  the  reporting  date,  there  were  no unissued ordinary shares  under options,  nor were there any ordinary shares issued during the 
year ended 30 June 2014 on the exercise of options.   

Insurance of officers 

During  the  financial  year,  the  Company  paid  an  insurance  premium  in  respect  of  a  contract  insuring  the  Directors  and  executive 
officers  of  the  Company  and  of  any  related  body  corporate  against  a  liability incurred as such a Director or executive officer to the 
extent permitted by the Corporations Law.  The contract of insurance prohibits disclosure of the nature of the liability and the amount 
of the premium. 

The  Company  has  not  otherwise,  during  or  since the end of the financial year, indemnified or agreed to indemnify an officer of  the 
Company or of any related body corporate against a liability incurred by such an officer. 

Proceedings on behalf of the Company 

No person has applied for leave of Court to bring proceedings on behalf of the Company or intervene in any proceedings to which the 
Company is a party for the purpose of taking responsibility on behalf of the Company for all or any part of those proceedings. 

The Company was not a party to any such proceedings during the year. 

Non-audit services 

The Company may decide to employ the auditor on assignments additional to their statutory audit duties where the auditor’s expertise 
and experience with the Company and/or the Group are important.   

Details of the amounts paid or payable to the auditor (BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd) for non-audit services provided during the year are set 
out below. 

The  Directors  are  satisfied  that  the  provision  of  non-audit  services  is  compatible  with  the  general  standard  of  independence  for 
auditors  imposed  by  the  Corporations  Act  2001.    The  nature  and  the  scope  of each type of non-audit service provided means that 
auditor independence was not compromised. 

BDO received or are due to receive the following amounts for the provision of non-audit services during the year: 

Other services 

Auditor independence 

$ 

2,350 

2,350 

A copy of the auditor’s independence declaration as required under section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 is set out on page 19.  
This declaration forms part of the Directors’ Report.  

82

Rounding of amounts 

The  Company  is  of  a  kind  referred  to  in  Class  Order  98/100,  issued  by  the  Australian  Securities  and  Investments  Commission, 
relating  to  the  ‘rounding  off’  of  amounts  in  the  Directors’  Report.    Amounts  in  the  Directors’  Report  have  been  rounded  off  in 
accordance with that Class order to the nearest thousand dollars, or in certain cases, to the nearest dollar. 

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors. 

Peter Bilbe 
Chairman 

Perth, Western Australia 
Dated this 27th day of August 2014

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

18 

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     81

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION

Tel: +61 8 6382 4600
Fax: +61 8 6382 4601
www.bdo.com.au

38 Station Street
Subiaco, WA 6008
PO Box 700 West Perth WA 6872
Australia

38 Station Street
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE BY BRAD MCVEIGH TO THE DIRECTORS OF INDEPENDENCE GROUP
Subiaco, WA 6008
PO Box 700 West Perth WA 6872
NL
Australia

Tel: +61 8 6382 4600
Fax: +61 8 6382 4601
www.bdo.com.au

As lead auditor of Independence Group NL for the year ended 30 June 2014, I declare that, to the best
of my knowledge and belief, there have been:

1. No contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in

relation to the audit; and

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE BY BRAD MCVEIGH TO THE DIRECTORS OF INDEPENDENCE GROUP
2. No contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit.
NL
This declaration is in respect of Independence Group NL and the entities it controlled during the
As lead auditor of Independence Group NL for the year ended 30 June 2014, I declare that, to the best
period.
of my knowledge and belief, there have been:

1. No contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in

relation to the audit; and

2. No contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit.

This declaration is in respect of Independence Group NL and the entities it controlled during the
Brad McVeigh
period.

Director

BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd

Perth, 27 August 2014
Brad McVeigh

Director

BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd

Perth, 27 August 2014

BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd ABN 79 112 284 787 is a member of a national association of independent entities which are all members of BDO (Australia) Ltd ABN 77 050 110 275, an
Australian company limited by guarantee. BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd and BDO (Australia) Ltd are members of BDO International Ltd, a UK company limited by guarantee, and
form part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation (other than for the
acts or omissions of financial services licensees) in each State or Territory other than Tasmania.

82      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd ABN 79 112 284 787 is a member of a national association of independent entities which are all members of BDO (Australia) Ltd ABN 77 050 110 275, an

Australian company limited by guarantee. BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd and BDO (Australia) Ltd are members of BDO International Ltd, a UK company limited by guarantee, and

form part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation (other than for the

acts or omissions of financial services licensees) in each State or Territory other than Tasmania.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014

Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income 
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

Revenue from continuing operations 

Other income 

Mining, development and processing costs 

Employee benefits expense 

Share-based payments expense 

Fair value movement of financial investments 

Depreciation and amortisation expense 

Rehabilitation and restoration borrowing costs 

Exploration costs expensed 

Royalty expense 

Ore tolling expense 

Shipping and wharfage costs 

Net losses on fair value financial liabilities 

Borrowing and finance costs 

Impairment of exploration and evaluation expenditure 

Other expenses 

Profit from continuing operations before income tax  

Income tax expense 

Profit after income tax 

Other comprehensive income 

Items that will be reclassified to profit or loss 

Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax 

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax 

Total comprehensive income 

Notes 

6 

7 

19 

9 

2014 
$000 

399,059 

- 

(100,310) 

(61,196) 

(4,632) 

(2) 

2013 
$000 

225,871 

690 

(63,156) 

(54,659) 

(3,874) 

(2,196) 

(69,840) 

(24,450) 

(565) 

(4,334) 

(14,309) 

(11,973) 

(17,551) 

- 

(5,138) 

(32,045) 

(9,355) 

67,809 

(21,253) 

46,556 

(268) 

(2,667) 

(8,029) 

(11,978) 

(12,464) 

(345) 

(1,356) 

(5,762) 

(7,530) 

27,827 

(9,539) 

18,288 

(4,435) 

(4,435) 

42,121 

(10,160) 

(10,160) 

8,128 

Profit attributable to the members of Independence Group NL 

46,556 

18,288 

Total comprehensive income attributable to the members of Independence 
Group NL 

42,121 

8,128 

Cents 

Cents 

Earnings per share for profit attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the 
Company 

Basic earnings per share  

Diluted earnings per share  

11 

11 

19.95 

19.78 

7.85 

7.79 

The above consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying 
notes.

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     83

20 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET 
AS AT 30 JUNE 2014

Consolidated Balance Sheet 
As at 30 June 2014 

ASSETS 

Current assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Trade and other receivables 

Inventories 

Financial assets 

Derivative financial instruments 

Total current assets 

Non-current assets 

Receivables 

Inventories 

Property, plant and equipment 

Mine properties 

Exploration and evaluation expenditure  

Deferred tax assets 

Intangible assets 

Derivative financial instruments 

Total non-current assets 

TOTAL ASSETS 

LIABILITIES 

Current liabilities 

Trade and other payables 

Borrowings 

Derivative financial instruments 

Provisions 

Total current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 

Borrowings 

Provisions 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Total non-current liabilities 

TOTAL LIABILITIES 

NET ASSETS 

EQUITY 

Contributed equity 

Reserves 

Accumulated losses 

TOTAL EQUITY 

Notes 

2014 
$000 

2013 
$000 

12 

13 

14 

15 

24 

16 

14 

17 

18 

19 

9 

20 

24 

21 

25 

24 

22 

25 

23 

9 

26 

27 

27 

56,972 

30,070 

40,567 

858 

2,519 

130,986 

57 

8,803 

47,230 

364,443 

186,784 

152,339 

- 

658 

760,314 

891,300 

27,215 

24,159 

22,760 

1,092 

6,946 

82,172 

604 

- 

36,278 

349,115 

199,392 

152,261 

179 

1,981 

739,810 

821,982 

46,855 

53,599 

3,508 

6,381 

2,557 

6,030 

1,910 

2,446 

59,301 

63,985 

24,854 

25,545 

94,711 

145,110 

204,411 

686,889 

735,060 

13,476 

(61,647) 

686,889 

11,524 

21,724 

75,280 

108,528 

172,513 

649,469 

734,007 

14,332 

(98,870) 

649,469 

The above consolidated balance sheet should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

84      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

Cash flows from operating activities 
Receipts from customers (inclusive of GST) 

Payments to suppliers and employees (inclusive of GST)  

Interest and other costs of finance paid 

Interest received 

Exploration expenditure 

Receipts from other operating activities 

Notes 

2014 
$000 

$000 
418,790 

(258,318) 

160,472 

(4,177) 

563 

(4,194) 

959 

Net cash flows from operating activities  

28 

153,623 

Cash flows from investing activities 

Dividends received 

Payments for purchase of listed and unlisted investments 

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment  and 
other investments 

Payments for property, plant and equipment 

Payments for development expenditure 

Payments for exploration and evaluation expenditure 

Net cash flows used in investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities 

Proceeds from borrowings 

Repayment of borrowings 

Transaction costs associated with borrowings 

Repayment of finance lease liabilities 

Payment of dividends 

Net cash flows used in financing activities 

Net increase (decrease) in cash held 

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial 
year 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the financial year 

12 

5 

(75) 

377 

(8,935) 

(76,101) 

(38,692) 

(123,421) 

47,000 

(32,000) 

(82) 

(6,030) 

(9,333) 

(445) 

29,757 

27,215 

56,972 

The above consolidated statement of cash flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

2013 
$000 

$000 
241,164 

(173,355) 

67,809 

(1,314) 

3,547 

(2,824) 

301 

67,519 

- 

(183) 

1,258 

(7,634) 

(170,558) 

(37,980) 

(215,097) 

10,000 

(7,382) 

(2,045) 

(13,800) 

(4,658) 

(17,885) 

(165,463) 

192,678 

27,215 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     85
22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

Issued capital 

Accumulated 
losses 

$000 

$000 

Hedging 
reserve 

$000 

At 1 July 2012 

734,007 

(112,500) 

12,557 

Share-based 
payments 
reserve 

$000 

4,919 

Acquisition 
reserve 

$000 

3,142 

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive 
income 

Effective portion of changes 
in fair value of cash flow 
hedges, net of tax 

Total comprehensive 
income (loss) for the year 

Transactions with owners 
in their capacity as owners 

Dividends paid 

Share-based payments 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

18,288 

- 

- 

(10,160) 

18,288 

(10,160) 

(4,658) 

- 

- 

- 

At 30 June 2013 

734,007 

(98,870) 

2,397 

- 

- 

- 

- 

3,874 

8,793 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

3,142 

Total equity 

$000 

642,125 

18,288 

(10,160) 

8,128 

(4,658) 

3,874 

649,469 

At 1 July 2013 

734,007 

(98,870) 

2,397 

8,793 

3,142 

649,469 

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive 
income 

Effective portion of changes 
in fair value of cash flow 
hedges, net of tax 

Total comprehensive 
income (loss) for the year 

Transactions with owners 
in their capacity as owners 

Dividends paid 

Share-based payments, net 
of tax 

Issue of shares – Employee 
Performance Rights Plan 

At 30 June 2014 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1,053 

735,060 

46,556 

- 

- 

(4,435) 

46,556 

(4,435) 

(9,333) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(61,647) 

(2,038) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

4,632 

(1,053) 

12,372 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

46,556 

(4,435) 

42,121 

(9,333) 

4,632 

- 

3,142 

686,889 

 The above consolidated statement of changes in equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

86      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL
Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

1. 

CORPORATE INFORMATION 

The  financial  report  of  Independence  Group  NL  (the  Company)  and  its  subsidiaries  (collectively,  the  Group)  for  the  year  ended  30 
June 2014 was authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the Directors on 27 August 2014. 

Independence Group NL is a company limited by shares incorporated and domiciled in Australia whose shares are publicly traded on 
the Australian Securities Exchange.  

The nature of the operations and principal activities of the Group are described in the Directors’ Report. 

2. 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

The  principal  accounting  policies  adopted  in  the  preparation  of  these  consolidated  financial  statements  are  set  out  below.    These 
policies  have  been  consistently  applied  to  all  the  years  presented,  unless  otherwise  stated.    The  financial  statements  are  for  the 
Group consisting of Independence Group NL and its subsidiaries. 

(a) 

 Basis of preparation 

These  general  purpose  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  Australian  Accounting  Standards  and 
Interpretations  issued  by  the  Australian  Accounting  Standards  Board  and  the  Corporations  Act  2001.    The  Company  is  a  for-profit 
entity for the purpose of preparing the financial statements.  

(i)  

Compliance with IFRS 

The consolidated financial statements of the Group also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by 
the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). 

(ii)   New and amended standards adopted by the Group 

AASB 10 Consolidated Financial Statements 

 
The Group has applied AASB 10 from 1 July 2013, which has a new definition of 'control'.  Control exists when the reporting entity is 
exposed,  or  has  the  rights,  to  variable  returns  from  its  involvement  with  another  entity  and  has  the  ability  to  affect  those  returns 
through its 'power' over that other entity.  A reporting entity has power when it has rights that give it the current ability to direct the 
activities  that  significantly  affect  the  investee's  returns.    The  Group  not  only  has  to  consider  its  holdings  and  rights  but  also  the 
holdings and rights of other shareholders in order to determine whether it has the necessary power for consolidation purposes. 

AASB 11 Joint Arrangements 

 
The Group has applied AASB 11 from 1 July 2013.  The standard defines which entities qualify as joint arrangements and removes 
the option to account for joint ventures using proportional consolidation.  Joint ventures, where the parties to the agreement have the 
rights to the net assets, are accounted for using the equity method.  Joint operations, where the parties to the agreements have the 
rights  to  the  assets  and  obligations  for  the  liabilities,  will  account  for  its  share  of  the  assets,  liabilities,  revenues  and  expenses 
separately under the appropriate classifications. 

AASB 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities 

 
The Group has applied AASB 12 from 1 July 2013.   The standard contains  the entire disclosure requirement  associated with other 
entities, being subsidiaries, associates, joint arrangements (joint operations and joint ventures) and unconsolidated structured entities.  
The  disclosure  requirements  have  been  significantly  enhanced  when  compared  to  the  disclosures  previously  located  in  AASB  127 
Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements,  AASB 128 Investments in Associates,  AASB 131 Interests in Joint Ventures and 
Interpretation 112 Consolidation - Special Purpose Entities. 

AASB 13 Fair Value Measurement and AASB 2011-8 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 13 

 
The  Group  has  applied  AASB  13  and  its  consequential  amendments  from  1  July  2013.    The  standard  provides  a  single  robust 
measurement framework, with clear measurement objectives, for measuring fair value using the 'exit price' and provides guidance on 
measuring  fair  value  when  a  market  becomes  less  active.    The  'highest  and  best  use'  approach  is  used  to  measure  non-financial 
assets whereas liabilities are based on transfer value.  The standard requires increased disclosures where fair value is used. 

 

AASB 2011-4 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards to Remove Individual Key Management Personnel Disclosure 
Requirement 

The  Group  has  applied  AASB  2011-4  from  1  July  2013,  which  amends  AASB  124  Related  Party  Disclosures  by  removing  the 
disclosure  requirements  for  individual  key  management  personnel.    Corporations  and  Related  Legislation  Amendment  Regulations 
2013 and Corporations and Australian Securities and Investments Commission Amendment Regulation 2013 (No.1) now specify the 
KMP disclosure requirements to be included within the Directors' Report. 

 

Interpretation 20 Stripping Costs in the Production Phase of a Surface Mine 

The  Group  has  applied  Interpretation  20  from  1  July  2013.    Interpretation  20  applies  to  waste  removal  (stripping)  costs  that  are 
incurred  in  surface  mining  activity  during  the  production  phase of the mine.  The Interpretation clarifies  that the costs of removing 
mine  waste  materials  (overburden  or  deferred  stripping)  to  gain  access  to  mineral  ore  deposits  during  the  production  phase  of  a 
surface mine must be capitalised as inventories under AASB 102 Inventories if the benefits from the stripping activity is realised in 
the form of inventory produced.  If, however, the stripping activity provides improved access to the ore, and recognition criteria are 
met, then the stripping costs must be capitalised as non-current mine properties (as an addition to, or enhancement of, an existing 
asset).  Refer to note 2(o). 

(iii)   Early adoption of standards 

The Group has not elected to early adopt any new accounting standards. 

(iv)   Historical cost convention 

These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of available-for-
sale  financial  assets,  financial  assets  and  liabilities  (including  derivative  instruments)  at  fair  value  through  profit  or loss and certain 
classes of property, plant and equipment.   

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     87

24 

 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

2. 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 

(a)  Basis of preparation (continued) 

(v)   Critical accounting estimates 

The  preparation  of  financial  statements  requires  the  use  of  certain  critical  accounting  estimates.    It  also  requires  management  to 
exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies.  The areas involving a higher degree of judgement 
or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements, are disclosed in note 4. 

(b)  Basis of consolidation 

(i)   Subsidiaries 

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets and liabilities of all subsidiaries of Independence Group NL (Company 
or  parent  entity)  as  at  30  June  2014  and  the  results  of  all  subsidiaries  for  the  year  then  ended.    Independence  Group  NL  and  its 
subsidiaries together are referred to in this financial report as the Group or the consolidated entity. 

Subsidiaries  are  all  entities  over  which  the  Group  has  the  power  to  govern  the  financial  and  operating  policies,  generally 
accompanying a shareholding of more than one-half of the voting rights.  The existence and effect of potential voting rights that are 
currently exercisable or convertible are considered when assessing whether the Group controls another entity. 

Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group.  They are de-consolidated from the date 
that control ceases. 

The Group recognises its direct right to the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of the Tropicana Gold Project and its share of 
any  jointly  held  or  incurred  assets,  liabilities,  revenues  and  expenses.    These  have  been  incorporated  in  the  financial  statements 
under the appropriate headings.  

The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for business combinations by the Group (refer to note (2)(e)). 

Intercompany  transactions,  balances  and  unrealised  gains  on  transactions  between  group  companies  are  eliminated.    Unrealised 
losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of the impairment of the asset transferred.  Accounting policies of 
subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group. 

Non-controlling interests in the results and equity of subsidiaries are shown separately in the consolidated statement of profit or loss 
and other comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and balance sheet respectively. 

(ii)  Associates 

Associates  are  all  entities  over  which  the  Group  has  significant  influence  but  not  control or joint control, generally accompanying a 
shareholding of 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.   

(iii) 

Joint arrangements 

Under AASB 11 Joint Arrangements investments in joint arrangements are classified as either joint operations or joint ventures.  The 
classification  depends  on  the  contractual  rights  and  obligations  of  each  investor,  rather  than  the  legal  structure  of  the  joint 
arrangement.    The  Group’s  interests  in  joint  venture  entities,  if  any,  are  brought  to  account  at  cost  using  the  equity  method  of 
accounting in the financial statements, after initially being recognised at cost in the balance sheet. 

