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Newcrest Mining

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FY2015 Annual Report · Newcrest Mining
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Newcrest Mining Limited  Annual Report 2015

Key Achievements Financial Year 2015

The Board 
Forging a Stronger Newcrest
Safety

1 
2  Results at a Glance 
Chairman’s Report 
4 
5  Managing Director’s Review 
6 
8 
9 
10  Operations/(cid:11)Projects/(cid:11)Exploration 
22  Sustainability 
24  Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves 
32  Corporate Governance Statement
33  Diversity and Inclusion
34  Financial Report 
35  Directors’ Report 
38  Operating and Financial Review
62 

 Letter from the Chairman and the Chairman of the 
Human Resources and Remuneration Committee 

 Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 
 Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 
 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 
 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 
 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 

63  Remuneration Report 
90  Auditor’s Independence Declaration 
91  Consolidated Income Statement 
92 
93 
94 
95 
96 
139  Directors’ Declaration 
140  Independent Auditor’s Report 
142  Shareholder Information 
144  Five Year Summary
IBC  Corporate Directory

Newcrest is one of the world’s largest gold mining companies, 
with operating assets in four countries, predominantly in Australia 
and the South-West Pacific region. The Company’s key priorities are 
safety, operating discipline, cash generation and profitable growth.

1   Cadia Valley  100%  Newcrest

4   Gosowong 

75%  Newcrest

7   Bonikro   89.89%  Newcrest

2   Telfer 

100%  Newcrest

5   Wafi-Golpu 

50%  Newcrest

8   Namosi  69.94%  Newcrest

3   Lihir 

100%  Newcrest

6   Hidden Valley  50%  Newcrest

7

4

2

3

6

5

1

8

Key Achievements Financial Year 2015

Improved operational and financial performance
 ▶ 12% lower All-In Sustaining Cost (1) of USD 789/oz
 ▶ Gold production up 1% and copper production up 12% year-on-year 
 ▶ Statutory profit (2) of AUD 546 million and Underlying profit (1) of AUD 515 million
 ▶ EBITDA margin (1) increased to 39%

Stronger cash flow and balance sheet
 ▶ Free cash flow (1) of AUD 1,086 million
 ▶ Net debt reduction of AUD 174 million

Future value identified 
 ▶ Lihir pit optimisation study expected to be completed by the end of 2015
 ▶ Retention of Telfer likely to provide better value than alternatives, 

initial cutbacks approved

 ▶ Revised approach to Golpu announced in December 2014, 

feasibility study for stage one nearing completion

(1)  For this reference and other references to non-IFRS financial measures throughout this annual report, refer to the information in the Operating and Financial 

Review in the Directors’ Report regarding non-IFRS financial measures.
(2)  Statutory profit is profit after tax attributable to owners of the Company.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015(cid:12)1

Results at a Glance

Operational performance
 ▶ Gold production 2,423 thousand ounces; copper production 

97 thousand tonnes

 ▶ All-in Sustaining Cost of AUD 941 per ounce (USD 789 per ounce)
 ▶ All-in Sustaining Cost margin of AUD 533 per ounce (on average 

realised gold price of AUD 1,474 per ounce)

Projects and studies
 ▶ Cadia East Panel Cave 1 propagated to surface Q2 2015
 ▶ Golpu stage one feasibility study and stage two 

pre-feasibility study nearing completion

Profit and cash flow
 ▶ Statutory profit of AUD 546 million 
 ▶ Underlying profit of AUD 515 million
 ▶ Free cash flow of AUD 1,086 million
 ▶ Cash flow from operations of AUD 1,589 million
 ▶ EBITDA margin of 39%; EBIT margin (1) of 23%

Balance sheet
 ▶ Cash and undrawn committed debt facilities at 30 June 2015 

of approximately AUD 3,155 million (USD 2,423 million)

 ▶ Gearing of 29.3%

(1)  For this reference and other references to non-IFRS financial measures throughout this annual report, refer to the information in the Operating and Financial 

Review in the Directors’ Report regarding non-IFRS financial measures.

GROUP GOLD PRODUCTION 

GROUP COPPER PRODUCTION 

UNDERLYING PROFIT

(thousand ounces)

(thousand tonnes)

(A$ million)

2,423

2,396

2,110

2,286

2,527*

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

97

86

80

76

76

432

446^

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

515

1,084

1,058

1% INCREASE

12% INCREASE

19% INCREASE

* Production from the former LGL operations included from the acquisition date of 30 August 2010
^  Comparative 2013 information has been restated to reflect the adoption of Interpretation 20 – Stripping Costs in the Production Phase of a Surface Mine

2(cid:12)NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Gold produced 

Copper produced 

Gold price realised 

Sales revenue 

EBITDA (1)(2) 

EBIT (1)(2) 

Statutory Profit/(loss) (3) 

Underlying Profit (2)(4) 

Operating cash flow 

Capital expenditure 

Return on capital employed (ROCE) (2) (5) 

Gearing (Net Debt/Net Equity and Equity) (2) (6) 

(ounces) 

(tonnes) 

(AUD per ounce) 

(AUD million) 

(AUD million) 

(AUD million) 

(AUD million) 

(AUD million) 

(AUD million) 

(AUD million) 

(percent) 

(percent) 

Interim and Final Dividend 

AUD cents per share 

12 months to  
30 June 2015 

12 months to 
30 June 2014 

%
Change

2,422,568 

2,396,023 

96,816 

1,474 

4,344 

1,673 

980 

546 

515 

1,589 

564 

8.0 

29.3 

0 

86,118 

1,408 

4,040 

1,514 

821 

(2,221) 

432 

1,037 

843 

6.4 

33.8 

0 

1

12

5

8

11

19

–

19

53

33

25

(13)

0

(1)  EBITDA is ‘Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and significant items’. EBIT is ‘Earnings before interest, tax and significant items’. 

EBITDA and EBIT are used to measure segment performance and have been extracted from Note 6 ’Segment Information’ on page 108.

(2)  EBIT, EBITDA, Underlying profit, Return on capital employed and Gearing are non-IFRS financial information and have not been subject to audit by the Company’s 
external auditor. Refer to the Operating and Financial Review section of the Directors' Report for further information regarding Non-IFRS financial measures.

(3)  Statutory profit/(loss) is profit/(loss) after tax attributable to owners of the parent.
(4)  Underlying profit is profit after tax before significant items attributable to owners of the parent. Refer to page 56 for further details.
(5)  Return on Capital Employed is calculated as EBIT divided by average capital employed.
(6)  Gearing is calculated as net debt to net debt and equity. Refer to page 55.

EBIT

(A$ million)

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS

FREE CASH FLOW 

(A$ million)

(A$ million)

980

1,589

821

745^

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

1,590

1,544

1,037

1,147^

2015

2014

2013

-1,147^

1,726

1,729

2012

2011

-1,029

-565

1,086

133

19% INCREASE

53% INCREASE

717% INCREASE

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015(cid:12)3

 
 
 
 
Chairman’s Report

The focus on cash is delivering results, 
with AUD 1,086 million of free cash flow 
generated in the year, AUD 953 million 
higher than the previous financial year.

The past year has been characterised by improvements in our 
operational and financial performance, driven by our focus 
on operational discipline and cash flow generation. 

This strengthened operational performance has been marred 
by our safety performance. We experienced two fatalities over 
the course of the financial year, and a further two fatalities 
in July and September 2015. This loss of life is of deep concern 
to the Newcrest Board and management – we are directly 
involved in reviewing the investigations of these incidents 
and are seeking to ensure that the learnings arising from 
these incidents are applied to the prevention of future 
fatalities. Entrenching a safe workplace culture through 
improved major hazard controls and safe behaviour is one 
of the pillars of our business improvement plan. 

Newcrest’s business improvement program, which we call 
‘Edge’, has been central to the Company’s improved operating 
and financial performance. Newcrest delivered a statutory 
profit of AUD 546 million in the current year, AUD 2,767 million 
higher than the previous financial year, which included asset 
impairments of AUD 2,353 million.

Underlying profit of AUD 515 million was AUD 83 million 
higher than the previous financial year, assisted by increased 
revenues from the ramp-up of higher margin production at 
Cadia East along with beneficial impacts from the weakening 
Australian dollar. 

The focus on generating free cash flow is delivering results 
with AUD 1,086 million of free cash flow in the year, which 
was AUD 953 million higher than the previous financial year. 
This has enabled us to reduce net debt by USD 819 million 
in the 2015 financial year.

Newcrest’s financial objectives are to meet all financial 
obligations, maintain a strong balance sheet, so as to 
withstand cash flow volatility, be able to invest capital 
in value-creating opportunities, and be able to return 
excess cash generated to shareholders. As an unhedged 
gold producer, Newcrest looks to maintain a conservative 
level of balance sheet leverage. 

The Board has determined that there will be no dividend 
for the 12 months ended 30 June 2015 as we prioritise 
the repayment of debt. The Board will consider returning 
to paying a dividend as debt is further reduced, taking 
market and operating conditions into consideration. 

During the year, we made a number of changes to the 
Company’s Executive remuneration framework, following 
consultation with a number of shareholders. These changes 
are detailed in the remuneration report contained herein. 
We have also introduced minimum shareholding requirements 
for all Executives and Directors.

In July 2015, I announced changes to the Board. Following 
Tim Poole’s resignation, effective 30 July 2015, and Vince 
Gauci’s decision to retire following the Annual General 
Meeting on 29 October 2015, two new appointments were 
announced. Xiaoling Liu joined the Board on 1 September 2015 
and Roger Higgins will join on 1 October 2015. The process 
of Board renewal will continue over the coming years to ensure 
an orderly transition and renewal of skills and experience. 
With their extensive operational and executive experience, 
I expect Xiaoling and Roger will make an excellent contribution 
to the Board and I would like to thank both Tim and Vince for 
their valued years of service.

In Sandeep’s first full year as Managing Director and Chief 
Executive Officer, he has overseen significant operational 
and financial improvement. This is the commencement 
of a phased transformational plan. The Edge program has 
been rolled out across the Company, and is delivering an 
unrelenting focus on safety, operational discipline, cash and 
profitable growth, underpinned by a culture of accountability 
and personal ownership.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Newcrest’s 
employees and contractors for their commitment and 
contribution to our strong financial results over the past 
year. I would also like to acknowledge our host communities 
and governments for working with us for the benefit of all 
our stakeholders. 

Newcrest’s return to financial health enables us to look 
ahead with confidence. The Board will continue to work 
with and support Sandeep and his team as they continue 
to improve the business and deliver on our commitments.

Peter Hay
Chairman

4(cid:12)NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Managing Director’s Review

We have continued to meet our commitments 
on guidance and maintained our focus on 
sustainably lowering our costs, and lowered 
debt levels through free cash flow generation. 

The year ended 30 June 2015 was my first full year as Managing 
Director and Chief Executive Officer of Newcrest. Four areas 
of focus have guided our actions over the past year: safety, 
operational discipline, cash generation and profitable 
growth, underpinned by a culture of personal ownership 
and accountability. With the critical exception of safety 
performance, this year’s results demonstrate significant 
positive change and progress across these areas. 

Our achievements were sadly overshadowed by two fatalities 
during the financial year and a further two fatalities in July 
and September 2015. Two were at our joint venture operation 
Hidden Valley, one at Telfer and most recently one at Cadia. 
I can assure you that Newcrest has invested considerable time 
and energy into making safety our primary objective, ahead 
of financial performance. The fatalities have been a source of 
profound sadness to all of us at Newcrest. We have re-doubled 
our commitment to ensure our people go about their work 
in a safe manner and we are more determined than ever to 
eliminate fatalities and life-altering injuries from our business. 
To assist a step-change improvement in our safety performance, 
we launched our NewSafe program during the year to entrench 
safe workplace mindsets and behaviours. 

Twelve months ago, I spoke about our three-phase 
improvement journey at Newcrest – first to assess our 
operations and launch our Edge transformation plan; 
second to execute our improvement plans and realise 
the benefits and third to profitably grow our business. 

During our first full year of implementation of our Edge 
improvement program, we have delivered approximately 
AUD 390 million of cash benefits through the successful 
implementation of numerous improvement initiatives. 
This helped deliver AUD 1.1 billion of free cash flow for the 
year, allowing us to reduce net debt by USD 819 million.

The Edge program has driven an improvement in our operational 
performance, reduced costs, optimised the capital deployed 
and increased the free cash flow of the business. Central to 
the success of Edge is employee engagement, bottom-up 
innovation, personal ownership and operational discipline.

We have continued to meet or exceed production, capital 
and cost guidance. Gold production for the 2015 financial year 
of 2.4 million ounces was higher than the previous financial 
year and copper production of 97 thousand tonnes was also 
higher. Our All-In Sustaining Cost of USD 789 per ounce for 
the financial year, was 12 percent lower than the previous 
year, delivering an improved All-In Sustaining Cost margin 
of around 36 percent.

Cadia’s operational and financial performance was strong, 
with the continued ramp-up of ore mined from Cadia East Panel 
Cave 1 being supported by strong Ridgeway mine performance. 
We submitted an application to increase the Cadia processing 
plant permit from its current 27 million tonnes per annum 
(Mtpa) to 32 Mtpa which was approved in September 2015. 
A study has commenced to determine the most cost-effective 
way forward in relation to this plant expansion.

At Lihir we remain focused primarily on improving the 
availability and throughput of the plant whilst also lowering 
operating costs. During the 2015 financial year, we applied 
a new operating strategy which assisted us in achieving 
a 15 percent increase in plant throughput over the year with 
minimal reduction in recovery rates. We are on track to achieve 
our target of a sustained 12 Mtpa milling rate by the end 
of December 2015 and in August 2015 we announced a new 
milling throughput target rate of 13 Mtpa. We continue to 
progress the Pit Optimisation Study, which seeks to define the 
most cost-effective long term-mine development plan for Lihir.

After completing a future options review at Telfer, we made the 
decision to retain the asset. Improved performance, the Edge 
program, lower operating costs, an optimised mine plan and a 
lower Australian dollar all positively contributed to this decision.

While our primary focus remains on safely maximising the 
operating efficiency and cash generation of our existing 
assets, we are actively progressing the third phase of our 
improvement journey at Newcrest – to sustain and profitably 
grow our business. 

Our near-term organic growth comes from the continued 
ramp-up of Cadia East and the turnaround of Lihir. We also 
expect to complete the feasibility study for stage one and 
pre-feasibility for stage two of the world-class Golpu orebody 
in Papua New Guinea over the coming year. We will continue 
to pursue value creation through participation in early stage 
projects and global greenfields exploration, all with a focus 
on delivering profitable growth. 

During the year I refreshed our Executive leadership team 
to drive the next phase of our improvement journey. I am 
confident that this team has the capability and commitment 
necessary to continue the task of forging a stronger Newcrest. 

In this annual report I am pleased to share Newcrest’s new 
mission and vision statement, which articulates where we are 
heading and how our vision will be achieved. I am pleased to 
advise you that a cross section of our workforce contributed 
to the formulation of this new mission and vision statement 
and their involvement has contributed to it resonating well 
with our people. 

I would like to thank all our people at Newcrest for their 
efforts and dedication in delivering the improved performance 
of the past year. Their skills, knowledge and ideas have 
been instrumental to our progress, as they will be to our 
future success.

Sandeep Biswas
Managing Director and
Chief Executive Officer

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015(cid:12)5

The Board

1

2 

3

4

5

1  Peter Hay LLB, FAICD, 65

INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

Mr Hay was appointed as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board 
on 1 January 2014, after being appointed as a Non-Executive 
Director on 8 August 2013. He is the Chairman of the 
Nominations Committee.

Skills, experience and expertise
Mr Hay has a strong background and breadth of experience 
in business, corporate law, finance and investment banking 
advisory work, with a particular expertise in relation to mergers 
and acquisitions. He has also had significant involvement 
in advising governments and government-owned enterprises. 
Mr Hay was Chief Executive Officer of the legal firm Freehills 
until 2005, where he had been a partner since 1977.

Current Listed Directorships
 – Chairman of Federation Limited and Federation Centres Limited 

(effectively a single board) (from 2015)

Other Directorships/appointments
 – Director of Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD)
 – Member of AICD Corporate Governance Committee
 – Member of the Australian Government Takeovers Panel

Former Listed Directorships (last three years)
 – Director of GUD Holdings Limited (2009–2015)
 – Director of Novion Limited (2014–2015)
 – Director of Alumina Limited (2002–2013)
 – Director of the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited 

(2008–2014) 

 – Director of Myer Holdings Limited (2010–2014)

2  Sandeep Biswas BEng (Chemical) (Hons), 53

MANAGING DIRECTOR AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Mr Biswas joined Newcrest on 1 January 2014, as an Executive 
Director and Chief Operating Officer and was appointed Managing 
Director and Chief Executive Officer effective 4 July 2014.

Skills, experience and expertise
Mr Biswas was previously Chief Executive Officer of Pacific 
Aluminium, a wholly owned subsidiary within the Rio Tinto group, 
which incorporated the bauxite, alumina, refining and smelting 
operations in Australia and New Zealand. He began his career with 
Mount Isa Mines, working in both Australia and Europe. Mr Biswas 
has also worked for Western Mining in Australia and Rio Tinto in 
Canada and Australia. He has experience in research, operations, 
business development and projects, across commodities including 
aluminium, copper, lead, zinc and nickel.

Other Directorships/Appointments
 – Director of the Minerals Council of Australia

3   Gerard Bond

BComm, Graduate Diploma Applied Finance and Investment, 
Chartered Accountant, F Fin, 47
FINANCE DIRECTOR AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Mr Bond was appointed to the Board as an Executive Director 
in February 2012, after joining Newcrest as Finance Director and 
Chief Financial Officer in January 2012.

Skills, experience and expertise
Mr Bond has experience in the global financial and resources 
industry with Newcrest, BHP Billiton, Coopers & Lybrand and 
Price Waterhouse. Prior to joining Newcrest, Mr Bond was with 
BHP Billiton for over 14 years where he held a number of senior 
executive roles in Europe and Australia, including in Mergers and 
Acquisitions, Treasury, as Deputy CFO of the Aluminium business, 
CFO and then Acting President of the Nickel business, and as 
BHP Billiton’s Head of Group Human Resources.

4   Philip Aiken am

BEng (Chemical), Advanced Management Program (HBS), 66
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mr Aiken was appointed to the Board in April 2013. He is a member 
of the Human Resources and Remuneration Committee, the Safety 
and Sustainability Committee and the Nominations Committee.

Skills, experience and expertise
Mr Aiken has extensive Australian and international business 
experience, principally in the engineering and resources sectors. 
He was Group President Energy BHP Billiton, President BHP 
Petroleum, Managing Director BOC/CIG, Chief Executive 
of BTR Nylex and Senior Advisor Macquarie Capital (Europe).

Current Listed Directorships
 – Chairman of Aveva Group plc (from 2012)
 – Chairman of Balfour Beatty plc (from 2015)

Former Listed Directorships (last three years)
 – Chairman of Robert Walters plc (2007–2012)
 – Director of Miclyn Express Offshore Ltd (2010–2012)
 – Senior Independent Director of Kazakhmys plc (2008–2013)
 – Senior Independent Director of Essar Energy plc (2010–2014)
 – Director of Essar Oil Limited (a listed subsidiary of Essar Energy plc) 

(2010–2014)

 – Director of National Grid plc (2008–2015)

5  Vince Gauci BEng (Mining), 73

INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mr Gauci was appointed to the Board in December 2008. 
He is a member of the Safety and Sustainability Committee 
and the Human Resources and Remuneration Committee.

Skills, experience and expertise
Mr Gauci has more than 40 years’ experience in the global mining 
industry, culminating in his role as Managing Director of MIM Ltd. 
He is a former Chairman of Runge Limited and was a Director 
of Liontown Resources Limited and of Coates Hire Limited.

Other Directorships/appointments
 – Chairman of the Broken Hill Community Foundation

Vince Gauci has announced that he will retire from the Board 
with effect from the end of the 2015 Annual General Meeting.

6(cid:12)NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

6

7

8

9

10

11

6  Lady Winifred Kamit BA, LLB, 62

9   Rick Lee am

BEng (Chemical) (Hons), MA (Econ) (Oxon), FAICD, 65
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mr Lee was appointed to the Board in August 2007. He is Chairman 
of the Human Resources and Remuneration Committee and 
a member of the Audit and Risk Committee.

Skills, experience and expertise
Mr Lee has extensive resource banking, finance and international 
commercial experience. His previous senior executive roles include 
16 years with CSR Limited and nine years as Chief Executive Officer 
of NM Rothschild Australia Limited. He is a former Chairman of the 
Australian Institute of Company Directors and C. Czarnikow Limited 
and is a former Director of CSR Limited.

Current Listed Directorships
 – Chairman of Oil Search Limited (Director from 2012, 

Chairman from 2013)

Former Listed Directorships (last three years)
 – Deputy Chairman of Ridley Corporation Limited (2001–2013)
 – Chairman Salmat Limited (2002–2013)

10  Xiaoling Liu

PhD (Extractive Metallurgy), BEng (Extractive Metallurgy), 
MAICD, FAusIMM, 58
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dr Liu was appointed to the Board with effect from September 2015. 
She is a member of the Human Resources and Remuneration 
Committee, the Safety and Sustainability Committee and 
the Audit and Risk Committee.

Skills, experience and expertise
Dr Liu has extensive executive experience in leading global mining 
and processing businesses. Her last executive role was as President 
and Chief Executive Officer of Rio Tinto Minerals, based in Denver, 
where she ran integrated mining, processing and supply chain 
operations in the United States, Europe and Asia. Prior to her last 
executive role, Dr Liu held senior management and operational 
roles at Rio Tinto throughout her career, including President – 
Primary Metal Pacific, Managing Director – Global Technical Services 
and General Manager Bell Bay Smelter. 

11  John Spark BComm, FCA, MAICD 66

INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mr Spark was appointed to the Board in September 2007. 
He is Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee and a member 
of the Nominations Committee.

Skills, experience and expertise
Mr Spark has an extensive background in company reconstruction, 
accounting, profit improvement and financial analysis. He is a 
registered company auditor and former Managing Partner of Ferrier 
Hodgson, Melbourne. He is a former Director of ANL Limited, Baxter 
Group Limited, Macarthur Coal Limited and former Chairman of 
Ridley Corporation Limited.

Former Listed Directorships (last three years)
 – Chairman of Ridley Corporation Limited (2010–2015) 

(Director 2008–2015)

INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Lady Kamit was appointed to the Board in February 2011. 
She is a member of the Human Resources and Remuneration 
Committee and the Safety and Sustainability Committee.
Skills, experience and expertise
Lady Kamit has extensive business experience and broad community 
knowledge of Papua New Guinea. She is currently a consultant at Gadens 
Lawyers in Port Moresby and was formerly a senior partner at that firm. 
Lady Kamit was a Director of Lihir Gold Limited from 2004 until 2010.
Current Listed Directorships
 – Director of Steamships Trading Company Limited (from 2005)
Other Directorships/appointments
 – Councillor of the Papua New Guinea Institute of National 

Affairs and Chairperson of Coalition for Change PNG 
(an initiative against violence against women and children).

 – Director of Nautilus Minerals Niugini Limited
 – Director of ANZ Banking Group (PNG) Limited
 – Director of Post Courier Limited
 – Director of South Pacific Post Limited

7   Richard Knight

BSc (Mining Engineering), MSc (Mine Production Management), 
Chartered Engineer, FAICD, 74
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Mr Knight was appointed to the Board in February 2008. 
He is Chairman of the Safety and Sustainability Committee. 
Skills, experience and expertise
Mr Knight has over 40 years varied experience across all phases of the 
mining industry and in a wide spread of jurisdictions around the world. 
He is a former Executive Director of North Limited, President and Chief 
Executive Officer of Iron Ore Company of Canada and Chief Executive 
Officer of Energy Resources Australia Limited. He is a former Director 
of OZ Minerals Limited, Zinifex Limited, St. Barbara Limited, Portman 
Limited, Northern Orion Resources Inc. and Asia Pacific Resources Ltd.
Other Directorships/appointments
 – Chairman of the Mining Engineering Advisory Board, 

Monash University

 – Director of Mining Education Australia

8   Roger Higgins

BE (Civil Engineering) (Hons), MSc (Hydraulics), PhD (Water Resources), 64
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dr Higgins has been appointed as Non-Executive Director of the Board 
and a member of the Safety and Sustainability Committee effective 
from 1 October 2015.
Skills, experience and expertise
Dr Higgins brings extensive experience leading mining companies and 
operations, and has deep working knowledge of Papua New Guinea 
as a current Non-Executive Director and a former Managing Director 
of Ok Tedi Mining Limited in Papua New Guinea. In his most recent 
executive position, Dr Higgins served as Senior Vice President, Copper 
at Canadian metals and mining company, Teck Resources Limited. 
Prior to this role he was Vice President and Chief Operating Officer 
with BHP Billiton Base Metals Customer Sector Group working in 
Australia and also held senior positions with BHP Billiton in Chile. 
He holds the position of Adjunct Professor with the Sustainable 
Minerals Institute, University of Queensland.
Current Listed Directorships
Director of Metminco Limited (from 2013)
Other Directorships/appointments
 – Director of Ok Tedi Mining Limited 
 – Chairman of the International River Foundation 
 – Director of Institution of Engineers PNG
 – Director of PNG Professional Engineers Registration Board 
 – Director of South Australia Museum Foundation
Former Listed Directorships (last 3 years)
 –  Blackthorn Resources Limited (2014)

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015(cid:12)7

Forging a stronger Newcrest

In August 2015, Newcrest released a new mission and vision statement, outlining our purpose, aspiration for the future and 
our roadmap for forging a stronger Newcrest.

It articulates a clear mission to deliver superior returns from finding, developing and operating gold/copper mines.

The statement also affirms our existing vision to be the Miner of Choice, and defines the four indicators that will make us the 
preferred partner for investors, communities, governments and employees: safety, responsibility, efficiency and profitability. 

We are working to realise our vision through a high performance, no-nonsense culture focused on safety, operational 
discipline, cash and profitable growth, where we deliver on our commitments. Our values and practices shape who we are 
and guide the way we work.

8(cid:12)NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Safety

This page
Examples of safe behaviour at Newcrest

‘ To me, safety is a key measure of success 
for a mining company’

 CEO Sandeep Biswas at the launch of the NewSafe program 
 aimed at eliminating fatalities and life-altering injuries.

The health and safety of our workforce is a core value for 
Newcrest. Our clear focus remains on eliminating fatalities 
and life-altering injuries from our business, while striving 
to make continual progress on reducing all injuries and health 
impacts. We believe that a strong commitment to health 
and safety improvement will yield benefits for our workforce 
and for overall business performance.

Tragically we lost two of our workforce in separate incidents 
during the financial year. In December 2014 a Hidden Valley 
Joint Venture employee was killed while working in the 
processing plant in an incident involving mobile equipment. 
In May 2015, a contractor was fatally injured while operating 
an elevated work platform underground at the Telfer Mine. 
Since the end of the reporting period, in July 2015, an employee 
of the Hidden Valley Joint Venture was killed while operating 
a vehicle on a mine roadway, and most recently in September 
2015 a technician was fatally injured while working 
underground at Cadia.

The pain of these losses has been felt throughout Newcrest, 
touching most heavily on those close to the deceased, and 
serving to strengthen the determination of everyone in the 
Company to eliminate fatalities and life-altering injuries from 
our business. 

In November and December 2014 we reviewed, updated, 
and re-committed to our health and safety strategy. 
The strategy will help us eliminate fatalities and life-altering 
injuries, and is built on three key pillars – NewSafe, Critical 
Control Management, and Process Safety Management. The 
strategy builds on a strong foundation of group-wide systems 
and standards which have been implemented in recent years.

NewSafe is Newcrest’s next step in building our safety culture. 
There are three components to NewSafe – NewSafe Leadership 
which focusses on building safety leadership at all levels; 
NewSafe Coaching which specifically supports our frontline 
supervisors; and NewSafe Behaviours which takes our 

employees and contractors through a process to identify 
the most important safety behaviours in their area, and uses 
a behavioural influencing model to formulate their own plan 
to enable and motivate these behaviours. During the year 
we commenced NewSafe implementation with the Telfer, 
Minerals and Executive teams. Implementation at the other 
operating sites is planned to commence in the coming year.

Building on a solid foundation of major hazard risk 
assessments which Newcrest has undertaken for many 
years, our critical control management approach will focus 
on verifying the operation of the controls we have identified 
as being critical to preventing fatalities and life-altering injuries. 
Assurance programs are being developed to monitor and 
report on critical control performance. The implementation 
of an expanded critical control management program will 
be a core activity for the coming year. 

Completing our strategic approach is a continual improvement 
focus on Process Safety Management, an area of safety 
management which is primarily concerned with preventing 
high-consequence catastrophic events. Initially focused 
on Lihir processing operations, Process Safety Management 
systems and improvements will be embedded at Lihir before 
expanding to other major hazards around the Group.

To support the implementation of the health and safety 
strategy, a position of General Manager – Health, Safety, 
Environment and Security was created during the year, 
reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

During the reporting period improvements were made to 
our systems for reporting, investigating and communicating 
incidents which we classify as ’Significant Potential Incidents’ 
(SPIs). SPIs are serious incidents which in slightly different 
circumstances could have resulted in a fatal outcome. SPIs 
provide the business with an opportunity to identify areas for 
improvement in leadership, culture, systems and procedures. 
We treat each of these incidents with a seriousness appropriate 
to their potential outcome, and each one is reviewed by the 
Executive Committee once investigations are completed. 
Learnings from these incident investigations are shared 
across all sites, and on-time completion of actions arising 
from the investigations are one of our key business 
performance measures.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015(cid:12)9

Driven by a company-wide improvement program, called Edge, 
and a disciplined approach to operations, Newcrest focused 
on efficient, profitable production in FY15. Cadia East continued 
its ramp-up, plant reliability and performance steadily improved 
at Lihir and a revised, two-stage approach to Golpu was announced 
as the Company strives to realise the full potential of its assets.

Operations

Newcrest has a relatively concentrated portfolio of six operating assets, 
including the Cadia and Lihir mines, both of which have ore reserves exceeding 
25 million ounces and expected mine lives of 30+ years. Realising the full value 
of significant recent investment in these assets is the key value driver for the 
Company. Through the Edge improvement program, Newcrest is instilling an 
owner’s mindset at all operations to improve performance, reduce costs and 
optimise capital use.

Projects

Whilst Newcrest’s near term focus remains on free cash flow and debt 
reduction, several growth options have been maintained. An updated 
pre-feasibility for the Golpu project, which splits the project into two stages, 
was announced during the year. This project represents Newcrest’s most 
exciting greenfields development option. Other projects include the Lihir Pit 
Optimisation Study, which seeks to optimise the mine plan and review 
seepage barrier options.

Exploration

Newcrest has an excellent discovery record, with three of the Company’s six 
operations and two of its growth provinces directly resulting from Newcrest 
exploration activities, either through discovery or early-stage entry and resource 
drilling. The Company’s exploration strategy is to: extend the mine life and/or 
grow production or margin at each mine through brownfields exploration, 
resource definition and orebody knowledge work; support advancement of the 
Company’s development projects; and deliver the next generation of discoveries 
from the exploration portfolio.

10(cid:12)NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015(cid:12)11

Operations

Cadia
Newcrest has invested approximately 
AUD 2.1 billion over five years constructing
Cadia East, the deepest panel cave in the world.

GOLD PRODUCTION 

2015

2014

667,418

667,418

592,831

OUNCES

 13% INCREASE

FY15 STATISTICS

Mining Method 

Resources†  – Gold 

– Copper 

Reserves†  – Gold 

– Copper 

  Underground

44  million ounces
8.6  million tonnes

28  million ounces
4.9  million tonnes

Total Mine Production 

23,576  thousand tonnes

Total Ore Milled 

Production  – Gold 

– Copper 

23,142  thousand tonnes

667,418  ounces
73,697  tonnes

All-In Sustaining Cost 

245  AUD per ounce of gold sold

EBIT Margin  

42.4  percent

†  Resources and Reserves are as at 31 December 2014.

12(cid:12)NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

 
 
 
Opposite page
Surface operations at Cadia 

This page
Ore production in Cadia East 
Panel Cave 1

The Cadia operations are located in central western 
New South Wales, Australia, 25 kilometres south-west of 
Orange and 250 kilometres west of Sydney. The operations 
currently comprise two underground mines, Cadia East, and 
Ridgeway. Ridgeway is expected to be placed into care and 
maintenance at some point in FY16. Cadia is 100 percent 
Newcrest owned.

Production for the year ended June 2015 was 667,418 ounces 
of gold and 73,697 tonnes of copper, with an All-In Sustaining 
Cost of AUD 245 per ounce. As at 31 December 2014, the Cadia 
Mineral Resource estimate contained 44 million ounces of 
gold and 8.6 million tonnes of copper, including an Ore Reserve 
estimated to contain 28 million ounces of gold and 4.9 million 
tonnes of copper.

Newcrest discovered gold in the Cadia Valley in 1992 and 
commenced production from the Cadia Hill open pit mine in 
1998, followed by Ridgeway sub-level cave in 2002. Ridgeway 
transitioned to a block cave operation, beneath the original 
sub-level cave, in 2010.

The Cadia East deposit is a porphyry zone of gold-copper 
mineralisation adjacent to the eastern edge of the Cadia 
Hill orebody. It is one of the world’s largest gold and 
copper deposits. Cadia East has been developed as a large 
underground panel cave mine, the first of its type in Australia. 
At full capacity, it is expected to be the largest metalliferous 
underground mine in Australia and one of the largest in the 
world. Construction began in 2010 and commercial production 
from Panel Cave 1 (PC1) was achieved in January 2013.

In October 2014, the mine reached a major milestone 
with the safe propagation of PC1 through to the surface. 
The propagation connects the broken rock of the cave 
to the surface, reducing production risk and increasing 
draw flexibility. The breakthrough means production 
becomes less constrained providing more flexible ore 
extraction. Cadia East construction activity was completed 
in the March quarter with the commissioning of the last 
underground crusher in Panel Cave 2 (PC2).

PC2 was affected by a seismic event on 25 February 2015, which 
caused localised damage to an area of the extraction level. 
No injuries occurred and as a precaution, PC2 development 
and production was suspended. The undercutting strategy 
was modified from the post-undercut strategy used in PC1, 
to the advanced undercutting strategy used at Ridgeway 
to account for the varying rock conditions in PC2. Undercutting 
development using the revised approach recommenced 
in the June quarter.

In September 2015, the New South Wales Department of 
Planning and Environment approved Newcrest's application 
to modify the Cadia East Project Approval to increase the 
permit for the upper limit processing plant from 27 Mtpa 
to 32 Mtpa. Any increase to production capacity and the 
associated capital requirement is subject to further studies 
and Newcrest Board approval.

Cadia East is a world-class operation achieving low All-In 
Sustaining Costs and a 30+ year reserve life. It is a major 
source of production and cash flow for Newcrest.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015(cid:12)13

Operations

Lihir
Lihir is one of the world’s largest gold deposits. 
Newcrest is focused on improving the reliability 
of the process plant and optimising the mine 
plan to achieve Lihir’s full potential for the 
benefit of all stakeholders.

GOLD PRODUCTION 

2015

2014

688,714

688,714

721,264

OUNCES

 5% DECREASE

FY15 STATISTICS

Mining Method 

Resources†  – Gold 

Reserves†  – Gold 

  Open Pit

59  million ounces

29  million ounces

Total Mine Production 

13,096  thousand tonnes

Total Ore Milled 

10,768  thousand tonnes

Production  – Gold 

688,714  ounces

All-In Sustaining Cost 

1,394  AUD per ounce of gold sold

EBIT Margin  

(2.9) percent

†  Resources and Reserves are as at 31 December 2014.

14(cid:12)NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Opposite page
Aerial view of mining operations at Lihir 

This page
Left: Open pit activity
Right: An employee of Lihir operations

The Lihir operation is 100 percent owned by Newcrest and 
located on the island of Niolam, 900 kilometres north-east 
of Port Moresby in the New Ireland Province of Papua New Guinea 
(PNG). It is located within the Luise Volcano Caldera on the 
east coast of Niolam Island. The Luise Caldera is an extinct 
volcanic crater that is geothermally active.

Production for the year ended June 2015 was 688,714 ounces 
of gold with an All-In Sustaining Cost of AUD 1,394 per ounce. 
As at 31 December 2014, the Lihir Mineral Resource estimate 
contained 59 million ounces of gold, including an Ore Reserve 
estimate of 29 million ounces of gold.

The Lihir deposit was discovered in 1982 and extensively drilled 
prior to mine construction in 1995 and the commencement 
of gold production in May 1997. The operation comprises 
a single orebody with three linked open pits, and employs 
a conventional open pit mining method comprising drill, 
blast, load and haul. Ore is predominantly refractory sulphide 
ore, which is treated using autoclaves and a pressure 
oxidisation process before the gold can be recovered by 
a conventional leach process.

A major expansion of the Lihir process plant and flotation 
circuit was completed in 2013, which substantially replicated 
the pre-existing process stream. The additional milling, 
flotation, oxygen production, autoclave and leaching capacity 
has provided greater flexibility in treating the different ores 
and stockpiles within the Lihir system.

In December 2014, Newcrest modified the operating strategy 
at Lihir to reduce the autoclave oxidation level for certain 
types of ore feed. This strategy has helped to increase 
throughput by reducing the autoclave residence time, which, 
in turn, has helped to de-constrain the milling circuit. Gold 
recoveries have not been significantly affected. The new 
strategy also helps to reduce the amount of ore blending 
required and increases operational flexibility during shutdowns.

Improving the uptime and intensity of the process plant 
is the key focus of the improvement program at Lihir. 
Newcrest is targeting a sustained 12 million tonnes per 
annum throughput rate by the end of December 2015 
and a 13 million tonnes per annum rate(1) thereafter. 

The majority of mill feed in FY2015 continued to be sourced 
from stockpiles, supplemented by direct feed ore mined 
from the Minifie open pit. Stockpiles will continue to provide 
a large percentage of mill feed as Newcrest looks to reduce 
stockpile relocation and maximise free cash flow.

Work continues on the Lihir Pit Optimisation Study, 
which seeks to optimise the mine plan and review 
seepage barrier options. 

(1)  This should not be construed as production guidance from the company now or in the future. Potential production and throughput rates are subject 

to a range of contingencies which may affect performance.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015(cid:12)15

Operations

Telfer

Gosowong

GOLD PRODUCTION 

GOLD PRODUCTION 

2015

2014

520,309

536,342

520,309

OUNCES OF GOLD

 3% DECREASE

2015

2014

331,555

344,747

331,555*

OUNCES OF GOLD

 4% DECREASE

FY15 STATISTICS

Mining Method 

Resources†  – Gold 

– Copper 

Reserves†  – Gold 

– Copper 

FY15 STATISTICS*

  Open Pit and Underground

Mining Method 

12  million ounces
0.85  million tonnes

4.8  million ounces
0.36  million tonnes

Resources†  – Gold 
– Silver 

Reserves†  – Gold 
– Silver 

  Underground

1.9  million ounces
3.2  million ounces

1.1  million ounces
1.9  million ounces

Total Mine Production 

27,676  thousand tonnes

Total Mine Production 

878  thousand tonnes

Total Ore Milled 

Production  – Gold 

– Copper 

22,079  thousand tonnes

520,309  ounces
23,119  tonnes

Total Ore Milled 

Production  – Gold 
– Silver 

738  thousand tonnes

331,555  ounces
410,970  ounces

All-In Sustaining Cost 

957  AUD per ounce of gold sold

All-In Sustaining Cost 

863  AUD per ounce of gold sold

EBIT Margin  

29.4  percent

EBIT Margin  

28.3  percent

†  Resources and Reserves are as at 31 December 2014.

* 100 percent share (Newcrest share 75%).
†  Resources and Reserves are as at 31 December 2014.

Telfer continued to focus on efficiency and cost 
reduction initiatives, as Newcrest undertook 
an asset options review ahead of investment 
in further open pit cutbacks.

The Telfer gold-copper mines are located in the Great Sandy 
Desert in Western Australia, approximately 400 kilometres 
south-east of Port Hedland and are 100 percent owned 
by Newcrest. Production for the year ended June 2015 was 
520,309 ounces of gold and 23,119 tonnes of copper with an 
All-In Sustaining Cost of AUD 957 per ounce. As at 31 December 
2014, the Telfer Province Mineral Resource contained an 
estimated 12 million ounces of gold and 0.85 million tonnes 
of copper, including an Ore Reserve estimated to contain 
4.8 million ounces of gold and 0.36 million tonnes of copper.

The original Telfer mine reached full production in 1977. 
Ongoing exploration identified a large, low-grade oxide 
Mineral Resource in Main Dome and to the north-west in 
West Dome, resulting in a mill expansion in 1986 and a dump 
leach operation from 1988. Additional reefs on the eastern 
flank of Main Dome were identified in the 1990s and mined 
using narrow vein underground techniques. This operation 
was suspended in October 2000 due to escalating costs 
and a fall in the gold price to around AUD 300 per ounce.

Telfer now comprises an open pit and an underground mine. 
Open pit mining is currently focused on the Main Dome pit. 
The Telfer underground mine is a sub-level cave mine beneath 
the Main Dome open pit with a 6 million tonne per year shaft 
hoisting system. Ore is combined in a large, twin train, 
flotation treatment plant, which produces gold doré and 
a copper-gold concentrate.

16(cid:12)NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Gosowong continues to provide good free cash flow 
for Newcrest. Near-mine exploration to extend the 
existing mine life is a focus area for the Company.

The Gosowong gold mine is located on Halmahera Island, 
Indonesia. It is operated by PT Nusa Halmahera Minerals, 
which is owned by Newcrest (75 percent interest) and 
PT Aneka Tambang (25 percent interest).

Gold mineralisation at Gosowong was discovered by 
Newcrest geologists in 1993 and comprises multiple 
high-grade epithermal deposits. Mining operations, 
which commenced in 1999, were initially open pit based, 
but now consist of two underground mines – Kencana 
and Toguraci. The processing plant at Gosowong has 
a capacity in excess of 800,000 tonnes per year.

Production for the year ended June 2015 was 331,555 ounces 
of gold at an All-In Sustaining Cost of AUD 863 per ounce. 
As at 31 December 2014, the Gosowong Mineral Resource 
estimate contained 1.9 million ounces of gold and 3.2 million 
ounces of silver, including an estimated Ore Reserve of 
1.1 million ounces of gold and 1.9 million ounces of silver.

Improvement initiatives at Gosowong are primarily focused 
on managing the hot water associated with the ore at Toguraci 
and the challenging ground conditions at Kencana.

The province remains prospective, and exploration activity 
to identify further epithermal vein structures and link zones 
is ongoing in the greater Contract of Work area. Gosowong 
has a history of resources renewal.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Hidden Valley

Bonikro

GOLD PRODUCTION 

GOLD PRODUCTION 

2015

2014

94,601

105,845

94,601*

OUNCES OF GOLD

 11% DECREASE

2015

2014

119,970

94,994

119,970*

OUNCES OF GOLD

 26% INCREASE

FY15 STATISTICS*

Mining Method 

Resources†  – Gold 
– Silver 

Reserves†  – Gold 
– Silver 

  Open Pit

2.7  million ounces
49  million ounces

1.5  million ounces
28  million ounces

Total Mine Production 

8,783  thousand tonnes

Total Ore Milled 

Production  – Gold 
– Silver 

1,824  thousand tonnes

94,601  ounces
892,838  ounces

All-In Sustaining Cost 

1,702  AUD per ounce of gold sold

EBIT Margin  

(10.4)  percent

* 50 percent share.
†  Resources and Reserves are as at 31 December 2014.

The Hidden Valley operation is located in the 
Morobe Province of Papua New Guinea and 
forms part of the Hidden Valley Joint Venture.

Hidden Valley is a gold and silver mine located approximately 
90 kilometres south-west of Lae in the Morobe Province, PNG. 
Hidden Valley is part of the Hidden Valley Joint Venture, which 
is owned 50 percent by Newcrest and 50 percent by Harmony 
Gold Mining Company Limited.

Newcrest’s 50 percent share of production for the year ended 
June 2015 was 94,601 ounces of gold and 892,838 ounces 
of silver at an All-In Sustaining Cost of AUD 1,702 per ounce.

As at 31 December 2014, the Hidden Valley Mineral Resource 
estimate contained 2.7 million ounces of gold and 49 million 
ounces of silver (50 percent), including an Ore Reserve 
estimate of 1.5 million ounces of gold and 28 million ounces 
of silver (50 percent).

The Hidden Valley operation comprises the Hidden Valley 
Kaveroi and Hamata open pits, located approximately 
six kilometres apart, and an ore processing facility which was 
commissioned in August 2009. Both pits employ conventional 
load and haul mining techniques, with ore from the Hidden 
Valley Kaveroi pit then transported to the process plant via 
an overland conveyor.

FY15 STATISTICS*

Mining Method 

Resources†  – Gold 

Reserves†  – Gold 

  Open Pit

1.8  million ounces

1.0  million ounces

Total Mine Production 

10,631  thousand tonnes

Total Ore Milled 

1,976  thousand tonnes

Production  – Gold 

119,970  ounces

All-In Sustaining Cost 

896  AUD per ounce of gold sold

EBIT Margin  

23.8  percent

* 100 percent share (Newcrest share 89.9%).
†  Resources and Reserves are as at 31 December 2014.

Newcrest has developed near-mine alternative 
ore sources within economic distance from 
the Bonikro plant and is using the operation 
as a platform for regional exploration.

The Bonikro operation is located in the central-southern 
portion of the West African nation of Côte d’Ivoire, 
approximately 250 kilometres north-west of the commercial 
capital of Abidjan. It is 89.9 percent Newcrest owned.

Production for the year ended June 2015 was 119,970 ounces 
of gold with an All-In Sustaining Cost of AUD 896 per ounce. 
As at 31 December 2014, the Bonikro Mineral Resource was 
estimated to contain 1.8 million ounces of gold, including an 
Ore Reserve estimated to contain 1.0 million ounces of gold.

Construction of the Bonikro mine began in May 2007, with 
gold production commencing in October 2008. The operation 
employs a conventional open pit mining method comprising 
drill, blast, load and haul. The predominant method of gold 
recovery is via carbon in leach technology, with some gold 
recovered via a gravity circuit.

Newcrest accessed first ore from the nearby Hiré oxide pit in 
the second half of FY2015 and continues to develop near-mine 
alternative ore sources within economic distance from 
the Bonikro plant. The Bonikro operation is being used 
as a platform for exploration in Côte d’Ivoire and the region.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015(cid:12)17

 
 
 
Projects

Wafi-Golpu
Wafi-Golpu is a world-class deposit in a highly 
prospective mineralised belt. An updated Golpu 
pre-feasibility study has identified an improved 
business case for the project by splitting 
it into two stages.

GOLD RESOURCE 

14*

OUNCES OF GOLD RESOURCE 
(MILLIONS)

FY15 STATISTICS*

Mining Method 

Resources†  – Gold 

– Copper 

Reserves†  – Gold 

– Copper 

  Potential Open Pit
  and Underground

14  million ounces
4.7  million tonnes

6.2  million ounces
2.7  million tonnes

* 50 percent share.
†  Resources and Reserves are as at 31 December 2014. 

18(cid:12)NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

 
 
 
 
Opposite page
Orebody model for Wafi-Golpu

This page
Wafi-Golpu site, Morobe Province, 
Papua New Guinea

Wafi-Golpu, located in the Morobe Province of Papua New 
Guinea (PNG) approximately 65 kilometres south-west of the 
town of Lae, is an advanced exploration project that forms 
part of the Wafi-Golpu Joint Venture (Newcrest 50 percent). 
The PNG Government retains the right to purchase, for its 
pro-rata share of historical costs, up to a 30 percent equity 
interest in any mineral discovery at Wafi-Golpu, at any time 
before the commencement of mining.

Wafi-Golpu comprises an extensive body of gold-only 
epithermal style mineralisation (Wafi) and deeper porphyry 
related copper-gold mineralisation (Golpu and Nambonga). 
The Golpu and Wafi deposits are located in close proximity 
to each other, with Golpu located below and immediately 
north of the Wafi deposit.

As at 31 December 2014, the Wafi-Golpu Mineral Resource was 
estimated to contain 14 million ounces of gold and 4.7 million 
tonnes of copper (50 percent), including an Ore Reserve 
estimated to contain 6.2 million ounces of gold and 2.7 million 
tonnes of copper (50 percent).

An update to the 2012 technical pre-feasibility study, released 
in December 2014, confirmed Golpu as a world-class deposit 
and identified an improved business case for the project 
by splitting it into two stages. Stage one targets the upper 
higher-value portion of the orebody and stage two will 
encompass the rest of the ore reserve. The Board of Newcrest 
has approved stage one progressing to feasibility study and 
for work to continue on updating the 2012 pre-feasibility study 
for stage two.

Stage one of the updated pre-feasibility study consists of two 
block cave mines, with the initial block cave operating at 3 Mtpa, 
which will be replaced by a deeper block cave operating at 
6 Mtpa in steady state from 2024. Stage two of the updated 
2012 pre-feasibility study will focus on a third block cave mine.

A total of 52,046 metres of new drill core samples were 
incorporated into this study significantly improving the 
understanding of the geological framework. This has redefined 
the boundaries of the high-grade porphyry event in the 
upper part of the orebody to be mined by block caving 
method. This has enabled a reduction in the size of the 
block caves’ footprint compared with the 2012 pre-feasibility 
study, thereby significantly reducing capital requirements. 
The updated understanding of the Mineral Resource formed 
the basis of the stage one optimisation.

In the updated pre-feasibility study (1) stage one has an 
approximate mine life of 27 years, with annual production 
expected to peak at 320,000 ounces of gold and 150,000 
tonnes of copper in 2025. Maximum cumulative negative 
cash flow is forecast to be USD 1.6 billion (100 percent terms), 
cash costs are expected to be at the bottom of the industry 
curve and first ore is expected in 2020.

Central to the development of the project will be ongoing 
engagement with key stakeholders, including the Papua 
New Guinea and Morobe Province governments, landholders 
and community representatives to establish a suitable and 
sustainable framework for advancing the project.

The Golpu development option has the potential to underpin 
production growth at Newcrest in the next decade. Both the 
stage one feasibility study and the pre-feasibility study for 
stage two are targeted to be released by the end of calendar 
year 2015 at which time the mineral resource and ore reserve 
will be reviewed and the Boards of Newcrest and Harmony will 
give further consideration to the development options.

(1)  Estimates are from a pre-feasibility study and as such are subject to an accuracy range of ±25%

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015(cid:12)19

Projects

Namosi

Other

Newcrest is focused on maximising free cash flow and 
generating a return on recent investments; however, 
growth options and studies have also been retained 
for future potential development.

Lihir Pit Optimisation Study
Development of the Kapit open pit is an important part of the 
long-term production profile at Lihir. It will provide access to 
the high-grade deposit in the northern section of the Lihir 
orebody, which is linked to the existing Minifie and Lienetz pits.

O’Callaghans
O’Callaghans is a tungsten and base metal deposit, located 
within 10 kilometres of the Telfer process plant. It has 
a Mineral Resource of 260 thousand tonnes of tungsten 
trioxide, 390 thousand tonnes of zinc and 190 thousand 
tonnes of lead.

GOLD RESOURCE 

5.3*

OUNCES OF GOLD RESOURCE 
(MILLIONS)

FY15 STATISTICS*

Mining Method 

Resources†  – Gold 

– Copper 

Reserves†  – Gold 

– Copper 

  Potential Open Pit

5.3  million ounces
5.3  million tonnes

3.6  million ounces
3.5  million tonnes

* 69.94 percent share.
†  Resources and Reserves are as at 31 December 2014.

Namosi is a porphyry copper system in the Pacific 
Islands, with a Mineral Resource containing 
5.3 million ounces of gold and 5.3 million tonnes 
of copper (69.94 percent).

The Namosi project, which is located approximately 
30 kilometres west of Fiji’s capital city, Suva, is centred 
on a district that has been periodically explored over the 
past 40 years and is highly prospective for copper-gold 
porphyry systems. 

In late 2007, Newcrest signed a joint venture agreement 
with Nittetsu Mining Co. Ltd and Mitsubishi Materials 
Corporation to establish the Namosi Joint Venture 
to explore for porphyry copper-gold and epithermal style 
gold mineralisation in the Namosi region of Fiji. Newcrest 
has a 69.94 percent interest in the Namosi Joint Venture 
and is the manager of the exploration activities.

As at 31 December 2014, the Namosi Mineral Resource 
contained 5.3 million ounces of gold and 5.3 million tonnes 
of copper (69.94 percent), along with an Ore Reserve of 
3.6 million ounces of gold and 3.5 million tonnes of copper 
(69.94 percent).

The Namosi project is centred on a large porphyry copper-gold 
complex that contains the Waisoi Deposits, Waivaka Corridor, 
Wainabama and a portfolio of early stage regional targets. 
The Namosi Joint Venture has explored the known deposits 
at Waisoi and the Waivaka Corridor, and has been successful 
in delivering Waisoi Reserves and the discovery of Wainaulo 
within the Waivaka Corridor. Wainabama remains a higher-
grade historic prospect.

Additional exploration is planned to assess the potential 
of discovering new zones of mineralisation within regional 
targets, including the potential for near surface higher-grade 
mineralisation. Drilling is also planned to test for higher-grade 
mineralisation at depth at Wainabama.

20(cid:12)NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

 
 
Exploration

This page
Exploration drilling

Opposite page
Core samples

Newcrest has an excellent discovery record, with 
three of the Company’s six operations and two 
of its growth provinces a direct result of Newcrest 
exploration activities, either through discovery 
or early-stage entry and resource drilling.

Newcrest’s exploration strategy is to extend the mine life 
and/or grow production or margin at each mine through 
brownfields exploration, resource definition and orebody 
knowledge work; support advancement of the Company’s 
development projects; and deliver the next generation of 
discoveries from the exploration portfolio.

During the 2015 financial year, Newcrest exploration programs 
continued in and around the Company’s mining operations 
(brownfield exploration); however, the main focus was 
the commencement of the search for next generation 
of new discoveries, with the first step being the capture 
of high-quality exploration stage projects to improve the 
quality of the growth pipeline (greenfield exploration). 

The brownfield exploration program continued at Telfer, Cadia, 
Bonikro and Gosowong. At Gosowong, the search for new 
discoveries was ongoing. Gosowong is prospective with 
significant potential for incremental growth adjacent to the 
existing underground operations at Toguraci and Kencana. 
In 2014, prior to depletion, the mineral resource increased 
by 0.4Moz Au due to incremental additions at both Kencana 
and Toguraci. The development of a new exploration model 
and application of new geophysical techniques was successful 
in defining a portfolio of exploration targets within the 
regional Contract of Work area. Drill testing of these targets 
is presently underway.

The greenfield exploration program focused on capturing 
high-quality exploration stage projects to increase the 
prospectivity of the exploration portfolio. A number of new 
projects were added to the pipeline, including the Wamum 
Project (PNG), Mungana Exploration Project (Australia) and 
the Southern Coromandel Exploration Project (New Zealand). 
The search for new projects is ongoing within Asia-Pacific, 
West Africa and a number of key global gold belts.

The Wamum Project, located 22 kilometres north-west of 
the Wafi-Golpu project, is an advanced exploration project 
that contains two known copper-gold porphyry systems – 
Wamum and Idzan Creek. The Wamum purchase is subject 
to satisfaction of conditions precedent.

The Mungana Exploration Project is a new project centred 
on the Red Dome and Mungana historic mining centre, west 
of Cairns, North Queensland. Newcrest has entered into 
an Expenditure Commitment Agreement with Atherton 
Resources Ltd pursuant to which Newcrest has the potential 
to earn a 70 percent interest in the Exploration Project. 
Newcrest is searching for underground porphyry related 
Gold-Copper deposits that would be amenable to bulk 
underground mining techniques. The Exploration Project 
has the potential for new discoveries within the main mine 
corridor and the Red Cap area.

The Southern Coromandel Exploration Project is a new project 
located in one of the world’s premier epithermal districts in the 
Southern Coromandel, New Zealand. The farm-in agreement is 
between Newcrest and Laneway Resources. Newcrest has the 
right to earn an 80 percent interest in the project by sole funding 
a two-stage work program associated within the tenement 
package. The Exploration Project lies within a gold corridor that 
contains the historic Golden Cross and Karangahake gold mines, 
and is in the same district as the operating Waihi mine. Historic 
mining has occurred within the project area along a number 
of veins in the Waitekauri Valley project area. Newcrest is 
searching for high-grade vein style mineralisation amenable 
to underground and/or open pit mining.

Exploration also continued on our existing greenfield projects 
at Wailevu West (Fiji), Morobe province (PNG) and Côte D’Ivoire 
regional tenement packages. 

The Wailevu West project is located in southern central 
Vanua Levu, Fiji. The project comprises a single tenement 
encompassing the historic Mt Kasi gold mine and surrounding 
highly prospective ground. Newcrest’s initial exploration 
programs have demonstrated potential for discovery 
of porphyry related gold-copper mineralisation.

Exploration within the Morobe province focused on target 
generation work within the highly prospective Wafi-Golpu 
project area. Within Côte D’Ivoire the search for new 
discoveries was undertaken on the regional tenement 
packages at Bouafle and Dabakala, located to the north-west 
and north of the Bonikro mine. Newcrest is also looking for 
new projects within West Africa.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015(cid:12)21

Sustainability

Newcrest is committed to supporting positive 
economic and social outcomes, as well as 
minimising environmental impacts in the 
regions where we operate.

22(cid:12)NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Opposite page
Soil sampling at Telfer

This page
Examples of community engagement; 
involvement in civil projects; and 
environmental monitoring at Newcrest

We work closely with governments, communities, civil society 
organisations and other local stakeholders to ensure that 
Newcrest’s sustainability objectives and programs are 
aligned with local priorities and expectations. We know that 
sharing the benefits of mining with our host communities 
and managing the impacts from our mines is the right thing 
to do and this philosophy underpins Newcrest’s vision to 
be the Miner of Choice™.

Newcrest continues to make significant progress on key 
sustainability objectives. We also continue to implement 
a wide range of sustainability and community programs 
focusing on economic and social development, health and 
safety and environmental management. 

The Safety and Sustainability Committee, a committee 
of the Board, provides oversight of strategic safety, health, 
environment, and community aspects to complement the 
management activities of the Executive Committee in relation 
to sustainability programs. In addition, during the reporting 
period, an Executive Health and Safety Leadership Team was 
established, comprised of the Executive Committee and site 
General Managers that meet monthly to focus exclusively 
on Group safety and health improvements. 

Newcrest strengthened its commitment to protecting and 
respecting human rights by becoming a member of the 
Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR) 
in March 2015. We continue to be a member of the Extractive 
Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), and support the EITI 
principles and reporting in the countries in which we operate.

The health and safety of our workforce and the wellbeing 
of our neighbouring communities continues to be a core 
priority, and critical measure of our business success. 
Tragically, during the 2015 financial year, we lost two of our 
workforce in workplace incidents. In December 2014, an 
employee of the Hidden Valley Joint Venture was fatally 
injured when he was hit by mobile equipment in the 
processing plant area. In May 2015, a contractor was 
fatally injured while operating an elevated work platform 
underground at Telfer Gold Mine. Subsequent to the reporting 
period, in July 2015, an employee of the Hidden Valley Joint 
Venture was fatally injured in a mobile equipment incident 
on-site, and most recently in September 2015 a technician 
was fatally injured while working underground at Cadia.

During the year, we refreshed and continued implementation 
of our health and safety strategy. The first core element 
of the strategy is our ‘NewSafe’ approach to safety culture 
and leadership improvement, which focuses on behavioural 
influencers to support our workforce in choosing more safe 
behaviours. The second core element is a continued focus 
on Major Hazard management, including Major Hazard risk 
assessments and thorough investigation of Significant 
Potential Incidents.

