Final Results for the twelve months ended 31 De...

Final Results for the twelve months ended 31 December 2020

China Nonferrous Gold Limited

China Nonferrous Gold Limited

(“CNG” or the “Company”)

Final Results

for the twelve months ended 31 December 2020

China Nonferrous Gold Limited 中 (AIM: CNG), the mineral exploration and development company currently developing the Pakrut gold project in the Republic of Tajikistan, today announces its final results for the year ended 31 December 2020.

The results below are extracted from the Company’s audited Annual Report and Financial Statements. Copies of the Annual Report have been dispatched to shareholders today and are available on the Company’s website (www.cnfgold.com).

The Company also confirms that it will post a notice convening the annual general meeting of the Company in due course. A further announcement will be made when it is dispatched.

For further information please visit the Company’s website (www.cnfgold.com) or contact:

China Nonferrous Gold Limited

Zhang Hui, Managing Director

Tel: [phone]

WH Ireland Limited (NOMAD & Broker)

Katy Mitchell, James Sinclair-Ford

Tel: [phone]

Blytheweigh (PR)

Tim Blythe

Tel: [phone]

Project Summary

The Pakrut gold project, of which CNG has 100 per cent ownership, is situated in Tajikistan approximately 120 km northeast of the capital city Dushanbe. Pakrut is located within the Tien Shan gold belt, which extends from Uzbekistan into Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Western China, and which hosts a number of multi-million ounce gold deposits.

CNG is currently progressing well in several important aspects, with the Pakrut gold mine entering normal production and achieving full operational capacity in 2020.

The Company made significant achievements in 2020 and became an important gold-production enterprise in Tajikistan. The Pakrut gold mine achieved its internal production targets for 2020, which brings steady cash flows to support the sustainable development of the company.

About Tajikistan

Tajikistan is a secular republic located in Central Asia. The country is a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Tajikistan hosts numerous operating precious metal mines as well as the largest aluminium smelter in Central Asia. CNG's management team has extensive experience in the mining industry in Tajikistan.

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014.

Chief Executive Officer’s Statement

As CEO of the board, it gives me great pleasure to present the CEO’s statement of the annual report for the year ended 31 December 2020. Following the first successful normal production work in 2019, the Company has progressed well in several important aspects, with the Pakrut gold mine entering formal production and achieving full operational capacity in 2020.

The Company made significant achievements in 2020 and became an important gold-production enterprise in Tajikistan. The Pakrut gold mine achieved its internal production targets for 2020, which brings steady cash flows to support the sustainable development of the Company.

Operation

From January to December 2020, a total of 640,036 tons of ore was extracted from the Pakrut gold mine (2019: 731,600 tons), and a total of 684,526 tons of ore were processed at a grade of 2.16 g/t, 19,874 tons of gold concentrate were produced at a grade of 68.52 g/t, 1,126 kg gold bullion were poured with a comprehensive recovery rate of 80.01% (2019:1,168 kg gold bullion).

COVID-19

With COVID-19 continuing to have a significant impact on the global economy, our priority is the safety and health of our people and ensuring the Company’s operations can continue in operation as normal. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Tajikistan on April 30 2020, the Company has taken appropriate steps and effective measures to ensure that staff at protected at site. To date operations at the mine site at Pakrut continue as normal, and there are no confirmed or suspected cases in the Company in Tajikistan or China.

Through preventative measures such as social distancing and self-isolation to reduce COVID-19 spreading and allowing healthcare systems to make critical adaptations for testing and triage capacity, the impact on working conditions has been reduced as much as is practical. Beijing has sought to reduce channels for the transmission of the virus and there have been no cases reported within the Company to date. The mine is still in normal operation. The amount of production personnel at the mine site remains sufficient to meet the required production level, so production is still progressing well at site in spite of COVID-19 and the target for the first half of 2021 is not affected by the suspended flights. In addition, the Company organized a private chartered flight to transport around 45 Chinese employees to Tajikistan from China on 8 August 2020. We therefore remain confident that the annual internal production target can be achieved.

Financial results

The development and construction work at the Pakrut Gold Project was finalised at the end of the 2018 financial year. The Group therefore generated revenue from full operational production from the beginning of the 2019 financial year.

Administration expenditure for the year under review was US$17,827,290 (2019: US$16,336,541). The main reason for the increase this year is due to property insurance premiums, epidemic isolation costs for employees and supplementary payment of utility bills from 2016 to 2020, which the authority of Electricity and Water left some outstanding fees to collect.

The overall loss incurred by the Group was US$6,357,743 (2019: US$21,981,000). Pakrut generated gold sales revenue of US$64,516,000 (2019: US$49,157,000), a significant increase as a result of entering full operational production.

During the course of the year, the Group did not enter into any new financing agreements with shareholders or their associates. Instead, the original repayment dates in December 2019 on the loan contracts previously signed with China Nonferrous Metals International Mining Co., Ltd. and China Nonferrous Metals Mining Group Co., Ltd. (“CNMC Loans”) were extended once more and are now repayable in December 2022.

In July 2018, CNMC and CNMC Trade Co., Ltd. signed an agreement transferring one of the loans of US$20 million to China Nonferrous Mining Group Co, Ltd. to CNMC Trade Co., Ltd which constituted a related party under the AIM Rules for Companies. In July 2019, the remaining $126.5 million was also transferred to the same party.

In 2020, the Group repaid US$10 million to China Construction Bank Corporation Macau Branch (“CCBC”) in respect of its existing loan agreement, of which US$85 million remains outstanding at the year end. During 2020, the Group signed a new financing agreement with CCBC for a loan of $14.55 million, repayable in March 2021.

The existing CCBC loan facilities total US$99.55 million and the CNMC and CNMIM loan facilities total US$289 million so that, including interest, US$389 million of loans were payable as at 31 December 2020 (approximately US$349m without interest). US$349m（without interest）is payable within one year of the financial statements, which includes US$99.55 million due to CCBC and the remaining balance due to shareholders. As the major shareholder and ultimate beneficial owner, CNMIM and CNMC will continue strongly supporting the Company, especially on the extension of the loans. The loan will be extended again even though it was expired. In addition, regarding the bank facilities, the Company is confident that it will use the bank’s new loans to repay/replace the debts. The CCBC loan is due for repayment in the first half of 2021.

The Group has continued production throughout 2021 despite the outbreak of COVID-19, enabling it to raise sufficient working capital. As announced on 15 July 2020, in order to ensure the repayment of existing loans a broader refinancing will be required. Discussions are ongoing and the remaining discussions are expected to be completed in the near term. The parent Company CNMC has committed to support the CNG group should this be required for a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements.

Events after the Reporting Period

In January 2021, the Company executed an agreement with China CITIC Bank Corporation Limited (Zhuhai Branch) (“CITIC”) for a loan facility of up to CNY 300million which is equivalent to US$46.37m. The CITIC Loan facility is for a maximum of 12 months and is repayable 12 months from first drawdown. The terms of the CITIC Loan include an annual interest rate at 2.7% plus 6 month LIBOR. US$20m of the CITIC Loan was drawn down in January 2021 to replace the China Construction Bank (CCB) Macau loan of US$20m which fell due in January 2021. A second drawdown of US$14.55m in March 2021 was used to repay the CCB Asia loan of US$14.55m which fell due for repayment in March 2021.

In March 2021, the Company also extended the repayment period of loans in place with CNMC Trade Company Limited (CNMC Trade), totaling US$146.50 million, to December 2022. The Company currently has total debt facilities (including banking facilities), before interest, of c.US$319.5 million. The CCBC loan which is payable in the first half of 2021 has been repaid with a new loan from Bank of Shanghai (Hong Kong).

Outlook

The Company is continuing to enhance its production capacity. Whilst improving production, the Company is also focusing on perfecting and improving the smelting process by reducing production costs, increasing recovery rates and improving competitiveness.