(c)  Segment reporting 

An  operating  segment  is  a  component  of  an  entity  that  engages  in  business  activities  from  which  it  may  earn  revenues  and  incur 
expenses  (including  revenues  and  expenses  relating  to  transactions  with  other  components  of  the  same  entity),  whose  operating 
results are regularly reviewed by the entity’s chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the 
segment and assess its performance and for which discrete financial information is available.  This includes start up operations which 
are yet to earn revenues.   

Operating  segments  have  been  identified  based  on  the  information  provided  to  the  chief  operating  decision  makers  –  identified  as 
being the Board of Independence Group NL. 

Operating  segments  that  meet  the  quantitative  criteria  as  described  by  AASB  8  Operating  Segments  are  reported  separately.  
However,  an  operating  segment  that  does  not  meet  the  quantitative  criteria  is  still  reported  separately  where  information  about  the 
segment would be useful to users of the financial statements. 

(d)  Foreign currency translation 

(i) 

Functional and presentation currency 

Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic 
environment in which the entity operates (the functional currency).  The consolidated financial statements are presented in Australian 
dollars ($), which is the Group’s functional and presentation currency. 

(ii) 

Transactions and balances 

Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded in the functional currency by applying the exchange rates ruling at the date of 
the transaction.  Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rate of exchange ruling at 
the reporting date. 

Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate as at 
the date of the initial transaction.  Non-monetary items measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange 
rates at the date when the fair value was determined. 

88      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

25 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

2. 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 

(e)  Business combinations 

The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for all business combinations, regardless of whether equity instruments or 
other  assets  are  acquired.  The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary comprises the fair values  of the assets 
transferred, the liabilities incurred and the equity interests issued by the Group.  The consideration transferred also includes the fair 
value  of  any  asset  or  liability  resulting  from  a  contingent  consideration  arrangement  and  the  fair  value  of  any  pre-existing  equity 
interest  in  the  subsidiary.    Acquisition-related  costs  are  expensed  as  incurred.    Identifiable  assets  acquired  and  liabilities  and 
contingent  liabilities  assumed  in  a  business  combination  are,  with  limited  exceptions,  measured  initially  at  their  fair  values  at  the 
acquisition date.   On an acquisition-by-acquisition basis,  the Group recognises any non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at 
fair value or at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the acquiree’s net identifiable assets. 

The  excess  of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interest  in the acquiree and the acquisition-date fair 
value of any previous equity interest in the acquiree over the fair value of the Group’s share of the net identifiable assets acquired is 
recorded as goodwill.  If those amounts are less than the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the subsidiary acquired and the 
measurement of all amounts has been reviewed, the difference is recognised directly in profit or loss as a bargain purchase. 

Where  settlement  of  any  part  of  cash  consideration  is  deferred,  the  amounts  payable  in  the  future  are  discounted  to  their  present 
value as at the date of exchange.  The discount rate used is the entity’s incremental borrowing rate, being the rate at which a similar 
borrowing could be obtained from an independent financier under comparable terms and conditions. 

Contingent  consideration  is  classified  either  as  equity  or  a  financial  liability.    Amounts  classified  as  a  financial  liability  are 
subsequently remeasured to fair value with changes in fair value recognised in profit or loss. 

(f) 

Impairment of assets 

Goodwill  and  intangible  assets  that  have  an  indefinite  useful  life  are  not  subject  to  amortisation  and  are  tested  annually  for 
impairment, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that they might be impaired.  Other assets are tested 
for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.  

An  impairment  loss  is  recognised  for  the  amount  by  which  the  assets’  carrying  amount  exceeds  its  recoverable  amount.    The 
recoverable  amount  is  the  higher  of  an  asset’s  fair  value  less  costs  to  sell  and  the  asset’s  value-in-use.    For  the  purposes  of 
assessing  impairment,  assets  are  grouped  at  the  lowest  levels  for  which  there  are  separately  identifiable  cash  inflows  which  are 
largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or group of assets (cash-generating units).  Non-financial assets other than 
goodwill  that  become  impaired  are  tested  for  possible  reversal  of  the  impairment  whenever  events  or  changes  in  circumstances 
indicate that the impairment may have reversed. 

(g)  Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents in the balance sheet comprise cash at bank and in hand and short-term deposits with an original maturity 
of three months or less that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes 
in value. 

For the purpose of the cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and cash equivalents as defined above, net of 
outstanding bank overdrafts.  Bank overdrafts are included within borrowings in current liabilities on the balance sheet. 

(h)  Trade and other receivables 

Trade receivables  are generally received up to four months after the shipment  date.   The receivables  are initially recognised at fair 
value.   

Trade receivables are subsequently revalued by the marking-to-market of open sales.  The Group determines mark-to-market prices 
using forward prices at each period end for copper and zinc concentrates and nickel ore. 

Collectibility of trade receivables is reviewed on an ongoing basis.  Individual debts that are known to be uncollectible are written off 
when identified.  An impairment provision is recognised when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect the 
receivable.  Financial difficulties of the debtor or default payments are considered objective evidence of impairment.  The amount of 
the impairment loss is the receivable carrying amount compared to the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the 
original effective interest rate.  

(i) 

Inventories 

(i)  Ore, concentrate and gold inventories 

Inventories,  including  gold,  copper  and  zinc  in  concentrate,  gold  dore,  gold  in  circuit  and  ore  stockpiles,  are  valued  at  the  lower  of 
weighted average cost and net realisable value.  Costs include fixed direct costs, variable direct costs and an appropriate portion of 
fixed overhead costs.  A portion of the related depreciation, depletion and amortisation charge is included in the cost of inventory. 

(ii)  Stores and fuel 

Inventories of consumable supplies and spare parts are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.  Cost is assigned on a 
weighted average basis.  Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less estimated costs of 
completion, and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale. 

The recoverable amount of surplus items is assessed regularly on an ongoing basis and written down to its net realisable value when 
an impairment indicator is present. 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     89

26 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

2. 

(j) 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 

Derivative financial instruments 

The  Group  uses  derivative  financial  instruments to manage its  risks  associated with metals  price and foreign currency fluctuations.  
Such derivative financial instruments are initially recognised at fair value on the date on which a derivative contract is entered into and 
are subsequently remeasured to fair value at the end of each reporting period.   

The  Group  uses  derivative  financial  instruments  such  as  foreign  currency  contracts  and  commodity  contracts  to  hedge  its  risks 
associated  with  gold,  nickel,  copper  and  zinc  prices  and  foreign  currency  fluctuations.    Such  derivative  financial  instruments  are 
recognised at fair value. 

The fair value of forward exchange contracts is calculated by reference to current forward exchange rates for contracts  with similar 
maturity profiles.  The fair value of commodity contracts is determined by reference to market values for similar instruments. 

For the purposes  of hedge accounting, hedges are classified as cash flow hedges where they hedge exposure to variability in cash 
flows that is either attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognised asset or liability or a forecasted transaction. 

In relation to cash flow hedges (forward foreign currency contracts and commodity contracts) to hedge firm commitments which meet 
the conditions  for hedge accounting, the portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument  that is determined to be an effective 
hedge is recognised directly in other comprehensive income and the ineffective portion is recognised in the profit or loss.  If the hedge 
accounting conditions are not met, movements in fair value are recognised in the profit or loss. 

Amounts accumulated in equity are recycled in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income in the periods when 
the hedged item will affect profit or loss, for instance when the forecast sale that is hedged takes place.  The gain or loss relating to 
the effective portion of forward foreign exchange contracts and forward commodity contracts is recognised in the profit or loss within 
sales. 

(k) 

Investments and other financial assets 

The  Group  classifies  its  financial  assets  in  the  following  categories:  financial  assets  at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss,  loans  and 
receivables  and  available-for-sale  financial  assets.    The  classification  depends  on  the  purpose  for  which  the  investments  were 
acquired.  Management determines the classification of its investments at initial recognition. 

Financial  assets  are  initially  recognised  at  cost,  being  the  fair  value  of  the  consideration  given  and  including  acquisition  charges 
associated with the investment. 

After  initial  recognition,  financial  assets  which  are  classified  as  held  for  trading  are  measured  at  fair  value.    Gains  or  losses  on 
investments held for trading are recognised in the profit or loss.  The Group has investments in listed entities which are considered to 
be tradeable by the Board and which the Company expects to sell for cash in the future. 

For investments carried at amortised cost, gains and losses are recognised in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive 
income when the investments are de-recognised or impaired, as well as through the amortisation process. 

Fair value of quoted investments is based on current bid prices. If the market for a financial asset is not active (eg. unlisted securities), 
a valuation technique is applied and if this is deemed unsuitable, they are held at initial cost. 

(l) 

Property, plant and equipment 

Property, plant  and equipment  are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.  
Historical  cost  includes  expenditure  that  is  directly  attributable  to  the  acquisition  of  the  items.    It  also  includes  the  direct  cost  of 
bringing  the  asset  to  the  location  and  condition  necessary  for  first  use  and  the  estimated  future  cost  of  rehabilitation,  where 
applicable.  The assets are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. 

Subsequent  costs  are  included  in  the  asset’s  carrying  amount  or  recognised  as  a  separate  asset,  as  appropriate,  only  when  it  is 
probable  that  future  economic  benefits  associated  with  the  item  will  flow  to  the  Group  and  the  cost  of  the  item  can  be  measured 
reliably.  The carrying amount of any component accounted for as a separate asset is derecognised when replaced.  All other repairs 
and maintenance are charged to profit or loss during the reporting period in which they are incurred. 

Land  is  not  depreciated.    Depreciation  on  other  assets  is  calculated  using  either  units-of-production  or  straight-line  depreciation  as 
follows: 

Depreciation periods are primarily: 

Buildings 

Mining plant and equipment 

Motor vehicles 

Furniture and fittings 

Leased assets  

5 – 10 years 

2 – 5 years 

3 – 8 years 

3 – 10 years 

3 – 4 years 

Depreciation  is  expensed  as  incurred,  unless  it  relates  to  an  asset  or  operation  in  the  construction  phase,  in  which  case  it  is 
capitalised.   

The  assets’  residual  values,  useful  lives  and  depreciation  methods  are  reviewed,  and  adjusted  if  appropriate,  at  the  end  of  each 
reporting period. 

An  asset’s  carrying  value  is  written  down  immediately  to  its  recoverable  amount  if  the  asset’s  carrying  amount  is  greater  than  its 
estimated recoverable amount (note 2(f)). 

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with carrying amount.  These are included in profit or loss.   

90      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

27 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

2. 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 

(m)  Exploration and evaluation expenditure 

Exploration and evaluation expenditure is stated at cost and is accumulated in respect of each identifiable area of interest. 

Such costs are only carried forward to the extent that they are expected to be recouped through the successful development of the 
area of interest (or alternatively by its sale), or where activities in the area have not yet reached a stage which permits a reasonable 
assessment of the existence or otherwise of economically recoverable reserves, and active operations are continuing.   

Accumulated costs in relation to an abandoned area are written off to profit or loss in the period in which the decision to abandon the 
area is made. 

A  regular  review  is  undertaken  of  each  area  of  interest  to  determine  the  appropriateness  of  continuing  to  carry  forward  costs  in 
relation  to  that  area  of  interest.    An  impairment  exists  when  the  carrying  value  of  expenditure  exceeds  its  estimated  recoverable 
amount.    The  area  of  interest  is  then  written  down  to  its  recoverable amount and the impairment  losses are recognised in profit or 
loss. 

Exploration  and  evaluation  assets  acquired  in  a  business  combination  are  initially  recognised  at  fair  value.   They are subsequently 
measured at cost less any accumulated impairment.   

(n)  Mine properties 

(i)  Mine properties in development 

When  technical  feasibility  and  commercial  viability  of  extracting  a  mineral  resource have been demonstrated, then any subsequent 
expenditure in that area of interest is classified as mine properties in development.  These costs are not amortised but the carrying 
value is assessed for impairment  whenever facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying amount of the asset may exceed its 
recoverable amount. 

(ii)  Mine properties in production 

Mine  properties  in  production  represent  the  accumulation  of  all  acquisition,  exploration,  evaluation  and  development  expenditure 
incurred by or on behalf of the Group in relation to areas of interest in which mining of the mineral resource has commenced.  When 
further  development  expenditure,  including  waste  development  and  stripping,  is  incurred  in  respect  of  a  mine  property  after  the 
commencement  of  production,  such  expenditure  is  carried  forward  as  part  of  the  cost  of  that  mine  property  only  when  substantial 
future economic benefits are established, otherwise such expenditure is classified as part of the cost of production. 

Amortisation is provided on a units-of-production basis, with separate calculations being made for each mineral resource.  The units-
of-production  method  results  in  an  amortisation  charge  proportional  to  the  depletion  of  the  economically  recoverable  mineral 
resources (comprising proven and probable reserves). 

A  regular  review  is  undertaken  of  each  area  of  interest  to  determine  the  appropriateness  of  continuing  to  carry  forward  costs  in 
relation to that area of interest.  An impairment exists when the carrying value of expenditure not yet amortised exceeds its estimated 
recoverable amount.  The asset is then written down to its recoverable amount and the impairment losses are recognised in profit or 
loss. 

(o)  Deferred stripping 

Stripping activity costs incurred in the development phase of a mine are capitalised as part of the cost of constructing the mine and 
subsequently amortised over the life of the mine on a units-of-production basis. 

Stripping activity incurred during the production phase of a mine is assessed as to whether the benefit accruing from that activity is to 
provide access to ore that can be used to produce ore inventory, or whether it in addition provides improved access to ore that will be 
mined in future periods. 

To the extent that the benefit  from the stripping activity is realised in the form of inventory produced, the Group accounts for those 
stripping activity costs in accordance with AASB102 Inventories.  A stripping activity asset is brought to account if it is probable that 
future economic benefits (improved access to the ore body) will flow to the Group, the component of the ore body for which access 
has been improved can be identified and costs relating to the stripping activity can be measured reliably.   

The amount of stripping activity costs that are capitalised is determined based on a comparison of the stripping ratio in the relevant 
period with the life of mine stripping ratio.  To the extent that there is a period of sustained stripping that exceeds the average life of 
mine stripping ratio, mine waste stripping costs  are capitalised to the stripping activity asset.   Such capitalised costs are amortised 
over the life of that mine on a units-of-production basis.   The life of mine ratio is based on economically recoverable reserves of the 
mine.  Changes to the life of mine are accounted for prospectively. 

Deferred stripping costs are included in Mine Properties in the balance sheet.  These form part of the total investment in the relevant 
cash generating units, which are reviewed for impairment if events or changes of circumstances indicate that the carrying value may 
not be recoverable.  

(p)  Rehabilitation, restoration and environmental costs 

Long-term  environmental  obligations  are  based  on  the  Group’s  environmental  management  plans,  in  compliance  with  current 
environmental and regulatory requirements. 

Full  provision  is  made  based  on  the  net  present  value  of  the  estimated  cost  of  restoring  the  environmental  disturbance  that  has 
occurred up to the reporting date.  To the extent that future economic benefits are expected to arise, these costs are capitalised and 
amortised over the remaining lives of the mines. 

Annual increases in the provision relating to the change in the net present value of the provision are recognised as finance costs.  The 
estimated  costs  of  rehabilitation  are  reviewed  annually  and  adjusted  as  appropriate  for  changes  in  legislation,  technology  or  other 
circumstances.  Cost estimates are not reduced by the potential proceeds from the sale of assets or from plant clean-up at closure. 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     91

28 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

2. 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)  

(q) 

Intangible assets 

(i)  Goodwill 

Goodwill is measured as described in note 2(e).  Goodwill on acquisitions of subsidiaries is included in intangible assets.  Goodwill on 
acquisitions of associates is included in investments in associates.  Goodwill is not amortised but it is tested for impairment annually, 
or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired, and is carried at cost less accumulated 
impairment losses.  Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold. 

Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units for the purpose of impairment testing.  The allocation is made to those cash-generating 
units  or  groups  of  cash-generating  units  that  are  expected  to  benefit  from  the  business  combination  in  which  the  goodwill  arose, 
identified according to operating segments. 

(ii)  Other 

Other  intangible  assets  relate  to  a  database  for  research  purposes,  which  is  carried  at  fair  value  at  the  date  of  acquisition  less 
accumulated amortisation.  Amortisation is calculated based on the time it will take to complete the research on the database which is 
currently four years. 

(r) 

Leases 

Leases  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  where  the  Group,  as  lessee,  has  substantially  all  the  risks  and  rewards  of  ownership  are 
classified  as  finance  leases  (refer  note  25).    Finance  leases  are  capitalised  at  the  lease’s  inception  at  the  fair  value  of  the  leased 
property or, if lower, the present value of the minimum lease payments.  The corresponding rental obligations, net of finance charges, 
are  included  in  current  and  non-current  borrowings.    Each  lease  payment  is  allocated  between  the  liability  and  finance  cost.    The 
finance cost is charged to the profit or loss over the lease period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining 
balance  of  the  liability  for  each  period.    The  property,  plant  and  equipment  acquired  under  finance  leases  is  depreciated  over  the 
asset’s useful life or over the shorter of the asset’s useful life and the lease term if there is no reasonable certainty that the Group will 
obtain ownership at the end of the lease term. 

Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are not transferred to the Group as lessee are classified as 
operating  leases.    Payments  made  under  operating  leases  (net  of  any  incentives received from the lessor) are charged to profit or 
loss on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease. 

(s)  Trade and other payables 

These  amounts  represent  liabilities  for  goods  and  services  provided  to  the  Group  prior  to  the  end  of  the  financial  year  which  are 
unpaid.  The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition.  Trade and other payables are presented as 
current liabilities unless payment is not due within 12 months from the reporting date.  They are recognised initially at their fair value 
and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.  

(t)  Borrowings 

Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred.  Borrowings are subsequently carried at amortised 
cost.  Any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognised in the profit or loss over 
the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method. 

Fees paid on the establishment of loan facilities are recognised as transaction costs of the loan to the extent that it is probable that 
some or all of the facility will be drawn down.  In this case, the fee is deferred until the draw down occurs.  To the extent there is no 
evidence  that  it  is  probable  that  some  or  all  of  the  facility  will  be  drawn  down,  the  fee  is  capitalised  as  a  prepayment  for  liquidity 
services and amortised over the period of the facility to which it relates. 

(u)  Borrowing costs 

Borrowing  costs  incurred  for  the  construction  of  any  qualifying  asset  are  capitalised  during  the  period  of  time  that  is  required  to 
complete and prepare the asset for its intended use or sale.  Other borrowing costs are expensed. 

(v)  Financial liabilities 

The Group designates certain liabilities at fair value through profit or loss.  Financial liabilities are initially measured at cost, being the 
fair  value  of  the  amounts  received.    After  initial  recognition,  financial  liabilities  are  measured  at  fair  value,  with  gains  or  losses 
recognised in the profit or loss. 