Programs aimed at reducing the incidence of malaria and 
other diseases continued across all sites, along with a focus 
on workforce health and wellbeing.

Community development programs of a wide-ranging nature 
continue to be rolled out across all of our operating sites, with 
a particular emphasis on fostering non-mine dependent 
economic activity and the development of community capacity 
for self-management. 

Further information about sustainability at Newcrest, including 
our 2014 Sustainability Report, can be found on our website 
w(cid:11)w(cid:11)w(cid:11).(cid:11)newcrest(cid:11).(cid:11)com(cid:11).(cid:11)au(cid:11)/(cid:11)sustainability.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015(cid:12)23

Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves

Other changes to the Group Mineral Resources, prior to 
depletion, include an increase at Gosowong of 0.4 million 
ounces of gold due to incremental additions at both Kencana  
and Toguraci, and decreases at the remnant Cadia Hill open  
pit of 2.1 million ounces of gold and 0.2 million tonnes of  
copper, and at Bonikro of 0.3 million ounces of gold, both  
due to the application of more conservative notional 
constraining pit-shells and increased cut-off grades.

As at 31 December 2014, Group Ore Reserves are estimated  
to contain 75 million ounces of gold, 11 million tonnes of copper 
and 74 million ounces of silver. This represents a decrease  
of approximately 3 million ounces of gold (~4 percent),  
0.3 million tonnes of copper (~2 percent) and 3 million  
ounces of silver (~4 percent) compared with the estimate  
as at 31 December 2013. The change in Group Ore Reserves 
includes estimated depletion of approximately 3 million 
ounces of gold and 0.1 million tonnes of copper and 3 million 
ounces of silver. A summary comparison to the previous year’s 
Ore Reserve estimate is shown in the Comparison Table –  
Ore Reserves.

The Group Ore Reserves as at 31 December 2014 includes  
a material change for the Telfer Main Dome open pit estimates, 
as against the 31 December 2013 estimate, with a decrease of 
approximately 1 million ounces of gold and less than 0.1 million 
tonnes of copper, prior to depletion. This change is driven by 
proposed selective underground mining of deeper higher-
grade M Reefs and a change to the long-term exchange rate 
assumption.

Other changes to Group Ore Reserves, prior to depletion, 
include a decrease at Bonikro of 0.3 million ounces of gold  
due to redesign of Push Back 5 and application of increased 
cut-off grades, partially offset by increases at Gosowong  
of 0.3 million ounces of gold due to incremental additions  
at both Kencana and Toguraci, and at Lihir of 0.5 million ounces 
of gold due to pit redesign.

Newcrest Mining Limited releases its Annual Statement  
of Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimates and 
Explanatory Notes as of 31 December each year.  
The Statement for the period ending 31 December 2014  
was released on 13 February 2015, and can be found on 
Newcrest’s website at w w w . newcrest . com . au. This section  
of the Annual Report includes relevant information set  
out in that Statement. Changes that have occurred in the  
six months ending 30 June 2015 due to mining depletion and 
other adjustments are noted below. Newcrest is not aware  
of any new information or data that materially affects the 
information contained in the Annual Mineral Resource and Ore 
Reserve Statement for the period ending 31 December 2014.

For the purposes of the Annual Mineral Resources and  
Ore Reserves Statement as at 31 December 2014, Newcrest  
has completed a detailed review of all production sources.  
The review has taken into account updated long-term metal 
price, foreign exchange and cost assumptions, and mining  
and metallurgy performance to inform cut-off grades and 
physical mining parameters. This has resulted in the most 
marginal ounces being removed from the portfolio and  
these are reflected in changes to Mineral Resources and  
Ore Reserves.

As at 31 December 2014, Group Mineral Resources are 
estimated to contain 140 million ounces of gold, 20 million 
tonnes of copper and 130 million ounces of silver. This 
represents a decrease of approximately 8 million ounces  
of gold (~5 percent), 0.4 million tonnes of copper (~2 percent) 
and 1 million ounces of silver (~1 percent), compared with  
the estimate as at 31 December 2013. The change in Group 
Mineral Resources includes estimated mining depletion of 
approximately 3 million ounces of gold, 0.1 million tonnes  
of copper and 3 million ounces of silver. A summary comparison 
to the previous year’s Mineral Resource estimate is shown in 
the Comparison Table – Mineral Resources. In all circumstances 
Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Ore Reserves.

The Group Mineral Resources as at 31 December 2014 includes  
a material change for the Telfer Main Dome open pit Mineral 
Resource estimate, as against the 31 December 2013 estimate, 
with a decrease of approximately 2.6 million ounces of gold  
and 0.1 million tonnes of copper, prior to depletion. This change 
is driven by proposed selective underground mining of deeper 
higher grade M Reefs and a change to the long-term exchange 
rate assumption. 

24 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Comparison Tables – Mineral Resources*

As at 31 December 2014

As at 31 December 2013

Mineral Resources

Gold
Cadia Valley
Telfer
Lihir
MMJV (50%) (Hidden Valley/ Wafi/  
Golpu/ Nambonga)
Namosi (69.94%)
Other (Gosowong/ Bonikro/ Marsden)

Total

Copper
Cadia Valley
Telfer (inc. O’Callaghans)
MMJV (50%) (Golpu/ Nambonga)
Namosi (69.94%)
Marsden

Total

Silver#

Total

Tungsten trioxide (O’Callaghans)

Total

Zinc (O’Callaghans)

Total

Lead (O’Callaghans)

Total

Tonnes

Mt
3,300
400
790
680

1,500
320

7,000

Mt
3,300
490
560
1,500
280

6,200

Mt

3,700

Mt

78

Mt

78

Mt

78

Grade

Contained Metal

Au (g/t)
0.41
0.93
2.3
0.77

0.11
0.48

0.63

Cu (%)
0.26
0.18
0.85
0.35
0.29

0.33

Au (Moz)
44
12
59
17

5.3
5.1

140

Cu (Mt)
8.6
0.85
4.7
5.3
0.83

20

Ag (g/t)

Ag (Moz)

1.1

130

WO3 (%)

WO3 (Mt)

0.33

Zn (%)

0.50

Pb (%)

0.25

0.26

Zn (Mt)

0.39

Pb (Mt)

0.19

Tonnes

Mt
3,600
560
880
640

1,600
290

7,600

Mt
3,600
650
520
1,600
230

6,600

Mt

3,600

Mt

78

Mt

78

Mt

78

Grade

Contained Metal

Au (g/t)
0.41
0.83
2.1
0.83

0.11
0.58

0.62

Cu (%)
0.25
0.15
0.88
0.34
0.34

0.31

Au (Moz)
47
15
60
17

5.5
5.3

150

Cu (Mt)
8.9
1.0
4.5
5.5
0.78

21

Ag (g/t)

Ag (Moz)

1.1

130

WO3 (%)

WO3 (Mt)

0.33

Zn (%)

0.50

Pb (%)

0.25

0.26

Zn (Mt)

0.39

Pb (Mt)

0.19

*  Data shown is reported to two significant figures to reflect appropriate precision in the estimate and this may cause some apparent discrepancies in totals. 

Refer to the footnote to the Mineral Resource Tables for ownership details.

#  Includes Cadia Valley Operations, MMJV-Hidden Valley Operations/Wafi-Golpu (50 percent interest) and Gosowong.

Comparison Tables – Ore Reserves*

Ore Reserves

Gold
Cadia Valley
Telfer
Lihir
MMJV (50%) (Hidden Valley/ Golpu)
Namosi (69.94%)
Other (Gosowong/ Bonikro)

Total

Copper

Cadia Valley
Telfer (inc. O’Callaghans)
MMJV (50%) (Golpu)
Namosi (69.94%)

Total

Silver#

Total

Tungsten trioxide (O’Callaghans)

Total 

Zinc (O’Callaghans)

Total

Lead (O’Callaghans)

Total

As at 31 December 2014

As at 31 December 2013

Tonnes

Mt
1,800
180
380
250
930
27

3,500

Mt

1,800
220
230
930

3,100

Mt

1,900

Mt

49

Mt

49

Mt

49

Grade

Contained Metal

Tonnes

Grade

Contained Metal

Au (g/t)
0.49
0.83
2.4
0.95
0.12
2.5

0.66

Au (Moz)
28
4.8
29
7.7
3.6
2.2

75

Cu (%)

Cu (Mt)

0.28
0.16
1.2
0.37

0.37

4.9
0.36
2.7
3.5

11

Ag (g/t)

Ag (Moz)

1.2

74

WO3 (%)

WO3 (Mt)

0.35

Zn (%)

0.71

Pb (%)

0.35

0.17

Zn (Mt)

0.35

Pb (Mt)

0.17

Mt
1,800
230
390
260
940
36

3,700

Mt

1,800
290
230
940

3,200

Mt

2,000

Mt

59

Mt

59

Mt

59

Au (g/t)
0.49
0.85
2.3
0.96
0.12
2.3

0.66

Cu (%)

0.28
0.16
1.2
0.37

0.36

Au (Moz)
28
6.3
29
7.9
3.6
2.7

78

Cu (Mt)

5.1
0.46
2.7
3.5

12

Ag (g/t)

Ag (Moz)

1.2

77

WO3 (%)

WO3 (Mt)

0.34

Zn (%)

0.62

Pb (%)

0.30

0.20

Zn (Mt)

0.36

Pb (Mt)

0.18

*  Data shown is reported to two significant figures to reflect appropriate precision in the estimate and this may cause some apparent discrepancies in totals. 

Refer to the footnote to the Mineral Resource Tables for ownership details.

#  Includes Cadia Valley Operations, MMJV-Hidden Valley Operations/Golpu (50 percent interest) and Gosowong.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 25

Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves

COMPETENT PERSON’S STATEMENT 

The information in this Annual Report that relates to  
Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves has been approved by  
Mr K. Gleeson.  Mr Gleeson is the Head of Mineral Resource 
Management and a full-time employee of Newcrest Mining 
Limited. He holds Newcrest shares and is entitled to participate 
in Newcrest’s executive equity long term incentive plan, details 
of which are included in Newcrest’s 2015 Remuneration Report. 
Ore Reserves growth is one of the performance measures 
under that plan. He is a Member of The Australasian Institute 
of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr Gleeson has sufficient experience 
which is relevant to the styles of mineralisation and types of 
deposits under consideration and to the activity which he is 
undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in 
the JORC Code 2012. Mr Gleeson consents to the inclusion in 
this Annual Report of the Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves 
Statement and other references to Mineral Resource and Ore 
Reserves in the form and context in which they appear.

The information in this report that relates to specific Mineral 
Resources and Ore Reserves is based on and accurately reflects 
reports prepared by the Competent Persons named in the 
footnotes to the Minerals Resources and Ore Reserves Tables. 
Each of these persons, other than Mr G. Job, is a full-time 
employee of Newcrest Mining Limited or its relevant 
subsidiaries, holds options (and in some cases, shares)  
in Newcrest Mining Limited and is entitled to participate  
in Newcrest’s executive equity long term incentive plan,  
details of which are included in Newcrest’s 2015 Remuneration 
Report. Ore Reserves growth is one of the performance 
measures under that plan. Mr Job is a full time employee  
of Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited, Newcrest’s joint 
venture partner in each of the MMJVs. All the Competent 
Persons named are Members of The Australasian Institute  
of Mining and Metallurgy and/or The Australian Institute of 
Geoscientists, and have sufficient experience which is relevant 
to the styles of mineralisation and types of deposits under 
consideration and to the activity which they are undertaking 
to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the JORC Code 
2012. Each Competent Person consents to the inclusion  
of material in the form and context in which it appears.

Updated mining, metallurgical and long-term cost assumptions 
were developed with reference to recent performance data. 
The revised long-term assumptions include performance 
improvements consistent with changing activity levels at each 
site over the life of the operation and the latest approved study 
for each deposit. 

Long-term metal price and foreign exchange assumptions  
for Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves are set out below. 

Long-term Metal Price Assumptions

Newcrest Managed MMJV Managed

Mineral Resource Estimates

Gold – USD/oz

Copper – USD/lb

Silver – USD/oz

Ore Reserve Estimates

Gold – USD/oz

Copper – USD/lb

Silver – USD/oz

Long-term Exchange Rate USD: AUD

 1,350.00

1,400.00

3.40

23.00

3.50

25.00

1,250.00

1,250.00

3.00

20.00

0.85

3.10

21.00

0.90

Changes from 31 December 2013 include an increase  
in copper metal price assumption for Mineral Resources  
(from USD 3.10/lb to USD 3.40/lb), increased copper metal 
price assumption for Ore Reserves (USD 2.70/lb to USD 3.00/lb), 
and increased USD:AUD exchange rate assumption (0.85)  
for Newcrest managed Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. 
MMJV long-term metal price and exchange rate assumptions 
remain unchanged.

Where appropriate, Mineral Resources are also spatially 
constrained within notional mining volumes based on metal 
prices of USD 1,400/oz for gold and USD 4.00/lb for copper.  
This is the approach adopted to eliminate mineralisation  
that does not have reasonable prospects of eventual 
economic extraction from Mineral Resource estimates.

The Annual Statement, 31 December 2014, of Mineral  
Resources and Ore Reserves has been prepared in accordance 
with the 2012 Edition of the ‘Australasian Code for Reporting  
of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves’  
(the JORC Code 2012). Information prepared and first disclosed 
under the JORC Code 2004 Edition and not related to a material 
mining project and which has not materially changed since  
last reported has not been updated. 

Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimates reported for the 
MMJV are based on Competent Persons’ statements provided 
by the MMJV and are quoted as Newcrest’s 50 percent interest.

26 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

GOVERNANCE

CADIA VALLEY (NSW)

Newcrest has a policy for the Public Reporting of Exploration 
Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. This policy 
provides a clear framework for how Newcrest manages all 
public reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources  
and Ore Reserves, ensuring compliance with the JORC Code 
2012. This policy applies to all regulatory reporting, public 
presentations and other publicly released company 
information at both local (site) and corporate levels. 

Newcrest has in place a Resource and Reserve Steering 
Committee (RRSC). The role of the Committee is to ensure  
the proper functioning of Newcrest’s Resource and Reserves 
development activity and reporting. The Committee’s  
control and assurance activities respond to a four-level 
compliance process:
1.  Provision of standards and guidelines, and approvals 

consequent to these;

2. Resources and Reserves reporting process, based on 

well-founded assumptions and compliant with external 
standards (JORC Code 2012, ASX Listing Rules);

3. External review of process conformance and compliance;
4. Internal assessment of compliance and data veracity.

Updates to the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimates  
at 31 December 2014 were completed in accordance with  
the RRSC governance and review process. This included 
reporting in compliance with the JORC Code 2012, training  
and endorsement of suitably qualified Competent Persons, 
independent external review of Mineral Resources and Ore 
Reserves at least every three years or where there is  
a material change and endorsement by the RRSC prior  
to release to the market.

CHANGES SINCE 31 DECEMBER 2014

Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Statement 
Newcrest is not aware of any new information or data that 
materially affects the information contained in the Annual 
Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Statement 31 December 2014 
other than changes due to normal mining depletion and other 
adjustments that occurred during the six months ended  
30 June 2015. These changes are summarised by province below.

Newcrest’s Annual Statement of Mineral Resources and  
Ore Reserves is based upon a number of factors, including 
(without limitation) actual exploration and production  
results, economic assumptions (such as future commodity 
prices and exchange rates) and operating and other costs.  
No changes were made to those assumptions during the 
period to 30 June 2015. However, in preparing the Annual 
Statement of Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves for  
the period ended 31 December 2015, Newcrest proposes  
to review long-term foreign exchange rate, metal price and 
cost assumptions. There are also specific ongoing studies  
at Lihir, Telfer and the MMJV managed Hidden Valley Operation  
and Wafi Golpu Project. At this stage, the impact that the 
assumption changes or outcomes of the ongoing studies  
will have on Newcrest’s Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves  
estimates for the period ending 31 December 2015 has not  
been determined.

Mineralisation recognised to date in the Cadia Province  
is porphyry related gold and copper, hosted in rocks  
of Ordovician age. Orebodies are typically large tonnage, 
lower-grade gold with strong copper by-product and minor 
base metal associations. Minor molybdenum and silver 
mineralisation is also present. Ore is sourced by bulk mining 
methods from open pit and underground operations. 
Exploration is ongoing within the Cadia Province, targeting 
large-scale alteration systems located within the regional 
tenement package.

Cadia Hill Open Pit
The Cadia Hill Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve including 
stockpiles remain unchanged since 31 December 2014. Open 
pit mining at Cadia Hill was suspended in June 2012 at the 
completion of stage 3. Timing of the final pit stage has yet  
to be confirmed.

Cadia Extended
The Cadia Extended underground resource is located to the 
north-west of Cadia Hill beneath the backfilled Cadia Extended 
pit and is unchanged since 31 December 2014. An updated 
Mineral Resource estimate is scheduled for completion by the 
end of calendar year 2015. No Ore Reserve has been estimated  
for Cadia Extended.

Big Cadia
Big Cadia mineralisation is skarn style and has been evaluated 
as a gold and copper bearing Mineral Resource for future 
development by open pit mining. The Big Cadia Mineral 
Resource is unchanged since 31 December 2014. An updated 
Mineral Resource estimate is scheduled for completion by  
the end of calendar year 2015. No Ore Reserve is currently 
estimated for Big Cadia.

Ridgeway Underground
Ridgeway Underground is a large-scale underground  
mine using sub-level cave (SLC) extraction and block caving 
(Ridgeway Deeps) below the sub-level cave. Since 31 December 
2014, both the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserves have been 
depleted by 0.11 million ounces of gold and 0.02 million tonnes 
of copper. Ridgeway Lift 1 is currently in operation with  
the timing of the commencement of the Lift 2 mine  
yet to be confirmed.

Cadia East Underground
Cadia East is a lower-grade, porphyry related gold and  
copper deposit located immediately east of Cadia Hill, with  
mining based on bulk underground extraction by panel  
caving methods. Commercial production from initial Panel 
Cave 1 (PC1) commenced in January 2013. Development  
and undercutting activities continue in the second Panel  
Cave (PC2).

Since 31 December 2014, both the Mineral Resource and  
Ore Reserve have been depleted by 0.30 million ounces  
of gold and 0.02 million tonnes of copper.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 27

Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves

TELFER (WA)

Gold and copper mineralisation in the Telfer Province  
is intrusion related and occurs as higher-grade stratabound 
reefs, discordant veins and lower-grade bulk tonnage 
stockwork zones. 

The Telfer operation is comprised of open pit mining at both 
Main Dome and West Dome and underground mining at Main 
Dome. Open pit mining is a conventional truck and hydraulic 
excavator operation. Selective mining techniques are used for  
excavation of the high-grade reefs, while stockwork ore and 
waste are mined using bulk methods. Underground mining 
utilises the SLC method for bulk extraction with ore hoisted  
to the surface via a shaft and selective long hole open stope 
mining of high-grade reefs.

The Telfer Future Options Review has led to a decision to retain  
Telfer. Initial open pit cutbacks of West Dome Stage 2 and  
Main Dome Stage 6/7 have been approved with future open  
pit cutbacks still subject to study.

Since December 2014, exploration has continued in the Telfer 
region. Exploration is focused on discovering and developing 
additional higher-grade underground resources at Main Dome 
and generation of new targets within regional tenements.

Main Dome Open Pit
Open pit mining has been ongoing in Stage 4. Since  
31 December 2014 both the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve 
(including open pit stockpiles from West Dome and Main 
Dome) have been depleted by 0.18 million ounces of gold  
and 0.01 million tonnes of copper. 

West Dome Open Pit
The West Dome deposit is located two kilometres north-west  
of the Main Dome deposit. The West Mineral Resource and  
Ore Reserve are unchanged since 31 December 2014. 

Telfer Underground
The Telfer Underground comprises the operating SLC mine  
and selective high-grade reef mining external to the SLC.  
Since 31 December 2014, the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve 
have both been depleted by 0.09 million ounces of gold and 
0.01 million tonnes of copper.

Vertical Stockwork Corridor (VSC)
The VSC deposit lies directly below the existing Telfer Deeps 
Underground SLC. The VSC Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve 
are unchanged since 31 December 2014. Timing for the 
development of the VSC is yet to be determined.

O’Callaghans
The O’Callaghans poly-metallic deposit is located 
approximately 10 kilometres south of the Telfer Gold Mine.  
The mineralisation contains tungsten, copper, zinc and lead  
as a sub-horizontal layer of poly-metallic skarn (altered 
limestone). The O’Callaghans Mineral Resource and Ore 
Reserve are unchanged since 31 December 2014. Timing for  
the development of O’Callaghans is yet to be determined.

Telfer Satellite Deposits
The Telfer Satellite Deposits lie within a zone located 
approximately 30 kilometres from the Telfer Gold Mine.  
The ‘Satellites’ are a group of structurally controlled gold 
deposits, including Backdoor West, Dolphy, Big Tree and  
the Camp Dome copper deposit. The Telfer Satellite Mineral 
Resource is unchanged since 31 December 2014. An updated 
Mineral Resource estimate is scheduled for completion at the 
end of calendar year 2015. No Ore Reserve has been estimated  
for Telfer Satellite Deposits.

LIHIR (PNG)

The Lihir Gold Mine is located on Niolam Island, 900 kilometres 
north-east of Port Moresby in the New Ireland Province of 
Papua New Guinea (PNG). Lihir is a volcanic sea mount that 
rises steeply from sea level to approximately 600 metres above 
sea level. The Luise Caldera, in which all of the known ore 
deposits are located, is on the east coast of the island. 

The Lihir Gold Mine consists of three linked open pits, Minifie, 
Lienetz and Kapit, that will be mined over the life of the project. 
Mining is by conventional open pit methods. 

Since 31 December 2014, the insitu pit Mineral Resource  
and Ore Reserve have been depleted by 0.38 million ounces  
of gold. Both the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve in Lihir 
stockpiles have decreased by 0.18 million ounces of gold 
through mining depletion and stockpile adjustments. 

The Lihir Optimisation study, looking to optimise both mine 
plan sequence and seaward mining constraint, is targeted  
for completion by the end of December 2015.

GOSOWONG (INDONESIA)

Gosowong is located on Halmahera Island in North Maluku 
Province in the eastern part of the Republic of Indonesia. 
Gosowong is owned and operated by PT Nusa Halmahera 
Minerals, an incorporated joint venture between Newcrest  
(75 percent) and PT Aneka Tambang (25 percent). For the 
purpose of reporting Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves, 
Newcrest reports 100 percent of the assets. Economic 
mineralisation in the Gosowong province is low sulphidation 
epithermal veining containing high-grade gold and silver. 

The Gosowong operation includes the Kencana and Toguraci  
mines. Newcrest has an active exploration program in place  
at Gosowong that is focused on defining additional resources 
within the vicinity of the current underground operations  
at Toguraci and Kencana and surrounding goldfields.

Kencana
At Kencana since 31 December 2014, both the Mineral  
Resource and Ore Reserve have been depleted by  
0.09 million ounces of gold. 

Toguraci
At Toguraci since 31 December 2014, the Mineral Resource  
has been depleted by 0.11 million ounces of gold and the Ore 
Reserve has been depleted by 0.10 million ounces of gold.

28 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Other Deposits (Gosowong UG, Tailings and Stockpiles)
The Gosowong Mineral Resource is located beneath the 
existing completed Gosowong open pit and also includes  
reclaimed tailings and minor operational stockpiles.  
The Mineral Resource is unchanged since 31 December 2014. 
Underground Ore Reserve beneath the completed Gosowong 
open pit was incorporated into the Kencana Ore Reserve  
for reporting purposes at 31 December 2014 as it is intended  
to utilise Kencana infrastructure. 

Waisoi
The Waisoi deposit is characterised by copper-gold-
molybdenum mineralisation hosted in and adjacent  
to porphyry intrusions. The deposit includes two broad 
overlapping mineralised zones: Waisoi East and Waisoi  
West. The Waisoi deposit is envisaged to be extracted  
via bulk open cut mining methods. The Waisoi Mineral 
Resource and Ore Reserve are unchanged since  
31 December 2014.

Wainaulo
The Wainaulo deposit lies in the Waivaka Corridor, which  
is a five kilometres long, east-north-east trending zone  
of porphyry-related mineralisation. The deposit is located 
approximately six kilometres south of Waisoi. The Wainaulo 
Mineral Resource is unchanged since 31 December 2014 and  
no Ore Reserve has been estimated for the Wainaulo deposit.

OTHER REGIONS

Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa)
The Côte d’Ivoire (CI) operations and projects include  
Bonikro, Hiré and Dougbafla-East deposits, as well as various 
exploration tenements. Gold mineralisation is hosted in 
Proterozoic greenstone volcanic belts and occurs primarily  
in two modes: as structurally controlled shear zones, and  
as stockwork veining. 

The Bonikro open pit mine and the Dougbafla deposit are 
located within the Oume Project area. The Hiré deposit  
is located approximately 10 kilometres south-east of Bonikro 
and is comprised of three deposits – Chapelle, Akissi-So  
and Asondji-So. Open pit mining depletion since 31 December 
2014 occurred at Bonikro and Hiré (Chapelle and Akissi-So).  
A small test pit has also been completed on the Dougbafla 
Mineral Resource.

Since 31 December 2014, the Côte d’Ivoire Mineral Resource 
(including stockpiles) has been depleted by 0.10 million ounces 
of gold and the Ore Reserve (including stockpiles) has been 
depleted by 0.08 million ounces of gold. 

Newcrest has an active exploration program in place within 
Côte d’Ivoire, which is focused on defining extensions to the 
current resources and greenfields exploration outside the mine 
and project areas.

Marsden
The Marsden copper-gold porphyry deposit is located between 
the NSW towns of Forbes and West Wyalong, approximately 
150 kilometres south-west of the Cadia Valley Operations.  
The Marsden Mineral Resource is unchanged since 31 December 
2014. An updated Mineral Resource estimate is scheduled for 
completion at end of calendar year 2015. No Ore Reserve has 
been estimated for Marsden.

MOROBE MINING JOINT VENTURES (PNG)

The Morobe Mining Joint Ventures (MMJV) are three 50:50 
unincorporated joint ventures between subsidiaries of 
Newcrest and Harmony Gold Mining Company. The joint 
venture interests are located in the Morobe Province of  
PNG and include the Hidden Valley and Wafi-Golpu deposits.

Hidden Valley
The Hidden Valley Mine is located 90 kilometres south-west  
of Lae in the Morobe Province of PNG. Mineralisation is 
structurally controlled epithermal gold – silver stockwork 
veining hosted in granite and metasedimentary rocks. 

The Hidden Valley Mine consists of the Hidden Valley Kaveroi 
and Hamata open pits located approximately six kilometres 
apart. Since 31 December 2014, the Mineral Resource has 
decreased due to the updating of the economic assumptions, 
spatial constraint and mining depletion. Mineral Resources 
have decreased by 0.45 million ounces of gold and 8.7 million 
ounces of silver (50 percent terms). Since 31 December 2014 
the Ore Reserve has decreased due to the updating of the 
economic assumptions, final open pit design and mining 
depletion by 0.72 million ounces of gold and 13.2 million 
ounces of silver (50 percent terms). Hidden Valley is not  
a material mining project for Newcrest.

Wafi-Golpu
Wafi-Golpu comprises the Golpu porphyry deposit, the Wafi  
high sulphidation epithermal deposit and the Nambonga 
porphyry deposit. The deposits are situated 60 kilometres 
west-south-west of Lae, on the western flanks of the Timini 
Range, Morobe Province in PNG. 

The Wafi, Golpu and Nambonga Mineral Resource are 
unchanged since 31 December 2014. No Ore Reserve has  
been estimated for Wafi and Nambonga deposits.

The Golpu Ore Reserve remains unchanged from 31 December 
2014. On 15 December 2014 an update to the pre-feasibility 
study was announced that has split the Golpu project into two 
stages for optimisation of development. Stage one targets  
the upper higher value portion of the orebody and stage two 
will encompass the rest of the Ore Reserve. The Stage one 
Feasibility Study and Stage two Pre-Feasibility Study are both 
scheduled for completion by the end of calendar year 2015.

NAMOSI JOINT VENTURE (FIJI)

The Namosi tenement is located about 30 kilometres west  
of Fiji’s capital city, Suva. The Namosi project is a joint venture  
between Newcrest, Nittetsu and Mitsubishi Materials. 
Newcrest holds a 69.94 percent interest in the joint venture 
and is the manager of project activities.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 29

1

1

1

2

2

2

2

2

3

4

5

6

1

7

7

Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves

2015 Mineral Resources
As at 31 December 2014

Measured Resource

Indicated Resource

Inferred Resource

Total Resource

Contained Metal

Gold and Copper Resources 
(# = material change at  
a material mining project)

Dry
Tonnes
(million)

Gold
Grade
(g/t Au)

Copper
Grade
(% Cu)

Dry
Tonnes
(million)

Gold
Grade
(g/t Au)

Copper
Grade
(% Cu)

Dry
Tonnes
(million)

Gold
Grade
(g/t Au)

Copper
Grade
(% Cu)

Dry
Tonnes
(million)

Gold
Grade
(g/t Au)

Copper
Grade
(% Cu)

Insitu 
Gold 
(million 
ounces)

Insitu 
Copper
(million 
tonnes)

Com- 
petent  
Person

Cadia East Underground

 0.28 

 0.74 

 0.31 

 2,500 

 0.42 

 0.28 

 360 

 0.34 

 0.19   2,800 

 0.41 

 0.26 

 37 

 7.5 

Ridgeway Underground 

 0.19 

 1.4 

 0.48 

 110 

 0.58 

 0.30 

 43 

 0.37 

 0.39 

 160 

 0.52 

 0.33 

 2.6 

 0.52 

Other 

 140 

 0.47 

 0.13 

 170 

 0.38 

 0.23 

 30 

 0.28 

 0.16 

 350 

 0.41 

 0.18 

 4.5 

 0.63 

Total Cadia Province – Gold and Copper

 44 

 8.6 

Main Dome Open Pit #

 24 

 0.41   0.080 

 55 

 0.89   0.085  0.052 

 0.65   0.064 

 79 

 0.74   0.083 

 1.9   0.066 

West Dome Open Pit

Telfer Underground

Other

O’Callaghans

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

Total Telfer Province – Gold and Copper

Lihir

Gosowong*

Bonikro*

Namosi JV (69.94%) 

Marsden

MMJV – Hidden Valley 
Operations (50%) 

MMJV – Wafi/ Golpu/
Nambonga (50%) 

 90 

 2.2 

 – 

 – 

 8.7 

 0.76 

 – 

 – 

 1.4 

 – 

 – 

 1.1 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 170 

 0.65   0.062 

 2.5 

 0.57   0.056 

 180 

 0.64   0.062 

 3.6 

 0.11 

 90 

 1.5 

 0.32 

 53 

 1.2 

 0.22 

 140 

 1.3 

 0.28 

 6.2 

 0.40 

 0.57 

 4.2 

 0.027 

 16 

 0.28 

 0.34 

 16 

 0.42 

 0.33 

 0.22   0.053 

 69 

 – 

 0.29 

 9.0 

 – 

 0.24 

 78 

 – 

 0.29 

 – 

 0.22 

 550 

 2.3 

 4.0 

 27 

 14 

 1.7 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 140 

 0.66 

 3.0 

 2.4 

 7.2 

 2.1 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 790 

 2.3 

 4.6 

 38 

 13 

 1.5 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 59 

 1.9 

 1.8 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 12 

 0.85 

 – 

 1,300 

 0.11 

 0.34 

 220 

 0.10 

 0.41 

 1,500 

 0.11 

 0.35 

 5.3 

 5.3 

 – 

 – 

 200 

 0.18 

 0.36 

 77   0.056 

 0.13 

 280 

 0.15 

 0.29 

 1.3 

 0.83 

 51 

 1.5 

 – 

 3.1 

 1.2 

 – 

 56 

 1.5 

 – 

 2.7 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 480 

 0.74 

 0.82 

 140 

 0.59 

 0.53 

 620 

 0.71 

 0.76 

 14 

 4.7 

Total Other Provinces – Gold and Copper

Total Gold and Copper

 86 

140

 11 

20

Measured Resource

Indicated Resource

Inferred Resource

Total Resource

Contained Metal

Silver Resources
(# = material change at  
a material mining project)

Dry 
Tonne 
(million)

Silver
Grade
(g/t Ag)

Dry
Tonnes
(million)

Silver
Grade
(g/t Ag)

Dry
Tonnes
(million)

Silver
Grade
(g/t Ag)

Dry
Tonnes
(million)

Silver
Grade
(g/t Ag)

Insitu Silver 
(million ounces)

Com- 
petent 
Person

Cadia Valley Operations 

 0.47 

 0.87 

 2,600 

 0.60 

 0.40 

 3,000 

 0.58 

Gosowong*

MMJV – Hidden Valley 
Operations (50%)

MMJV – Wafi/ Golpu (50%)

Total Silver

 – 

 1.4 

 – 

 – 

 19 

 4.0 

 51 

 24 

 27 

 10 

 26 

 4.6 

 56 

 410 

 0.66 

 3.1 

 – 

 480 

 1.4 

 120 

 1.0 

 610 

 22 

 27 

 1.3 

1

4

7

7

 55 

 3.2 

 49 

 26 

 130 

Tonnes

Grade

Contained Metal

Polymetallic Resources
(# = material change at  
a material mining project)

Measured

Indicated

Inferred

Total Polymetallic

Dry  
Tonnes  
(million)

 – 

 69 

 9.0 

 78 

Tungsten  
Trioxide  
Grade  
(% WO3)

 – 

 0.34 

 0.25 

 0.33 

Zinc  
Grade 
(% Zn)

 – 

 0.55 

 0.15 

 0.50 

Lead  
Grade  
(% Pb)

 – 

 0.27 

 0.073 

 0.25 

Insitu  
Tungsten  
Trioxide  
(million tonnes)

Insitu Zinc  
(million tonnes)

Insitu Lead 
(million tonnes) 

Com- 
petent  
Person

 – 

 0.24 

 0.023 

 0.26 

 – 

 0.38 

 0.013 

 0.39 

 – 

 0.18 

2

 0.0066 

 0.19 

Note: Data is reported to two significant figures to reflect appropriate precision in the estimate and this may cause some apparent discrepancies in totals.
Competent Persons
1. Ann Winchester 2. James Biggam 3. Stephen Perkins 4. Colin McMillan 5. Craig Irvine 6. Vik Singh 7. Greg Job (Harmony)
* The figures shown represent 100 percent of the Mineral Resource, except as noted below. 
  Gosowong (inclusive of Toguraci and Kencana) is owned and operated by PT Nusa Halmahera Minerals, an incorporated joint venture company  

(Newcrest, 75 percent). 

  Bonikro is inclusive of mining and exploration interests in Côte d’Ivoire held by LGL Mines CI SA (Newcrest, 89.9 percent), LGL Exploration CI SA  

(Newcrest, 100 percent) and LGL Resources CI SA (Newcrest, 99.89 percent).

  Namosi refers to the Namosi unincorporated joint venture, in which Newcrest has a 69.94 percent interest. The figures shown represent 69.94 percent  

of the Mineral Resource.

  MMJV refers to projects owned by the Morobe Mining unincorporated joint ventures between subsidiaries of Newcrest (50 percent) and Harmony Gold Mining 

Company Limited (50 percent). The figures shown represent 50 percent of the Mineral Resource.

30 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

2015 Ore Reserves
As at 31 December 2014

Proved Reserve

Probable Reserve

Total Reserve

Contained Metal

Gold and Copper Reserves
(# = material change at  
a material mining project)

 Dry 
Tonnes 
(million) 

 Gold 
Grade  
(g/t Au) 

 Copper 
Grade  
(% Cu) 

 Dry 
Tonnes 
(million) 

 Gold 
Grade  
(g/t Au) 

 Copper 
Grade  
(% Cu) 

 Dry 
Tonnes 
(million) 

 Gold 
Grade  
(g/t Au) 

 Copper 
Grade  
(% Cu) 

 Insitu 
Gold 
(million 
ounces) 

 Insitu  
Copper 
(million 
tonnes) 

Com- 
petent 
Person

 0.66 

 0.073 

 1.1 

 0.039 

Cadia East Underground

Ridgeway Underground

Other

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 23 

 0.30 

 0.14 

Total Cadia Province – Gold and Copper

Main Dome Open Pit #

 24 

 0.41 

 0.080 

West Dome Open Pit

Telfer Underground

O’Callaghans

 – 

 – 

 – 

Total Telfer Province – Gold and Copper

Lihir

Gosowong*

Bonikro*

Namosi JV (69.94%) 

MMJV – Hidden Valley 
Operations (50%) 

MMJV – Golpu (50%) 

 90 

 – 

 8.7 

 – 

 1.4 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 2.2 

 – 

 0.76 

 – 

 1.1 

 – 

Total Other Provinces – Gold and Copper

Total Gold and Copper

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 1,600 

 0.48 

 0.29 

 1,600 

 0.48 

 0.29 

 85 

 67 

 30 

 82 

 43 

 49 

 290 

 3.0 

 15 

 0.55 

 0.59 

 0.28 

 0.15 

 0.86 

 0.067 

 0.67 

 0.059 

 0.30 

 0.28 

 1.4 

 – 

 2.4 

 12 

 1.7 

 85 

 90 

 54 

 82 

 43 

 49 

 0.55 

 0.52 

 0.28 

 0.14 

 0.67 

 0.059 

 1.4 

 – 

 2.4 

 12 

 1.3 

 0.30 

 0.28 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 380 

 3.0 

 24 

 930 

 0.12 

 0.37 

 930 

 0.12 

 0.37 

 28 

 1.7 

 – 

 29 

 1.6 

 – 

 230 

 0.86 

 1.2 

 230 

 0.86 

 1.2 

1

1

1

2

2

2

2

3

4

5

1

6

6

 25 

 1.5 

 1.5 

 28 

 4.6 

 0.24 

 0.13 

 4.9 

 1.8 

 1.9 

 – 

 0.048 

 0.13 

 0.14 

 4.8 

 0.36 

 29 

 1.1 

 1.0 

 3.6 

 1.5 

 6.2 

 42 

75

 – 

 – 

 – 

 3.5 

 – 

 2.7 

 6.2 

11 

Silver Reserves  
(# = material change at  
a material mining project)

Cadia Valley Operations

Gosowong*

MMJV – Hidden Valley 
Operations (50%)

MMJV – Golpu (50%)

Total Silver

Proved Reserve

Probable Reserve

Total Reserve

Contained Metal

Dry  
Tonnes  
(million)

Silver  
Grade  
(g/t Ag)

Dry  
Tonnes  
(million)

Silver  
Grade  
(g/t Ag)

Dry  
Tonnes  
(million)

Silver Grade  
(g/t Ag)

Insitu Silver  
(million ounces)

Com- 
petent 
Person

 – 

 – 

 1.4 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 19 

 – 

 1,700 

 0.65 

 1,700 

 0.65 

 3.0 

 28 

 230 

 20 

 30 

 1.4 

 3.0 

 29 

 230 

 20 

 29 

 1.4 

1

4

6

6

 35 

 1.9 

 28 

 9.9 

74

Tonnes

Grade

Contained Metal

Polymetallic Reserves
(# = material change at  
a material mining project)

 Dry Tonnes 
(million) 

 Tungsten 
Trioxide Grade 
(% WO3) 

Proved

Probable

Total Polymetallic

 –

 49 

 49 

 –

 0.35 

 0.35 

 Zinc  
Grade 
(% Zn) 

 –

 0.71 

 0.71 

 Insitu  
Tungsten  
Trioxide  
(million tonnes) 

 Lead Grade  
(% Pb) 

 Insitu Zinc 
(million tonnes) 

 Insitu Lead 
(million tonnes) 

Com- 
petent 
Person

 –

 0.35 

 0.35 

 –

 0.17 

 0.17 

 –

 0.35 

 0.35 

 –

2

 0.17 

 0.17 

Note: Data is reported to two significant figures to reflect appropriate precision in the estimate and this may cause some apparent discrepancies in totals.
Competent Persons
1. Geoff Newcombe 2. Ron Secis 3. Daniel Moss 4. Darryl Dyason 5. Craig Irvine 6. Greg Job (Harmony)
* The figures shown represent 100 percent of the Ore Reserve, except as noted below. 
  Gosowong (inclusive of Toguraci and Kencana) is owned and operated by PT Nusa Halmahera Minerals, an incorporated joint venture company  

(Newcrest, 75 percent).

  Bonikro is inclusive of mining and exploration interests in Côte d’Ivoire held by LGL Mines CI SA (Newcrest, 89.9 percent), LGL Exploration CI SA  

(Newcrest, 100 percent) and LGL Resources CI SA (Newcrest, 99.89 percent).

  Namosi refers to the Namosi unincorporated joint venture, in which Newcrest has a 69.94 percent interest. The figures shown represent 69.94 percent  

of the Ore Reserve. 

  MMJV refers to projects owned by the Morobe Mining unincorporated joint ventures between subsidiaries of Newcrest (50 percent) and Harmony Gold Mining 

Company Limited (50 percent). The figures shown represent 50 percent of the Ore Reserve.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 31

Corporate Governance Statement

The Board believes that adherence by Newcrest and its people 
to the highest standards of corporate governance is critical in 
order to achieve its vision. Accordingly, Newcrest has a detailed 
governance framework, which is regularly reviewed and 
adapted to developments in market practice and regulation.

As at the date of lodgement of this Report, Newcrest’s 
governance framework complies with the Corporate 
Governance Principles and Recommendations (3rd edition) 
published by the ASX Corporate Governance Council. Further 
information in relation to Newcrest’s governance framework  
is provided in the Corporate Governance Statement, which 
was lodged with ASX on the date of lodgement of this Annual 
Report and is available in the corporate governance section  
of the Newcrest website at http://www.newcrest.com.au/
about-us/corporate-governance. The corporate governance 
section of the Newcrest website also provides further 
information in relation to Newcrest’s governance framework, 
including Board and Board Committee Charters and key policies.

32 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are important elements of Newcrest’s 
organisational culture. Newcrest seeks to create a work 
environment in which people can come to work feeling safe, 
valued and supported to perform at their best. Newcrest also 
seeks to create a work environment that leverages the diverse 
thinking and perspectives of its people to significantly improve 
its safety, business performance and organisational health. 

In early 2015, Newcrest refreshed its Diversity and Inclusion 
framework. The framework outlines the key areas of focus 
over the next 12–36 months. These include:
Inclusive work environment: building a work environment 
where people feel included; that is, where people are treated 
fairly and respectfully, their unique value is known and 
appreciated, they feel they belong and are connected  
to their workgroup/site.
Gender diversity: building a diverse workforce; with a 
particular focus on lifting the representation of women across 
the organisation. Growing the talents of women, enabling 
them to reach their full potential is a key priority for Newcrest.
Nationalisation: growing, developing and creating opportunities 
for career advancement for the national employees at 
Newcrest’s operations in PNG, Indonesia and West Africa.

Newcrest’s Diversity and Inclusion framework is  
supported through: 
HR and Remuneration Board Committee: Newcrest’s HR  
and Remuneration Board Committee actively supports and  
leads Newcrest’s diversity and inclusion agenda.
ExCo Diversity Sub-committee: the ExCo Diversity  
Sub-committee provides guidance and input regarding  
the implementation of Newcrest’s Diversity and  
Inclusion framework.
Diversity Policy: the Diversity Policy outlines how Newcrest 
seeks to create a diverse workforce, including treating 
employees fairly, setting measurable targets, ensuring 
legislative compliance and supporting diversity in all  
its communities. 
Workplace behaviour standard: Newcrest’s workplace 
behaviour standard promotes a workplace that is inclusive and 
free from discrimination, harassment, bullying and victimisation. 
Ensuring employees understand what is appropriate 
workplace behaviour, and encouraging them to speak up  
if they see inappropriate behaviour, supports Newcrest in 
building a positive and productive workplace environment.
Flexible work practices standard: enables employees to 
adopt flexible work practices to support a range of professional 
and personal circumstances.

DIVERSITY OF NEWCREST’S WORKFORCE

Newcrest continues to build the diversity of its workforce with  
a particular emphasis on gender and the ongoing nationalisation 
of workforces within Newcrest’s operations in PNG, Indonesia 
and West Africa.

Newcrest’s workforce consists of approximately 11.04 percent 
of female employees. Refer to Figure 1. 

Figure 1: Proportion of women (all Newcrest sites)  
as at 30 June 2015

Newcrest Mining (all sites)

Board

Senior Executives (defined as  
key management personnel)

Other employee groups

Total no.  
of females  
30 June 2015

Proportion of 
females (%)  
30 June 2015

1

2

599

10.0

28.6

11.04

In its Workplace Gender Equity report for 2015, Newcrest 
reported that 14.25 percent of its Australian workforce 
comprised women, down slightly compared with 14.8 percent 
for the previous reporting period. Newcrest remains committed 
to significantly improving the representation of women within 
its workforce. 

In accordance with the requirements of the Workplace Gender 
Equality Act 2012 (Act), Newcrest lodged its 2014–15 public 
report with the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (Agency).  
As required by the Agency, the report included the workplace 
profile and the reporting questionnaire. Employees are able  
to access the report via Newcrest’s portal or can request to 
receive a hard copy. Feedback and comments regarding the 
report content could be made via an email address and via 
phone to an internal contact and also directly to the Agency. 

ASX External Measures – Gender Diversity
The Board approved Newcrest’s second generation of gender 
diversity measures in early 2014. The measures are intended  
to deliver a larger pool of women from which Newcrest can 
identify and develop future leaders. 

Newcrest’s external measures are detailed and are accompanied 
with commentary regarding the progress made to date in the 
achievement of these measures. 

Increase the representation of women in management 
Levels 2–4 to a minimum of 16 percent by 31 December 2016: 
as at 30 June 2015, women in management accounted for  
13.7 percent (63 women) of Newcrest’s Australian workforce. 
The percentage of women has increased by 1.0 percent  
when compared with 30 June 2014. Newcrest will continue  
to identify innovative ways to attract, develop and progress 
women within the business and accelerate its performance 
under this measure. 

Increase the proportion of women accessing programs 
aimed at accelerating development, by a minimum of  
20 percent by 31 December 2016: accelerated development 
programs are put in place for high-potential employees to 
realise the employee’s potential with structured support  
in a compressed time frame. As at 31 December 2014, when 
Newcrest conducted its most recent review of high-potentials, 
approximately 17.9 percent of women were represented within 
the accelerated development pool. Over the coming 12 months, 
Newcrest will conduct a comprehensive review of its approach 
to development, with the intent of strengthening the accelerated 
development offering for employees who possess potential.

Increase the representation of women selected for  
the graduate program to a minimum of 40 percent by  
31 December 2016: Newcrest has eight graduates employed  
on the Newcrest Graduate program. Female participation  
on the Newcrest Graduate Program stands at 62.5 percent. 
Newcrest continues to invest heavily in its Vacation  
and Scholarship programs. In FY2015, female vacation  
students accounted for 33 percent of the total number  
of vacation students.

Newcrest will continue to identify ways to strengthen its 
people programs to accelerate Newcrest’s progress on its ASX 
diversity measures, while simultaneously building the capability 
of people leaders to proactively lead and leverage the benefits 
of diverse teams. The Board is in the process of developing 
diversity measures to apply beyond calendar year 2016.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 33

Financial Report
For the year ended 30 June 2015

35  Directors’ Report
38  Operating and Financial Review
62 

 Letter from the Chairman and the Chairman of the  
Human Resources and Remuneration Committee

63  Remuneration Report
90  Auditor’s Independence Declaration
91  Consolidated Income Statement 
92  Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
93  Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
94  Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
95  Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
96  Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
139  Directors’ Declaration
140  Independent Auditor’s Report

34 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Directors’ Report

The Directors present their report together with the consolidated 
financial report of the Newcrest Mining Limited Group, comprising 
the Company and its controlled entities, for the year ended 
30 June 2015.

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE STATE OF AFFAIRS

Refer to the Operating and Financial Review for the significant 
changes in the state of affairs of the Group.

DIRECTORS

The Directors of the Company during the year ended 30 June 2015, 
and up to the date of this report are set out below. All Directors 
held their position as a Director throughout the entire year and up 
to the date of this report unless otherwise stated.

Peter Hay

Non-Executive Director and Non-Executive 
Chairman 

Sandeep Biswas

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer(1)

Gerard Bond

Finance Director and Chief Financial Officer 

Philip Aiken AM

Non-Executive Director

Vince Gauci

Non-Executive Director

Winifred Kamit

Non-Executive Director 

Richard Knight

Non-Executive Director

Rick Lee AM

Tim Poole

John Spark

Greg Robinson

Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director(2)

Non-Executive Director 

Former Managing Director  
and Chief Executive Officer(3)

(1)  Sandeep Biswas succeeded Greg Robinson as Managing Director  

and Chief Executive Officer on 4 July 2014.
(2)  Resigned from the Board on 30 July 2015.
(3)  Retired from the Board on 4 July 2014.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

Refer to the Operating and Financial Review for information  
on likely developments and future prospects of the Group.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

There have been no matters or events that have occurred 
subsequent to 30 June 2015 that have significantly affected or 
may significantly affect the operations of the Group, the results of 
those operations or the state of affairs of the Group in subsequent 
financial years. 

SHARE RIGHTS

During the year an aggregate of 78,439 rights were exercised, 
resulting in the issue of 78,439 ordinary shares of the Company 
for nil consideration. At the date of this report there were 
4,081,206 unissued shares under rights.

AUDITOR INDEPENDENCE AND NON-AUDIT SERVICES

A copy of the Auditor’s Independence Declaration as required 
under section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 is attached. 
During the year, other assurance related services and advisory 
services were provided by Ernst & Young (auditor to the Company) 
– refer Note 29 to the financial statements. The Directors are 
satisfied that the provision of these services did not impair the 
Auditor’s Independence. 

Subsequent to year-end the following changes to the composition 
of the Board of Directors occurred or have been announced:
 – Appointment of Xiaoling Liu as a Non-Executive Director, 

effective from 1 September 2015.

 – Appointment of Roger Higgins as a Non-Executive Director, 

effective from 1 October 2015.

 – Resignation of Tim Poole as a Non-Executive Director, effective 

30 July 2015.

 – Retirement of Vince Gauci as a Non-Executive Director, 

immediately after the next Newcrest Annual General Meeting  
on 29 October 2015.

CURRENCY

All references to dollars in the Directors’ Report and the Financial 
Report are a reference to Australian dollars ($ or A$) unless 
otherwise specified.

ROUNDING OF AMOUNTS

Newcrest Mining Limited is a company of the kind referred  
to in ASIC Class Order 98/100 and, in accordance with that Class 
Order, amounts in the Directors’ Report and the Financial Report  
are rounded to the nearest A$1 million (A$m) except where 
otherwise indicated.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES

The principal activities of the Group during the year were 
exploration, mine development, mine operations and the sale  
of gold and gold/copper concentrate. There were no significant 
changes in those activities during the year.

CONSOLIDATED RESULT

The profit after tax attributable to Newcrest shareholders 
(‘Statutory Profit’) for the year ended 30 June 2015 was  
A$546 million (2014: loss of A$2,221 million).

Refer to the Operating and Financial Review for further details.  
The Operating and Financial Review forms part of this Directors’ 
Report. The financial information in the Operating and Financial 
Review includes non-IFRS financial information. Explanations and 
reconciliations of non-IFRS financial information to the financial 
statements are included in Section 6 of the Operating and 
Financial Review.

DIVIDENDS

The Directors have determined that there will be no payment  
of a dividend for the year ended 30 June 2015.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION AND PERFORMANCE

The Managing Director reports to the Board on all significant 
safety, health and environmental incidents. The Board also has  
a Safety and Sustainability Committee which has oversight of the 
safety, health and environmental performance of the Group which 
meets at least four times per year. The Directors are not aware of 
any environmental matters which would have a materially adverse 
impact on the overall business of the Group.

The operations of the Group are subject to environmental 
regulation under the jurisdiction of the countries in which those 
operations are conducted, including Australia, Indonesia, Papua 
New Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire and Fiji. Each mining operation is subject 
to particular environmental regulation specific to their activities  
as part of their operating licence or environmental approvals.  
Each of our sites are required to also manage their environmental 
aspects in accordance with our corporate environmental policies 
and standards. 

The environmental laws and regulations that cover each of our 
sites, combined with our policies and standards, address the 
potential impact of the Group’s activities in relation to water and 
air quality, noise, land disturbance, waste and tailings management, 
and the potential impact upon flora and fauna. The Group releases 
an annual Sustainability Report in accordance with the Global 
Reporting Initiative that details our activities in relation to 
management of material environmental aspects.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 35

Directors’ Report

The Group has a uniform internal reporting system across all sites. 
All environmental events, including breaches of any regulation  
or law, are assessed according to their actual or potential 
environmental consequence. Five levels of environmental 
incidents are tracked based on factors such as spill volume, 
incident location (onsite or offsite) and potential or actual 
environmental impacts. These levels include: I (insignificant),  
II (minor), III (moderate), IV (major) and V (catastrophic). Data  
on Category I incidents are only collected at a site level and  
are not reported in aggregate for the Group. 

The number of events reported in each category during the  
year is shown in the following table. In all cases, environmental 
authorities were notified of those events where required and 
remedial action undertaken.

Category

2015 – Number of incidents

2014 – Number of incidents

II

16

13

III

4

4

IV

0

1

V

0

0

INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE OF DIRECTORS  
AND OFFICERS

Newcrest maintains a Directors’ and Officers’ insurance policy 
that, subject to some exceptions, provides insurance cover  
to past, present or future Directors, Secretaries and Executive 
Officers of the Group and its subsidiaries. The Company has  
paid an insurance premium for the policy. 

INDEMNIFICATION OF AUDITORS

To the extent permitted by law, the Company has agreed to 
indemnify its auditors, Ernst & Young, as part of the terms of  
its audit engagement agreement against claims by third parties 
arising from the audit (for an unspecified amount). No payment 
has been made to indemnify Ernst & Young during or since the  
end of the financial year.

REMUNERATION REPORT

The Remuneration Report is set out on pages 63 to 88 and forms 
part of this Directors’ Report.

INFORMATION ON DIRECTORS

Details of the Directors’ qualifications, experience and special 
responsibilities are set out on pages 6 to 7.

INFORMATION ON FORMER DIRECTORS

Tim Poole BCOMM, CA, 46
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mr Poole was appointed to the Board in August 2007. He was a 
member of the Audit and Risk Committee, the Human Resources 
and Remuneration Committee and the Nominations Committee. 
Mr Poole resigned from the Board on 30 July 2015.

Skills, experience and expertise
Mr Poole has more than 15 years’ experience as a director and 
chairman of ASX listed and unlisted companies across the financial 
services, infrastructure, aged care and resources industries.  
He was formerly Managing Director of Hastings Funds 
Management Limited, and Chairman of Asciano Limited.

Listed Directorships
 – Chairman of Lifestyle Communities Limited (from 2007)
 – Director of McMillan Shakespeare Limited (from 2013)
 – Director of Japara Healthcare Limited (from 2014)
 – Director of Aurizon Holdings Limited (from 2015)

Other Directorships/appointments
 – Chairman of Westbourne Credit Management Limited
 – Director of AustralianSuper Pty Ltd and chairman of its 

investment committee

Greg Robinson BSC (HONS), MBA (COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY), MAICD, 53
MANAGING DIRECTOR AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Mr Robinson was appointed to the Board as an Executive Director 
in November 2006.

Mr Robinson was appointed Managing Director and Chief 
Executive Officer of Newcrest in July 2011 after serving as Director 
Finance of Newcrest from 2006 to 2011. Prior to joining Newcrest, 
Mr Robinson was with the BHP Billiton Group from 2001 to 2006 
in various executive roles, including Chief Finance and Chief 
Development Officer, Energy and Chief Financial Officer, Petroleum. 
Mr Robinson was also a member of the Group Executive 
Committee. Before joining BHP Billiton, he was the Director  
of Investment Banking at Merrill Lynch & Co. Mr Robinson was  
a Director of St Vincent’s Institute from 2005 until March 2015.

Mr Robinson resigned from the Board on 4 July 2014.

INFORMATION ON COMPANY SECRETARY

Francesca Lee BCOMM, LLB (HONS), LLM, GRAD. DIP. CSP, AGIA, 59
GENERAL COUNSEL AND COMPANY SECRETARY 

Ms Lee joined Newcrest as General Counsel and Company Secretary 
on 31 March 2014. She was General Counsel and Company Secretary 
of OZ Minerals Limited from 2008 until 2014, and its antecedent 
companies from 2003. Ms Lee has more than 26 years’ experience 
working across various senior legal and commercial roles within 
the mining industry including BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto Limited and 
Comalco Limited, including as General Manager Internal Audit and 
Risk at Rio Tinto Limited. She also spent several years as Vice 
President Structured Finance with Citibank Limited.

Ms Lee was a member of the Australian Government Takeovers 
Panel from 2009 until March 2015.

36 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

 
DIRECTORS’ MEETINGS

The number of Directors’ meetings (including meetings of committees of Directors) and number of meetings attended by each of the 
Directors of the Company during the financial year were:

Director

Peter Hay

Sandeep Biswas

Gerard Bond

Philip Aiken AM

Vince Gauci

Winifred Kamit

Richard Knight

Rick Lee AM

Tim Poole

John Spark

Directors’ Meetings

Audit and Risk

Human Resources 
and Remuneration

Safety and 
Sustainability

Nominations

Committees of the Board

A

11

11

11

11

10

11

11

10

11

11

B

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

A

–

–

–

–

–

–

4

5

4

5

B

–

–

–

–

–

–

4

5

5

5

A

–

–

–

6

6

7

–

7

7

–

B

–

–

–

7

7

7

–

7

7

–

A

–

–

–

4

3

4

4

–

–

–

B

–

–

–

4

4

4

4

–

–

–

A

3

–

–

3

2

3

3

3

3

3

B

3

–

–

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

Special Board 
  Committees (1)
B

A

7

7

6

–

–

–

3

2

2

5

7

7

N/A

–

–

–

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Column A – Indicates the number of meetings attended whilst a Director/Committee member.

Column B – Indicates the number of meetings held whilst a Director/Committee member.

(1)   These are out of session Committee meetings generally called at short notice to deal with specific matters delegated to the Committee by the Board.  
The membership of such special Committees may vary – for example it may be the Chairman, Managing Director, and/or one or more unspecified 
Non-Executive Directors.

Details of the functions and memberships of the Committees of the Board are presented in Newcrest’s Corporate Governance Statement.

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS

As at the date of this report, the interest of each Director in the shares and rights of Newcrest Mining Limited were:

Director

Peter Hay

Sandeep Biswas

Gerard Bond

Philip Aiken AM

Vince Gauci

Winifred Kamit

Richard Knight

Rick Lee AM

Tim Poole

John Spark

Number of  
Ordinary Shares

Nature of  
Interest

Number of Rights  
Over Ordinary Shares

Nature of  
Interest

43,000

Direct and Indirect

57,502

33,838

17,769

18,400

326

40,000

28,447

4,235

32,695

Direct and Indirect

Direct

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Direct and Indirect

–

621,828(1)

260,228(2)

–

Direct

Direct

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1)  Represents Sandeep Biswas’ unvested performance rights granted pursuant to the Company’s 2014 and 2015 financial year Long Term Incentive plan, and 

his entitlement under his Executive Service Agreement to a further grant of 54,990 shares (or cash equivalent) to be transferred in November 2015, subject 
to continuing employment and satisfactory employment. 

(2)  Represents Gerard Bond’s unvested performance rights granted pursuant to the Company’s 2013, 2014 and 2015 financial year Long Term Incentive plan.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 37

Directors’ Report
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

To assist readers to better understand the financial performance of the underlying operating businesses of Newcrest, the financial 
information in this Operating and Financial Review includes non-IFRS financial information. Explanations and reconciliations of non-IFRS 
information to the financial statements are set out in section 6.

