ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS - ------- -----------------------
Incorporation
Golden Star Resources Ltd. ("Golden Star" or the "Company" or "we") was established under the Canada Business Corporations Act on May 15, 1992 as a result of the amalgamation of South American Goldfields Inc., a corporation incorporated under the federal laws of Canada, and Golden Star Resources Ltd., a corporation originally incorporated under the provisions of the Alberta Business Corporations Act on March 7, 1984 as Southern Star Resources Ltd. Concurrent with the amalgamation, the common shares of the Company were consolidated on a one-for-two basis. All references to "common shares" in this document mean the common shares of the Company after the amalgamation and the share consolidation. The fiscal year of the Company ends on December 31 of each year.
The head office of the Company is located at 10579 Bradford Road, Suite 103, Littleton, Colorado 80127-4247, and the registered and records office is located at 19th Floor, 885 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C 3H4.
In this report, unless the context indicates otherwise, the term the "Company" refers to the Company together with all its subsidiaries.
Overview
The Company is an international mining and exploration company with a diverse portfolio of projects. The Company's core focus is on the acquisition, development, operation and, where appropriate, the exploration of gold mining projects.
As at April 2, 2001, the Company's interest in gold production was in the form of (i) a 70% equity interest in Bogoso Gold Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Ghana ("BGL") and the owner and operator of the Bogoso gold mine in Ghana (the "Bogoso Mine") (see "Item 2.
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES - ------- -------------------------
Introduction
As of April 2, 2001, the Company's most significant projects were located in Ghana (Africa), and in Suriname, French Guiana (France) and Guyana in South America, as indicated in Figures 1 and 2 above. Those projects are situated in geologic domains known as greenstone belts, which are ancient volcanic- sedimentary rock assemblages. Greenstone belts are known to be favorable geologic environments for gold mineralization and account for a significant proportion of the world's gold production, (e.g., the greenstone belts of the Canadian Shield in Eastern Canada, the Pilbara and Yilgarn Blocks of Western Australia, the greenstone belts of East and West Africa and the Guiana and Brazilian Shields of South America).
All of the Company's mineral properties are located in developing countries, with the exception of French Guiana, which is legally a part of France. There are certain business and political risks inherent in doing business in developing countries. In particular, the regulatory framework for conducting mining and exploration activities in these countries, including the tax and general fiscal regimes and the manner in which rights and title to mineral properties are established and maintained, are often uncertain, incomplete, in a state of flux or subject to change without notice. Further, in many of the countries in which the Company's projects are located, it may not be economically feasible to develop a commercial mine unless special tax or other fiscal and regulatory concessions are obtained from the applicable governmental and regulatory authorities. Such concessions are typically sought in a mineral agreement (also known as foreign investment agreements and establishment agreements). A mineral agreement thus serves to establish the legal and financial framework pursuant to which mining will take place in countries where such framework might be otherwise unclear, uncertain or not commercially viable. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company will be able to execute or enforce satisfactory mineral agreements or obtain satisfactory political risk insurance on commercially reasonable terms for any or all of its properties. Consequently, the Company may have to abandon or relinquish otherwise valuable mineral rights if it determines that it will not be able to profitably exploit any discovery under existing laws and regulations.
The consolidated property expenditures and abandonment costs for the Company's exploration projects for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 under Canadian GAAP were as follows:
(1) A division of the Company. (2) Approximately 73% owned by the Company. (3) A wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. (4) A 70% owned subsidiary of the Company. (5) Our holdings include ownership interests, royalty interests, leases, options and joint venture interests in varying percentages.
Property Status Table as of December 31, 2000
(1) The Eagle Mountain interest is owned by OGML. (2) 50% owned by Golden Star and 50% owned by Cambior Inc. (3) 50% owned by Guyanor and 50% owned by Cambior Inc. (4) 100% owned by Guyanor but on which Rio Tinto Exploration may earn up to a 70% interest under a joint venture agreement. (5) 100% owned by Guyanor.
THE BOGOSO GOLD MINE - --------------------
Bogoso Gold Limited ("BGL") is the owner of the Bogoso Mine, located on the Ashanti Trend in the Republic of Ghana. Golden Star controls 70% of the common shares of BGL and Anvil Mining NL, a public exploration and development company whose shares are listed on the Australian Stock Exchange ("Anvil"), controls another 20%. The Government of Ghana controls the remaining 10%. The Government of Ghana is entitled at all times to hold a 10% carried interest in all the rights and obligations of BGL. The Government acquired this interest for no consideration and is not required to contribute any funds to pay any BGL expenses.