(w)  Employee benefits 

(i) 

Short-term obligations 

Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary benefits and  annual leave expected to be settled wholly within 12 months 
after the end of the period in which the employees render the related service are recognised in respect of employees’ services up to 
the end of the reporting period and are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled.  The liability for 
annual leave is recognised in trade and other payables.  

(ii) 

Long service leave 

The  liability  for  long  service  leave  is  recognised  and  measured  as  the  present  value  of  expected  future  payments  to  be  made  in 
respect of services provided by employees up to the reporting date.  Consideration is given to expected future wage and salary levels, 
experience  of  employee  departures,  and  periods  of  service.    Expected  future  payments  are  discounted  using  market  yields  at  the 
reporting date on national Government bonds with terms to maturity and currencies that match, as closely as possible, the estimated 
future cash outflows. 

92      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

29 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

2. 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)  

(x)  Share-based payment transactions 

Equity-settled transactions 

The  Company  provides  benefits  to  employees  (including  directors)  of  the  Group  in  the  form  of  share-based  payment  transactions, 
whereby employees render services in exchange for shares or rights over shares (equity-settled transactions). 

There is currently a plan in place to provide these benefits, the Employee Performance Rights Plan (PRP), which provides benefits to 
executive directors and other employees.  

The cost of these equity-settled transactions is measured by reference to the fair value at the date at which they are granted. The fair 
value is determined in conjunction with an external valuation consultant using a trinomial tree which has been adopted by the Boyle 
and  Law  (1994)  node  alignment  algorithm  to  improve  accuracy.    In  valuing  equity-settled  transactions,  no  account  is  taken  of  any 
performance conditions, other than conditions linked to the price of the shares of Independence Group NL (market conditions). 

The cost of equity-settled transactions is recognised, together with a corresponding increase in equity, over the period in which the 
performance conditions are fulfilled, ending on the date on which the relevant employees become fully entitled to the award (vesting 
date). 

The  cumulative  expense recognised for equity-settled transactions at each reporting date until vesting date reflects (i) the extent to 
which the vesting period has expired and (ii) the number of awards that, in the opinion of the Directors of the Company, will ultimately 
vest. This opinion is formed based on the best available information at the reporting date.  

No  expense  is  recognised  for  awards  that  do  not  ultimately  vest,  except  for  awards  where  vesting  is  conditional  upon  a  market 
condition. 

Where  the  terms  of  an  equity-settled  award  are  modified,  as  a  minimum  an  expense  is  recognised  as  if  the  terms  had  not  been 
modified.  In  addition,  an  expense  is  recognised  for  any  increase  in  the  value  of  the  transaction  as  a  result  of  the  modification,  as 
measured at the date of modification. 

Where  an  equity-settled  award  is  cancelled,  it  is  treated  as  if  it  had  vested  on  the  date  of  cancellation,  and  any  expense  not  yet 
recognised for the award is recognised immediately.  However, if a new award is substituted for the cancelled award, and designated 
as a replacement award on the date that it is granted, the cancelled and new award is treated as if it was a modification of the original 
award, as described in the previous paragraph. 

The  dilutive  effect,  if  any,  of  outstanding  options  is  reflected  as  additional  share  dilution  in  the  computation  of  diluted  earnings  per 
share. 

(y)  Contributed equity 

Ordinary shares  are classified as equity.  Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in 
equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds. 

(z)  Revenue recognition 

Revenue is recognised and measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable to the extent that it is probable that 
the economic benefits will flow to the Group and revenue can be reliably measured.  The following specific recognition criteria must 
also be met before revenue is recognised: 

(i) 

Sale of goods 

Revenue  from  the sale of goods is recognised when there is persuasive evidence indicating that there has  been a transfer of risks 
and rewards to the customer. 

Sales revenue comprises gross revenue earned, net of treatment and refining charges where applicable, from the provision of product 
to  customers,  and  includes  hedging  gains  and  losses.    Sales  are  initially  recognised  at  estimated  sales  value  when  the  product  is 
delivered.  Adjustments are made for variations in metals price, assay, weight and currency between the time of delivery and the time 
of final settlement of sales proceeds. 

(ii) 

Interest revenue 

Interest income is recognised as interest accrues using the effective interest method.  This is a method of calculating the amortised 
cost of a financial asset and allocating the interest income over the relevant period using the effective interest rate, which is the rate 
that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset to the net carrying amount of the 
financial asset. 

(aa) 

Income tax 

Current tax assets and liabilities for the current and prior periods are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid 
to the taxation authorities based on the current period’s taxable income.  The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amount are 
those that are enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.  

Deferred income tax is provided on all temporary differences at the reporting date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and 
their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes. 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     93

30 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

2. 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)  

(aa) 

Income tax (continued) 

Deferred income tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences except: 

 

 

when the deferred income tax liability arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or of an asset or liability in a transaction that is 
not a business combination and that, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss; 
or 

when  the  taxable  temporary  difference  is  associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates or interests  in joint ventures, 
and the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary difference will 
not reverse in the foreseeable future. 

Deferred income tax assets are recognised for all deductible temporary differences, carry-forward of unused tax credits and unused 
tax losses, to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences, and 
the carry-forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses can be utilised, except:  

 

 

when the deferred income tax asset relating to the deductible temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of an asset 
or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting 
profit nor taxable profit or loss; or 

when the deductible temporary difference is associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates or interests in joint ventures, 
in which case a deferred tax asset is only recognised to the extent that it is probable that the temporary difference will reverse in 
the foreseeable future and taxable profit will be available against which the temporary difference can be utilised. 

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

Unrecognised deferred income tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and are recognised to the extent that it has become 
probable that future taxable profit will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered. 

Deferred  income  tax  assets  and  liabilities  are  measured  at  the  tax  rates  that  are  expected  to  apply  to  the  year  when  the  asset  is 
realised or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting 
date. 

Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset only if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against 
current tax liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority. 

Tax consolidation legislation 

Independence Group NL and its wholly-owned Australian controlled entities have implemented the tax consolidation legislation.  As a 
consequence, these entities are taxed as a single entity and the deferred tax assets and liabilities of these entities are set off in the 
consolidated financial statements. 

Current and deferred tax is recognised in profit or loss, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive 
income,  directly in equity or as a result of a business combination.  In this case, the tax is also recognised in other comprehensive 
income or directly in equity, respectively. 

(ab)  Goods and services tax (GST) 

Revenues,  expenses  and  assets  are  recognised  net  of  the  amount  of  associated  goods  and  services  tax  (GST),  unless  the  GST 
incurred is not recoverable from the taxation authority.  In this case it is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as 
part of the expense. 

Receivables  and  payables  are  stated  inclusive  of  the  amount  of  GST  receivable  or  payable.    The  net  amount  of  GST  recoverable 
from, or payable to, the taxation authority is included with other receivables or payables in the balance sheet. 

Cash flows are presented on a gross basis.  The GST components of cash flows arising from investing or financing activities which 
are recoverable from, or payable to the taxation authority, are presented as operating cash flows. 

Commitments and contingencies are disclosed net of the amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority. 

(ac)  Earnings per share 

Basic  earnings  per  share  is  calculated  as  net  profit  or  loss  attributable  to  shareholders,  adjusted  to  exclude  any  costs  of  servicing 
equity, divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares, adjusted for any bonus element. 

Diluted earnings per share is calculated as net profit or loss attributable to shareholders, adjusted for: 

 
 

 

cost of servicing equity; 

the  after  tax  effect  of  dividends  and  interest  associated  with  dilutive  potential  ordinary  shares  that  have  been  recognised  as 
expenses; and 

other  non-discretionary  changes  in  revenues  or  expenses  during  the  period  that  would  result  from  the  dilution  of  potential 
ordinary shares 

divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares and dilutive potential ordinary shares. 

(ad)  Comparatives 

Where  appropriate,  comparatives  have  been  reclassified  to  be  consistent  with  the  current  year  presentation.    The  reclassification 
does not have an impact on the results presented. 

94      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

31 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

2. 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)  

 (ae)  New accounting standards and interpretations 

Certain  new  accounting  standards  and  interpretations  have  been  published  that  are  not  mandatory  for  30  June  2014  reporting 
periods.  The Group’s assessment of the impact of these new standards and interpretations is set out below. 

Application 
date for 
Independence 
Group NL 

1 July 2017 

Application 
date of 
standard 

Annual 
reporting 
periods 
beginning on 
or after 1 
January 2017 

Impact on Independence Group 
NL’s  financial statements 

Adoption of AASB 9 is only 
mandatory for the year ending 30 
June 2018. This standard is not 
expected to impact the Group as 
financial assets are currently 
classified as fair value through 
profit or loss. 

AASB 
Standard 
affected 

Financial 
Instruments 

AASB 
reference 

AASB 9 
(issued 
December 
2009 and 
amended 
December 
2010) 

Nature of change 

Amends the requirements for 
classification and measurement 
of financial assets. The available-
for-sale and held-to-maturity 
categories of financial assets in 
AASB 139 have been eliminated. 

Under AASB 9, there are three 
categories of financial assets:  

  Amortised cost 

  Fair value through profit or loss 

  Fair value through other 
comprehensive income. 

AASB 9 requires that gains or 
losses on financial liabilities 
measured at fair value are 
recognised in profit or loss, 
except that the effects of changes 
in the liability’s credit risk are 
recognised in other 
comprehensive income. 

AASB 2012-6 
(issued 
September 
2012) 

AASB 2013-4 
(issued July 
2013) 

Amendments 
to Australian 
Accounting 
Standards - 
Mandatory 
Effective Date 
of AASB 9 and 
Transition 
Disclosures 

Amendments 
to Australian 
Accounting 
Standards – 
Novation of 
Derivatives 
and 
Continuation 
of Hedge 
Accounting 
(AASB 139) 

Defers the effective date of AASB 
9  to 1 January 2015.  Entities are 
no longer required to restate 
comparatives on first time 
adoption.  Instead, additional 
disclosures on the effects of 
transition are required.   

Annual 
reporting 
periods 
beginning on 
or after 1 
January 2015 

1 January 
2014 

Clarifies treatment of novated 
hedging instruments and 
continuation of hedge accounting 
where entities are required to 
replace the original party with a 
central counterparty as a 
consequence of laws or 
regulations or the introduction of 
laws and regulation. 

1 July 2015 

1 July 2014 

As comparatives are no longer 
required to be restated, there will 
be no impact on amounts 
recognised in the financial 
statements.  However, additional 
disclosures will be required on 
transition, including the quantitative 
effects of reclassifying financial 
assets on transition.   

There will be no impact on first-time 
adoption of this amendment as the 
Group does not account for 
proposed changes in taxation 
legislation until the relevant Bill has 
passed through both Houses of 
Parliament, which is consistent with 
the views expressed by the 
Australian Accounting Standards 
Board in their agenda decision of 
December 2012. 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     95

32 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

2. 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 

(ae)  New accounting standards and interpretations (continued) 

Application 
date of 
standard 

Annual 
reporting 
periods 
beginning on 
or after 1 
January 2017 

Impact on Independence Group 
NL’s  financial statements 

The Group currently applies hedge 
accounting. It is expected that the 
application of the new amendments 
will not have an impact on the 
Group’s financial statements.  

Application 
date for 
Independence 
Group NL 

1 July 2017 

AASB 
reference 

AASB 2013-9 
(issued 
December 
2013) 

AASB 
Standard 
affected 

– 

Amendments 
to  Australian 
Accounting 
Standards 
Conceptual 
Framework, 
Materiality  and 
Financial 
Instruments 

Nature of change 

Makes three amendments to 
AASB 9: 
 Adding the new hedge 

accounting requirements into 
AASB 9 

 Deferring the effective date of 

AASB 9 from 1 January 2015 
to 1 January 2017, and 
 Making available for early 

adoption the presentation of 
changes in ‘own credit’ in 
other comprehensive income 
(OCI) for financial liabilities 
under the fair value option 
without early applying the 
other AASB 9 requirements. 

Under the new hedge accounting 
requirements: 
 The 80-125% highly effective 

threshold has been removed 

 Risk components of non-

financial items can qualify for 
hedge accounting provided 
that the risk component is 
separately identifiable and 
reliably measurable 
 An aggregated position (i.e. 

combination of a derivative 
and a non-derivative) can 
qualify for hedge accounting 
provided that it is managed 
as one risk exposure 
 When entities designate the 

intrinsic value of options, the 
initial time value is deferred in 
OCI and subsequent changes 
in time value are recognised 
in OCI 

 When entities designate only the 
spot element of a forward 
contract, the forward points 
can be deferred in OCI and 
subsequent changes in 
forward points are recognised 
in OCI. Initial foreign currency 
basis spread can also be 
deferred in OCI with 
subsequent changes be 
recognised in OCI 

Net foreign exchange cash flow 
positions can qualify for hedge 
accounting. 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

33 

96      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

2. 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 

(ae)  New accounting standards and interpretations (continued) 

AASB 
reference 

AASB 2013-5 
(issued 
August 2013)   

AASB 
Standard 
affected 

Amendments 
to Australian 
Accounting 
Standards -
Investment 
Entities 

AASB 2013-3 
(issued June 
2013) 

Amendments 
to AASB 136 – 
Recoverable 
Amount 
Disclosures 
for Non-
Financial 
Assets 

AASB 2014-1 

Amendments 
to Australian 
Accounting 
Standards 
[Operative 
dates:  Parts 
A-C – 1 Jul 
2014;  
Part D – 1 Jan 
2016; Part E – 
1 Jan 2015] 

Improvements 
to IFRSs 
(issued 
December 
2013)  

Annual 
Improvements 
2011-2013 
Cycle (IFRS13 
& IAS 40) 

Nature of change 

The amendment defines an 
‘investment entity’ and requires a 
parent that is an investment entity 
to measure its investments in 
particular subsidiaries at fair 
value through profit or loss in its 
consolidated and separate 
financial statements. 

The amendment prescribes three 
criteria that must be met in order 
for an entity to be defined as an 
investment entity, as well as four 
‘typical characteristics’ to consider 
in assessing the criteria. 

The amendment also introduces 
disclosure requirements for 
investment entities into AASB 12 
Disclosure of Interests in Other 
Entities and amends AASB 127 
Separate Financial Statements. 

Clarifies the disclosure 
requirements for cash-generating 
units (CGUs) with significant 
amounts of goodwill and 
intangibles with indefinite useful 
lives and also adds additional 
disclosures when recoverable 
amount is determined based on 
fair value less costs to sell. 

Application 
date of 
standard 

1 January 
2014 

Impact on Independence Group 
NL’s  financial statements 

As the Group does not meet the 
definition of an investment entity, it 
will continue to consolidate its 
investments in subsidiaries in 
accordance with AASB 10 
Consolidated Financial Statements.  

Application 
date for 
Independence 
Group NL 

1 July 2014 

1 January 
2014 

1 July 2014 

As this standard amends disclosure 
requirements only, there will be no 
impact on amounts recognised in 
the financial statements. The 
recoverable amount for CGUs with 
significant amounts of goodwill and 
intangibles with indefinite lives will 
only be required to be disclosed 
where an impairment loss has been 
recognised. However, there will be 
additional disclosures about the 
level of the fair value hierarchy 
where recoverable amount for a 
CGU is determined based on fair 
value less costs to sell. 

Non-urgent but necessary 
changes to standards arising from 
Annual Improvements to IFRSs 
2010–2012 Cycle and Annual 
Improvements to IFRSs 2011–
2013 Cycle. 

1 July 2014, 
1 January 
2016, 1 
January 

There will be no impact on the 
financial statements when these 
amendments are first adopted 
because they apply prospectively or 
are disclosure impacts only. 

1 July 2014, 1 
July 2015, 1 July 
2016 

1 July 2014 

There will be no impact on the 
financial statements when these 
amendments are first adopted.  

1 July 2014 

Non-urgent but necessary 
changes to standards 
 IFRS13 – Clarifies portfolio 
exception in relation to 
contracts under IAS 39 

 IAS 40 – Clarifies 

interrelationship between IFRS 
3 & IAS 40 when classifying the 
acquisition of property as 
investment or owner occupied 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

34 

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     97

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

2. 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 

(ae)  New accounting standards and interpretations (continued) 

AASB 
Standard 
affected 

Levies 

AASB 
reference 

Interpretation 
21 (issued 
June 2013) 

IFRS 15 
(issued June 
2014) 

Revenue from 
contracts with 
customers 

Nature of change 

Clarifies the circumstances under 
which a liability to pay a levy 
imposed by a government should 
be recognised, and whether that 
liability should be recognised in 
full at a specific date or 
progressively over a period of 
time. 

An entity will recognise revenue 
to depict the transfer of promised 
good or services to customers in 
an amount that reflects the 
consideration to which the entity 
expects to be entitled in 
exchange for those goods or 
services. This means that 
revenue will be recognised when 
control of goods or services is 
transferred, rather than on 
transfer of risks and rewards as 
is currently the case under IAS 
18 Revenue. 

Application 
date for 
Independence 
Group NL 

1 July 2014 

Application 
date of 
standard 

1 January 
2014 

Impact on Independence Group 
NL’s  financial statements 

The Group is liable to pay royalties. 
The royalties are payable quarterly 
and are calculated based on 
revenue generated in the previous 
quarter and only become payable in 
the following quarter of operations. 
The new standard is not expected to 
impact on the recognition of royalties 
in the Group accounts. 

Annual 
reporting 
periods 
beginning on 
or after 1 
January 2017 

Due to the recent release of this 
standard, the Group has not yet 
made a detailed assessment of the 
impact of this standard. 

1 July 2017 

(af)  Parent entity financial information 

The financial information for the parent entity, Independence Group NL, disclosed in note 35 has been prepared on the same basis as 
the consolidated financial statements, except as set out below. 

(i) 

Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures 

Investments  in  subsidiaries,  associates  and  joint  venture  entities  are  accounted  for  at  cost  in  the  financial  statements  of 
Independence  Group  NL.    Dividends received from associates are recognised in the parent entity’s profit or loss,  rather than being 
deducted from the carrying amount of these investments. 

(ii) 

Tax consolidation legislation 

Independence Group NL and its wholly-owned Australian controlled entities have implemented the tax consolidation legislation. 

The head entity, Independence Group NL, and the controlled entities in the tax consolidated group account for their own current and 
deferred tax amounts.  These tax amounts are measured as if each entity in the tax consolidated group continues to be a standalone 
taxpayer in its own right. 

In addition to its own current and deferred tax amounts, Independence Group NL also recognises the current tax liabilities (or assets) 
and  the  deferred  tax  assets  arising  from  unused  tax  losses  and  unused  tax  credits  assumed  from  controlled  entities  in  the  tax 
consolidated group. 

The entities  have also entered into a tax funding agreement  under which the wholly-owned entities fully compensate Independence 
Group NL for any current tax payable assumed and are compensated by Independence Group NL for any current tax receivable and 
deferred tax assets relating to unused tax losses or unused tax credits that are transferred to Independence Group NL under the tax 
consolidation legislation.  The funding amounts are determined by reference to the amounts recognised in the wholly-owned entities’ 
financial statements.   