1. SUMMARY OF RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2015(1)

Key points

Improved operational and financial performance
 – Statutory profit (2) of AUD 546 million
 – Underlying profit (3) 19% higher to AUD 515 million
 – Gold production (4) 1% higher to 2.423 million ounces
 – Copper production (4) 12% higher to 96.8 thousand tonnes
 – All-In Sustaining cost (3),(5) 12% lower to USD 789 per ounce (4% lower to AUD 941 per ounce)

Stronger cash flow and balance sheet
 – Free Cash Flow (3) of AUD 1,086 million, an increase of AUD 953 million 
 – All of Newcrest’s debt is USD-denominated. USD net debt reduced by USD 819 million  

(or 22%) to USD 2.89 billion (AUD 3.76 billion) as at 30 June 2015

 – Edge program delivering cash benefits (around AUD 390 million to date) and cultural change
 – Net debt to EBITDA (3) of 2.2 times, 15% lower than the corresponding period
 – Gearing of 29.3% at 30 June 2015, compared with 33.8% at 30 June 2014

Highlights

Footnote

2015

2014

Change

Change %

For the 12 months ended 30 June

Revenue
Statutory profit/(loss)
Underlying profit
EBITDA
Cash flow from operating activities
Free cash flow
Net debt

Total equity
Gearing
EBITDA Margin
EBIT Margin
Net debt to EBITDA
ROCE
Interest coverage ratio
Group production   – gold 

– copper
– silver

All-In Sustaining Cost

Realised gold price

Realised copper price

Realised silver price
Average exchange rate 
Closing exchange rate

2
3
3

3

3
3
3
3
3
4
4

3
5

AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
USDM
AUDM
%
%
%
times
%
times
oz
t
oz
AUD/oz sold
USD/oz sold
AUD/oz
USD/oz
AUD/lb
USD/lb
AUD/oz
AUD:USD
AUD:USD

4,344
546
515
1,673
1,589
1,086
3,761
2,888
9,059
29.3
38.5
22.6
2.2
8.0
10.5
2,422,568
96,816
2,181,419
941
789
1,474
1,236
3.47
2.91
20.03
0.8388
0.7680

4,040
(2,221)
432
1,514
1,037
133
3,935
3,707
7,707
33.8
37.5
20.3
2.6
6.4
9.7
2,396,023
86,118
2,324,210
976
897
1,408
1,292
3.46
3.18
22.45
0.9187
0.9420

304
2,767
83
159
552
953
(174)
(819)
1,352
(4.5)
1.0
2.3
(0.4)
1.6
0.8
26,545
10,698
(142,791)
(35)
(108)
66
(56)
0.01
(0.27)
(2.42)
(0.0799)
(0.1740)

8%
–
19%
11%
53%
717%
(4%)
(22%)
18%
(13%)
3%
11%
(15%)
25%
8%
1%
12%
(6%)
(4%)
(12%)
5%
(4%)
0%
(8%)
(11%)
(9%)
(18%)

38 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

 
 
Full year results
Over the 12 months ended 30 June 2015, Newcrest has been 
focused on reducing major hazards and significant injuries, 
improving operational discipline, cash maximisation and  
profitable growth.

Tragically, there were two fatalities in the current financial year 
and a further fatality since the end of the year. On 6 December 
2014 an employee of the Hidden Valley Joint Venture was fatally 
injured after being struck by a reversing loader in the milling area. 
The second fatality occurred at Telfer on 15 May 2015 when a 
contractor working in the underground mine was fatally injured 
while operating an elevated work platform. A further fatality 
occurred at Hidden Valley on 18 July 2015 when a Hidden Valley 
employee died in an incident on the site road to the processing 
plant. Production activity was temporarily suspended following  
all incidents and comprehensive investigations initiated.

These fatalities sadly overshadow Newcrest’s otherwise strong 
operating and financial performance in the year. Newcrest’s Board 
and Management remain resolutely focused on and committed  
to the safety of Newcrest’s workforce and will relentlessly seek  
to eliminate fatalities and life-altering injuries from its operations.

Newcrest’s strong operating and financial performance for the 
12 months ended 30 June 2015 was underpinned by Newcrest’s 
comprehensive, Group-wide improvement program (called ‘Edge’) 
which pursues improvements across all areas of the business and 
has delivered around AUD 390 million of cash benefits to date.

Statutory profit of AUD 546 million in the current period was AUD 
2,767 million higher than the corresponding period. The current 
period Statutory profit includes significant items with a net benefit 
of AUD 31 million (comprising a net asset impairment reversal  
of AUD 55 million, and a gain of AUD 19 million on the partial 
sell-down of shares in Evolution Mining Limited, partially offset  
by AUD 43 million in inventory write-downs). The corresponding 
period’s Statutory loss included significant items totalling a net 
loss of AUD 2,653 million (primarily relating to asset impairments 
of AUD 2,353 million).

Underlying profit in the current period of AUD 515 million was  
AUD 83 million higher than the corresponding period and primarily 
reflects increased contribution from the ramp-up of higher margin 
production at Cadia East together with the positive net impact  
on AUD revenue of the weakening Australian Dollar against the US 
Dollar during the current period. The operating costs of Newcrest’s 
operations outside Australia with USD functional currencies were 
adversely impacted by the weaker Australian Dollar.

Newcrest’s 2015 financial year gold production of 2.423 million 
ounces was within the Group guidance range of 2.3-2.5 million 
ounces. Full year copper production of 96.8 thousand tonnes  
was also within the guidance range of 95-105 thousand tonnes.

Gold production of 2.423 million ounces was 1% higher than the 
corresponding period primarily due to the ramp-up of the Cadia 
East underground mine and higher ore feed grades at Gosowong 
and West Africa, with higher milling rates at Lihir partially offsetting 
the impact of lower ore feed grades at Lihir in the current period.

Copper production of 96.8 thousand tonnes was 12% higher than 
the corresponding period, primarily due to increased processing  
of higher copper grade ore from Cadia East.

All-in Sustaining Cost expenditure of AUD 2,270 million, total 
capital expenditure of AUD 564 million and exploration expenditure 
of AUD 46 million were all below their guidance range of AUD 2,300 
to 2,500 million, AUD 585 to 625 million and AUD 50 to 60 million, 
respectively.

Newcrest’s All-in Sustaining Cost of AUD 941 per ounce sold in  
the current period was 4% lower than the corresponding period, 
reflecting lower levels of production stripping and sustaining 
capital expenditure, higher by-product revenue associated  
with higher copper sales volume, partially offset by the 9% 
deterioration in the average Australian Dollar against the 
corresponding period (which increased USD-denominated  
costs). All-In Sustaining Cost of USD 789 per ounce sold was  
12% lower than the corresponding period.

(1)  All figures in this report relate to businesses of the Newcrest Mining Limited Group (‘Newcrest’ or ‘the Group’) for the 12 months ended 30 June 2015 

(‘current period’) compared with the 12 months ended 30 June 2014 (‘corresponding period’), except where otherwise stated. All references to ‘the Company’ 
are to Newcrest Mining Limited. All references to $ are a reference to Australian dollars unless otherwise stated.

(2)  Statutory profit/(loss) is profit after tax attributable to owners of the Company.
(3)  Newcrest’s results are reported under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). This report also includes certain non-IFRS financial information, 

including the following:
 – ‘Underlying profit (loss)’ is profit or loss after tax before significant items attributable to owners of the Company.
 – ‘EBITDA’ is ‘Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, and significant items’. ‘EBIT’ is ‘Earnings before interest, tax and significant items’.
 – ‘EBITDA margin’ is EBITDA expressed as a percentage of revenue. ‘EBIT margin’ is EBIT expressed as a percentage of revenue.
 – ‘Operating unit cost’ is cost of sales less depreciation divided by gold sales.
 – ‘AISC’ is All-In Sustaining Cost and ‘AIC’ is All-In Cost as per World Gold Council Guidance Note on Non-GAAP Metrics released June 2013. AISC will vary from 

period to period as a result of various factors including production performance, timing of sales, and the level of sustaining capital and the relative 
contribution of each asset.

 – Net debt to EBITDA is calculated as net debt divided by EBITDA.
 – ‘ROCE’ is ‘Return on Capital Employed’ and is calculated as EBIT expressed as a percentage of average total capital employed (net debt and total equity).
 – ‘Interest Coverage Ratio’ is calculated as EBITDA divided by the interest payable for the relevant period. Interest payable is interest paid or payable,  

less any interest received or receivable and is inclusive of capitalised interest.

 – ‘Free Cash Flow’ is calculated as cash flow from operating activities less cash flow related to investing activities.
 – Underlying profit, EBIT, EBITDA, EBITDA Margin, Free Cash Flow, All-In Sustaining Cost, All-In Cost, Operating unit cost, Sustaining capital, Major projects 

(non-sustaining), ROCE and Interest Coverage Ratio are non-IFRS financial measures which Newcrest employs in managing the business. They are used by 
management to assess the performance of the business and make decisions on the allocation of resources and have been included in this report to 
provide greater understanding of the underlying financial performance of Newcrest’s operations. When reviewing business performance this non-IFRS 
information should be used in addition to, and not as a replacement of, measures prepared in accordance with IFRS. These measures have not been subject 
to audit by Newcrest’s external auditor.

These measures do not have any standard definition under IFRS and may be calculated differently by other companies. Refer to section six for a reconciliation of 
non-IFRS measures to the most appropriate IFRS measure.

(4)  Production and sales for the 12 months ended 30 June 2015 includes 21,060 pre-commissioning and development gold ounces and 2,102 tonnes of copper 
for the Cadia East project. For the 12 months ended 30 June 2014 production and sales includes 18,675 gold ounces and 1,770 tonnes of copper related to 
the pre-commissioning and development of the Cadia East project. Expenditure associated with this production and revenue from the sales are capitalised 
and not included in the operating profit calculations.

(5)  All-In Sustaining Costs in USD terms are converted to USD at an average AUD:USD exchange rate for the 12 months ended 30 June 2015 of $0.8388.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 39

Directors’ Report
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

1. SUMMARY OF RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED  
30 JUNE 2015(1) (continued)

Free cash flow, being cash from operating activities less cash  
from investing activities, was an inflow of AUD 1,086 million,  
which was AUD 953 million higher than the corresponding period. 
All operations (excluding Hidden Valley) improved free cash flow 
generation in the current period, and were free cash flow positive.

The strong free cash flow performance enabled USD 760 million of 
debt to be repaid and cash on hand to increase by USD 65 million 
in the current period. All of Newcrest’s debt is USD-denominated.

The Australian dollar weakened in the current period such that  
the reduction in Newcrest’s USD-denominated net debt of  
USD 819 million was, on translation to AUD at 30 June 2015,  
a reduction of AUD 174 million. The weaker Australian dollar also 
increased the AUD value of Newcrest’s USD-denominated assets, 
with the translation benefit of this combining with Newcrest’s 
profit after tax for the year to increase shareholders equity by  
AUD 1,352 million. The reduction in USD net debt, net profit for  
the year and the net effect of AUD translation combined to reduce 
Newcrest’s gearing ratio from 33.8% in the corresponding period 
to 29.3% at 30 June 2015.

Capital structure
As at 30 June 2015 Newcrest had net debt of USD 2,888 million 
(AUD 3,761 million) with USD 2,423 million of cash and committed 
undrawn bank facilities, comprising USD 198 million (AUD 258 million) 
in cash and USD 2,225 million(6) (AUD 2,897 million) in committed 
undrawn bank facilities with terms extending from September 
2016 to January 2020.

Under current market and operating conditions, the Newcrest 
Board remains comfortable with this level of debt given the near 
term cash flow outlook of the Group and has no present intention 
to raise equity. Newcrest will continue to prioritise application of 
free cash flow to the reduction of debt.

Newcrest’s financial objectives are to meet all financial obligations, 
maintain a strong balance sheet so as to withstand cash flow 
volatility, be able to invest capital in value-creating opportunities, 
and be able to return excess cash generated to shareholders.  
As an unhedged gold producer, Newcrest looks to maintain  
a conservative level of balance sheet leverage.

Production guidance FY16 (7)

Cadia 

Telfer 

Lihir
Gosowong
Hidden Valley (50%)
West Africa

Group production 

From a financial policy perspective, Newcrest looks to:

 – Target an investment grade credit rating throughout the cycle;
 – Maintain a leverage ratio (Net Debt to EBITDA) of less than 2.0 times;
 – Maintain a gearing ratio of below 25%; and
 – Maintain diverse funding sources, sizeable committed undrawn 
bank facilities and USD debt with an appropriate tenor having 
regard to the life of the Group’s assets.

Newcrest’s dividend policy continues to balance financial 
performance and capital commitments with a prudent leverage  
and gearing level for the Company. Newcrest looks to pay ordinary 
dividends that are sustainable over time having regard to its financial 
policy, profitability, balance sheet strength and reinvestment options  
in the business.

The Newcrest Board has determined that there will be no dividend  
for the 12 months ended 30 June 2015. The Board will consider 
returning to paying a dividend as debt is further reduced and taking 
market and operating conditions into consideration.

Guidance (7)
All sites achieved production guidance for the current period, 
with Cadia exceeding its production guidance range. Looking ahead, 
Newcrest remains firmly focused on realising the full potential  
of each of the Group’s assets, with an emphasis on the following:
 – Operational discipline (including safety);
 – Cash; and
 – Profitable growth.

Subject to marketing and operating conditions, Newcrest  
provides the following guidance (7):
 – Group gold production is expected to be in the range  

of 2.4 to 2.6 million ounces

 – Group copper production is expected to be in the range  

of 80 to 90 thousand tonnes

 – Group All-In-Sustaining Cost expenditure is expected  
to be in the range of AUD 2,650 to AUD 2,950 million
 – Total capital expenditure is expected to be in the range  

of AUD 700 to AUD 825 million

 – Total exploration expenditure is expected to be in the range  

of AUD 60 to AUD 70 million

 – Depreciation and amortisation is expected to be in the range  

of AUD 880 to AUD 950 million

– gold
– copper
– gold
– copper
– gold
– gold
– gold
– gold

– gold
– copper
– silver

For the  
12 months ended  
30 June 2016

650 – 700
~65
470 – 520
~20
770 – 850
300 – 350
80 – 100
110 – 130

2.4 – 2.6
~80 – 90
2.0 – 2.4

koz
kt
koz
kt
koz
koz
koz
koz

moz
kt
moz

Cost and Capital Guidance FY16(7),(8)

Cadia

Telfer

Lihir

Gosowong 
(100%)

Hidden 
Valley  
(50%)

West Africa 
(100%)

Other

Group

All-In Sustaining Cost
Capital expenditure
– Production stripping
– Sustaining capital
– Major projects (non-sustaining)
Total Capital expenditure

AUDM
240-290

AUDM

AUDM
680-730 1,050-1,150

AUDM
290-330

AUDM
120-140

AUDM
190-210

AUDM
AUDM
90-100 2,650-2,950

–
70-80
160-190
230-270

30-40
85-95
–
115-135

30-40
115-125
20-25
165-190

–
50-60
–
50-60

–
5-10
–
5-10

25-35
30-35
–
55-70

–
10-15
65-75
75-90

85-115
365-420
245-290
700-825

60-70
880-950

Exploration expenditure
Depreciation and amortisation (including production stripping)

40 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Review of operations

Gold sales
Copper sales
Silver sales
Revenue
EBITDA
EBIT
Free cash flow
Capital expenditure
AISC

AISC (5)

Gold sales
Copper sales
Silver sales
Revenue
EBITDA
EBIT
Free cash flow
Capital expenditure
AISC

AISC (5)

For the 12 months ended 30 June 2015

Cadia(4)

Telfer

Lihir

Gosowong 
(100%)

Hidden 
Valley  
(50%)

West Africa 
(100%)

Other

Group

679
75
538
1,538
884
652
606
279
161
245
135
206

518
24
321
956
334
281
271
53
496
957
416
803

692
–
17
1,020
163
(29)
154
103
964
1,394
809
1,169

332
–
427
499
258
141
192
41
287
863
241
724

98
–
920
161
15
(17)
(15)
38
167
1,702
140
1,428

114
–
19
170
78
41
53
18
102
896
86
752

–
–
–
–
(59)
(89)
(175)
32
93
39
77
33

2,433
99
2,241
4,344
1,673
980
1,086
564
2,270
941
1,904
789

Cadia (4)

Telfer

574
59
467
1,233
665
491
259
375
181
326
166
300

540
25
328
950
303
228
170
76
542
1,005
498
924

Lihir

747
–
26
1,055
353
132
51
251
943
1,261
866
1,159

For the 12 months ended 30 June 2014

Gosowong 
(100%)

Hidden Valley  
(50%)

West Africa 
(100%)

Other

Group

336
–
485
484
259
149
100
58
277
823
254
756

105
–
974
171
28
(11)
(12)
27
147
1,402
135
1,288

104
–
18
147
37
(8)
29
12
124
1,193
114
1,096

–
–
–
–
(131)
(160)
(464)
44
115
49
107
45

2,405
84
2,297
4,040
1,514
821
133
843
2,329
976
2,140
897

koz
koz
koz
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUD/oz
USDM
USD/oz

koz
koz
koz
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUD/oz
USDM
USD/oz

(6)  Comprises undrawn bilateral loan facilities of USD 2,175 million and an additional unutilised USD 50 million loan facility at a closing foreign exchange rate  

of AUD:USD$0.7680.

(7)  Disclaimer: These materials include forward looking statements. Often, but not always, forward looking statements can generally be identified by the  

use of forward looking words such as ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘expect’, ‘intend’, ‘plan’, ‘estimate’, ‘anticipate’, ‘continue’, and ‘guidance’, or other similar words and may 
include, without limitation, statements regarding plans, strategies and objectives of management, anticipated production or construction 
commencement dates and expected costs or production outputs. Forward looking statements inherently involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties 
and other factors that may cause Newcrest’s actual results, performance and achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or 
achievements. Relevant factors may include, but are not limited to, changes in commodity prices, foreign exchange fluctuations and general economic 
conditions, increased costs and demand for production inputs, the speculative nature of exploration and project development, including the risks of obtaining 
necessary licenses and permits and diminishing quantities or grades of reserves, political and social risks, changes to the regulatory framework within 
which Newcrest operates or may in the future operate, environmental conditions including extreme weather conditions, recruitment and retention of 
personnel, industrial relations issues and litigation.
Forward looking statements are based on Newcrest and its management’s good faith assumptions relating to the financial, market, regulatory and other 
relevant environments that will exist and affect Newcrest’s business and operations in the future. Newcrest does not give any assurance that the assumptions 
on which forward looking statements are based will prove to be correct, or that Newcrest’s business or operations will not be affected in any material 
manner by these or other factors not foreseen or foreseeable by Newcrest or management or beyond Newcrest’s control.
Although Newcrest attempts and has attempted to identify factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those 
disclosed in forward looking statements, there may be other factors that could cause actual results, performance, achievements or events not to be as 
anticipated, estimated or intended, and many events are beyond the reasonable control of Newcrest. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue 
reliance on forward looking statements. Forward looking statements in these materials speak only at the date of issue. Subject to any continuing obligations 
under applicable law or any relevant stock exchange listing rules, in providing this information Newcrest does not undertake any obligation to publicly update 
or revise any of the forward looking statements or to advise of any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
(8)  Assumes weighted average gold price of USD 1,100 per ounce, copper price of USD 2.40 per pound, silver price of USD 15 per ounce and AUD/USD exchange 

rate of 0.74 for the 2016 financial year.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 41

Directors’ Report
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

2. DISCUSSIONS AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS  
AND THE INCOME STATEMENT

2.1. Profit Overview
Statutory profit was AUD 546 million and Underlying profit  
was AUD 515 million in the current period. This represents an  
AUD 2,767 million improvement in Statutory profit and AUD  
83 million improvement in Underlying profit compared with  
the corresponding period.

The current period profit reflects improved profitability at  
Cadia, Telfer and West Africa partly offset by lower profit at Lihir. 
Reduced current period profit at Lihir was due to lower sales 
volumes and higher unit operating costs compared with the 
corresponding period.

The improvement of AUD 83 million in Underlying profit was largely 
due to increased low cost production associated with the ramp-up 
of Cadia East, the weakening of the Australian Dollar against the 
US Dollar during the current period which increased revenue in 
AUD terms, and lower corporate expenditures. These drivers were 
partially offset by higher unit operating costs (which in part was 
due to the lower exchange rate) and higher income tax expense 
compared to the corresponding period. The weakening of the  
AUD against all key currencies resulted in a net profit improvement 
with the benefit on revenue significantly higher than the negative 
impact on costs.

The Statutory profit in the current period was impacted by 
significant items (after tax and non-controlling interests) totalling 
a net benefit of AUD 31 million after tax and non-controlling 
interests, comprising:
 – Asset impairment reversal, being a benefit of AUD 376 million;
 – Asset impairments, being a loss of AUD 321 million;
 – Inventory write-down, being a loss of AUD 43 million; and
 – Gain on disposal of associate, being a benefit of AUD 19 million. 

The Statutory loss in the corresponding period was impacted by 
significant items totalling a net loss of AUD 2,653 million, including 
asset impairments of AUD 2,353 million, restructuring costs, 
additional income tax expense relating to voluntary amendment  
of prior period Research and Development claims and write-downs 
of fixed assets and inventory.

Further information is provided in section 2.12.

2.2. Underlying Profit
The differences between Underlying profit of AUD 515 million in 
the current period and Underlying profit of AUD 432 million in the 
corresponding period are quantified in the table below.

AUDM

2015

2014

Change

Change %

For the 12 months ended 30 June

Gold revenue
Copper revenue
Silver revenue

Total revenue
Operating costs 
Depreciation

Total cost of sales
Corporate  
administration costs
Exploration
Other income/(expense)
Net finance costs
Share of profit of 
associates
Income tax expense
Non-controlling interests

Underlying profit

3,555
744
45

4,344
(2,612)
(663)

3,359
629
52

4,040
(2,395)
(664)

(3,275)

(3,059)

(117)
(35)
44
(189)

19
(252)
(24)

515

(134)
(36)
(12)
(174)

22
(192)
(23)

432

196
115
(7)

304
(217)
1

(216)

17
1
56
(15)

(3)
(60)
(1)

83

6%
18%
(13%)

8%
(9%)
0%

(7%)

13%
3%
–
(9%)

(14%)
(31%)
(4%)

19%

2.3. Revenue
Total sales revenue for the 12 months ended 30 June 2015  
of AUD 4,344 million was AUD 304 million or 8% higher than  
the corresponding period.

AUDM

Total sales revenue for 12 months  
ended 30 June 2014

Changes in revenues from volume:
Gold
Copper
Silver
Total volume effect

Change in revenue from price:
Gold 
Copper
Silver
Total price effect

Total sales revenue for 12 months  
ended 30 June 2015

36
114
(1)

160
1
(6)

4,040

149

155

4,344

Gold revenue of AUD 3,555 million was 6% higher than the 
corresponding period largely due to a 5% higher average realised 
AUD gold price. Gold sales volumes increased by 1%, largely the 
result of higher production at Cadia with the ramp-up of higher 
grade ore from Cadia East offsetting the impact of declining ore 
grade at Ridgeway, and higher milling rates at Lihir partially 
offsetting lower grade ore at Lihir, when compared to the 
corresponding period.

42 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

The average realised gold price of AUD 1,474 per ounce was 5% 
higher than the corresponding period, with a 4% lower US dollar 
gold price of USD 1,236 per ounce in the current period more than 
offset by a 9% decline in the average AUD/USD exchange rate  
to $0.8388 ($0.9187 in the corresponding period).

Copper revenue of AUD 744 million was 18% higher than the 
corresponding period, reflecting an 18% increase in copper sales 
volumes to 97,379 tonnes (post capitalisation) with the average 
realised copper price of AUD 3.47 per pound in line with the 
corresponding period. The increase in sales volume was primarily 
driven by higher ore tonnes and higher copper grade ore from 
Cadia East. 

Silver revenue of AUD 45 million was 13% lower than the 
corresponding period, with 11% lower average realised prices  
and 2% lower sales volumes.

Newcrest’s sales revenue continues to be predominantly 
attributable to gold, being 82% of total sales revenue in the 
current period (83% in the corresponding period).

Production and sales

Production

Sales Production

Sales

For the 12 months ended 30 June

2015

2014

Gold production  
and sales (ounces)
Cadia(9)
Telfer
Lihir
Gosowong
Hidden Valley
West Africa
Total gold production 
and sales (ounces)

679,077
667,418
518,163
520,309
688,714 691,660
332,007
331,555
98,103
94,601
114,051
119,970

592,831
536,342
721,264
344,747
105,845
94,994

573,605
539,672
747,265
336,059
104,772
103,790

2,422,568 2,433,060 2,396,023 2,405,163

Copper production  
and sales (tonnes)
Cadia(9)
Telfer
Total copper production 
and sales (tonnes)

Silver production  
and sales (ounces)
Cadia
Telfer
Lihir
Gosowong
Hidden Valley
West Africa

73,697
23,119

75,212
24,269

60,612
25,506

58,963
25,257

96,816

99,481

86,118

84,220

521,085
321,076
16,581
410,970
892,838
18,870

537,849
321,076
16,581
426,827
919,995
19,013

486,789
327,740
26,305
489,724
974,846
18,806

466,997
327,740
26,305
484,550
973,687
18,044

Total silver production 
and sales (ounces)

2,181,419 2,241,339 2,324,210 2,297,323

2.4. Cost of sales

AUDM

2015

2014

Change

Change %

For the 12 months ended 30 June

Site production costs
Inventory movements
Royalties
Treatment and 
realisation

Operating costs

Depreciation

Cost of sales

2,257
26
124

205

2,612

663

3,275

1,972
 137
 113

 173

2,395

 664

3,059

285
(111)
11

32

217

(1)

216

14%
(81%)
10%

18%

9%

(0%)

7%

2.5. Operating costs
Operating costs of AUD 2,612 million were 9% higher than the 
corresponding period. 

The increase in site production costs mainly relates to a 22% 
increase in ore mined, which resulted in a lower drawdown of ore 
inventory compared to the corresponding period. The increase  
in site production costs was also attributed to the ramp-up of 
operating activity at Cadia East and higher operating costs at Lihir, 
including costs associated with the 7% increase in mill throughput. 
Movement in exchange rates between the comparative periods, 
including the weakening of the Australian dollar against the US 
dollar, resulted in a AUD 44 million increase in site production costs.

The AUD 32 million or 18% increase in treatment and realisation 
costs was due to higher copper production at Cadia and a 9% 
decline in the average AUD/USD exchange rate adversely impacting 
USD-denominated treatment and realisation charges. 

Further information is provided in section 4. 

2.6. Depreciation
Depreciation expense included in cost of sales of AUD 663 million 
was consistent with the corresponding period.

Decreases in depreciation expense reflected the impact of the 
impairments to carrying values as at 30 June 2014 and lower gold 
production and sales volumes at Lihir in the current period. These 
were partially offset by higher depreciation at Cadia due to the 
ramp-up of Cadia East Panel Cave 1, the commencement of 
commercial production in Cadia East Panel Cave 2 on 1 October 
2014 and the acceleration of depreciation at Ridgeway in line with 
its increased production and cave maturity. The weaker Australian 
dollar against the US dollar also increased the AUD-reported 
depreciation of non-Australian operations (a US dollar expense).

(9)  Production and sales for the 12 months ended 30 June 2015 includes 21,060 pre-commissioning and development gold ounces and 2,102 tonnes of copper  
for the Cadia East project. Production and sales for the 12 months ended 30 June 2014 includes 18,675 pre-commissioning and development gold ounces 
and 1,770 tonnes of copper for the Cadia East project. Expenditure associated with this production and revenue from the sales are capitalised and not 
included in the operating profit calculations.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 43

Directors’ Report
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

2. DISCUSSIONS AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS  
AND THE INCOME STATEMENT (continued)

2.7. Other costs
2.7.1. Corporate administration costs
Corporate administration costs of AUD 117 million were 13%  
lower than the corresponding period. Corporate cash costs of  
AUD 79 million in the current period represents a reduction of  
AUD 17 million or 18% compared with the corresponding period. 
Costs were reduced by 15% through a rationalisation of corporate 
office and support functions and the associated reductions in 
headcount, as well as other targeted cost reductions. Legal costs 
were favourably impacted by recoveries and were AUD 8 million 
lower than the corresponding period.

2.7.2. Exploration expense
Exploration expenditure of AUD 46 million was 26% lower than the 
corresponding period. Exploration expense in the current period of 
AUD 35 million included AUD 10 million of previously carried forward 
expenditure written off in the current period.

Further information is provided in section 3.2.5.

2.7.3. Other income/expenses

AUDM

Net foreign exchange gain/(loss)
Net fair value gain/(loss) on gold and copper 
derivatives
Legacy community contractual settlements 
and negotiation costs
Other

Other income/(expense)

For the 12 months  
ended 30 June

2015

2014

62

(6)

(5)
(7)

44

(11)

10

(10)
(1)

(12)

The foreign exchange gain in the current period primarily related 
to the restatement of USD-denominated concentrate receivables 
resulting from a weakening of the Australian dollar against the  
US dollar.

The fair value loss on gold and copper derivatives in the current 
period primarily related to the movement in spot prices impacting 
the quotational period adjustments on sales. Newcrest seeks to 
lock in the gold and copper price for the quotational period for 
concentrate shipments at the time of sale using forward sales 
contracts to minimise this impact.

2.8. Finance cost
Notwithstanding the reduction in net debt in the current period, 
net finance cost of AUD 189 million was AUD 15 million higher  
than the corresponding period primarily due to the effect of the 
weakening Australian dollar against the US dollar on the Group’s 
USD-denominated interest costs and an increase in undrawn 
facility fees.

2.9. Share of profit of associates
Share of profit of associates of AUD 19 million was 14% lower than 
the corresponding period, reflecting the profit earned for the 
period in which Newcrest’s investment in Evolution Mining Limited 
was accounted for as an associate.

2.10. Income tax
Income tax expense on Underlying profit was AUD 252 million, 
resulting in an effective tax rate of 32%, which is marginally higher 
than the Australian Company tax rate of 30%. This is primarily  
due to an adjustment to tax expense in the current period of  
AUD 23 million which finalised the review of research and 
development allowances claimed in the prior periods. In the 
corresponding period, income tax expense on Underlying profit 
was AUD 192 million with an effective tax rate of 30%.

Income tax expense on Statutory profit in the current period was 
AUD 414 million, which includes AUD 162 million expense relating 
to significant items.

2.11. Non-controlling interests
Non-controlling interests on Underlying profit of AUD 24 million, 
being the profit after tax attributable to minority shareholders, 
was 4% higher than the corresponding period.

Non-controlling interests on Statutory profit was AUD 14 million, 
with the difference of AUD 10 million relating to the impairment  
of assets and write-down of inventory in West Africa.

2.12. Significant Items 
Significant items totalling a net benefit of AUD 31 million (after tax 
and non-controlling interests) were recognised for the 12 months 
ended 30 June 2015 comprising:
 – Asset impairment reversal, being a benefit of AUD 376 million at 
Telfer, primarily reflecting the reduction in the short and long-term 
AUD/USD exchange rate assumptions which had a positive 
impact on the AUD revenue value, together with improved  
cost and production assumptions in the life of mine plan;

 – Asset impairments, being losses of AUD 321 million where the 

key drivers by operation were:
 – AUD 245 million at Hidden Valley, primarily reflecting the lower 
short and long-term price USD gold price assumptions, lower 
expectations of improvements in future cost and production 
performance in life of mine plan and a reduced value 
attributable to exploration prospectivity;

 – AUD 76 million at West Africa, primarily reflecting the lower 

short and long-term USD gold price assumptions and reduced 
value attributed to exploration prospectivity;

 – AUD 43 million write-down in the value of inventory at Hidden 
Valley and West Africa, primarily reflecting the lower long-term 
USD gold price assumption; and

 – AUD 19 million gain recognised following the reduction of 

Newcrest’s shareholding in Evolution Mining Limited (in February 
2015). The remaining investment in Evolution was reclassified  
as a financial instrument and the accounting changed from 
equity accounting to fair value accounting.

44 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

AUDM

Telfer
Hidden Valley
West Africa
Corporate

Total items by segment

Tax on significant items

Total after tax

Non-controlling interest

Total after tax and non-controlling interest

For the 12 months ended 30 June 2015

Impairment 
(loss)/reversal

Write-down  
of inventory

Gain on 
disposal of 
associate

Total before 
tax

Tax Expense Total after tax

538
(245)
(85)
–

208

(162)

46

9

55

–
(33)
(11)
–

(44)

–

(44)

1

(43)

–
–
–
19

19

–

19

–

19

538
(278)
(96)
19

183

(162)
–
–
–

(162)

(162)

376
(278)
(96)
19

21

21

10

31

The following table provides a summary of significant items totalling AUD 2,653 million (after tax) for the corresponding period  
(12 months ended 30 June 2014).

AUDM

Cadia
Telfer
Lihir
Gosowong
Hidden Valley
West Africa
Corporate

Total items by segment

Tax on significant items

Tax amendments to R&D 
claims

Total after tax

Non-controlling interest

Total after tax and 
non-controlling interest

Impairment 
(loss)/reversal

Write-down 
non-current 
assets

Write-down  
of inventory

Sub-total

Restructure

Total  
before tax

Tax Expense/
(Benefit)

Total after tax

For the 12 months ended 30 June 2014

–
(204)
(2,647)
–
(79)
(198)
11

(3,117)

747

–

(2,370)

17

(20)
–
(154)
–
–
–
–

(174)

52

(120)

(242)

–

–
–
(35)
–
–
–
–

(35)

11

–

(24)

–

(20)
(204)
(2,836)
–
(79)
(198)
11

(3,326)

810

(120)

(2,636)

17

(2,353)

(242)

(24)

(2,619)

(8)
(1)
(17)
(1)
–
–
(19)

(46)

12

–

(34)

–

(34)

(28)
(205)
(2,853)
(1)
(79)
(198)
(8)

(3,372)

8
62
727
–
–
20
(115)

702

822

(120)

(20)
(143)
(2,126)
(1)
(79)
(178)
(123)

(2,670)

(2,670)

17

(2,653)

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 45

Directors’ Report
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

3. DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF CASH FLOW

3.2. Cash flow from investing activities

Free cash flow for the current period of AUD 1,086 million was  
AUD 953 million higher than the corresponding period and enabled 
Newcrest to repay USD 760 million of debt and increase cash on 
hand by USD 65 million in the current period. The improvement 
reflects cash flows from operating activities being AUD 552 million 
higher, capital expenditure being AUD 279 million lower, and a cash 
inflow of AUD 105 million from the partial sell-down of shares in 
Evolution Mining Limited in the current period. 

All operations (excluding Hidden Valley) improved free cash flow 
generation in the current period, and were free cash flow positive.

AUDM

2015

2014

Change

Change %

For the 12 months ended 30 June

Cash flow from 
operating activities
Cash flow related to 
investing activities

1,589

1,037

(503)

(904)

Free cash flow

1,086

133

Cash flow related to 
financing activities

Net movement in cash

Cash at the beginning 
of the period
Effects of exchange rate 
changes on cash held

Cash at the end of the 
period

(986)

100

141

17

258

(61)

72

69

–

141

552

401

953

53%

44%

717%

(925)

(1,516%)

28

72

17

117

39%

104%

83%

3.1. Cash flow from operating activities

AUDM

2015

2014

Change

Change %

For the 12 months ended 30 June

Receipts from 
customers
Payments to suppliers 
and employees
Net interest paid
Income taxes paid
Dividends received

Net cash inflow from 
operating activities

4,319

3,967

(2,532)
(173)
(30)
5

(2,636)
(161)
(138)
5

352

104
(12)
108
–

9%

4%
(7%)
78%
–

1,589

1,037

552

53%

Cash flow from operating activities of AUD 1,589 million was  
AUD 552 million higher than the corresponding period. This 
increase reflects Newcrest’s focus on cash generation through  
the delivery of cost and operating efficiencies at all operations, 
stronger working capital management, a higher average realised 
AUD gold price, increased copper sales volumes and increased  
gold ounces sold from the higher margin Cadia operation. The 
corresponding period was negatively impacted by the unwinding 
of favourable creditor and debtor balances from the previous year, 
as well as costs associated with redundancies across the business. 

Tax payments were AUD 108 million lower in the current period, 
primarily relating to the AUD 70 million voluntary research and 
development tax payment made in the corresponding period,  
and tax receipts in the current period relating to prior period 
assessments.

AUDM

2015

2014

Change

Change %

For the 12 months ended 30 June

Capital expenditure
Production stripping
Sustaining
Major projects  
(non-sustaining)

Total capital expenditure

Exploration
Interest capitalised
Proceeds from sale of 
plant and equipment
Proceeds from partial sell 
down of investment in 
associate
Proceeds from  
non-participation  
in rights issue

Total cash outflow  
from investing activities

73
245

246

564

46
6

191
298

354

843

62
7

(118)
(53)

(108)

(279)

(16)
(1)

(62%)
(18%)

(31%)

(33%)

(26%)
(14%)

(2)

(8)

6

75%

(105)

(6)

–

–

(105)

(6)

503

904

(401)

(44%)

Cash flow from investing activities of AUD 503 million was 44% 
lower than the corresponding period. The reduction is a result  
of lower expenditure in all investing categories – major projects, 
sustaining, production stripping and exploration expenditure  
– in the current period compared to the corresponding period.

Other investing activities include AUD 105 million received following 
the partial sell-down of Newcrest’s interests in Evolution Mining 
Limited, and an additional AUD 6 million received following the 
non-participation in a rights issue undertaken by Evolution  
Mining Limited.

3.2.1. Capital Expenditure
Capital expenditure of AUD 564 million was 33% lower than the 
corresponding period with reduced expenditure in all categories. 
The reduction was primarily the result of lower levels of production 
stripping, commencement of commercial production at Cadia East 
Panel Cave 2 reducing development expenditure, Newcrest’s 
increased focus on capital discipline, and completion of other 
projects in progress in the corresponding period.

3.2.2. Production stripping

AUDM

2015

2014

Change

Change %

For the 12 months ended 30 June

Telfer
Lihir
West Africa
Hidden Valley

Total production stripping

1
47
–
25

73

24
145
9
13

191

(23)
(98)
(9)
12

(118)

(96%)
(68%)
(100%)
92%

(62%)

Production stripping of AUD 73 million was 62% lower than the 
corresponding period. 

The reduction was primarily due to lower production stripping 
activity at Lihir, where the mine sequencing resulted in increased 
ore mined from the Minifie pit, thereby lowering the strip ratio in 
the current period, and completion of major stripping activities  
in the corresponding period at Telfer (Main Dome Stage 4 waste 
stripping) and West Africa (Stage 4 waste stripping).

3.2.3. Sustaining capital

AUDM

Cadia
Telfer
Lihir
Gosowong
West Africa
Hidden Valley
Other

For the 12 months ended 30 June

2015

2014

Change

Change %

70
51
56
41
8
13
6

60
52
99
57
4
14
12

10
(1)
(43)
(16)
4
(1)
(6)

(53)

17%
(2%)
(43%)
(28%)
100%
(7%)
(50%)

(18%)

46 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Total sustaining capital

245

298

Sustaining capital expenditure of AUD 245 million was 18% lower 
than the corresponding period, reflecting Newcrest’s focus on 
efficiency improvements and capital discipline and completion  
of projects in progress in the corresponding period.

At Lihir, the reduction was primarily the result of the completion  
of major reliability projects which commenced in prior periods,  
and a focus on operating discipline rather than capital to increase 
plant reliability. Lower sustaining capital expenditure at Gosowong 
was due to completion of the lift of the tailings storage facility and 
installation of the refrigeration plant at the Toguraci underground 
mine in the corresponding period.

Increased expenditure at Cadia was a result of investment  
in high-return productivity-improvement projects, including 
increasing underground loader capacity and improving the gold 
room and gravity circuit operations.

3.2.4. Major projects (non-sustaining) capital

AUDM

Cadia
Lihir
Gosowong
West Africa
Wafi-Golpu
Other

For the 12 months ended 30 June

2014

Change

Change %

315
7
1
–
27
4

(106)
(6)
(1)
10
(2)
(3)

(34%)
(86%)
(100%)

(7%)
(75%)

2015

209
1
–
10
25
1

Total major projects 
(non-sustaining capital)

246

354

(108)

(31%)

Major project, or non-sustaining, capital expenditure of  
AUD 246 million was 31% lower than the corresponding period 
primarily as a result of commencement of commercial production 
at Cadia East. Current period expenditure primarily related to:
 – Cadia East development – with Panel Cave 2 declared commercial 
on 1 October 2014, the final underground crusher was installed 
and commissioned in the March 2015 quarter, and the project 
team demobilised in April 2015. Development activity at Cadia 
East to expand the footprint will continue and will be performed 
by the operations team. Work commenced on the construction 
of an expanded concentrate dewatering facility in May 2015.
 – Updating the pre-feasibility study for the Wafi-Golpu project 

– which was completed in December 2014. The study identified 
an improved business case for the project resulting in approval 
to progress stage one to feasibility and for work to continue  
on updating the pre-feasibility study for stage two. Both studies 
are scheduled to be completed around the end of calendar  
year 2015.

 – Completion of the development of infrastructure to enable 

mining of oxide material at the Hiré open pits, near Bonikro,  
in West Africa.

3.2.5. Exploration
Exploration expenditure of AUD 46 million was 26% lower than  
the corresponding period. Exploration activity in the current period 
focused on Gosowong, Telfer and Cadia.

Exploration at Gosowong focused on extensive detailed mapping  
and sampling to target new discoveries and extending the present 
mine life.

At Telfer, drilling targeted resource definition in the Telfer underground 
and near surface anomalies in the surrounding district.

At Cadia, expenditure related to the commencement of infill drilling, 
analysis and interpretation work of the Cadia East orebody, and 
drilling programs in nearby tenements.

In the West Africa district, exploration drilling was completed  
at Hiré and regional expenditure focused on target generation.

The Greenfields program saw expenditure in a number of regions.  
In Fiji, drilling of porphyry targets in the Wailevu West region 
commenced. In Papua New Guinea, agreements relating to  
tenements in the Wamum district were entered into and site 
establishment commenced, while activity in the Morobe Exploration 
Joint Venture focused on target generation. Farm-in arrangements 
were entered into in Australia (Mungana) and New Zealand (Laneway).

3.3. Cash flow from financing activities
Cash flow from financing activities for the current period was  
an outflow of AUD 986 million, an increase in cash outflow  
of AUD 925 million from the corresponding period.

AUDM

2015

2014

Change

Change %

For the 12 months ended 30 June

Cash flow from 
financing activities
Proceeds from 
borrowings
1,339
  USD bilateral bank debt
1,339
Repayment of borrowings (2,292)
  USD bilateral bank debt
(2,159)
  USD Private  

placement notes
Repayment of finance 
lease principal
Payment for  
treasury shares
Dividend paid – to 
non-controlling interests

Net cash from financing 
activities

(133)

–

(9)

(24)

2,038
2,038
(2,076)
(2,076)

–

(1)

(6)

(16)

(34%)
(34%)
(10%)
(4%)

(699)
(699)
(216)
(83)

(133)

1

3

100%

50%

(8)

(50%)

(986)

(61)

(925)

(1,516%)

Key financing activities during the current period were:
 – A net repayment of AUD 820 million (USD 655 million)  

on US dollar bilateral bank debt; 

 – A scheduled repayment of AUD 133 million (USD 105 million)  

on US dollar private placement notes;

 – A payment of AUD 9 million for treasury shares to satisfy future 

employee share scheme obligations; and

 – Dividend payments of AUD 24 million were paid to PT Antam  

(which holds a 25% non-controlling interest in PT Nusa Halmahera 
Minerals, the entity that owns the Gosowong asset).

AUDM

2015

2014

Change

Change %

For the 12 months ended 30 June

No dividend was paid to Newcrest shareholders in the current period.

Expenditure by nature
Greenfields
Brownfields
Resource definition

Expenditure by region
Australia
Indonesia
Papua New Guinea
West Africa
Fiji
Other

16
21
9

46

17
13
7
4
4
1

46

16
23
23

62

18
17
15
7
5
–

62

–
(9%)
(61%)

(26%)

(6%)
(24%)
(53%)
(43%)
(20%)

–
(2)
(14)

(16)

(1)
(4)
(8)
(3)
(1)
1

(16)

(26%)

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 47

Directors’ Report
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

4. REVIEW OF OPERATIONS

4.1. Cadia

Measure

Operating
Total ore mined
Total material mined
Total material milled
Gold head grade
Gold recovery
Gold produced
Copper produced
Silver produced
Gold sales
Copper sales
Silver sales

Financial 
Revenue
Cost of Sales (including depreciation)
Depreciation
EBITDA
EBIT
Free Cash Flow
All-In Sustaining Cost
All-In Sustaining Cost
All-In Sustaining Cost
All-In Sustaining Cost

For the 12 months ended 30 June

2015

2014

Change

Change %

tonnes ‘000
tonnes ‘000
tonnes ‘000
grams/tonne
%
ounces
tonnes
ounces
ounces
tonnes
ounces

AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUD /oz sold
USDM
USD /oz sold

23,576
23,576
23,142
1.09
82.0
667,418
73,697
521,085
679,077
75,212
537,849

1,538
886
232
884
652
606
161
245
135
206

16,893
16,893
20,024
1.12
81.9
592,831
60,612
486,789
573,605
58,963
466,997

1,233
742
174
665
491
259
181
326
166
300

6,683
6,683
3,118
(0.03)
0.1
74,587
13,085
34,296
105,472
16,249
70,852

305
144
58
219
161
347
(20)
(81)
(31)
(94)

40%
40%
16%
(3%)
0%
13%
22%
7%
18%
28%
15%

25%
19%
33%
33%
33%
134%
(11%)
(25%)
(19%)
(31%)

Cadia gold production and sales (inclusive of pre-commissioning 
volumes) of 667,418 ounces and 679,077 ounces respectively,  
were 13% and 18% higher than the corresponding period.

The increased gold production was primarily the result of the 
continued ramp-up and milling of ore mined from Cadia East Panel 
Cave 1 and the commencement of commercial production from 
Panel Cave 2 on 1 October 2014, partially offset by lower gold 
production from Ridgeway.

This change in feed mix resulted in lower average feed grades for 
both gold and copper with the expected Ridgeway grade decline 
being partially offset by higher grade from Cadia East. Recoveries 
were consistent with the corresponding period despite a reduction 
in gold head grade, with recovery improvements identified and 
implemented through the Edge process.

Panel Cave 2 was affected by a seismic event in February 2015, 
causing localised damage to an area of the extraction level.  
No injuries occurred but development work and production was 
suspended. Cave establishment work recommenced during the 
final quarter of the current year with a primary focus on ground 
support activities, undercut production drilling and developing  
the undercut level ahead of the extraction level. The change in 
development strategy from post undercut to advanced undercut 
transfers the stress away from the extraction level. To date,  
80 of the 185 drawbells have been completed.

Revenue of AUD 1,538 million was 25% higher than the 
corresponding period. This was driven by higher gold and copper 
sales volumes, consistent with higher production. Revenue from 
gold sales was 24% higher than the corresponding period which 
was driven by a 19% increase in volumes (post capitalisation) and  
a 5% increase in the realised Australian dollar gold price. Revenue 
from copper sales was 27% higher than the corresponding period 
which was driven by a 28% increase in volume (post capitalisation).

Cost of sales of AUD 886 million was 19% higher than the 
corresponding period. This increase from the corresponding 
period was mainly due to the 40% increase in material mined  
and 16% increase in material milled. 

Depreciation expense of AUD 232 million was 33% higher than the 
corresponding period. Higher depreciation was due to the ramp-up 
of Cadia East Panel Cave 1, the commencement of commercial 
production in Cadia East Panel Cave 2 on 1 October 2014, and the 
acceleration of depreciation at Ridgeway as the cave matures  
and reserves are depleted. 

EBIT of AUD 652 million was 33% higher than the corresponding 
period as a result of higher margins.

All-in-Sustaining Cost per ounce sold of AUD 245 per ounce  
(USD 206 per ounce) was 25% lower than the corresponding 
period. The reduction was the result of lower unit operating  
costs as Cadia East ramps up, partially offset by higher realisation 
charges due to the higher copper production and the weakening 
of the Australian dollar during the period adversely impacting 
USD-denominated costs. 

Free cash flow of AUD 606 million was 134% higher than the 
corresponding period, primarily as a result of higher margins, 
increased sales volumes and lower project capital expenditure 
with the ramp-up of Cadia East production compared with the 
corresponding period.

48 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

 
4.2. Telfer

Measure

Operating
Total ore mined
Total material mined
Total material milled
Gold head grade
Gold recovery
Gold produced
Copper produced
Silver produced
Gold sales
Copper sales
Silver sales

Financial 
Revenue
Cost of Sales (including depreciation)
Depreciation
EBITDA
EBIT
Free Cash Flow
All-In Sustaining Cost
All-In Sustaining Cost
All-In Sustaining Cost
All-In Sustaining Cost

For the 12 months ended 30 June

2015

2014

Change

Change %

tonnes ‘000
tonnes ‘000
tonnes ‘000
grams/tonne
%
ounces
tonnes
ounces
ounces
tonnes
ounces

AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUD /oz sold
USDM
USD /oz sold

17,262
27,676
22,079
0.88
81.5
520,309
23,119
321,076
518,163
24,269
321,076

956
675
53
334
281
271
496
957
416
803

16,736
37,723
21,294
0.90
81.2
536,342
25,506
327,740
539,672
25,257
327,740

950
722
75
303
228
170
542
1,005
498
924

526
(10,047)
785
(0.02)
0.3
(16,033)
(2,387)
(6,664)
(21,509)
(988)
(6,664)

6
(47)
(22)
31
53
101
(46)
(48)
(82)
(121)

3%
(27%)
4%
(2%)
0%
(3%)
(9%)
(2%)
(4%)
(4%)
(2%)

1%
(7%)
(29%)
10%
23%
59%
(8%)
(5%)
(16%)
(13%)

Telfer gold production and sales of 520,309 ounces and  
518,163 ounces respectively, were 3% and 4% lower than  
the corresponding period.

Lower gold production was primarily the result of lower head 
grades from the underground operations coupled with lower 
ounces recovered from the dump leach pads, partially offset  
by higher mill throughput as a result of increased mill availability. 

Copper production was 9% lower than the corresponding period 
due to lower head grade, partially offset by an improved copper 
recovery and the higher mill throughput.

Revenue of AUD 956 million was 1% higher than the  
corresponding period. 

Revenue from gold sales was 1% higher than the corresponding 
period due to a 5% increase in the realised Australian dollar gold 
price, partially offset by the 4% reduction in sales volume. Revenue 
from copper sales was 2% lower than the corresponding period.

Cost of sales of AUD 675 million was 7% lower than the 
corresponding period, primarily due to cost reductions 
implemented in the current period, a lower depreciation  
charge and lower sales volume. 

Depreciation expense of AUD 53 million was 29% lower than  
the corresponding period, mainly due to the impairment  
of Telfer assets at 30 June 2014.

EBIT of AUD 281 million was 23% higher than the  
corresponding period.

All-In Sustaining Cost per ounce sold of AUD 957 per ounce  
(USD 803 per ounce) was 5% lower than the corresponding  
period. The reduction was the result of lower sustaining capital 
expenditure (primarily reflecting the finalisation of Main Dome 
Stage 4 waste stripping in the corresponding period) and lower 
unit costs. 

Free cash flow of AUD 271 million was 59% higher than the 
corresponding period, primarily as a result of lower production 
stripping with the completion of Main Dome Stage 4 waste 
stripping in the corresponding period. 

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 49

 
Directors’ Report
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

4. REVIEW OF OPERATIONS (continued)

4.3. Lihir

Measure

Operating
Total ore mined
Total material mined
Total material milled
Gold head grade
Gold recovery
Gold produced
Silver produced
Gold sales
Silver sales

Financial 
Revenue
Cost of Sales (including depreciation)
Depreciation
EBITDA
EBIT
Free Cash Flow
All-In Sustaining Cost
All-In Sustaining Cost
All-In Sustaining Cost
All-In Sustaining Cost

For the 12 months ended 30 June

2015

2014

Change

Change %

tonnes ‘000
tonnes ‘000
tonnes ‘000
grams/tonne
%
ounces
ounces
ounces
ounces

AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUD /oz sold
USDM 
USD /oz sold

6,622
13,096
10,768
2.47
80.6
688,714
16,581
691,660
16,581

1,020
1,049
192
163
(29)
154
964
1,394
809
1,169

4,206
16,166
10,057
2.72
81.9
721,264
26,305
747,265
26,305

1,055
923
221
353
132
51
943
1,261
866
1,159

2,416
(3,070)
711
(0.25)
(1.3)
(32,550)
(9,724)
(55,605)
(9,724)

(35)
126
(29)
(190)
(161)
103
21
133
(57)
10

57%
(19%)
7%
(9%)
(2%)
(5%)
(37%)
(7%)
(37%)

(3%)
14%
(13%)
(54%)
–
202%
2%
11%
(7%)
1%

Lihir gold production and sales of 688,714 ounces and  
691,660 ounces respectively, were 5% and 7% lower than the 
corresponding period. Lower gold production was primarily driven 
by a 9% reduction in average feed grade, a result of planned 
access to ex-pit and stockpile feed. Mill throughput increased by 
7% in the current period, including negative impacts of unplanned 
maintenance issues in the December 2014 quarter and a disruption 
to the plant for 36 hours in the June 2015 quarter. Newcrest 
continues to target a sustainable grinding throughput rate of  
12 Mtpa by the end of calendar year 2015. 

Revenue of AUD 1,020 million was 3% lower than the corresponding 
period, reflecting lower sales volume partially offset by a 5% 
increase in the average realised Australian dollar gold price.

Cost of sales of AUD 1,049 million was 14% higher than the 
corresponding period. This increase was partly due to the weaker 
Australian dollar against the US dollar. In USD terms, cost of sales 
was 2% higher than the corresponding period reflecting higher 
volumes of ore feed and the higher mill throughput rate, as well  
as higher energy costs and maintenance costs, partially offset  
by a lower depreciation expense. 

Depreciation expense of AUD 192 million was 13% lower than  
the corresponding period, primarily the result of the prior year 
impairment and asset write-down reducing the fixed asset  
base, as well as 5% lower production reducing the units  
of use depreciation charge, partially offset by the weaker  
Australian dollar.

The lower sales volumes and increased costs resulted in an EBIT 
loss of AUD 29 million for the current period.

All-In Sustaining Cost per ounce sold of AUD 1,394 per ounce  
was 11% higher than the corresponding period. The increase was 
primarily driven by the weaker Australian dollar against the US 
dollar. All-In Sustaining Cost per ounce sold of USD 1,169 per ounce 
was 1% higher than the corresponding period, primarily due to 
lower sustaining capital and exploration expenditure, offset by 
higher operating costs. 

Free cash flow of AUD 154 million was significantly higher than the 
AUD 51 million generated in the corresponding period, primarily  
as a result of lower production stripping and capital expenditure  
in the current period and a higher level of working capital outflow  
in the corresponding period.

Lihir remains focused on safely reducing the site cost base and 
further debottlenecking the plant, with cost improvement projects 
during the current period directed towards the consolidation of 
contractors, renegotiation of supplier terms, and reduced oxygen 
plant usage. Work is continuing on these and other key value 
drivers across the operation. 

50 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

 
4.4. Gosowong

Measure

Operating
Total ore mined
Total material mined
Total material milled
Gold head grade
Gold recovery
Gold produced
Silver produced
Gold sales
Silver sales

Financial 
Revenue
Cost of Sales (including depreciation)
Depreciation
EBITDA
EBIT
Free Cash Flow
All-In Sustaining Cost
All-In Sustaining Cost
All-In Sustaining Cost
All-In Sustaining Cost

For the 12 months ended 30 June

2015

2014

Change

Change %

tonnes ‘000
tonnes ‘000
tonnes ‘000
grams/tonne
%
ounces
ounces
ounces
ounces

AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUD /oz sold
USDM
USD /oz sold

716
878
738
14.49
96.3
331,555
410,970
332,007
426,827

499
358
117
258
141
192
287
863
241
724

762
1,042
826
13.50
96.4
344,747
489,724
336,059
484,550

484
335
110
259
149
100
277
823
254
756

(46)
(164)
(88)
0.99
(0.1)
(13,192)
(78,754)
(4,052)
(57,723)

15
23
7
(1)
(8)
92
10
40
(13)
(32)

(6%)
(16%)
(11%)
7%
(0%)
(4%)
(16%)
(1%)
(12%)

3%
7%
6%
(0%)
(5%)
92%
4%
5%
(5%)
(4%)

Gosowong gold production and sales of 331,555 ounces and 
332,007 ounces respectively, were 4% and 1% lower than the 
corresponding period.

The lower gold production was primarily the result of 11% lower 
tonnes milled due to lower mine production, driven by hot water 
issues at Toguraci and challenging ground conditions at Kencana 
changing the mine sequencing.

Revenue of AUD 499 million was 3% higher than the corresponding 
period, due to the 5% increase in the average realised Australian 
dollar gold price partially offset by the 1% decrease in gold  
sales volume.

Cost of sales of AUD 358 million was 7% higher than the 
corresponding period. This increase was primarily due to the 
impact of a weaker Australian dollar against the US dollar. In USD 
terms, cost of sales was 3% lower than the corresponding period 
reflecting the lower sales volumes and lower depreciation charge.

Depreciation expense of AUD 117 million was 6% higher than the 
corresponding period, primarily driven by the weakening of the 
Australian dollar against the US dollar. In USD terms, depreciation 
was 3% lower than the corresponding period, reflecting the  
lower gold sales volumes and a lower unit depreciation rate due  
to the increase of Ore Reserve announced on 13 February 2015  
as part of the Annual Statement of Mineral Resource and  
Ore Reserve estimates.

EBIT of AUD 141 million was 5% lower than the corresponding period.

All-In Sustaining Cost per ounce sold of AUD 863 per ounce was 
5% higher than the corresponding period, primarily due to the 
weakening of Australian dollar against the US dollar. In USD terms, 
All-In Sustaining Cost per ounce decreased by 4%, mainly due to 
lower sustaining capital in the current period with the completion 
of the lift of the tailings storage facility and installation of the 
refrigeration plant at Toguraci in the corresponding period.  
In addition, reclamation expenditure was lower in the current 
period due to the completion of Gosowong pit rehabilitation 
activity in the corresponding period, partially offset by higher 
brownfield exploration.

Free cash flow of AUD 192 million was 92% higher than the 
corresponding period due to a tax receipt for prior period 
assessments, and lower capital expenditure with the completion 
of major sustaining projects in the corresponding period,  
partially offset by a higher level of working capital outflow  
in the current period.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 51

Directors’ Report
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

4. REVIEW OF OPERATIONS (continued)

4.5. Hidden Valley(10)

Measure

Operating
Total ore mined
Total material mined
Total material milled
Gold head grade
Gold recovery
Gold produced
Silver produced
Gold sales
Silver sales

Financial 
Revenue
Cost of Sales (including depreciation)
Depreciation
EBITDA
EBIT
Free Cash Flow
All-In Sustaining Cost
All-In Sustaining Cost
All-In Sustaining Cost
All-In Sustaining Cost

For the 12 months ended 30 June

2015

2014

Change

Change %

tonnes ‘000
tonnes ‘000
tonnes ‘000
grams/tonne
%
ounces
ounces
ounces
ounces

AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUD /oz sold
USDM 
USD /oz sold

2,277
8,783
1,824
1.84
86.6
94,601
892,838
98,103
919,995

161
178
32
15
(17)
(15)
167
1,702
140
1,428

2,512
10,754
2,001
1.87
88.2
105,845
974,846
104,772
973,687

171
182
39
28
(11)
(12)
147
1,402
135
1,288

(235)
(1,971)
(177)
(0.03)
(1.6)
(11,244)
(82,008)
(6,669)
(53,692)

(10)
(4)
(7)
(13)
(6)
(3)
20
300
5
140

(9%)
(18%)
(9%)
(2%)
(2%)
(11%)
(8%)
(6%)
(6%)

(6%)
(2%)
(18%)
(46)
(55%)
(25%)
14%
21%
4%
11%

Hidden Valley gold production and sales of 94,601 ounces and 
98,103 ounces respectively, were 11% and 6% lower than the 
corresponding period.