The Company has long been dedicated to becoming a significant gold producer in Central Asia. The Company has also established a strong relationship with the government of Tajikistan and other Central Asian countries, and it will consider other appropriate acquisitions at the right time, although there can be no guarantee that any acquisition will occur.

While we have taken big strides in the production and operation of the Pakrut gold mine and achieved much, there are still challenges to overcome and targets to meet, all of which I am confident to accomplish in the coming months.

Uncertainty created by the coronavirus pandemic on production and operations still exists in Tajikistan, and the long term effects are difficult to predict and estimate. The Company will make every effort to meet pandemic prevention and control requirements, as well as stabilizing and expanding the production and operation of Pakrut gold mine.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our employees, management and advisers for their continued hard work in 2020. I would also like to extend my thanks to all our stakeholders for their continued backing over the years. I very much look forward to updating our shareholders further on the mine developments, production levels, new strategy and direction.

Zhang Hui

Chief Executive Officer

30 June 2021

Auditors Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of China Nonferrous Gold Limited (the ‘group’) for the year ended 31 December 2020 which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.

In our opinion, the group financial statements:

• give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s affairs as at 31 December 2020 and of its loss for the year then ended; and
• have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union.

Basis for opinion

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

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the director's use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Our evaluation of the directors’ assessment of the group’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting included an analysis of qualitative and quantitative aspects within management’s forecast financial information up to the end of 2023, as well as obtaining a letter of support from the group’s related party lenders, and reviewing the latest financial information of this entity.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Our application of materiality

The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. We determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole to be US$4,478,000 (2019: US$3,500,000) for the group financial statements using 1% of gross assets as a basis.

We consider gross assets to be the most relevant determinant of the group’s financial position and performance used by shareholders, with the key financial statement balances being producing mines, other property, plant and equipment, inventory and cash. The going concern of the group is dependent on its ability to fund operations going forward, as well as on the valuation of its assets, which represent to the underlying value of the group. However, we consider that loss before tax will also be a key indicator of performance to financial statements users as the group is still in the early stages of its production cycle and continues to seek to maximise production and operating efficiencies at the mine.

Whilst materiality for the financial statements as a whole was set a US$4,478,000 each significant component of the group was audited to an overall materiality ranging between US$21,000 and US$2,310,000 with performance materiality set at 70%. We applied the concept of materiality both in planning and performing our audit, and in evaluating the effect of misstatement.

Our approach to the audit

In designing our audit we determined materiality, as above, and assessed the risk of material misstatement in the financial statements. In particular, we looked at areas requiring the directors to make subjective judgements, for example in respect of significant accounting estimates including impairment of producing mines, and considered future events that are inherently uncertain. We also addressed the risk of management override of internal controls, including evaluating whether there was evidence of bias by the directors that represents a risk of material misstatement due to fraud.

A full scope audit was performed on the complete financial information of the group’s operating components located in Tajikistan and United Kingdom, with the group’s key accounting function for all being based in China with a local function in Tajikistan.

The group’s Tajik operations are audited by a non PKF network firm. The audit team discussed significant events occurring during the year and post year-end period with the component auditor and performed a review of the component auditor’s working papers, including review of planning and completion stage group reporting. The group audit team are responsible for the scope and direction of the audit process. All other work was performed remotely by PKF Littlejohn LLP.

Key audit matters

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

Key Audit Matter	How our scope addressed this matter
Valuation of Producing Mines – Pakrut LLC (Note 12)
Producing mines within PPE is the most material balance within the financial statements and represents the key source from which the group generates income. The carrying value of Producing mines, as at 31 December 2020, is $379m (2019: $390m). There is the risk that the value of the mine is impaired.	Our work in this area included: A review of management’s impairment assessment, including consideration of any net present value calculations used, providing challenge as to the source of the inputs and obtaining support where possible; Ensuring valid mining licenses are held; Considering any potential impairment indicators through discussion with management and the component auditor, who has visited the mine site as part of their audit, as well as review of announcements to the market and Board minutes for evidence of impairment; and A review of management’s assessment of the impact of COVID-19 on operations at the mine site as well as external macroeconomic factors, and consideration of whether there is evidence to suggest the mine asset should be impaired. We noted that the lifespan of the mine used in the depletion calculation is 18 years which is 8 years more than the licence currently held by CNG permits. Based on the information available to management there is currently no reason to expect the licence extension will not be granted however if it were not then there is the risk that the key inputs into this calculation would need to be amended. This could lead to a material impact on the related charge within the financial statements and therefore on the carrying value of Producing mines.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Responsibilities of directors

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

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

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

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

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

• We obtained an understanding of the group and the sector in which it operates to identify laws and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a direct effect on the financial statements. We obtained our understanding in this regard through discussions with management and the internal legal team in Pakrut. We also selected a specific audit team based on experience with auditing entities within this industry facing similar audit and business risks.
• We determined the principal laws and regulations relevant to the group and parent company in this regard to be those arising from:
  • AIM Rules
  • Local industry regulations in Tajikistan
  • Local tax and employment law in China and Tajikistan
• We designed our audit procedures to ensure the audit team considered whether there were any indications of non-compliance by the company with those laws and regulations. These procedures included, but were not limited to:
  • enquiries of management;
  • review of Board minutes;
  • review of legal ledger accounts;
  • A review of RNS announcements;
  • A review of component auditor’s work surrounding local laws and regulations in Tajikistan.
• We also identified the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements due to fraud. Aside from the non-rebuttable presumption of a risk of fraud arising from management override of controls, we did not identify any significant fraud risks.

• As in all of our audits, we addressed the risk of fraud arising from management override of controls by performing audit procedures which included, but were not limited to: the testing of journals, reviewing accounting estimates for evidence of bias; and evaluating the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

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

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with our engagement letter dated 1 June 2020. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone, other than the company and the company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Joseph Archer (Engagement Partner)

For and on behalf of PKF Littlejohn LLP

Statutory Auditor

15 Westferry Circus

Canary Wharf

London E14 4HD

Date:

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, Year Ended 31 December 2020

CHINA NONFERROUS GOLD LIMITED

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

			2020		2019
			US$000		US$000
Revenue	3		64,516		49,157
Cost of sales			(35,297)		(32,842)
Gross Profit			29,219		16,315
Other operating income			1		116
Administrative expenses	6		(17,827)		(16,337)
Loss on foreign exchange			(1,076)		(905)
Other operating expenses			(46)		(136)
Operating Profit/(Loss)			10,271		(947)
Finance income	8		196		270
Finance costs	8		(15,999)		(20,796)
Loss before Income Tax			(5,532)		(21,473)
Income tax	7		(824)		(508)
Loss for the year attributable to owners of the parent			(6,356)		(21,981)
Total comprehensive income attributable to owners of the parent for the year			(6,356)		(21,981)
Basic and Diluted Earnings per share attributable to owners of the parent (expressed in cents per share)	9		(1.66)		(5.75)

All of the activities of the Group are classed as continuing.