The  amounts  receivable/payable  under the tax funding agreement  are due upon receipt  of the funding advice from the head entity, 
which  is  issued  as  soon  as  practicable  after  the  end  of  each  financial  year.    The  head  entity  may  also  require  payment  of  interim 
funding amounts to assist with its obligations to pay tax instalments. 

Assets  or  liabilities  arising  under  the  tax  funding  agreements  with  the  tax  consolidated  entities  are  recognised  as  current  amounts 
receivable from or payable to other entities in the group. 

Any difference between the amounts assumed and amounts receivable or payable under the tax funding agreement are recognised 
as a contribution to (or distribution from) wholly-owned tax consolidated entities. 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

35 

98      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

3.  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES 

The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks; market risk (including currency risk, interest rate risk, equity price risk 
and commodity price risk), credit risk and liquidity risk.  The Group’s overall risk management program focuses on the unpredictability 
of  financial  markets  and  seeks  to  minimise  potential  adverse  effects  on  the  financial  performance  of  the  Group.    The  Group  uses 
derivative financial instruments such as foreign exchange contracts, forward commodity contracts and collar arrangements to hedge 
certain risk exposures.  

Risk management relating to commodity and foreign exchange risk is overseen by the Hedging Committee under policies approved 
by the Board of Directors.  The Board identifies, evaluates and hedges financial risks in close co-operation with the Group’s operating 
units.  The Board provides written principles for overall risk management, as well as written policies covering specific areas, such as 
mitigating  foreign  exchange,  commodity  price,  interest  rate  and  credit  risks,  use  of  derivative  financial  instruments  and  investing 
excess liquidity. 

Risk exposures and responses     

Foreign currency risk  

As 100% of the Group’s sales revenues for nickel, copper, zinc and silver are denominated in US dollars and the majority of operating 
costs  are  denominated  in  Australian  dollars,  the  Group’s  cash  flow  is significantly exposed to movements in the A$:US$ exchange 
rate.   The Group mitigates this risk through the use of derivative instruments,  including but  not  limited to forward contracts and the 
purchase of Australian dollar call options.   

The financial instruments denominated in US dollars and then converted into the functional currency (i.e. A$) were as follows:  

Financial assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Trade and other receivables 

Derivative financial instruments 

Financial liabilities  

Derivative financial instruments 

Net financial assets 

2014 
$000 

17,923 

25,054 

1,809 

44,786 

6,381 

6,381 

38,405 

2013 
$000 

3,319 

14,801 

5,263 

23,383 

1,910 

1,910 

21,473 

The  cash  balance  above  only  represents  the  cash  held  in  the  US  dollar  bank  accounts  at  the  reporting  date  and  converted  into 
Australian  dollars  at  the  30  June  2014  A$:US$  exchange  rate  of  $0.9420  (2013:  $0.9138).    The  remainder  of  the  cash  balance  of 
$39,049,000 (2013: $23,896,000) was held in Australian dollars and therefore not exposed to foreign currency risk. 

The trade and other receivables amounts represent the US dollar denominated trade debtors.  All other trade and other receivables 
were denominated in Australian dollars at the reporting date. 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     99

36 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

3. 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES (continued) 

Foreign currency risk (continued) 

The  following  table  summarises  the  Group’s  sensitivity  of  financial  instruments  held  at  30  June  2014 to movements in the A$:US$ 
exchange rate, with all other variables held constant.  Sensitivity analysis is calculated using a reasonable possible change of 1.5% 
(2013:  1.5%)  in  the  foreign  rate  in  both  directions  based  on  the  exposure  period  of  the  trade  receivables,  a  5.0%  (2013:  5.0%) 
variation for derivative contracts and a 3.0% (2013: 9.0%) variation for USD cash balances in both directions.  

Sensitivity of financial instruments to foreign 
currency movements 

Impact on profit after tax 

Impact on other components of 
equity 

2014 
$000 

2013 
$000 

2014 
$000 

2013 
$000 

Financial assets 

Cash and cash equivalents  

Increase 3.0% (2013: 9.0%) 

  Decrease 3.0% (2013: 9.0%) 

Trade receivables  

Increase 1.5% (2013: 1.5%) 

  Decrease 1.5% (2013: 1.5%) 

Derivative financial instruments  

Increase 5.0% (2013: 5.0%) 

  Decrease 5.0% (2013: 5.0%) 

Financial liabilities  

Derivative financial instruments  

Increase 5.0% (2013: 5.0%) 

  Decrease 5.0% (2013: 5.0%) 

Net sensitivity to foreign currency movements 

Commodity price risk  

(365) 

388 

(176) 

222 

361 

(399) 

31 

50 

(55) 

(5) 

26 

(211) 

258 

(153) 

158 

- 

- 

52 

- 

- 

- 

52 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1,444 

(1,596) 

(152) 

163 

(180) 

(17) 

(169) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(175) 

194 

19 

679 

(751) 

(72) 

(53) 

The Group’s sales revenues are generated from the sale of nickel, copper, zinc, silver and gold.  Accordingly, the Group’s revenues, 
derivatives and trade receivables are exposed to commodity price risk fluctuations, primarily nickel, copper, zinc, silver and gold. 

Nickel 

Nickel ore sales have an average price finalisation period of three months until the sale is finalised with the customer. 

It is the Board’s policy to hedge between 0% and 50% of total nickel production tonnes.  All of the hedges qualify as “highly probable” 
forecast transactions for hedge accounting purposes.   

Copper and zinc 

Copper and zinc concentrate sales have an average price finalisation period of up to four months from shipment date.  

It is the Board’s policy to hedge between 0% and 50% of total copper and zinc production tonnes.   

Gold 

It is the Board’s policy to hedge between 0% and 50% of forecast gold production from the Company’s 30% interest in the Tropicana 
Gold Mine. 

The markets for nickel, copper, zinc, silver and gold are freely traded and can be volatile.  As a relatively small producer, the Group 
has no ability to influence commodity prices.  The Group mitigates this risk through derivative instruments, including, but not limited 
to, quotational period pricing, forward contracts and collar arrangements. 

100      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

37 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
    the year ended 30 June 2014 

3. 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES (continued) 

Commodity price risk (continued)  

At the reporting date, the carrying value of the financial instruments exposed to commodity price movements were as follows:  

Financial instruments exposed to commodity price movements 

Financial assets 

Trade and other receivables 

Derivative financial instruments – commodity hedging contracts 

Financial liabilities  

Derivative financial instruments – commodity hedging contracts 

Net exposure 

2014 
$000 

19,853 

1,777 

21,630 

6,381 

6,381 

15,249 

2013 
$000 

12,839 

8,927 

21,766 

- 

- 

21,766 

The following table summarises the sensitivity of financial instruments held at 30 June 2014 to movements in the nickel price, with all 
other variables held constant.  Trade receivables valuation uses a sensitivity analysis of 1.5% (2013: 1.5%) which is based upon the 
three  month  forward  commodity  rate  as  there  is  a  three  month  lag  time  between  delivery  and  final nickel price received.   A 20.0% 
(2013:  20.0%)  sensitivity  rate  is  used  to  value  derivative  contracts  held  and  is  based  on  reasonable  assessment  of  the  possible 
changes. 

Sensitivity of financial instruments to nickel price 
movements 

Financial assets 

Trade receivables 

Increase 1.5% (2013: 1.5%) 

Decrease 1.5% (2013: 1.5%) 

Derivative financial instruments – commodity hedging 
contracts 

Increase 20.0% (2013: 20.0%) 

Decrease 20.0% (2013: 20.0%) 

Impact on profit after tax 

Impact on other components of 
equity 

2014 
$000 

2013 
$000 

2014 
$000 

2013 
$000 

217 

(217) 

(1,346) 

1,353 

7 

298 

(298) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(3,949) 

3,946 

(3) 

- 

- 

(2,117) 

2,117 

- 

The following table summarises the sensitivity of financial instruments held at 30 June 2014 to movements in the copper price, with all 
other variables held constant.  Trade receivables valuation uses a sensitivity analysis of 1.5% (2013: 1.5%) which is based upon the 
three month forward commodity rate as there is a three month lag time between delivery and final copper price received.  A 20.0% 
(2013:  20.0%)  sensitivity  rate  is  used  to  value  derivative  contracts  held  and  is  based  on  reasonable  assessment  of  the  possible 
changes. 

Sensitivity of financial instruments to copper price 
movements 

Financial assets 

Trade receivables 

Increase 1.5% (2013: 1.5%) 

Decrease 1.5% (2013: 1.5%) 

Derivative financial instruments – commodity hedging 
contracts 

Increase 20.0% (2013: 20.0%) 

Decrease 20.0% (2013: 20.0%) 

Impact on profit after tax 

Impact on other components of 
equity 

2014 
$000 

2013 
$000 

2014 
$000 

2013 
$000 

11 

(11) 

(960) 

957 

(3) 

124 

(124) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(1,323) 

1,317 

(6) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     101

38 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

3. 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES (continued) 

Commodity price risk (continued) 

The following table summarises the sensitivity of financial instruments held at 30 June 2014 to movements in the gold price, with all 
other  variables  held  constant.    A  20.0%  (2013:  20.0%)  sensitivity  rate  is  used  to  value  derivative  contracts  held  and  is  based  on 
reasonable assessment of the possible changes. 

Sensitivity of financial instruments to gold price movements 

Financial assets 

Derivative financial instruments – commodity hedging contracts 

Increase 20.0% (2013: 20.0%) 

Decrease 20.0% (2013: 20.0%) 

Impact on profit after tax 
2013 
2014 
$000 
$000 

(4,280) 

1,581 

(2,699) 

(6,569) 

1,287 

(5,282) 

There  were  no  financial  instruments  held  at  30  June  2014  relating  to zinc that were affected by movements in the zinc  price.  The 
following table summarises the sensitivity of financial instruments held at 30 June 2013 to movements in the zinc price, with all other 
variables held constant.  Trade receivables valuation uses a sensitivity analysis of 1.5% in the previous financial year which is based 
upon the three month forward commodity rate as there is a four month lag time between delivery and final zinc price received. 

Sensitivity of financial instruments to zinc price movements 

Financial assets 

Trade receivables 

Increase 0.0% (2013: 1.5%) 

Decrease 0.0% (2013: 1.5%) 

Equity price risk sensitivity analysis 

Impact on profit after tax 
2013 
2014 
$000 
$000 

- 

- 

- 

94 

(94) 

- 

The following sensitivity analysis has been determined based on the exposure to equity price risks at the reporting date.  Each equity 
instrument  is  assessed  on  its  individual  price  movements  with  the  sensitivity  rate  based  on  a  reasonably  possible  change  of  45% 
(2013:  45%).    At  reporting  date,  if  the  equity  prices  had  been  higher  or  lower,  net  profit  for  the  year  would  have  increased  or 
decreased by $254,000 (2013: $328,000). 

Cash flow and fair value interest rate risk   

The Group’s exposure to interest rate risk is the risk that a financial instrument’s value will fluctuate as a result of changes in market 
interest rates.  At the reporting date, the Group had the following exposure to interest rate risk on financial instruments: 

Financial assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Financial liabilities 

Bank loans 

Net exposure 

Weighted 
average 
interest rate 
2014 
% 

Balance 
2014 
$000 

Weighted 
average 
interest rate 
2013 
% 

1.3% 

4.9% 

56,972 

56,972 

25,000 

25,000 

31,972 

3.0% 

5.0% 

Balance 
2013 
$000 

27,215 

27,215 

10,000 

10,000 

17,215 

102      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

39 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

3. 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES (continued) 

Cash flow and fair value interest rate risk (continued) 

Interest rate sensitivity analysis 

The sensitivity analysis below has been determined based on the exposure to interest rates at the reporting date and the stipulated 
change  taking  place  at  the  beginning  of  the  financial  year  and  held  constant  throughout  the  reporting  period.    A  100  basis  point 
increase or decrease is used when reporting interest rate risk internally to key management personnel and represents management’s 
assessment of the possible change in interest rates. 

Sensitivity of interest revenue and expense to interest rate movements 

Revenue 

Interest revenue 

Increase 1.0% (2013: 1.0%) 

Decrease 1.0% (2013: 1.0%) 

Expense 

Interest expense 

Increase 1.0% (2013: 1.0%) 

Decrease 1.0% (2013: 1.0%) 

Impact on profit after tax 
2013 
2014 
$000 
$000 

243 

(243) 

- 

(175) 

175 

- 

57 

(57) 

- 

(70) 

70 

- 

The interest rate on the outstanding lease liabilities is fixed for the term of the lease, therefore there is no exposure to movements in 
interest rates. 

Credit risk 

Nickel sales 

The  Group  has  a  concentration  of  credit  risk  in  that  it  depends  on  BHP  Billiton  Nickel  West  Pty  Ltd  for  a  significant  volume  of 
revenue.  During the year ended 30 June 2014 all nickel sales revenue was sourced from this company.  The risk is mitigated in that 
the agreement relating to sales revenue contains provision for the Group to seek alternative revenue providers in the event that BHP 
Billiton  Nickel  West  Pty  Ltd  is  unable  to  accept  supply  of  the  Group’s  product  due  to  a  force  majeure  event.    The  risk  is  further 
mitigated by the receipt  of 70% of the value of any months’ sale within a month of that sale occurring.  The Group has policies in 
place to ensure that sales of products are made to customers with an appropriate credit history. 

Copper and zinc sales 

Credit  risk  arising  from  sales  to  customers  is  managed  by  contracts  that  stipulate  a  provisional  payment  of  at  least  90%  of  the 
estimated value of each sale.  This is generally paid promptly after vessel loading.  Title to the concentrate does not pass to the buyer 
until this provisional payment is received by the Group.  

Due to the large size of concentrate shipments,  there are a relatively small number of transactions each month and therefore each 
transaction  and  receivable  balance  is  actively  managed  on  an  ongoing  basis  with  attention  to  timing  of  customer  payments  and 
imposed credit limits.  The resulting exposure to bad debts is not considered significant.     

Gold sales 

Credit risk arising from the sale of gold to customers is low as customers have short contractual payment terms (commonly within 2 
days) and customers are considered to be reliable. 

Other 

In respect of financial assets and derivative financial instruments, the Group’s exposure to credit risk arises from potential default of 
the  counterparty,  with  a  maximum  exposure  equal  to  the  carrying  amount  of  these  instruments.    Exposure  at  the  reporting  date  is 
addressed below.  The Group does not hold any credit derivatives to offset its credit exposure.   

Derivative counterparties and cash transactions are restricted to high credit quality financial institutions. 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     103

40 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

3. 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES (continued) 

Credit risk (continued) 

Other (continued) 

The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date was as follows: 

Financial assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Trade and other receivables 

Other receivables 

Financial assets 

Derivative financial instruments 

Total exposure 

2014 
$000 

56,972 

24,828 

2,456 

858 

3,177 

88,291 

2013 
$000 

27,215 

22,463 

525 

1,092 

8,927 

60,222 

On analysis of trade and other receivables, none are past due or impaired for either 30 June 2014 or 30 June 2013. 

Liquidity risk  

Liquidity  risk  is  the  risk  that  the  Group  will  not  be  able  to  meet  its  financial  liabilities  as  they  fall  due.  The  Group’s  approach  to 
managing liquidity risk is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will always have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when due, under 
both normal and stressed conditions, without incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage to the Group’s reputation.   The Board 
monitors liquidity levels on an ongoing basis. 

The following table details the Group’s remaining contractual maturity for its non-derivative financial liabilities.  The tables are based 
on the undiscounted cash flows of financial liabilities based on the earliest date on which the Group can be required to pay. 

2014 

Trade and other payables 

Lease liabilities 

Bank loans 

2013 

Trade and other payables 

Lease liabilities 

Bank loans 

Contractual maturities 

Less than 6 
months 
$000 

6 - 12 months 
$000 

Between 
1 and 5 years 
$000 

42,982 

2,300 

- 

45,282 

49,798 

3,694 

- 

53,492 

- 

1,371 

- 

1,371 

- 

2,910 

- 

2,910 

- 

522 

25,000 

25,522 

- 

4,193 

10,000 

14,193 

Contractual 
value 

Carrying 
value 

A$ 
$000 

42,982 

4,193 

25,000 

72,175 

49,798 

10,797 

10,000 

70,595 

A$ 
$000 

42,982 

4,018 

24,344 

71,344 

49,798 

10,048 

7,506 

67,352 

The  following  table  details  the  Group’s  liquidity  analysis  for  its  derivative  financial  instruments.    The  table  is  based  on  the 
undiscounted net cash inflows/(outflows) on the derivative instrument that settles on a net basis.  When the net amount payable is not 
fixed, the amount disclosed has been determined by reference to the projected forward curves existing at the reporting date. 

Contractual maturities 
6 - 12 months 

Less than 6 
months 
$000 

$000 

 Between 1 
and 5 years 
$000 

Contractual 
value 

Carrying 
value 

A$ 
$000 

A$ 
$000 

2014 

Net settled 

  Commodity hedging contracts 

2013 

Net settled 

  Foreign currency contracts 
  hedging contracts 

3,013 

3,013 

3,368 

3,368 

- 

- 

1,910 

1,910 

- 

- 

- 

- 

6,381 

6,381 

6,381 

6,381 

1,910 

1,910 

1,910 

1,910 

104      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL
Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

41 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

3. 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES (continued) 

Fair values 

a) 

Fair value hierarchy 

The fair value of financial assets and liabilities must be estimated for recognition and measurement or for disclosure purposes.   

AASB 13 Fair Value Measurement requires disclosure of fair value measurements by level of  the following fair value measurement 
hierarchy: 

(a)  quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1), 
(b) 

inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (as prices) 
or indirectly (derived from prices) (level 2), and 
inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs) (level 3). 

(c) 

The following table presents the Group’s assets and liabilities measured and recognised at fair value at 30 June 2014 and 30 June 
2013 on a recurring basis. 