Lower gold production reflected a combination of lower 
throughput, lower head grade, and lower recovery. Lower mill 
throughput primarily reflects a 17-day suspension of milling 
following the fatality which occurred in the milling area on  
6 December 2014.

Revenue of AUD 161 million was 6% lower than the corresponding 
period, reflecting lower sales volumes partially offset by a 5% 
increase in the average realised Australian dollar gold price.

Cost of sales of AUD 178 million was 2% lower than the corresponding 
period. Lower costs reflect benefits from operational improvement 
initiatives, including rationalisation of contractor services and 
strategic sourcing projects, partially offset by higher mobile fleet 
maintenance costs following a period of relatively low maintenance 
investment in the corresponding period. Additionally, cost of sales 
was adversely impacted by repairs to the overland conveyor 
completed during January 2015. In USD terms, cost of sales were 
10% lower than the corresponding period.

Depreciation expense of AUD 32 million was 18% lower than  
the corresponding period, primarily reflecting the impact of  
an impairment to the carrying value of Hidden Valley assets  
at 30 June 2014.

The lower sales volumes and increased unit costs resulted  
in an EBIT loss of AUD 17 million for the current period.

All-In Sustaining Cost per ounce sold of AUD 1,702 per ounce was 
21% higher than the corresponding period, reflecting lower sales 
volumes, increased investment in production stripping, and lower 
silver prices. In USD terms, All-In Sustaining Cost per ounce 
increased by 11%.

Free cash flow was an outflow of AUD 15 million, AUD 3 million 
higher than the corresponding period.

(10) Newcrest 50 percent share in Hidden Valley shown.

52 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

 
4.6. West Africa

Measure

Operating
Total ore mined
Total material mined
Total material milled
Gold head grade
Gold recovery
Gold produced
Silver produced
Gold sales
Silver sales

Financial 
Revenue
Cost of Sales (including depreciation)
Depreciation
EBITDA
EBIT
Free Cash Flow
All-In Sustaining Cost
All-In Sustaining Cost
All-In Sustaining Cost
All-In Sustaining Cost

For the 12 months ended 30 June

2015

2014

Change

Change %

tonnes ‘000
tonnes ‘000
tonnes ‘000
grams/tonne
%
ounces
ounces
ounces
ounces

AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUDM
AUD /oz sold
USDM 
USD /oz sold

4,990
10,631
1,976
1.99
95.1
119,970
18,870
114,051
19,013

170
129
37
78
41
53
102
896
86
752

4,248
12,059
1,974
1.62
89.5
94,994
18,806
103,790
18,044

147
154
45
37
(8)
29
124
1,193
114
1,096

742
(1,428)
2
0.37
5.6
24,976
64
10,261
969

23
(24)
(8)
41
49
24
(22)
(297)
(28)
(344)

17%
(12%)
0%
23%
6%
26%
0%
10%
5%

16%
(16%)
(18%)
111%
–
83%
(18%)
(25%)
(25%)
(31%)

West Africa gold production and sales of 119,970 ounces and 
114,051 ounces respectively, were 26% and 10% higher than the 
corresponding period.

Depreciation expense of AUD 37 million was 18% lower than  
the corresponding period, primarily due to an asset impairment 
recognised as at 30 June 2014.

Increased gold production was primarily due to availability of 
higher grade ore from the Hiré open pits which commenced in 
January 2015, combined with higher recoveries when compared 
with the corresponding period. 

Revenue of AUD 170 million was 16% higher than the corresponding 
period, primarily due to the 10% increase in gold sales volume and 
the 5% increase in the average realised Australian dollar gold price.

Cost of sales of AUD 129 million was 16% lower than the 
corresponding period. This decrease was primarily due to  
access to lower cost higher grade ore sources at Hiré and  
lower depreciation expense. In USD terms, cost of sales were  
25% lower than the corresponding period.

EBIT of AUD 41 million was AUD 49 million higher than the 
corresponding period as a result of higher margins. 

All-In Sustaining Cost per ounce sold of AUD 896 per ounce was 
25% lower than the corresponding period and is mainly the result 
of the increase in gold grade and recovery. In USD terms, All-In 
Sustaining Cost per ounce decreased by 31%.

Free cash flow of AUD 53 million was 83% higher than the 
corresponding period, primarily as a result of lower production 
stripping with the completion of Stage 4 of the Bonikro pit waste 
stripping in the corresponding period.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 53

 
Directors’ Report
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

5. DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF THE BALANCE SHEET

5.1. Net assets and total equity
Newcrest’s net assets and total equity increased by AUD 1,352 million or 18% during the year ended 30 June 2015 to AUD 9,059 million. 
This increase is primarily due to the AUD 546 million Statutory profit in the current period and the AUD 768 million retranslation  
of USD denominated net assets (at the 30 June 2015 closing AUD:USD rate of $0.7680 compared to a 30 June 2014 closing AUD:USD  
rate of $0.9420).

2015

2014

Change

Change %

As at 30 June

258
206
2,258
142
19
5,296
6,719
79
182
–
209

141
169
1,958
24
65
4,683
5,879
88
286
162
132

117
37
300
118
(46)
613
840
(9)
(104)
(162)
77

15,368

13,587

1,781

(426)
(4)
(4,019)
(15)
(678)
(1,167)

(6,309)

9,059

(8,918)
(141)

(9,059)

(319)
–
(4,076)
(10)
(574)
(901)

(5,880)

7,707

(7,581)
(126)

(7,707)

(107)
(4)
57
(5)
(104)
(266)

(429)

1,352

(1,337)
(15)

(1,352)

83%
22%
15%
492%
(71%)
13%
14%
(10%)
(36%)
(100%)
58%

13%

(34%)

1%
(50%)
(18%)
(30%)

7%

18%

(18%)
(12%)

(18%)

AUDM 

Assets
Cash and cash equivalent
Receivables
Inventories
Other financial assets
Current tax asset
Property, plant and equipment
Exploration, evaluation and development
Other intangible assets
Deferred tax assets
Investments in associates
Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities
Payables
Current tax liability
Borrowings
Other financial liabilities
Provisions
Deferred tax liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity
Equity – Newcrest interest
Non-controlling interests

Total equity

54 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

5.2. Net debt, gearing and leverage
Net debt (comprising total borrowings less cash) of AUD 3,761 
million at 30 June 2015 was AUD 174 million lower than the 
corresponding period. All of Newcrest’s debt is USD-denominated. 
In USD terms, net debt at 30 June 2015 of USD 2,888 million was 
USD 819 million lower than the corresponding period.

5.2.1. USD Bilateral bank debt
As at 30 June 2015 Newcrest had bilateral bank debt facilities of 
USD 3,150 million. Of the available amount, USD 975 million was 
drawn as at 30 June 2015 compared to USD 1,630 million drawn  
as at 30 June 2014. USD 2,175 million remains undrawn as at  
30 June 2015. 

Changes in net debt for the 2015 financial year were:
 – Net repayment of bi-lateral bank debt of AUD 820 million  

(USD 655 million);

 – A scheduled repayment of the private placement notes  

of AUD 133 million (USD 105 million); and

 – Cash increased by USD 65 million. The AUD 117 million increase in 
cash includes a translation impact of a lower AUD:USD exchange 
rate at 30 June 2015. 

Offsetting these repayments was the AUD 892 million impact of the 
retranslation of US dollar-denominated debt resulting from a 30 
June 2015 closing foreign exchange rate of $0.7680 compared to 
the 30 June 2014 closing foreign exchange rate of $0.9420 (18% 
lower). Components of the movement in net debt are outlined in 
the table below in both AUD and USD. 

Net debt at 30 June 2014
Net repayment of USD bilateral bank debt
Net repayment of private placement notes
Retranslation of USD-denominated debt
Net decrease/(increase) in cash balances
Other items

Net debt at 30 June 2015

Movement $

Movement %

AUDM

USDM

3,935
(820)
(133)
892
(117)
4

3,707
(655)
(105)
–
(65)
6

3,761

2,888

174

(4%)

819

(22%)

The gearing ratio (net debt to net debt and total equity) as at  
30 June 2015 was 29.3% compared to 33.8% as at 30 June 2014. 
The application of cash flow generated in the current period to 
repay USD 760 million of USD-denominated debt and a higher 
cash balance was partly offset by the retranslation impact of the 
weaker of the AUD/USD exchange rate during the current period.

AUDM 

2015

2014

Change

Change %

As at 30 June

Total debt 
Less cash and  
cash equivalents

Net debt

Total equity

Net debt and  
total equity

4,019

4,076

(57)

(1%)

(258)

(141)

3,761

9,059

3,935

7,707

(117)

(174)

1,352

(83%)

(4%)

18%

12,820

11,642

1,178

10%

Gearing (net debt/net 
debt and total equity)

29.3%

33.8%

(4.5)

(13%)

During the period, Newcrest extended the tenor of several of its 
existing bilateral loan facilities so that the first bilateral loan facility 
maturity now falls in September 2016 and the last facility maturity 
falls in January 2020. The extension provided a longer average 
maturity profile for Newcrest’s bilateral loan facilities, with no 
material change to terms and conditions, no increase in the total 
level of debt facilities and no increase in interest cost. Newcrest 
will continue to actively manage and renew its bilateral bank  
debt facilities to ensure an optimal tenor availability and cost  
is maintained.

5.2.2. USD Corporate bonds
The outstanding USD Senior Unsecured Notes issued under Rule 
144A and Regulation S of the Securities Act of the United States, 
are as follows:

Notes value

Due date

Coupon rate

Issue date

USD 750 million 15 November 2021
USD 250 million 15 November 2041
USD 750 million 1 October 2022
USD 250 million 15 November 2041

4.45% November 2011
5.75% November 2011
October 2012
4.20%
October 2012
5.75%

5.2.3. USD Private Placement notes
Newcrest has the following Senior Unsecured Notes issued into 
the North American Private Placement market:

Notes value

Due date

Coupon rate

Issue date

USD 100 million 11 May 2017
11 May 2020
USD 25 million

5.71%
5.92%

May 2005
May 2005

5.2.4. USD Facility agreement
In January 2014, PT Nusa Halmahera Minerals entered into  
USD 50 million loan facility with one bank. In January 2015,  
this facility was extended by a further 12 months. This is an 
unsecured revolving facility maturing in January 2016. As at  
30 June 2015 this facility had not been utilised.

5.3. Fixed and Floating debt ratio
As at 30 June 2015, 69% of the total debt facilities utilised were  
at fixed interest rates and 31% at floating rates (30 June 2014:  
58% fixed rates and 42% floating rates).

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 55

Directors’ Report
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

6. NON-IFRS FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Newcrest results are reported under International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRS). This report also includes certain 
non-IFRS financial information, including EBIT (earnings before 
interest, tax and significant items), EBITDA (earnings before 
interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation and significant items), 
Underlying profit (profit after tax before significant items 
attributable to owners of the Company), All-In Sustaining Cost and 
All-In Cost (both determined in accordance with the World Gold 
Council Guidance Note on Non-GAAP Metrics released June 2013), 
Free cash flow (cash flow from operating activities less cash flow 
related to investing activities), Interest coverage ratio, ROCE, 
Operating unit cost, Sustaining capital and Major projects.

These measures are used internally by Management to assess the 
performance of the business and make decisions on the allocation 
of resources, and are included in this report to provide greater 
understanding of the underlying financial performance of the 
Group’s operations. When reviewing business performance,  
this non-IFRS information should be used in addition to, and not  
as a replacement of, measures prepared in accordance with IFRS. 
The non-IFRS information has not been subject to audit or review 
by Newcrest’s external auditor.

The non-IFRS measures do not have any standard definition  
under IFRS and may be calculated differently by other companies. 
The tables below reconcile these non-IFRS measures to the most 
appropriate IFRS measure, noting that:
 – Sustaining and non-sustaining capital are reconciled to investing 

cash flow in section 3.2; and

 – Free cash flow is reconciled to the cash flow statement in section 3.

6.1. Reconciliation of Statutory profit to Underlying profit
Underlying profit, EBIT and EBITDA is reported by Newcrest  
to provide greater understanding of the underlying business 
performance of its operations. These measures exclude significant 
items of income or expense which are, either individually or  
in aggregate, material to Newcrest or to the relevant business 
segment and are either outside the ordinary course of business or 
are part of the ordinary activities of the business but unusual due 
to their size and nature. Examples include gains/losses and other 
costs incurred for acquisitions and disposals of mining interests 
and asset impairment and write-down charges. Underlying profit 
and Statutory profit both represent profit after tax amounts 
attributable to Newcrest shareholders. 

For the 12 months ended 30 June 2015

Before 
Tax

Non-
controlling 
interest

Tax

After  
tax and 
Non-
controlling 
interest

AUDM

Profit after tax attributable to Newcrest shareholders 

(414)

(14)

–
(9)
(1)

–

(10)

(24)

546

(376)
321
43

(19)

(31)

515

Statutory profit

Asset impairment reversal
Asset impairment loss
Inventory write-down
Gain on disposal  
of associate

Total significant items 
(benefit)/loss

974

(538)
330
44

(19)

162
–
–

–

(183)

162

Underlying profit

791

(252)

56 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

For the 12 months ended 30 June 2014

Before 
Tax

Tax

Non-
controlling 
interest

After  
tax and 
Non-
controlling 
interest

AUDM

Profit after tax attributable to Newcrest shareholders

Statutory profit

(2,725)

510

(6)

(2,221)

Research and development  
tax claim amendment
Impairment loss
Asset write-downs
Inventory write-downs
Investment in Evolution – 
investment impairment reversal
Restructure costs
Total of significant items

Underlying profit

–

120
3,128 (747)
(52)
(11)

174
35

(11)
46

–
(12)
3,372 (702)

647

(192)

–
(17)
–
–

–
–
(17)

(23)

120
2,364
122
24

(11)
34
2,653

432

6.2. Reconciliation of Underlying profit to EBITDA

AUDM

Underlying profit 

less non-controlling interest in controlled entities
less income tax expense
less net finance costs

EBIT
less depreciation and amortisation

EBITDA

For the 12 months  
ended 30 June

2015

2014

515

(24)
(252)
(189)

980

(693)

1,673

432

(23)
(192)
(174)

821

(693)

1,514

6.3. Reconciliation of All-In Sustaining Cost and  
All-In Cost to cost of sales
‘All-In Sustaining Cost’ and ‘All-In Cost’ are non-IFRS measures which 
Newcrest has adopted from 2013. These non-IFRS measures follow 
the guidance released by the World Gold Council in June 2013. 

For the 12 months ended 30 June

Gold sales (koz) (11)

Cost of sales

less Depreciation
plus By-product revenue
plus Corporate costs
plus Sustaining exploration
plus Capitalised stripping 
and underground mine 
development
plus Sustaining capital 
expenditure
plus other(12)

AUDM

2,412

3,275

(663)
(789)
87
21

77

245
17

All-In Sustaining Costs

2,270

plus non-sustaining capital 
expenditure
plus non-sustaining 
exploration and other

246

25

2015

AUD/oz 
sold

–

1,358

(275)
(327)
36
9

32

101
7

941

102

11

AUDM

2,386

3,059

(664)
(681)
105
7

197

298
8

2,329

354

55

All-In Cost

2,541

1,054

2,738

2014

AUD/oz 
sold

–

1,282

(278)
(285)
44
3

82

125
3

976

148

23

1,147

(11)  Production and sales for the 12 months ended 30 June 2015 includes 21,060 
pre-commissioning and development gold ounces and 2,102 tonnes of copper 
for the Cadia East project. For the 12 months ended 30 June 2014 production 
and sales includes 18,675 gold ounces and 1,770 tonnes of copper related 
to the pre-commissioning and development of the Cadia East project. 
Expenditure associated with this production and revenue from the sales 
are capitalised and not included in the operating profit calculations.

(12) Other includes rehabilitation accretion and amortisation and other costs 

categorised as sustaining.

6.4. Reconciliation of Return on Capital Employed (ROCE)
ROCE is ‘Return on Capital Employed’ and is reported by Newcrest 
to provide greater understanding of the underlying business 
performance of its operations. ROCE is calculated as EBIT before 
significant items expressed as a percentage of average total 
capital employed (net debt and total equity).

AUDM

EBIT 

Total capital (net debt and total equity)  
– as at 30 June 2013
Total capital (net debt and total equity)  
– as at 30 June 2014
Total capital (net debt and total equity)  
– as at 30 June 2015

As at 30 June

2015

980

2014

821

14,144

11,642

11,642

12,820

Average total capital employed

12,231

12,893

Return on Capital Employed  
(EBIT/average total capital employed)

8.0%

6.4%

6.5. Reconciliation of Interest Coverage Ratio 
Interest Coverage Ratio is reported by Newcrest to provide greater 
understanding of the underlying business performance of its 
operations. Interest Coverage Ratio is calculated as EBITDA adjusted 
for facility fees and discount unwind on provisions, divided by  
net interest payable (interest expense adjusted for facility fees, 
discount unwind on provisions and interest capitalised).

AUDM

EBITDA 

Less facility fees and other costs
Less discount unwind on provisions

As at 30 June

2015

1,673

(27)
(12)

2014

1,514

(18)
(10)

Adjusted EBITDA

1,634

1,486

Net interest expense
Less facility fees and other costs
Less discount unwind on provisions
Add interest capitalised

Net interest payable

Interest Coverage Ratio

189
(27)
(12)
6

156

10.5

174
(18)
(10)
7

153

9.7

7. RISKS

Newcrest’s business, operating and financial results and 
performance are subject to various risks and uncertainties,  
many of which are beyond Newcrest’s reasonable control.  
Set out below are matters which Newcrest has assessed  
as having the potential to have a material adverse effect  
on the business, operating and/ or financial results and 
performance of the Group. These matters may arise individually, 
simultaneously or in combination.

The matters identified below are not necessarily listed in order  
of importance and are not intended as an exhaustive list of  
all of the risks and uncertainties associated with Newcrest’s 
business. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently  
known to Management, or that Management currently  
believes to be immaterial or manageable, may adversely  
affect Newcrest’s business.

Market price of gold, copper and silver
Metal prices are volatile and may be subject to short term changes, 
which may be severe, and to price adjustments of a longer term 
nature. For example, during the 2015 financial year the gold price 
ranged from USD 1,142 per ounce to USD 1,340 per ounce. 
Newcrest’s average realised price of gold in the 2015 financial  
year was USD 1,236 per ounce, a 4% decrease compared to the 
2014 financial year average realised price of USD 1,292 per ounce. 
Newcrest’s 2014 financial year average realised price of gold was 
18% lower than the 2013 financial year average realised price  
of USD 1,585 per ounce.

Metal prices are affected by numerous factors beyond Newcrest’s 
control, including macroeconomic conditions (such as financial 
and banking stability, global and regional political and economic 
events, inflation, changes in interest rates and the relative strength 
of the US dollar), speculative positions taken by investors or 
traders, actual or expected gold purchases and/or sales by central 
banks, changes in supply or demand for gold, gold hedging and 
de-hedging by producers, and production and cost levels in major 
gold producing regions.

Examples of the potential impact of changes in the metal prices  
on Newcrest’s total revenue from operations in the 2016 financial 
year include (but are not limited to):
 – a USD 10 dollars per ounce change in the average realised  

gold price is estimated to have an impact of approximately  
USD 26 million.

 – a USD 0.05 per pound change in the average realised copper 

price is estimated to have an impact of approximately  
USD 10 million.

Material changes in metal prices may change the economic 
viability of mining operations, particularly higher cost mining 
operations, which may result in decisions to alter production  
plans or the suspension or closure of mining operations.

Reductions in the revenue realised by Newcrest from mining 
operations may result in Newcrest curtailing or suspending its 
exploration activities, with the result that depleted reserves may 
not be replaced, and the market value of Newcrest’s gold, copper 
or other by-product inventory may be reduced. 

In addition, historical and current metal price performance may 
impact upon Newcrest’s assumptions regarding future metal 
prices which, in turn, may affect Newcrest’s current and future 
operating, business and financial performance and results. 
Examples of the potential impact of changes to assumptions 
regarding future metal prices, alone or in combination with  
other factors such as foreign exchange rates, include (but are  
not limited to):
 – changes to assumptions regarding future metal prices may 
result in changes to proposed project developments or the 
deferral or abandonment of current or future project development;

 – a decline in the assumptions regarding future metal prices 
(alone, or in combination with other material assumptions)  
may result in a reduction of Newcrest’s estimates of Mineral 
Resources and Ore Reserves; and 

 – changes in assumptions regarding future metal prices  

may impact upon the estimation of recoverable amount  
of Newcrest’s assets when assessing potential accounting 
impairment of those assets.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 57

Directors’ Report
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

7. RISKS (continued)

Foreign exchange rates
The majority of Newcrest’s revenue is realised in, or linked to,  
the US dollar on the basis that metals are sold globally based  
on US dollar prices. Newcrest’s operating costs are reported  
in Australian dollars but are exposed to multiple currencies, 
including a portion of costs at each operation being denominated 
in the local currency. The relative performance of the exposed 
currencies (particularly the Australian dollar) against the US  
dollar will impact upon Newcrest’s revenue, cost and financial 
performance and results. An example of the potential impact  
of foreign exchange rate changes on Newcrest’s EBIT in the  
2016 financial year is (but not limited to):
 – an AUD 0.01 decrease in the AUD/USD exchange rate  

is estimated to have a favourable impact of approximately  
AUD 35 million.

As with assumptions regarding future metal prices, assumptions 
regarding future foreign exchange rates, alone or in combination 
with other factors, may impact upon continuing operations, 
project development decisions, exploration investment decisions, 
Mineral Resource and Ore Reserves estimates and the assessment 
of the recoverable amount of Newcrest’s assets.

Increased costs and production inputs
Operating costs are frequently subject to variations from one year 
to the next due to a number of factors, including changing ore 
grade, characteristics and metallurgy, the mine plan as it follows 
the sequence of extracting the ore body, the impact of changes  
in external economic conditions, and decisions made in respect  
of the level of sustaining capital invested to maintain operations.

Operating costs and capital expenditure are, to a significant 
extent, driven by the cost of commodity inputs consumed in 
extracting and processing ore (including fuel, chemical reagents, 
explosives, tyres, electricity and steel), and labour costs associated 
with those activities. Increases in costs may have a material 
adverse effect upon the profitability of existing mining operations, 
Newcrest’s ability to lower its cost profile and meet projected 
operating cost targets at its existing mines and new mining 
projects, could make certain mines or projects uneconomic,  
and could impact the assessment of the recoverable amount  
of Newcrest’s assets.

Operating risks and hazards
Newcrest’s mining operations are subject to operating risks  
and hazards including (without limitation) unanticipated ground 
conditions, industrial incidents, infrastructure and equipment 
under-performance or failure, shortage of principal supplies, 
transportation and logistics issues in relation to the Group’s 
workforce and equipment, environmental incidents, safety related 
incidents, interruptions and delays due to community issues,  
and natural events such as seismic activity and severe weather 
conditions (including floods and drought).

A key operational risk for Newcrest is the availability of power  
and water to support mining and mineral processing activities, 
particularly at Newcrest’s remotely located assets. Even  
a temporary interruption of power or water supply could  
adversely affect an operation.

Newcrest’s operations in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea are  
in areas known to be seismically active and are subject to the risks 
of earthquakes and related risks of tidal surges and tsunamis, which 
are difficult to predict. Some of Newcrest’s operations may also 
experience other specific operating challenges relating to ground 
conditions and temperature, such as at Gosowong and Lihir.

Newcrest faces particular geotechnical, geothermal and hydrological 
challenges, in particular due to the trend toward more complex 
deposits, deeper large pits, and the use of deep, bulk underground 
mining techniques. This leads to higher pit walls, more complex 
underground environments and increased exposure to 
geotechnical hydrological impacts.

58 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

There are a number of risks and uncertainties associated with  
the block and panel caving mining methods being applied by 
Newcrest at its Cadia operations. Risks include that a cave may  
not propagate as anticipated, unplanned air pockets may form 
during the cave propagation, the caving spans needed give rise to 
a risk of unplanned ground movement due to changes in stresses 
release in the surrounding rock and unplanned release of material 
and/or water through drawbells and ventilation shafts.

In addition, the success of Newcrest at some of its operations, 
including the Lihir operation, depends, in part, upon the 
implementation of Newcrest’s engineering solutions to particular 
hydrological and geothermal conditions. At Lihir, for example, 
significant removal of both groundwater and sea water inflow  
and geothermal control is required before and during mining. 

A failure to resolve any unexpected problems relating to these 
conditions at a commercially reasonable cost could adversely 
affect the safety, economics or feasibility of Newcrest’s operations.

Future operating and capital cost requirements
Newcrest’s operating, business and financial performance  
and results may be impacted by the extent to which Newcrest’s 
operating cash flows are able to fund its operating and capital 
expenditure requirements. To the extent that these are insufficient, 
Newcrest may need to draw on available debt facilities or seek 
additional funding through asset divestitures, further equity  
or debt issue, or additional bank debt (or some combination of 
these), or may need to defer operating or capital expenditure.

Newcrest’s ability to service current funding arrangements and  
to raise and service any additional funding or to meet conditions 
applicable to current or future funding arrangements, will be a 
function of a number of factors, including (without limitation) 
macroeconomic conditions, future gold and copper prices, 
Newcrest’s credit rating, operational cash flow and production 
performance. If Newcrest is unable to obtain any required 
additional funding on acceptable terms then its business, 
operating and financial performance and results may be impacted.

Exploration, project evaluation and project development
Newcrest’s current and future business, operating and financial 
performance and results are impacted by the discovery of new 
mineral prospects and actual performance of developing and 
operating mines, which may differ significantly from estimates 
determined at the time the relevant project was approved for 
development. Newcrest’s current or future development activities 
may not result in expansion or replacement of current production, 
or one or more new production sites or facilities may be less 
profitable than anticipated or may not be profitable at all.

Newcrest’s ability to sustain or increase its current level of 
production in the future is in part dependent on the success  
of its exploration activities in replacing gold and copper reserves 
depleted by production, the development of new projects and the 
expansion of existing operations. In the last decade the time from 
discovery to production has increased significantly as a result  
of a variety of factors, including increases in capital requirements, 
environmental considerations, economic conditions and the 
complexity and depth of ore bodies.

In the absence of exploration success, or additions to Newcrest’s 
mineral inventory to support future operations through 
development activities, expansions or acquisitions, Newcrest  
will be unable to replace Ore Reserves and Resources depleted  
by operations.

Exploration activities are speculative in nature and often require 
substantial expenditure on exploration drilling and sampling  
as a basis on which to establish the presence, extent and 
estimated grade (metal content) of mineralised material.

Once mineralisation is discovered it may take several years to 
determine whether adequate Ore Reserves and/or Resources exist 
to support a development decision and to obtain necessary orebody 
knowledge to assess the technical and economic viability of mining 
projects. During that time the economic viability of the project 
may change due to fluctuations in factors that affect both revenue 
and costs, including commodity prices, currency exchange rates, 
the required return on capital and future cost of development  
and mining operations.

Maintaining title
Newcrest’s production, development and exploration activities  
are subject to obtaining and maintaining the necessary titles, 
authorisations, permits and licences, and associated land access 
arrangements with the local community, which authorise those 
activities under the relevant law (Authorisations). There can be  
no guarantee that Newcrest will be able to successfully obtain and 
maintain relevant Authorisations, or obtain and maintain relevant 
Authorisations on terms acceptable to Newcrest, to support  
its activities, or that renewal of existing Authorisations will be 
granted in a timely manner or on terms acceptable to Newcrest.

Authorisations held by or granted to Newcrest may also be subject 
to challenge by third parties which, if successful, could impact  
on Newcrest’s exploration, development and/or mining activities.

Law and regulation
Newcrest’s current and future mining operations, development 
projects and exploration activities are subject to various national 
and local laws, policies and regulations governing the prospecting, 
development and mining of mineral deposits, taxation and royalties, 
import and export duties and restrictions, exchange controls, 
foreign investment approvals, employee and community relations, 
health and safety, environmental and other matters, and the 
manner in which these laws are applied or interpreted. A failure  
to comply with legal requirements may result in enforcement 
action being taken against Newcrest with potentially material 
consequences, including financial penalties, suspension  
of operations and forfeiture.

In a number of jurisdictions where Newcrest has existing interests, 
the legal framework is increasingly complex, subject to change and 
becoming more onerous. Changes in laws may result in material 
additional expenditure, taxes or costs or interruption to Newcrest’s 
activities in order to comply with changing requirements. There 
can also be disputes in relation to the application or interpretation 
of laws, policies or regulations in the countries where we operate 
which could have an adverse impact on our operations and 
financial performance.

Political, economic, social and security risks
Newcrest has production, development and exploration activities 
that are subject to political, economic, social, security and other 
risks and uncertainties. 

These risks and uncertainties are unpredictable, vary from country 
to country and include but are not limited to civil unrest, armed 
conflict, political instability, expropriation and/or nationalisation, 
changes in government ownership levels in projects, fraud, bribery 
and corruption, land ownership disputes and tenement access 
issues. These risks have become more prevalent in recent years, 
and in particular there has been an increasing social and political 
focus on:
 – the revenue derived by governments and other stakeholders 

from mining activities, which has resulted in announced reviews 
of the fiscal regimes applicable to mining in a number of the 
jurisdictions in which Newcrest has interests (including Australia, 
Papua New Guinea and Indonesia); and

 – national control of and benefit from natural resources, with the 
announcement of proposed reforms regarding government or 
landowner participation in mining activities, greater limits on 
foreign ownership of mining or exploration interests and/or 
forced divestiture (with or without adequate compensation), 
and broad reform agenda in relation to mining legislation, 
environmental stewardship and local business opportunities  
and employment.

Recent examples of reviews announced in jurisdictions in  
which Newcrest has mining and/or exploration interests include 
(without limitation):
 – In Indonesia (where Newcrest’s 75% owned Gosowong 

operations are located), in the context of the review of the 
Gosowong Contract of Work, the Government may seek to 
reduce the size of the tenement holding, impose requirements 
for additional local equity participation, and make changes  
to the fiscal regime that applies to the project. 

 – In Papua New Guinea, the Government is undertaking a broad 

review of mining laws and its taxation regime. In addition to the 
risk of an increased tax cost to the Group’s operations, potential 
reforms from these reviews may extend to the level of local 
equity participation in projects, additional requirements for local 
participation in mining-related businesses, new local mineral 
smelting and processing requirements, and broader changes to 
the regulatory and tax regimes for mining and related activities.

 – In Australia, the Western Australian Department of State 

Development completed a review of the Western Australian 
mineral royalty regime in December 2014. Following the review  
a report was released by the Government in March 2015 which 
recommended that the royalty rate applicable to gold increase 
from 2.5% to 3.75%. On release of the report the Government 
stated that there would be no increase in the 2016 financial year 
and that any increase in the royalty of any commodity would be 
undertaken in consultation with the industry.

 – There can be no certainty as to what changes, if any, will be 

made to relevant laws in the jurisdictions where the Group has 
current interests, or other jurisdictions where the Group may 
have interests in the future, or the impact that relevant changes  
may have on Newcrest’s ability to own and operate its mining  
and related interests and to otherwise conduct its business  
in those jurisdictions.

Community relations
Newcrest’s relationship with the communities in which it operates 
is an essential part of ensuring success of its existing operations 
and the development of its projects. A failure to manage 
relationships with the communities in which Newcrest operates 
may lead to local dissatisfaction, which, in turn, may lead to 
interruptions to Newcrest’s production, development and 
exploration activities. Particular challenges in community relations 
include increasing expectations regarding the level of benefits that 
communities receive and the level of transparency regarding the 
payment of compensation and the provision of other benefits  
to affected landowners and the wider community.

Typically, where Newcrest has exploration activities, development 
projects or operations, it enters into agreements with local 
landowners. These agreements include compensation and other 
benefits and may be subject to periodic review. The negotiation 
and/or review of community agreements, including compensation 
and other benefits, involves complicated and sensitive issues, 
associated expectations and often competing interests,  
which Newcrest seeks to manage respectfully. The nature and 
subject matter of these negotiations may result in community 
unrest which, in some instances, results in interruptions to 
Newcrest’s activities.

For example, the community agreements in place with customary 
landowners in relation to Newcrest’s Lihir operation in Papua New 
Guinea are the subject of a regular review process. The duration  
of the review process is a result of the important and complex 
issues covered by the agreements and the competing interests  
of different landowner groups. During the ongoing review process, 
and in the context of the previous review (FY2000-FY2007),  
the Lihir operations experienced periodic disruptions as a result  
of community unrest regarding the progress of the review 
negotiations and intra-community issues. Although community 
issues are generally resolved within a short period, there can  
be no assurance that further disputes with the customary 
landowners will not arise from time to time which, if prolonged, 
could lead to disruptions to Newcrest’s projects and operations.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 59

Directors’ Report
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

7. RISKS (continued)

In addition, there is a level of community concern relating  
to the perceived effect of mining activities on the environment  
and on the communities located near such activities. Certain 
non-government-organisations are vocal critics of the mining 
industry and its practices, including in relation to the use of 
hazardous substances in processing activities and the use of  
deep sea tailings placement. Adverse publicity generated by 
non-government-organisations or others relating to extractive 
industries generally, or Newcrest specifically, could have an 
adverse impact on Newcrest’s reputation or financial condition 
and may impact on Newcrest’s relationships with the communities 
in which it operates. No assurance can be given that incidents  
will not arise that generate community concerns associated  
with Newcrest’s operations and potentially cause disruptions  
until resolved.

Environment and closure
Mining operations and development activities have inherent risks 
and liabilities associated with potential harm to the environment 
and the management of waste products. Newcrest’s operations 
are therefore subject to extensive environmental law and 
regulation in the various jurisdictions in which it operates. 
Compliance with these laws require significant expenditure.

Newcrest’s operations may create a risk of exposure to hazardous 
materials. Newcrest uses hazardous material (for example, 
cyanide) and generates waste products that must be disposed  
of. Appropriate management of waste is a key consideration  
in Newcrest’s operations. Mining operations can also impact  
flows and water quality in surface and ground water bodies  
and remedial measures may be required to prevent or minimise 
such impacts.

Newcrest is required to close its operations and rehabilitate the 
lands that it disturbs during the exploration and operating phases 
in accordance with applicable environmental laws and regulations. 
A closure plan and estimate of closure and rehabilitation liabilities 
are prepared for each of Newcrest’s operations. These estimates 
of closure and rehabilitation liabilities are based on current 
knowledge and assumptions, however actual costs at the time of 
closure and rehabilitation may vary materially. In addition, adverse 
or deteriorating external economic conditions may bring forward 
mine closure and associated closure and rehabilitation costs.

Resources and reserves
Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves estimates are necessarily 
imprecise and involve subjective judgements regarding a number 
of factors including (but not limited to) grade distribution and/or 
mineralisation, the ability to economically extract and process 
mineralisation, and future commodity prices, exchange rates  
and operating costs. Such estimates relate to matters outside 
Newcrest’s reasonable control and involve statistical analysis 
which may subsequently prove to be unreliable or flawed.

Newcrest’s annual Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves statement 
is based upon a number of factors, including (without limitation) 
exploration drilling and production results, economic assumptions 
(such as future commodity prices and exchange rates) and 
operating and other costs. These factors may result in reductions 
in Newcrest’s Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves estimates, 
which could adversely affect the life-of-mine plans and may 
impact upon the value attributable to Newcrest’s mineral 
inventory and/or the assessment of realisable value of one  
or more of Newcrest’s assets.

Reliance on contractors
Some aspects of Newcrest’s production, development and 
exploration activities are conducted by contractors. As a result, 
Newcrest’s business, operating and financial performance and 
results are impacted upon by the availability and performance  
of contractors and the associated risks.

60 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Marketing
Newcrest produces mineral concentrates which are exported  
by ocean vessels to smelters, located predominantly in Asia,  
with associated risks including (without limitation) fluctuating 
smelter charges, marine transportation charges and inland  
freight charges. Transportation of the concentrate is also subject 
to numerous risks including (without limitation) delays in delivery 
of shipments, terrorism, loss of or reduced access to export ports, 
weather conditions and environmental liabilities in the event of  
an accident or spill. Sales of concentrate may also be adversely 
impacted by disruption at the operations of one or more of the 
receiving smelters and consequent declarations of force majeure 
at such smelters. Additionally, the quality of mineral concentrates, 
including the presence of impurities and deleterious substances,  
is subject to restrictions on import which vary across jurisdictions 
and may impact upon the saleability or price realised for the 
mineral concentrate.

Human resources and industrial relations
Newcrest competes with mining and other companies to attract 
and retain key employees and third party contractors with 
appropriate technical skills and managerial experience necessary 
to continue to operate its business. There can be no assurance 
that Newcrest will be able to attract and retain skilled and 
experienced personnel and, should Newcrest lose any of its  
key personnel or fail to attract personnel, its business may  
be harmed and its operations and financial condition could  
be adversely affected.

Newcrest may be impacted by industrial relations issues in 
connection with its employees and the employees of Newcrest’s 
contractors and suppliers. Any such activity could cause production 
delays, increased labour costs and adversely impact Newcrest’s 
ability to meet its production forecasts.

In a number of jurisdictions where Newcrest has mining and 
related interests, there are also local requirements or expectations 
regarding the extent to which local and national persons are 
directly engaged in the mining and related activities which may 
result in disruptions to Newcrest’s activities where relevant 
requirements and/or expectations are not met. There can be no 
assurance that disruptions will not occur in the future which may 
have an adverse effect on Newcrest’s business. Similarly, there  
can be no assurance that Newcrest will be able to attract and 
retain suitably qualified and experienced local or national 
personnel, or that unskilled persons trained by Newcrest  
will be retained, in the future.

Competition for projects to replace Ore Reserves
Significant gold deposits are becoming more difficult to find,  
are deeper and often in remote and challenging jurisdictions.  
The declining rate of discovery of new gold deposits has, in recent 
years, increased the challenge of replacing the mining depletion  
of existing resources and reserves throughout the global gold 
sector. Newcrest faces intense competition for acquisition of 
attractive exploration and mining properties to replace reserves 
depleted by mining. As a result of this competition, exploration 
and acquisitions may not result in Newcrest being able to maintain 
or increase its Ore Reserves which could negatively impact its 
future business, operating and financial performance and results.

Newcrest evaluates potential acquisition and development 
opportunities for mineral deposits, exploration or development 
properties and operating mines. Newcrest’s decision to acquire or 
develop these properties is based on a variety of factors, including 
historical operating results, estimates and assumptions regarding 
the extent and quality of mineralisation, resources and reserves, 
assessment of the potential for further discoveries or growth  
in resources and reserves, development and capital costs, cash 
and other operating costs, expected future commodity prices, 
projected economic returns and evaluations of existing or 
potential liabilities associated with the relevant assets and  
how these factors may change in future. Other than historical 
operating results (if applicable), these factors are uncertain  
and could have an impact on revenue, cash and other operating 
results, as well as the process used to estimate Mineral Resources 
and Ore Reserves.

Liquidity and indebtedness
In addition to cash flows from operating activities, Newcrest  
has a range of debt facilities with external financiers – including 
unsecured bilateral loan facilities, corporate unsecured senior 
notes (or ‘bonds’) and private placement unsecured notes. 
Newcrest has sought to structure these debt facilities to have 
varying maturities so that its refinancing obligations are staggered. 
Although Newcrest currently generates sufficient funds to service 
its debt requirements, no assurance can be given that Newcrest 
will be able to meet its financial covenants, its debt repayment 
obligations, or be able to refinance the debt prior to its expiry  
on acceptable terms to Newcrest. If Newcrest is unable to meet  
its financial covenants or debt repayment obligations when 
required or refinance its external debt on acceptable terms,  
its financial condition and ability to continue operating may  
be adversely affected.

Litigation
Litigation has the potential to materially impact upon Newcrest’s 
business, operating and financial performance and results. 
Regardless of the ultimate outcome of litigation (which may  
be subject to appeal), and whether involving regulatory action  
or civil claims, litigation may have a material impact on Newcrest 
as a result of the costs associated with litigation (some of which 
may not be recoverable) and the management time associated 
with defending litigation.

The notes to Newcrest’s Financial Statements provide details 
regarding certain current and potential litigation involving Newcrest. 

Forward looking statements
Newcrest provides guidance on aspects of its business including 
production, cost and capital expenditure which relate to matters  
in the future (forward looking statements). Forward looking 
statements inherently involve known and unknown risks, 
uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Group’s  
actual results, performance and achievements to differ materially 
from those indicated in the forward looking statements.

Forward looking statements are based on Newcrest and its 
Management’s assessment of the financial, market, regulatory 
and other relevant environments that will exist and affect the 
Group’s business and operations in the future. There can be  
no assurance that the assumptions on which forward looking 
statements are based will prove to be correct, or that the Group’s 
business or operations will not be affected in any material manner 
by these or other factors not foreseen or foreseeable by Newcrest 
or management or beyond the Group’s control.

Although Newcrest attempts and has attempted to identify 
factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ 
materially from those disclosed in forward looking statements, 
there may be other factors that could cause actual results, 
performance, achievements or events not to be as anticipated, 
estimated or intended, and many events are beyond the 
reasonable control of the Group.

Joint venture arrangements 
Newcrest has joint venture interests, including its interests  
in the Morobe Mining Joint Ventures in Papua New Guinea, the 
Gosowong mine in Indonesia, the Bonikro mine in Côte d’Ivoire 
and the Namosi project in Fiji. These operations are subject to the 
risks normally associated with the conduct of Joint Ventures which 
include (but are not limited to) disagreement with joint venture 
partners on how to develop and operate the mines or projects 
efficiently, inability of joint venture partners to meet their  
financial and other joint venture commitments and particular  
risks associated with entities where a sovereign State holds an 
interest, including the extent to which the State intends to engage 
in project decision making and the ability of the State to fund its 
share of project costs. The existence or occurrence of one or more 
of these circumstances or events may have a material adverse 
impact on Newcrest’s future cash flows, earnings, operating 
results, financial conditions and prospects.

New acquisitions
Newcrest’s ability to make successful acquisitions and any 
difficulties or time delays in achieving successful integration  
of any such acquisitions could have a material adverse effect  
on its business, operating results and financial condition. Business 
combinations and acquisitions entail a number of risks including  
the effective integration of acquisitions to realise synergies, 
significant one-time write-offs or restructuring charges, and 
unanticipated costs and liabilities, including unforeseen plant  
and equipment reliability issues. Newcrest may also be liable  
for the acts or omissions of predecessors or otherwise exposed  
to liabilities that were unforeseen or greater than anticipated.

Macro-economic conditions
Newcrest’s operating performance and financial performance  
is influenced by a variety of macro-economic and business 
conditions including the level of inflation, interest rates, exchange 
rates and government fiscal, monetary and regulatory policies. 
Prolonged deterioration in general economic conditions, change  
or deterioration in the rate of economic growth including changes 
to interest rates or decrease in consumer and business demand, 
could be expected to ultimately have an impact on Newcrest’s 
business, results of operations or financial condition and 
performance.

Information technology
Newcrest’s operations are supported by information technology 
(IT) systems, consisting of infrastructure, networks, applications, 
and service providers. Newcrest could be subject to network and 
systems disruptions from a number of sources, including (without 
limitation) security breaches, cyber-attacks, natural disasters  
and system defects. The impact of IT systems disruption could 
include production downtime, operational delays, and destruction 
or corruption of data, any of which could have a material impact 
on Newcrest’s business, operations or financial condition  
and performance.

Uninsured risks
In addition to maintaining insurances required by law, Newcrest 
maintains an insurance program for property damage and 
business interruption designed to protect it against events  
which could have a significant adverse effect on its operations  
and profitability. Newcrest’s insurances do not cover all potential 
risks associated with its business. Newcrest may elect not to 
insure, or to self-insure against certain risks, where the premiums 
associated with insuring against those risks are considered to be 
excessive or for various other reasons, including an assessment 
that the risks are remote. Further, Newcrest’s insurance policies 
carry deductibles and limits which apply in the event of a claim 
which may lead to Newcrest not recovering the full monetary 
impact of an insured event, and are subject to policy terms and 
conditions (including exclusions) which may impact on the extent 
to which a relevant policy responds to the circumstances of a 
claim. The occurrence of events for which Newcrest is not insured, 
or in respect of which relevant insurances do not respond fully, 
may adversely affect Newcrest’s cash flows and overall profitability.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 61

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HUMAN RESOURCES AND REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

Dear Shareholder,

On behalf of the Board, we are pleased to provide Newcrest’s Remuneration Report for the year ended 30 June 2015,  
for which we seek your support at our Annual General Meeting (AGM) in October 2015.

Year in review
In the past year the Company has seen a renewal of its executive team with Jane Thomas joining as Executive General Manager – People 
and Community, Michael Nossal joining as Chief Development Officer, Philip Stephenson being promoted to Executive General Manager – 
Gosowong and Telfer and Craig Jones changing role to be Executive General Manager – Cadia and MMJV. Four Executive General Managers 
left or will be leaving the Company during or shortly after the 2015 financial year. 

The second half of calendar year 2015 will also see further Board renewal, with Tim Poole and Vince Gauci retiring and Xiaoling Liu  
and Roger Higgins joining the Board.

The past year has also seen significant operational change and financial improvement by Newcrest. In comparison with the previous 
financial year, the 2015 financial year has seen a:
 – 19% increase in underlying profit;
 – 1% increase in gold production and 12% increase in copper production;
 – 12% reduction in All-in Sustaining Cost to US$789 per ounce sold;
 – 717% increase in free cash flow; 
 – 22% (or US$819 million) reduction in USD net debt; and 
 – 24% increase in the Newcrest share price (against an AUD gold price increase of 9%).

It has been a successful first year for our new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Sandeep Biswas, and his executive team  
with respect to financial performance.

Unfortunately Newcrest’s financial performance in the 2015 financial year has been overshadowed by a fatality at Telfer in May 2015, and 
two fatalities at the Hidden Valley Joint Venture (in which the Company has a 50% interest) in December 2014 and July 2015. The Board  
and Management remain resolutely focused on eliminating fatalities and life-altering injuries from our operations and will continue to apply 
considerable effort to achieve this outcome by having the safety of our workforce the number one priority, reducing major hazards  
in the workplace and increasing safety awareness and behaviours at all levels of the organisation. 

Newcrest Remuneration Review
During the 2015 financial year we conducted a complete review of our remuneration arrangements, having received a ‘first strike’ vote  
at last year’s AGM. The Board, with the assistance of its Human Resources and Remuneration Committee and external remuneration 
consultants, has made a number of changes to the Company’s executive remuneration framework following extensive consultation with  
a number of shareholders and proxy advisers. These changes build on improvements that were already being implemented following the 
Company’s 2014 financial year remuneration review process. The Board believes these improvements address the main concerns raised 
by shareholders and proxy advisers.

The key changes (which are described in more detail in this Report) include:
 – 50% of any Short Term Incentive (STI) payment being deferred into shares for a period of up to 2 years.
 – A change in the way the Long Term Incentive (LTI) measure for Reserves and Resources is calculated, to be on a ‘per share’ basis.
 – Senior executives’ remuneration mix shifting to a greater proportion of at risk remuneration.
 – Introduction of a minimum shareholding requirement for all senior executives and Non-Executive Directors (NEDs). 
 – Increased ability for the Company to clawback amounts for a period of two years in certain circumstances including fraud, misconduct 

and material misstatement of accounts.

Senior executives received no increase in total fixed remuneration during the 2015 financial year where they remained in existing roles 
(except for a 0.25% increase in statutory superannuation in some cases). NEDs received no fee increases during the 2015 financial year. 

Conclusion
Newcrest remains committed to ensuring that, consistent with the Board’s strategy and policy, the Company’s executive remuneration 
framework and outcomes attract and retain high calibre people and drive strong individual and Group performance in the interests  
of both the Company and its shareholders.

We have made significant changes to the executive remuneration framework in response to the feedback provided to us.  
We are committed to a continuing dialogue with our shareholders and look forward to welcoming you at the 2015 AGM.

Peter Hay 

Richard Lee AM

Chairman, Board of Directors 

Chairman, Human Resources  
and Remuneration Committee

17 August 2015

62 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

 
Directors’ Report
REMUNERATION REPORT

The Directors of Newcrest Mining Limited (the Company) present the Remuneration Report for the Company for the financial year ended 
30 June 2015, prepared in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 and its regulations.

The Report details the remuneration arrangements in place for the Key Management Personnel (KMP) of the Company which comprises  
all Directors (Executive and Non-Executive) and those Executives who have authority for planning, directing and controlling the activities 
of the Company. In this Report, ‘Executives’ refers to members of the Executive Committee identified as KMP (including the Chief Executive 
Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Newcrest who are also Directors of the Company). ‘NEDs’ refers to Non-Executive 
Directors of the Company.

Contents

We have structured the Report into the following sections:

Section 1 

Section 2 

Section 3 

Section 4 

Section 5 

Section 6 

Section 7 

Section 8 

Section 9 

Remuneration Snapshot 

Key Management Personnel 

Remuneration Governance 

Our Remuneration Framework 

Remuneration Outcomes 

 Executive Service Agreements and Termination Arrangements 

Non-Executive Directors’ Remuneration 

Statutory Tables 

Other Tables 

This Report has been audited under section 308(3C) of the Corporations Act 2001. 

1. REMUNERATION SNAPSHOT

63

66

67

69

77

81

81

82

88

1.1. Key points
The past year has seen significant change, more reliable operating performance and financial improvement for Newcrest. During the year, 
gold production of 2.423 million ounces was within the guidance range and was delivered at a Group All-In Sustaining Cost (AISC) of US$789 
per ounce sold (12% lower than the prior year). The objective to maximise free cash flow was also met reflecting the focus on cash generation. 
Free cash flow of A$1,086 million was A$953 million more than the prior year, and Newcrest’s USD-denominated net debt was reduced  
by US$819 million. The Company’s share price rose by 24% in the financial year, outperforming the Australian dollar gold price (up 9%).

Key remuneration outcomes for the financial year are summarised in the table below.

New CEO

The 2015 financial year marked our new CEO’s first year in the role. As can be seen from the financial results, there  
has been a significant improvement in the Company’s operating and financial performance since Sandeep Biswas 
commenced as CEO.

As disclosed in our 2014 Remuneration Report, Sandeep’s total fixed remuneration is benchmarked against  
a comparator group of ASX 11-40 (including Industrials, Energy and Materials) companies and global gold companies. 
His salary package is pitched to be competitive within the 50th to 75th percentile of this comparator group of 
companies and was necessary in order to attract a person with the skills and experience that the Board believed 
were needed to take the Company forward in fulfilling its strategic objectives in the interests of the shareholders. 

STI Outcomes

The average STI outcome for Executives was 69.32% of the maximum opportunity based on the assessment  
of business and personal measures.

LTI Outcomes

This reflects the Company’s strong financial performance, but disappointing safety performance during the year. 

22.4% of the 2011 LTI Plan (under which grants of LTIs were made in the 2012 financial year) vested during the 2015 
financial year, reflecting the difficult challenges facing the Company during the relevant performance period. The 
portion that vested recognises Management’s efforts in cost management and reduction relative to their peers 
whilst achieving production guidance during a particularly challenging period. 

The 2012 LTI Plan (under which grants of LTIs were made in the 2013 financial year) is expected to vest in September 
2015 and it is anticipated that the vesting levels will be low (in the order of 20%). Two of the three measures (ROCE 
and Reserves Growth) are likely to deliver a low outcome with only the Comparative Cost measure delivering reward 
to the participants.

NED Remuneration

NEDs received no fee increases during the 2015 financial year. 

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 63

Directors’ Report
REMUNERATION REPORT

1. REMUNERATION SNAPSHOT (continued)

1.2. What has changed during the 2015 financial year?
During the 2015 financial year we conducted a complete review of our remuneration arrangements following extensive consultation with 
some shareholders and proxy advisers, having received a ‘first strike’ vote in relation to the 2014 Remuneration Report at last year’s AGM. 
Prior to the 2014 AGM, the Company had already begun to implement a number of changes to its remuneration framework. The table 
below summarises the key changes implemented during the 2015 financial year as a result of both review processes.

Total Fixed Remuneration (TFR)

Salary Review

Salary benchmarking was undertaken and the Board determined that no Executives would receive a salary  
increase during the 2015 financial year salary review process for their existing roles, except for a 0.25% increase  
in mandatory superannuation guarantee contributions (where applicable).

The CEO was awarded his remuneration package as set out in section 4.5 upon his appointment as CEO. 

STI

Remuneration Mix

Whilst no adjustments were made to fixed remuneration, some changes to target and maximum STI and LTI 
opportunities were made to ensure the total remuneration packages of Executives were competitive with 
comparable roles in Newcrest’s benchmarking comparator groups. 

Changes to the target and maximum STI opportunities were implemented with effect from 1 July 2014. The STI  
‘at target’ performance is set at 100% of TFR for the CEO. The STI ‘at target’ performance was increased from 60%  
to 80% of TFR for the CFO and operational Executive General Managers (EGMs). The STI ‘at target’ performance for 
non-operational EGMs (being EGMs who are not responsible for Operations, such as the EGM – General Counsel  
and Company Secretary and the EGM – People and Community) remained unchanged and is set at 60% of TFR. 
Maximum STI opportunities are double the ‘at target’ performance. Further details are provided in section 4.3.

CEO STI Deferral 
Introduced 

The CEO has volunteered to receive 50% of his STI payment for the 2015 financial year from the date of his 
appointment as CEO on 4 July 2014 in the form of restricted shares, to be held in trust for a maximum period of two 
years. 50% of the deferred shares will be released after 12 months, with the remainder released after two years.

Deferred shares will be forfeited in the event of the CEO resigning before the shares are released. Shares will be 
granted on the basis of VWAP over the five trading days prior to the date on which the cash payment is made. 

There has been no change to the CEO’s STI ‘target’ and ‘maximum’ opportunity as a percentage of total fixed 
remuneration. 

Relative Weighting  
of Business and  
Personal Performance

The relative weighting of business and personal performance conditions and the formula used to calculate the STI 
outcome have changed with effect from 1 July 2014, as previously reported. For Executives, business performance  
was increased to 60% (previously 44%) of the final STI outcome on the basis of the ability of Executives to 
influence Company outcomes through their collective actions. Further details are provided in section 4.3.

Removal of  
‘Discretionary’  
Business and  
Personal STI  
Elements

LTI

Changes in ‘Target’  
LTI Opportunities

Holding Lock

General

Clawback

The ‘discretionary’ business measure has been replaced by a measure to be defined by the Board at the 
commencement of each performance year, to increase the objectivity of the determination of the business 
measure. For the 2015 financial year the Board decided that the measure would be free cash flow (FCF).

In addition, the inclusion of a ‘discretionary’ personal measure was eliminated. For KMP, all personal measures  
in the 2015 financial year were more robust, business-focused, and represented specific objectives directly relevant 
to each Executive.

Changes to the target LTI opportunities were applied to the 2014 LTI offer (under which grants of LTIs were made  
in the 2015 financial year). The CEO received rights to the value of 150% of TFR. The target LTI for the CFO remained 
at 100% of TFR. The target LTI for the operational EGMs was increased from 60% to 100% of TFR, and for the 
non-operational EGMs from 60% to 80% of TFR having regard to the fact that there had been no increase to the 
TFR for Executives remaining in their existing roles, apart from the minor compulsory superannuation adjustment 
referred to above. Further details are provided in section 4.4.

The 2014 LTI Plan includes a 12 month holding lock on the shares vesting on completion of the three year  
vesting period.

Clawback provisions were included in the STI Plan for the 2015 financial year and the 2014 LTI Plan to allow the 
Board to recoup or reduce awards of equity within 12 months of, in the case of STIs, the end of the performance 
period, and in the case of LTIs, the later of the vesting date and the end of any holding lock period, should these 
subsequently be found to be excessive or inappropriate due to circumstances including: a participant’s fraud  
or misconduct, a material misstatement or other event or error in the financial statements of Newcrest or other 
circumstances which the Board determines in good faith have resulted in an inappropriate benefit.

Overriding Discretion

The Board’s overriding discretion to adjust STI and LTI outcomes (which could be used, for example, to properly 
reflect performance, to adjust for anomalous outcomes and to ensure alignment of awards of ‘at risk’ 
remuneration with Company strategy and long-term shareholder value creation) has been formalised. 

64 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

1.3. What changes are planned for the 2016 financial year? 
In addition to the above, the Board, with the assistance of its Human Resources and Remuneration Committee (HRR Committee)  
and external remuneration consultants, has committed to a number of further changes to the Company’s executive remuneration 
framework that will be implemented during the course of the 2016 financial year.

STI Deferral Introduced for 
all Executives

For the STI Plan for the 2016 financial year and subsequent years, 50% of any STI award for all Executives (including 
the CEO) will be deferred into restricted shares. 50% of the deferred shares will be released after 12 months, with 
the remainder released after two years.

STI deferral will act as a retention mechanism as deferred shares will be forfeited in the event of the Executive 
resigning before the shares are released. They will also serve to further align the remuneration structure with the 
interests of shareholders by locking in the price at which the shares will be allocated on the basis of VWAP over the 
five trading days prior to the date on which the cash payment is made. 

Changes in LTI Measures

All future Reserves and Resources measures will be stated and calculated on a ‘per share’ basis. The Board has  
an overarching discretion and would consider exercising it to adjust the calculation if there was a change in capital, 
such as an equity raising that unfairly impacted LTI participants. 

Clawback

For the 2016 financial year, an overarching General Clawback Policy has been introduced to allow the Board to make 
recoveries from any unpaid, unvested, restricted or future LTI or STI award for a period of two years from vesting  
or the award date. Further details are provided in section 3.6.

Minimum Shareholding 
Requirements

In order to further align the interests of Management and the Board with the interests of shareholders, minimum 
shareholding requirements have been introduced for all Executives and NEDs from 1 July 2015. The minimum 
shareholding requirement for the CEO is 100% of TFR and 50% of TFR for all other Executives, to be achieved within 
five years from the later of the date of appointment and the introduction of the policy. For all NEDs, a holding which  
is equivalent to 100% of total annual fees is to be achieved within three years (or as agreed with the Chairman for 
newly appointed Directors) from the later of the date of appointment and the introduction of the policy. 

1.4. KMP – high level summary of changes
Sandeep Biswas succeeded Greg Robinson as Newcrest’s new CEO on 4 July 2014.

Following his appointment, Sandeep made a number of changes to the structure and composition of the Executive team during the 2015 
financial year resulting in a reduction in the size of the Executive Committee team from eight to seven. Further changes to the Executive 
Committee were announced on 27 April 2015 and 3 June 2015 which take effect during the 2016 financial year and will be reported in the 
2016 Remuneration Report. 

The restructured Executive team is an experienced and highly capable senior leadership team which will lead the organisation in the next 
phase of its improvement program to pursue profitable growth. 

