(i) Financial assets:
The Company classifies its financial assets in the following categories: fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”), loans and receivables, held-to-maturity (“HTM”) and available-for-sale (“AFS”). The classification depends on the purpose for which the financial assets were acquired. Management determines the classification of financial assets at initial recognition.
Financial assets at FVTPL
Financial assets at FVTPL are initially recognized at fair value with changes in fair value recorded through profit or loss. Cash, marketable securities and restricted cash are included in this category of financial assets.
Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. They are classified as current assets or non-current assets based on their maturity date. Loans and receivables are carried at amortized cost less any impairment. Receivables are included in this category of financial assets.
Held to maturity
These assets are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments and fixed maturities that the Company’s management has the positive intention and ability to hold to maturity. HTM investments are initially recognized on their trade-date at fair value, and subsequently are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. If there is objective evidence that the investment is impaired, determined by reference to external credit ratings and other relevant indicators, the financial asset is measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows. Any changes to the carrying amount of the investment, including impairment losses, are recognized in profit or loss. The Company has no HTM financial assets as at December 31, 2017 and 2016.
Available-for-sale financial assets
AFS financial assets are non-derivatives that are either designated as available-for-sale or not classified in any of the other financial asset categories. Changes in the fair value of AFS financial assets are recognized as other comprehensive income (loss) and classified as a component of equity.
Management assesses the carrying value of AFS financial assets at least annually and any impairment charges are also recognized in profit or loss. When financial assets classified as AFS are sold, the accumulated fair value adjustments recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) are included in profit or loss. The Company has no AFS financial assets.
(ii) Financial liabilities:
The Company classifies its financial liabilities in the following categories: FVTPL and other financial liabilities.
Financial liabilities at FVTPL
Financial liabilities at FVTPL are initially recognized at fair value with changes in fair value recorded through profit or loss.
Derivatives are initially recognized at their fair value on the date the derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at their fair value at each reporting period with changes in the fair value recognized in profit or loss.
Liabilities which are to be settled in payable ounces of a commodity (or the U.S. dollar equivalent) are recorded using the spot price of the commodity. This amount is included in derivative liability.
Other financial liabilities
Other financial liabilities are non-derivatives and are recognized initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. Any difference between the amounts originally received, net of transaction costs, and the redemption value is recognized in profit or loss over the period to maturity using the effective interest method.
Other financial liabilities are classified as current or non-current based on their maturity date. Financial liabilities include accounts payable and accrued liabilities, flow through premium liability, and deferred royalty liability.
(iii) Fair value hierarchy:
The Company categorizes financial instruments measured at fair value at one of three levels according to the reliability of the inputs used to estimate fair values. The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities included in Level 1 are determined by reference to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. Financial assets and liabilities in Level 2 are valued using inputs other than quoted prices for which all significant inputs are based on observable market data. Level 3 valuations are based on inputs that are not based on observable market data.
(iv) Impairment of financial assets:
The Company assesses at each reporting date whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired. An evaluation is made as to whether a decline in fair value is “significant” or “prolonged” based on indicators such as significant adverse changes in the market, economic or legal environment.
Impairment losses on financial assets carried at amortized cost are reversed in subsequent periods if the amount of the loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognized.
(v) Derecognition of financial assets and liabilities:
Financial assets are derecognized when the investments mature or are sold, and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred. A financial liability is derecognized when the obligation under the liability is discharged, cancelled or expired. Gains and losses on derecognition are recognized within profit or loss.