At 30 June 2014 

Financial assets 

Derivative instruments 

  Commodity hedging contracts 

  Foreign currency hedging contracts 

Listed and unlisted investments 

Financial liabilities 

Derivative instruments 

  Commodity hedging contracts 

At 30 June 2013 

Financial assets 

Derivative instruments 

  Commodity hedging contracts 

Listed and unlisted investments 

Financial liabilities 

Derivative instruments 

  Commodity hedging contracts 

Level 1 
$000 

Level 2 
$000 

Level 3 
$000 

Total 
$000 

- 

- 

808 

808 

- 

- 

- 

1,042 

1,042 

- 

- 

1,777 

1,400 

- 

3,177 

6,381 

6,381 

8,927 

- 

8,927 

1,910 

1,910 

- 

- 

50 

50 

- 

- 

- 

50 

50 

- 

- 

1,777 

1,400 

858 

4,035 

6,381 

6,381 

8,927 

1,092 

10,019 

1,910 

1,910 

The Group did not measure any financial assets or financial liabilities at fair value on a non-recurring basis as at 30 June 2014 and 
did not transfer any fair value amounts between the fair value hierarchy levels during the year ended 30 June 2014. 

b) 

Valuation techniques used to derive level 1 values 

The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets (such as publicly traded derivatives and trading and available-for-sale 
securities)  is  based  on  quoted  market  prices  at  the  end of the reporting period.   The quoted market price used for financial assets 
held by the Group is the current bid price.  These instruments are included in level 1.  

c) 

Valuation techniques used to derive level 2 and level 3 fair values 

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market (for example, over-the-counter derivatives) is determined 
using valuation techniques. These valuation techniques maximise the use of observable market data where it is available and rely as 
little as possible on entity specific estimates. If all significant inputs required to fair value an instrument are observable, the instrument 
is included in level 2. 

If one or more of the significant inputs is not based on observable market data, the instrument is included in level 3.  

Specific valuation techniques used to value financial instruments include: 

 
 

The use of quoted market prices or dealer quotes for similar instruments. 
The fair value of commodity and forward foreign exchange contracts is determined using forward commodity and exchange 
rates at the balance sheet date. 

  Other  techniques,  such  as  discounted  cash  flow  analysis,  are  used  to  determine  fair  value  for  the  remaining  financial 

instruments. 

All of the resulting fair value estimates are included in level 2 except for unlisted equity securities which are included in level 3. 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     105
42 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

3. 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES (continued) 

Fair values (continued) 

d) 

Fair value of other financial instruments 

The Group also has a number of financial instruments which are not measured at fair value in the balance sheet.  These instruments 
had the following fair value at the reporting date. 

At 30 June 2014 

Current assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Current liabilities 

Lease liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 

Bank loans 

Lease liabilities 

At 30 June 2013 

Current assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Current liabilities 

Lease liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 

Bank loans 

Lease liabilities 

Carrying amount 
$000 

Fair value 
$000 

56,972 

56,972 

3,508 

3,508 

24,344 

510 

24,854 

27,215 

27,215 

6,030 

6,030 

7,506 

4,018 

11,524 

56,972 

56,972 

3,671 

3,671 

25,000 

522 

25,522 

27,215 

27,215 

6,604 

6,604 

10,000 

4,193 

14,193 

106      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

43 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

4.  CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS 

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations 
of future events that may have a financial impact on the entity and that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.   

Critical accounting estimates and assumptions 

The Group makes  estimates  and assumptions concerning the future.  The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom 
equal the related actual results.  The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the 
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below: 

Trade receivables 

The Group estimates the value of trade receivables in accordance with the accounting policy disclosed in note 2(h). 

Impairment of assets 

In determining the recoverable amount of assets, in the absence of quoted market prices, estimations are made regarding the present 
value of future cash flows using asset-specific discount rates.   

Reserve estimates  

Estimates  of  recoverable  quantities  of  proven  and  probable  reserves  include  assumptions  regarding  commodity  prices,  exchange 
rates, discount rates, production and transportation costs for future cash flows.  It also requires interpretation of complex and difficult 
geological  and  geophysical  models  in  order  to  make  an  assessment  of  the  size,  shape,  depth  and  quality  of  reserves  and  their 
anticipated recoveries.  The economic, geological and technical factors used to estimate reserves may change from period to period.  
Changes  in  reported  reserves  can  impact  asset  carrying  values,  the  provision  for  restoration  and  the  recognition  of  deferred  tax 
assets,  due  to  changes  in  expected  future  cash  flows.    Reserves  are  integral  to  the  amount  of  depreciation,  depletion  and 
amortisation charged to the profit or loss and the calculation of inventory.  The Group prepares reserve estimates in accordance with 
the  JORC  Code  2012,  guidelines  prepared  by  the  Joint  Ore  Reserves  Committee  of  The  Australasian  Institute  of  Mining  and 
Metallurgy, Australian Institute of Geoscientists and Minerals Council of Australia. 

Rehabilitation and restoration provisions 

The  provision  for  rehabilitation  and  restoration  costs  is  based  on  the  net  present  value  of  the  estimated  cost  of  restoring  the 
environmental  disturbance  that  has  occurred  up  to  the  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  liability  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 and changes in discount rates.  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.  

Share-based payments 

The Group measures the cost of equity-settled transactions with employees by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments at 
the date at which they are granted.  The fair value is determined with the assistance of an external valuer using a trinomial tree.   The 
related  assumptions  are  detailed  in  note  31.    The  accounting  estimates  and  assumptions  relating  to  equity-settled  share-based 
payments  would  have  no  impact  on  the  carrying  amounts  of  assets  and  liabilities  within  the  next  annual  reporting  period  but  may 
impact expenses and equity. 

5.  OPERATING SEGMENTS 

Identification of reportable segments 

Management  has  determined  the  operating segments based on the reports reviewed by the Board that are used to make strategic 
decisions.    The  Group  operates  in  predominantly  only  one  geographic  segment  (ie.  Australia)  and  has  identified  four  operating 
segments,  being  the  Long  Nickel  Operation  which  is  disclosed  under  the  nickel  mining  segment,  the  Jaguar  Operation  which  is 
disclosed under the copper and zinc mining segment, the Tropicana Gold Project, and other regional exploration, scoping studies and 
feasibility which are disclosed under feasibility and regional exploration activities.  

The Long Nickel Operation produces  primarily nickel, together with copper, from which its  revenue is derived.  Revenue derived by 
the Long Nickel Operation is received from one customer, being BHP Billiton Nickel West Pty Ltd.  The Registered Manager of the 
Long  Nickel  Operation  is  responsible  for  the  budgets  and  expenditure  of  the  operation,  which  includes  exploration  activities  on  the 
mine’s  tenure.   The Long Nickel Operation and exploration properties are owned by the Group’s wholly owned subsidiary Lightning 
Nickel Pty Ltd. 

The  Jaguar  Operation  primarily  produces  copper  and  zinc  concentrate.    Revenue  is  derived  from a number of different  customers.  
The  Registered Manager of the Jaguar Operation is responsible for the budgets and expenditure of the operation, responsibility for 
ore concentrate sales rests with corporate management.  The Jaguar Operation and exploration properties are owned by the Group’s 
wholly owned subsidiary Jabiru Metals Limited. 

The  Tropicana  Gold  Project  represents  the  Group’s  30%  joint  venture  interest  in  the  Tropicana  Joint  Venture.    AngloGold  Ashanti 
Australia  Limited  is  the  manager  of  the  project  and  holds  the  remaining  70%  interest.    Programs  and  budgets  are  provided  by 
AngloGold Ashanti Australia Limited and are considered for approval by the Independence Group NL Board.  The project comprises 
regional and brownfields exploration tenements covering in excess of 9,200 square kilometres, together with the Tropicana gold mine 
which had its maiden gold pour in late September 2013.  The Project is allocated its own segment. 

The Group’s Exploration Manager and its Development Manager are responsible for budgets and expenditure relating to the Group’s 
regional exploration, scoping studies and feasibility studies.  The feasibility and regional exploration division does not normally derive 
any income. Should a project  generated by the feasibility and regional exploration division commence generating income or lead to 
the  construction  or  acquisition  of  a  mining  operation,  that  operation  would  then  be  disaggregated  from  feasibility  and  regional 
exploration and become reportable as a separate segment.  

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     107

44 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

5.  OPERATING SEGMENTS (continued) 

Year ended 30 June 2014 

Revenue 

Sales to external customers 

Other revenue 

Total segment revenue 

Nickel mining 
$000 

Copper and 
zinc mining 
$000 

Tropicana 
gold project 
$000 

Feasibility 
and regional 
exploration 
activities 
$000 

Total 
$000 

118,648 

140,963 

137,918 

211 

832 

- 

118,859 

141,795 

137,918 

- 

55 

55 

397,529 

1,098 

398,627 

Segment net operating profit (loss) before 
income tax 

36,330 

42,703 

42,466 

(30,984) 

90,515 

Segment assets 

Segment liabilities 

114,151 

102,828 

495,407 

167,498 

879,884 

29,960 

30,535 

29,705 

30,879 

121,079 

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 

Impairment loss before tax 

1,076 

2,736 

5,358 

1,993 

- 

- 

2,598 

26,711 

Depreciation and amortisation expense 

22,019 

9,744 

36,600 

Other non-cash expenses 

36 

233 

296 

Year ended 30 June 2013 

Revenue 

Sales to external customers 

Other revenue 

Total segment revenue 

127,175 

486 

127,661 

91,579 

233 

91,812 

3,664 

- 

3,664 

- 

- 

- 

4 

4 

8,427 

32,045 

68,363 

565 

222,418 

723 

223,141 

Segment net operating profit (loss) before 
income tax 

40,140 

6,986 

1,596 

(5,879) 

42,843 

Segment assets 

Segment liabilities 

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 

Impairment loss before tax 

Depreciation and amortisation expense 

Other non-cash expenses 

103,126 

107,053 

336,303 

174,254 

720,736 

22,490 

40,404 

22,872 

64,408 

150,174 

8,503 

2,572 

17,039 

45 

1,364 

2,119 

58 

12,044 

- 

6,209 

223 

- 

3,190 

185 

- 

- 

- 

5,762 

23,433 

268 

108      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

45 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

5.  OPERATING SEGMENTS (continued) 

(i)  Reconciliation of segment revenue to total revenue 

A reconciliation of reportable segment revenue to total revenue is as follows: 

Total segment revenue 

Other revenue from continuing operations 

Total revenue 

2014 
$000 

398,627 

432 

399,059 

2013 
$000 

223,141 

2,730 

225,871 

Revenues for the nickel mining segment are all derived from a single customer, being BHP Billiton Nickel West Pty Ltd.  Revenues for 
the copper and zinc mining segment were derived from various customers during the year. 

Revenues for the Tropicana gold project were derived from a single customer, being The Perth Mint.   

(ii)  Reconciliation of segment net profit (loss) before tax to operating profit before tax 

A reconciliation of reportable segment net profit before income tax to net profit before income tax is as follows: 

Segment net profit before tax 

Interest revenue on corporate cash balances and other unallocated revenue 

Unrealised losses on financial assets 

Share-based payments expense 

Other corporate costs 

Net losses on silver hedge financing 

Borrowing and finance costs 

Total net profit before tax  

(iii)  Segment assets reconciliation to the balance sheet 

A reconciliation of reportable segment assets to total assets is as follows: 

Total assets for reportable segments 

Intersegment eliminations 

Unallocated assets 

Deferred tax assets 

Listed equity securities 

Cash and receivables held by the parent entity 

Office and general plant and equipment 

Total assets as per the balance sheet 

(iv)  Segment liabilities reconciliation to the balance sheet 

A reconciliation of reportable segment liabilities to total liabilities is as follows: 

Total liabilities for reportable segments 

Intersegment eliminations 

Unallocated liabilities 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Creditors and accruals 

Provision for employee entitlements 

Bank loans 

Total liabilities as per the balance sheet 

2014 
$000 

90,515 

433 

(2) 

(4,632) 

(13,961) 

- 

(4,544) 

67,809 

2014 
$000 

879,884 

(163,841) 

152,339 

808 

19,224 

2,886 

891,300 

2014 
$000 

121,079 

(44,489) 

94,711 

7,598 

1,168 

24,344 

204,411 

2013 
$000 

42,843 

2,730 

(2,196) 

(3,874) 

(11,331) 

(345) 

- 

27,827 

2013 
$000 

720,736 

(60,304) 

152,261 

1,042 

5,452 

2,795 

821,982 

2013 
$000 

150,174 

(75,047) 

75,280 

13,398 

1,202 

7,506 

172,513 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     109

46 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

6. 

REVENUE 

Sales revenue 

Sale of goods 

Other revenue 

Interest received 

Other revenue 

Total revenue 

7.  OTHER INCOME 

Net gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment and other investments 

Net gain on disposal of tenements 

Total other income 

8. 

EXPENSES AND LOSSES 

Profit before income tax includes the following specific items: 

Cost of sale of goods 

Share-based payments expense 

Employee benefits expense 

Exploration costs expensed 

Rental expense relating to operating leases 

Rehabilitation and restoration borrowing costs 

Amortisation expense 

Depreciation expense 

Less : Amounts capitalised 

Depreciation expensed 

Borrowing and finance costs 

Borrowing and finance costs – other entities 

Amortisation of borrowing  costs 

Less: Amounts capitalised 

Borrowing and finance costs expensed 

Impairment of exploration and evaluation expenditure 

Net loss on sale of property, plant and equipment and other investments 

2014 
$000 

397,529 

397,529 

566 

964 

1,530 

399,059 

2014 
$000 

- 

- 

- 

2014 
$000 

199,138 

4,632 

61,196 

4,334 

1,291 

565 

54,839 

15,369 

(368) 

15,001 

3,919 

1,763 

(544) 

5,138 

32,045 

60 

2013 
$000 

222,418 

222,418 

3,218 

235 

3,453 

225,871 

2013 
$000 

42 

648 

690 

2013 
$000 

144,672 

3,874 

54,659 

2,667 

1,190 

268 

11,466 

13,847 

(863) 

12,984 

1,338 

90 

(72) 

1,356 

5,762 

- 

110      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

47 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

9. 

INCOME TAX 

(a)    Income tax expense  

The major components of income tax expense are: 

Deferred income tax expense 

Income tax expense  

Deferred tax income (expense) included in income tax expense comprises: 

Increase (decrease) in deferred tax assets 

(Increase) decrease in deferred tax liabilities 

(b)    Amount charged or credited directly to equity 

Deferred income tax income (expense) related to items charged or credited to other 
comprehensive income 

Recognition of hedge contracts 

Income tax expense reported in equity 

(c)    Numerical reconciliation of income tax expense and tax expense calculated per the 
statutory income tax rate 

Profit before tax from continuing operations 

At the Group’s statutory income tax rate of 30% (2013: 30%) 

Capital losses not brought to account 

Other non-deductible items 

Adjustments for current tax of prior periods 

Aggregate income tax expense 

2014 
$000 

2013 
$000 

(21,253) 

(21,253) 

841 

(22,094) 

(21,253) 

(9,539) 

(9,539) 

(359) 

(9,180) 

(9,539) 

1,900 

1,900 

4,354 

4,354 

67,809 

(20,343) 

(357) 

(1,184) 

631 

(21,253) 

27,827 

(8,348) 

- 

(1,197) 

6 

(9,539) 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     111

48 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

9. 

INCOME TAX (continued) 

(d)  Deferred tax assets and liabilities 

Balance Sheet 

Profit or loss 

Equity 

2014 
$000 

2013 
$000 

2014 
$000 

2013 
$000 

2014 
$000 

2013 
$000 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Capitalised exploration, pre-production and 
acquisition costs 

(48,834) 

(57,877) 

(9,043) 

Capitalised development expenditure 

(40,802) 

(11,654) 

29,148 

Deferred gains and losses on hedging 
contracts 

Trade debtors 

Consumable inventories 

Other 

(900) 

(2,885) 

(1,259) 

(31) 

(2,678) 

(1,497) 

(1,162) 

(412) 

885 

1,388 

97 

(381) 

1,909 

7,844 

(153) 

(984) 

- 

564 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(2,663) 

(4,354) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Gross deferred tax liabilities 

(94,711) 

(75,280) 

22,094 

9,180 

(2,663) 

(4,354) 

Deferred tax assets 

Property, plant and equipment  

24,019 

26,668 

2,649 

4,834 

- 

Deferred losses on hedged commodity 
contracts 

Capitalised development expenditure 

Concentrate inventories 

Business-related capital allowances 

Provision for employee entitlements 

Provision for rehabilitation 

Mining information 

Carry forward tax losses 

Other  

1,862 

- 

32 

1,402 

2,387 

7,205 

2,680 

110,243 

2,509 

1,884 

2,312 

566 

2,598 

1,917 

6,208 

11,376 

97,257 

1,475 

Gross deferred tax assets 

152,339 

152,261 

(741) 

(1,713) 

763 

2,312 

534 

1,196 

(470) 

(997) 

8,696 

9,723 

172 

1,382 

(198) 

(2,295) 

- 

(12,986) 

(11,596) 

(1,034) 

(841) 

50 

359 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

763 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Deferred tax expense (income) 

57,628 

76,981 

21,253 

9,539 

(1,900) 

(4,354) 

(e)  Tax losses 

In addition to the above recognised tax losses, the Group also has the following tax losses for which no deferred tax asset has been 
recognised: 

Unrecognised capital tax losses  

Potential tax benefit at 30% (2013: 30%) 

(f) 

Tax consolidation 

2014 
$000 

2,576 

773 

2013 
$000 

1,388 

416 

(i)  Members of the tax consolidated group and the tax sharing arrangement 

Independence  Group  NL  and  its  wholly  owned  subsidiaries  formed  a  tax  consolidated  group  with  effect  from  1  July  2002.  
Independence Group NL is the head entity of the tax consolidated group.  Tax expense/income, deferred tax liabilities and deferred 
tax assets arising from temporary differences of the members of the tax consolidated group are recognised in the separate financial 
statements of the members of the tax consolidated group using the “separate tax payer within group” approach.  Current tax liabilities 
and assets and deferred tax assets arising from unused tax losses and tax credits of the members of the tax consolidated group are 
recognised by the Company, as head entity in the tax consolidated group. 

Due to the existence of a tax funding arrangement between entities in the tax consolidated group, amounts are recognised as payable 
to or receivable by the Company and each member of the Group in relation to the tax contribution amounts paid or payable between 
the parent entity and the other members of the tax consolidated group in accordance with the arrangement. 

The  amounts  receivable/payable  under the tax funding agreement  are due upon receipt  of the funding advice from the head entity, 
which  is  issued  as  soon  as  practicable  after  the  end  of  each  financial  year.  The  head  entity  may  also  require  payment  of  interim 
funding amounts to assist with its obligations to pay tax instalments.  

112      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

49 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

10.  DIVIDENDS PAID AND PROPOSED 

(a)  Ordinary shares 

Final dividend for the year ended 30 June 2013 of 1 cent (2012: 1 cent) per fully paid share  

Interim dividend for the year ended 30 June 2014 of 3 cents (2013: 1 cent) per fully paid share 

Total dividends paid during the financial year 

(b)  Unrecognised amounts 

2014 
$000 

2013 
$000 

2,333 

7,000 

9,333 

2,329 

2,329 

4,658 

In addition to the above dividends, since year end the Directors have recommended the 
payment of a final dividend of 5 cents (2013: 1 cent) per fully paid share, fully franked based on 
tax paid at 30%.  The aggregate amount of the proposed dividend expected to be paid on 30 
September 2014 out of retained earnings at 30 June 2014, but not recognised as a liability at 
year end is: 

11,713 

2,333 

(c)  Franked dividends 

The franked portions of the final dividends recommended after 30 June 2014 will be franked out 
of existing franking credits or out of franking credits arising from the payment of income tax in the 
year ending 30 June 2015. 