Full details are set out in section 2.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 65

Name

Role

Executive Directors
Sandeep Biswas(1)
Gerard Bond

Former Executive Directors
Greg Robinson

Other Executives
Craig Jones 
Francesca Lee
Colin Moorhead
Jane Thomas
David Woodall

Former Executives
Geoff Day 
Debra Stirling

Directors’ Report
REMUNERATION REPORT

2. KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL (KMP)

The following table details the Company’s KMP during the 2015 financial year. For those KMP who served in a KMP role for only a part  
of the 2015 financial year, this Report only sets out the amounts they received as remuneration in their capacity as a KMP.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
Finance Director and Chief Financial Officer

Term

From 4 July 2014
Full year

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

Ceased 4 July 2014 

Executive General Manager – Australian Operations and Projects
Executive General Manager – General Counsel and Company Secretary
Executive General Manager – Minerals
Executive General Manager – People and Community
Executive General Manager – International Operations

Full year
Full year
Full year
From 5 January 2015
Full year

Executive General Manager – Sustainability and External Affairs
Executive General Manager – People and Communications

Ceased 14 September 2014 
Ceased 4 July 2014

Non-Executive Directors
Peter Hay
Philip Aiken AM
Vince Gauci
Winifred Kamit
Richard Knight
Rick Lee AM
Tim Poole
John Spark

Non-Executive Chairman
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director

Full year
Full year
Full year
Full year
Full year
Full year
Full year
Full year

(1)  Prior to 4 July 2014, Sandeep Biswas was the Chief Operating Officer and was also a KMP. 

There have been or, as the case may require, will be a number of changes to KMP subsequent to 30 June 2015, as detailed below: 

Name

Role

Change

Other Executives
Craig Jones 

Michael Nossal
Philip Stephenson
Colin Moorhead

Former Executives
David Woodall

Other Directors
Xiaoling Liu
Roger Higgins

Former Directors
Tim Poole
Vince Gauci

Executive General Manager – Cadia and MMJV

Chief Development Officer
Executive General Manager – Gosowong and Telfer
Executive General Manager – Minerals

Role changed from Executive General Manager  
– Australian Operations and Projects, effective 6 July 2015
Commenced on 6 July 2015
Commenced on 6 July 2015
Will cease on 31 August 2015

Executive General Manager – International Operations Ceased on 31 July 2015

Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director

Will commence on 1 September 2015
Will commence on 1 October 2015

Ceased on 30 July 2015
Will cease on 29 October 2015

66 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

3. REMUNERATION GOVERNANCE

3.1. Remuneration Strategy
Our remuneration strategy is to provide market-competitive levels of remuneration, having regard to the size and complexity  
of the Company, the scope and work of each role, and the impact the Executive can have on Company performance.

Our policy is to offer a competitive total remuneration package for Executives, benchmarked against comparable roles  
in ASX 11-40 companies, including a subset of industrial, materials, energy and utilities companies, and global gold  
mining companies.

Executive packages target fixed remuneration at around the 50th percentile of the comparator groups, with total remuneration  
(fixed plus ‘at risk’ variable) up to the 75th percentile for equivalent or comparable roles, adjusted as appropriate to reflect the  
skills and experience of the individual in each role, and the scope of each role.

The key elements of the remuneration strategy and in determining the remuneration mix are:
 – market competitive levels of remuneration having regard to both the level of work and the impact employees can potentially  

have on Company performance;

 – appropriate levels of ‘at risk’ performance pay to encourage, recognise and reward high performance;
 – group performance measures that align performance incentives with the long term interests of shareholders;
 – attraction and retention of talented, high performing Executives; and
 – a remuneration structure that provides an appropriate balance of risk and reward sharing between each participant and the Company.

3.2. Key issues raised regarding 2014 Remuneration Report
The Board has taken feedback from shareholders and proxy advisers seriously. Set out below is a summary of the Board’s responses  
to the key issues raised by some shareholders and proxy advisers in relation to the 2014 Remuneration Report.

Issues raised

Response

TFR 

The CEO TFR is excessive.

STI

The quantum of TFR should be seen as part of the entire remuneration package. The benchmarking undertaken 
showed that, for the 2015 financial year, the total remuneration packages for the CEO and other Executives,  
were within the 50th to 75th percentile target range of the comparator groups, which is line with Company  
policy and strategy. 

The STI opportunity  
for the CEO is excessive.

STI deferral and clawback have now been introduced. The ratios of STI and LTI have been changed to  
ensure the overall package remains market competitive and contain a greater proportion of ‘at risk’ pay.

Appropriateness of STI  
hurdles questioned and 
relative measures preferred 
to absolute measures.

There is a lack of 
transparency in relation to 
the STI personal measures.

More detail has been provided in this Report in relation to the STI hurdles and adjustments. The Board  
believes that the STI measures are comprehensive and rigorous and capable of objective assessment.

The previous ‘discretionary’ business measure has been replaced by a measure to be defined by the Board  
at the commencement of each performance year. For the 2015 financial year this measure was FCF. In addition,  
the previous ‘discretionary’ personal measure has been replaced by a more robust, business focused objective, 
being delivery of cost savings as a result of initiatives developed through the Company’s project titled ‘EDGE’  
(EDGE Delivery) for the majority of Executives. The remaining three personal measures are also generally linked 
directly to the objectives of the relevant Business Unit, focusing on safety, financial performance, production  
and development, and key business drivers.

More detail has been provided in this Report in relation to the personal STI measures, in particular in relation  
to the CEO and CFO.

There is no STI deferral.

STI deferral has been introduced. See sections 1.2 and 1.3.

LTI

Appropriateness of LTI 
hurdles questioned and 
relative measures 
occasionally preferred  
to absolute measures.

Other

More detail has been provided in this Report in relation to the LTI hurdles and adjustments and, in particular,  
the impact of asset impairments on the ROCE measure.

All future Reserves and Resources elements of the LTI measure will be stated and calculated on a ‘per share’ basis.

The Board considered whether relative Total Shareholder Return (TSR) should be included as a measure either  
in replacement of, or in addition to some or all of the current LTI measures. Having considered the pros and cons of 
adopting TSR as a measure, the Board believes that the selected LTI measures are comprehensive, rigorous, capable 
of objective assessment and well aligned with shareholders’ long term interests. See section 4.4.2 for further details.

The incentives do not  
reflect long term 
shareholder interests.

The introduction of the 12 month holding lock on LTI Plans, 50% STI deferral into equity for up to two years, general 
clawback for both the STI and LTI Plans, and minimum shareholding requirements are major steps towards ensuring 
all Executives and NEDs hold significant equity in the Company on a long term basis.

There is a lack of equity 
holding requirements for 
Directors and Executives.

Sign-on bonuses for 
Executives are generally 
inappropriate.

A Minimum Shareholding Requirements Policy has been introduced for the NEDs and all Executives.

An Executive Remuneration Policy has been introduced which limits the circumstances in which sign-on bonuses  
will be considered appropriate. 

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 67

Directors’ Report
REMUNERATION REPORT

3. REMUNERATION GOVERNANCE (continued)
3.3. Role of the Human Resources and Remuneration Committee (HRR Committee)
The Board takes an active role in the governance and oversight of Newcrest’s remuneration policies and is responsible for ensuring  
that the Company’s remuneration strategy aligns with Newcrest’s short and long term business objectives. The HRR Committee reviews, 
formulates and makes recommendations to the Board in relation to matters within its Charter, including the remuneration arrangements 
of the CEO, all other Executives and the NEDs, and oversees the implementation and administration of the major components of the 
Board’s approved remuneration strategy. 

The Charter for the HRR Committee is available on the Company’s website: www.newcrest.com.au/about-us/corporate-governance.

Members of the Committee are:
 – Rick Lee AM (Chairman);
 – Philip Aiken AM;
 – Vince Gauci; and
 – Winifred Kamit.

3.4. External Remuneration Consultants
To assist in performing its duties, and in making recommendations to the Board, the HRR Committee from time to time seeks independent 
advice from external remuneration consultants on various remuneration related matters. 

KPMG provided remuneration recommendations to the HRR Committee as part of its advice which summarised and addressed major 
shareholder and proxy adviser feedback in relation to the 2014 Remuneration Report.

The engagement of KPMG was initiated by the HRR Committee, based on agreed protocols governing the engagement and processes  
to be followed regarding recommendations. The protocols are detailed in the Company’s External Remuneration Consultants Policy.  
In accordance with those protocols, KPMG provides its remuneration recommendations directly to the HRR Committee. 

The Board and the HRR Committee are satisfied that remuneration recommendations by KPMG were made free from any ‘undue 
influence’ for those Executives to whom any recommendations related. The Board and the HRR Committee have reached this  
conclusion based on the stringency of the protocols and processes outlined above and based on KPMG’s formal declaration.

During 2015, the HRR Committee also obtained other advice as part of the review of the Company’s remuneration arrangements, including:
 – providing benchmarking data for CEO, Executive and NED remuneration;
 – providing information and insights with respect to market practices and trends in remuneration within ASX listed and global gold 

companies, including STI deferral practices, use of TSR as an LTI metric and general overarching clawback provisions; and

 – providing advice on the tax implications of STI deferral.

KPMG also provided internal audit and taxation advice during the year ended 30 June 2015. 

Details of fees paid to KPMG as remuneration consultants and for other services during the year ended 30 June 2015 are set out below.

Fees paid to KPMG

Services

Advice containing remuneration recommendations
Other (tax, internal audit, advisory)

Total

2015 
(A$’000)

26
559

585

No other remuneration consultants were engaged during the year ended 30 June 2015. 

3.5. Securities Dealing Policy
The Company has a Securities Dealing Policy which prohibits the use by Executives and employees of hedging and derivatives such  
as caps, collars, warrants or similar products in relation to Newcrest securities, including shares acquired under the Company’s equity 
incentive schemes, whether or not they are vested. The Policy also prohibits entry into transactions in associated products that operate  
to limit the economic risk of their security or interest holdings in the Company. Employees are not permitted to enter into margin loans  
in relation to Newcrest securities at any time without prior approval from the Chairman or Company Secretary. The Securities Dealing 
Policy forms part of each employee’s terms of employment. 

The Securities Dealing Policy is available on the Company’s website at: www.newcrest.com.au/about-us/corporate-governance.

3.6. Clawback Policy
The STI and LTI Plans form significant components of each Executive’s total remuneration package. Both Plans are performance based  
and, in part, are determined by the Company’s financial performance. The Board included formal clawback provisions within the STI Plan 
for the 2015 financial year and the 2014 LTI Plan. These provisions allow the Board discretion to recoup or reduce awards of cash or equity 
should these subsequently be found to be excessive or inappropriate due to circumstances including a participant’s fraud or misconduct, 
a material misstatement or other event or error in the financial statements of Newcrest, or other circumstances which the Board 
determines in good faith have resulted in an inappropriate benefit.

As mentioned in section 1.2, the Company has also recently adopted an overarching General Clawback Policy, which extends the scope  
of the clawback provisions previously included in the STI and LTI Plans and applies for two years from vesting or the award date.

3.7. Overriding Board Discretion
The Board has an overriding discretion to adjust any STI or LTI outcomes. The Board may, for example, use such discretion to properly 
reflect performance, to adjust for anomalous outcomes and to ensure alignment of awards of ‘at risk’ remuneration with Company 
strategy and long term value creation. 

In considering the 2015 financial year STI outcome the Board exercised its discretion to adjust the score for the Safety performance measure 
in the Business Measures to zero, notwithstanding the achievement of some part of the measure. The Business STI outcome of 150% reflects 
the company’s strong financial performance, but disappointing safety performance.

68 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

3.8. Minimum Shareholding Requirements
As mentioned in section 1.3, minimum shareholding requirements have been introduced for all Executives and NEDs with effect from  
1 July 2015. The minimum shareholding requirement for the CEO is 100% of TFR and 50% of TFR for all other Executives, to be achieved 
within five years from the later of the date of appointment and the introduction of the policy. For NEDs, a holding which is equivalent  
to 100% of total annual fees is to be achieved within three years (or as agreed with the Chairman for newly appointed Directors) from  
the later of the date of appointment and the introduction of the policy. 

4. OUR REMUNERATION FRAMEWORK

4.1. Remuneration Framework
Our Executive remuneration framework comprises both ‘fixed’ and ‘at-risk’ pay elements which are designed to provide for predictable base 
levels of remuneration through the TFR component, and competitive performance based remuneration through the STI and LTI components. 

The diagram below outlines the remuneration components for the 2016 financial year for all Executives and the 2015 financial year for the 
CEO, how they are assessed and how they are designed to achieve Newcrest’s strategic objectives. Further details regarding each of the 
remuneration components are provided in sections 4.2 to 4.4. A description of how the remuneration mix translates into practical terms 
for Executives in the 2015 financial year is provided in section 4.5. 

Remuneration Type

Fixed Remuneration

Variable/At-Risk Remuneration

Component 

Total Fixed Remuneration (TFR)

Short-term Incentive (STI)

Long-term Incentive (LTI)

Delivered in cash

Delivered in shares

Delivery 

Composition 

 – Base salary plus 
superannuation
 – Set by reference to  

ASX 11-40 companies, 
including a subset of  
ASX 11-40 industrial, 
materials, energy and 
utilities companies and 
global gold companies

 – Targeted at 50th 

percentile for comparable 
roles and experience/ skills

 – 50% of STI outcomes 

paid in cash after 
financial year

 – 50% of STI outcomes 
deferred as restricted 
shares

 – Outcomes based  

 – Outcomes based  

on a combination of 
business performance 
and personal objectives 
measures

on a combination of 
business performance 
and personal objectives 
measures

 – Subject to clawback  

 – Half of shares are 

and overarching Board 
discretion

restricted for one year 
and the other half for  
2 years

 – Subject to clawback  

and overarching Board 
discretion 

Designed to: 
 – align interests of shareholders and Executives through 

an appropriate level of ‘at risk’ pay

 – reward for increasing shareholder value by meeting  
or exceeding Company and individual objectives; and

 – support the financial and strategic direction of the 

business through performance measures.

Large proportion subject to Group and business  
unit financial targets. Non-financial targets aligned  
to core values, including safety and key strategic  
and growth objectives.

 – Rights with a 3 year 
vesting period and  
one year holding lock
 – Outcomes based on 

ROCE, comparative cost 
position and strategic 
performance

 – Subject to clawback  

and overarching Board 
discretion 

Designed to encourage 
Executives to focus on the 
key performance drivers 
which underpin the 
Company’s strategy to 
deliver long-term growth  
in shareholder value.

Link with strategic 
objectives 

Set to attract, retain and 
motivate high quality 
executive talent to deliver 
on the Company’s strategy. 

The total remuneration package is designed to:
 – attract, retain and motivate appropriately qualified and experienced executives;
 – provide an appropriate balance between risk and reward;
 – encourage a strong focus on performance and support the delivery of strong returns to Newcrest shareholders over 

the short and long-term; and

 – align executive and shareholder interests through share ownership.

It is targeted at up to the 75th percentile for total remuneration package for comparable roles and experience/skills.

4.2. Total Fixed Remuneration

Feature

Description 

Composition

Relevant  
Considerations 

Review 

TFR comprises base salary, superannuation contributions in line with statutory obligations, and any salary packaged 
amounts (for example, novated lease vehicles). 

TFR is determined on an individual basis, considering the scope of the role, the individual’s skills and expertise, 
individual and group performance, market movements and competitiveness. For the 2015 financial year, the total 
remuneration packages for all Executives, including the CEO, were within the 50 – 75% target range of the benchmarked 
comparator groups.

TFR is reviewed annually, with any increases taking effect on 1 October each year. There were no increases to TFR for 
existing roles in the October 2014 salary review, except for a 0.25% increase in TFR for incumbent Executives at 1 July 2014 
to reflect the increase in mandatory Superannuation Guarantee Contributions.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 69

Directors’ Report
REMUNERATION REPORT

4. OUR REMUNERATION FRAMEWORK (continued)

4.3. Short Term Incentive 
Executives participate in a STI Plan which represents the ‘at risk’ short term incentive component of their remuneration package.  
Section 4.3.1 outlines the key features of the STI Plan for the 2015 financial year. Section 4.3.2 provides further details of the performance 
measures chosen for the STI Plan, how they are assessed and the reasons why they were chosen.

Key features of the STI Plan for the 2015 financial year

Feature

Description 

Participation

Opportunity

Delivery and Deferral

All Executives participate in the STI Plan. All employees from Supervisor level and above are also invited to participate  
in the STI Plan.

Target percentages awarded differ by level. In general, for ‘at target’ performance, the CEO has the opportunity to 
receive 100% of TFR, the CFO and operational Executives 80% of TFR, and non-operational Executives 60% of TFR.  
They have the opportunity to receive double the ‘at target’ percentage for ‘maximum’ performance. The value of the 
target and maximum STI opportunity expressed as a percentage of TFR for all Executives for the 2015 financial year  
is provided in section 4.5. 

TFR is set in the context that, for achieving target Business performance and meeting personal STI objectives, 
participants will receive the target STI award, and hence, a competitively positioned total remuneration package.  
Failure to deliver target will result in a significantly reduced earning opportunity, while out-performing target and 
achieving maximum targets will be well rewarded. Targets are set with a level of ‘stretch’ built in, and as such,  
maximum STI targets are designed to only be achieved in respect of exceptional performance.

For the 2015 financial year, the STI is delivered 50% in cash and 50% in deferred shares for the CEO and 100% in  
cash for other Executives. For the 2015 financial year, the CEO has volunteered that 50% of his 2015 STI award will  
be deferred and granted in the form of Newcrest shares with 50% of the deferred shares (i.e. 25% of his total STI  
award) to be released after 12 months (in the 2017 financial year, in October 2016) and the remainder after two years  
(in the 2018 financial year, in October 2017). The CEO will be entitled to dividends and voting rights attaching to his 
deferred shares. 

STI deferral will apply to all Executives from the 2016 financial year.

Performance Period

The assessment period is the financial year preceding the payment date of the STI (i.e. 1 July 2014 – 30 June 2015).

Performance  
Conditions

Performance conditions are a mix of personal and business measures. Robust threshold, target and maximum targets  
are established for all measures to drive high levels of business and individual performance. The diagram below illustrates 
the weighting of the two performance conditions and the further weightings of the specific measures contemplated  
by the two performance conditions. 

Sustainability 25%

Operations 25%

Cost  savings 25%

Strategy/Growth 25%

Personal
measures
40%

Business
measures
60%

Safety 25%

Earnings 25%

Costs 25%

FCF 25%

The diagram represents the personal measures for the CEO. Each of the CEO, CFO and other Executives have different 
personal measures. The same business measures apply to all Executives. For further details in relation to the personal 
and business measures, including their composition, how they are set and assessed, refer to section 4.3.2. 

Calculation  
of STI Award

STI Amount ($) = ((60% x business outcome) + (40% x personal outcome)) x ‘At Target’ STI% x TFR

Business and personal outcomes are scored out of 200%, with 50% for threshold performance, 100% for target 
performance and 200% for maximum performance. Business or personal measures that fail to meet the threshold target 
score 0%. If the overall average of the four personal measures is below 50%, the CEO and/or Board has the discretion to 
not make an STI award to that participant. 

Payment of STI

The cash component of the STI will be paid in mid-October 2015 following finalisation and approval of the audited annual 
Company results and the approval of all personal outcomes. For deferral purposes, the payment date will  
also serve as the allocation date for the deferred shares.

Cessation  
of Employment

If an Executive ceases to be an employee prior to the end of a performance period as a result of the Executive resigning  
or being dismissed, unless the Board decides otherwise, the STI is forfeited.

If an Executive ceases to be an employee in circumstances other than as a result of their resignation or dismissal,  
then (unless the Board decides otherwise):
 – their unvested bonus will be reduced on a pro-rata basis, but will remain payable; and
 – any deferred shares will remain on foot for the balance of the relevant restriction period and then be released. 

Clawback

In general, the Board has the discretion to reduce or forfeit an STI award, or to seek recovery from a participant, for 
fraudulent or dishonest conduct, if the outcomes are the result of material error or misstatement of the financial 
accounts, or any other circumstance which the Board, in good faith, believes to have resulted in an inappropriate 
benefit. See section 3.6 for further details relating to clawback. 

70 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

4.3.1. STI performance conditions in detail 
The tables below provide further details on the individual components and weightings of the performance conditions that apply under  
the STI Plan for the 2015 financial year.

Performance Conditions for the 2015 financial year

Feature

Personal Measures

Business Measures 

Setting performance 
measures 

Components 

Assessment 

The personal STI measures for the 2015 financial year were 
set against KPIs established to encourage exceptional 
performance in areas that will help drive the Company’s 
short term performance and realisation of its long term 
strategy. It is focused on individual contributions to the 
achievement of strategic corporate cost and efficiency 
outcomes with the former ‘discretionary’ fourth personal 
measure set on the same principles.

Four personal measures are set for each Executive which 
are specific to each Executive’s role and relevant Business 
Unit activities. If there is a fatality within an Executive’s 
area of accountability, the Board may exercise discretion  
to adjust the assessment of the personal safety measure, 
including a zero award, where appropriate.

Business measures and targets are set by the Board  
on approval of the annual budget which generally  
forms the basis for setting the ‘target’ performance. 

The Board believes that safety should be the first  
of four STI elements as it is a core value and priority  
of the Company. The remaining three components  
of an Executive’s STI award should be determined by the 
Company’s financial performance. For the 2015 financial 
year, business measures for Executives are set out in the 
table below.

The performance of the CEO against the agreed personal 
measures is determined by the Chairman. The assessment 
of all other Executives against their agreed personal 
measures is determined by the CEO after consultation  
with and approval by the Board. If the minimum threshold 
of personal performance is not met, no payment is made 
in respect of that measure.

The assessment of business performance is determined  
by the Board following finalisation of the annual results. 
The Board retains overriding discretion to adjust the final 
outcome to ensure any STI award is appropriate to the 
level of business performance. If the minimum threshold 
of business performance is not met, no payment is made 
in respect of that measure.

For the 2015 financial year, the overall personal outcome  
is assessed out of a maximum score of 200% for achieving 
maximum performance (with 100% awarded for achieving 
target performance). The personal outcome contributes 
40% towards each Executive’s final STI outcome.

Outcomes 

For a summary of the personal outcomes for Executives 
refer to sections 5.2.2 and 5.2.3.

For a summary of the business outcomes for Executives 
refer to section 5.2.1.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 71

Directors’ Report
REMUNERATION REPORT

4. OUR REMUNERATION FRAMEWORK (continued)

4.3.1. STI performance conditions in detail (continued)
Business Measures for the 2015 financial year
The following table provides a more detailed overview of the Group Business measures applicable to all STI participants for the  
2015 financial year:

Executive 

Business Measure 

Weighting 

Reason the Performance Measure Was Adopted

All Executives 

Safety 

Total Recordable Injury 
Frequency Rate (TRIFR(1)) 
(50%)

25%

Major Hazard Audit(2) and  
SPI Action Close Out on  
Time (50%)

Earnings 

Adjusted Net Profit/(Loss) 
After Tax and Before 
Significant Items

25%

Costs 

AISC per ounce (3)

25%

The Company takes safety very seriously as it is core to its operations and 
its ‘licence to operate’. The Company is committed to reinforcing a strong 
safety culture and improving safety leadership. The combined measures 
maintain a focus on safety performance as measured by TRIFR and drive 
critical actions to prevent future potential fatalities and/or serious injuries.

The earnings target is a direct financial measurement of the Company’s 
performance, providing a strong alignment to the interests of shareholders. 
The results are based on the statutory profit of the Group adjusted for the 
effect of commodity prices, foreign exchange rates and other significant 
items determined by the Board which are considered to be outside the 
control of management. It provides a strong reflection of cost management, 
production growth and operational efficiency. 

Highly relevant short and long term measure which is consistent with  
the Company’s strategy of driving profitability and sustainability. It is  
the pervasive cost measure in the industry, and is visible and readily 
understood. It is based on publicly disclosed and reconciled results and  
is therefore a reliable measure for use by the Company. It encourages 
Executives to focus on the importance of reducing costs. The use of the  
AISC cost measurement more fully defines the cost of producing gold  
from the operations. 

Free Cash Flow 

FCF(4)

25%

Replacement for previous discretionary measure to provide focus on a clearly 
defined objective contributing to earnings, corporate strategy and growth. 

FCF was selected for the 2015 financial year as a highly relevant short and 
long-term measure. It is complementary to underlying earnings, providing  
an insight into cost and capital management and production efficiencies,  
and is necessary to fund further development opportunities, pay down debt 
and ultimately pay dividends to shareholders. It is based on publicly disclosed  
and reconciled results and is therefore a sound basis for the Company to use.

(1)  TRIFR is the total number of recordable injuries per million hours worked. It is a lagging indicator of safety performance.
(2)  Major Hazard Audit action closure, and Significant Potential Incident (SPI) closure, ensures a stronger focus on addressing hazards which may lead  

to serious potential incidents in the future, including the potential for a fatality. The measure in the 2015 financial year was strengthened to be closure  
of actions by their due date.

(3)  All-In Sustaining Cost metrics as per World Gold Council Guidance Note on Non-GAAP metric released 27 June 2013.
(4)  The fourth business measure is determined by the Board on a year by year basis to ensure appropriate focus on a key objective identified by the Board.

Personal measures for the 2015 financial year
For the 2015 financial year, the key elements to the personal performance measures for Sandeep Biswas were set by the Board to align 
with the Company’s strategic goals and were as follows:
 – sustainability performance – including achievement of safety targets and improvement in organisational health;
 – operational performance – achievement of Lihir and Cadia related production targets;
 – cost saving and operational efficiency – based on EDGE related targets and Free Cash Flow targets; and
 – progress on growth initiatives, exploration projects and M&A activities.

As with the business outcomes, these performance measures were selected to recognise the important role that the CEO plays  
in personally advancing the Company’s strategic objectives of improving the safety and sustainability performance of the Company, 
its operational performance, reducing costs and progressing its growth initiatives.

The key elements to the personal performance measures for Gerard Bond for the 2015 financial year were as follows:
 – capital management;
 – business planning and, reporting improvements;
 – growth and portfolio management; and
 – cost saving and operational efficiency– based on EDGE related targets and FCF outcomes.

The four personal performance measures for other Executives for the 2015 financial year focused on their areas of responsibility which,  
in the case of the operational Executives, included safety, production, cost saving and operational efficiency.

72 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

4.4. Long Term Incentive 
Executives participate in a LTI Plan which represents the ‘at risk’ long term incentive component of their remuneration package. Section 
4.4.1 outlines the key features of the 2014 LTI Plan which was granted in the 2015 financial year. Sections 4.4.2 and 4.4.3 provide further 
details of the performance measures chosen for the 2014 LTI Plan, how they are assessed, the reasons why they were chosen and an 
outlook for the performance conditions for the 2015 LTI Plan.

4.4.1. Key features of the 2014 LTI Plan 

Feature

Description 

Equity type

Maximum LTI 
Opportunity

Grant Date 

Awards are delivered in the form of Rights. Upon vesting, each Right is automatically exercised and vests as one fully  
paid ordinary share. As the Rights represent an Executive’s ‘at risk’ long-term incentive component of their remuneration 
package, the Rights are granted at no cost to the Executive.

In general, the CEO opportunity is 150% of TFR, the opportunity for the CFO and operational Executives is 100%  
of TFR, and the opportunity for non-operational Executives is 80% of TFR. Section 4.5 indicates the value of the grants 
expressed as a percentage of TFR. 

The allocation date was 7 November 2014, and Rights under the plan will vest, subject to the application of the 
performance conditions, on 7 November 2017. The total number of Rights held by each Executive, including under  
the 2014 LTI Plan, are summarised in section 8.4.

LTI Value

For these purposes, the value of each Right is calculated based on the face value of the underlying security, using  
the five day VWAP immediately preceding the allocation date.

Performance period

The assessment period is the three financial years commencing on 1 July in the year the grant is issued.

Performance 
conditions

Rights issued under the 2014 LTI Plan are subject to three equally weighted performance conditions:
 – Comparative Cost Position;
 – Return on Capital Employed; and
 – Strategic Performance.

Comparative 
cost position 
33%

Strategic
performance
33%

ROCE 
33%

40% Replacement of Reserves

20% Organisational Health

20% Diversity

20% Growth

The Performance Conditions have been set to align with the long-term goals and performance of Newcrest and the 
generation of shareholder returns. Further details in regards to the Performance Conditions are detailed in section 4.4.2. 

Vesting

Rights vest three years from the Grant Date subject to the performance conditions being met. Rights are automatically 
exercised on vesting. 

Holding lock

For Executives, shares received on the vesting and automatic exercise of their Rights are subject to a 12 month holding lock. 

Dividends

Clawback

No dividends are paid on unvested Rights. Dividends, when applicable, will be paid for vested shares held under the 
holding lock.

In general, the Board has the discretion to reduce or forfeit an LTI award for a participant engaged in fraudulent or 
dishonest conduct or material breach, or if the outcomes are the result of material error or misstatement of the financial 
accounts. The discretion may be exercised for a period of two years from the vesting or award date. See section 3.6 for 
details of the Company’s Clawback policy. 

Cessation of 
employment

For ‘good leavers’ on cessation of employment (who cease in circumstances other than as a result of the Participant 
resigning or being dismissed) pro-rata unvested Rights will remain on foot and vest subject to the application of the 
performance conditions and any holding lock in the terms of grant. 

For other leavers, who cease due to the Participant resigning or being dismissed, unvested Rights will lapse on cessation 
of employment. For any leavers, shares subject to a holding lock will be released after expiration of the holding lock period.

Change of control

The Board may exercise its discretion to allow all or some unvested rights to vest if a change of control event occurs. 

Retesting

Outcomes 

There is no retesting. Rights that do not vest based on performance over the three year performance period will lapse  
on the third anniversary of the grant date.

For a summary of the outcomes for all Executives refer to section 5.3.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 73

Directors’ Report
REMUNERATION REPORT

4. OUR REMUNERATION FRAMEWORK (continued)

4.4. Long Term Incentive (continued)

4.4.2. 2014 LTI performance conditions in detail 
2014 LTI Performance Conditions

Component 

Assessment 

Reason the Performance Measure Was Adopted

Comparative Cost Position 

The Company’s measure for the Comparative 
Cost Position performance condition is the 
AISC, as determined and reported in 
accordance with the World Gold Council 
Guidance Note on Non-GAAP Metrics: All-in 
Sustaining Costs and All-in Costs, adopted  
by the Company in relation to costs reporting. 

The AISC incorporates costs related  
to sustaining production. 

The comparison is made by ranking the 
Company’s performance over the three year 
performance period against other producers 
included in independently managed and 
sourced data. 

ROCE

ROCE is an absolute measure, defined as 
underlying earnings before interest and tax 
(EBIT), divided by average capital employed, 
being shareholders’ equity plus net debt. 

ROCE for each of the three years of the 
performance period is averaged to determine 
the number of Rights that may be exercised  
in relation to this performance measure. 

Average capital employed is calculated  
as a simple average of opening and closing 
balances. If material equity transactions  
(for example, significant equity issuances  
or asset impairments) occur such that the 
simple average is not representative of actual 
performance, the average capital employed  
for the year is adjusted for the effect of these 
transactions.

The vesting scale for this measure is as follows: 
 – 0% vests if Comparative Costs are  
at or above the 50th percentile;

 – 50% vests if Comparative Costs are less  
than the 50th percentile, but at or above  
the 25th percentile; 

 – 80% vests if Comparative Costs are below 
the 25th percentile but at or above the  
10th percentile; 

 – 100% vests if Comparative Costs are below 

the 10th percentile. 

Straight line vesting occurs between each  
of these thresholds. 

An independent data service which offers 
access to broad-based industry cost and 
production data is used for performance 
measurement over the LTI three-year 
performance period. 

The vesting scale for this measure  
is as follows: 
 – 0% vests if ROCE is less than 7%; 
 – 20% vests if ROCE is 7%; 
 – 50% vests if ROCE is 9%;
 – an additional 6.25% vests for each 1% 
increase in ROCE above 9% to 17%. 

Straight line vesting occurs between each  
of these thresholds. 

Strategic Performance

This measure is based on a combination  
of the following four strategic performance 
elements over the 2014 LTI three year 
performance period. 

Replacement of Reserves and Resources 
depletion accounts for 40% of the Strategic 
Performance measure score. The remaining 
three measures are equally weighted at  
20% each and account for the balance  
of the 2014 LTI.

Closely aligned to Newcrest’s strategic 
objective to be a low cost producer and  
aligned to our relative value proposition  
for gold equity investors.

Using AISC as the comparative measure is 
consistent with Newcrest’s public quarterly 
AISC performance reporting. 

The AISC result is a sound basis for the Company 
to use in assessing comparative cost as it  
is based on publicly disclosed results.

ROCE is a fundamental value measure that 
aligns management action and company 
outcomes closely with long term shareholder 
value. ROCE provides a balance to the other  
LTI metrics as it serves as a counter to  
‘buying’ success. 

ROCE is also based on publicly disclosed and 
reconciled results and is therefore a sound basis 
for the Company to use in assessing value.

The vesting scale was revised for the 2014  
LTI Plan to incentivise the acceleration of a lift 
in ROCE by rewarding the achievement of the 
threshold level of performance. Inflation  
has been low since the measure was first 
introduced in 2009.

Impairments are excluded from the capital 
base in the year in which they occur, such  
that the return is on a pre-impairment basis 
and LTI participants do not benefit from the 
impairment. However, the post impairment 
capital base is used in the calculation of returns 
in future years so as to not de-incentivise 
current or new management with the burden 
of goodwill and previous management 
decisions that could otherwise make the  
metric unachievable. An impairment ultimately 
impacts the vesting outcome of the three LTI 
Plans on foot at the time the impairment is 
incurred given the ROCE is a three year average.

74 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Component 

Assessment 

Reason the Performance Measure Was Adopted

1. Replacement of Reserves  
and Resources Depletion (40%)

2. Organisational Health (20%)

3. Diversity (20%)

4. Growth (20%)

 – Assessed over the period 1 July 2014 to  

30 June 2017.

 – Reserves replacement and Resources 

replacement are each weighted 50% in 
assessing performance against this measure.
 – Excess replacement of one can be applied to 
offset the shortfall of another, provided the 
total reward for one does not exceed 150%. 

Newcrest has a substantial long life reserves 
base. Replacing depletion is critical to the 
long-term future of the Company.

Calculation of reserves and resources is 
undertaken in compliance with the Australian 
Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, 
Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves 2012 
Edition (JORC Code), which provides a measure 
of integrity to the calculations.

 – Improvement on the scores achieved  

in the Organisation Health Index Scores 
survey results. 

 – Survey results from a survey in Q1 or Q2  

in the 2017 calendar year compared against  
the Baseline (Q1, 2014 calendar year survey  
= lowest Quartile Measurement period).

 – Threshold = 50th percentile.
 – Target = 60th percentile.
 – Maximum = 70th percentile.
 – Percentile outcome in the 2017 calendar year 
to be a linear interpolation of above scale. 

Organisational Health is how an organisation 
aligns itself, executes with excellence, and 
renews itself to sustainably achieve 
performance aspirations. 

The Organisational Health Index is a validated 
survey instrument prepared by external providers 
and designed to measure organisational 
outcomes and the practices used to drive 
those outcomes. The focus during the three 
year period is on improving the four practice 
areas of: Employee Involvement, Bottom Up 
Innovation, Personal Ownership and  
Operationally Disciplined. 

Achievement of three targets set by the  
Board as follows:
 – increase the representation of women  

in management Levels 2 – 4 to a minimum  
of 16% by 31 December 2016; 

 – increase the proportion of women  

accessing programs aimed at accelerating 
development, by a minimum of 20% by  
31 December 2016; and 

 – increase the representation of women 
selected for the graduate program to a 
minimum of 40% by 31 December 2016. 

Board assessment of progress made by 
Management in progressing and/or realising 
organic and new growth options.

These measures are intended to deliver a  
larger pool of women from which Newcrest  
can identify and develop future leaders.

Key priorities will be strengthening the capability 
of people leaders to create a motivating work 
environment for their people, which is 
characterised by an inclusive leadership style, 
whilst continuing to strengthen Newcrest’s 
tools, resources and systems to promote  
work flexibility.

Introduced to ensure a broader focus on  
a number of other key strategic growth 
initiatives to drive long term business 
performance and sustainability.

4.4.3. Outlook for 2015 LTI Performance Conditions (2016 financial year)
The LTI Performance Conditions to be adopted in the 2015 LTI offer will be the same as those which apply to the 2014 LTI offer, except that:
 – the Reserves and Resources measure will be stated and calculated on a ‘per share basis’; and
 – the Comparative Costs measure will be assessed using data for the period from 1 July 2015 until 31 March 2018 (i.e. 2 years and  

9 months, given the lag in access to such data and a desire to define the LTI outcome at the time of the release of the Remuneration  
Report for that year).

4.5. Executive Remuneration Mix 
This section outlines how the remuneration mix looks in practical terms. 

The diagram below illustrates how the different components of the remuneration are delivered over a three year cycle to the CEO,  
and the method by which the components are delivered to achieve the strategic objectives of Newcrest.

TFR

Salary (paid during year)

STI

Performance Period

Deferred Shares (25%)

Deferred Shares (25%)

LTI

Performance Period

Restricted Shares

2015 financial year

2016 financial year

2017 financial year

2018 financial year

STI award measured, 50% provided in cash

LTI measured, vested rights deferred into restricted shares 

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 75

Directors’ Report
REMUNERATION REPORT

4. OUR REMUNERATION FRAMEWORK (continued)

4.5. Executive remuneration mix (continued)
The following diagrams show the remuneration mix for the CEO and other Executives for the 2015 and 2016 financial years.  
Although the components of TFR, STI and LTI are described separately, they should be viewed as part of an integrated package.

Newcrest’s mix of remuneration components, expressed  
as a percentage of ‘maximum’ earning opportunity, for each 
grouping of current Executives disclosed in this Report, for  
the 2015 financial year is illustrated in the following graph.

As a result of the changes effective from 1 July 2015, Newcrest’s  
mix of remuneration components, expressed as a percentage of 
‘maximum’ earning opportunity for each of the current Executives, 
for the 2016 financial year, is illustrated in the graph below.

Remuneration Mix as a Percentage of Maximum FY15

Remuneration Mix as a Percentage of Maximum FY16

100%

80%

60%

33.3%

27.8%

27.8%

26.7%

44.4%

44.4%

40.0%

22.2%

100%

80%

60%

33.3%

27.8%

26.7%

22.2%

20.0%

22.2%

40%

22.2%

20%

22.2%

0%

27.8%

27.8%

33.3%

CEO

CFO

EGM – 
Ops

EGM – 
Non-Ops

40%

22.2%

20%

22.2%

0%

CEO

22.2%

27.8%

20.0%

33.3%

CFO, CDO 
& EGM – 
Cadia & MMJV

EGM – Gosowong & Telfer, 
EGM – People & Community, 
EGM – General Counsel 
& Company Secretary

TFR

STI (Cash)

STI (Def)

LTI

TFR

STI (Cash)

STI (Def)

LTI

For the 2016 financial year, and subject to satisfaction of applicable performance conditions, the structure of the LTI and STI deferral plans 
will result in between 46% to 56% of an Executive’s total maximum earning opportunity being provided as equity. Equity issued as LTI and 
STI awards is subject to relevant holding locks and restriction periods, and Executives are subject to minimum shareholding requirements, 
thereby serving to further align Executive and shareholder interests. 

The table below outlines the remuneration package for the 2015 financial year for all Executives, broken down into the remuneration 
components. A higher proportion of the CEO’s total package is at risk relative to other Executives because the CEO has the greatest scope 
to personally influence the Company’s performance.

Executives Total Remuneration Package for the 2015 financial year

Name

Current Executive Directors
Sandeep Biswas
Gerard Bond

Former Executive Directors
Greg Robinson

Other Current Executives
Craig Jones
Francesca Lee
Colin Moorhead
Jane Thomas
David Woodall

Other Former Executives
Geoff Day 

Debra Stirling 

TFR 
A$

TFR
US$(1)

Target 
Performance

Maximum 
Performance

STI(2)

2,300,000
918,494

1,929,240
770,433

2,000,000

1,677,600

770,494
700,494
801,602
690,000
800,494

728,774

780,300

646,290
587,574
672,384
578,772
671,454

611,296

654,516

100%
80%

60%

80%
60%
60%
60%
80%

60%

60%

LTI

150%
100%

200%
160%

120%

100%

160%
120%
120%
120%
160%

120%

120%

100%
80%
80%
80%
100%

60%

60%

(1)  USD value for TFR determined on the basis of an average AUD/USD exchange rate of 0.8388 for the 2015 financial year.
(2)  STI and LTI (face value) are expressed as a percentage of TFR. 

76 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

5. REMUNERATION OUTCOMES

5.1. Relationship between STI and LTI Outcomes for the 2015 financial year and Newcrest’s Financial Performance
Newcrest’s strong operating and financial performance for the 12 months ended 30 June 2015 reflects the Company’s focus on improving 
operational discipline and maximising cash flow generation across the business. Newcrest’s comprehensive, company-wide improvement 
program (called ‘EDGE’) pursues improvements across all areas of the business and has contributed to the strong performance in the 
current period.

Increased gold and copper production and free cash flow generation in the 2015 financial year follows major expansion investments  
at Cadia Valley and Lihir, improved operating performance across all operations, and a reduction in AISC expenditure.

Newcrest’s 2015 financial year gold production of 2.423 million ounces was within the Group guidance range of 2.3–2.5 million ounces.  
Full year copper production of 96.8 thousand tonnes was also within the guidance range of 95–105 thousand tonnes.

AISC expenditure of A$2,270 million, total capital expenditure of A$564 million and exploration expenditure of A$46 million were all below 
their guidance range of A$2,300 to A$2,500 million, A$585 to A$625 million and A$50 to A$60 million, respectively.

FCF, being cash from operating activities less cash from investing activities, was an inflow of A$1,086 million, which was A$953 million 
higher than the corresponding period. All operations except for Hidden Valley improved FCF generation in the current year, and all were  
FCF positive.

The strong free cash flow performance enabled US$760 million of the Group’s USD-denominated debt to be repaid and cash on hand  
to increase by US$65 million in the current period.

This strong operating and financial performance was overshadowed by the safety performance of the Company with two fatalities in the 
current financial year and a further fatality since the end of the year. On 6 December 2014 an employee of the Hidden Valley Joint Venture 
was fatally injured after being struck by a reversing loader in the milling area. The second fatality occurred at Telfer on 15 May 2015 when  
a contractor working in the underground mine was fatally injured while operating an elevated work platform. A further fatality occurred  
at Hidden Valley on 18 July 2015 when a Hidden Valley employee died in an incident on the site road to the processing plant.

The following table provides a summary of the key financial results for Newcrest over the past five financial years.

Newcrest’s Financial Performance for the 2015 financial year 

Year Ended 30 June

Measure

Statutory profit/(loss)
Underlying profit(1)
Cash flows from operating activities
Free cash flow(2)
All-in-sustaining cost (AISC)(3)
All-in sustaining cost (US$)
Cash costs
EBITDA Margin
EBIT Margin
ROCE
Share price at 30 June(6)
Earnings/(loss) per share(4)
 Basic 
 Underlying
Dividends(5)
Gold produced
Average realised gold price
Average realised gold price

A$ million
A$ million
A$ million
A$ million
A$/oz sold
US$/oz sold
A$/oz produced
%
%
%
A$

Cents/share
Cents/share
Cents/share
‘000s ounces
A$/oz
US$/oz

2015

546
515
1,589
1,086
941
789
760
38.5
22.6
8.0
13.02

71.2
67.2
–
2,423
1,474
1,236

2014

(2,221)
432
1,037
133
976
897
707
37.5
20.3
6.4
10.52

(289.8)
56.4
–
2,396
1,408
1,292

2013

(5,783)
446
1,147
(1,417)
1,283
1,318
750
39.0
19.7
4.8
9.87

(755.1)
58.2
12.0
2,110
1,550
1,585

2012

1,117
1,084
1,726
(1,029)
n/a
n/a
603
48.7
36.0
10.1
22.61

146.0
141.7
35.0
2,286
1,609
1,655

2011

908
1,058
1,729
(565)
n/a
n/a
493
50.2
37.6
12.4
37.71

126.4
147.3
50.0
2,527
1,378
1,360

This table includes non-IFRS financial information. Refer to section 6 of the Operating and Financial Review for an explanation and 
reconciliation of non-IFRS terms.

(1)  Underlying profit is profit after tax before significant items attributable to owners of the parent. 
(2)  Free cash flow is calculated as cash flow from operating activities less cash flow related to investing activities.
(3)  AISC metrics as per World Gold Council Guidance Note on Non-GAAP Metrics, released in June 2013. Newcrest’s AISC will vary from period to period as  
a result of various factors including production performance, timing of sales, the level of sustaining capital and the relative contribution of each asset. 
Newcrest commenced reporting AISC from the 2013 financial year. 

(4)  Basic EPS is calculated as net profit after tax and non-controlling interests (statutory profit) divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares. 
Underling earnings per share is calculated as net profit after tax and non-controlling interests and before significant items (underlying profit) divided  
by the weighted average number of ordinary shares. 

(5)  Dividends include special dividends of $0.20 in the 2011 financial year.
(6)  Opening share price on 1 July 2010 was $35.10.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 77

Directors’ Report
REMUNERATION REPORT

5. REMUNERATION OUTCOMES (continued)

5.1. Relationship between STI and LTI Outcomes for the 2015 financial year and Newcrest’s Financial Performance 
(continued)

The graphs below show Newcrest’s performance over the last three to five years for metrics used to determine the Business component 
of any STI award.

TRIFR

3.8

3.6

3.4

3.2

3.0

2.8

Safety and Risk Action Close Out (%)

102%

100%

98%

96%

94%

92%

90%

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

Statutory Profit/Loss (A$m)

Underlying Profit (A$m)

546

1,177

908

-2,221

-5,783

2,000

0

-2,000

-4,000

-6,000

-8,000

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

1,084 1,058

515

432

446

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

ASIC (A$ per oz sold)

Free Cash Flow (A$m)

1,283

941

976

1,500

1,000

500

0

1,500

1,000

500

0

-500

-1,000

-1,500

-2,000

1,086

133

-565

-1,029

-1,417

2015

2014

2013

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

The final Assessment of 150% for the STI Business measures, as detailed in the following section, reflects these financial outcomes  
and the ongoing improvements in performance of targeted STI metrics.

78 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

5.2. STI Outcomes for 2015 financial year
5.2.1. Outcomes for Business Measures
The table below details outcomes for the STI Business Measures for the 2015 financial year.

Business element

Target

Outcome

Relative 
Weighting

Score 
(/200)

Weighted  
Score

Final 
Performance 
Assessment

Safety 
TRIFR
Major Hazard Audits and SPI action  
close out on time
Earnings 
NPAT before significant items (A$m) (1)
Costs
AISC/oz (A$)
Cash Flow 
FCF (A$m)

Overall Performance

3.0

95%

236

1,021

222

3.6

94%

374 

941

 852

12.5%

12.5%

25.0%

25.0%

25.0%

100.0%

0

94.4

200

200

200

Earnings are reconciled to the statutory profit/loss as detailed below.

Statutory profit/loss after tax
Add back/(deduct): Significant items after tax(1)

Underlying profit
Adjust: Board agreed adjustments(2)

Earnings

0%

12%

50%

50%

50%

162%

2015 
A$m

546
(31)

515
(141)

374

0%

0%

50%

50%

50%

150%

2014 
A$m

(2,221)
2,653

432
32

464

(1)  Refer to section 2.12 of the Operational and Financial Review for details of significant items.
(2)  Represents adjustments for the effect of commodity prices, foreign exchange rates and other significant items determined by the Board which are 

considered to be outside the control of management.

The FCF outcome is subject to adjustments for the same uncontrollable items as earnings with the ‘outcome’ for the measure for STI 
purposes of A$852 million being below the reported FCF of the Company of A$1,086 million.

For the 2015 financial year, the overall STI Business outcome is assessed out of a maximum score of 200% and contributes 60% towards 
each Executive’s final STI outcome. Performance at target scores 100% and any performance below the threshold scores 0% for that 
measure. In determining the overall score for the 2015 financial year STI Business measures, the Board took into consideration the fatalities  
at Telfer (May 2015) and Hidden Valley (December 2014 and July 2015) and exercised their discretion to reduce the assessment of Safety 
performance to 0%. As a consequence, the overall STI Business performance was reduced from 162% to 150%. The STI outcome reflects 
the disappointing safety performance whilst continuing to recognise the excellent financial performance during the year.

5.2.2. Outcomes for 2015 financial year STI Personal Measures – CEO and CFO
Detailed Personal STI measures and the outcomes for the Executive Directors for the 2015 financial year are set out below.

Sandeep Biswas, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

STI Personal Elements

Sustainability 
Performance

Operational  
Performance 

Relative  
Weighting (%)

25%

Score  
(/200)

70

Weighted  
Score

Performance assessment

17.5

 – 0% awarded for Safety performance due to fatalities in Telfer  

and Hidden Valley.

 – Significant improvement in Organisational Health Index score. 

25%

122

30.5

Cost Saving and 
Operational Efficiency

25%

200

50.0

Strategy and Growth

25%

150

37.5

Overall Performance

135.5

 – Cadia East ramp up achieved significantly above target.
 – New operating strategy implemented at Lihir resulting in more 

plant flexibility and improvements made which increased 
annualised grinding throughput rate in the fourth Quarter  
to 11.6Mtpa.

 – Significantly exceeded stretch target for FCF with $1,086 million 
outcome (adjusted to $852 million for uncontrollable factors  
such as price and exchange rate).

 – Significant progress in Golpu pre-feasibility study.
 – Excellent progress in development of Lihir pit optimisation  

pre-feasibility study.

 – New exploration targets and Laneway and Mungana farm ins. 
 – Wamum purchase, Evolution partial sale.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 79

Directors’ Report
REMUNERATION REPORT

5. REMUNERATION OUTCOMES (continued)

5.2. STI Outcomes for 2015 financial year (continued)
5.2.2. Outcomes for 2015 financial year STI Personal Measures – CEO and CFO (continued)
Gerard Bond, Finance Director and Chief Financial Officer

STI Personal Elements

Relative  
Weighting (%)

Score 
(/200)

Weighted  
Score

Performance assessment

Capital Management

25%

100

25.0

 – Capital management plan well executed.
 – Extension of tenor of bi-lateral facilities well executed. 

Business Planning  
and Reporting 

25%

150

37.5

 – Significant improvement in 5 year planning and annual budgeting processes. 
 – Improved internal monthly reporting. 
 – Simplified processes and improvements for quarterly, six monthly and 

annual results reporting. 

 – Good review and due diligence undertaken of potential growth projects.
 – Portfolio management options progressed.
 – Partial sale of Evolution shares well executed.

25%

100

25.0

Growth and Portfolio 
Management

Cost Saving and 
Operational Efficiency

25%

200

50.0

 – Significantly exceeded stretch target for FCF with A$1,086 million 

outcome (adjusted to A$852 million for uncontrollable factors such as 
price and exchange rate). Exceeded FCF stretch targets and EDGE stretch 
targets for Supply working capital and Corporate costs.

Overall Performance

137.5

For the 2015 financial year, the overall personal outcome is assessed out of a maximum score of 200% for achieving maximum performance 
(with 100% awarded for achieving target performance). The personal outcome contributes 40% towards the CEO’s and each other 
Executive’s final STI outcome.

5.2.3. STI Outcomes for all Executives for the 2015 financial year
The table below summarises performance against Personal Measures and final STI outcomes for all Executives(1) for the 2015 financial year. 
The maximum value of the award for future years (i.e. October 2015) is the actual STI awarded. The minimum value of the award is nil if the 
performance conditions are not met.

Name

Sandeep Biswas(2)
Gerard Bond
Craig Jones(2)
Francesca Lee
Colin Moorhead(2)
Jane Thomas(3)

David Woodall(4)

Personal STI 
Assessment

% of STI Target 
Awarded

Actual STI % 
Awarded(5)

Actual STI 
Awarded 
(A$’000)

STI Amount 
Deferred 
(A$’000)

% of Max STI 
Opportunity 
Awarded

% of Max STI 
Opportunity 
Foregone

135.5%
137.5%
116.5%
125.0%
81.3%
134.0%

–

144.2%
145.0%
136.6%
140.0%
122.5%
143.6%

–

144.2%
116.0%
109.3%
84.0%
73.5%
86.2%

–

3,317
1,065
842
588
589
288

–

1,658
–
–
–
–
–

–

72.1%
72.5%
68.3%
70.0%
61.3%
71.8%

–

27.9%
27.5%
31.7%
30.0%
38.7%
28.2%

100.0%

(1)  Greg Robinson, Geoff Day and Debra Stirling were not eligible to receive a reward under the STI Plan for the 2015 financial year as they ceased employment 

early during the performance period.

(2)  Sandeep Biswas, Craig Jones and Colin Moorhead all received a score of 0% for the Safety component of their Personal STI assessments.
(3)  Jane Thomas commenced on 5 January 2015. The STI amount awarded has been pro-rated for the proportion of the performance period worked.
(4)  As part of his termination arrangements it was agreed that David Woodall would not receive any STI payments.
(5)  Calculated using the percentages for Target Performance disclosed in the table in section 4.5.

The CEO will receive A$1,658,300 of his STI payment for the 2015 financial year in cash in mid October 2015 and the remainder will be 
provided in the form of deferred Newcrest shares. All other Executives will receive their STI payment for the 2015 financial year in cash  
in mid-October 2015.

5.3. Vesting Outcomes for 2011 LTI Plan
Following the completion of the performance period from 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2014, the 2011 LTI Plan vested on 23 September 2014  
at 22.4% of target based on the assessment of performance against the applicable measures.

The following table compares Newcrest’s 2011 LTI Plan vesting results with the results for the past two LTI plans.

Financial Year

Name of Plan

Grant Date(1)

Vesting Date

Cost

Reserves

ROCE

Percentage 
Vested

Percentage 
Lapsed

Performance Achieved

FY2010

FY2011

FY2012

2009 LTI Plan

10 Nov 2009

10 Nov 2012(2)

2010 LTI Plan

10 Nov 2010

10 Nov 2013(3)(4)

2011 LTI Plan

23 Sep 2011

23 Sep 2014(5)

73.6%

56.7%

53.8%

100.0%

91.0%

13.3%

60.4%

12.9%

0%

78.0%

26.8%(4)

22.4%

22.0%

73.2%

77.6%

(1)  The strike price for all Plans for all years is nil. 
(2)  All vested Rights for the 2009 LTI Plan have been exercised.
(3)  The expiry date for all vested Rights yet to be exercised for the 2010 LTI Plan is 10 November 2015. All eligible Executives have exercised their vested  

LTI Rights under this Plan.

(4)  Under the 2010 LTI Plan the LTI vested at 53.6% of target. The Board exercised its discretion, with the agreement of Executives, to reduce the LTI  

vesting outcome under this Plan by half to 26.8%.

(5)  Under the 2011 LTI Plan all Rights were automatically exercised on vesting.

80 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

This reduction in vesting over the last three years reflects the Company’s poor performance against the ROCE measure in recent years and 
the change in the Company’s strategy away from Reserves Growth to one of Reserves and Resources Depletion Replacement. However, the 
vesting outcomes do provide management an appropriate level of reward for their effort in containing and reducing costs, relative to their 
peers, whilst maintaining production guidance, during a particularly challenging period.

5.4. Estimated Vesting of LTI Rights in the 2016 financial year (2012 LTI Plan)
The 2012 LTI Plan will vest on 17 September 2015. The vesting outcome is not yet known as the data required to determine the Comparative 
Cost measure is not yet available. However, it is anticipated that the vesting will be low (in the order of 20%), noting on present indications 
that ROCE will deliver a zero outcome and the Reserves Growth measure is likely to deliver a low or nil outcome.

The vesting outcomes of the 2010 LTI Plan, 2011 LTI Plan and likely outcome for the 2012 LTI Plan are reflective of the Company’s performance 
over the last three years, particularly the poor performance in regards to ROCE. However, the low vesting outcomes do recognise the 
concerted and on-going efforts to reduce costs throughout the performance period, whilst maintaining or exceeding production guidance 
for the last two years of the period.

6. EXECUTIVE SERVICE AGREEMENTS AND TERMINATION ARRANGEMENTS

Remuneration and other terms of employment for the Executives are formalised in Executive Service Agreements (ESA). Each of these 
Agreements provides for the payment of fixed and performance based at risk remuneration, employer superannuation contributions,  
and other benefits such as a death and disablement insurance cover via the Newcrest Superannuation Plan, and salary continuance cover.  
All contracts with Executives are open ended (i.e. they do not have a fixed end date). The terms of remuneration for each Executive during 
the year ended 30 June 2015 are detailed in section 4.5, and positions held are detailed in section 2.

Each Executive’s Service Agreement for Executives for the year ended 30 June 2015 provides that the Executive may terminate their 
employment by giving the Company 3 months’ notice. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment by giving 12 months’ notice 
and the Company may, at its discretion, elect to pay the Executive an amount in lieu of notice for any portion of the 12 months not worked.

The Company may terminate an Executive’s employment without notice at any time for cause. No payment in lieu of notice, or any payment 
in respect of STI or LTI is payable under the ESA in this circumstance.

On cessation of employment, STI or LTI awards vest in accordance with the relevant Plan Rules. Refer to sections 4.3 and 4.4 for further details.

7. NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

7.1. Remuneration Policy
The NED fees and other terms are set by the Board. NEDs are paid by way of a fixed Director’s fee and Committee fees commensurate with 
their respective time commitments and responsibilities. The level and structure of the fees is based upon:
 – the need for the Company to attract and retain NEDs of suitable calibre;
 – the demands of the role; and
 – prevailing market conditions.

In order to maintain impartiality and independence, NEDs do not receive any performance-related remuneration and are not entitled  
to participate in the Company’s short and long-term incentive schemes. NEDs are not provided with any retirement benefits, other than 
statutory superannuation contributions.

All Directors are required to hold shares in the Company. As detailed in section 3.8, the Company has introduced a Minimum Shareholding 
Requirement Policy applicable to all Executives and NEDs from 1 July 2015. This policy requires that all NEDs acquire and then maintain  
a minimum of one year’s total annual fees in shares, to be acquired within three years (or as agreed with the Chairman for newly appointed 
Directors) of the later of appointment or introduction of the policy.

7.2. Fee Pool
The maximum amount of fees (including superannuation contributions) that can be paid to NEDs is capped by a pool approved by shareholders. 
At the Annual General Meeting held on 28 October 2010, shareholders approved the current fee pool of A$2,700,000 per annum.

In June 2015, the Board resolved that the aggregate maximum amount of NEDs’ fees should remain at the level approved by shareholders  
in 2010.

7.3. Fee Structure
In reviewing the level of fees, the Board obtained independent market data from KPMG. The fees were compared to the ASX 11-40 
comparator group. The benchmarking review showed that the current NED fees were competitively positioned, and as a result, the  
Board decided that there would be no change to existing fee levels. 