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

	Note	As at 31 December 2020 US$000	As at 31 December 2019 US$000
Non-Current Assets
Property, plant and equipment	12	373,201	402,548
Total Non-Current Assets		373,201	402,548
Current Assets
Inventories	15	15,911	16,856
Trade and other receivables	16	5,649	4,766
Cash and cash equivalents		27,196	11,120
Total Current Assets		48,756	32,743
Non-Current Liabilities
Borrowings	17	(19,822)	(103,586)
Provisions for other liabilities and charges	19	(995)	(913)
Total Non-Current Liabilities		(20,817)	(104,499)
Current Liabilities
Borrowings	17	(368,919)	(267,527)
Trade and other payables	18	(52,363)	(77,050)
Total Current Liabilities		(421,282)	(344,577)
Net Current Liabilities		(372,526)	(311,843)
Net Liabilities		(20,143)	(13,785)
Equity attributable to the owners of the parent
Share capital	21	38	38
Share premium		65,901	65,901
Other reserve		10,175	10,175
Retained earnings		(96,257)	(89,899)
Total Equity		(20,143)	(13,785)

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow

	31 December		31 December
	2020		2019
	US$000		US$000
Cash flows from Operating Activities (Note 23)	17,137		3,624
Net cash generated from Operating Activities	17,137		3,624
Cash flows from Investing Activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(1,942)		(5,842)
Interest received	196		270
Net cash used in Investing Activities	(1,746)		(5,572)
Cash flows from Financing Activities
Proceeds from borrowings (net of capitalised issue costs)	14,550		20,000
Repayment of borrowings	(10,000)		(10,000)
Interest paid	(3,866)		(5,295)
Net cash generated from Financing Activities	684		4,705
Net increase/(decrease) in Cash and cash equivalents	16,075		2,757
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year	11,120		8,363
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year	27,196		11,120

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

Attributable to owners of the parent
	Share capital US$000		Share premium US$000		Other reserve US$000		Retained earnings US$000		Total US$000
Balance at 1 January 2019	38		65,901		10,175		(67,918)		8,196
Loss for the year	-		-		-		(21,981)		(21,981)
Total comprehensive loss for the year	38		65,901		10,175		(89,899)		(13,785)
Total transactions with owners of the parent, recognised directly in equity	-		-		-		-		-
Balance at 31 December 2019	38		65,901		10,175		(89,899)		(13,785)
Balance at 1 January 2020	38		65,901		10,175		(89,899)		(13,785)
Loss for the year	-		-		-		(6,356)		(6,356)
Total comprehensive loss for the year
Total transactions with owners of the parent, recognised directly in equity	-		-		-		-		-
Balance at 31 December 2020	38		65,901		10,175		(96,255)		(20,141)

Notes to the Financial Statements

1. Financial Risk Management

The Group’s operations expose it to a number of financial risks; principally the availability of adequate funding, movements in interest rates and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Continuous monitoring of these risks ensures that the Group is protected against any adverse effects of such risks so far as it is possible and foreseeable.

Market Risk

a. Cash Flow and Interest Rate Risk

The continued operation of the Group is dependent on the ability to raise sufficient working capital until the mine produces sufficient quantities of gold to be self-sufficient. The Group currently finances itself through the issue of equity share capital and the secured loan facilities from CNMIM, CNMC and CCB. Management monitors its cash and future funding requirements through the use of cash flow forecasts. All cash not immediately required for working capital purposes is held on short term deposit. The Group’s exposure to interest rate fluctuations on cash balances is restricted to the rate earned on these short-term deposits. The potential impact of such fluctuations is not considered material to the financial statements.

The Group’s interest rate risk arises from long-term borrowings. The Group has both variable and fixed rate borrowings. Borrowings issued at variable rates expose the Group to cash flow interest rate risk which is partially offset by cash invested at variable rates. The annual fixed interest rate for the CNMIM loan is 9% for all USD and RMB denominated tranches. All payments of principal and interest in respect of the RMB denominated tranche are repayable at a fixed RMB: USD exchange rate. The interest rate on the CCB loan of US$65 million is 2.10% per annum over the quarterly LIBOR rate and the loan is repayable in US$. The interest rate on the new CCB loan of US$20 million is 1.20% per annum over the quarterly LIBOR rate and the loan is repayable in US$. The interest rate on the CNMC loan of US$90 million taken out in 2018 is fixed at 5.8% per annum, calculated and paid on a half yearly basis. The interest rate on CNMCTC loans totaling $146.5 million is 3.70% per annum over the six month LIBOR rate and the loan is repayable in US$.

At 31 December 2020, the potential impact of fluctuations in interest rates is not considered material to the financial statements.

b. Foreign Currency Risk

The Group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from currency exposures. Currency risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates. The Group has cash assets denominated in UK Sterling, United States Dollars, Tajik Somoni and PRC Renminbi and incurs liabilities for its working capital expenditure in all of these denominations. Payments are made in all of these denominations at the pre-agreed price and converted (if necessary) as soon as payment needs to occur. Currency conversions and provisions for expenditure are only made as soon as debts are due and payable. The Group is therefore exposed to currency risk in so far as its liabilities are incurred in UK Sterling, PRC Renminbi and Tajik Somoni, and fluctuations occur due to changes in the exchange rates against the functional and presentational currency of US Dollar. The table below details the split of the cash held as at 31 December 2020 between the various currencies.

Somoni	GBP Sterling	US Dollar	Renminbi	Total US$000
30,212	27	16,057	53,198	13,157

Due to the different nature of assets and liabilities, changes in asset value caused by exchange rate changes have different ways of affecting a Company's free cash flow. Therefore, it must be considered separately when evaluating the value of an enterprise. The first is the monetary items in the corporate balance sheet. Typical monetary items include monetary funds, loans, accounts receivable and accounts payable. When the exchange rate changes, the above-mentioned assets or liabilities of the enterprise accounted in foreign currencies will increase or depreciate accordingly. For example, in the context of the depreciation of the Renminbi, the foreign currency deposits (Somoni/USD) held by enterprises will appreciate, which in itself has a substantial impact on the present value of cash. The foreign currency-settled bonds or other debts issued by companies can be repaid at a lower RMB cost, which can save companies more funds that can be used for free distribution, thereby promoting the enhancement of corporate value.

During 2020, the Group’s principal revenue, costs, assets and liabilities, including intercompany loans were denominated in USD. The Group manages foreign currency risk by matching receipts and payments and monitoring movements in exchange rates. The Group does not currently hedge its exposure to foreign currencies and recognises the profits and losses resulting from currency fluctuations as and when they arise. At the year end the Group did not have material exposure to foreign exchange risk relating to its non-US$ denominated bank deposits and as such this not disclosed. The year-end exchange rates used in the preparation of the financial statements for 2020 and 2019 were as follows:

	Somoni to USD	GBP to USD	Renminbi to USD
31 December 2020	11.30	1.3625	6.5250
31 December 2019	9.6872	1.31162	6.9762

1. Financial Risk Management (continued)

Liquidity Risk and Credit Risk

The continued operation of the Group is dependent on the ability to raise sufficient working capital. As noted above, the Group currently finances itself through the issue of equity and borrowings from CNMIM, CNMC and CCB. Management monitors its cash and future funding requirements through the use of cash flow forecasts. The Group enters into capital commitments to fund operations, and any surplus cash not immediately required for working capital purposes is held on short term deposit.

The table below summarises the maturity profile of the Group’s financial liabilities based on contractual undiscounted payments.

		Less than 1 Year US$000		Between 1 and 2 Years US$000		Between 2 and 5 Years US$000		Over 5 Years US$000		Total US$000		Carrying amount US$000
Year ended 31 December 2020
Interest-bearing borrowings		368,919		19,822		-		-		388,741		388,741
Trade and other payables		52,363		-		-		-		52,363		52,363
Provisions for other liabilities		-		-		-		2,481		2,481		995
		421,453		19,822		-		2,481		443,585		442,099

Year ended 31 December 2019
Interest-bearing borrowings		267,527		103,586		-		-		371,113		371,113
Trade and other payables		77,050		-		-		-		77,050		77,050
Provisions for other liabilities		-		-		-		2,481		2,481		913
		344,577		103,586		-		2,481		450,644		449,076

The Group holds bank accounts with banks in the UK, PRC and Tajikistan with the following credit ratings:

Credit rating		2020 US$000		2019 US$000
A		21,212		5,314
No independent credit rating available		5,984		5,806
		27,196		11,120

If a bank has no credit rating, the Group assesses the credit quality through local knowledge and past experience in the particular jurisdiction.

Capital Risk Management

The Group consider equity to be their capital. The Group’s objective when managing their capital is to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for shareholders and to enable the Group to continue its exploration, evaluation and mine construction. The Group holds debt in the form of both shareholder and external loans and defines capital based on the total equity of the Company. Except for the secured loan facilities from CNMIM, CNMC and CCB, the Group’s current policy for raising capital is through equity issues and debt financing. The Group is not currently required to monitor its gearing ratio and is not exposed to any externally imposed capital requirements.