Franking credits available for subsequent financial year based on a tax rate of 30% (2013: 30%)  

58,888 

2014 
$000 

2013 
$000 

62,884 

The above amounts represent the balance of the franking account at the end of the reporting period, adjusted for: 
(a) 
(b) 
(c) 

franking credits that will arise from the payment of the amount of the provision for income tax; 
franking debits that will arise from the payment of dividends recognised as a liability at the reporting date; and 
franking credits that will arise from the receipt of dividends recognised as receivables at the reporting date. 

The  impact  on  the  franking  account  of  the  dividend  recommended  by  the  Directors  since  the  end  of  the  reporting  period,  but  not 
recognised as a liability at the reporting date, will be a reduction in the franking account of $5,020,000 (2013: $1,000,000). 

11.  EARNINGS PER SHARE 

The following reflects the income used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations: 

(a)   Earnings used in calculating earnings per share 

Profit  used  in  calculating  basic  and  diluted  earnings  per  share  attributable  to  ordinary  equity  holders  of  the  parent  is  $46,556,000 
(2013: $18,288,000). 

(b)   Weighted average number of shares 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for basic earnings per share 

233,318,721 

232,882,535 

Effect of dilution: 

Share rights 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares adjusted for the effect of dilution 

1,991,871 

235,310,592 

1,902,035 

234,784,570 

2014 
Number of shares 

2013 
Number of shares 

(c)  

Information on the classification of securities 

Share rights 

There are share rights included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in 
the future.   

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     113

50 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

12.  CURRENT ASSETS – CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 

Cash at bank and in hand  

Deposits at call 

2014 
$000 

32,021 

24,951 

56,972 

2013 
$000 

26,039 

1,176 

27,215 

The  Group  has  cash  balances  of  $1,268,000  (2013:  $12,887,000)  not  generally  available  for  use  as  the  balances  are  held  by 
Tropicana Joint Venture and may only be used in relation to joint venture expenditure.  In the previous financial year, the Group also 
had amounts of $469,000 in cash balances not generally available for use as they were subject to security with respect to government 
performance bonds and other guarantees issued by a financier. 

The Group’s exposure to interest rate risk and a sensitivity analysis for financial assets and liabilities are disclosed in note 3. 

13.  CURRENT ASSETS – TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES 

Trade receivables 

GST receivable 

Sundry debtors 

Prepayments 

2014 
$000 

24,828 

1,112 

1,314 

2,816 

30,070 

2013 
$000 

12,839 

5,117 

4,507 

1,696 

24,159 

No balances within trade and other receivables contain impaired assets nor are past due.  It is expected that these balances will be 
received when due. 

The Group’s exposure to credit risk, foreign exchange and commodity price risk in relation to trade receivables is disclosed in note 3. 

14. 

INVENTORIES 

Current 

Mine spares and stores – at cost 

ROM inventory – at cost 

Concentrate inventory – at cost 

Concentrate inventory – at net realisable value 

Work in progress – gold in process 

Gold in circuit 

Gold dore 

Non-current 

ROM inventory – at cost 

2014 
$000 

2013 
$000 

14,965 

3,834 

4,441 

11,661 

499 

1,566 

3,601 

40,567 

8,803 

8,803 

9,664 

1,632 

5,361 

6,103 

- 

- 

- 

22,760 

- 

- 

Inventory classified as non-current relates to 0.6 to 1.2 g/t grade gold ore stockpiles which are not intended to be utilised in the next 
12 months but will be utilised over the life of the mine. 

There were no impairment charges to inventories recognised as an expense for the year ended 30 June 2014 (2013: $nil). 

15.  CURRENT ASSETS – FINANCIAL ASSETS 

Shares in Australian listed and unlisted companies - at fair value through profit or loss 

2014 
$000 

858 

858 

2013 
$000 

1,092 

1,092 

The shares in Australian listed companies are valued at fair value through profit or loss and are all held for trading.  Changes in the 
fair values of these financial assets are recognised in the profit or loss and are valued using market prices at year end. 

The Group’s exposure to price risk and a sensitivity analysis for financial assets are disclosed in note 3. 

114      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

51 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

16.  NON-CURRENT ASSETS – RECEIVABLES 

Term deposits  

Prepayments 

2014 
$000 

30 

27 

57 

2013 
$000 

525 

79 

604 

The term deposit is interest-bearing and is used by way of security for government performance bonds issued by a financier. 

17.  NON-CURRENT ASSETS – PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

Buildings - at cost 

Accumulated depreciation and impairment 

Net carrying amount 

Mining plant under construction - at cost 

Net carrying amount 

Mining plant and equipment - at cost 

Accumulated depreciation and impairment 

Net carrying amount 

Motor vehicles - at cost 

Accumulated depreciation and impairment 

Net carrying amount 

Furniture, fittings and other equipment - at cost  

Accumulated depreciation and impairment 

Net carrying amount 

Leased assets 

Accumulated depreciation and impairment 

Net carrying amount 

Total net carrying amount 

2014 
$000 

35,994 

(12,570) 

23,424 

407 

407 

92,223 

(79,039) 

13,184 

18,205 

(14,331) 

3,874 

7,396 

(4,787) 

2,609 

18,746 

(15,014) 

3,732 

2013 
$000 

17,577 

(9,786) 

7,791 

2,362 

2,362 

88,602 

(75,159) 

13,443 

14,033 

(12,303) 

1,730 

6,590 

(3,322) 

3,268 

20,266 

(12,582) 

7,684 

47,230 

36,278 

(a)  Reconciliation of the carrying amounts at the beginning and end of the period 
Reconciliations of the carrying amount for each class of property, plant and equipment at the beginning and end of the financial 
year are as follows: 

Buildings 

Carrying amount at beginning of financial year 

Additions 

Transfers 

Depreciation expense 

Carrying amount at end of financial year 

Mining plant under construction  

Carrying amount at beginning of financial year 

Additions 

Transfers 

Carrying amount at end of financial year 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

7,791 

684 

18,030 

(3,081) 

23,424 

2,362 

279 

(2,234) 

407 

9,627 

- 

146 

(1,982) 

7,791 

2,102 

2,136 

(1,876) 

2,362 

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     115

52 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

17.  NON-CURRENT ASSETS – PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (continued) 

(b)  Reconciliation of the carrying amounts at the beginning and end of the period (continued) 

2014 
$000 

2013 
$000 

Mining plant and equipment  

Carrying amount at beginning of financial year 

Additions 

Transfers 

Disposals 

Depreciation expense 

Carrying amount at end of financial year 

Motor vehicles 

Carrying amount at beginning of financial year 

Additions 

Transfers 

Disposals 

Depreciation expense 

Carrying amount at end of financial year 

Furniture, fittings and other equipment 

Carrying amount at beginning of financial year 

Additions 

Transfers 

Disposals 

Depreciation expense 

Carrying amount at end of financial year 

Leased assets 

Carrying amount at beginning of financial year 

Additions 

Disposals 

Depreciation expense 

Carrying amount at end of financial year 

Total property, plant and equipment 

Carrying amount at beginning of financial year 

Additions 

Transfers from mine properties in development 

Transfers to mine properties in production 

Disposals  

Depreciation expense 

Carrying amount at end of financial year 

13,443 

3,865 

2,003 

(50) 

(6,077) 

13,184 

1,730 

3,274 

(146) 

- 

(984) 

3,874 

3,268 

1,113 

(438) 

(59) 

(1,275) 

2,609 

7,684 

- 

- 

(3,952) 

3,732 

36,278 

9,215 

17,215 

- 

(109) 

(15,369) 

47,230 

14,804 

3,903 

852 

- 

(6,116) 

13,443 

1,144 

965 

478 

(25) 

(832) 

1,730 

1,822 

1,861 

762 

(7) 

(1,170) 

3,268 

7,674 

3,762 

(5) 

(3,747) 

7,684 

37,173 

12,627 

1,095 

(733) 

(37) 

(13,847) 

36,278 

(c)  Non-current assets pledged as security 

Refer to note 25 for information on non-current assets pledged as security by the Group. 

116      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

53 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

18.  NON-CURRENT ASSETS – MINE PROPERTIES 

Mine properties in development 

Mine properties in production 

Reconciliations of the carrying amounts at the beginning and end of the financial year are as follows: 

Mine properties in development 

Carrying amount at beginning of financial year 

Additions 

Transfers from exploration and evaluation expenditure 

Transfers to property, plant and equipment 

Transfers to mine properties in production 

Borrowing costs capitalised 

Depreciation expense capitalised 

Carrying amount at end of financial year 

Mine properties in production 

Carrying amount at beginning of financial year 

Additions 

Transfers from exploration and evaluation expenditure 

Transfers from mine properties in development 

Transfers from property, plant and equipment 

Transfers to inventories 

Disposals 

Amortisation expense 

Carrying amount at end of financial year 

19.  NON-CURRENT ASSETS – EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION EXPENDITURE 

Exploration and evaluation costs 

Reconciliations of the carrying amounts at the beginning and end of the financial year are as follows: 

Carrying amount at beginning of financial year 

Additions 

Transfers to mine properties in production 

Transfers to mine properties in development 

Impairment charge 

Disposals 

2014 
$000 

- 

364,443 

364,443 

258,778 

28,587 

228 

(17,215) 

(271,095) 

544 

173 

- 

90,337 

47,589 

19,601 

271,095 

- 

(9,519) 

- 

(54,660) 

364,443 

2014 
$000 

186,784 

186,784 

199,392 

39,266 

(19,601) 

(228) 

(32,045) 

- 

2013 
$000 

258,778 

90,337 

349,115 

59,609 

167,484 

32,708 

(1,095) 

- 

72 

- 

258,778 

63,665 

34,162 

3,061 

- 

733 

- 

(93) 

(11,191) 

90,337 

2013 
$000 

199,392 

199,392 

203,371 

37,759 

(3,061) 

(32,708) 

(5,762) 

(207) 

Carrying amount at end of financial year 

186,784 

199,392 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     117

54 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

19.   NON-CURRENT ASSETS – EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION EXPENDITURE (continued) 

Impairment of exploration and evaluation expenditure 

Exploration and evaluation assets are assessed for impairment when facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying amount of an 
exploration  and  evaluation  asset  may  exceed  its  recoverable  amount.    Management  regularly  evaluates  the  recoverability  of 
exploration and evaluation assets.  The Group has impaired the following capitalised exploration and evaluation costs:    

Jaguar regional exploration costs  

Karlawinda exploration and feasibility costs1 

Other exploration costs 

2014 
$000 

5,797 

16,992 

9,256 

32,045 

2013 
$000 

677 

- 

5,085 

5,762 

1. 

During the current financial year, the Company determined that the Karlawinda Gold Project is unlikely to meet its size and 
economic thresholds for development, resulting in an impairment of $16,992,000 (2013: $nil). 

20.  NON-CURRENT ASSETS – INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

Goodwill 
$000 

Database 
$000 

Total 
$000 

At 1 July 2012 

Cost 

Accumulated amortisation 

Net book amount 

Year ended 30 June 2013 

Opening net book amount 

Amortisation expense 

Closing net book amount 

At 30 June 2013 

Cost 

Accumulated amortisation 

Net book amount 

Year ended 30 June 2014 

Opening net book amount 

Amortisation expense 

Closing net book amount 

At 30 June 2014 

Cost 

Accumulated amortisation and impairment 

Net book amount 

21.  CURRENT LIABILITIES – TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES 

Trade payables 

Other payables 

Employee entitlements 

The Group’s exposure to liquidity risk in disclosed in note 3. 

91,065 

(91,065) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

91,065 

(91,065) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

91,065 

(91,065) 

- 

1,378 

(924) 

454 

454 

(275) 

179 

1,378 

(1,199) 

179 

179 

(179) 

- 

1,378 

(1,378) 

- 

2014 
$000 

7,706 

35,276 

3,873 

46,855 

92,443 

(91,989) 

454 

454 

(275) 

179 

92,443 

(92,264) 

179 

179 

(179) 

- 

92,443 

(92,443) 

- 

2013 
$000 

7,368 

42,430 

3,801 

53,599 

118      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

55 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

22.  CURRENT LIABILITIES – PROVISIONS 

Provision for employee entitlements 

23.  NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES – PROVISIONS 

Provision for employee entitlements 

Provision for rehabilitation costs (i) 

(i)    Movements in the provision for rehabilitation costs during the year are as follows: 

Carrying amount at beginning of financial year 

Additional provision 

Rehabilitation and restoration borrowing costs expense 

Payments during the period 

Carrying amount at end of financial year 

Rehabilitation provision 

2014 
$000 

2,557 

2,557 

2014 
$000 

1,527 

24,018 

25,545 

20,694 

2,889 

565 

(130) 

2013 
$000 

2,446 

2,446 

2013 
$000 

1,030 

20,694 

21,724 

13,045 

7,381 

268 

- 

24,018 

20,694 

A provision for restoration is recognised in relation to mining activities for such costs as reclamation, site closure, plant closure and 
other costs associated with the restoration of the mining sites.   

24.  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

Current assets 

Commodity hedging contracts – cash flow hedges 

Foreign currency contracts – at fair value through profit or loss 

Foreign currency contracts – cash flow hedges 

Current liabilities 

Commodity hedging contracts – at fair value through profit or loss 

Commodity hedging contracts – cash flow hedges 

Foreign currency contracts – cash flow hedges 

Non-current assets 

Commodity hedging contracts – cash flow hedges 

(a) 

Instruments used by the Group  

2014 
$000 

2013 
$000 

1,119 

29 

1,371 

2,519 

1,489 

4,892 

- 

6,381 

658 

658 

6,946 

- 

- 

6,946 

- 

- 

1,910 

1,910 

1,981 

1,981 

Derivative financial instruments are used by the Group in the normal course of business in order to hedge exposure to fluctuations in 
foreign exchange rates and commodity prices. 

The  fair  value  of  the  derivative  instruments  at  the  reporting  date  is  reflected  in  current  and  non-current  assets  and  liabilities  in  the 
balance sheet and is calculated by comparing the contracted rate to the market rates for derivatives with the same length of maturity. 

Refer  to  note  3  and  below  for  details  of  the  foreign  currency  and  commodity  prices  risk  being  mitigated  by  the  Group’s  derivative 
instruments as at 30 June 2014 and 30 June 2013.   

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     119

56 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

24.  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued) 

Cash flow hedges 

Nickel 

At 30 June 2014, the Group held various nickel commodity contracts designated as hedges of expected future nickel sales.  These 
hedge  contracts  are  in  US  dollars.    Foreign  exchange  contracts  are  also  held  which  match  the  terms  of  the  commodity  contracts.  
These contracts are all designated as cash flow hedges and are used to reduce the exposure to a future decrease in the Australian 
dollar market value of nickel sales.   

The outstanding contracts held by the Group at 30 June 2014 are as follows: 

Year of delivery 

Sell (Nickel tonnes) 

USD/tonne 

Exchange rate 

AUD/tonne 

2014/15 

Total 

2,400 

2,400 

16,608 

16,608 

0.9163 

0.9163 

18,126 

18,126 

The hedge contracts are to be settled at the rate of 200 tonnes per month from July 2014 to June 2015.  The hedge contracts have 
been marked to market as at 30 June 2014 and the resulting surplus/deficit compared to market value (net of tax) is reflected in the 
hedging reserve in the balance sheet.  The portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument that is determined to be an effective 
hedge  is  recognised  directly  in  equity.    When  the  cash  flows  occur,  the  Group  adjusts  the  initial  measurement  of  the  component 
recognised in the profit or loss by the related amount deferred in equity. 

The forecast transactions are expected to occur three months prior to the maturity of its respective commodity and foreign exchange 
contracts. 

The following table details the forward foreign currency contracts outstanding at the reporting date: 

Sell USD forward  

0 – 3 months 

3 – 6 months 

6 – 12 months 

Total 

Copper 

Notional amounts (US$) 

2014 
$000 

10,174 

10,005 

19,681 

39,860 

2013 
$000 

- 

- 

18,676 

18,676 

Weighted average 
A$:US$ exchange rate 

2014 

2013 

0.9368 

0.9212 

0.9036 

0.9163 

- 

- 

0.9881 

0.9881 

Fair value 

2014 
$000 

29 

140 

493 

662 

2013 
$000 

- 

- 

(1,910) 

(1,910) 

At 30 June 2014, the Group held various copper commodity contracts designated as hedges of expected future copper sales.  These 
hedge  contracts  are  in  US  dollars.    Foreign  exchange  contracts  are  also  held  which  match  the  terms  of  the  commodity  contracts.  
These contracts are all designated as cash flow hedges and are used to reduce the exposure to a future decrease in the Australian 
dollar market value of copper sales.   

The outstanding contracts held by the Group at 30 June 2014 are as follows: 

Year of delivery 

Sell (Copper tonnes) 

USD/tonne 

Exchange rate 

AUD/tonne 

2014/15 

Total 

1,500 

1,500 

7,257 

7,257 

0.8720 

0.8720 

8,322 

8,322 

The hedge contracts are to be settled at the varying rates per month from September 2014 to June 2015.  The hedge contracts have 
been marked to market as at 30 June 2014 and the resulting surplus/deficit compared to market value (net of tax) is reflected in the 
hedging reserve in the balance sheet.  The portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument that is determined to be an effective 
hedge  is  recognised  directly  in  equity.    When  the  cash  flows  occur,  the  Group  adjusts  the  initial  measurement  of  the  component 
recognised in the profit or loss by the related amount deferred in equity. 

The forecast transactions are expected to occur three months prior to the maturity of its respective commodity and foreign exchange 
contracts. 

The following table details the forward foreign currency contracts outstanding at the reporting date: 

Sell USD forward  

0 – 3 months 

3 – 6 months 

6 – 12 months 

Total 

120      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Notional amounts (US$) 

2014 
$000 

- 

3,948 

6,938 

10,886 

2013 
$000 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Weighted average 
A$:US$ exchange rate 

2014 

2013 

- 

0.8783 

0.8591 

0.8720 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Fair value 

2014 
$000 

- 

195 

543 

738 

2013 
$000 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

57 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

24.  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued) 

Cash flow hedges (continued) 

Gold 

Gold collar structures (i.e. purchased put and sold call) have been designated as hedges of expected future gold sales and have been 
designated as cash flow hedges.  These comprise: 

0 – 6 months 

 Gold put options purchased 

 Gold call options sold 

6 – 12 months 

 Gold put options purchased 

 Gold call options sold 

12 – 18 months 

 Gold put options purchased 

 Gold call options sold 

Total/weighted average strike 
price 

 Gold put options purchased 

 Gold call options sold 

Ounces of metal 

2014 

2013 

Weighted average price 
(A$/ounce) 

2014 

2013 

33,000 

33,000 

29,000 

29,000 

23,500 

23,500 

- 

- 

33,000 

33,000 

33,000 

33,000 

85,500 

85,500 

66,000 

66,000 

1,300 

1,803 

1,316 

1,719 

1,350 

1,744 

1,319 

1,758 

- 

- 

1,300 

1,728 

1,300 

1,803 

1,300 

1,766 

Fair value 

2014 
$000 

2013 
$000 

237 

(14) 

803 

(316) 

1,175 

(517) 

- 

- 

2,339 

(657) 

3,274 

(1,293) 

2,215 

(847) 

5,613 

(1,950) 

The fair value of the gold collars outstanding at balance date is comprised exclusively of the extrinsic value (time value) of the options. 