The following table outlines the main Board and Committee fees as at 30 June 2015:

Per Annum (A$’000)

Board Fees

Committee Fees

Chairperson
Members

Audit & Risk Committee
Chairperson
Members

Safety & Sustainability Committee
Chairperson
Members

HRR Committee
Chairperson

Members

600
200

50
25

40
20

40

20

Under the Company’s Constitution, NEDs may be remunerated for additional services, for example, if they undertake specialist or consulting 
work on behalf of the Company outside the scope of their normal Director’s duties. No fees for additional services were paid to NEDs for the 
current or prior financial year.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 81

Directors’ Report
REMUNERATION REPORT

8. STATUTORY TABLES

8.1. Executive Remuneration 

Short Term

Salary 
(A) 
A$’000

Separation  
Payments 
(B) 
A$’000

Salary  
at Risk 
(C) 
A$’000

Other 
Cash 
Benefits 
(D) 
A$’000

Long-
term

Post-
Employ-
ment

Share-Based 
Payments

Other 
Benefits 
(E) 
A$’000

Other 
Benefits 
(F) 
A$’000

Super-
annuation 
(G)
A$’000

Rights 
(H) 
A$’000

Shares 
(I) 
A$’000

Total 

 A$’000

Perfor-
mance 
related 
(J) 
%

2,275
741
900
900
751
751
682
172
783
783
328
–
782
283

22
1,982
8
763
146
711
–
528
–
2
–
482
–
278
–
467
–
57

6,677

8,900

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
601
–
–
–
704
–

–
1,600
–
773
–
–
–
642
–
–
–
783
–
500
–
–
–
758

1,305

5,056

1,658
800
1,065
531
842
527
588
139
589
604
288
–
–
212

–
1,026
–
589
–
511
130
405
–
–
–
259
–
203
–
374
–
–

5,160

6,180

17
9
–
–
–
239
–
–
–
–
236
–
47
23

–
–
–
–
–
22
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

26
4
12
12
9
6
7
2
9
9
32
–
55
2

–
9
–
9
3
2
–
11
–
–
–
7
–
5
–
9
–
–

139
69
18
15
13
28
29
16
13
13
24
–
29
7

–
125
–
28
–
21
–
6
–
–
–
–
–
22
–
8
–
6

19
9
19
18
19
18
19
4
19
18
9
–
19
9

–
18
–
18
9
18
–
18
–
–
–
12
–
9
–
12
–
18

300

293

153

87

265

364

132

199

423
521
188
183
124
24
55
–
125
(70)
51
–
–
–

–
(303)
–
(186)
(27)
27
–
(34)
–
(404)
–
(138)
–
(5)
–
3
–
(197)

939

(579)

1,096
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

5,653
2,153
2,202
1,659
1,758
1,593
1,380
333
2,139
1,357
968
–
1,636
536

22
4,457
8
1,994
131
1,312
130
1,576
–
(402)
–
1,405
–
1,012
–
873
–
642

1,096

16,027

–

20,500

40.4
37.2
48.4
32.0
47.9
33.1
42.6
41.7
27.5
44.5
29.8
n/a
n/a
39.6

n/a
23.0
n/a
29.5
n/a
38.9
n/a
25.7
n/a
n/a
n/a
18.4
n/a
20.1
n/a
42.8
n/a
n/a

Executives
Sandeep Biswas

Gerard Bond

Craig Jones

Francesca Lee

Colin Moorhead

Jane Thomas

David Woodall

Former Executives
Greg Robinson

Debra Stirling

Geoff Day

Lawrie Conway

Stephen Creese

Brett Fletcher

Scott Langford

Andrew Logan

Peter Smith

Total

2015
2014
2015
2014
2015
2014
2015
2014
2015
2014
2015
2014
2015
2014

2015
2014
2015
2014
2015
2014
2015
2014
2015
2014
2015
2014
2015
2014
2015
2014
2015
2014

2015

2014

The table above details the statutory remuneration disclosures as calculated with reference to the Corporations Act 2001 and relevant 
accounting standards. Where applicable, remuneration data is pro-rated for the time periods during the financial year 1 July 2014 to  
30 June 2015 that the Executive was a KMP. An explanation of the relevant remuneration items included in the tables is provided in  
the associated footnotes. The figures provided in relation to share based payments (columns H and I) are calculated in accordance with 
accounting standards and represent the amortised fair value of equity instruments that have been granted to Executives.

82 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

 
Notes to Executive Remuneration
(A)   Salaries comprise cash salary and available salary package options grossed up by related fringe benefits tax, where applicable,  

net of superannuation commitments, paid during the financial year. For former Executives and new KMP, this balance is pro-rated  
for time served as KMP. 

(B)  Separation payments comprise:

Year ended 30 June 2015:
 –  Amounts payable in accordance with Executive Service Agreements for Colin Moorhead and David Woodall.

Year ended 30 June 2014:
 – Amounts paid/payable in accordance with Executive Service Agreements for Greg Robinson, Debra Stirling, Lawrie Conway,  

Brett Fletcher and Peter Smith.

 –  Scott Langford received an ex-gratia payment provided upon separation.

(C)  Salary at risk refers to amounts earned under the STI Plan. These amounts are paid in the following financial year. For Executives  

who departed Newcrest during the year, the STI treatment applies in accordance with the Plan Rules.

(D) Other cash benefits comprise:

Year ended 30 June 2015:

 –  In accordance with her Executive Service Agreement, Jane Thomas received, on commencement, a cash amount of A$204k being  
the value of incentives forfeited on cessation of employment with her previous employer. In addition, Newcrest paid the sum  
of A$32k which relates to travel costs in lieu of relocation entitlements.

 – For all other Executives this relates to travel costs paid in lieu of relocation entitlements.

Year ended 30 June 2014:

 –  For Craig Jones, this includes A$239k in relocation costs incurred in his relocation from Brisbane to Melbourne.
 –  For all other Executives this relates to travel costs paid in lieu of relocation entitlements.

(E)  Represents non-monetary benefits such as parking, insurance and applicable fringe benefits tax payable on benefits.

(F)  Represents annual leave and long service leave entitlements, measured on an accruals basis, and reflects the movement  

in the entitlements over the year.

(G) Represents Company contributions to superannuation under the Superannuation Guarantee legislation (SGC).

(H) Share based payments in respect of performance rights represents the fair value of rights, comprising rights over unissued shares, 
granted under the LTI plan which have been valued using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. This is calculated in accordance with 
Australian Accounting Standard AASB 2 Share Based Payments. The calculation of the share based payment expense is based on the 
apportioned expense associated with Rights granted, adjusted for the reassessment of estimated vesting outcomes of those rights.

(I)  Share based payments in respect of shares for Sandeep Biswas represents:

 –  An equity grant of A$472k as per his Executive Service Agreement and detailed in section 8.4.
 – The expense of A$624k relating to the deferral of 50% of his STI award for the 2015 financial year to be settled in the form  

of restricted shares as detailed in section 1.2. The deferred amount is being amortised over the period in which the performance  
and/or service conditions are fulfilled, ending on the date on which Sandeep Biswas becomes fully entitled to the award.

(J)  Represents performance-related remuneration as percentage of total remuneration.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 83

 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report
REMUNERATION REPORT

8. STATUTORY TABLES (continued)

8.2. Executives – Changes in LTI Rights Holdings during the 2015 financial year

Executive

Current Executives
Sandeep Biswas
Gerard Bond(4)
Craig Jones(5)
Francesca Lee
Colin Moorhead(6)
Jane Thomas(7)
David Woodall(8)

Former Executives
Greg Robinson(9)
Geoff Day(10)

Debra Stirling(9)

Opening balance 
at 1 July 2014

Granted

Rights Lapsed/ 
Forfeited(1)

Vested and/or 
Exercised

Closing balance

30 June 2015(2)

Vested and 
Exercisable

Non-vested(3)

Closing Balance

176,769
180,264
82,082
–
107,795
–
–

171,362
57,066

42,683

390,069
103,848
87,115
63,360
72,505
59,051
90,507

–
–

–

–
(18,534)
(2,846)
–
(85,572)
–
(90,507)

–
(57,066)

–

–
(5,350)
(1,530)
–
(15,234)
–
–

–
–

–

566,838
260,228
164,821
63,360
79,494
59,051
–

171,362
–

42,683

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

2,817

566,838
260,228
164,821
63,360
79,494
59,051
–

171,362
–

39,866

(1)  Rights which lapsed or were forfeited were granted in the following financial years: Gerard Bond – 2012 financial year; Craig Jones – 2012 financial year; 
David Woodall – 2015 financial year; Geoff Day – 2014 financial year. The rights held by Colin Moorhead, which lapsed or were forfeited, were granted  
in the following financial years: 10,680 – 2012 financial year; 279 – 2013 financial year; 21,822 – 2014 financial year; 52,791 – 2015 financial year.

(2)  For former Executives, the closing balance represents the balance at the date of their departure.
(3)  These Rights are ‘at risk’ and will lapse or be forfeited, in the event that the minimum prescribed conditions are not met by the Company or individual 

Executive, as applicable.

(4)  Rights vested and/or exercised, comprises of 5,350 Rights vested from the 2011 LTI Plan.
(5)  Rights vested and/or exercised, comprises of 821 Rights vested from the 2011 LTI Plan and 709 vested and unexercised Rights from the 2010 LTI Plan.  

In addition, Craig Jones exercised 2,263 Rights from the 2009 LTI Plan which were awarded prior to being an Executive.

(6)  Rights vested and/or exercised, comprises of 3,082 Rights vested from the 2011 LTI Plan 2,898 vested and unexercised Rights from the 2010 LTI Plan  
and 9,254 vested and unexercised rights from the 2009 LTI Plan. Rights lapsed includes rights forfeited in line with his separation agreement entered  
into during the year. 

(7)  Jane Thomas commenced in the position on 5 January 2015 and received a pro-rata invitation to participate in the 2014 LTI Plan.
(8)  Rights lapsed includes rights forfeited in line with his separation agreement entered into during the year.
(9)  For Greg Robinson and Debra Stirling the opening balance is net of forfeitures as per the Deeds of Separation entered into by them with the Company  

in the 2014 financial year.

(10) Geoff Day ceased in the position on 14 September 2014 due to resignation. All Rights held were forfeited on cessation.

84 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

8.3. Executives – Total Value of LTI Rights Granted and Exercised in the year ended 30 June 2015

Executive

Sandeep Biswas
Gerard Bond
Craig Jones
Francesca Lee
Colin Moorhead
Jane Thomas 
David Woodall

Accounting Fair 
Value of Rights 
Granted 
(A) 
A$’000

Face Value of 
Rights Granted 
(B) 
A$’000

Value of Rights 
Exercised  
(C) 
A$’000

4,182
1,113
934
679
777
633
970

3,450
918
770
560
641
552
800

533
46
42
–
160
–
–

The following assumptions have been applied to this table:

(A) The accounting value of the Rights reflects the fair value of the Right at 12 December 2014 (A$10.72) multiplied by the number  

of Rights granted during the year. The fair value has been determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model prepared by an 
independent third party. The number of Rights awarded at grant date was based on the Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP)  
of Newcrest’s share price over the period 31 October – 6 November 2014 inclusive (A$8.8446).

(B)  The face value of the Rights at grant date reflects the face value of the Rights at 7 November 2014. The face value of the Rights is 

determined by multiplying the number of Rights granted during the year by the Volume Weighted Average price (VWAP) of Newcrest’s 
share price over the period 31 October – 6 November 2014 inclusive (A$8.8446), the five trading days immediately prior to the  
offer date.

(C)  The value at exercise date has been determined by the Company’s share price at the close of business on the exercise date multiplied 
by the number of rights exercised during the year ended (nil exercise price). For Sandeep Biswas the amount represents the shares 
transferred in November 2014.

8.4. Executives – Source of LTI Rights Holdings at 30 June 2015

Financial Year

Allocation Date 
VWAP for Grant(1)

Sandeep Biswas(2)
Gerard Bond

Craig Jones
Francesca Lee
Colin Moorhead(3)
Jane Thomas
David Woodall(3)

FY2013

23 Sep 12 
$25.16

–
36,493

17,371
–
18,829
–
–

FY2014

16 Sep 13 
$7.66

176,769
119,887

60,335
–
40,951
–
–

FY2015

7 Nov 14 
$8.84

390,069
103,848

87,115
63,360
19,714
59,051
–

Balance at 
30 June 2015

566,838
260,228

164,821
63,360
79,494
59,051
–

(1)  Five day VWAP price used to determine the number of Rights offered.
(2)  In addition, Sandeep Biswas is entitled under the Executive Service Agreement for his former role of Chief Operating Officer to a tranche of 54,990 ordinary 
shares in the Company valued at $500,000 based on the January 2014 VWAP (or cash equivalent), subject to continuing employment and satisfactory 
performance. Such shares were provided as ‘sign-on’ incentives and were carried forward when Sandeep Biswas became MD and CEO.

(3)  Holdings are net of forfeitures in line with separation agreements entered into in the year ended 30 June 2015.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 85

Directors’ Report
REMUNERATION REPORT

8. STATUTORY TABLES (continued)

8.5. Estimates of the LTI Maximum Remuneration Amounts which could be expensed to Executives under  
the Rights Grants during the 2015 financial year in Future Years
Newcrest’s 2014 LTI Plan granted Rights to Executives in the 2015 financial year. This grant will vest in November 2017 subject to the 
satisfaction of the applicable performance conditions. Accounting standards require the estimated valuation of the rights measured at 
the Grant Date to be recognised over the performance period. The minimum value of the grant is nil if the performance conditions are not 
met. The maximum value is based on the valuation performed at Grant Date and amortised in accordance with applicable accounting 
standard requirements as detailed in the table below.

Executives(1)

Sandeep Biswas
Gerard Bond
Craig Jones
Francesca Lee 
Colin Moorhead
Jane Thomas
David Woodall 

2016  
financial year 
A$’000

2017  
financial year 
A$’000

Maximum  
Total 
A$’000

1,394
371
311
226
–
211
–

1,394
371
311
226
–
211
–

2,788
742
622
452
–
422
–

(1)  The maximum remuneration amounts have been adjusted for all Rights granted in respect of the 2015 financial year awards. To the extent that the 
Executives retain a pro-rata entitlement to these Rights upon separation, the associated value has been fully expensed in the 2015 financial year.

No former Executives were eligible for a grant under the 2014 LTI Plan. 

8.6. Executives’ Shareholdings
A summary of Executives’ current shareholdings, including their closely related entities, as at 30 June 2015 are set out below.

Executive

Current Executives
Sandeep Biswas (2)
Gerard Bond
Craig Jones
Francesca Lee
Colin Moorhead
Jane Thomas
David Woodall

Former Executives
Greg Robinson
Geoff Day
Debra Stirling

Opening balance 
at 1 July 2014

Granted as 
remuneration

Shares acquired 
on exercise of 
Performance 
Rights

Net other 
movements

Closing balance
at 30 June 2015(1)

2,512
28,488
–
–
34,665
–
–

141,270
–
68,707

54,990
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–
5,350
1,530
–
15,234
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

57,502
33,838
1,530
–
49,899
–
–

141,270
–
68,707

(1)  For former Executives, the closing balance represents the balance at the date of their departure.
(2)  An award of 54,990 fully paid ordinary shares (valued at A$500,000 based on the January 2014 VWAP) was made to Sandeep Biswas in November 2014  

in accordance with the terms of his Executive Service Agreement as part compensation for amounts foregone in accepting a role with Newcrest.  
A second tranche of 54,990 fully paid ordinary shares (valued at A$500,000 based on the January 2014 VWAP) will be awarded in November 2015.

86 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

8.7. Non-Executive Directors’ Remuneration 

Non-Executive Directors
Peter Hay(2)

Philip Aiken AM 

Vince Gauci

Winifred Kamit

Richard Knight(3)

Rick Lee AM

Tim Poole

John Spark

Former Non-Executive Director
Don Mercer(4)

Total

2015
2014
2015
2014
2015
2014
2015
2014
2015
2014
2015
2014
2015
2014
2015
2014

2015
2014

2015
2014

Short-Term

Board Fees  
(A$’000)

Committee Fees  
(A$’000)

Post-Employment
Superannuation(1)
(A$’000)

Total 
(A$’000)

582
366
194
182
182
182
182
182
182
182
182
182
182
182
182
182

–
291

1,868
1,931

–
–
40
40
40
40
40
40
55
65
65
65
45
45
50
60

–
–

335
355

19
18
7
18
19
18
19
18
19
18
19
18
20
18
19
18

–
9

141
153

601
384
241
240
241
240
241
240
256
265
266
265
247
245
251
260

–
300

2,344
2,439

(1)  Represents Company contributions to superannuation under the Superannuation Guarantee legislation (SGC) and insurance payments.
(2)  Peter Hay was appointed as a Non-Executive Director on 8 August 2013 and as Chairman of the Board on 1 January 2014.
(3)  Richard Knight resigned as a member of the Audit and Risk Committee on 11 February 2015. As a result, his committee fee for the year has been pro-rated.
(4)  Don Mercer retired as Chairman and as a NED on 31 December 2013.

8.8. Non-Executive Directors’ Shareholdings as at 30 June 2015

Non-Executive Directors

Opening balance at  
1 July 2014

Net other movements 

Closing balance at

30 June 2015(1)

Peter Hay
Philip Aiken AM
Vince Gauci
Winifred Kamit
Richard Knight
Rick Lee AM
John Spark
Tim Poole

(1)  Includes shareholdings of their closely related entities.

5,000
7,769
18,400
326
40,000
28,447
32,105
4,235

38,000
10,000
–
–
–
–
590
–

43,000
17,769
18,400
326
40,000
28,447
32,695
4,235

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 87

Directors’ Report
REMUNERATION REPORT

9. OTHER TABLES
The table below details the cash and value of other benefits actually received by each Executive in the 2015 financial year.  
An explanation of the relevant remuneration items included in the tables is provided in the associated footnotes.

The Board believes that presenting information in this way provides shareholders with increased clarity and transparency. Unless otherwise 
noted, the remuneration component is calculated on the same basis as the statutory remuneration table in section 8.1. Some of the 
figures in the table below have not been prepared in accordance with the Australian Accounting Standards. Those figures have been 
indicated by an asterisk (*). 

The figures provided in respect of ‘Rights Vested’ reflect the market value of the shares that have vested during the year. 

See section 8.1 for the statutory remuneration table that has been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards.

Non-Statutory Executive Remuneration

30 June 2015

Executives
Sandeep Biswas
Gerard Bond
Craig Jones
Francesca Lee
Colin Moorhead
Jane Thomas
David Woodall

Salary 

A$’000

Salary at Risk

Paid*
(A) 
A$’000

Other Cash 
Benefits 

Super-
annuation 

A$’000

A$’000

Shares
 Granted*
(B) 
A$’000

Rights 
Vested*
(C) 
A$’000

Total*

Total(1)*

A$’000

US$’000

2,275
900
751
682
783
328
782

800
531
527
139
604
–
212

6,501

2,813

17
–
–
–
–
236
47

300

19
19
19
19
19
9
19

123

500
–
–
–
–
–
–

500

–
55
9
–
32
–
–

96

3,611
1,505
1,306
840
1,438
573
1,060

10,333

3,029
1,262
1,095
705
1,206
481
889

8,667

(1)  USD value for Non-Statutory Executive Remuneration determined on the basis of an AUD/USD exchange rate of 0.8388.

Notes to Non Statutory Executive Remuneration
(A) Amounts paid under the STI Plan during the year ended 30 June 2015 relating to performance for the 2014 financial year. For Francesca 

Lee, the STI payment was pro-rated for her period of employment in the 2014 financial year.

(B)  An award of 54,990 fully paid ordinary shares (valued at A$500,000 based on the January 2014 VWAP) was made to Sandeep Biswas  
in November 2014 in accordance with the terms of his Executive Service Agreement as part compensation for amounts foregone in 
accepting a role with Newcrest. 

(C)  The rights vested represent the 2011 LTI Plan that vested during the year ended 30 June 2015, measured at the share price at the close 

of business on the vesting date.

88 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

 
 
 
This report is signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors.

Peter Hay 
Chairman 

17 August 2015 
Melbourne

Sandeep Biswas 
Managing Director and  
Chief Executive Officer

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 89

 
Auditor’s Independence Declaration

90(cid:2)NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Consolidated Income Statement
For the year ended 30 June 2015

Sales revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit

Exploration expenses
Corporate administration expenses
Other income/(expenses) 
Share of profit of associate
Gain on disposal of associate
Restructure costs
Write-down of non-current assets
Impairment reversal/(loss)
Impairment reversal in associate 

Profit/(loss) before interest and income tax

Finance income
Finance costs

Profit/(loss) before income tax

Income tax (expense)/benefit

Profit/(loss) after income tax

Profit/(loss) after tax attributable to:
 Non-controlling interests
 Owners of the parent

Earnings per share (cents per share)
 Basic earnings/(loss) per share 
 Diluted earnings/(loss) per share

The above Statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Note

4(a)
4(b)

16
4(c)
4(d)
20
5(a)
5(b)
5(c)
5(d)
5(e)

4(e)

7(a)

9
9

2015 
A$m

4,344
(3,319)

1,025

(35)
(117)
44
19
19
–
–
208
–

1,163

1
(190)

974

(414)

560

14
546

560

71.2
70.9

2014 
A$m

4,040
(3,094)

946

(36)
(134)
(12)
22
–
(46)
(174)
(3,128)
11

(2,551)

1
(175)

(2,725)

510

(2,215)

6
(2,221)

(2,215)

(289.8)
(289.8)

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 91

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 30 June 2015

Profit/(loss) after income tax

Other comprehensive income/(loss)
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to the Income Statement

Cash flow hedges
Foreign exchange gains on US dollar borrowings transferred to the Income Statement
Other cash flow hedges deferred in equity
Income tax expense/(benefit)

Investments
Net loss on available-for-sale financial assets transferred to the Income Statement
Net gain on available-for-sale financial assets deferred in equity
Share of other comprehensive income of associate

Foreign currency translation
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations, net of hedges of foreign investments

Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year

Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to:
 Non-controlling interests
 Owners of the parent 

The above Statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Note

26(c)

2015 
A$m

560

2014 
A$m

(2,215)

(9)
(2)
3

(8)

–
32
–

32

793

793

817

1,377

39
1,338

1,377

–
5
(1)

4

1
–
2

3

(81)

(81)

(74)

(2,289)

3
(2,292)

(2,289)

92 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at 30 June 2015

Current assets 
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables 
Inventories
Other financial assets
Current tax asset
Other assets

Total current assets

Non-current assets
Inventories
Other financial assets
Property, plant and equipment
Exploration, evaluation and development
Other intangible assets
Deferred tax assets
Investment in associate
Other assets

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 
Borrowings 
Provisions
Current tax liability 
Other financial liabilities 

Total current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
Provisions
Deferred tax liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity
Issued capital
Accumulated losses
Reserves

Equity attributable to owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests

Total equity

The above Statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Note

10(a)
11
12
13

14

12
13
15
16
17
7
20
14

21
22
23

24

22
23
7

25

26

2015 
A$m

258
206
806
16
19
79

1,384

1,452
126
5,296
6,719
79
182
–
130

13,984

15,368

426
–
218
4
15

663

4,019
460
1,167

5,646

6,309

9,059

13,584
(4,819)
153

8,918
141

9,059

2014 
A$m

141
169
800
14
65
78

1,267

1,158
10
4,683
5,879
88
286
162
54

12,320

13,587

319
112
215
–
10

656

3,964
359
901

5,224

5,880

7,707

13,593
(5,365)
(647)

7,581
126

7,707

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 93

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 30 June 2015

Note

2015 
A$m

2014 
A$m

Cash flows from operating activities 
Receipts from customers
Payments to suppliers and employees
Interest received
Interest paid
Income taxes paid
Dividends received

Net cash provided by operating activities

10(b)

Cash flows from investing activities
Payments for property, plant and equipment
Production stripping expenditure
Mine under construction, development and feasibility expenditure
Exploration and evaluation expenditure
Information systems development
Interest capitalised to development projects
Proceeds from sell down of investment in associate
Proceeds from non-participation in rights issue
Proceeds from sale of plant and equipment

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings:
 – US dollar bilateral bank debt 
Repayment of borrowings:
 – US dollar bilateral bank debt
 – US dollar private placement notes
Repayment of finance lease principal
Payment for treasury shares
Dividends paid:
 – Non-controlling interests

Net cash used in financing activities 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash held

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 

10(a)

The above Statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

4,319
(2,532)
1
(174)
(30)
5

1,589

(221)
(73)
(268)
(46)
(2)
(6)
105
6
2

(503)

3,967
(2,636)
1
(162)
(138)
5

1,037

(205)
(191)
(439)
(62)
(8)
(7)
–
–
8

(904)

1,339

2,038

(2,159)
(133)
–
(9)

(24)

(986)

100

141
17

258

(2,076)
–
(1)
(6)

(16)

(61)

72

69
–

141

94 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 30 June 2015

2015

Balance at 1 July 2014

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive  
income for the year

Total comprehensive  
income for the year

Transactions with owners  
in their capacity as owners
Share-based payments
Share buy-back
Dividends paid

Issued 
Capital 
A$m

13,593

–

–

–

–
(9)
–

Balance at 30 June 2015

13,584

Attributable to Owners of the Parent

FX
Translation

Reserve(1)
A$m

Hedge
Reserve(1)
A$m

Equity
 Settlements
 Reserve(1)
A$m

Fair Value

Reserve(1)
A$m

(735)

–

768

768

–
–
–

33

17

–

(8)

(8)

–
–
–

9

71

–

–

–

8
–
–

–

–

32

32

–
–
–

Accu-
mulated 
Losses 
A$m

(5,365)

546

–

Total 
A$m

7,581

546

792

546

1,338

–
–
–

8
(9)
–

Non-
controlling 
Interests 
A$m

126

14

25

39

–
–
(24)

141

Total 
A$m

7,707

560

817

1,377

8
(9)
(24)

9,059

79

32

(4,819)

8,918

The above Statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

(1)  Refer Note 26 for description of reserves.

Attributable to Owners of the Parent

2014

Issued 
Capital 
A$m

FX
Translation

Reserve(1)
A$m

Hedge
Reserve(1)
A$m

Equity
 Settlements

 Reserve(1)
A$m

Balance at 1 July 2013

13,592

Loss for the year
Other comprehensive  
loss for the year

Total comprehensive  
loss for the year

Transactions with owners  
in their capacity as owners
Share-based payments
Treasury shares
Dividends paid

–

–

–

–
1
–

(657)

–

(78)

(78)

–
–
–

Balance at 30 June 2014

13,593

(735)

13

–

4

4

–
–
–

17

62

–

–

–

9
–
–

71

Fair Value

Reserve(1)
A$m

(3)

–

3

3

–
–
–

–

Accu-
mulated 
Losses 
A$m

(3,144)

(2,221)

Non-
controlling 
Interests 
A$m

Total 
A$m

139

6

10,002

(2,215)

Total 
A$m

9,863

(2,221)

–

(71)

(3)

(74)

(2,221)

(2,292)

3

(2,289)

–
–
–

9
1
–

(5,365)

7,581

–
–
(16)

126

9
1
(16)

7,707

The above Statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

(1)  Refer Note 26 for description of reserves.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 95

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 June 2015

1. CORPORATE INFORMATION

Newcrest Mining Limited is a company limited by shares, 
domiciled and incorporated in Australia whose shares are publicly 
traded on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and the  
Port Moresby Stock Exchange (PoMSOX). The registered office  
of Newcrest Mining Limited is Level 9, 600 St Kilda Road, 
Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia.

The nature of operations and principal activities of Newcrest 
Mining Limited and its controlled entities are exploration, mine 
development, mine operations and the sale of gold and gold/
copper concentrate.

The financial report of Newcrest Mining Limited for the year  
ended 30 June 2015 was authorised for issue in accordance  
with a resolution of the Directors on 17 August 2015.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The significant accounting policies adopted in the preparation  
of this financial report are:

(a) Basis of Preparation and Statement of Compliance
The financial report is a general purpose financial report, prepared 
by a for-profit entity, in accordance with the requirements of  
the Corporations Act 2001, Australian Accounting Standards and 
other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting 
Standards Board (AASB). The financial report has been prepared 
on a historical cost basis, except for derivative financial instruments 
and available-for-sale assets which have been measured at fair value.

The financial report also complies with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRS) including interpretations as issued  
by the International Accounting Standards Board. 

The financial report has been presented in Australian dollars  
and all values are rounded to the nearest $1,000,000 unless 
otherwise stated.

The accounting policies have been consistently applied by all 
entities included in the Group and are consistent with those 
applied in the prior year, except as disclosed in Note 2(ae).

(b) Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the financial 
statements of the parent entity, Newcrest Mining Limited,  
and its controlled entities (referred to as ‘the Consolidated  
Entity’ or ‘the Group’ in these financial statements). A list  
of significant controlled entities is presented in Note 34.

Control is achieved when the Group is exposed, or has the rights, 
to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and  
has the ability to affect those returns through its power over  
the investee. Specifically, the Group controls an investee if  
and only if the Group has:
 – Power over the investee;
 – Exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement  

with the investee; and

 – The ability to use its power over the investee to affect  

its returns.

When the Group has less than a majority of the voting or similar 
rights of an investee, the Group considers all relevant facts and 
circumstances in assessing whether it has power over the 
investee, including:
 – The contractual arrangement with the other vote holders  

of the investee;

 – Rights arising from other contractual arrangements;
 – The Group’s voting rights and potential voting rights.

The Group re-assesses whether or not it controls an investee  
if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to  
one or more of the three elements of control.

Controlled entities are consolidated from the date on which 
control commences until the date that control ceases. All 
intercompany balances and transactions, including unrealised 
gains and losses arising from intra-group transactions, have been 
eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Non-controlling interest in the results and equity of the entities 
that are controlled by the Group is shown separately in the Income 
Statement, Statement of Comprehensive Income, Statement of 
Financial Position and Statement of Changes in Equity respectively.

A change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary that does not 
result in a loss of control, is accounted for as an equity transaction.

(c) Interest in Joint Operations
A joint operation is a joint arrangement whereby the parties that 
have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the assets, 
and obligations for the liabilities, relating to the arrangement. 
Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of control of an 
arrangement, which exists only when decisions about the relevant 
activities require unanimous consent of the parties sharing control.

When a Group entity undertakes its activities under joint operations, 
the Group as a joint operator recognises in relation to its interest 
in a joint operation, its:
 – assets, including its share of any assets held jointly;
 – liabilities, including its share of any liabilities incurred jointly;
 – revenue from the sale of its share of the output arising from  

the joint operation;

 – share of the revenue from the sale of the output by the joint 

operation; and

 – expenses, including its share of any expenses incurred jointly.

The Group accounts for the assets, liabilities, revenues and 
expenses relating to its interest in a joint operation in accordance 
with the standards applicable to the particular assets, liabilities, 
revenues and expenses.

When a Group entity transacts with a joint operation in which a 
group entity is a joint operator (such as a sale or contribution of 
assets), the Group is considered to be conducting the transaction 
with the other parties to the joint operation, and gains and losses 
resulting from the transactions are recognised in the Group’s 
consolidated financial statements only to the extent of other 
parties’ interests in the joint operation.

When a Group entity transacts with a joint operation in which  
a group entity is a joint operator (such as a purchase of assets), 
the Group does not recognise its share of the gains and losses 
until it resells those assets to a third party.

Details of the Group’s interests in joint operations are shown  
in Note 37.

(d) Investment in Associates
An associate is an entity that is neither a subsidiary nor joint 
arrangement, over which the Group has significant influence. 
Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial  
and operating policy decisions of the investee, but is not control  
or joint control over those policies. 

Significant influence is presumed to exist where the Group has a 
holding of 20 per cent of more of the voting power in the investee, 
unless it can be clearly demonstrated that this is not the case. 
Conversely a holding of less than 20 per cent is presumed not to 
give rise to significant influence, unless it can be clearly demonstrated 
that there is in fact significant influence.

The Group’s investment in an associate is accounted for using the 
equity method. Under the equity method, the investment in the 
associate is carried on the Statement of Financial Position at cost 
plus post acquisition changes in the Group’s share of net assets  
of the associate.

96 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

The Income Statement reflects the Group’s share of the results  
of operations of the associate. When there has been a change 
recognised directly in the equity of the associate, the Group 
recognises its share of any changes and discloses this, when 
applicable, in the Statement of Changes in Equity. Unrealised  
gains and losses resulting from transactions between the Group 
and the associate are eliminated to the extent of the interest  
in the associate.

The Group’s share of profit of an associate is included in the Income 
Statement. This is the profit attributable to equity holders of the 
associate and, therefore, is profit after tax and non-controlling 
interests in the subsidiaries of the associate.

After application of the equity method, the Group determines 
whether it is necessary to recognise an additional impairment  
loss on its investment in its associate. The Group determines at 
each reporting date whether there is any objective evidence that 
the investment in the associate is impaired, or if a previously 
recognised impairment should be reversed. If this is the case,  
the Group calculates the amount of impairment (or reversal)  
as the difference between the recoverable amount of the 
associate and its carrying value and recognises the amount  
in the Income Statement. 

Upon loss of significant influence over the associate, the Group 
measures and recognises any retained investment at its fair value. 
Any difference between the carrying amount of the associate 
upon loss of significant influence and the fair value of the retained 
investment and proceeds from disposal is recognised in profit  
or loss.

(e) Foreign Currency
Functional and Presentation Currency
Both the functional and presentation currency of Newcrest Mining 
Limited and its Australian controlled entities is Australian dollars 
($ or A$). Each entity in the Group determines its own functional 
currency and items included in the financial statements of each 
entity are measured using that functional currency. The functional 
currency of the Group’s foreign operations is US dollars (US$).

Transactions and Balances
Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded in the 
functional currency at the exchange rates ruling at the date of the 
transaction. The subsequent payment or receipt of funds related 
to a transaction is translated at the rate applicable on the date of 
payment or receipt. 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.

All exchange differences in the consolidated financial statements 
are taken to the Income Statement with the exception of 
differences on certain US dollar denominated borrowings where 
the foreign currency components are designated as either cash 
flow hedges of future US dollar denominated sales or hedges  
of a net investment in a foreign operation. These are recognised  
in other comprehensive income and accumulated in a reserve  
until the forecast sales used to repay the debt occur (for cash  
flow hedges) or the foreign operation is disposed (for net 
investment hedges), at which time they are recognised in  
the Income Statement.

Translation of Foreign Operations
The assets and liabilities of controlled entities incorporated 
overseas with functional currencies other than Australian dollars 
are translated into the presentation currency of Newcrest Mining 
Limited (Australian dollars) at the rates of exchange ruling at  
the reporting date and the Income Statements are translated  
at the weighted average exchange rates for the period. Exchange 
differences arising on translation are recognised in other 
comprehensive income and accumulated in the foreign  
currency translation reserve.

On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the translation 
of net investments in foreign operations and of the borrowings 
designated as hedges of the net investment are taken to the 
foreign currency translation reserve (refer Note 2(w)). On disposal 
of a foreign operation, the component of other comprehensive 
income relating to that particular foreign operation is recognised 
in the Income Statement.

(f) Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents in the Statement of Financial Position 
comprise cash at bank and in hand and short-term deposits.

For the purpose of the Statement of Cash Flows, cash and cash 
equivalents consist of cash and cash equivalents as defined above, 
net of outstanding bank overdrafts.

(g) Trade and Other Receivables
Trade receivables comprising Metal in Concentrate receivables  
and Bullion Awaiting Settlement are initially recorded at the fair 
value of contracted sale proceeds expected to be received only 
when there has been a passing of significant risks and rewards  
of ownership to the customer. Collectability of debtors is  
reviewed on an ongoing basis. Receivables which are known  
to be uncollectible are written off and an allowance for doubtful 
debts is raised where objective evidence exists that the debt will 
not be collected.

Other receivables are initially measured at fair value then 
subsequently at amortised cost, less an allowance for impairment.

(h) Inventories
Gold in solution form, ore and work in progress is physically 
measured or estimated and valued at the lower of cost and net 
realisable value. Cost represents the weighted average cost  
and includes direct costs and an appropriate portion of fixed  
and variable production overhead expenditure, including 
depreciation and amortisation, incurred in converting  
materials into finished goods.

Materials and supplies are valued at the lower of cost and net 
realisable value. Any allowance for obsolescence is determined by 
reference to specific stock items identified. A regular and ongoing 
review is undertaken to establish the extent of surplus items and 
an allowance is made for any potential loss on their disposal.

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary 
course of business, less estimated costs of completion and 
estimated costs necessary to make the sale.

Ore stockpiles which are not scheduled to be processed in the 
twelve months after the reporting date are classified as non-current 
inventory. The Group believes the processing of these stockpiles 
will have a future economic benefit to the Group and accordingly 
values these stockpiles at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 97

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 June 2015

(j) Property, Plant and Equipment
Cost
Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated 
depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Borrowing 
costs incurred directly in relation to major capital works are 
capitalised up to the time of commissioning the asset. Freehold 
land is held for extractive industry operations and its value is 
wholly dependent upon those operations. These assets form  
part of the total investment in the relevant cash generating unit to 
which they relate, which is reviewed for impairment in accordance 
with the Group’s impairment accounting policy (refer Note 2 (q)).

Depreciation and Amortisation
Items of property, plant and equipment, including buildings but 
excluding freehold land, are depreciated over their estimated 
useful lives.

The Group uses the unit-of-production basis when depreciating 
mine specific assets which results in a depreciation/amortisation 
charge proportional to the depletion of the anticipated remaining 
life of mine production. Each item’s economic life has due regard 
to both its physical life limitations and to present assessments of 
economically recoverable reserves of the mine property at which  
it is located.

For the remainder of assets the straight line method is used, 
resulting in estimated useful lives between 3–20 years, the duration 
of which reflects the useful life depending on the nature of the 
asset. Estimates of remaining useful lives and depreciation 
methods are reviewed annually for all major items of plant  
and equipment. Any changes are accounted for prospectively.

Major spares purchased specifically for particular plant are 
capitalised and depreciated on the same basis as the plant  
to which they relate. Assets are depreciated or amortised from  
the date they are installed and are ready for use, or in respect  
of internally constructed assets, from the time the asset is 
completed and deemed ready for use.

When an asset is surplus to requirements or no longer has an 
economic value, the carrying amount of the asset is reviewed  
and is written down to its recoverable amount or derecognised.

The cost of improvements to leasehold properties is amortised 
over the unexpired period of the lease or the estimated useful  
life of the improvement, whichever is the shorter.

Leases
The determination of whether an arrangement is or contains  
a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement and requires 
an assessment of whether the fulfilment of the arrangement  
is dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets and the 
arrangement conveys a right to use the asset.

Leases of plant and equipment under which the Group assumes 
substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to ownership  
are classified as finance leases. Other leases are classified as 
operating leases.

Finance leases are capitalised, with a lease asset and a lease 
liability equal to the fair value of the leased asset or, if lower,  
at the present value of the minimum lease payments determined  
at the inception of the lease. Lease payments are apportioned 
between the finance charges and reduction of the lease liability. 
The finance charge component within the lease payments  
is expensed. Capitalised leased assets are depreciated over the 
shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset and the lease  
term if there is no reasonable certainty that the Group will obtain 
ownership by the end of the lease term.

Payments made under operating leases are expensed on a 
straight-line basis over the lease term, except where an alternative 
basis is more representative of the pattern of benefits to be 
derived from the leased property.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  
(continued) 

(i) Production Stripping Expenditure
As part of its mining operations, the Group incurs stripping (waste 
removal) costs both during the development phase and production 
phase of its operations.

Stripping costs incurred during the production phase are generally 
considered to create two benefits, being either the production  
of inventory in the period or improved access to the ore to be 
mined in the future. Where the benefits are realised in the form  
of inventory produced in the period, the production stripping 
costs are accounted for as part of the cost of producing those 
inventories. Where production stripping costs are incurred and  
the benefit is improved access to the ore to be mined in the 
future, the costs are recognised as a non-current asset, referred  
to as a ‘production stripping asset’, if the following criteria are met;
 – Future economic benefits (being improved access to the ore 
body) associated with the stripping activity are probable;
 – The component of the ore body for which access has been 

improved can be accurately identified; and

 – The costs associated with the stripping activity associated with 

that component can be reliably measured. 

The amount of stripping costs deferred is based on the ratio 
obtained by dividing the amount of waste tonnes mined by the 
quantity of gold ounces contained in the ore for each component 
of the mine. Stripping costs incurred in the period are deferred to 
the extent that the actual current period waste to contained gold 
ounce ratio exceeds the life of component expected waste to 
contained gold ounce ratio (‘life of component’) ratio.

A component is defined as a specific volume of the ore body that  
is made more accessible by the stripping activity. An identified 
component of the ore body is typically a subset of the total ore 
body of the mine. It is considered that each mine may have several 
components, which are identified based on the mine plan. The mine 
plans and therefore the identification of specific components will 
vary between mines as a result of both the geological characteristics 
and location of the ore body. The financial considerations of the 
mining operations may also impact the identification and 
designation of a component.

The identification of components is necessary for both the 
measurement of costs at the initial recognition of the production 
stripping asset, and the subsequent depreciation of the production 
stripping asset.

The life of component ratio is a function of an individual mine’s 
design and therefore changes to that design will generally result  
in changes to the ratio. Changes in other technical or economic 
parameters that impact reserves will also have an impact on the 
life of component ratio even if they do not affect the mine’s 
design. Changes to the life of component ratio are accounted  
for prospectively from the date of change. 

The production stripping asset is initially measured at cost,  
which is the accumulation of costs directly incurred to perform  
the stripping activity that improves access to the identified 
component of ore, plus an allocation of directly attributable 
overhead costs. If incidental operations are occurring at the same 
time as the production stripping activity, but are not necessary  
for the production stripping activity to continue as planned, these 
costs are not included in the cost of the stripping activity asset.

The production stripping asset is depreciated over the expected 
useful life of the identified component of the ore body that is 
made more accessible by the activity, on a units of production 
basis. Economically recoverable reserves are used to determine 
the expected useful life of the identified component of the ore 
body. The production stripping asset is then carried at cost less 
depreciation and any impairment losses.

The production stripping asset is included in ‘Exploration, 
Evaluation and Development’. These costs form part of the  
total investment in the relevant cash generating unit to which 
they relate, which is reviewed for impairment in accordance  
with the Group’s impairment accounting policy (refer Note 2 (q)). 

98 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

(k) Exploration, Evaluation and Feasibility Expenditure
Exploration and Evaluation
Exploration and evaluation expenditure related to areas of interest 
is capitalised and carried forward to the extent that:

Depreciation and Amortisation
Amortisation of costs is provided using the unit-of-production 
method over the economically recoverable reserves to which the 
asset relates.

 – Rights to tenure of the area of interest are current; and 
 –  (a)  Costs are expected to be recouped through successful 

development and exploitation of the area of interest  
or alternatively by sale; or 

(b)  Where activities in the area of interest have not yet reached  
a stage which permits a reasonable assessment of the 
existence or otherwise of economically recoverable reserves, 
and active and significant operations in, or in relation to,  
the area of interest are continuing.

Such expenditure consists of an accumulation of acquisition  
costs and direct exploration and evaluation costs incurred by  
or on behalf of the Group, together with an appropriate portion  
of directly related overhead expenditure.

Deferred Feasibility
Feasibility expenditure represents costs related to the preparation 
and completion of a feasibility study to enable a development 
decision to be made in relation to an area of interest and are 
capitalised as incurred.

At the commencement of construction, all past exploration, 
evaluation and feasibility expenditure in respect of an area  
of interest that has been capitalised is transferred to mines  
under construction. When the mine has been commissioned,  
it is transferred to mine development where it is amortised  
over the life of the area of interest to which it relates to,  
on a unit-of-production basis.

When an area of interest is abandoned or the Directors decide  
it is not commercial, any accumulated costs in respect of that  
area are written off in the year the decision is made. Each area  
of interest is reviewed at the end of each reporting period and 
accumulated costs written off to the extent they are not expected 
to be recoverable in the future.

(l) Mine Construction and Development
Mines Under Construction
Expenditure incurred in constructing a mine by, or on behalf  
of, the Group is accumulated separately for each area of interest  
in which economically recoverable reserves have been identified. 
This expenditure includes net direct costs of construction, 
borrowing costs capitalised during construction and an appropriate 
allocation of attributable overheads. Once a development decision 
has been taken, all aggregated costs of construction are transferred 
to non-current assets as mine development or buildings, plant and 
equipment as appropriate.

Mine Development
Mine development represents expenditure in respect of exploration, 
evaluation, feasibility and development incurred by or on behalf  
of the Group, including overburden removal and construction 
costs, previously accumulated and carried forward in relation  
to areas of interest in which mining has now commenced. Such 
expenditure comprises net direct costs and an appropriate 
allocation of directly related overhead expenditure.

All expenditure incurred prior to commencement of production 
from each development property is carried forward to the extent 
to which recoupment out of future revenue from the sale of 
production, or from the sale of the property, is probable.

When further development expenditure is incurred in respect  
of a mine property after commencement of production, such 
expenditure is carried forward as part of the cost of the mine 
property only when future economic benefits are probable, 
otherwise the expenditure is classified as part of the cost  
of production and expensed as incurred. Such capitalised 
development expenditure is added to the total carrying  
value of mine development being amortised.

These assets form part of the total investment in the relevant  
Cash Generating Unit to which they relate, which is reviewed for 
impairment in accordance with the Group’s impairment accounting 
policy (refer Note 2 (q)). 

(m) Mineral Rights
Mineral rights comprise identifiable exploration and evaluation 
assets, mineral resources and ore reserves, which are acquired as 
part of a business combination or a joint arrangement acquisition 
and are recognised at fair value at date of acquisition. Mineral 
rights are attributable to specific areas of interest and are classified 
within Exploration, Evaluation and Development. 

Mineral rights attributable to each area of interest are amortised 
when commercial production commences on a unit-of-production 
basis over the estimated economic reserve of the mine to which 
the rights relate. These assets form part of the total investment  
in the relevant cash generating unit to which they relate, which is 
reviewed for impairment in accordance with the Group’s impairment 
accounting policy (refer Note 2 (q)). 

(n) Goodwill
Goodwill acquired in a business combination is initially measured 
at cost being the excess of the consideration transferred over  
the fair value of the Group’s net identifiable assets acquired and 
liabilities assumed. If this consideration transferred is lower  
than the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the subsidiary 
acquired, the difference is recognised in profit or loss.

After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any 
accumulated impairment losses.

For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a 
business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated  
to each of the Group’s Cash-Generating Units (CGU), or groups  
of CGUs, that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the 
combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities  
of the Group are assigned to those units or groups of units. Each 
unit or group of units to which the goodwill is allocated represents 
the lowest level within the entity at which the goodwill is monitored 
for internal management purposes, and is not larger than an 
operating segment determined in accordance with AASB 8 
Operating Segments.

The Group assesses goodwill half-yearly to determine whether 
there is an indication of impairment. Where an indicator of 
impairment exists, a formal estimate of the recoverable amount  
is made. In addition, regardless of the existence of indicators of 
impairment, goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually.

Impairment is determined by assessing the recoverable amount  
of the CGU (group of CGUs), to which the goodwill relates.  
The recoverable amount is the higher of the CGUs:

 – Fair value less costs of disposal; and
 – Value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future  

cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax 
discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the 
time value of money and the risks specific to the CGU.

When the recoverable amount of the CGU (group of CGUs) is less 
than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognised.  
When goodwill forms part of a CGU (group of CGUs) and an operation 
within that unit is disposed of, the goodwill associated with the 
operation disposed of is included in the carrying amount of the 
operation when determining the gain or loss on disposal of the 
operation. Goodwill disposed of in this manner is measured based 
on the relative values of the operation disposed of and the portion 
of the CGU retained.

Impairment losses recognised for goodwill are not subsequently 
reversed.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 99

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 June 2015

(u) Employee Benefits
Short-Term Benefits
Liabilities arising in respect of wages and salaries, salary at risk, 
annual leave and any other employee benefits expected to be 
settled within twelve months of the reporting date are measured  
at their nominal amounts based on remuneration rates which are 
expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. These amounts 
are recognised in ‘Trade and Other Payables’ (for amounts other 
than annual leave and salary at risk) and ‘Current Provisions’  
(for annual leave and salary at risk) in respect of employees’ 
services up to the reporting date. Costs incurred in relation  
to non-accumulating sick leave are recognised when leave  
is taken and are measured at the rates paid or payable.

Long-Term Benefits
The liability for long service leave and other long term benefits  
is measured at the present value of the estimated future cash 
outflows to be made by the Group resulting from employees’ 
services provided up to the reporting date.

Long-term benefits not expected to be settled within twelve 
months are discounted using the rates attaching to high quality 
corporate bonds at the reporting date, which most closely match 
the terms of maturity of the related liability. In determining the 
liability for these long term employee benefits, consideration has 
been given to expected future increases in wage and salary rates, 
the Group’s experience with staff departures and periods of service. 
Related on-costs are also included in the liability.

Defined Contribution Superannuation Plan
Contributions to defined contribution superannuation plans are 
expensed when incurred.

Share-Based Payments
The Group provides benefits to employees (including Executive 
Directors) in the form of share based compensation, whereby 
employees render services in exchange for shares or rights over 
shares (equity-settled transactions).

The cost of these equity-settled transactions with employees is 
measured by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments 
at the date at which they are granted. The fair value is determined 
using an option pricing model, further details of which are given  
in Note 27.

The fair value of the rights granted is adjusted to reflect market 
vesting conditions, but excludes the impact of non-market  
vesting conditions, such as performance conditions. Non-market 
conditions are included in the assumptions about the number of 
rights that are expected to become exercisable. At each reporting 
date the Group revises its estimate of the number of rights that 
are expected to become exercisable. The cumulative expense 
recognised for equity-settled transactions at each reporting date 
until vesting date reflects the extent to which the vesting period 
has expired and the Group’s best estimate of the number of equity 
instruments that will ultimately vest. The Income Statement 
charge or credit for a period represents the movement in 
cumulative expense recognised at the beginning and end of that 
period. The cost of equity-settled transactions is recognised, 
together with a corresponding increase in equity, over the period 
in which the performance and/or service conditions are fulfilled, 
ending on the date on which the relevant employees become fully 
entitled to the award (vesting period).

Upon the exercise of rights, the balance of the equity settlements 
reserve relating to those rights remains in the Equity Settlements 
Reserve and the proceeds received, net of any directly attributable 
transaction costs, are credited to Share Capital.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  
(continued)

(o) Other Intangible Assets
Costs incurred in developing information technology systems  
and acquiring software are capitalised as intangible assets. Costs 
capitalised include external costs of materials and services and the 
cost of employee benefits. Amortisation is calculated on a straight 
line basis over the useful life, ranging from three to seven years.

(p) Available-for-Sale Financial Assets
The Group’s investment in listed equity securities are classified as 
available-for-sale financial assets. Subsequent to initial recognition, 
available-for-sale financial assets are measured at fair value with 
gains or losses being recognised as a separate component of equity 
until the investment is derecognised or until the investment is 
determined to be impaired, at which time the cumulative gain or loss 
previously reported in equity is recognised in the Income Statement.

The fair values of equity securities are determined by reference  
to quoted market price.

(q) Impairment of Non-Financial Assets
The carrying amounts of all non-financial assets (excluding goodwill) 
are reviewed half-yearly to determine whether there is an indication 
of impairment. Where an indicator of impairment exists, a formal 
estimate of the recoverable amount is made. Recoverable amount 
is the higher of fair value less costs of disposal and value in use.

If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated recoverable 
amount, the asset is written down to its recoverable amount  
and an impairment loss is recognised in the Income Statement. 
Individual assets are grouped for impairment purposes at the 
lowest level for which there are separately identifiable cash 
inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from 
other assets or groups of assets (CGUs). Generally, this results  
in the Group evaluating its CGUs on an individual mine basis.

Non-current assets other than goodwill that have recognised 
impairment are tested for possible reversal of the impairment 
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the 
impairment may have been reversed.

(r) Non-Current Assets and Disposal Groups Held for Sale
Non-current assets and disposal groups are classified as held for 
sale and measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair 
value less costs to sell if their carrying amount will be recovered 
principally through a sale transaction instead of use. They are not 
depreciated or amortised. For an asset or disposal group to be 
classified as held for sale, it must be available for immediate sale 
in its present condition and its sale must be highly probable.

An impairment loss is recognised for any initial or subsequent 
write-down of the asset (or disposal group) to fair value less costs 
to sell. A gain is recognised for any subsequent increases in fair 
value less costs to sell of an asset (or disposal group), but not in 
excess of any cumulative impairment loss previously recognised.  
A gain or loss not previously recognised by the date of the sale of 
the non-current asset (or disposal group) is recognised at the date 
of derecognition.

(s) Trade and Other Payables
Liabilities for trade and other payables are initially recorded at the 
fair value of the consideration to be paid in the future for goods 
and services received, whether or not billed to the Group, and then 
subsequently at amortised cost.

(t) Borrowings and Borrowing Costs
Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently 
at amortised cost.

Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, 
construction or production of qualifying assets, which are assets 
that necessarily take a substantial period of time to get ready  
for their intended use, are added to the cost of those assets,  
until such time as the assets are substantially ready for their 
intended use. The capitalisation rate used to determine the 
amount of borrowing costs to be capitalised is the weighted 
average interest rate applicable to the Group’s outstanding 
borrowings during the year used to develop the qualifying asset.

All other borrowing costs are recognised as expenses in the period 
in which they are incurred.

100 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

(v) Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation 
(legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable  
that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will  
be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can  
be made of the amount of the obligation.

Provision for Rehabilitation
The Group records the present value of the estimated cost of legal 
and constructive obligations (such as those under the Group’s 
Environmental Policy) to rehabilitate locations where activities 
have occurred which have led to a future obligation to make good. 
The nature of rehabilitation activities includes dismantling and 
removing structures, rehabilitating mines, dismantling operating 
facilities, closure of plant and waste sites and restoration, 
reclamation and revegetation of affected areas.

Typically the obligation arises when the asset is installed or the 
ground/environment is disturbed at the production location. 
When the liability is initially recorded, the present value of the 
estimated cost is capitalised by increasing the carrying amount  
of the related mining assets. Over time, the discounted liability  
is increased for the change in the present value based on a 
discount rate that reflects current market assessments. Additional 
disturbances or changes in rehabilitation costs will be recognised as 
additions or changes to the corresponding asset and rehabilitation 
liability when incurred.

The unwinding of the effect of discounting the provision is recorded 
as a finance cost in the Income Statement. The carrying amount 
capitalised as a part of mining assets is depreciated/amortised 
over the life of the related asset.

Costs incurred that relate to an existing condition caused by past 
operations but do not have a future economic benefit are expensed 
as incurred.

(w) Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging
The Group uses derivative financial instruments to manage certain 
market risks. The instruments used by the Group include forward 
sale contracts, diesel forward contracts and foreign currency 
forward contracts.

Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a 
derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured 
to their fair value at each reporting date. The resulting gain or loss 
is recognised in the Income Statement immediately unless the 
derivative is designated and effective as a hedging instrument,  
in which event, the timing of recognition in the Income Statement 
depends on the nature of the hedge relationship.

The fair value of forward sale contracts, diesel forward contracts 
and foreign currency forward contracts are calculated by reference 
to current forward commodity prices.

At the inception of the transaction, the Group formally designates 
and documents the relationship between hedging instruments 
and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and 
strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. The Group 
also documents its assessment, both at hedge inception and  
on an ongoing basis, of whether the derivatives that are used  
in hedging transactions have been and will continue to be highly 
effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows  
of hedged items.

For the purposes of hedge accounting, hedges are classified as: 
 – Fair value hedges, when they hedge the exposure to changes  

in the fair value of a recognised asset or liability;

 – Cash flow hedges, when they hedge exposure to variability  
in cash flows that are either attributable to a particular risk 
associated with a recognised asset or liability or a highly 
probable forecast transaction; or

 – Hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation.

Cash Flow Hedges
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives 
that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges are recognised 
in other Comprehensive Income through the Hedge Reserve.  
The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised 
immediately in the Income Statement. Amounts accumulated  
in the Hedge Reserve in equity are transferred to the Income 
Statement in the periods when the hedged item affects the 
Income Statement, for instance when the forecast sale that  
is hedged takes place.

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument 
expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, or no longer qualifies 
for hedge accounting. At that point in time, any cumulative  
gain or loss on the hedging instrument recognised via other 
comprehensive income remains deferred in the Hedge Reserve 
until the original forecasted transaction occurs. When the 
forecasted transaction is no longer expected to occur, the 
cumulative gain or loss that was deferred in the Hedge  
Reserve is recognised immediately in the Income Statement.

If a hedging instrument being used to hedge a commitment for 
the purchase or sale of gold or copper is redesignated as a hedge 
of another specific commitment and the original transaction is still 
expected to occur, the gains and losses that arise on the hedging 
instrument prior to its redesignation are deferred and included  
in the measurement of the original purchase or sale when it takes 
place. If the hedging instrument is redesignated as a hedge  
of another commitment because the original purchase or sale 
transaction is no longer expected to occur, the gains and losses 
that arise on the hedge prior to its redesignation are recognised  
in the Income Statement at the date of the redesignation.

(x) Issued Capital
Issued ordinary share capital is classified as equity and is 
recognised at the fair value of the consideration received by the 
Group. Any transaction costs arising on the issue of ordinary 
shares and the associated tax are recognised directly in equity  
as a reduction of the share proceeds received.

Treasury Shares
The Group’s own equity instruments, which are reacquired  
on market for later use in employee share-based payment 
arrangements (treasury shares), are deducted from equity.  
No gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss on the purchase,  
sale, issue or cancellation of the Group’s own equity instruments.

(y) Revenue Recognition
Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when there has  
been a transfer of risks and rewards to the customer and no further 
processing is required by the Group, the quality and quantity of 
the goods has been determined with reasonable accuracy, the 
price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is probable. The 
point at which risk and title passes for the majority of the Group’s 
commodity sales is upon receipt of the bill of lading when the 
commodity is delivered for shipment. Revenue is measured  
at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable.

Gold and Silver Bullion Sales
Revenue from gold and silver bullion sales is brought to  
account when the significant risks and rewards of ownership  
have transferred to the buyer and selling prices are known  
or can be reasonably estimated.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 101

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 June 2015

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 
(continued)

(y) Revenue Recognition (continued)
Gold, Copper and Silver in Concentrate Sales
The terms of metal in concentrate sales contracts with third 
parties contain provisional pricing arrangements whereby the 
selling price for metal in concentrate is based on prevailing spot 
prices on a specified future date after shipment to the customer 
(quotation period). Adjustments to the sales price occur based  
on movements in quoted market prices up to the date of final 
settlement The period between provisional invoicing and final 
settlement is typically between one and six months.

The provisionally priced sales of metal in concentrate contain  
an embedded derivative that is required to be separated from  
the host contract for accounting purposes. Accordingly the 
embedded derivative, which does not qualify for hedge accounting, 
is recognised at fair value, with subsequent changes in fair  
value recognised in the Income Statement each period until  
final settlement, and presented as ‘Other Income/Expense’. 
Changes in fair value over the quotation period and up until final 
settlement are estimated by reference to forward market prices.

Interest Revenue
Interest revenue is recognised as it accrues using the effective 
interest rate method.

(z) Earnings Per Share (EPS)
Basic EPS is calculated as net profit attributable to members, 
adjusted to exclude costs of servicing equity (other than 
dividends) and preference share dividends, divided by the 
weighted average number of ordinary shares, adjusted for  
any bonus element.

Diluted EPS is calculated as net profit attributable to members, 
adjusted for:
 – costs of servicing equity (other than dividends) and preference 

share dividends;

 – the after tax effect of dividends and interest associated with 
dilutive potential ordinary shares that have been recognised  
as expenses; 

 – 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, adjusted for any bonus element.

(aa) Government Royalties
Royalties under existing royalty regimes are payable on sales  
and are therefore recognised in cost of sales as the sale occurs.

(ab) Income Taxes
Current Income Tax
Current tax assets and liabilities for the current and prior year are 
measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid  
to the taxation authorities based on the current year’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
Deferred income tax is provided on all temporary differences 
(except as noted below) at the reporting date between the tax 
bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for 
financial reporting purposes. 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not recognised if the 
temporary differences giving rise to them:

 – Arise from the initial recognition 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.

 – Are 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.

102 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Deferred tax assets are recognised for 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.

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

Current and deferred taxes attributable to amounts recognised 
directly in equity are also recognised directly in equity.

(ac) Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount 
of GST except:
 – where the GST incurred on a purchase of goods and services  

is not recoverable from the taxation authority, in which case the 
GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset 
or as part of the expense item as applicable; and

 – receivables and payables are stated with the amount 

of GST included.

The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the 
taxation authority is included as part of receivables or payables  
in the Statement of Financial Position.

Cash flows are included in the Statement of Cash Flows on a gross 
basis and the GST component of cash flows arising from investing 
and financing activities, which is recoverable from, or payable to, 
the taxation authority is classified as part of operating cash flows.