2. Critical Accounting Estimates, Assumptions and Judgments

The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities are set out below. Estimates and assumptions are continually evaluated and are based on management’s experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Uncertainty about these assumptions and estimates could result in outcomes that require a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities affected in future periods.

The Group has identified the following areas where significant estimates, assumptions and judgments are required. The most significant judgment for the Group is the assumption that exploration and development at its sites will ultimately lead to a commercial mining operation. Failure to do so could lead to impairment of the mine.

Estimated impairment of Producing mines (Note 12)

The Group tests annually whether exploration, evaluation and licensing assets and producing mines have suffered any impairment. The recoverable amounts of the cash generating units (“CGUs”) have been determined based on value in use calculations which require the use of estimates and assumptions such as long-term commodity prices, gold recovery rates, discount rates, operating costs and therefore expected margins, future capital requirements and mineral resource estimates (see below). These estimates and assumptions are subject to risk and uncertainty and therefore there is a possibility that changes in circumstances will impact the recoverable amount. Management has assessed its CGUs as being individual exploration and mine sites, which is the lowest level for which cash inflows are independent of those of other assets or CGUs.

In assessing the carrying amounts of its exploration, evaluation and licensing assets and producing mines at Pakrut, the Directors have used an independently prepared and Director approved bankable feasibility study (http://www.cnfgold.com/projects/pakrut-gold-project). The period used in management’s assessment is the anticipated life of the mine to the expiration of the license in 2030 with revenues being generated from full production from January 2019.

The calculation assumes a mining capacity of 2,000 tonnes of ore daily increasing to 4,000 tonnes per day. Estimated production volumes are based on detailed life-of-mine plans and take into account development plans for the mines agreed by management as part of the long-term planning process. Production volumes are dependent on a number of variables, such as: the recoverable quantities; the production profile; the cost of the development of the infrastructure necessary to extract the reserves; the production costs; the contractual duration of mining rights; and the selling price of the commodities extracted. Gold revenues have been estimated over that period at a price of US$1,600 based on management’s estimates, which are derived from forward price curves and long-term views of global supply and demand, building on past experience of the industry and consistent with external sources.

The total cost per ounce is estimated to be around US$780 with a gross margin of circa 60%. Royalties have been calculated at 6% of sales revenues and corporate income tax at 13%, according to the relevant laws in Tajikistan. A discount rate of 10% has been utilised.

The calculations have been tested for sensitivity to changes in the key assumptions. The most sensitive inputs in the calculation of the value in use are operating and direct costs, the gold price, and the discount rate. An impairment to the mine value would occur if, compared to the base case scenario, the discount rate were to increase to 14%, gold prices fell by 9%, or direct costs were to increase by 27%.

2. Critical Accounting Estimates, Assumptions and Judgments (continued)

Approval of Pakrut reserves by Tajik Department of Geology

In November 2011, the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan issued the Pakrut Gold Project mining license to LLC Pakrut. According to the terms of the license, the amount of ore that can be mined is variable depending upon the mine plan. The plan submitted by the Group envisages an initial processing capacity of 760,000 tons of ore per annum, increasing to 800,000 tons per annum. The mining license is valid until 2 November 2030.

The mining license issued in November 2011 currently entitles the Group to mine JORC compliant resources (measured, indicated and inferred) of 904,000 ounces out of total JORC compliant resources of 4,383,000 ounces at Pakrut, excluding the Eastern Pakrut, Rufigar and Sulfidnoye ore zones. The JORC compliant resources include the results from the Group’s exploration and evaluation work subsequent to the mining license issue date.

LLC Pakrut has sought approval of the increased JORC compliant resources from the Tajik Department of Geology and the Scientific and Technical Counsel which includes the results of all exploration and evaluation activities undertaken by the Group between 2009 and 2013. The application is currently subject to that approval process and the Directors are not aware of any legal or other impediments which would prevent approval of their application and therefore permit the Group to mine the increased resources. However, the approval process currently remains incomplete.

The mine design and construction work undertaken to date, together with the assessment of the recoverable amount of ‘Producing mines’ (see below), is based upon the total quantity of JORC compliant resources of which part falls outside the area covered by the mining license and still subject to formal approval, as noted above. Failure to obtain this approval would lead to an impairment of ‘Mines under Construction’, together with inventories, and also impact the going concern basis of preparation of the Financial Statements. The Group has made the judgement that this approval will be forthcoming. No provision for impairment has been recognised in these Financial Statements relating to this uncertainty.

2. Critical Accounting Estimates, Assumptions and Judgments (continued)

Mineral resource and reserve estimates

Reserves are estimates of the amount of resources that can be economically and legally extracted from the Group’s mining properties. The Group estimates its mineral resources based on information compiled by appropriately qualified persons relating to the geological and technical data on the size, depth, shape and grade of the ore body and suitable production techniques and recovery rates. This analysis requires complex geological judgments to interpret the data. The estimation of the recoverable amount is based upon factors such as estimates of commodity prices, future capital expenditure and production costs along with geological assumptions made in estimating the size and grade of the resources. Details of the mineral resources and reserve estimates can be found on www.cnfgold.com.

The Group estimates and reports mineral resource estimates in line with the principles contained in the Australasian Code for Reporting Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (December 2004), which is prepared by the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Australian Institute of Geoscientists and Minerals Council of Australia, known as the “JORC Code”. 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).

As additional geological information is produced during the operation of a mine and through additional exploration activity, mineral resource estimates may change. Such changes may impact on the Group’s reported financial position which includes the carrying value of property, plant and equipment and inventories.

Estimated economically recoverable reserves are used in determining the depreciation and/or amortisation of mine-specific assets. This results in a depreciation/amortisation charge proportional to the depletion of the anticipated remaining life-of-mine production. The life of each item, which is assessed at least annually, has regard to both its physical life limitations and present assessments of economically recoverable reserves of the mine property at which the asset is located. These calculations require the use of estimates and assumptions, including the amount of recoverable reserves and estimates of future capital expenditure. The calculation of the UOP rate of depreciation/amortisation could be impacted to the extent that actual production in the future is different from current forecast production based on economically recoverable reserves, or if future capital expenditure estimates change. Changes to economically recoverable reserves could arise due to changes in the factors or assumptions used in estimating reserves, including:

• The effect on economically recoverable reserves of differences between actual commodity prices and commodity price assumptions;
• Unforeseen operational issues.

2. Critical Accounting Estimates, Assumptions and Judgments (continued)

Depreciation/Amortisation (Note 12)

As the mine entered full production during the period, 2019 was the first period for which depreciation / amortisation was charged in respect of the producing mine assets. As mentioned in the judgement above judgement is required in the calculation of this amount with the key estimates considered to be surrounding the amount of economically recoverable resources and the lifespan of the asset. The economically recoverable reserves are considered to be those detailed out on the website (see above for link) and the lifespan of the mine is considered to be 18 years. As mentioned above the Group currently only has a mining license that is valid until November 2030 which is less than the 18 year period used within the depreciation/amortisation calculation. After considering the information available to them which includes discussions with Tajik officials and the required timing for extending the mining license, management have made the judgement that they will be able to secure the necessary extensions and therefore continue to the mine for a period of 18 years. If a 10 year license period were to be used then depreciation for 2020 would be approximately $14.49 million.