Derivatives at fair value through profit or loss 

In  addition  to  the  above,  the  Group  also  had  a  commodity  derivative  financial  instrument  outstanding  which  was  designated  as  a 
derivative at fair value through profit or loss.  This contract did not qualify as a cash flow hedge and therefore the fair value marked to 
market adjustments on the contract were recorded directly in the profit or loss for the period.  Details of commodity derivatives at fair 
value through profit or loss outstanding as at the reporting date are summarised below.   

Copper 

US dollar forward copper sales contracts – at fair value through profit or loss at the reporting date were as follows: 

Tonnes of metal 

2014 

2013 

Weighted average price 
(US$/metric tonne) 
2013 
2014 

0 – 6 months 

1,200 

1,200 

- 

- 

6,889 

6,889 

- 

- 

Fair value 

2014 
$000 

(175) 

(175) 

2013 
$000 

- 

- 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     121

58 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

25.  BORROWINGS 

Current 

Secured 

Lease liability (note 32) 

Non–current 

Secured 

Bank loans (a) 

Lease liability (note 32) 

2014 
$000 

2013 
$000 

3,508 

3,508 

24,344 

510 

24,854 

6,030 

6,030 

7,506 

4,018 

11,524 

(a)  Corporate loan facility 

On 1 March 2013, the Company entered into a Corporate Loan Facility (Facility) with National Australia Bank.  The Facility comprises 
a corporate debt facility of $130,000,000, an asset finance facility of $20,000,000 and a contingent instrument facility of $20,000,000. 

Total capitalised transaction costs to 30 June 2014 are $2,377,000 (2013: $2,504,000).  Transaction costs are accounted for under 
the  effective  interest  rate  method.    These  costs  are  incremental  costs  that  are  directly  attributable  to  the  loan  and  include  loan 
origination  fees,  commitment  fees  and  legal  fees.    The  balance  of  unamortised  transaction  costs  of  $656,000  (2013:  $2,494,000) 
have been offset against the bank loans contractual liability of $25,000,000 (2013: $10,000,000).  

Borrowing  costs  of  $544,000  (2013:  $72,000)  relate  to  a  qualifying  asset  (Tropicana  Gold  Project)  and  have  been  capitalised  in 
accordance with AASB 123 Borrowing Costs.  Refer to note 18. 

The Facility has certain financial covenants that the Company has to comply with.  All such financial covenants have been complied 
with in accordance with the Facility.   

In addition to the above Facility, the Group has an additional asset finance facility with ANZ of $420,000 (2013: $20,000,000).  This 
facility was cancelled during the year and will expire once the outstanding lease contracts have been repaid in full. 

(b) 

Interest rate, foreign exchange and liquidity risk 

Details regarding interest rate, foreign exchange and liquidity risk are disclosed in note 3. 

(c)  Assets pledged as security 

The carrying amount of assets pledged as security for non-current borrowings is $25,000,000 (2013: $10,000,000).  The security is 
provided under a General Security Agreement (GSA) and is on arm’s length commercial terms with the financier. 

Lease liabilities are effectively secured as the rights to the leased assets recognised in the financial statements revert to the lessor in 
the event of default. 

In addition to the above, $15,950,000 (2013: $15,249,000) is pledged as security in relation to the contingent instrument facility. 

122      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

59 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

25.  BORROWINGS (continued) 

(d)  Financing arrangements 

The Group had access to the following financing arrangements at the reporting date: 

Total facilities 

Corporate debt facility 

Asset finance facility 

Contingent instrument facility1 

Facilities used as at reporting date 

Corporate debt facility 

Asset finance facility 

Contingent instrument facility 

Facilities unused as at reporting date 

Corporate debt facility 

Asset finance facility 

Contingent instrument facility 

2014 
$000 

130,000 

20,420 

20,000 

170,420 

25,000 

3,826 

15,950 

44,776 

105,000 

16,594 

4,050 

125,644 

2013 
$000 

130,000 

40,000 

20,000 

190,000 

10,000 

9,691 

15,249 

34,940 

120,000 

30,309 

4,751 

155,060 

1.  This facility provides financial backing in relation to non-performance of third party guarantee requirements. 

26.  CONTRIBUTED EQUITY 

Fully paid issued capital 

2014 
$000 

2013 
$000 

735,060 

734,007 

Ordinary  shares  entitle  the  holder  to  participate  in  dividends  and  the  proceeds  on  winding  up  of  the  Company  in  proportion  to  the 
number  of  and  amounts  paid  on  the  shares  held.    Every  holder  of  ordinary  shares  present  at  a  meeting  in  person  or  by  proxy,  is 
entitled to one vote, and upon a poll each share is entitled to one vote. 

Movements in shares on issue 

2014 

No. of shares 

2014 

$000 

2013 

No. of shares 

2013 

$000 

Balance at beginning of financial year 

232,882,535 

734,007 

232,882,535 

734,007 

Issued during the year: 

-  issue of shares under the Employee 

Performance Rights Plan 

Balance at end of financial year 

Capital management 

441,370 

233,323,905 

1,053 

735,060 

- 

- 

232,882,535 

734,007 

The  Board’s  policy  is  to  maintain  a  strong  capital  base  so  as  to  maintain  investor,  creditor  and  market  confidence  and  to  sustain 
future development of the business.  

The capital structure of the Group consists of debt, which includes the borrowings, cash and cash equivalents and equity, comprising 
issued capital, reserves and retained earnings.  

Operating  cash  flows  are  used  to  maintain  and  expand  the  Group’s  operating  and  exploration  assets,  as  well  as  to  make  dividend 
payments.    The  Board  and  management  assess  various  financial  ratios  to  determine  the  Group’s  debt  levels  and  capital  structure 
prior to making any major investment or expansion decisions.   

None of the Group’s entities are currently subject to externally imposed capital requirements.  

There were no changes in the Group’s approach to capital management during the year. 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     123

60 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

27.  RESERVES AND RETAINED EARNINGS 

(a)  Reserves 

Share-based payments reserve 

Hedging reserve 

Acquisition reserve 

Movements 

Share-based payments reserve 

Balance at beginning of financial year 

Share-based payments expense  

Issue of shares under the Employee Performance Rights Plan 

Balance at end of financial year 

Hedging reserve 

Balance at beginning of financial year 

Revaluation – gross 

Deferred tax 

Transfer to net profit – gross 

Deferred tax 

Balance at end of financial year 

Acquisition reserve 

Balance at beginning of financial year 

Balance at end of financial year 

(b)  Accumulated losses 

Balance at beginning of financial year 

Net profit for the year 

Dividends paid during the year 

Balance at end of financial year 

(c)  Nature and purpose of reserves 

Share-based payments reserve 

2014 
$000 

12,372 

(2,038) 

3,142 

13,476 

8,793 

4,632 

(1,053) 

12,372 

2,397 

(7,894) 

2,368 

1,559 

(468) 

(2,038) 

2013 
$000 

8,793 

2,397 

3,142 

14,332 

4,919 

3,874 

- 

8,793 

12,557 

(4,250) 

1,275 

(10,264) 

3,079 

2,397 

3,142 

3,142 

3,142 

3,142 

(98,870) 

46,556 

(9,333) 

(61,647) 

(112,500) 

18,288 

(4,658) 

(98,870) 

The  share-based  payments  reserve  is  used  to  record  the  value  of  share-based  payments  provided  to  employees,  including  key 
management personnel, as part of their remuneration.  Refer to note 31 for further details of these plans. 

Hedging reserve 

The hedging reserve is used to record gains  or losses on a hedged instrument  in a cash flow hedge that are recognised directly in 
equity.  Amounts are recognised in profit or loss when the associated hedged item occurs. 

Acquisition reserve 

The acquisition reserve is used to record differences between the carrying value of non-controlling interests and the fair value of the 
shares  issued,  where  there  has  been  a  transaction  involving  non-controlling  interests  that  do  not  result  in  a  loss  of  control.    The 
reserve is attributable to the equity of the parent. 

124      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

61 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

28.  CASH FLOW STATEMENT RECONCILIATION 

Net profit for the year 

Adjustments for: 

Depreciation and amortisation 

Impairment of exploration and evaluation expenditure  

(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment and other investments 

Devaluation of investments in listed entities 

Dividend income 

Employee share-based payment expenses 

Unrealised gains on financial liabilities 

Unrealised loss on changes in fair value of derivative financial instruments 

Amortisation of borrowing costs 

Amortisation of lease incentive liability 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities 

(Increase)/decrease in trade debtors  

(Increase)/decrease in other debtors and prepayments 

(Increase)/decrease in inventories 

(Increase)/decrease in deferred tax assets 

Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables 

Increase/(decrease) in deferred tax liability 

Increase/(decrease) in provisions  

Net cash flows from operating activities 

Non-cash investing and financing activities 

Acquisition of plant and equipment by means of finance leases 

2014 
$000 

46,556 

69,840 

32,045 

60 

2 

(5) 

4,632 

- 

3,886 

1,280 

(55) 

(11,989) 

2,602 

(26,610) 

(78) 

9,083 

21,331 

1,043 

153,623 

2013 
$000 

18,288 

24,450 

5,762 

(690) 

2,196 

- 

3,874 

345 

1,849 

- 

(38) 

17,680 

(3,662) 

(5,974) 

359 

(6,881) 

9,181 

780 

67,519 

- 

- 

5,230 

5,230 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     125

62 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

29.  RELATED PARTIES DISCLOSURE 

(a)  Subsidiaries 

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets, liabilities and results of the following subsidiaries in accordance with the 
accounting policy described in note 2(b): 

Equity interest 

Name of Entity 

Independence Long Pty Ltd*   
Independence Newsearch Pty Ltd 
Independence Karlawinda Pty Ltd 
Independence Jaguar Limited* 
Independence ESP Pty Ltd 
Independence Jaguar Exploration Parent Pty Ltd 
Independence Jaguar Exploration Pty Ltd 
Independence Stockman Parent Pty Ltd 
Independence Stockman Project Pty Ltd 
Independence Jaguar Project Parent Pty Ltd 
Independence Jaguar Project Pty Ltd  
Independence CM Pty Ltd 
Independence BBS Pty Ltd 
Independence Projects Pty Ltd 

Country of 
Incorporation 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 

Class of share 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 

Independence Europe Pty Ltd 

Australia 

Ordinary 

2014 
% 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 

100 

2013 
% 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 

- 

* These subsidiaries have been granted relief from the necessity to prepare financial reports in accordance with Class Order 98/1418 
issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.  Refer to note 36 for further information. 

(b)  Key management personnel 

Details relating to key management personnel, including remuneration paid, are included in note 30. 

(c)  Transactions with related parties 

During the financial year, a wholly-owned entity paid dividends of $20,000,000 (2013: $63,000,000) to Independence Group NL.  This 
amount has been eliminated on consolidation for the purposes of calculating the profit of the Group for the financial year. 

Loans  were  made  between  Independence  Group  NL  and  certain  entities  in  the  wholly-owned  group.    The  loans  receivable  from 
controlled entities are interest-free and repayable on demand. 

30.  KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL  

(a)  Compensation of key management personnel 

Short-term employee benefits 

Post-employment benefits 

Long-term employee benefits 

Share-based payments 

31.  SHARE-BASED PAYMENT PLANS  

Employee Performance Rights Plan 

2014 
$ 

2013 
$ 

3,355,060 

3,092,033 

255,110 

70,903 

803,265 

215,553 

58,351 

489,463 

4,484,338 

3,855,400 

The  Independence  Group  NL  Employee  Performance  Rights  Plan  (PRP)  was  approved  by  shareholders  at  the  Annual  General 
Meeting  of  the  Company  in  November  2011.    Under  the  PRP,  participants  are  granted  share  rights  which  will  only  vest  if  certain 
performance conditions are met and the employees are still employed by the Group at the end of the vesting period.  Participation in 
the PRP is at the Board’s discretion and no individual has a contractual right to participate in the plan or to receive any guaranteed 
benefits. 

126      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

63 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

31.  SHARE-BASED PAYMENT PLANS (continued) 

Employee Performance Rights Plan (continued) 

The following table illustrates  the maximum number and weighted average fair value of,  and movements in, share rights during the 
year: 

Outstanding at the beginning of the year 

Rights issued during the year 

Rights vested during the year 

Rights lapsed during the year 

Rights cancelled during the year 

Outstanding at the end of the year 

2014 

2013 

Weighted 
average fair 
value 
$ 

Number of share 
rights 

Weighted 
average fair 
value 
$ 

2.66 

3.29 

3.93 

3.62 

2.04 

2.99 

1,608,837 

2,042,423 

- 

(411,980) 

- 

3,239,280 

2.58 

2.68 

- 

2.39 

- 

2.66 

Number of 
share rights 

3,239,280 

1,821,215 

(441,370) 

(1,231,204) 

(132,746) 

3,255,175 

The fair value of the share rights granted under the PRP is estimated at the grant date using a trinomial tree which has been adopted 
by the Boyle and Law (1994) node alignment algorithm to improve accuracy.   

The following table lists the inputs to the models used. 

Grant date 

Performance 
hurdle 

Dividend 
yield 

Expected 
stock 
volatility 

Expected 
index 
volatility 

Risk free 
rate 

Expected 
life 

28/02/2014 

28/02/2014 

28/02/2014 

21/11/2012 

21/11/2012 

28/02/2013 

28/02/2013 

28/02/2013 

23/11/2011 

23/11/2011 

13/03/2012 

13/03/2012 

13/03/2012 

TSR 

TSR 

ROE 

TSR 

ROE 

TSR 

TSR 

ROE 

TSR 

ROE 

TSR 

TSR 

ROE 

% 

1.45 

1.45 

- 

0.47 

- 

0.45 

0.45 

- 

1.07 

- 

0.72 

0.72 

- 

% 

48 

43 

- 

41 

- 

40 

40 

- 

54 

- 

46 

46 

- 

% 

22 

24 

- 

24 

- 

22 

23 

- 

30 

- 

29 

29 

- 

% 

2.70 

2.95 

- 

2.64 

- 

2.67 

2.72 

- 

3.09 

- 

3.56 

3.56 

- 

Years 

0.3 

2.3 

- 

2.6 

- 

0.3 

2.3 

- 

2.6 

- 

0.3 

2.3 

- 

Weighted 
average 
share price 
at grant 
date 

$ 

4.13 

4.13 

- 

4.29 

- 

4.47 

4.47 

- 

4.69 

- 

4.17 

4.17 

- 

Probability 
ROE 
exceeding 
target 

% 

- 

- 

<50 

- 

<50 

- 

- 

<50 

- 

<50 

- 

- 

<50 

The share-based payments expense included in profit or loss for the year totalled $4,632,000 (2013: $3,874,000).   

Executive directors and other executives 

Vesting  of  the  performance  rights  to  executive  directors  and  other  executives  of  the  Company  is  subject  to  a  combination  of  the 
Company’s shareholder return and return on equity.  The performance rights will vest if over the three year measurement period the 
following performance hurdles are achieved: 

Shareholder return 

The vesting of 75%  of the performance rights at the end of the third year will be based on measuring the actual shareholder return 
over the three year period compared with the change in the S&P  ASX 300 Metals  and Mining Index (Index) over that same period:  
The portion of performance rights (75% of the total) that will vest based on the comparative shareholder return will be: 

Shareholder return 
100% of the Index 
Between 100% and 115% of the Index 
115% of the Index or greater 

Level of vesting 
25% 
Pro-rata straight line percentage 
100% 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     127

64 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

31.  SHARE-BASED PAYMENT PLANS (continued) 

Employee Performance Rights Plan (continued) 

Return on equity 

The vesting of the remaining 25% of the performance rights at the end of the third year will be based on the average return on equity 
over the three year period compared with the average target return on equity as set by the Board for the same period. 

Return on equity (ROE) for each year will be calculated in accordance with the following formula: 

ROE = Net profit after tax / Total shareholders’ equity 

The target ROE will be set each year by the Board as part of the budget approval process for the following year.  The target ROE for 
the financial year ending 30 June 2014 is 10% (2013: 10%).  The portion of performance rights (25% of the total) that will vest based 
on the comparative return on equity will be: 

Actual ROE 
100% of average target ROE 
Between 100% and 115% of average target ROE 
115% of average target ROE or greater 

Level of vesting 
25% 
Pro-rata straight line percentage 
100% 

Other employees 

Vesting of the performance rights to all other employees of the Company is subject to a combination of the personal performance of 
the individual and the Company’s shareholder return over the measurement period, being one year.  The performance rights will vest 
one year after measurement period on the following basis: 

Personal performance 

The vesting of between 60-90% of the performance rights at the end of the second year will be based on the personal performance of 
the individual employee.  The personal performance of the participant will be determined solely at the discretion of the Company and 
is determined as a result of the annual performance review of each participant.  The portion of performance rights (ranging between 
60-90% of the total) that will vest based on the personal performance return will be: 

Performance standard criteria 
Unsatisfactory work performance 
Improvement in performance standard required 
Developing contributor 
Consistent contributor 
Solid contributor 
Outstanding contributor 

Shareholder return 

Level of vesting 
0% 
0% 
40% 
60% 
80% 
100% 

The  vesting  of  between  10-40%  of  the  performance  rights  at  the  end  of  the  second  year  will  be  based  on  measuring  the  actual 
shareholder  return  at  the  end  of  the  measurement  period  of  one  year  compared  with  the  change  in  the  S&P  ASX  300  Metals  and 
Mining  Index  (Index)  over  that  same period.  The portion of performance rights (ranging between 10-40% of the total) that will  vest 
based on the comparative shareholder return will be: 

Shareholder return 
100% of the Index 
Between 100% and 115% of the Index 
115% of the Index or greater 

Level of vesting 
25% 
Pro-rata straight line percentage 
100% 

The performance rights will not be subject to any further escrow restrictions once they have vested to the employees. 

Share trading policy 

The  trading  of  shares  issued  to  participants  under  the  Company’s  PRP  is  subject  to,  and  conditional  upon,  compliance  with  the 
Company’s employee share trading policy. 

