| | 2017 | | 2016 | | ||
| | $ | | $ | | ||
Opening Balance January 1 | | | 35,287,777 | | | 37,565,101 | |
Consulting fees | | | 192,826 | | | 390,802 | |
Salaries and benefits | | | 339,150 | | | 337,137 | |
Share-based compensation (note 10(b)) | | | 346,095 | | | (215,602) | |
Mine design costs | | | - | | | 8,882 | |
Mining license application | | | 207,033 | | | 365,316 | |
Environment impact assessment | | | 1,386 | | | 68,612 | |
Travel | | | 45,530 | | | 43,215 | |
Others | | | 323,599 | | | 293,320 | |
Effect of change in the exchange rate with RMB | | | (117,024) | | | (3,569,006) | |
Ending Balance December 31 | | | 36,626,372 | | | 35,287,777 | |