3. Segment Information

The following segments are based on the management reports received by the Executive Directors, who are the chief operating decision makers. The Group operates principally in three geographical areas, UK, PRC and Tajikistan, with operations managed on a project by project basis within Tajikistan. For segment reporting purposes, the operations of the Cayman Islands registered parent Company are included in the UK and PRC segment as these segments are jointly managed

2020		UK and PRC US$000		Tajikistan Pakrut US$000		Total US$000
Revenue		-		64,516		64,516
Cost of sales		-		(35,297)		(35,297)
Administrative expenses (including foreign exchange)		(2,313)		(16,591)		(18,904)
Other operating expenses		-		(46)		(46)
Impairment		-		-		-
Other operating income		-		1		1
Operating profit/(loss)		(2,313)		12,583		10,270
Finance costs		(15,999)		-		(15,999)
Finance income		151		45		196
Income tax		-		(824)		(824)
Loss for the year		(18,115)		11,804		(6,357)
Total assets		24,472		397,567		422,039
Total liabilities		418,203		23,898		442,099
Additions to property, plant and equipment		-		1,942		1,942

The Group’s mining activities are located in Tajikistan, principally within the Pakrut Gold Project. Support and administration services are provided from the UK and PRC. Inter-segment revenue is eliminated on consolidation and is conducted on mutually agreed terms between Group companies.

All revenue generated in the period was from the government of Tajikistan.

2019		UK and PRC US$000				Tajikistan Pakrut US$000				Total US$000
Revenue		-				49,157				49,157
Cost of sales		-				(32,842)				(32,842)
Administrative expenses (including foreign exchange)		(4,536)				(12,705)				(17,241)
Other operating expenses						(136)				(136)
Impairment		-				-				-
Other operating income		-				116				116
Operating profit/(loss)		(4,536)				3,590				(947)
Finance costs		(20,796)				-				(20,796)
Finance income		270				-				270
Income tax		-				(508)				(508)
Loss for the year		(25,062)				3,082				(21,981)
Total assets		8,787				426,504				435,291
Total liabilities		414,609				34,467				449,076
Depreciation		22				2,544				2,566
Additions to property, plant and equipment		-				5,842				5,842

4. Particulars of Employees

The average number of staff employed by the Group during the financial year amounted to:

		2020 No.		2019 No.
Administrative and management		125		129
Operational staff		607		574
		732		703
The aggregate costs of the above were:
		2020 US$000		2019 US$000
Wages and salaries		4,379		4,721
Basic pension cost		885		861
		5,265		5,582

No staff costs were capitalised since the Group entering into full producing from January 2019.

5. Directors’ Emoluments

The Directors’ emoluments in respect of qualifying services were:

		Salary and fees		Total
2020		US$		US$
Mr Boyi Liang*		76,797		76,797
Mr Yong Li		23,088		23,088
Mr Lixian Yu		197,131		197,131
Mr Delin Feng		194,921		194,921
Mr Xiuzhi Shi		22,233		22,233
Mr Hui Zhang**		61,142		61,142
		576,311		576,311

		Salary and fees		Total
2019		US$		US$
Mr Boyi Liang		49,360		49,360
Mr Xiang Wu		17,953		17,953
Mr Yong Li		22,853		22,853
Mr Lixian Yu		227,754		227,754
Mr Delin Feng		140,340		140,340
Mr Xiuzhi Shi		22,989		22,989
		481,249		481,249

Key management comprises Executive and Non-Executive Directors and all emoluments are short term in nature.

* Mr Boyi Liang was appointed on 30 July 2019 and resigned on 25 September 2020

** Mr Hui Zhang was appointed on 25 September 2020

6. Expenses by nature

		2020		2019
		US$000		US$000
Employee benefit expenses		6,617		6,057
Operating lease expenses		145		186
Depreciation		3,200		2,566
Legal, professional and regulatory costs		170		338
Travel and entertaining		125		232
Social & other taxes		6,287		5,721
Other Expenses		258		159
Commission/bank fees		1,025		1,077
Total administrative expenses		17,827		16,337

6. Expenses by nature (continued)

		2020 US$000		2019 US$000
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the consolidated financial statements		114		104
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for other services: Tax compliance services		3		3
		117		107

7. Income Tax

a. Analysis of Charge in the Year

		2020		2019
		US$000		US$000
Current tax:
Current tax		824		508
Deferred tax		-		-
Total		824		508

No provision for income taxes arose in the Cayman Islands, the UK, British Virgin Islands. A current income tax expense arose in Tajikistan during the year as LLC Pakrut sold gold in the amount of TJS 671,738,902 – equivalent to US$ 64,515,782 (2019: TJS 469,386,040 – equivalent to US$ 49,156,539). Thereby, the Company paid the amount of advance payments of income tax according to the Tax Code of the Republic of Tajikistan, being 1.00% of revenue.

7. Income Tax (continued)

Factors Affecting Current Tax Charge

The tax assessed on the loss for the year is higher than the weighted average standard rate of corporation tax of 20% (2019 – 20%).

		2020 US$000		2019 US$000
Loss before income tax		(5,451)		(21,473)
Loss on ordinary activities by weighted average rate of tax at 20% (2019 – 20%)		(1,090)		(4,295)
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes		640		513
Tax losses for which no deferred income tax asset was recognised		1,274		4,289
Current tax payable		824		508

The Group did not recognise deferred income tax assets of approximately US$1,274,000 (2019: US$4,289,000). Unused Tajik tax losses amounting to approx. US$16,772,000 at 31 December 2020 can be carried forward for three years from the year incurred and used against future taxable income at 15%.

8. Finance Income and Costs

		2020		2019
		US$000		US$000
Finance Income
Interest income on short term bank deposits		196		270
Finance Costs
Interest expense on shareholder’s loans wholly repayable within five years		13,111		16,304
Interest expense on bank borrowings wholly repayable within five years		2,888		4,493
Less: Borrowing costs capitalised in qualifying assets				-
Finance costs		15,999		20,797

9. Earnings per Share

		2020		2019
		US$		US$
Basic and diluted earnings per share (cents)		(1.66)		(5.75)

The basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the loss attributable to equity holders after tax of US$ 6,357,000 (2019: 21,981,000) by the weighted average number of shares in issue and carrying the right to receive dividend. For the year ended 31 December 2020 this was 382,392,292 (2019– 382,392,292) shares.

As the Group has incurred a loss for the year, no option or warrant is potentially dilutive, and hence the basic and diluted earnings per share are the same. At the year end, there were nil (2019: nil) share options outstanding that are potentially dilutive in the future.

10. Intangible Assets

	Exploration and evaluation assets US$000
Cost
At 1 January 2018, 31 December 2018, 31 December 2019 and 31 December 2020	9,941
Impairment
At 1 January 2018, 31 December 2018, 31 December 2019 and 31 December 2020	(9,941)
Net Book Value
At 31 December 2018, 31 December 2019 and 31 December 2020	-

The exploration and evaluation assets represent internally generated costs in connection with the Group’s exploration and evaluation activities. Expenditure is transferred from exploration and evaluation assets to mines under construction once the work completed to date supports the future development of the property and such development receives appropriate approvals.

The rights of LLC Pakrut to carry out exploration and evaluation activity at the Pakrut deposit expired on 1 April 2014. The renewal application by the Group to extend the exploration license is being considered by the Government of Tajikistan. Although the Directors are not aware of any legal or other impediments which would ultimately prevent approval of the license extension, the Directors fully impaired the carrying value of the exploration and evaluation assets during 2014 due to non-renewal of the Exploration License. Exploration and evaluation activities can continue at the Pakrut Gold Deposit in the area covered by the mining license. Currently, staff members of Pakrut are coordinating with the local government for exploration licenses.

11. Mines under Construction

Cost		Mining rights US$000		Construction in progress US$000		Total US$000
At 1 January 2019		35,022		364,378		399,400
Additions		-		-		-
Transfer to PPE		(35,022)		(364,378)		(399,400)
At 31 December 2019 and 1 January 2020		-		-		-
Additions		-		-		-
Transfer to PPE		-		-		-
At 31 December 2020		-		-		-

Mining rights comprised of exploration and evaluation assets up to the date the Pakrut Gold Project was determined to be technically feasible and commercially viable. All subsequent exploration and evaluation expenditure at this site was capitalised within mining rights. Mining rights also included the subsoil contract signature bonus and payments to obtain land use rights.

Construction in progress comprised the mine, smelting plant, tailings pond, power lines and road construction work carried out at the Pakrut Gold Project by contractors and directly by the Group. It also included the borrowing costs associated with the loan to finance the mine, construction from China Nonferrous Metals Intl Mining Co. Limited (“CNMIM”) and China Construction Bank (“CCB”), together with associated legal, professional and consultancy costs.