Commitments and contingencies are disclosed net of the amount 
of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority.

(ad) Business Combinations
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition 
method. The consideration transferred in a business combination 
is measured at fair value, which is calculated as the sum of the 
acquisition date fair values of the:
 – assets transferred by the Group;
 – liabilities incurred by the acquirer to former owners  

of the acquiree;

 – equity issued by the Group;

and the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. 
For each business combination, the Group measures the non-
controlling interest in the acquiree either at fair value or at the 
proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets.

Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.

When the Group acquires a business, it assesses the financial 
assets acquired and liabilities assumed for appropriate 
classification and designation in accordance with the contractual 
terms, economic conditions, the Group’s operating or accounting 
policies and other pertinent conditions as at the acquisition date. 
This includes the separation of embedded derivatives in host 
contracts of the acquiree.

If the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition 
date fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in 
the acquiree is remeasured at fair value as at the acquisition date 
through profit or loss.

Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the Group will 
be recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Subsequent 
changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration which is 
deemed to be an asset or liability will be recognised in accordance 
with AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement 
either in profit or loss or in other comprehensive income. If the 
contingent consideration is classified as equity, it is not remeasured.

(ae) New Accounting Standards and Interpretations 
Adoption of New Standards and Interpretations
The Group has adopted the following new and revised accounting standards, amendments and interpretations as of 1 July 2014:

 – AASB 132 – Financial Instruments Presentation – Offsetting Financial Assets and Liabilities 
 – AASB 136 – Impairment of Assets – Recoverable Amount Disclosures for Non-Financial Assets
 –  Interpretation 21 – Levies

The adoption of these new and revised standards did not have a material impact on the Group’s financial statements. 

New Accounting Standards and Interpretations Issued But Not Yet Effective and Not Yet Adopted
The following standards, amendments to standards and interpretations have been identified as those which may impact the Group in the 
period of initial application. They have been issued but are not yet effective and are available for early adoption at 30 June 2015, but have 
not been applied in preparing this financial report.

Reference & Title

Details of New Standard/Amendment/Interpretation

AASB 15 
Revenue from contracts  
with customers

AASB 15 establishes principles for reporting the nature, amount, timing 
and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity’s 
contracts with customers.

AASB 9  
Financial Instruments

AASB 2010-7 and AASB 2012-6

Amendments to AAS’s arising 
from AASB 9

The revised AASB 9 will eventually replace AASB 139 and all previous 
versions of AASB 9. The revised standard includes changes to the:
 – classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities;
 – impairment model;
 – hedge accounting. 

Financial assets are measured at amortised cost, fair value through profit 
or loss, or fair value through other comprehensive income, based on  
both the entity’s business model for managing the financial assets and 
the financial asset’s contractual cash flow characteristics. 

Apart from the ‘own credit risk’ requirements, classification and 
measurement of financial liabilities is unchanged from existing 
requirements. 

Impact on Group

Application Date  
for the Group

(i) 
(ii)

(i)

1 July 2017

1 July 2018

(i) The Group has not yet determined the extent of the impact, if any.
(ii) The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has confirmed a deferral of the effective date of IFRS 15 (the international equivalent of AASB 15) from 
1 January 2017 to 1 January 2018. The amendment to give effect to this is expected to be issued in the 2016 financial year. At this time, it is expected that the 
AASB is also likely to defer the effective date of AASB 15 which will mean that the application date of this standard for the Group will move from 1 July 2017  
to 1 July 2018.

Apart from the above, other accounting standards, amendments and interpretations that have been issued and will be applicable in future 
periods have been considered, however their impact is not considered material to the Group.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 103

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 June 2015

3. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS, ESTIMATES  
AND ASSUMPTIONS

Judgements, estimates and assumptions are continually evaluated 
and are based on historical experience and other factors, including 
expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable 
under the circumstances. The Group makes assumptions concerning 
the future. All judgements, estimates and assumptions made  
are believed to be reasonable based on the most current set of 
circumstances available to management. The resulting accounting 
estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual 
results. The judgements, 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. 

(a) Mine Rehabilitation Provision
The Group assesses its mine rehabilitation provision annually  
in accordance with the accounting policy Note 2(v). Significant 
estimates and assumptions are required in determining the 
provision for mine rehabilitation as there are many transactions 
and other factors that will affect the ultimate liability payable  
to rehabilitate the mine sites. Factors that will affect this liability 
include future disturbances caused by further development, 
changes in technology, changes in regulations, price increases, 
changes in timing of cash flows which are based on life of mine 
plans and changes in discount rates. When these factors change 
or become known in the future, such differences will impact the 
mine rehabilitation provision in the period in which they change  
or become known.

(b) Unit-of-Production Method of Depreciation/
Amortisation
The Group uses the unit-of-production basis when depreciating/
amortising specific assets which results in a depreciation/
amortisation charge proportional to the depletion of the 
anticipated remaining life of mine production. Each item’s 
economic life, which is assessed annually, has due regard  
to both its physical life limitations and to present assessments  
of economically recoverable reserves of the mine property  
at which it is located. These calculations require the use  
of estimates and assumptions.

(c) Impairment of Assets
The Group assesses each Cash-Generating Unit (CGU), half-yearly 
to determine whether there is any indication of impairment or 
reversal. Where an indicator of impairment or reversal exists,  
a formal estimate of the recoverable amount is made, which is 
deemed as being the higher of the fair value less costs of disposal 
and value in use calculated in accordance with accounting policy 
Note 2(q). These assessments require the use of estimates and 
assumptions such as discount rates, exchange rates, commodity 
prices, gold multiple values, future operating development and 
sustaining capital requirements and operating performance 
(including the magnitude and timing of related cash flows).  
Refer Note 19.

(d) Production Stripping
The Group defers mining costs incurred during the production 
stage of its operations which are calculated in accordance with 
accounting policy Note 2(i). Changes in an individual mine’s design 
will generally result in changes to the life of component waste  
to contained gold ounce (life of component) ratio. Changes in 
other technical or economic parameters that impact reserves  
will also have an impact on the life of component ratio even  
if they do not affect the mine’s design. Changes to deferred 
mining resulting from a change in life of component ratios are 
accounted for prospectively.

(e) Ore Reserve Estimates
The Group estimates its ore reserves and mineral resources 
annually in December each year, and reports in the following 
February, based on information compiled by Competent Persons 
as defined in accordance with the Australasian code for reporting 
Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Resources (JORC 
code 2012). The estimated quantities of economically recoverable 
reserves are based upon interpretations of geological models  
and require assumptions to be made regarding factors such  
as estimates of short and long-term exchange rates, estimates of 
short and long-term commodity prices, future capital requirements 
and future operating performance. Changes in reported reserves 
estimates can impact the carrying value of property, plant and 
equipment, mine development, production stripping assets, 
provision for rehabilitation obligations, the recognition of deferred 
tax assets, as well as the amount of depreciation and amortisation 
charged to the Income Statement.

(f) Capitalisation of Exploration and Evaluation Costs
The Group’s accounting policy for exploration and evaluation 
expenditure is set out in Note 2(k). The application of this policy 
requires management to apply judgement to determine whether 
future economic benefits are likely, from either exploitation or 
sale, or whether activities have not reached a stage that permits  
a reasonable assessment of the existence of reserves. In addition 
to these adjustments, the Group has to make certain estimates 
and assumptions. The determination of a JORC resource is itself  
an estimation process that involves varying degrees of uncertainty 
depending on how the resources are classified (i.e. measured, 
indicated or inferred). The estimates directly impact when the 
Group capitalises exploration and evaluation expenditure.  
The capitalisation policy requires management to make certain 
estimates and assumptions as to future events and circumstances, 
in particular, the assessment of whether economic quantities  
of reserves will be found. Any such estimates and assumptions 
may change as new information becomes available.

(g) Recovery of Deferred Tax Assets
Deferred tax assets, including those arising from un-utilised  
tax losses, require management to assess the likelihood that  
the Group will comply with the relevant tax legislation and will 
generate sufficient taxable earnings in future periods in order  
to recognise and utilise those deferred tax assets. Estimates  
of future taxable income are based on forecast cash flows from 
operations and existing tax laws in each jurisdiction. These 
assessments require the use of estimates and assumptions  
such as exchange rates, commodity prices and operating 
performance over the life of the assets. To the extent that cash 
flows and taxable income differ significantly from estimates,  
the ability of the Group to realise the net deferred tax assets 
reported at the reporting date could be impacted.

Additionally, future changes in tax laws in the jurisdictions  
in which the Group operates could limit the ability of the Group  
to obtain tax deductions in future periods.

(h) Share-Based Payments
The Group measures the cost of equity settled transactions with 
employees by reference to the fair value of equity instruments  
at the date at which they are granted. The fair value is determined  
by an external valuer using an option pricing model, using the 
assumptions detailed in Note 27.

104 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

4. REVENUE AND EXPENSES 

Specific items
Profit before income tax includes the following revenues, income and expenses whose disclosure  
is relevant in explaining the performance of the Group:

2015 
A$m

2014 
A$m

(a) Sales Revenue
Gold
Copper
Silver

Total sales revenue

Total revenue

(b) Cost of Sales
Site production costs 
Royalty
Concentrate treatment and realisation
Inventory movements

Write-down of inventory (Note 5(f))
Depreciation

Total cost of sales

(c) Corporate Administration Expenses
Corporate costs
Corporate depreciation
Equity settled share-based payments

Total corporate administration expenses

(d) Other Income/(Expenses)
Net foreign exchange gain/(loss)
Net fair value gain/(loss) on gold and copper derivatives
Legacy community contractual settlements and negotiation costs
Other 

Total other income/(expenses)

(e) Finance Costs
Interest Costs:
 Interest on loans
Other:
 Facility fees and other costs
 Discount unwind on provisions

Less: Capitalised borrowing costs

Total finance costs

(f) Depreciation and Amortisation
Property, plant and equipment
Mine development and production stripping
Intangible assets

Less: Capitalised to inventory on hand or assets under construction

Total depreciation and amortisation expense

Included in:
Cost of sales depreciation
Corporate depreciation 

Total depreciation and amortisation expense

(g) Employee Benefits Expense
Defined contribution plan expense
Equity settled share-based payments
Redundancy expense
Salaries, wages and other employment benefits

Total employee benefits expense

3,555
744
45

4,344

4,344

2,257
124
205
26

2,612
44
663

3,319

79
30
8

117

62
(6)
(5)
(7)

44

157

27
12

196
(6)

190

368
370
25

763
(70)

693

663
30

693

42
8
8
491

549

3,359
629
52

4,040

4,040

1,972
113
173
137

2,395
35
664

3,094

96
29
9

134

(11)
10
(10)
(1)

(12)

154

18
10

182
(7)

175

388
339
24

751
(58)

693

664
29

693

45
9
26
531

611

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 105

 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 June 2015

Gross 
A$m

Tax 
A$m

Net 
A$m

105
(176)
90

19

(26)
(20)

(46)

(73)
(101)
–

(174)

94
112
2

208

(884)
(1,815)
(429)

(3,128)

11

11

(44)

(44)

(35)

(35)

–
–
–

–

8
4

12

22
30
(120)

(68)

(88)
(73)
(1)

(162)

232
515
–

747

–

–

–

–

11

11

105
(176)
90

19

(18)
(16)

(34)

(51)
(71)
(120)

(242)

6
39
1

46

(652)
(1,300)
(429)

(2,381)

11

11

(44)

(44)

(24)

(24)

5. SIGNIFICANT ITEMS

Items by Nature

(a) Gain on Disposal of Associate
2015
Consideration received
Carrying value of equity accounted investment
Fair value of retained investment

Gain on disposal of associate(1)

(b) Restructure Costs
2014(5)
Redundancy costs
Office closure and other costs

Total restructure costs 

(c) Write-Down of Non-Current Assets
2014
Property, plant and equipment(6)
Exploration, evaluation and mine development(6)
Deferred tax asset in relation to research and development claims(7)

Total write-down of non-current assets

(d) Impairment Reversal/(Loss)
2015(2)
Property, plant and equipment
Exploration, evaluation and mine development
Intangibles

Total impairment reversal/(loss)

2014(8)
Property, plant and equipment
Exploration, evaluation and mine development
Goodwill(9)

Total impairment reversal/(loss)

(e) Impairment Reversal of Associate 
2014(10)
Investment in associate

Total impairment reversal of associate

(f) Write-Down of Inventory
2015(3)
Write-down of inventory

2014 
Write-down of inventory

106 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

(g) Items by Segment   

2015
Telfer(2)
Hidden Valley(2)(3)
West Africa(2)(3)(4)
Corporate(1)

Total items by segment

Tax

Total items by segment (after tax)

Attributable to:
Non-controlling interest(4)
Owners of the parent

2014
Cadia Valley
Telfer
Gosowong
Lihir
Hidden Valley
West Africa(8)
Corporate(5)(10)

Total items by segment

Tax
Research and development claims(7)

Total items by segment (after tax)

Attributable to:
Non-controlling interest(11)
Owners of the parent

Impairment 
reversal/(loss) 
A$m

Write-down of 
non-current 
assets 
A$m

Write-down of 
inventory 
A$m

Gain on disposal 
/(restructure 
costs) 
A$m

538
(245)
(85)
–

208

(162)

46

–
(204)
–
(2,647)
(79)
(198)
11

(3,117)

747
–

(2,370)

–
–
–
–

–

–

–

(20)
–
–
(154)
–
–
–

(174)

52
(120)

(242)

–
(33)
(11)
–

(44)

–

(44)

–
–
–
(35)
–
–
–

(35)

11
–

(24)

–
–
–
19

19

–

19

(8)
(1)
(1)
(17)
–
–
(19)

(46)

12
–

(34)

Total 
A$m

538
(278)
(96)
19

183

(162)

21

(10)
31

21

(28)
(205)
(1)
(2,853)
(79)
(198)
(8)

(3,372)

822
(120)

(2,670)

(17)
(2,653)

(2,670)

Year Ended 30 June 2015
(1)  On 27 February 2015, the Group sold part of its interest in Evolution Mining Limited (‘Evolution’). Refer to Note 20 for further details. 
(2)  The Group has recognised a net impairment reversal as a result of its annual impairment testing. This comprised of:

 – An impairment reversal of A$538 million in relation to Telfer; 
 – Impairment losses of A$330 million which relates to Hidden Valley (A$245 million) and West Africa (A$85 million). 
Refer to Note 19 for further details.

(3)  The Group recognised a write-down of inventories arising from the Group’s revised metal price and exchange rate estimates. This write-down has been 

recognised in the Income Statement as part of Cost of Sales.

(4)  A total of A$10 million is attributable to non-controlling interest in West Africa. 

Year Ended 30 June 2014
(5)  This represented the rationalisation of corporate and support functions and additional costs following the Brisbane office closure in June 2013 and other 

restructuring costs.

(6)  As a result of the continued review and refinement of the operational plans, the Group recognised a write-down in assets that were surplus to the Group’s 

requirements. Write-downs are not subject to reversals in subsequent periods.

(7)  As a result of a review of the Group’s material Australian deferred tax asset in relation to research and development claims, the Group voluntarily amended 

its research and development claims in respect of the 2009 to 2011 financial years. As a result of this voluntary amendment, there was an increase to 
income tax expense of A$120 million in the 2014 financial year.

(8)  The Group has recognised impairments of goodwill and other assets as a result of its annual impairment testing. These impairments have resulted from 

operating in a lower gold price environment and after taking into account recent operating cost performances. The Group has also recognised an 
impairment in respect of exploration assets in West Africa.

(9)  Goodwill impairment of A$429 million in respect of Lihir.
(10) As a result of the Group’s impairment review as at 30 June 2014, A$11 million of the previously recognised impairment charge was reversed.
(11)  A total of A$17 million is attributable to non-controlling interest in West Africa.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 107

 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 June 2015

6. SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Group’s operating segments are based on the internal management reports that are reviewed and used by the Group’s Executive 
Committee (the chief operating decision-maker) in assessing performance. The operating segments represent the Group’s operating 
mines and projects which are organised and managed according to their location.

The Group’s reportable operating segments are:
 – Cadia Valley, Australia
 – Telfer, Australia
 – Lihir, Papua New Guinea
 – Gosowong, Indonesia
 – Hidden Valley JV (50% interest), Papua New Guinea
 – West Africa (includes Bonikro operations and exploration and evaluation activities in Côte d’Ivoire)
 – Exploration and Other

Exploration and Other mainly comprises projects in the exploration, evaluation and feasibility phase and includes Wafi-Golpu  
and Morobe Exploration in PNG, Marsden and O’Callaghans in Australia and Namosi in Fiji.

(a) Segment Results, Segment Assets and Segment Liabilities
The measurement of segment results is in line with the basis of information presented to management for internal management 
reporting purposes. The performance of each segment is measured based on their Revenues, Costs, EBITDA and EBIT (Segment Result).

Segment Revenues represent gold, copper and silver sales at unhedged prices.

EBITDA is earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and significant items. EBIT is earnings before interest,  
tax and significant items. The reconciliation of EBIT to profit/(loss) before tax is shown in Note 6(b).

Capital Expenditure comprises payments for property, plant and equipment, production stripping expenditure, mine under construction, 
development and feasibility expenditure and information systems development. The definition of this measure has changed from the 
prior year and accordingly comparative figures have been restated to align with this revision. 

Segment assets exclude tax losses and intercompany receivables. Segment liabilities exclude intercompany payables.

2015
External sales revenue

EBITDA
Depreciation  
and amortisation 

EBIT (Segment result)(2)

2014 
External sales revenue

EBITDA
Depreciation  
and amortisation 

EBIT (Segment result)(2)

Capital Expenditure(3)  
for the year ended:
30 June 2015

30 June 2014 

Cadia 
Valley  
A$m

1,538

884

(232)

652

1,233

665

(174)

491

279

375

Telfer 
A$m

Lihir 
A$m

Gosowong 
A$m

Hidden 
Valley 
A$m

West  
Africa 
A$m

Total 
Operations 
A$m

Exploration 
& Other 
A$m

Corporate(1)

A$m

Total 
Group 
A$m

956

334

(53)

281

950

303

(75)

228

53

76

1,020

163

(192)

(29)

1,055

353

(221)

132

103

251

499

258

(117)

141

484

259

(110)

149

41

58

161

15

(32)

(17)

171

28

(39)

(11)

38

27

170

78

(37)

41

147

37

(45)

(8)

18

12

4,344

1,732

(663)

1,069

4,040

1,645

(664)

981

532

799

–

(35)

–

(35)

–

(36)

–

(36)

26

31

–

(24)

(30)

(54)

4,344

1,673

(693)

980

–

4,040

(95) 

1,514

(29)

(124)

(693)

821

6

13

564

843

(1)  Includes investment in associates and eliminations.
(2)  Refer to Note 6(b) for the reconciliation of segment result to profit before tax.
(3)  Represents payments for property, plant and equipment, production stripping expenditure, mine under construction, development and feasibility 

expenditure and information systems development.

2015
Segment assets(2)
Segment liabilities

Net assets

2014 
Segment assets(2)
Segment liabilities

Net assets

Cadia 
Valley 
A$m

4,564
769

3,795

4,484
687

3,797

Telfer 
A$m

Lihir 
A$m

Gosowong 
A$m

Hidden 
Valley 
A$m

West  
Africa 
A$m

Total 
Operations 
A$m

Exploration 
& Other 
A$m

Corporate(1)

A$m

Total 
Group 
A$m

1,158
250

908

743
200

543

7,559
1,112

6,447

6,319
928

5,391

738
203

535

594
135

459

92
68

24

325
65

260

260
49

211

298
36

262

14,371
2,451

11,920

12,763
2,051

10,712

671
11

326
3,847

15,368
6,309

660

(3,521)

9,059

526
11

515

298
3,818

13,587
5,880

(3,520)

7,707

(1)  Includes investment in associates and eliminations.
(2)  Segment assets are net of write-downs and impairments.

108 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

(b) Reconciliation of EBIT (Segment Result) to Profit/(Loss) Before Tax
Segment Result

Finance costs:
Finance income
Finance costs

Significant items:
Gain on disposal of associate
Restructure costs
Write-down of non-current assets
Impairment reversal/(loss)
Reversal of impairment of associate
Write-down of inventory

Profit/(loss) before tax

(c) Geographical Segments
Sales Revenue from External Customers(1)
Bullion
Australia 
Concentrate
Japan 
Korea 
China (including Hong Kong)
Philippines
Singapore
India
Europe(2)
USA(2)

Total sales revenue

Note

 2015 
A$m

6(a)

 980

 1
 (190)

 (189)

 19
 –
 –
 208
 –
 (44)

 183

 974

5(a)
5(b)
5(c)
5(d)
5(e)
5(f)

 2014 
A$m

 821

 1
 (175)

 (174)

 –
 (46)
 (174)
 (3,128)
 11
 (35)

 (3,372)

 (2,725)

2,239

2,238

998
171
161
152
98
116
409
 –

893
244
116
194
–
–
302
53

 4,344

4,040

5,457
430
7,643
148
124

13,802

 4,905
 351
 6,254
 213
 311

 12,034

(1)  Revenue is attributable to geographic location based on the location of customers.
(2)  The majority of concentrate sales to customers in Europe and the USA are shipped to smelters in Japan, Korea and China. 

Non-Current Assets(3)
Australia 
Indonesia 
Papua New Guinea
West Africa
Other

Total non-current assets

(3)  Non-current assets for this purpose excludes deferred tax assets.

(d) Major Customer Information
Major customers to whom the Group provides goods that are more than 10% of external revenue are as follows:

Customer A(1)
Customer B(2)

(1)  Represents bullion sales by Cadia, Telfer, Lihir, Gosowong, Hidden Valley and West Africa.
(2)  Represents concentrate sales by Cadia and Telfer.

Revenue

% of external revenue

2015 
A$m

2,167
836

2014 
A$m

2,044
623

2015 
%

50
19

2014 
%

51
15

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 109

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 June 2015

7. INCOME TAX

(a) Reconciliation of Prima Facie Income Tax Expense  
to Income Tax Expense per the Income Statement

Accounting profit/(loss) before tax

Income tax expense/(benefit) calculated at 30% (2014: 30%)
Under/(over) provided in prior years(1)
Other

Adjustments on Significant items:
Impairment – Goodwill
Impairment reversal – Associate 
Gain on disposal of associate
Write-down and impairments – Other assets
Research and development allowance voluntary amendment

Income tax expense/(benefit) per the Income Statement

2015 
A$m

2014 
A$m

974

292
21
(6)

15

–
–
(6)
113
–

107

414

(2,725)

(818)
3
(4)

(1)

128
(3)
–
64
120

309

(510)

(1)  This includes an adjustment of A$23 million which finalises the review of Australian Research and Development claims made during the 2005 to 2011 period 
(as disclosed in Note 33 ‘Contingent Liabilities’ in the 30 June 2014 financial report). After use of carry forward losses, a net tax payment of A$13 million was 
made in January 2015.

(b) Income Tax Expense Comprises:
Current income tax
Current income tax expense
Under provision in respect of prior years

Deferred tax
Relating to origination and reversal of temporary differences
Under provision in respect of prior years

Income tax expense/(benefit) per the Income Statement

153
–

153

240
21

261

414

19
120

139

(652)
3

(649)

(510)

Opening Balance 
at 1 July 
A$m

(Charged)/
credited to 
income 
A$m

(Charged)/
credited to  
equity 
A$m

Translation 
A$m

Closing Balance 
at 30 June 
A$m

(c) Movement in Deferred Taxes
2015
Deferred tax assets
Carry forward revenue losses recognised:
 – Australian entities 

Deferred tax liabilities
Temporary differences:
 – Fixed assets(1) 
 – Provisions
 – Other 

Net deferred taxes

2014
Deferred tax assets
Carry forward revenue losses recognised:
 – Australian entities 

Deferred tax liabilities
Temporary differences:
 – Fixed assets(1) 
 – Provisions
 – Other 

Net deferred taxes

286

286

(929)
73
(45)

(901)

(615)

326

326

(1,600)
71
(46)

(1,575)

(1,249)

(104)

(104)

(209)
(5)
(47)

(261)

(365)

(40)

(40)

648
2
(1)

649

609

–

–

–
–
164

164

164

–

–

–
–
1

1

1

–

–

(165)
2
(6)

(169)

(169)

–

–

23
–
1

24

24

182

182

(1,303)
70
66

(1,167)

(985)

286

286

(929)
73
(45)

(901)

(615)

(1)  Comprises property, plant and equipment; exploration, evaluation and development; and other intangible assets.

110 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

(d) Unrecognised Deferred Tax Assets 
Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of:
 – capital losses of A$117 million tax effected (2014: A$84 million tax effected)
 – revenue losses and temporary differences of A$393 million tax effected (2014: A$293 million tax effected)

because it is not probable that the Group will have sufficient future assessable income and/or capital gains available against which the 
deferred tax asset could be utilised. This is partly due to restrictions that limit the extent to which the losses can be applied to future 
taxable income in future periods.

(e) Tax Consolidation
The Company and its wholly-owned Australian subsidiaries are part of a tax consolidated group. Newcrest Mining Limited is the head 
entity of the tax consolidated group. The tax losses attributable to the Australian entities are available for offsetting against future profits 
of the tax consolidated group. Some of these tax losses are subject to restrictions that limit the extent to which the losses can be applied 
against future taxable income. Notwithstanding these restrictions, these losses do not have an expiry date.

8. DIVIDENDS

(a) Dividend determined and paid
2015 Financial Year
No dividends were determined or paid in 2015.

2014 Financial Year
No dividends were determined or paid in 2014.

(b) Dividend franking account balance
Franking credits at 30% as at 30 June 2015 available for the subsequent financial year is A$62 million (2014: A$70 million).

9. EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

EPS (cents per share)
Basic EPS 
Diluted EPS(2)

Earnings used in calculating EPS
Earnings used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS:

Profit/(loss) after income tax attributable to owners of the parent

Weighted average number of shares
Share data used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS:

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating basic EPS

Effect of dilutive securities: share rights(1)(2)

Adjusted weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating diluted EPS

2015 
A¢

71.2
70.9

2015 
A$m

2014 
A¢

(289.8)
(289.8)

2014 
A$m

546

(2,221)

2015 
No. of shares

2014 
No. of shares

766,510,971
4,081,206

766,510,971
3,138,890

770,592,177

769,649,861

(1)  Rights granted to employees (including KMP) as described in Note 28 are considered to be potential ordinary shares and have been included  

in the determination of diluted earnings per share to the extent they are dilutive. These rights have not been included in the determination of basic 
earnings per share.

(2)  In accordance with AASB 133 Earnings per Share, the effects of anti-dilutive potential have not been included when calculating diluted loss per share  

for the year ended 30 June 2014.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 111

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 June 2015

10. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

(a) Components of cash and cash equivalents
Cash at bank

Short-term deposits

Total cash and cash equivalents

(b) Reconciliation of net profit/(loss) after income tax to net cash flow  
from operating activities
Profit/(loss) after income tax

Non-cash items:
Depreciation and amortisation
Impairment losses /(reversal) and write-down of assets
Write-down of inventory
Share-based payments
Discount unwind on provisions
Share of profit of associate
Gain on disposal of associate
Impairment reversal of associate
Other non-cash items

Items presented as investing or financing activities:
Exploration expenditure written off

Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase)/Decrease in:
 – Trade and other receivables
 – Inventories
 – Other financial assets
 – Current and deferred tax assets
 – Other assets
(Decrease)/Increase in:
 – Trade and other payables
 – Provisions 
 – Current and deferred tax liabilities
 – Other financial liabilities

Net cash from operating activities

11. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Current
Bullion awaiting settlement(1)
Metal in concentrate receivables(2)
GST receivable(3)
Other receivables(3)

Total current receivables

(1)  Non-interest bearing and are generally expected to settle within seven days.
(2)  Non-interest bearing and are generally expected to settle within one to six months.
(3)  Recorded at amortised cost, are non-interest bearing and are generally expected to settle within one to two months.

12. INVENTORIES

Current
Ore 
Gold in circuit
Concentrate
Materials and supplies

Total current inventories(1)

Non-Current
Ore 

Total non-current inventories(1)

2015 
A$m

78

180

258

2014 
A$m

64

77

141

560

(2,215)

694
(208)
44
8
12
(19)
(19)
–
(16)

693
3,302
35
9
10
(22)
–
(11)
10

35

36

(19)
42
4
150
(60)

73
33
270
5

1,589

2015 
A$m

19
133
30
24

206

2015 
A$m

235
40
129
402

806

1,452

1,452

9
201
4
33
(1)

(301)
(20)
(674)
(61)

1,037

2014 
A$m

34
62
46
27

169

2014 
A$m

211
48
118
423

800

1,158

1,158

(1)  Total inventories include inventories held at net realisable value at Telfer, Hidden Valley and West Africa of A$125 million (2014: A$83 million).

112 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
13. OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS

Current
Copper forward sales contracts
Gold forward sales contracts
Diesel/fuel forward sales contracts
Quotational period derivatives(1)

Total current other financial assets

Non-Current
Other financial asset(2)
Available-for-sale financial assets(3)

Total non-current other financial assets

2015 
A$m

2014 
A$m

10
4
2
–

16

4
122

126

–
–
4
10

14

10
–

10

(1)  Represents the embedded derivatives relating to quotational period movements on commodity sales. Refer Note 2(y).
(2)  Represents the contingent consideration receivable on the partial sale of a subsidiary. 
(3)  Represents the Group’s investment in Evolution, an Australian gold mining company listed on the ASX, which was previously an associate of the Group  
and was equity accounted. The Group held 106,482,631 shares (10.7% interest) in Evolution at 30 June 2015. Refer Note 20 for more information. While  
the number of Newcrest’s shares remained unchanged from the date Evolution ceased being an associate to year end, additional shares were issued  
under a Rights Issue to other shareholders which Newcrest did not participate in and diluted Newcrest’s ownership interest from 14.9% to 10.7%.

14. OTHER ASSETS

Current
Prepayments and other

Total current other assets

Non-Current
Prepayments and other
Non-current tax assets(1)

Total non-current other assets

(1)  Includes A$59 million (2014: A$8 million) in respect to PT NHM’s prior year tax assessments. Refer Note 33(d).

15. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

At 30 June
Cost
Accumulated depreciation and impairment

Year ended 30 June
Carrying amount at 1 July
Expenditure during the year
Depreciation for the year
Disposals and write-down of assets
Foreign currency translation
Reclassifications/transfers(1)
Impairment losses for the year (Note 5)
Impairment reversals for the year (Note 5)

Carrying amount at 30 June 

(1)  Represents reclassification/transfer from Exploration, Evaluation and Development upon commissioning of the asset.

2015 
A$m

79

79

46
84

130

2014 
A$m

78

78

19
35

54

2015 
A$m

2014 
A$m

10,652
(5,356)

5,296

4,683
223
(368)
(7)
611
60
(199)
293

5,296

9,291
(4,608)

4,683

5,544
205
(388)
(83)
(54)
343
(884)
–

4,683

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 113

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 June 2015

16. CAPITALISED EXPLORATION, EVALUATION AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENDITURES

Exploration & 
Evaluation 
Expenditure 
A$m

Deferred 
Feasibility 
Expenditure 
A$m

Mines Under 
Construction 
A$m

Production 
Stripping 
A$m

Mine

Development(1) 

A$m

At 30 June 2015
Cost
Accumulated depreciation and impairment

Year ended 30 June 2015
Carrying amount at 1 July 2014
Expenditure during the year(2)
Expenditure written-off during the year
Depreciation for the year
Foreign currency translation
Reclassifications/transfers(3)
Impairment losses for the year (Note 5)
Impairment reversals for the year (Note 5)

Carrying amount at 30 June 2015

973
(452)

521

470
46
(35)
–
93
(15)
(46)
8

521

341
–

341

252
32
–
–
66
(9)
–
–

341

54
–

54

235
242
–
–
10
(433)
–
–

54

991
(741)

250

233
73
–
(101)
49
–
(34)
30

250

10,726
(5,173)

5,553

4,689
71
–
(269)
516
392
(51)
205

5,553

Total 
A$m

13,085
(6,366)

6,719

5,879
464
(35)
(370)
734
(65)
(131)
243

6,719

(1)  Includes Mineral Rights with a carrying value of A$1,733 million.
(2)  Borrowing costs were capitalised on qualifying assets at a weighted average interest rate of 4%.
(3)  Expenditure included in mines under construction has been reclassified to mine development or property, plant and equipment upon commissioning  
of the asset. Expenditure included in exploration and evaluation has been reclassified to mine development upon commencement of development  
and construction activities. 

Exploration & 
Evaluation 
Expenditure 
A$m

Deferred 
Feasibility 
Expenditure 
A$m

Mines Under 
Construction 
A$m

Production 
Stripping 
A$m

Mine

Development(1) 

A$m

At 30 June 2014
Cost
Accumulated depreciation and impairment

Year ended 30 June 2014
Carrying amount at 1 July 2013
Expenditure during the year(2)
Expenditure written-off during the year
Depreciation for the year
Disposals and write-down of assets
Foreign currency translation
Reclassifications/transfers(3)
Impairment losses for the year (Note 5)

Carrying amount at 30 June 2014

854
(384)

470

673
62
(36)
–
–
(8)
(61)
(160)

470

252
–

252

323
21
–
–
–
(5)
(87)
–

252

235
–

235

218
369
–
–
–
(3)
(349)
–

235

796
(563)

233

297
191
–
(77)
–
(9)
–
(169)

233

9,411
(4,722)

4,689

6,352
77
–
(262)
(100)
(56)
164
(1,486)

4,689

Total 
A$m

11,548
(5,669)

5,879

7,863
720
(36)
(339)
(100)
(81)
(333)
(1,815)

5,879

(1)  Includes Mineral Rights with a carrying value of A$1,442 million.
(2)  Borrowing costs were capitalised on qualifying assets at a weighted average interest rate of 3%.
(3)  Expenditure included in mines under construction has been reclassified to mine development or property, plant and equipment upon commissioning of the 

asset. Expenditure included in exploration and evaluation has been reclassified to mine development upon commencement of development and 
construction activities. 

Areas of Interest in the exploration phase at cost:
Cadia Valley, NSW
Telfer, WA
Marsden, NSW
Gosowong, Indonesia
Namosi, Fiji
Wafi-Golpu, PNG
Morobe Province, PNG
Lihir, PNG
West Africa

2015 
A$m

2014 
A$m

4
48
5
10
32
232
12
158
20

521

3
37
5
12
26
189
7
128
63

470

Recoverability of the carrying amount of the exploration and evaluation assets is dependent upon the successful development  
and continuing commercial exploitation, or alternatively, sale of the respective area of interest.

114 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

17. OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Information Systems Development

At 30 June
Cost 
Accumulated amortisation

Year ended 30 June
Carrying amount at 1 July
Expenditure during the year
Amortisation for the year
Foreign currency translation
Transfers and other
Impairment reversals for the year (Note 5)

Carrying amount at 30 June

18. GOODWILL

Opening balance
Foreign currency translation
Impairment loss(1)

Closing balance

2015 
A$m

219
(140)

79

88
2
(25)
7
5
2

79

2015 
A$m

–
–
–

–

2014 
A$m

199
(111)

88

114
8
(24)
–
(10)
–

88

2014 
A$m

436
(7)
(429)

–

(1)  Impairment loss in 2014 was recognised in respect of Lihir. Refer to Note 5 (d).

Goodwill arose through the acquisition of Lihir Gold Limited on 30 August 2010. 

19. IMPAIRMENT CHARGES AND REVERSALS

In accordance with the Group’s accounting policies and processes, the Group performs its impairment testing annually at 30 June. Cash 
generating units (‛CGUs’) are reviewed at each reporting period to determine whether there is an indication of impairment or impairment 
reversal. Where an indicator of impairment or impairment reversal exists, a formal estimate of the recoverable amount is made. 

A number of factors represented indicators of impairment and impairment reversal as at 30 June 2015, including a change to Newcrest’s 
commodity price and exchange rate assumptions and updated mine plans indicating changes in estimated future production and costs  
at some operations. As a result, the Group assessed the recoverable amounts of each of its CGUs.

(a) Impairment and Impairment Reversal Testing
(i) Methodology
An impairment is recognised when the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount. The recoverable amount of each CGU has been 
estimated using its fair value less costs of disposal (‛Fair Value’) basis. The costs of disposal have been estimated by management based 
on prevailing market conditions. 

For CGUs that have recognised impairments in previous periods, an impairment reversal is recognised for non-current assets (other than 
goodwill) when the Fair Value indicates that the impairment has been reversed.

Fair Value is estimated based on discounted cash flows using market based commodity price and exchange assumptions, estimated 
quantities of recoverable minerals, production levels, operating costs and capital requirements, based on CGU five year plan and latest 
mine plans. In certain cases, where multiple investment options exist, Fair Value may be determined from a combination of two or more 
scenarios that are weighted to provide a single Fair Value that is determined to be the most indicative. When plans and scenarios used to 
estimate Fair Value do not fully utilise the existing mineral resource for a CGU, and options exist for the future extraction and processing  
of all or part of those resources, an estimate of the value of unmined resources, in addition to an estimate of value of exploration potential,  
is included in the estimation of Fair Value. 

The Fair Value estimates are considered to be level 3 fair value measurements (as defined by accounting standards, refer Note 31 (g))  
as they are derived from valuation techniques that include inputs that are not based on observable market data. The Group considers  
the inputs and the valuation approach to be consistent with the approach taken by market participants.

Estimates of quantities of recoverable minerals, production levels, operating costs and capital requirements are sourced from our planning 
process, including life of mine (‛LOM’) plans, five year plans, one-year budgets and CGU specific studies. 

Significant judgements and assumptions are required in making estimates of Fair Value. This is particularly so in the assessment of long 
life assets. It should be noted that the CGU Fair Values are subject to variability in key assumptions including, but not limited to, gold 
prices, currency exchange rates, discount rates, production profiles and operating and capital costs. A change in one or more of the 
assumptions used to estimate Fair Value could result in a change in a CGU’s Fair Value.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 115

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 June 2015

19. IMPAIRMENT CHARGES AND REVERSALS (continued)

(a) Impairment and Impairment Reversal Testing (continued)
(ii) Key Assumptions
The table below summarises the key assumptions used in the 2015 end of year carrying value assessments, and for comparison also 
provides the equivalent assumptions used in 2014:

Assumptions

Gold (US$ per ounce)

Copper (US$ per pound)

2016 

$1,100

$2.40

2015

2017

$1,200

$2.70

Long term 
(2018+)

$1,250

$3.00

AUD:USD exchange rate

$0.74

$0.77 

$0.80

USD:PGK exchange rate

$2.77

$2.80

$2.85

2014

2015 – 2020

$1,300

$3.00

$0.93  
declining to  
$0.85

$2.42  
increasing  
to $2.65

Long term 
(2021+)

$1,300

$3.00

$0.85

$2.65

Discount rate (%)

USD Assets 5.25 to 5.75% 
AUD Assets 5.5%

USD Assets 5.25 to 5.75% 
AUD Assets 5.5%

Commodity prices and exchange rates estimation approach
Commodity price and foreign exchange rates are estimated with reference to external market forecasts and reviewed at least annually.  
The rates applied have regard to observable market data including spot and forward values, and to market analysis including bank  
analyst estimates.

Metal prices
Newcrest has reduced its US dollar gold price estimates for both the short term (2016 and 2017) and long-term (2018+) compared to 2014, 
reflecting a sustained reduction in the US dollar gold price during the 2015 calendar year and Newcrest’s analysis of observable market 
data for future periods. 

The reduced gold price assumptions has primarily impacted the Fair Values of Newcrest’s non-Australian CGUs which all have a US dollar 
functional currency, contributing to the impairments recognised at 30 June 2015 at Hidden Valley and West Africa. The impact of the 
reduced gold price assumptions on the valuation of Lihir was offset by lower AUD:USD and USD:PGK rates (detailed further below). 
Newcrest’s Australian assets all have an Australian dollar functional currency, with the impact of the lower US dollar gold price estimates 
mitigated by lower AUD:USD exchange rate estimates (detailed further below).

AUD:USD exchange rate
Newcrest has also reduced its AUD:USD exchange rate estimates for both the short term (2016 and 2017) and long-term (2018+) compared 
to 2014. This takes into account a sustained reduction in the value of the Australian dollar compared to the US dollar during the past  
twelve months. 

This change had a positive impact on the Fair Value of Newcrest’s Australian assets as it resulted in higher Australian dollar gold prices  
and higher Australian dollar revenues, more than offsetting the reduction in US dollar gold price assumptions noted above. This change 
was a significant factor in the recognition of an impairment reversal at Telfer as at 30 June 2015.

The reduction in the AUD:USD exchange rate estimates also had a positive impact on other CGUs which have exposure to Australian dollars 
in the operating and capital cost base, including Lihir and Hidden Valley.

USD:PGK exchange rate
Changes made in 2015 to the USD:PGK exchange rate estimates reflected the sustained weakening of the PNG Kina against the US dollar 
over the past 12 months. Lihir and Hidden Valley both have a material proportion of operating and capital costs denominated in PNG Kina, 
resulting in this change having a positive impact on the Fair Value of both CGUs.

Discount rate
In determining the Fair Value of CGUs, the future cash flows were discounted using rates based on the Group’s estimated real after tax 
weighted average cost of capital, pursuant to the Capital Asset Pricing Model, for each functional currency used in the Group, with an 
additional premium applied having regard to the geographic location of the CGU. The discount rates applied to individual CGUs that 
recognised impairments and/or impairment reversals were unchanged from the previous year as follows:

CGU

Lihir
Hidden Valley
West Africa
Telfer

Functional Currency

USD
USD
USD
AUD

2015

5.25%
5.25%
5.75%
5.50%

2014

5.25%
5.25%
5.75%
5.50%

116 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
Production activity and operating and capital costs
LOM production activity and operating and capital cost assumptions are based on the Group’s latest budget, five year plan and/or longer 
term LOM plans. These projections include expected operating performance improvements reflecting the Group’s objectives to maximise 
free cash flow, optimise and reduce operational activity, apply technology, improve capital and labour productivity and remove high cost 
gold ounces from the production profile. 

The LOM plan for Hidden Valley used in the 2015 impairment review reflects updated operating cost, capital cost and development timing 
assumptions. The operating and financial performance at Hidden Valley has remained disappointing. Key assumption changes in the 
calculation of the Fair Value of Hidden Valley estimated at 30 June 2015 include the removal or reduced scale of future developments  
and a reduction in the timing and extent of future estimated cost improvements.

Lihir’s LOM plan used in the estimation of Fair Value at June 2015 remained unchanged from the prior year and continued to include 
improving production and cost efficiency assumptions reflecting expectations of ongoing improvement initiatives. Lihir’s operating 
performance and free cash flow generation in the year ended June 2015, met or exceeded the Company’s expectations. The success  
of improvement initiatives during 2015, including the implementation of an enhanced operating strategy, together with further  
planned initiatives, provides support for the inclusion of improvements in the assumptions used in the calculation of Fair Value.

During the second half of the 2015 financial year, Newcrest progressed a review of the future operating options for Telfer, assessing 
several further development opportunities, particularly relating to further open pit cutbacks. Findings from this review, together with 
Telfer’s strong operating and financial performance during 2015, and improved market outlook for Telfer’s costs, have supported updated 
assumptions in the Telfer 2015 LOM plan relating to operating and capital costs, and optimisation of production levels and timing.  
In combination, these updated assumptions have resulted in an increase in Fair Value and an impairment reversal has been recognised. 

Exploration values and unmined resource
Exploration values have been estimated by the Group based on estimates of total mineral endowments by CGU. A per unit valuation  
of expected resource growth is applied on a CGU specific basis, determined by the expected realisable value of the estimated additional 
mineral inventory.

Unmined resources may not be included in a CGU’s particular LOM plan for a number of reasons, including the need to constantly  
re-assess the economic returns on and timing of specific production options in the current economic environment. The Group has 
estimated unmined resources values on a dollar margin per gold equivalent ounce basis individually for each CGU, taking into account  
a range of factors including the physical specifications of the ore, probability of conversion, estimated capital and operating costs, and 
length of mine life.

The value of exploration and unmined resources as a % of the assessed Fair Value in the current period and prior period for each CGU 
subject to impairment is as follows:

2015
Exploration
Unmined resource

2014
Exploration
Unmined resource

Lihir

Telfer

Hidden Valley

West Africa

8%
1%

8%
1%

5%
0%

13%
0%

0%
0%

11%
0%

9%
0%

22%
3%

The reduction in the relative value contribution of exploration for both Hidden Valley and West Africa is a result of reduced expectations  
of prospectivity of current tenement holdings, and in both cases contributed to the impairments recognised as at 30 June 2015.

The reduction in the relative value contribution of exploration for Telfer is a combination of reduced expectations of prospectivity and the 
increased overall value of Telfer resulting from the impairment reversal as at 30 June 2015. 

(iii) Impacts
After reflecting the write down of inventories arising from the Group’s revised metal price and exchange rate estimates, the Group has 
conducted carrying value analysis and recognised a net impairment reversal of A$46 million after tax, as summarised in the table below:

Impairment – reversal/ (loss)

CGU

Telfer
Hidden Valley
West Africa

Total items by CGU

Attributable to:
Non-controlling interest
Owners of the parent

Pre-tax 
A$m

538
(245)
(85)

208

Tax 
A$m

(162)
–
–

(162)

Post-tax 
A$m

376
(245)
(85)

46

(9)
55

46

The drivers of the impairment reversal at Telfer primarily relate to the reduction in the Group’s short and long term AUD: USD exchange 
rate estimates which had a positive impact on A$ revenue, together with improved cost and production assumptions in the LOM plan. 
Cumulative impairments previously recognised in 2013 and 2014 for Telfer amount to A$1,315 million after-tax. 

The drivers of the impairments for the respective CGU’s are:

 –  At Hidden Valley, primarily relating to the lower short and long term US dollar gold price assumptions, lower expectations of 

improvements in future cost and production performance included in LOM plans and a reduced value attributable to exploration 
prospectivity. The magnitude of these negative impacts on Fair Value was only partly offset by the benefit of an assumed weaker  
PNG Kina compared to the US dollar. 

 –  At West Africa primarily relating to the lower short and long term US dollar gold price assumptions and a reduced value attributable  

to exploration prospectivity. 

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 117

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 June 2015

19. IMPAIRMENT CHARGES AND REVERSALS (continued)

(b) Sensitivity Analysis
After effecting the impairments for the West Africa and Hidden Valley CGUs and the impairment reversal for Telfer, the Fair Value of these 
assets is assessed as being equal to their carrying amount as at 30 June 2015. Although Lihir was not subject to an impairment or an 
impairment reversal as at 30 June 2015, its carrying amount at that date is still considered to approximate its Fair Value. 

No impairment or impairment reversal has been recognised in relation to Lihir at 30 June 2015. Impairment charges in relation to Lihir  
were recognised in each of the years ended June 2013 and June 2014 totalling A$5,474 million. In light of observed operating performance 
in the year ended June 2015, and the impact of revised gold price and exchange rate assumptions, the carrying amount at 30 June 2015  
of the Lihir CGU continues to reflect its Fair Value.

Any variation in the key assumptions used to determine Fair Value would result in a change of the estimated Fair Value. If the variation  
in assumption had a negative impact on Fair Value it could indicate a requirement for additional impairment of non-current assets.  
If the variation in assumption had a positive impact on Fair Value it could indicate a requirement for a reversal of non-current assets.

It is estimated that the following reasonably possible changes in the key assumptions would have the following approximate impact on 
the Fair Value of each CGU in its functional currency as at 30 June 2015 that has been subject to impairment or impairment reversal in the 
2015 statutory accounts:

$ million in functional currency

US$100 per ounce change in gold price
0.25% increase/decrease in discount rate
$0.05 increase/decrease in AUD:USD rate
$0.10 increase/decrease in USD:PGK rate
5% increase/decrease in operating costs from that assumed

Lihir 
USD

1,225
170
115
215
430

Telfer 
AUD

Hidden Valley 
USD

West Africa 
USD

290
10
270
n/a
140

60
5
minor
minor
40

50
5
minor
n/a
20

As identified above, the level of production activity is also a key assumption in the determination of Fair Value, most notably in relation to 
Lihir, for which further increases in processing throughput are assumed. Should increases in processing capacity not be achieved, changes 
in Fair Value estimates may arise. Due to the number of factors that could impact production activity, such as processing throughput, 
changing ore grade and/or metallurgy and revisions to mine plans in response to physical or economic conditions, no quantified sensitivity 
has been determined.

It must be noted that each of the sensitivities above assumes that the specific assumption moves in isolation, whilst all other assumptions 
are held constant. In reality, a change in one of the aforementioned assumptions may accompany a change in another assumption which 
may have an offsetting impact (for example, a decline in the US dollar gold price accompanied with a decline in the Australian dollar compared 
to the US dollar). Action is also usually taken to respond to adverse changes in economic assumptions that may mitigate the impact of any 
such change.

In addition to the impairment testing performed at 30 June 2015, the Group also undertook a sensitivity analysis on the Cadia Valley and 
Gosowong CGUs. Both of these CGUs have a Fair Value that significantly exceeds their carrying value. None of the sensitivities in the table 
above, applied either in isolation or in aggregate (as improbable as this scenario may be) to the Cadia Valley and Gosowong CGUs would 
cause an impairment in either CGU as at 30 June 2015. The gold price assumptions required in order for the estimated Fair Values to equal 
the carrying amounts for these two CGUs are:
 – Cadia Valley – less than approximately US$612 per ounce; and 
 – Gosowong – less than approximately US$705 per ounce. 

20. INVESTMENT IN ASSOCIATE

(a) Investment in Evolution Mining Ltd 
Carrying amount at 1 July
Share of profit
Share of comprehensive income
Dividends received
Reversal of impairment loss recognised
Derecognition of equity accounted investment

Carrying amount at 30 June 

2015 
A$m

162
19
–
(5)
–
(176)

–

2014 
A$m

132
22
2
(5)
11
–

162

The Group accounted for its investment in Evolution Mining Limited (‘Evolution’) using the equity method until 27 February 2015.  
On 27 February 2015, the Group sold 124,600,000 shares in Evolution for net proceeds of A$105 million. This reduced the Group’s 
shareholding from 231,082,631 shares (32.3% interest) to 106,482,631 shares (14.9% interest) on 27 February 2015.

Following the sale, the Group determined that it no longer had significant influence over its investment and discontinued the equity method 
of accounting. The Group’s retained interest in Evolution was remeasured to fair value of A$90 million as at 27 February 2015 and was 
reclassified as an available-for-sale financial asset. Refer Note 5(a) for details of the profit or loss impact of this transaction and Note 13  
for details of the available-for-sale investment.

118 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

(b) Summarised Financial Information
The following table discloses summarised financial information of the Group’s investment in Evolution:

Associate’s statement of financial position:
Current assets
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities

Net assets

Proportion of Newcrest’s ownership
Carrying value calculated per ownership percentage
Fair value adjustment

Carrying amount

Associate’s statement of comprehensive income:
Revenue
Profit after tax
Other comprehensive income

2015 
A$m

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

433
59
–

2014 
A$m

154
956
(101)
(204)

805

32.4%
261
(99)

162

634
68
6

(c) Transactions with Associate
In 2014, Directors fees in the amount of A$98 thousand were received by the Company from Evolution, a company in which Mr Lawrie 
Conway and Mr Peter Smith were Directors, for services provided during the period in which they were employed with the Company. 

21. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Trade payables(1)
Other payables and accruals(1)

Total trade and other payables

(1)  All payables are unsecured, non interest-bearing and are normally settled on 30-60 day terms.

22. BORROWINGS

Current
US dollar private placement notes – unsecured

Total current borrowings

Non-Current
US dollar bilateral bank debt – unsecured (1)
US dollar corporate bonds – unsecured (1)
US dollar private placement notes – unsecured

Total non-current borrowings

2015 
A$m

166
260

426

2015 
A$m

–

–

1,267
2,589
163

4,019

2014 
A$m

88
231

319

2014 
A$m

112

112

1,725
2,107
132

3,964

Note

(c)

(a)
(b)
(c)

(1)  Transaction costs incurred in the establishment of these facilities have been deducted from the face value of the facility.

(a) US Dollar Bilateral Bank Debt
The Group has bilateral bank debt facilities of US$3,150 million (2014: US$3,150 million) with 13 banks (2014: 13 banks). These are committed 
unsecured revolving facilities, individually negotiated and documented with each bank but with similar terms and conditions. 

These facilities are on normal terms and conditions and include certain financial covenants. Interest is based on LIBOR plus a margin which 
varies amongst the lenders. The facility maturity dates profiles are shown in the table below:

Facility Maturity (financial year ending) 

June 2016
June 2017 
June 2018
June 2019 
June 2020

2015 
US$m

–
1,075
725
875
475

3,150

2014 
US$m

225
1,200
725
875
125

3,150

2015 
A$m

–
1,400
944
1,139
619

4,102

2014 
A$m

239
1,274
769
929
133

3,344

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 119

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 June 2015

22. BORROWINGS (continued)

(b) US Dollar Corporate Bonds
In each of November 2011 and October 2012, Newcrest issued US$1,000 million in US dollar corporate bonds (notes). The notes were sold 
in accordance with Rule 144A and Regulation S of the Securities Act of the United States. The notes consist of:

Maturity

November 2021
October 2022
November 2041

Coupon Rate

4.45%
4.20%
5.75%

2015 
US$m

750
750
500

2014 
US$m

750
750
500

2015 
A$m

977
977
650

2,000

2,000

2,604

2014 
A$m

796
796
531

2,123

(c) US Dollar Private Placement Notes
During the year ended 30 June 2005, the Group issued US$350 million of long term senior unsecured notes into the North American 
private placement market. The tranches remaining are shown in the table below:

Maturity

May 2015
May 2017
May 2020

Coupon Rate

5.66%
5.71%
5.92%

2015 
US$m

–
100
25

125

2014 
US$m

105
100
25

230

2015 
A$m

–
130
33

163

2014 
A$m

112
106
26

244

These notes are on normal terms and conditions and include certain financial covenants. These notes were fully drawn as at 30 June 2015.

(d) US Dollar Facility Agreement
During the year ended 30 June 2014, PT Nusa Halmahera Minerals entered into a US$50 million loan facility with one bank. In January 2015, 
this facility was extended by a further 12 months. This is an unsecured revolving facility maturing in January 2016 (2014: January 2015).  
The facility is on normal terms and conditions and includes certain financial covenants. Interest is based on LIBOR plus a margin. 

As at 30 June 2015 this facility has not been utilised.

(e) Hedging: US Dollar Denominated Debt
Where considered appropriate the foreign currency component of US dollar denominated debt is designated either as a cash flow hedge  
of future US dollar denominated commodity sales or a net investment in foreign operations with a US dollar functional currency.  
Refer Note 31(d) for further details. 

(f) Financial Arrangements
The Group has access to the following unsecured financing arrangements at the end of the financial year.

Facilities utilised at reporting date(1)
USD Bilateral bank debt facilities 
USD Private placement notes 
USD Corporate bonds

Facilities unutilised
USD Bilateral bank debt facilities 
USD Facility agreement

Total facilities
USD Bilateral bank debt facilities 
USD Private placement notes 
USD Corporate bonds
USD Facility agreement

2015 
US$m

2014 
US$m

2015 
A$m

2014 
A$m

975
125
2,000

3,100

2,175
50

2,225

3,150
125
2,000
50

5,325

1,630
230
2,000

3,860

1,520
50

1,570

3,150
230
2,000
50

5,430

1,270
163
2,604

4,037

2,832
65

2,897

4,102
163
2,604
65

6,934

1,730
244
2,123

4,097

1,614
53

1,667

3,344
244
2,123
53

5,764

(1)  As at 30 June 2015, 69% of the facilities utilised were at fixed interest rates and 31% at floating rates.  

(30 June 2014: 58% fixed rates and 42% floating rates).

120 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

23. PROVISIONS

Current
Employee benefits
Mine rehabilitation
Restructure
Other

Total current provisions

Non-Current
Employee benefits
Mine rehabilitation
Restructure

Total non-current provisions

Note

(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

(a)
(b)
(c)

2015 
A$m

150
8
10
50

218

51
400
9

460

2014 
A$m

154
7
16
38

215

40
309
10

359

(a) Employee Benefits
Represents annual leave, long service leave, salary at risk and other employee benefits (refer Note 2 (u)).

(b) Mine Rehabilitation 
The Group recognises that it has an obligation to restore its mine sites to their original condition at the end of the life of mine. Mine 
rehabilitation costs are provided for at the present value of future expected expenditure when the obligation to rehabilitate is first 
incurred. Although the ultimate cost to be incurred is uncertain, the Group has estimated its costs based on feasibility and engineering 
studies using current restoration standards and techniques. When this liability is recognised a corresponding asset is also recognised as 
part of the development costs of the mine and is amortised across the same useful life.

(c) Restructure
Represents the costs associated with the restructuring activities within the Group.

(d) Other Provisions
Comprises of onerous contracts, community obligations and other miscellaneous items.

Movements in provisions
Movements in provisions (excluding employee benefits) during the year were as follows:

At 1 July 2014
Recognised during the year
Movements in discount rates and timing of cash flows 
Paid/utilised during the year
Unwinding of discount
Foreign currency translation

At 30 June 2015

Split between:
Current
Non-current

Mine 
Rehabilitation 
A$m

Restructure 
A$m

Other Provisions 
A$m

316
42
33
(1)
12
6

408

8
400

408

26
8
–
(15)
–
–

19

10
9

19

38
12
–
(9)
–
9

50

50
–

50

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 121

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 June 2015

24. OTHER FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

Current
Quotational period derivatives (1)
Copper forward sales contracts
Gold forward sales contracts

Total current financial derivative liabilities

(1)  Represents the embedded derivatives relating to quotational period movements on commodity sales. Refer note 2(y).

25. ISSUED CAPITAL

(a) Movements in Issued Capital
Opening balance
Shares issued during the year:
 – Share plans(1)
 – Shares repurchased and held in treasury(2)

Total issued capital

(b) Number of Issued Ordinary Shares
Comprises:
 – Shares held by the public
 – Treasury shares

Total issued capital

Movement in issued ordinary shares for the year
Opening number of shares
Shares issued under:
 – Share plans(1)
 – Shares repurchased and held in treasury(2)

Closing number of shares

Movement in treasury shares for the year
Opening number of shares
 – Purchases
 – Issued pursuant to share plans

Closing number of shares

2015 
A$m

2014 
A$m

15
–
–

15

–
7
3

10

2015 
A$m

 2014 
A$m

 13,593

 13,592

–
(9)

1
–

 13,584

 13,593

 2015 
 No.

 2014 
 No.

 765,753,346
 757,625

 766,165,794
 345,177

 766,510,971

 766,510,971

 766,165,794

 765,607,049

 247,552
 (660,000)

 558,745 
 –

 765,753,346

 766,165,794

345,177
660,000
(247,552)

757,625

 903,922
–
(558,745)

345,177

(1)  Represents rights exercised under the Company’s share-based payments plans and executive service agreements. Refer to Note 27 for share-based payments.
(2)  During the year, the Newcrest Employee Share Plan Trust (‘Trust’) purchased a total of 660,000 ordinary fully paid Newcrest shares at an average price  
of A$12.95 per share. The shares were purchased on-market to be held by the Trustee on behalf of the Trust to satisfy the future entitlements of the 
holders of performance rights (and any other rights to acquire shares) under Newcrest’s current and future employee incentive schemes.

122 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
26. RESERVES

Equity settlements reserve
Foreign currency translation reserve
Hedge reserve
Fair value reserve

Total reserves

Note

(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

2015 
A$m

 79
 33
 9
 32

 153

2014 
A$m

 71
 (735)
 17
 –

 (647)

(a) Equity Settlements Reserve
The equity settlements reserve is used to recognise the fair value of rights and options issued to employees, including Key Management 
Personnel in relation to equity-settled share based payments.