Non-executive directors  

The PRP permits non-executive directors to be eligible employees and therefore to participate in the plan.  It is not currently intended 
that  non-executive  directors  will  be  issued  with  performance  rights  under  the  PRP  and  any  such  issue  would  be  subject  to  all 
necessary shareholder approvals. 

128      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

65 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

32.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 

(a)   Commitments 

(i) 

Leasing commitments 

Operating lease commitments 

Future minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases at 30 June are as follows: 

Within one year 

After one year but no more than five years 

After more than five years 

Total minimum lease payments 

Finance lease and hire purchase commitments 

2014 
$000 

2013 
$000 

1,374 

6,768 

1,242 

9,384 

1,361 

6,620 

2,689 

10,670 

Future minimum lease payments under lease contracts with the present value of net minimum lease payments are as follows: 

Within one year 

After one year but not more than five years 

Total minimum lease payments 

Less amount representing finance charges 

Present value of minimum lease payments 

Current borrowings (note 25) 

Non-current borrowings (note 25) 

Total included in borrowings 

3,671 

522 

4,193 

(175) 

4,018 

3,508 

510 

4,018 

6,604 

4,193 

10,797 

(749) 

10,048 

6,030 

4,018 

10,048 

(ii) 

Property, plant and equipment commitments 

The Group had no specific contractual obligations to purchase plant and equipment at the reporting date (2013: $nil).  

(b)  Contingencies 

The Group had guarantees outstanding at 30 June 2014 totalling $15,950,000 (2013: $15,249,000) which have been granted in favour 
of various third parties.  The guarantees primarily relate to environmental and rehabilitation bonds at the various mine sites.    

33.  EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING DATE 

On 27 August 2014, the Company announced a fully franked final dividend of 5 cents per share to be paid on 30 September 2014. 

Other than the above, there has not arisen in the interval between the end of the financial year and the date of this report any item, 
transaction or event of a material and unusual nature likely, in the opinion of the Directors of the Company, to affect significantly the 
operations of the consolidated entity, the results of those operations, or the state of affairs of the consolidated entity, in future financial 
years, other than as stated elsewhere in the financial report. 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     129

66 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

34.  AUDITOR’S REMUNERATION 

The auditor of Independence Group NL is BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd 

Amounts received or due and receivable by BDO  for: 

 

An audit or review of the financial report of the entity and any other entity in the 
consolidated Group 

  Other  services in relation to the entity and any other entity in the consolidated 

Group 

2014 
$ 

2013 
$ 

261,200 

213,351 

2,350 

263,550 

23,165 

236,516 

35.  PARENT ENTITY INFORMATION 

a) 

Summary financial information 

The following information relates to the parent entity, Independence Group NL, at 30 June.  The information presented here has been 
prepared using consistent accounting policies as presented in note 2. 

Balance sheet 

Current assets 

Non-current assets 

Total assets 

Current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Shareholders’ equity 

Contributed equity 

Reserves 

Accumulated losses 

Total equity 

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income for the year 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

2014 
$000 

38,136 

712,562 

750,698 

26,013 

67,850 

93,863 

2013 
$000 

27,421 

680,643 

708,064 

28,297 

33,952 

62,249 

656,835 

645,815 

735,060 

15,514 

(93,739) 

656,835 

15,721 

- 

15,721 

734,007 

11,935 

(100,127) 

645,815 

6,680 

- 

6,680 

b)  Guarantees entered into by the parent entity 

The  parent  entity  has  given  unsecured  guarantees  in  respect  of  finance  leases  of  subsidiaries  amounting  to  $3,406,000  (2013: 
$7,050,000). 

There are cross guarantees given by the Independence Group NL, Independence Long Pty Ltd and Independence Jaguar Limited as 
described in note 36.  No deficiencies of assets exist in any of these companies. 

c) 

Contingent liabilities of the parent entity 

The parent entity did not have any contingent liabilities as at 30 June 2014 or 30 June 2013. 

d)  Contractual commitments for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment 

The  parent  entity  did  not  have  any  outstanding  contractual  commitments  for  the  acquisition  of  property, plant  and equipment  at  30 
June 2014 or 30 June 2013. 

130      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

67 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

36.  DEED OF CROSS GUARANTEE 

Independence  Group  NL,  Independence  Long  Pty  Ltd  and  Independence  Jaguar  Limited  are  parties  to  a  deed  of  cross  guarantee 
under  which  each  company  guarantees  the  debts  of  the  others.    By  entering  into  the  deed,  the  wholly-owned  entities  have  been 
relieved from the requirement to prepare a financial report and Directors’ Report under Class Order 98/1418 (as amended) issued by 
the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. 

(a)  Consolidated  statement  of  profit  or  loss  and  other  comprehensive  income  and  summary  of  movements  in 

consolidated accumulated losses 

The above companies represent a ‘closed group’ for the purposes of the Class Order, and as there are no other parties to the deed of 
cross guarantee that are controlled by Independence Group NL, they also represent the ‘extended closed group’. 

Set  out  below  is  a  consolidated  statement  of  profit  or  loss  and  other  comprehensive  income  and  a  summary  of  movements  in 
consolidated accumulated losses for the year ended 30 June 2014 and 30 June 2013 of the closed group consisting of Independence 
Group NL, Independence Long Pty Ltd and Independence Jaguar Limited.   

Statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income 

Revenue from continuing operations 

Other income 

Mining and development costs 

Employee benefits expense 

Share-based payments expense 

Fair value movement of financial investments 

Depreciation and amortisation expense 

Rehabilitation and restoration borrowing costs 

Exploration costs expensed 

Royalty expense 

Ore tolling expense 

Shipping and wharfage expense 

Net losses on fair value financial liabilities 

Borrowing and finance costs 

Impairment of exploration and evaluation expenditure 

Impairment of loans to subsidiaries 

Other expenses 

Profit from continuing operations before income tax  

Income tax expense 

Profit after income tax 

Other comprehensive income 

Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax 

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax 

Total comprehensive income  

Summary of movements in consolidated retained earnings (accumulated losses) 

Accumulated losses at the beginning of the financial year 

Profit for the year 

Dividends paid 

Retained earnings (accumulated losses) at the end of the financial year 

2014 
$000 

399,004 

- 

(100,310) 

(61,196) 

(4,632) 

(2) 

(67,923) 

(269) 

(4,334) 

(14,309) 

(11,973) 

(17,551) 

- 

(5,138) 

(11,602) 

(12,518) 

(9,362) 

77,885 

(12,920) 

64,965 

(4,435) 

(4,435) 

60,530 

(36,302) 

64,965 

(9,333) 

19,330 

2013 
$000 

225,867 

715 

(63,156) 

(54,659) 

(3,874) 

(2,196) 

(24,265) 

(268) 

(2,667) 

(8,029) 

(11,978) 

(12,464) 

(345) 

(1,356) 

(5,672) 

- 

(5,645) 

30,008 

(10,170) 

19,838 

(10,160) 

(10,160) 

9,678 

(51,482) 

19,838 

(4,658) 

(36,302) 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     131

68 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)  
For the year ended 30 June 2014 

36.  DEED OF CROSS GUARANTEE (continued) 

(b)  Consolidated balance sheet 

Set  out  below  is  a  consolidated  balance  sheet  as  at  30  June  of  the  closed  group  consisting  of  Independence  Group  NL, 
Independence Long Pty Ltd and Independence Jaguar Limited.   

2014 

$000 

2013 

$000 

ASSETS 

Current assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Trade and other receivables 

Inventories 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

Derivative financial instruments 

Total current assets 

Non-current assets 

Receivables 

Property, plant and equipment 

Exploration and evaluation expenditure  

Mine properties 

Deferred tax assets 

Investments in controlled entities 

Investments in joint ventures 

Intangible assets 

Derivative financial instruments 

Total non-current assets 

TOTAL ASSETS 

LIABILITIES 

Current liabilities 

Trade and other payables 

Borrowings 

Derivative financial instruments 

Provisions 

Total current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 

Borrowings 

Provisions 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Total non-current liabilities 

TOTAL LIABILITIES 

NET ASSETS 

EQUITY 

Contributed equity 

Reserves 

Retained earnings (accumulated losses) 

TOTAL EQUITY 

55,603 

27,637 

26,935 

808 

2,519 

113,502 

3,475 

25,030 

26,138 

96,779 

151,443 

139,276 

316,546 

- 

658 

759,345 

872,847 

28,372 

3,508 

6,381 

2,557 

40,818 

24,854 

13,540 

25,769 

64,163 

104,981 

767,866 

735,060 

13,476 

19,330 

767,866 

14,327 

18,185 

22,193 

1,042 

6,946 

62,693 

49,489 

30,638 

22,655 

88,774 

152,255 

139,276 

292,561 

179 

1,981 

777,808 

840,501 

37,907 

6,030 

1,910 

2,446 

48,293 

11,524 

12,904 

55,743 

80,171 

128,464 

712,037 

734,007 

14,332 

(36,302) 

712,037 

132      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014          

69 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION

DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION 

In the Directors’ opinion: 

(a) 

the financial statements and notes set out on pages 20 to 69 are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including: 

83 132

(i) 

(ii) 

complying with Accounting Standards, the Corporations Regulations  2001 and other mandatory professional reporting 
requirements, and 

giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 30 June 2014 and of its performance for 
the financial year ended on that date, and 

(b) 

(c)  

there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and 
payable; and 

at  the  date  of  this  declaration,  there  are  reasonable  grounds  to  believe  that  the  members  of  the  extended  closed  group 
identified in note 36 will be able to meet any obligation or liabilities to which they are, or may become, subject by virtue of the 
deed of cross guarantee described in note 36. 

Note  2(a)  confirms  that  the  financial  statements  also  comply  with  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  as  issued  by  the 
International Accounting Standards Board. 

The Directors have been given the declarations by the Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer required by section 295A of the 
Corporations Act 2001. 

This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the Directors. 

On behalf of the Board 

Peter Bradford 
Managing Director 

Perth, Western Australia 

Dated this 27th day of August 2014 

Independence Group NL – Financial Report 30 June 2014 

70 

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     133

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

To the members of Independence Group NL

Tel: +61 8 6382 4600
Fax: +61 8 6382 4601
www.bdo.com.au

38 Station Street
Subiaco, WA 6008
PO Box 700 West Perth WA 6872
Australia

Tel: +61 8 6382 4600
Fax: +61 8 6382 4601
www.bdo.com.au

38 Station Street
Subiaco, WA 6008
PO Box 700 West Perth WA 6872
Australia

Report on the Financial Report
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
We have audited the accompanying financial report of Independence Group NL, which comprises the
consolidated balance sheet as at 30 June 2014, the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other
To the members of Independence Group NL
comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of changes in equity and the consolidated
statement of cash flows for the year then ended, notes comprising a summary of significant accounting
policies and other explanatory information, and the directors’ declaration of the consolidated entity
Report on the Financial Report
comprising the company and the entities it controlled at the year’s end or from time to time during the
financial year.
We have audited the accompanying financial report of Independence Group NL, which comprises the
consolidated balance sheet as at 30 June 2014, the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other
Directors’ Responsibility for the Financial Report
comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of changes in equity and the consolidated
The directors of the company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a
statement of cash flows for the year then ended, notes comprising a summary of significant accounting
true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001
policies and other explanatory information, and the directors’ declaration of the consolidated entity
and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the
comprising the company and the entities it controlled at the year’s end or from time to time during the
financial report that gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to
financial year.
fraud or error. In Note 2(a)(i), the directors also state, in accordance with Accounting Standard AASB
Directors’ Responsibility for the Financial Report
101 Presentation of Financial Statements, that the financial statements comply with International
Financial Reporting Standards.
The directors of the company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a
true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001
Auditor’s Responsibility
and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on our audit. We conducted our
financial report that gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to
audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Those standards require that we comply with
fraud or error. In Note 2(a)(i), the directors also state, in accordance with Accounting Standard AASB
relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and plan and perform the audit to obtain
101 Presentation of Financial Statements, that the financial statements comply with International
reasonable assurance about whether the financial report is free from material misstatement.
Financial Reporting Standards.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in
Auditor’s Responsibility
the financial report. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on our audit. We conducted our
assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or error.
audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Those standards require that we comply with
In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the company’s
relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and plan and perform the audit to obtain
preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view in order to design audit procedures
reasonable assurance about whether the financial report is free from material misstatement.
that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the
effectiveness of the company’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in
of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the directors, as
the financial report. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the
well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial report.
assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or error.
In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the company’s
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis
preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view in order to design audit procedures
for our audit opinion.
that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the
effectiveness of the company’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness
of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the directors, as
well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial report.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis
for our audit opinion.

BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd ABN 79 112 284 787 is a member of a national association of independent entities which are all members of BDO (Australia) Ltd ABN 77 050 110 275, an
Australian company limited by guarantee. BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd and BDO (Australia) Ltd are members of BDO International Ltd, a UK company limited by guarantee, and
form part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation (other than for the
acts or omissions of financial services licensees) in each State or Territory other than Tasmania.

71

134      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd ABN 79 112 284 787 is a member of a national association of independent entities which are all members of BDO (Australia) Ltd ABN 77 050 110 275, an

Australian company limited by guarantee. BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd and BDO (Australia) Ltd are members of BDO International Ltd, a UK company limited by guarantee, and

form part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation (other than for the

acts or omissions of financial services licensees) in each State or Territory other than Tasmania.

71

Independence

In conducting our audit, we have complied with the independence requirements of the Corporations
Act 2001. We confirm that the independence declaration required by the Corporations Act 2001, which
has been given to the directors of Independence Group NL, would be in the same terms if given to the
directors as at the time of this auditor’s report.

Opinion

In our opinion:

(a)

the financial report of Independence Group NL is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001,
including:

(i)

giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 30 June 2014
and of its performance for the year ended on that date; and

(ii) complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001; and

(b)

the financial report also complies with International Financial Reporting Standards as disclosed in
Note 2(a)(i).

Report on the Remuneration Report

We have audited the Remuneration Report included in the directors’ report for the year ended 30 June
2014. The directors of the company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the
Remuneration Report in accordance with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. Our responsibility
is to express an opinion on the Remuneration Report, based on our audit conducted in accordance with
Australian Auditing Standards.

Opinion

In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Independence Group NL for the year ended 30 June 2014
complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001.

BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd

Brad McVeigh
Director

Perth, 27 August 2014

ANNUAL REPORT 2014     135

72

ADDITIONAL ASX INFORMATION 

The following additional information not shown elsewhere in this report is required by ASX Limited in respect of listed companies 
only.  This information is current as at 30 September 2014.

1. 

Shareholding

a.  Distribution of shareholders

Holding range
1 – 1,000
1,001 – 5,000
5,001 – 10,000
10,001 – 100,000
100,001 and over

TOTAL

No of holders
2,353
2,258
601
589
70

5,871

Fully paid ordinary shares

1,062,341
5,671,407
4,441,155
14,715,655
208,366,015

234,256,573

Number of holders
0.45%
2.42%
1.90%
6.28%
88.95%

100.00%

b.  The number of shareholders holding less than a marketable parcel of fully paid ordinary shares is 362.

c.  The Company has received the following notices of substantial shareholding (“Notice”):

Substantial shareholder

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

FIL Limited

Relevant Interest per the Notice - Number of shares

17,841,661

15,399,951

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

d.  Voting rights: The voting rights of the fully paid ordinary shares are one vote per share held.

The name of the Company Secretary is Mr Tony Walsh B.Com, MBA, FCA, FCIS.  Mr Walsh is a fellow of Governance 
Institute of Australia (formerly called Chartered Secretaries Australia) and fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in 
Australia. Mr Walsh has over 20 years’ experience in dealing with ASX listed companies. ASIC, the Corporations Act  
and ASX listing rules. Prior to joining the Company in July 2013, Mr Walsh worked for Atlas Iron Limited in a similar role for  
7 years, ASX Limited for over 14 years and Ernst & Young for over 5 years.

The address of the registered office and principal  administrative office in Australia is Suite 4, Level 5, South Shore Centre, 
85 South Perth Esplanade, South Perth, Western Australia, telephone (08) 9238 8300.

The register of securities is held at Computershare Investor Services Pty Limited, Level 2, 45 St Georges Terrace,  
Perth WA 6000, Australia.

No on-market share buy-back is current.

Stock Exchange Listing: Quotation has been granted for 234,256,573 ordinary shares of the Company on the Australian 
Securities Exchange (ASX). 

Unquoted securities: There are currently no securities outstanding which have been issued by the Company and not quoted 
on the ASX.

8. 

Twenty largest holders of ordinary shares

  Ordinary Shareholders

No. of Shares held

Percentage Held

J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited
National Nominees Limited
HSBC Custody Nominees Australia Pty Limited
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited
BNP Paribas Noms Pty Ltd 
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 
AMP Life Limited
HSBC Custody Nominees Australia Pty Limited
Amalgamated Dairies Limited
RBC Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited 
RBC Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited 
Forsyth Barr Custodians Ltd 
Virtual Genius Pty Ltd 
National Nominees Limited 
Nattai Pty Ltd 

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16 QIC Limited
17
18
19
20

The Australian National University
CPU Share Plans Pty Limited 
Bonwick Superannuation Pty Ltd 
Yarandi Investments Pty Ltd 

63,449,374
38,915,821
38,746,988
23,493,586
7,747,800
3,195,679
2,991,685
2,738,043
2,061,553
2,018,500
1,879,065
1,449,264
1,003,750
989,711
900,000
885,091
856,285
829,514
800,000
790,492

27.09
16.61
16.54
10.03
3.31
1.36
1.28
1.17
0.88
0.86
0.80
0.62
0.43
0.42
0.38
0.38
0.37
0.35
0.34
0.34

1      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL
136      INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL

195,742,201

83.56%

 
 
 
 
GLOSSARY OF TERMS

AC drilling – means air core drilling.

AngloGold Ashanti – means AngloGold Ashanti Australia Pty Ltd.

Ag – means Silver.

Au – means Gold.

Cu – means Copper.

LTIFR – means lost time injury frequency rate per million man hours worked.

Mt – means million metric tonnes. 

Ni – means Nickel.

oz – means ounce.

t – means metric tonnes.

TGM – means the Tropicana Gold Mine that is 30% owned by the Company and 70% owed by AngloGold Ashanti under the TJV 
agreement.

TJV – means the Tropicana Joint Venture that is 30% owned by the Company and 70% owned by AngloGold Ashanti.

Underlying EBITDA – is a non-IFRS measure and in FY2014 comprises $67.8M profit before tax (FY2013:$27.8M) less $5.1M 
interest income net of finance costs (FY2013: $1.2M), $69.8M depreciation & amortisation expense (FY2013: $24.4M) and $32.0M 
exploration impairment expenses (FY2013: $5.8M).

Zn – means Zinc.

$ – means Australian dollars. All currency amounts in this report are Australian Dollars unless otherwise stated.

www.igo.com.au

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