Mines under construction are not depreciated until construction is completed and the assets are available for their intended use and signified by the formal commissioning of the mine for production. Construction was completed at the end of the 2018 financial year with the mine being deemed to be fully operational at the start of the 2019 financial year and all accumulated capitalised costs were transferred into Property, Plant and Equipment at 1 January 2019.

12. Property, Plant and Equipment

		Land US$000		Office furniture and equipment US$000		Motor vehicles US$000		Plant and machinery US$000		Producing mines US$000		Assets under construction US$000		Total US$000
Cost
At 1 January 2019		32		755		10,772		14,990		-		-		26,549
Additions		-		152		-		2,129		-		3,561		5,842
Transfer from MUC		-		-		-		-		398,639		761		399,400
Disposals		-		(320)		(2,074)		-		-		-		(2,394)
At 31 December 2019		32		587		8,698		17,119		398,639		4,322		429,396
Additions		-		106		-		1,836		-		-		1,942
Transfer from MUC		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
Transfer from Assets under Construction		-		-		-		4,322		-		(4,322)		-
Settlement of historical liabilities		-		-		-		-		(20,214)		-		(20,214)
Disposals		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
At 31 December 2020		32		693		8,698		23,277		378,425		-		411,125

12. Property, Plant and Equipment (continued)

Accumulated Depreciation
At 1 January 2019		-		611		7,909		10,607		-		-		19,127
Charge for the year		-		31		392		869		8,823		-		10,115
Disposal		-		(320)		(2,074)		-		-		-		(2,394)
At 31 December 2019		-		322		6,227		11,476		8,823		-		26,849
Charge for the year		-		32		414		2,580		8,045		-		11,072
Disposal		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
At 31 December 2020		-		354		6,641		14,056		16,868		-		37,920
Net Book Value
At 31 December 2020		32		339		2,057		9,221		361,557		-		373,205
At 31 December 2019		32		265		2,471		5,643		389,816		4,322		402,548

In 2019 as the mine entered full production, mines under construction were transferred into Property, Plant & Equipment under the sub-category of Producing mines as presented above, and depreciation/depletion charged as per the accounting policies.

The carrying value of the PPE, most notably producing mines, and the depreciation / depletion methodology used, are both considered to be key accounting judgements. Detail of these are disclosed in Note 2 along with the related key estimates.

13. Subsidiary Undertakings

The Group had the following subsidiary undertakings as at 31 December 2020:

Name of Company

Holding

Country of Incorporation

Proportion of Voting Rights held

Nature of Business

Registered addresses

Directly held

Kryso Resources (BVI) Limited

Ordinary shares (CNG)

British Virgin Islands

100%

Holding Company

190 Elgin Avenue, Grand Cayman, KY1-9005, Cayman Islands

Kryso Resources Limited

Ordinary shares (CNG)

UK

100%

Holding Company

Unit 2.24, the Plaza 535 Kings Road

Indirectly held

International Mining Supplies and Services Limited (BVI holds 100% share)

Ordinary shares (BVI)

UK

100%

Service Company

Unit 2.24, the Plaza 535 Kings Road

LLC Pakrut (BVI holds 100% share)

Ordinary shares (BVI)

Tajikistan

100%

Mineral exploitation, development and mining

Bahor district, Vahdat, Tajikistan

14. Financial Instruments by category

		Financial assets at amortised cost
		US$000
31 December 2020 Assets per Statement of Financial Position
Trade and other receivables, excluding prepayments		3,016
Cash and cash equivalents		27,196
Total		30,212
		Financial liabilities at
		amortised
		cost
		US$000
31 December 2020 Liabilities per Statement of Financial Position
Borrowings		388,741
Provisions for other liabilities and charges		995
Trade and other payables, excluding non-financial liabilities		52,363
Total		442,099

14. Financial Instruments by category (continued)

		Financial assets at amortised cost
		US$000
31 December 2019 Assets per Statement of Financial Position
Trade and other receivables, excluding prepayments		3,137
Cash and cash equivalents		11,120
Total		14,258
		Financial liabilities at amortised cost
		US$000
31 December 2019 Liabilities per Statement of Financial Position
Borrowings		371,113
Provisions for other liabilities and charges		913
Trade and other payables, excluding non-financial liabilities		77,050
Total		449,076

15. Inventories

		2020		2019
		US$000		US$000
Gold		-		-
Construction materials and processing equipment		15,911		16,856
		15,911		16,856

The inventory balance in 2020 relates to raw materials and semi-finished products used in gold production.

16. Trade and Other Receivables

	Group		Group
	2020		2019
	US$000		US$000
Other receivables	3,016		3,137
Prepayments and deposits	2,633		1,629
Total	5,649		4,766

None of the receivables are past due. The fair values are equal to the carrying amounts.

Other receivables includes $2,758,418 due from related party CNMIM in relation to funds received from the insurance provider after the snowfall disaster, which were received on behalf of CNG.

17. Borrowings

	2020		2019
	US$000		US$000
Bank borrowings	99,550		95,000
Other loans	289,191		276,113
Total	388,741		371,113
Non-current portion	19,822		103,586
Current portion	368,919		267,527

The fair value of borrowings equals their carrying amounts, as the impact of discounting is not significant.

CNMIM loan

In accordance with the terms of the Subscription Agreement and Warrant Instrument dated 27 July 2010 between Kryso Resources Limited (formerly Kryso Resources Plc) and CNMIM, a subsidiary Company of significant shareholder China Nonferrous Metals Mining (Group) Co. Limited (“China Nonferrous”), CNMIM was required to use its best endeavors to secure mine funding for the construction and development of the Pakrut Gold Project.

The USD tranche of the loan has been settled in full and US$Nil was outstanding as at 31 December 2020 (2019: US$Nil). The amount outstanding on the RMB tranche of the loan as at 31 December 2020 was US$12,683,599 (2019: US$12,683,599).

CNMC loans

The loan agreement between CNMC International Capitals Company Limited and China Nonferrous Gold Limited was signed on 20 September 2017. Under this agreement, CNMC International Capitals Company Limited provided a loan facility of US$6,500,000 to CNG. This loan was used to improve the daily business operations of CNG.

The full amount of the loan was drawn down on the 20 September 2017. The loan contains annual fixed interest at 4%, however where the loan is used for a purpose other than that stated in the contract (see comments above), the proportion of the loan used will incur interest at a fixed rate of 8% per annum. Payment of interest is made quarterly.

During 2019, the loan was transferred from CNMC International Capitals Company Limited to another member of the group, CNMC Trade. On 15 July 2020, a loan extension agreement was signed extending the repayment date until 20 December 2020. The extension agreement incurs interest at a rate of 6 months LIBOR + 3.7%.

On 26 March 2021, a loan extension agreement was signed extending the repayment date until 20 December 2022. The extension agreement incurs interest at a rate of 3 months LIBOR + 3.25%.

A loan agreement between CNMC International Capitals Company Limited and China Nonferrous Gold Limited was signed on 27 April 2016. Under this agreement, CNMC International Capitals Company Limited provided a loan facility of US$120,000,000 to China Nonferrous Gold Limited. This loan was used to refinance the previous ICBC loan of the same amount, and the purpose of these funds was for development, operations and management of the Pakrut Gold Project, including operating and related expenses.

The full amount of the loan was drawn down on the 27 April 2016. The loan contains annual fixed interest at 4%, however where the loan is used for a purpose other than that stated in the contract (Pakrut Mine – see comments above), the proportion of the loan used will incur interest at a fixed rate of 8% per annum. Payment of interest will be made biannually in June and December.

During 2019, the loan was transferred from CNMC International Capitals Company Limited to another member of the group, CNMC Trade. On 15 July 2020, a loan extension agreement was signed extending the repayment date until 20 December 2020. The extension agreement incurs interest at a rate of 6 months LIBOR + 3.7%.