(b) Foreign Currency Translation Reserve
The foreign currency translation reserve is used to record exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial statements  
of foreign subsidiaries. The reserve is also used to record gains and losses on hedges of the net investment in foreign operations  
(refer Note 2(w)). 

In prior years, the Group issued US$2,000 million in US denominated corporate bonds. This debt was designated as a hedge of the  
net investment in a foreign operation (Lihir Gold Limited). The exchange gains or losses upon subsequent revaluation of this US dollar 
denominated debt, in an effective hedge relationship, from the historical drawdown rate to the period-end spot exchange rate are 
recognised through other comprehensive income and deferred in the foreign currency translation reserve. These cumulative gains  
or losses will remain deferred in the foreign currency translation reserve and will only be transferred to the Income Statement in the  
event of the disposal of the foreign operation. 

(c) Hedge Reserve
The hedge reserve is used to record the effective portion of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges (refer Note 2(w)).  
The components of the hedge reserve at year end were as follows:

Component

FX gains on US dollar denominated borrowings (i)
Other cash flow hedges

Tax effect

Total hedge reserve

2015 
A$m

 11
 2

 13
 (4)

 9

2014 
A$m

 20
 4

 24
 (7)

 17

(i) FX Gains on USD Private Placement Notes
The foreign currency component of this US dollar denominated debt was designated as a cash flow hedge of future US dollar denominated 
commodity sales. During the 2010 financial year, this hedge was de-designated. As a result of this de-designation, foreign exchange 
differences on the retranslation of this debt, from the date of de-designation are recorded in the Income Statement.

During the year A$9 million pre-tax (A$6 million post-tax) was transferred to the Income Statement (2014: A$nil).

The remaining balance of this cash flow hedge, in the hedge reserve is A$8 million net of tax (2014: A$14 million). This balance will continue 
to remain in the hedge reserve and will be released to the Income Statement, in the same period as the anticipated hedged US dollar 
denominated commodity sales.

(d) Fair Value Reserve
The Fair Value Reserve records movements in the fair value of available-for-sale financial assets. Where a revalued financial asset is sold  
or is determined to be impaired, the cumulative gain or loss included in the reserve is recognised in the Income Statement. The movement 
during the current year relates to the movement in the fair value of the investment in Evolution from A$90 million (being the fair value  
of the retained interest in Evolution at the date the Group sold down its interest) to A$122 million as at 30 June 2015 (refer Note 13). 

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 123

 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 June 2015

27. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS 

(a) Newcrest Employee Share Acquisition Plan
Under the Newcrest Employee Share Acquisition Plan (‘ESAP’ or the plan), eligible employees are granted shares in Newcrest Mining Limited 
(‘the Company’) for no cash consideration. All Australian resident permanent employees who have been continuously employed by the 
Group for a period of at least one year, and are not eligible for the Executive Performance Share Plan, are able to participate in the plan. 

Under the plan, eligible employees may be granted up to A$1,000 worth of fully paid ordinary shares in the Company for no consideration. 
The market value of shares issued under the plan is measured at the weighted average market price of the shares on the ASX over a period 
of a week prior to the grant date. The fair value of shares issued under the plan during the year was A$1.5 million (2014: A$1.6 million).

Members of the plan receive all the rights of ordinary shareholders. Unrestricted possession of these shares occurs at the earliest of, three 
years from the date of issue or the date employment ceases. During 2015, 1,544 employees participated in the plan (2014: 1,571 employees).

(b) Share Match Plan
The Share Match Plan commenced during the 2013 financial year. Employees may contribute up to A$4,950 to acquire shares in the plan 
year. On the third anniversary of the start of the plan year, the Company will match the number of acquired shares held by the employee  
at that time with matched shares. 

During the year, 192,148 rights were granted for nil consideration under the Share Match Plan (2014: 263,161). Of these rights 4,363 were 
exercised (2014: 1,914) and 30,481 were forfeited upon resignation of the employee (2014: 28,354).

As at 30 June 2015, there are a total of 490,463 unissued shares under rights (2014: 333,159).

(c) Executive Performance Share Plan (LTI Plan) 
The Executive Performance Share Plan (also referred to as the Long Term Incentive (LTI) plan) entitles participants to receive rights to 
ordinary fully paid shares in the Company (Performance Rights). The Executive Directors, Executive General Managers, General Managers 
and Managers participate in this plan.

The performance measures for the Performance Rights granted in the 2015 and 2014 financial years comprised of three equally weighted 
measures, being:
 – Comparative Cost Position;
 – Return on Capital Employed (ROCE); and
 – Strategic Performance.

Each LTI measure was chosen by the Board as it is a key driver of group performance:
 – Comparative Cost Position and Strategic Performance being key drivers of shareholder value in a gold mining company; and
 – ROCE being a direct measure of returns per unit of capital.

Performance against each of these measures over the three year vesting period accounts for 1/3rd of any grant made to participants. 
There is no ability to re-test performance under the Plan after the performance period.

The assessed fair value at grant date of the Performance Rights granted under the plan during the 2015 year was A$10.72 (2014: A$7.16) 
per right.

The fair value is independently determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The model inputs for Performance Rights  
granted included:

 – Share price at grant date:  
 – Expected life of right (years):  
 – Exercise price:  
 – Risk-free interest rate:  
 – Expected dividend yield:  

A$10.72 
3 years 
Nil  
2.28% 
0.0% 

(2014: A$7.16)
(2014: 3 years)
(2014: Nil)
(2014: 3.08%)
(2014: 0.0%) 

124 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

(d) Movements in the Number of Rights issued under the LTI Plan
Detailed information of Performance Rights over unissued ordinary shares is set out below:

Number at 
beginning  
of year

23,097
22,408
407,444
525,985
1,826,837
–

Movement in Number of Rights During the Year

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Number at  
end of year

Number 
Exercisable  
at end of year

–
–
–
–
–
1,802,258

(23,097)
(16,685)
(34,294)
–
–
–

–
(1,291)
(373,150)
(73,931)
(455,262)
(39,576)

–
4,432
–
452,054
1,371,575
1,762,682

2,805,771

1,802,258

(74,076)

(943,210)

3,590,743

31,175
110,967
90,284
178,590
480,584
704,641
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
2,048,677

(31,175)
(110,967)
(64,542)
(33,048)
–
–
–

–
–
(2,645)
(123,134)
(73,140)
(178,656)
(221,840)

–
–
23,097
22,408
407,444
525,985
1,826,837

–
4,432
–
–
–
–

4,432

–
–
23,097
22,408
–
–
–

1,596,241

2,048,677

(239,732)

(599,415)

2,805,771

45,505

Exercise date 
on or after

Expiry Date

10 Nov 12
10 Nov 13
23 Sep 14
17 Sep 15
16 Sep 16
7 Nov 17

11 Nov 10
11 Nov 11
10 Nov 12
10 Nov 13
23 Sep 14
17 Sep 15
16 Sep 16

10 Nov 14
10 Nov 15
23 Sep 14
17 Sep 15
16 Sep 16
7 Nov 17

11 Nov 12
11 Nov 13
10 Nov 14
10 Nov 15
23 Sep 14
17 Sep 15
16 Sep 16

Grant date

2015
10 Nov 09
10 Nov 10
23 Sep 11
17 Sep 12
4 Dec 13
12 Dec 14

Total

2014
11 Nov 08
11 Nov 08
10 Nov 09
10 Nov 10
23 Sep 11
17 Sep 12
4 Dec 13

Total

All Performance Rights have a nil exercise price.

28. KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

(a) Details of Directors and Key Management Personnel
Key Management Personnel (KMP) comprises the Company Directors (including Executive Directors) and Executive General Managers.  
The Managing Director, Finance Director and the Executive General Managers (EGM) are members of the Group’s Executive Committee 
(Exco). The members of the Exco exercise the greatest control over the management and strategic direction of the Group and are also  
the highest paid individuals in the Group.

Name

Directors

Peter Hay
Sandeep Biswas(1)
Gerard Bond
Philip Aiken AM
Vince Gauci
Winifred Kamit
Richard Knight
Rick Lee AM
Tim Poole
John Spark

Position

Non-Executive Chairman 
Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer
Finance Director and Chief Financial Officer 
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director 
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director

Executive General Managers 
Craig Jones
Francesca Lee
Colin Moorhead
Jane Thomas(2)
David Woodall

Former Executive Directors and General Managers
Greg Robinson(3)
Geoff Day(4)
Debra Stirling(5)

(1)  Sandeep Biswas was appointed to the position on 4 July 2014.
(2)  Jane Thomas was appointed to the position on 5 January 2015.
(3)  Greg Robinson ceased in the position of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer on 4 July 2014.
(4)  Geoff Day ceased in the position on 14 September 2014 upon resignation.
(5)  Debra Stirling left the Company on 4 July 2014.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 125

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 June 2015

28. KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL (continued)

(b) Remuneration of Key Management Personnel and Directors

Short-term
Long-term
Post-employment
Termination benefits
Share-based payments expense

(c) Shareholdings and Rights of Key Management Personnel
Details of shareholdings and rights of KMP are outlined in the Remuneration Report.

(d) Loans and other transactions with Key Management Personnel
There are no loans made to KMP, or their related entities, by the Group.

29. AUDITORS REMUNERATION

(a) Amounts received or due and receivable by Ernst & Young (Australia) for:
Audit or review of financial reports of the company and subsidiaries
Other services:
 – Tax advisory and assurance services 
 – Accounting advice and other assurance-related services

(b) Amounts received or due and receivable by related practices  
of Ernst & Young (Australia) for:
Audit or review of financial reports of subsidiaries

(c) Amounts received or due and receivable by other auditors for:
Audit or review of the financial report of subsidiaries

2015 
A$’000

14,493
265
273
1,305
2,035

18,371

2014 
A$’000

17,746
364
352
5,056
(579)

22,939

2015 
A$’000

2014 
A$’000

1,924

390
516

2,830

224

107

107

2,372

502
149

3,023

224

87

87

30. CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL OBJECTIVES

The capital structure of Newcrest consists of debt, which includes borrowings as disclosed in Note 22, cash, cash equivalents and equity. 
The Group is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements.

Financial Objectives
Newcrest’s financial objectives are to:
 – Meet all financial obligations,
 – Maintain a strong balance sheet so as to withstand cash flow volatility,
 – Be able to invest capital in value-creating opportunities, and;
 – Be able to return excess cash generated to shareholders. 

As an unhedged gold producer, Newcrest looks to maintain a conservative level of balance sheet leverage.

The Group’s management of financial risk is based on continual monitoring and review of its forecast financial position against this 
criteria. The Group has a detailed planning process that forms the basis of all cash flow forecasting, and updates these forecasts on  
a regular basis. The cash flow forecast is used to analyse sensitivities that stress-test financial risks and forms the basis for the annual 
Capital Management Plan which is reviewed by the Board.

Newcrest aims to maintain an optimal capital structure that reduces the cost of capital and maximises shareholder returns, withstands 
price volatility and allows completion of approved major capital projects through periods of price volatility.

From a financial policy perspective, Newcrest looks to:
 – Target an investment grade credit rating throughout the cycle;
 – Maintain a leverage ratio (Net Debt to EBITDA) of less than 2.0 times;
 – Maintain a gearing ratio of below 25%; and
 – Maintain diverse funding sources, sizeable committed undrawn bank facilities and USD debt with an appropriate tenor having regard  

to the life of the Company’s assets.

Newcrest’s dividend policy continues to balance financial performance and capital commitments with a prudent leverage and gearing level 
for the Company. Newcrest looks to pay ordinary dividends that are sustainable over time having regard to its financial policy, profitability, 
balance sheet strength and reinvestment options in the business.

126 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

(a) Gearing Ratio
The gearing ratio at year-end was as follows:

Total debt
Less: Cash and cash equivalents

Net debt
Equity

Total capital (Net debt and equity)

Gearing ratio

(b) Leverage Ratio
The leverage ratio for the year was as follows:

Net debt
EBITDA(1)
Leverage ratio 

2015 
A$m

 4,019

 (258)
 3,761
 9,059

 12,820

 29.3%

2014 
A$m

 4,076

 (141)
 3,935
 7,707

 11,642

 33.8%

2015 
A$m

2014 
A$m

 3,761
 1,673
 2.2 times

 3,935
 1,514
 2.6 times

(1) EBITDA is used as a segment measure. Refer to Note 6 for definition. 

Under current market and operating conditions, the Newcrest Board remains comfortable with this level of debt given the near term cash 
flow outlook of the Group and will continue to apply free cash flow to the reduction of debt.

31. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

Credit, liquidity and market risk (including foreign exchange risk, commodity and other price risk and interest rate risk) arise in the  
normal course of the Group’s business. These are managed under Board approved directives which underpin Group Treasury policies  
and processes. The Group’s principal financial instruments, other than derivatives, comprise interest-bearing debt, cash and short  
term deposits. Other financial instruments include trade receivables and trade payables which arise directly from operations.

(a) Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
The following table discloses the carrying amounts of each class of financial assets and financial liabilities at year end.

Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables
Derivatives at fair value through profit or loss
Derivatives in designated hedge accounting relationship
Available-for-sale financial assets

Financial Liabilities
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Derivatives at fair value through profit or loss

2015 
A$m

258
206
18
2
122

606

426
4,019
15

4,460

2014 
A$m

141
169
20
4
–

334

319
4,076
10

4,405

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 127

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 June 2015

31. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)

(b) Credit Risk
Credit risk arises from the financial assets of the Group, which comprise cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables and derivative 
financial instruments. The Group’s exposure to credit risk arises from the potential default of the counterparty with a maximum exposure 
equal to the carrying amount of these financial assets as recorded in the financial statements.

It is the Group’s policy that all customers who wish to trade on credit terms and providers of capital or financial counterparties are subject 
to a credit risk analysis including assessment of credit rating, short term liquidity and financial position. The Group obtains sufficient 
collateral (such as a letter of credit) where appropriate from customers, as a means of mitigating the risk of financial loss from defaults.  
At the reporting date the value of collateral held was A$56 million (2014: A$36 million).

Receivables balances are monitored on an ongoing basis with the result that the Group’s exposure to bad debts is not significant.  
There were no material impairments of receivables as at 30 June 2015 or 30 June 2014.

The majority of the Group’s receivables are due from concentrate customers in Japan, China, Europe and Korea. There have been no credit 
defaults with these customers in recent history. Newcrest’s Treasury department evaluates credit risk on a continual basis. At the 
reporting date there were no other significant concentrations of credit risk. 

The Group limits its counterparty credit risk on liquid funds and derivative financial instruments by dealing only with banks or financial 
institutions with credit ratings of at least BBB equivalent.

The ageing of trade and other receivables at the reporting date was as follows:

Trade and other receivables

2015
Bullion awaiting settlement
Metal in concentrate receivables
GST receivable
Other receivables

2014
Bullion awaiting settlement
Metal in concentrate receivables
GST receivable
Other receivables

Not Past Due 
A$m

Past due but not impaired

Less than  
30 days 
A$m

Greater than  
30 days  
A$m

19
133
30
24

206

34
62
46
25

167

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
1

1

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
1

1

Total 
A$m

19
133
30
24

206

34
62
46
27

169

(c) Liquidity Risk 
The liquidity position of the Group is managed to ensure sufficient liquid funds are available to meet the Group’s financial commitments  
in a timely and cost-effective manner. The Group undertakes stress testing of operational cash flows which are matched with capital 
commitments to assess liquidity requirements. The Capital Management Plan is the formal record of the analysis and actions required  
in detail for the next 12 months and longer term to five years.

The Group maintains a balance between continuity of funding and flexibility through the use of loans and committed available credit lines. 
Included in Note 22 is a list of undrawn facilities that the Group has at its disposal to manage liquidity risk.

The following table reflects all contractually fixed repayments and interest resulting from recognised financial liabilities at the reporting 
date, including derivative financial instruments. For derivative financial instruments the market value is presented, whereas for the other 
obligations the respective undiscounted cash flows for the respective upcoming financial years are presented.

2015
Payables
Borrowings
Derivatives

2014
Payables
Borrowings
Derivatives

Less than  
6 months 
A$m

Between  
6-12 months 
A$m

Between  
1-2 years 
A$m

Between  
2-5 years 
A$m

Greater than  
5 years 
A$m

426
76
15

517

319
52
10

381

–
76
–

76

–
183
–

183

–
893
–

893

–
372
–

372

–
1,061
–

1,061

–
1,923
–

1,923

–
3,577
–

3,577

–
3,044
–

3,044

Total 
A$m

426
5,683
15

6,124

319
5,574
10

5,903

128 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

(d) Foreign Currency Risk
The Group undertakes transactions denominated in foreign currencies, hence exposures to exchange rate fluctuations arise. The Group’s 
revenue is denominated in US dollars whereas the majority of costs (including capital expenditure) are in Australian dollars and US dollars. 
The Group’s Statement of Financial Position can be affected significantly by movements in the AUD:USD exchange rate. The Group also 
has exposure to other foreign currencies such as the Indonesian Rupiah, Papua New Guinea Kina, Central African Franc and Fiji Dollar 
however these exposures are less significant. 

Newcrest hedges certain non-functional-currency capital commitment exposures to provide some budget certainty in the functional currency.

Measuring the exposure to foreign exchange risk is achieved by regularly monitoring and performing sensitivity analysis on the Group’s 
financial position. 

The carrying amounts of the Group’s US Dollar denominated financial assets and liabilities in entities which do not have a US Dollar 
functional currency at the reporting date are as follows:

US Dollar Denominated Balances 

Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Related party receivables
Derivatives 

Financial Liabilities
Payables
Borrowings
Derivatives

Net Exposure

Net investment in foreign operations (i)

Net Exposure (inclusive of net investment in foreign operations)

2015 
A$m

 5
 133
 1,498
 16

 1,652

 26
 4,037
 15

 4,078

 (2,426)

 2,604

 178

2014 
A$m

 2
 62
 1,304
 14

 1,382

 22
 4,097
 10

 4,129

 (2,747)

 2,787

 40

(i)  The Group seeks to mitigate the effect of its foreign currency exposure by borrowing in US Dollars. Where considered appropriate the 

foreign currency component of the US Dollar denominated debt is designated either as a:
 – Net investment in foreign operations. 

Exchange gains or losses upon subsequent revaluation of US Dollar denominated borrowings from the historical draw down rate  
to the period end spot exchange rate are recognised through other comprehensive income and deferred in equity in the Foreign 
Currency Translation Reserve and will be released to the Income Statement if the foreign operation is sold. As at 30 June 2015  
US Dollar borrowings of A$2,604 million were designated as a net investment in foreign operations (2014: A$2,787 million); or

 – Cash flow hedge of future US Dollar denominated commodity sales. 

Exchange gains or losses upon subsequent revaluation of US Dollar denominated borrowings from the historical draw-down rate  
to the period-end spot exchange rate are recognised in other comprehensive income and deferred in equity in the Hedge Reserve 
and will be released to the Income Statement as the anticipated hedged US Dollar denominated commodity sales to which the 
deferred gains/(losses) are designated, occur. 

Sensitivity analysis
The following table details the Group’s sensitivity arising in respect of translation of financial assets and financial liabilities to a 10% 
movement (2014: 10%) (i.e. increase and decrease) in the Australian Dollar against the US Dollar at the reporting date, with all other 
variables held constant. The 10% sensitivity is based on reasonably possible changes, over a financial year, using the observed range  
of actual historical rates for the preceding five-year period.

AUD/USD +10% (2014: +10%)
AUD/USD -10% (2014: -10%)

Impact on Profit After  
Tax Higher/(Lower)

Impact on Equity  
Higher/(Lower)

2015 
A$m

(12)
14

2014 
A$m

(3)
3

2015 
A$m

166
(203)

2014 
A$m

177
(217)

Significant assumptions used in the foreign currency exposure sensitivity analysis above include:

 – Reasonably possible movements in foreign exchange rates;

The reasonably possible movement of 10% (2014: 10%) was calculated by taking the USD spot rate as at the reporting date, moving  
this spot rate by 10% (2014:10%) and then re-converting the USD into AUD with the ‛new spot-rate’. This methodology reflects  
the translation methodology undertaken by the Group; and

 – The translation of the net assets in subsidiaries with a functional currency other than AUD has not been included in the sensitivity 

analysis as part of the equity movement. 

Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts
The Group does not have any material exposure to foreign currency contracts as at reporting date.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 129

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 June 2015

31. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)

(e) Commodity and Other Price Risks
The Group’s revenue is exposed to commodity price fluctuations, in particular to gold and copper prices. The Group’s input costs are 
exposed to price fluctuations, in particular to diesel and fuel prices. 

The Group has entered into gold and copper forward sales contracts and diesel forward contracts to manage its exposure to movements 
in commodity and input prices. The carrying amounts of the Group’s derivative financial instruments as at the reporting date are disclosed 
in Notes 13 and 24.

Quotational Period Derivatives
The terms of metal in concentrate sales contracts with third parties contain provisional pricing arrangements whereby the selling price  
for metal in concentrate is based on prevailing spot prices on a specified future date after shipment to the customer (quotation period).

Gold ounces subject to quotational period adjustment at the reporting date are 150 thousand (2014: 204 thousand). Copper tonnes 
subject to quotational period adjustment at the reporting date are 28 thousand (2014: 34 thousand).

The quotational period is usually one month for gold and three or four months for copper.

In order to minimise the impact of quotational period adjustments, the Group takes out forward sales contracts at the time of concentrate 
shipments to lock in the price.

Gold and Copper Forward Sales Contracts
The Group enters into gold and copper forward sales contracts to effectively fix the US dollar cash flows receivable on the sale of certain 
gold and copper concentrate. Gold and copper forward sales contracts are not designated into hedge relationships and therefore fair value 
adjustments on these contracts are recognised in the Income Statement as ‛Other Income/Expense’.

The following table details the gold and copper forward sale contracts outstanding as at the reporting date:

Gold and Copper forward sale contracts

Gold (ounces) 
Maturing less than 6 months
Copper (tonnes) 
Maturing less than 6 months

2015

Weighted 
Average Price 
US$

1,194

6,077

Quantity 
(‘000s)

147

26

Fair Value 
A$m

Quantity 
(‘000s)

2014

Weighted 
Average Price  
US$

4

10

181

32

1,289

6,754

Fair Value 
A$m

(3)

(7)

Diesel/Fuel Forward Contracts
The Group’s input costs are exposed to price fluctuations, in particular to diesel and fuel prices. The Group has entered into diesel/fuel 
swaps to manage its exposure to movements in diesel/fuel prices. 

The Group undertakes short-term diesel/fuel hedging in line with budget to fix certain diesel and heavy fuel oil costs.

Maturing in less than 12 months

Diesel contracts (barrels)
Heavy fuel oil contracts (tonnes)

2015

Weighted 
Average Price 
US$

Fair Value  
A$m

Quantity 
(‘000s)

2014

Weighted 
Average Price  
US$

76
356

–
2

471
197

118
602

Quantity 
(‘000s)

414
102

Fair Value 
A$m

2
2

130 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Sensitivity Analysis
The following table summarises the sensitivity of financial assets and financial liabilities held at the reporting date to movement in gold, 
copper, diesel and heavy fuel oil commodity prices, with all other variables held constant. The 15% movement for gold, copper, diesel  
and heavy fuel oil prices (2014: 15%) are based on reasonably possible changes, over a financial year, using an observed range of actual 
historical rates for the preceding five year period. 

Post-tax gain/(loss)

Gold(2)
Gold +15% (2014: +15%)
Gold -15% (2014: -15%)

Copper
Copper +15% (2014: +15%)
Copper -15% (2014: -15%)

Diesel 
Diesel +15% (2014: +15%)
Diesel -15% (2014: -15%)

Heavy fuel oil 
HFO +15% (2014: +15%)
HFO -15% (2014: -15%)

Impact on Profit(1) 
Higher/(Lower)

Impact on Equity(3) 
Higher/(Lower)

2015 
A$m

2014 
A$m

2015 
A$m

2014 
A$m

1
(1)

2
(2)

4
(4)

5
(5)

2
(2)

2
(2)

6
(6)

14
(14)

1
(1)

2
(2)

4
(4)

5
(5)

2
(2)

2
(2)

6
(6)

14
(14)

(1)  Represents the impact of the movement in commodity prices on the balance of the financial assets and financial liabilities at year end.
(2)  The impact on profit predominantly relates to the change in value of the embedded derivative relating to quotational period movements on gold sales 

(refer note 2(y)).

(3)  As the majority of these derivatives are not in hedging relationships, all fair value movements are recognised in the Income Statement and therefore  

the impact on equity only represents retained earnings impacts.

(f) Interest Rate Risk
The Group is exposed to interest rate risk as entities in the Group borrow funds at both fixed and floating interest rates. The risk is managed 
by the Group by maintaining an appropriate mix between fixed and floating rate borrowings which is evaluated regularly to align with 
interest rate views and risk profile. Details of the Group’s types and levels of debt are included in Note 22.

Interest rate exposure
The Group’s interest rate exposure together with the effective interest rate for each class of financial assets and financial liabilities at the 
reporting date is summarised as follows:

Consolidated

Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents

Financial Liabilities
Bilateral debt
Corporate bonds
Private placement

Floating  
Interest 
A$m

258

258

1,270
–
–

1,270

2015

Fixed  
Interest  
A$m

–

–
2,604
163

2,767

Effective  
Interest Rate 
%

Floating  
Interest 
A$m

0.3

1.6
4.7
5.8

141

141

1,730
–
–

1,730

2014

 Fixed  
Interest  
A$m

–

–

–
2,123
244

2,367

Effective  
Interest Rate 
%

0.4

1.7
4.7
5.7

(1,012)

(2,767)

(1,589)

(2,367)

The other financial instruments of the Group not included in the above table are non-interest bearing and not subject to interest rate risk.

Sensitivity analysis
The sensitivity analysis below has been determined based on the exposure to interest rates for non-derivative instruments 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 and represents management’s assessment of the reasonably possible change in 
interest rates over a financial year. 

Post-tax gain/(loss)

+1% (100 basis points)
- 1% (100 basis points)

Impact on Profit  
Higher/(Lower)

Impact on Equity  
Higher/(Lower)

2015 
A$m

(7)
7

2014 
A$m

(11)
11

2015 
A$m

(7)
7

2014 
A$m

(11)
11

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 131

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 June 2015

31. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)

(g) Fair Value
Fair value of financial instruments carried at amortised cost
Except as detailed in the following table, the carrying amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities recognised at amortised cost  
in the financial statements approximate their fair value.

Financial Assets/(Liabilities)

Borrowings:
Fixed rate debt:(1)
 – Corporate Bonds
 – Private placement

Carrying amount

Fair value

2015 
A$m

2014 
A$m

2015 
A$m

2014 
A$m

(2,589)
(163)

(2,752)

(2,107)
(244)

(2,351)

(2,390)
(169)

(2,559)

(1,970)
(254)

(2,224)

(1)  Amount recorded at amortised cost and the movements in the fair valuation are not recorded on the Statement of Financial Position. The fair value is a 

level 2 valuation. Fair values of the Group’s fixed rate borrowings are determined by using discounted cash flow models that use discount rates that reflect 
the issuer’s borrowing rate as at the end of the reporting period.

Fair value measurements recognised in the Statement of Financial Position
The following table provides an analysis of financial instruments that are measured subsequent to initial recognition at fair value, grouped 
into Levels 1 to 3 based on the degree to which the fair value is observable.

 – Level 1 fair value measurements are those derived from quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
 – Level 2 fair value measurements are those derived from 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). Valuation inputs include forward curves, discount 
curves and underlying spot and futures prices.

 – Level 3 fair value measurements are those derived from valuation techniques that include inputs for the asset or liability that are not 

based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

Level 1 
A$m

Level 2 
A$m

Level 3 
A$m

Total 
A$m

Financial Assets/(Liabilities)

2015
Financial Assets
Copper forward sales contracts
Gold forward sales contracts
Other financial derivatives
Other financial assets
Available-for-sale financial assets
Financial Liabilities
Quotational period derivatives

2014
Financial Assets
Quotational period derivatives
Other financial derivatives
Other financial assets
Financial Liabilities
Copper forward sales contracts
Gold forward sales contracts

32. COMMITMENTS

(a) Operating Lease Commitments
Future minimum rentals payable on non-cancellable operating leases due:
Within one year
Later than one year but not later than five years
Later than five years 

Total

The Group leases assets for operations including plant and office premises. The leases have an average life 
ranging from 1 to 10 years. There are no restrictions placed upon the lessee by entering into these leases.

(b) Capital Expenditure Commitments
Capital expenditure commitments

This represents contracted capital expenditure.

132 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

–
–
–
–
122

–

122

–
–
–

–
–

–

10
4
2
–
–

(15)

1

10
4
–

(7)
(3)

4

–
–
–
4
–

–

4

–
–
10

–
–

10

10
4
2
4
122

(15)

127

10
4
10

(7)
(3)

14

2015 
A$m

2014 
A$m

3
11
–

14

3
10
3

16

80

143

33. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

(a) Hidden Valley
Legal proceedings were commenced in December 2010 against  
the Hidden Valley mine unincorporated joint venture (in which 
Newcrest holds a 50% interest) in Papua New Guinea over alleged 
damage to the Watut River (which runs adjacent to the Hidden 
Valley gold mine) alleged to have been caused by waste rock and 
overburden run-off from the mine. The damages sought by the 
plaintiffs are not specified. The defendants intend to defend the 
claims. No active steps have been taken by the plaintiffs in this 
proceeding since late 2012. It is not practicable to make any 
reasonable assessment of the prospects of the plaintiffs 
succeeding if they proceed with these claims, nor the potential 
liability of the defendants if the plaintiffs were to succeed. 
Accordingly, no provision has been recognised in the financial 
statements for this matter. 

(b) Cadia Valley
Since 2011 a private exploration company, Gold & Copper Resources 
Pty Ltd (‘GCR’), has brought nine legal actions, including two 
appeals, against Newcrest, each relating directly or indirectly  
to Newcrest’s exploration and mining interests and activities  
in the Cadia Valley. The NSW Minister responsible for mining  
(the ‘Minister’) is also a defendant in six of the proceedings.

Of the nine legal actions commenced by GCR, eight have now been 
determined by the Court with no material impact on Newcrest.

Subsequent to year-end, the remaining proceeding was 
discontinued by GCR effective 30 July 2015.

(c) Newcrest Mining Limited
On 21 July 2014, Slater & Gordon Lawyers commenced a shareholder 
class action in the Federal Court of Australia against Newcrest  
in relation to Newcrest’s market disclosure prior to its 7 June 2013 
market release. The proceeding is brought on behalf of persons 
who acquired Newcrest shares between 13 August 2012 and 6 June 
2013. Newcrest has commenced cross claim proceedings joining 
relevant insurers to the class action. The trial of the class action 
has been ordered to commence on 29 February 2016. Newcrest 
has announced that it intends to vigorously defend the proceeding.

The Court documents do not quantify the damages that the 
claimants will seek in the proceeding for all or any part of the claim 
period. Newcrest does not consider that there is a reasonable 
basis on which to assess or estimate any potential liability, and, 
therefore, no provision has been recognised in the financial 
statements.

(d) Income Tax Matters – Indonesia 
During the current financial year the Indonesian Tax Office (‘ITO’) 
completed tax audits of PT Nusa Halmahera Minerals (‘PT NHM’) 
for the 30 June 2011 and 30 June 2013 financial years. PT NHM is 
75% owned by Newcrest. The principal issue raised was the income 
tax rate applicable under the Gosowong Contract of Work (‘COW’).

The assessment issued by the ITO to PT NHM applied a higher  
tax rate in accordance with the ITO interpretation. This resulted  
in an additional tax assessment of US$30 million in relation  
to 30 June 2011 and US$8 million in relation to 30 June 2013.  
PT NHM disagrees with these assessments but paid the tax 
payable under the assessment to mitigate future penalties.  
PT NHM has objected to these assessments and is seeking 
recovery of this US$38 million payment.

The ITO is also conducting tax audits of the 30 June 2012 and  
30 June 2014 financial years. PT NHM has applied its interpretation 
of the income tax rate applicable under the COW. If, following the 
audit, the ITO issues an assessment maintaining its alternative 
interpretation of the applicable tax rate, the additional tax  
assessed is estimated to be approximately US$33 million  
(inclusive of interest) for 30 June 2012 and US$7 million  
in relation to 30 June 2014 on a 100% basis.

PT NHM has also applied its interpretation of the income tax rate 
applicable under the COW for its provisional tax calculation for 
the 30 June 2015 financial year. If the ITO maintains its alternative 
interpretation of the applicable tax rate, the additional tax 
provision is estimated to be approximately US$7 million  
in relation to 30 June 2015 on a 100% basis.

The Group considers that PT NHM has made adequate provision 
for its taxation liabilities and is taking appropriate steps to address 
issues raised by the ITO. If PT NHM is ultimately unsuccessful  
in obtaining recovery of the paid amounts (US$46 million to date, 
which includes a payment of US$8 million in 2014 in relation  
to the 2010 financial year), income tax expense would be adversely 
impacted by any shortfall in recovery of the tax paid together with 
the re-measurement of deferred tax liabilities.

(e) Other Matters
In addition to the above matters, companies in the Group are 
recipients of, or defendants in, certain claims, proceedings and/or 
complaints made, commenced or threatened. In the opinion of the 
Directors, all such matters are of such a kind, or involve such 
amounts, that they are not anticipated to have a material effect 
on the financial position of the Group if disposed of unfavourably, 
or are at a stage which does not support a reasonable evaluation 
of the likely outcome of the matter. 

(f) Bank Guarantees
The Group has negotiated a number of bank guarantees in favour 
of various government authorities and service providers. The total 
nominal amount of these guarantees at the reporting date is 
A$137 million (30 June 2014: A$183 million).

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 133

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 June 2015

34. CONTROLLED ENTITIES

The Group comprises the following significant entities:

Entity

Parent Entity
Newcrest Mining Limited

Subsidiaries
Cadia Holdings Pty Ltd
Contango Agricultural Co. Pty Ltd
Newcrest Exploration Holdings Pty Ltd
Newcrest Finance Pty Ltd
Newcrest Holdings (Investments) Pty Ltd
Newcrest International Pty Ltd
Newcrest New Zealand Exploration Pty Ltd (formerly Horskar 
Pty Ltd)
Newcrest Operations Ltd 
Newgen Pty Ltd
Sulawesi Investments Pty Ltd 
LGL Australian Holdings Pty Ltd
LGL Mount Rawdon Operations Pty Ltd
Newcrest Singapore Holdings Pte Ltd
Newcrest Singapore (Tandai) Pte Ltd
Newcrest Insurance Pte Ltd
Newcrest Hire Holdings Pte Ltd
Newcrest Dougbafla Holdings Pte Ltd
PT Nusa Halmahera Minerals
PT Puncakbaru Jayatama
Newcrest (Fiji) Ltd
Newcrest Exploration (Fiji) Ltd
Lihir Gold Ltd
Newcrest PNG 1 Ltd
Newcrest PNG 2 Ltd
Newcrest PNG 3 Ltd
Newcrest PNG Exploration Ltd 
Newcrest Resources Inc
Newroyal Resources Inc
LGL Holdings CI SA
LGL Mines CI SA
LGL Resources CI SA
Newcrest Hire CI SA
Newcrest Dougbafla CI SA

Notes

Country of Incorporation

2015 %

2014 %

Percentage Holding

Australia

Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia

Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore
Indonesia
Indonesia
Fiji
Fiji
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea
USA
USA
Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire

(a)
(a)
(a)
(a)

(a)

(a)

(a)

(b)
(b)
(b)
(b)
(b)
(b)
(b)
(b)
(b)
(b)
(b) 
(b) 
(b) 
(b)

(b)
(b)
(b)
(b)
(b)

100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
–
100
100
100
75
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
89.89
99.89
89.89
89.89

100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
–
–
75
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
89.89
99.89
–
–

Notes:
(a)  These controlled entities have been granted relief from the necessity to prepare financial reports in accordance with Class Order 98/1418 issued  

by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission. (Refer Note 36 for further information).

(b)  Audited by affiliates of the Parent entity auditors.

134 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

35. PARENT ENTITY INFORMATION

The summarised Income Statement and Statement of Financial Position in respect to the parent entity (‘Company’) is set out below.

Company

(a) Income Statement
Profit/(loss) after income tax

Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year

(b) Statement of Financial Position
Current assets
Non-current assets

Total assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Issued capital
Equity settlements reserve
Accumulated losses:
 – Opening balance
 – Profit/(loss) after tax

 – Closing balance

Total equity

(c) Commitments
Capital expenditure commitments

2015 
A$m

939

939

167
7,774

7,941
135
111

246

7,695

13,584
79

(6,907)
939

(5,968)

7,695

2014 
A$m

(2,551)

(2,551)

127
6,838

6,965
110
98

208

6,757

13,593
71

(4,356)
(2,551)

(6,907)

6,757

4

9

(d) Guarantees and Contingent Liabilities
The Company and certain Australian controlled entities have entered into a Deed of Cross Guarantee. The effect of the Deed is that the 
Company guarantees to each creditor payment in full of any debt in the event of winding up of any of the controlled entities under certain 
provisions of the Corporations Act 2001. Further details are included in Note 36. At the reporting date, no amounts have been recognised 
in the financial information of the Company in respect of this Deed on the basis that the possibility of default is remote.

36. DEED OF CROSS GUARANTEE

Pursuant to ASIC Class Order 98/1418 (as amended) dated 13 August 1998, the wholly-owned controlled entities detailed in Note 34 are 
relieved from the Corporations Act 2001 requirements for preparation, audit, and lodgement of financial reports, and Directors’ Report.

It is a condition of the Class Order that the Company and each of the controlled entities enter into a Deed of Cross Guarantee. The effect  
of the Deed is that the Company guarantees to each creditor payment in full of any debt in the event of winding up of any of the controlled 
entities under certain provisions of the Corporations Act 2001. If a winding up occurs under other provisions of the Act, the Company will 
only be liable in the event that after six months any creditor has not been paid in full. The controlled entities have also given similar 
guarantees in the event that the Company is wound up.

A consolidated Income Statement and consolidated Statement of Financial Position, comprising the Company and controlled entities 
which are a party to the Deed, after eliminating all transactions between parties to the Deed of Cross Guarantee is set out below.

Consolidated

Income Statement

Operating sales revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit

Exploration costs
Corporate administration costs
Other revenue
Other income/(expenses) 
Restructure costs
Write-down of non-current assets
Impairment reversal/(losses)

Profit/(loss) before interest and income tax

Finance income
Finance costs

Profit/(loss) before income tax

Income tax (expense)/benefit

Profit/(loss) after income tax

2015 
A$m

2,494
(1,560)

934

(14)
(116)
103
(566)
–
–
1,114

1,455

53
(183)

1,325

(200)

1,125

2014 
A$m

2,184
(1,465)

719

(12)
(132)
34
44
(25)
(20)
(2,854)

(2,246)

57
(170)

(2,359)

(204)

(2,563)

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 135

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 June 2015

36 DEED OF CROSS GUARANTEE (continued)

Consolidated

2015 
A$m

21
143
205
16
38

423

1,856
8
5,613
2,192
3,032
41
182
9

12,933

13,356

227
–
108
15

350

4,019
219
252

4,490

4,840

8,516

13,584
(5,051)
(17)

8,516

2014 
A$m

15
235
216
14
33

513

1,449
12
5,102
1,910
2,763
49
286
9

11,580

12,093

176
112
117
10

415

3,964
190
124

4,278

4,693

7,400

13,593
(6,176)
(17)

7,400

Statement of Financial Position

Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Inventories
Other financial assets
Other assets

Total current assets

Non-current assets
Other receivables
Inventories
Investment in subsidiaries
Property, plant and equipment
Exploration, evaluation and development
Other intangible assets
Deferred tax assets
Other assets

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Provisions
Other financial liabilities

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
Provisions
Deferred tax liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity
Issued capital
Accumulated losses
Reserves

Total equity

136 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

37. INTERESTS IN JOINT OPERATIONS

The Group has interests in the following significant unincorporated joint arrangements, which are accounted for as joint operations under 
accounting standards.

Name

Country

Principal Activity

Note

2015

2014

Ownership Interest

Hidden Valley JV 
Wafi-Golpu JV 
Morobe Exploration JV 
Namosi JV 

Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea
Fiji

Gold production and mineral exploration
Mineral exploration
Mineral exploration
Mineral exploration

(a)
(a)
(a)
(b)

50.0%
50.0%
50.0%
69.94%

50.0%
50.0%
50.0%
69.94%

(a) Morobe Mining Joint Ventures
The Hidden Valley JV, Wafi-Golpu JV and the Morobe Exploration JV are collectively referred to as the Morobe Mining Joint Ventures. These 
JVs are each owned 50% by the Group and 50% by subsidiaries of Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited. Pursuant to the JV agreements, 
key operational decisions of the JVs require a unanimous vote and therefore the Group has joint control.

For segment reporting, Hidden Valley is a reportable operating segment. Wafi-Golpu and Morobe Exploration are included within the 
‘Exploration and Other’ segment. Refer Note 6 and Note 16 for additional detail in respect of Exploration Assets.

Refer to Note 33(a) regarding a contingent liability for the Hidden Valley JV.

Under the conditions of the Wafi-Golpu exploration tenements, the PNG Government (‘the State’) has reserved the right to take up  
an equity interest of up to 30% in a mine developed from Wafi-Golpu. The right is exercisable by the State once at any time prior to the 
commencement of mining. If the State exercises this right, the exercise price is a pro-rata share of the accumulated historical exploration 
costs. Once the right is exercised, the State is responsible for its proportionate share of ongoing exploration and project development 
costs. During February 2012 the State indicated its intention to exercise its option. As at 30 June 2015, this option has not been exercised. 
In the event the option is exercised in full, Newcrest’s interest in the Wafi-Golpu JV would be reduced to 35%. 

(b) Namosi Joint Venture
The Namosi JV was established between the Group and two other parties under the Namosi Joint Venture agreement in November 2007. 
Pursuant to this JV agreement, key operational decisions of the JV require a unanimous vote and therefore the Group has joint control.  
For segment reporting, the Namosi JV is included within the ‘Exploration and Other’ segment. Refer Note 6 and Note 16 for additional 
detail in respect of Exploration Assets.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 137

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 June 2015

38. INTERESTS IN SUBSIDIARIES WITH MATERIAL NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS

The Group has a number of subsidiaries with non-controlling interests with the largest non-controlling interest being in PT Nusa Halmahera 
Minerals (‘PT NHM’). PT NHM is the owner and operator of the Gosowong mine in Indonesia. Summarised financial information in respect 
of PT NHM is set out below. The summarised financial information below represents amounts before intragroup eliminations.

Balance Sheet
Current assets(1)
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities

Net assets

Non-controlling interests (25% interest)
Equity attributable to owners of the Company

Total equity

Income Statement
Sales revenue
Profit for the year

Profit attributable to:
Non-controlling interests
Owners of the Company

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

Cash flows
Cash flow from/(used in): 
Operating activities
Investing activities
Financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

(1)  Includes cash and cash equivalents of A$181 million (2014: A$63 million).

PT NHM 
 2015 
A$m

PT NHM 
2014 
A$m

308
430
(48)
(155)

535

141
394

535

499
82

20
62

82

24

245
(53)
(91)

101

243 
351 
(31)
(104)

459

115
344

459

484
90

23
67

90

16

169
(75)
(64)

30

39. EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO REPORTING DATE

There are no other matters or circumstances which have arisen since 30 June 2015 that have significantly affected or may significantly 
affect the operations of the Group, the results of those operations or the state of affairs of the Group in subsequent financial years.

138 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Directors’ Declaration

In accordance with a resolution of the Directors of Newcrest Mining Limited, we state that:

1. 

In the opinion of the Directors:

(a)   The financial statements, notes and additional disclosures included in the Directors’ Report designated as audited, of the Group  

is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:

(i) 

 Giving a true and fair view of the Group’s financial position as at 30 June 2015 and of its performance for the year ended on that 
date; and

(ii)   Complying with Australian Accounting Standards and Corporations Regulations 2001.

(b)  There are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable.

(c)   The financial statements and notes thereto are in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards issued by the 

International Accounting Standards Board.

2.  This declaration has been made after receiving the declarations required to be made to the Directors in accordance with section 295A 

of the Corporations Act 2001 for the financial year ended 30 June 2015.

3. 

In the opinion of the Directors, as at the date of this declaration, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the members of the 
Closed Group identified in Note 34 will be able to meet any obligations or liabilities to which they are, or may become, subject by virtue 
of the Deed of Cross Guarantee.

On behalf of the Board

Peter Hay 
Chairman 

Sandeep Biswas 
Managing Director and  
Chief Executive Officer 

17 August 2015 
Melbourne, Victoria

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 139

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report

140(cid:2)NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015(cid:2)141

Shareholder Information

CAPITAL (ON 31 AUGUST 2015)

Share Capital
Ordinary shareholders
Shareholdings with less than a marketable parcel of $500 worth of ordinary shares

Market price

NEWCREST TOP 20 INVESTORS AT 31 AUGUST 2015

Name

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Total

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited
National Nominees Limited
J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited
BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited – A/C 2
National Nominees Limited
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited
AMP Life Limited
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited
SBN Nominees Pty Limited
UBS Nominees Pty Ltd
Pacific Custodians Pty Limited
ABN Amro Clearing Sydney Nominees Pty Ltd
Pacific Custodians Pty Limited
Bond Street Custodians Limited
National Nominees Limited
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited – GSCO ECA
BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd

SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDERS AT 31 AUGUST 2015

Commonwealth Bank of Australia
First Eagle Investment Management
Blackrock

Orbis Group

INVESTOR CATEGORIES AT 31 AUGUST 2015

Ranges

1 – 1,000
1,001 – 5,000
5,001 – 10,000
10,001 – 100,000
100,001 and Over

Total

142 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

766,510,971
73,806

6,267

$11.20

Current Balance

Issued  
Capital %

301,094,196
148,360,811
106,262,357
72,337,732
11,252,796
6,886,267
5,882,286
4,705,251
4,517,971
2,322,431
1,536,222
1,500,000
881,250
861,920
861,514
764,105
702,926
662,321
653,236
603,058

39.31
19.37
13.87
9.44
1.47
0.90
0.77
0.61
0.59
0.30
0.20
0.20
0.12
0.11
0.11
0.10
0.09
0.09
0.09
0.08

672,648,650

87.82

9.69
9.33

9.18

5.43

Issued  
Capital %

2.39
4.74
1.61
2.30
88.96

100.0

Investors

Securities

54,453
16,750
1,721
823
59

18,293,523
36,342,049
12,368,399
17,610,729
681,896,271

73,806

766,510,971

VOTING RIGHTS

SHARE REGISTRY INFORMATION

Each ordinary shareholder present at a general meeting (whether 
in person, by proxy or by representative) is entitled to one vote  
on a show of hands or, on a poll, one vote for each fully paid 
ordinary share held.

The Company encourages shareholders to express their views  
on the conduct of business by speaking at shareholder meetings 
or by writing to the Chairman of the Board of Directors.

DIVIDENDS

The Board has determined that there will be no final dividend  
for the year ended 30 June 2015. No interim dividend was paid.  
The Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) remains in place and will be 
offered to shareholders according to the terms of the DRP. A copy 
of the DRP is on the Company’s website at www.newcrest.com.au. 

ON MARKET BUY-BACK

Newcrest has a current on-market buy-back program. There has 
been no activity under the program since April 2012.

US INVESTOR INFORMATION

Newcrest may also be traded in the form of American Depositary 
Receipts (ADRs). Each ADR represents one Newcrest ordinary 
share. The program is administered on behalf of the Company by 
The Bank of New York, and enquiries should be directed in writing 
to: The Bank of New York Mellon Shareholder Services, PO Box 
358516 Pittsburgh, PA 15252-8516.

ADR holders are not members of the Company, but may instruct 
The Bank of New York as to the exercise of voting rights pertaining 
to the underlying shareholding.

During the year, the net movement for ADRs was negative  
712,393 and at year-end a net 3,905,887 ADRs were outstanding.

INVESTORS

The Company’s website at www.newcrest.com.au/investors has  
a section where investors have access to market releases, reports, 
presentations, dividend history, shareholder information, key 
dates and other information. 

Accessing and updating information online
Visit the Company’s Share Registry, Link Market Services,  
at www.linkmarketservices.com.au to access a wide variety  
of your holding information, make the following changes  
online or download forms. You can:
 – check your current holding and balances; 
 – update your electronic communication instructions; 
 – update your address and bank details; 
 – confirm whether you have lodged your Tax File Number (TFN), 

Australian Business Number (ABN) or exemption; 

 – check transaction and dividend history; 
 – enter your email address; 
 – download a variety of instruction forms; 
 – add or update DRP instructions; 
 – lodge your proxy online for the Annual General Meeting (AGM); and
 – subscribe to email announcements.

You can access your holding via a secure login using your 
Securityholder Reference Number (SRN) or Holder Identification 
Number (HIN), which you will find on your holding record. You will 
also need the postcode recorded on your holding record.

ANNUAL REPORT

You can access a full copy of the Annual Report online at  
www.newcrest.com.au. If you no longer wish to receive  
a hard copy of the Annual Report, log into your shareholding  
or contact our share registry to update your shareholder 
communication instructions.

CONTACT INFORMATION

You can also contact the Company’s Share Registry by calling  
1300 554 474 or from outside Australia +61 1300 554 474.  
More Share Registry contact details are set out in the Corporate 
Directory section of this Report, which is inside the back cover.

NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 143

Five Year Summary
For the year ended 30 June 2015

Corporate Directory

For the 12 months ended 30 June

2015

2014

2013(1)

2012

2011

INVESTOR INFORMATION

STOCK EXCHANGE LISTINGS 

OTHER OFFICES

Gold Production – Newcrest Share(2)(3) (ounces)
Cadia Hill
Ridgeway
Cadia East(4)
Telfer
Gosowong
Hidden Valley 
Lihir(2)
West Africa(2)
Cracow(3)
Mt Rawdon(2)(3)

Total

Copper Production (tonnes)

Silver Production (ounces)

Costs per ounce (after by-product credits)
Cash costs (A$ per ounce)
All-In Sustaining Cost (A$ per ounce)
All-In Sustaining Cost (US$ per ounce)

Cash Flow (A$m)
Cash flow from operations
Exploration expenditure
Capital expenditure
Free cash flow (5)

Profit and Loss (A$m)
Sales revenue
Depreciation and amortisation
Income tax expense/(benefit)
Net profit after tax:
 – Statutory profit(6)
 – Underlying profit(7)
Earnings per share (EPS):
 – Basic EPS on statutory profit/(loss) (cents per share)
 – Basic EPS on underlying profit (cents per share)
Dividend (cents per share)(8)

Financial Position (A$m)
Total assets
Total liabilities
Total equity

Ratios (percent)
Gearing(9) (percent)
Return on Capital Employed(10) (percent)

Issued Capital (million shares) at year end

Gold Inventory (million ounces)(11)
Reserves
Resources

 – 
 223,381 
 444,038 
 520,309 
 331,555 
 94,601 
 688,714 
 119,970 
 – 
 – 

 21,141 
 345,364 
 226,326 
 536,342 
 344,747 
 105,845 
 721,264 
 94,994 
 – 
 – 

 119,372 
 262,228 
 65,279 
 525,500 
 312,711 
 85,004 
 649,340 
 90,350 
 – 
 – 

 241,430 
 223,314 
 8,451 
 540,114 
 439,384 
 88,801 
 604,336 
 92,102 
 23,787 
 24,198 

 364,196 
 147,904 
 3,320 
 621,291 
 463,218 
 100,232 
 639,256 
 41,235 
 71,206 
 75,494 

 2,422,568 

 2,396,023 

 2,109,784 

 2,285,917 

 2,527,352 

 96,816 

 86,118 

 80,366 

 76,015 

 75,631 

 2,181,419 

 2,324,210 

 1,931,816 

 1,997,247 

 1,895,610 

 760 
 941 
789

 1,589 
 46 
 564 
1,086

 4,344 
 (693)
 414 

 546 
 515 

 71.2 
 67.2 
 – 

 15,368 
 6,309 
 9,059 

 29.3 
 8.0 

 767 

75
140

 707 
 976 
897

 1,037 
 62 
 843 
133

 4,040 
 (693)
 (510)

 (2,221)
 432 

 (289.8)
 56.4 
 – 

 13,587 
 5,880 
 7,707 

 33.8 
 6.4 

 767 

78
150

 750 
 1,283 
1,318

 1,147 
 152 
 2,386 
(1,417)

 3,775 
 (728)
 (419)

 (5,783)
 446 

 (755.1)
 58.2 
 12.0 

 603 
 N/A 
N/A

 1,726 
 158 
 2,556 
(1,029)

 4,416 
 (561)
 (402)

 1,117 
 1,084 

 146.0 
 141.7 
 35.0 

 493 
 N/A 
N/A

 1,729 
 126 
 1,890 
(565)

 4,102 
 (515)
 (334)

 908 
 1,058 

 126.4 
 147.3 
 50.0 

 17,073 
 7,071 
 10,002 

 20,509 
 5,415 
 15,094 

 17,282 
 3,407 
 13,875 

 29.3 
 4.8 

 767 

87
161

 12.5 
 10.1 

 765 

79
150

 4.2 
 12.4 

 765 

 80 
 148 

(1)  Financial information for 2013 has been restated to reflect the adoption of interpretation 20 – Stripping Costs in the Production Phase of a Surface Mine.
(2)  Production from the former LGL operations included from the acquisition date of 30 August 2010.
(3)  Production from Cracow and Mt Rawdon in 2012 includes four months of production, up to the date of divestment of 2 November 2011.
(4)  Includes pre-commissioning production.
(5)  Free cash flow is calculated as cash flow from operating activities less cash flow related to investing activities.
(6)  Statutory Profit is profit/(loss) after tax attributable to owners of the parent.
(7)  Underlying Profit is profit after tax before significant items attributable to owners of the parent.
(8)  Dividends in 2011 include a special dividend of 20 cents per share.
(9)  Calculated as Net Debt to Capital (Capital comprises Total Equity plus Net Debt). 
(10) Calculated as EBIT to Average Capital Employed (Total Equity plus Net Debt).
(11)  Reserves and Resources are as at 31 December 2014 for 2015, 31 December 2013 for 2014, 31 December 2012 for 2013 and 31 December 2011 for 2012.  

2011 Reserves and Resources are at 30 June 2011.

144 NEWCREST MINING ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Perth and Telfer Offi ce

234 Railway Parade

West Leederville WA 6007

T: +61 (0)8 9270 7070

Port Morseby Offi ce

Level 4

Port Tower Building 

Hunter Street

T: + 675 321 7711

F: + 675 321 4705

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

E: investor.relations@newcrest.com.au

Link Market Services Limited

Registered and Principal Offi ce

Newcrest Mining Limited

Level 9

600 St Kilda Road

Melbourne, Victoria 3004

Australia

T: +61 (0)3 9522 5333

F: +61 (0)3 9525 2996

www.newcrest.com.au

Company Secretaries 

Francesca Lee and Claire Hannon 

Newcrest Mining Limited 

Level 9

600 St Kilda Road

Melbourne, Victoria 3004

Australia

T: +61 3 9522 5333

F: +61 3 9521 3564

E:  francesca.lee@newcrest.com.au

claire.hannon@newcrest.com.au

Investor Relations

Chris Maitland

Head of Investor Relations

Level 9

600 St Kilda Road

Melbourne, Victoria 3004

Australia

T: +61 3 9522 5717

Australian Stock Exchange

(Ticker NCM)

Port Moresby Exchange

(Ticker NCM)

New York ADRs

(Ticker NCMGY)

Share Registry

Level 1

333 Collins Street

Melbourne, Victoria 3000

Australia

Locked Bag A14

Australia

T: +61 1300 554 474 

(toll free within Australia)

F: +61 (0)2 9287 0303

+61 (0)2 9287 0309*

Sydney South, New South Wales 1235

*For faxing of Proxy Forms only.

E: registrars@linkmarketservices.com.au 

www.linkmarketservices.com.au 

PNG Registries Limited 

Level 2, AON Haus McGregor Street

Port Moresby NCD121

PO Box 1265 

Port Moresby, NCD, PNG 

T: (675) 321 6377/ 78

F: (675) 321 6379 

American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) 

The Bank of New York Mellon 

Shareholder Services

PO Box 358516

Pittsburgh, PA 15252-8516 USA

T: Toll Free for US domestic callers: 

1-888-269-2377

International Callers: +1 201-680-6825

E: shrrelations@bnymellon.com

www.bnymellon.com/shareowner

E: chris.maitland@newcrest.com.au 

E: ssimon@online.net.pg

COMPANY EVENTS

Annual General Meeting

29 October 2015 at 10.30am

Clarendon Auditorium

Melbourne Convention and 

Exhibition Centre

2 Clarendon Street

South Wharf 

Melbourne, Victoria 3006 

Visit our website at www.newcrest.com.au 

to view our key dates; current share price; 

market releases; annual, quarterly and 

financial reports; operations, project 

and exploration information; corporate, 

shareholder, employment and 

sustainability information.

Corporate Directory

INVESTOR INFORMATION

STOCK EXCHANGE LISTINGS 

OTHER OFFICES

Perth and Telfer Offi ce
234 Railway Parade
West Leederville WA 6007
T: +61 (0)8 9270 7070

Port Morseby Offi ce
Level 4
Port Tower Building 
Hunter Street
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
T: + 675 321 7711
F: + 675 321 4705

Registered and Principal Offi ce
Newcrest Mining Limited
Level 9
600 St Kilda Road
Melbourne, Victoria 3004
Australia
T: +61 (0)3 9522 5333
F: +61 (0)3 9525 2996
E: investor.relations@newcrest.com.au
www.newcrest.com.au

Company Secretaries 
Francesca Lee and Claire Hannon 
Newcrest Mining Limited 
Level 9
600 St Kilda Road
Melbourne, Victoria 3004
Australia
T: +61 3 9522 5333
F: +61 3 9521 3564
E:  francesca.lee@newcrest.com.au
claire.hannon@newcrest.com.au

Investor Relations
Chris Maitland
Head of Investor Relations
Level 9
600 St Kilda Road
Melbourne, Victoria 3004
Australia
T: +61 3 9522 5717
E: chris.maitland@newcrest.com.au 

Australian Stock Exchange
(Ticker NCM)
Port Moresby Exchange
(Ticker NCM)
New York ADRs
(Ticker NCMGY)

Share Registry
Link Market Services Limited
Level 1
333 Collins Street
Melbourne, Victoria 3000
Australia
Locked Bag A14
Sydney South, New South Wales 1235
Australia
T: +61 1300 554 474 
(toll free within Australia)
F: +61 (0)2 9287 0303
+61 (0)2 9287 0309*
*For faxing of Proxy Forms only.
E: registrars@linkmarketservices.com.au 
www.linkmarketservices.com.au 

PNG Registries Limited 
Level 2, AON Haus McGregor Street
Port Moresby NCD121
PO Box 1265 
Port Moresby, NCD, PNG 
T: (675) 321 6377/ 78
F: (675) 321 6379 
E: ssimon@online.net.pg

American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) 
The Bank of New York Mellon 
Shareholder Services
PO Box 358516
Pittsburgh, PA 15252-8516 USA
T: Toll Free for US domestic callers: 
1-888-269-2377
International Callers: +1 201-680-6825
E: shrrelations@bnymellon.com
www.bnymellon.com/shareowner

COMPANY EVENTS

Annual General Meeting
29 October 2015 at 10.30am
Clarendon Auditorium
Melbourne Convention and 
Exhibition Centre
2 Clarendon Street
South Wharf 
Melbourne, Victoria 3006 

Visit our website at www.newcrest.com.au 
to view our key dates; current share price; 
market releases; annual, quarterly and 
financial reports; operations, project 
and exploration information; corporate, 
shareholder, employment and 
sustainability information.

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