The Group has pledged its 100% equity interest in China Nonferrous Gold Limited to CNMC as security for repayment of the loan.

A loan agreement between CNMC International Capitals Company Limited and China Nonferrous Gold Limited was signed on 27 May 2016 for a total amount of US$20,000,000, which was drawn down in full on 27 June 2016. The loan period per the contract was 6 months, from 27 May 2016 to 26 November 2016.The loan contains a fixed interest rate of 4% per annum, which is calculated on a monthly basis from the 21^st of the month to the 20 of the following month.

During 2018, the loan was transferred from CNMC International Capitals Company Limited to another member of the group, CNMC Trade. A further extension has been signed extending the repayment date until 26 November 2020. On 26 March 2021, a loan extension agreement was signed extending the repayment date until 20 December 2022. The extension agreement incurs interest at a rate of 3 months LIBOR + 3.25%.

A loan agreement between CNMC International Capitals Company II Limited (CNMC International) and China Nonferrous Gold Limited was signed on 8 February 2018 for a total amount of US$90,000,000, which was drawn down in full on 9 February 2018. The loan was provided for the purposes of the construction, operations and management of the Pakrut Gold Project, including operating and related expenses. This use is in line with the terms of the agreement. The loan period per the contract was from 9 February 2018 to 8 December 2020.

The loan contains a fixed interest rate of 5.8% per annum, which is calculated on a half yearly basis from the 21^st of December to the 20^th June, and from the 21^st June to 20^th December. Payment of interest will be made biannually in June and December of each year. Where the loan is used for a purpose other than that stated in the contract (see comments above), the proportion of the loan used will incur interest at a fixed rate of 11.6% per annum. At the repayment date, interest will be charged at 8.7% on any unpaid balance. On 8 February 2021 US$20,000,000 was repaid, and on 26 March 2021, a loan extension agreement was signed extending the repayment date of US$70,000,000 until 20 December 2022. The extension agreement incurs interest at a rate of 3 months LIBOR + 3.25%. The Company has repaid US$9.26m（60million）of its outstanding loan in June 2021.

CCB loans

The first loan agreement between China Construction Bank (“CCB”) and China Nonferrous Gold Limited was signed on 14 June 2016. Under this agreement CCB provided a loan facility of US$100,000,000 to China Nonferrous Gold Limited. This loan was used to refinance a previous loan from CNMC of US$55,000,000, with the remainder used for development, operations and management of the Pakrut Gold Project, including operating and related expenses. This use is in line with the terms of the agreement.

The loan is secured by Standby Letter(s) of Credit to be issued by China Construction Bank Corporation, Beijing Branch, and guaranteed by CNMC under the terms of the loan agreement, for an aggregate amount of not less than US$103,092,783.51, with validity of not less than 60 months in favor of CCB.

The full amount of the loan was drawn down on 30 June 2016. The loan incurs interest at a rate of 3 months LIBOR + 2.1% and is payable in arrears at the end of each applicable interest period.

The loan is repayable in 8 installments commencing 18 months from drawdown date and every 6 months thereafter as follows:

31/12/17 – US$5,000,000

30/06/18– US$5,000,000

31/12/18 – US$5,000,000

30/06/19 – US$5,000,000

31/12/19 – US$5,000,000

30/06/20 – US$5,000,000

31/12/20 – US$5,000,000

30/06/21 – Balance of loan

The second loan agreement between China Construction Bank (“CCB”) and China Nonferrous Gold Limited was signed on 29 January 2019. Under this agreement CCB provided a loan facility of US$20,000,000 to China Nonferrous Gold Limited. This loan was used for the purpose of working capital for Pakrut Gold Project. This use is in line with the terms of the agreement.

The loan is secured by Standby Letter(s) of Credit to be issued by China Construction Bank Corporation, Beijing Branch, and guaranteed by CNMC under the terms of the loan agreement, for an aggregate amount of not less than US$20,620,000, with validity of not less than 12 months in favor of CCB.

The full amount of the loan was drawn down on 29 January 2019. The loan incurs interest at a rate of 3 months LIBOR + 1.2% and is payable quarterly in arrears. It has been repaid on 29 January 2021.

The third loan agreement between China Construction Bank (“CCB”) and China Nonferrous Gold Limited was signed on 9 March 2020. Under this agreement CCB provided a loan facility of US$14,550,000 to China Nonferrous Gold Limited. This loan was used for the purpose of working capital for Pakrut Gold Project. This use is in line with the terms of the agreement.

The loan is secured by Standby Letter(s) of Credit to be issued by China Construction Bank Corporation, Beijing Branch, and guaranteed by CNMC under the terms of the loan agreement, for an aggregate amount of not less than US$30,000,000, with validity of not less than 12 months in favor of CCB.

The full amount of the loan was drawn down on 13 April 2020. The loan incurs interest at a rate of 3 months LIBOR + 1.15% and is payable quarterly in arrears. It has been repaid on 16 March 2021.

18. Trade and other payables

		2020		2019
		US$000		US$000
Trade and other payables		52,363		77,050
		52,363		77,050

Trade and other payables include amounts due of US$46,354,408 (2019: US$61,010,581) in relation to mine development.

19. Provisions for Other Liabilities and Charges

		Rehabilitation US$000		Total US$000
At 1 January 2020		913		913
Unwinding of discount		82		82
At 31 December 2020		995		995

All provisions are non-current.

The Group makes full provision for the future cost of rehabilitating the mine site and associated production facilities on a discounted basis at the time of constructing the mine and installing those facilities.

The rehabilitation provision represents the present value of rehabilitation costs relating to the Pakrut mine site, which are expected to be incurred up to 2030, which is the expiration date of the mining license. The provision has been created based upon the feasibility study. Assumptions based upon the current economic environment within Tajikistan have been made, which management believes are a reasonable basis upon which to estimate the future liability and will be reviewed regularly to take into account any material changes to the assumptions. The actual rehabilitation costs and works required will ultimately depend upon future market prices for the necessary rehabilitation works required, changes in future regulatory requirements and the timing on when the mine ceases to operate commercially.

The discount rate used in the calculation of the provision as at 31 December 2020 is 9% per annum. The value of the undiscounted provision is US$2,481,000 (2019: US$2,481,000).

20. Treasury Policy and Financial Instruments

The Group operates informal treasury policies which include ongoing assessments of interest rate management and borrowing policy. The Board approves all decisions on treasury policy.

Facilities are arranged, based on criteria determined by the Board, as required to finance the long-term requirements of the Group. The Group has financed its activities by the raising of funds through the placing of shares and through the issue and subsequent exercise of options and warrants.

There are no material differences between the book value and fair value of the financial assets at the year end. Except for the impact of discounting on the provisions for liabilities and other charges, there are no material differences between the book value and fair value of financial liabilities at the year end.

21. Share Capital

	2020		2020		2019		2019
	No. of		Share		No. of		Share
	ordinary		Capital		ordinary		Capital
	shares		US$000		shares		US$000
At 1 January (Ordinary shares of $0.0001) each	382,392,292		38		382,392,292		38
Issued during the year	-		-		-		-
At 31 December (Ordinary shares of US$0.0001 each)	382,392,292		38		382,392,292		38

All shares are authorised for issue and fully paid.

22. Share Based payments

Options can be granted to any employee of the Group in accordance with the rules of the Group in accordance with the rules of the Unapproved Share Option Scheme. The option price is not to be less than the initial Placing Price or the price on the day of issue. The options cannot be exercised for a period of at least one year from the date of grant. In the event of any employee to whom options have been granted ceasing to be an employee of the Group he or she will have a set period in which to exercise those options (depending on the reasons for leaving), falling which, the options will lapse.

There were no share options outstanding at the year end.

23. Cash flow information

		31 December 2020		31 December 2019
		US$000		US$000
Cash flows from Operating Activities
Loss before income tax		(5,451)		(21,473)
Adjustments for:
Finance income		(196)		(270)
Finance costs		15,999		20,796
Depreciation		11,072		7,722
Foreign exchange loss		1,076		905
Change in working capital:
Inventory		945		487
Trade and other receivables		(1,004)		(904)
Trade and other payables		(5,405)		(7,039)
Other current assets		121		(154)
Other current liabilities		(19)		3,554
Net Cash generated from Operating Activities		17,137		3,624

23. Cash flow information (continued)

Net debt reconciliation

		31 December 2020 US$000		31 December 2019 US$000
Cash and cash equivalents		27,196		11,120
Borrowings – repayable within one year		(368,919)		(267,527)
Borrowing – repayable after one year		(19,822)		(103,586)
Net debt		(361,545)		(359,993)

		31 December 2020 US$000		31 December 2019 US$000
Cash and cash equivalents		21,196		11,120
Borrowings – fixed interest rates		(126,538)		(116,685)
Borrowings – variable interest rates		(262,204)		(254,429)
Net debt		(361,545)		(359,993)

23. Cash flow information (continued)

		Cash at bank US$000		Borrowings due within 1 year US$000		Borrowings due after 1 year US$000		Total US$000
Net debt as at 1 January 2019		8,363		(162,724)		(182,285)		(336,645)
Cash flows		2,757		10,000		(14,705)		(1,948)
Interest accrued		-		-		(21,400)		(21,400)
Movement between current and non-current		-		(114,803)		114,803		-
Net debt as at 31 December 2019		11,120		(267,527)		(103,586)		(359,993)
Cash flows		16,076		(677)		-		15,392
Interest accrued		-		-		(16,950)		(16,950)
Movement between current and non-current		-		(100,715)		100,715		-
Net debt as at 31 December 2020		27,196		(368,919)		(19,822)		(361,545)

24. Controlling Party

The Directors consider China Nonferrous Metals Mining (Group) Co. Limited (“CNMC”) to be the ultimate controlling party, by virtue of their shareholding and representation on the Board of Directors.

25. Contingent Liabilities

During 2018, a contract was entered into between LLC Pakrut & LLC WenJian, a Company set up by a former employee of Pakrut (Dept. 2), to provide outsourced services including the extraction of ore, delivery of ore to smelting plant, cleaning of mine, mine development and construction works. LLC WenJian is not considered to be a related party.

Although LLC WenJian hold the relevant license for the construction works, the Company does not hold a license in accordance with the laws of Tajikistan “On subsoil” and “On licensing of certain types of activities” for implementing the other services they have been contracted to perform. This is a breach of Tajik laws and regulations which could result in penalties being imposed on both parties to the contract. The outcome of this situation is unclear and could result in fines imposed with the worst-case scenario being that Pakrut could have their own license rescinded by the Tajik government. There is no visibility surrounding the value or nature of any penalty at this time.

26. Related Party Transactions

The amount paid by the Company and Kryso Resources Limited to CNMIM for interest on the loan in 2020 amounted to US$Nil (2019:US$Nil). The amount due to CNMIM as at 31 December 2020 was US$19,821,708 (2019: US$18,586,242). CNMIM is a significant shareholder of China Nonferrous Gold Limited and Boyi Liang and Hui Zhang are CEO and President of CNMIM respectively. During 2020, CNG did not pay any interest to CNMC.

The amount payable by the Company to CNMC for interest on the loans in 2020 amounted to US$5,292,500 (2019: US$5,989,013). The amount due to CNMC as at 31 December 2020 was US$106,709,291 (2019: US$101,402,291). CNMC is the ultimate parent of China Nonferrous Gold Limited and Feng Delin is Chief Accountant of CNMC.

27. Related Party Transactions (continued)

During 2020, 15MCC (a related party to CNG through being a subsidiary of CNMC, the Company’s ultimate controlling party) provided equipment and materials, together with installation and construction work to the Group amounting to US$Nil (2019: $Nil) and the Group advanced payments to 15MCC amounting to US$1,524,503 (2019: $3,945,580). As at 31 December 2020, the total liability due to 15MCC was US$15,917,473 (2019: US$28,541,552).

In 2015 the Group entered into an additional consultancy contract with CNMC Hongtoushan Fushun Mining Co Ltd., through CNMIM as agent as follows:

Smelting and Processing Agreement

CNMC Hongtoushan Fushun Mining Co Ltd. (CNHFMG) is a copper mine and processing operation owned by CNMC. On 7th of September 2015, the Group entered into a smelting and processing agreement with CNHFMG.

Under the terms of the Agreement, CNG will pay to CNHFMG an amount of RMB 17.99 (approximately US$2.8) per gram of finished gold once the Project commences the 12-month production period. Prior to this period the Company will cover the labour and associated costs of CNFMG. Once in production, in the event the recovery of the plant is above the Beijing General Research Institute of Mining and Metallurgy forecast rate over the life of production of 82.99 percent, CNHFMG will share 40 percent of the profits from the upside directly due to the increased recovery. In the event recovery is below 75 percent, CNHFMG will bear 20 per cent of any loss incurred by the Company from the Project due to directly to recovery levels.

During 2020, CNHFMG provided equipment and materials, together with installation and construction work to the Group amounting to US$Nil (2019:US$Nil) and the Group advanced payments to CNHFMG amount to US$304,887(2019: US$166,962). As at 31 December 2020, the total liability due to CNHFMG was US$575,565.

During the year of 2020 CNMC provided a guarantee for standby letters of credit amounting to US$30,000,000 as security for the Group’s bank loan facility with China Construction Bank. During the year of 2019, CNMC provided a guarantee from standby letters of credit amounting to US$134,020,629 as security for the Group’s bank loan facility with China Construction Bank.

27. Related Party Transactions (continued)

During 2020, there is a total receivable amount of $2,739,702 (2019: US$2,739,702 ) owed by CNMIM for the insurance claim on the 2017 snowfall disaster which is held on the Group’s behalf. There is also a total amount of US$25,079 payable by the entities within the group owed to CNMIM as at 31 December 2020 (2019: US$25,079).

As at 31 December 2020, there is a total payable amount of $226,080 (2019: $226,080) owed to Daye Nonferrous Metal Group Holding Co., Ltd, a subsidiary of the ultimate controlling party, CNMC.

28. Events after the Reporting Period

In January 2021, the Company executed an agreement with China CITIC Bank Corporation Limited (Zhuhai Branch) (“CITIC”) for a loan facility of up to CNY 300million which is equivalent to US$46.37m. The CITIC Loan facility is for a maximum of 12 months and is repayable 12 months from first drawdown. The terms of the CITIC Loan includes an annual interest rate at 2.7% plus 6 month LIBOR. US$20m of the CITIC Loan has been drawn down in January 2021 to replace the China Construction Bank (CCB) Macau loan of US$20m which became due in January 2021. Second drawdown of US$14.55m in March 2021 was used to repay the CCB Asia loan of US$14.55m which was due for repayment in March 2021.

The Group has continued production throughout 2020 despite the outbreak of COVID-19, enabling it to raise sufficient working capital. As announced on 25 June 2021, The Company has executed an agreement with Bank of Shanghai (Hong Kong) Limited (“BOS”) for a loan facility of up to US $65 million (the “BOS Loan”). The Loan facility is for a maximum of 24 months and is repayable 24 months from the drawdown. The total amount of US$65m of the BOS Loan is expected to be drawn down before the end of the month in order to repay the CCBC Macau loan, of which US $65m remains outstanding.

As announced in February 2021, the Company repaid US$20m of its outstanding loan with CNMC International Capitals Company Ⅱ Limited (“CNMC International”) in accordance with its terms. The Company extended the repayment period of loans in place with CNMC Trade Company Limited (CNMC Trade) and CNMC International, totaling US$216.50 million, to December 2022. Then in June 2021，the Company repaid US$9.26m（60million） of its outstanding loan with CNMC International. The Company currently has total debt facilities (including banking facilities), before interest, of c.US$319.5 million.

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