On April 4, 2001, the Company announced that it had entered into an agreement to acquire Anvil's 20% equity interest in BGL in return for the issuance of 3,000,000 common shares of Golden Star.
Ghana is situated on the West Coast of Africa, approximately 750 kilometers north of the equator on the Gulf of Guinea, and Accra, the capital city of Ghana, is located on the Greenwich Meridian. After a period as a British colony, Ghana achieved independence in 1957 and it is now a republic with a democratically elected government. Ghana has a population of approximately 18 million people, with English being the official and commercial language. The total land area of the country is approximately 238,000 km2 and the topography is relatively flat. Ghana has a tropical climate with two rainy seasons and two dry seasons.
The Bogoso Mine comprises an operating gold mine and mill facility on two mining leases, covering an aggregate area of 95 square kilometers. BGL owns the Bogoso Mine, mines ore from several open pits and processes the ore at a processing plant that it built on the property in 1991. The plant uses conventional carbon-in-leach ("CIL") technology to extract gold from the ore and has been producing approximately 100,000 to 110,000 ounces of gold per year since it was built.
The Bogoso Mine is located in western Ghana approximately 35 kilometers northwest of the town of Tarkwa from where it can be reached by accessible roads. A paved road runs down most of the 18.5 kilometers length of the property and connects the town of Bogoso in the northeast with the town of Prestea in the southwest. Another paved road provides access to a sealed airstrip located at the town of Obuasi, some 115 km to the north. The mining areas are connected by gravel haul-roads to the treatment plant.
The Government of Ghana issued a gold prospecting license to BGL on November 7, 1986, granting BGL the right to prospect for gold in a prospecting area of approximately 148 square kilometers for a three-year term commencing on May 12, 1986. On August 21, 1987, the Government of Ghana granted BGL a 30-year mining lease giving BGL the exclusive right to work, develop and produce gold in a mining area of 50 square kilometers within this prospecting area. On August 16, 1988, the Government of Ghana granted BGL a second 30-year gold mining lease covering an additional 45 square kilometers area adjacent to the first mining area. Under the above mining leases (the "Mining Leases"), BGL now holds gold mining rights in a mining area totaling 95 square kilometers, subject to the payment of nominal annual rents.
The Acquisition
On September 30, 1999 the Company and Anvil acquired 70% and 20%, respectively, of the common shares of BGL. The Government of Ghana retained its remaining 10% equity interest in BGL. BGL is the owner of the Bogoso Mine.
The acquisition was completed pursuant to a purchase agreement among the Company and Anvil, the buyers, and the Sellers. The total acquisition cost including initial payments, future payments, financing costs and administrative costs was $17.0 million. The Sellers received $6.5 million cash at September 30, 1999 and agreed to receive additional payments in the future as described below. The initial payment of $6.5 million, was funded using working capital and proceeds from the Company's August 24, 1999 offering of its subordinated convertible debentures, common shares and warrants.
The amount of the future payments due the Sellers is to be determined by the average price of gold over the two years following the September 30, 1999 acquisition and upon the potential acquisition of reserves in Ghana outside of the region of BGL's mining interests. These additional payments are capped at $10.0 million in total.
The gold price related portion of future payments is determined by a formula, which is equal to the product (in United States dollars) of 183,333 times the amount by which the average price of gold over the two-year period following the acquisition exceeds $255 per ounce. The average price is based upon the London Bullion Market Association p.m. gold fix. Payment is due on the earlier of production of gold ceasing or the second anniversary after closing. The Company originally, in the fourth quarter of 1999, accrued $6.4 million for the future payments, based on its estimate that the gold price would average $290 per ounce for the remainder of the two year period following the acquisition. The $6.4 million future payment was included in total BGL acquisition costs and is being
amortized on a units of production basis along with other purchase costs. The acquisition of BGL is accounted for under the purchase method of accounting for business combinations
An interim payment was due on the first anniversary of the acquisition, September 30, 2000. The interim payment was equal to one half of 183,333 times the amount by which the average price of gold during the twelve months following the acquisition exceeds $255 per ounce. The interim payment is non-refundable and will be credited to the liability due on the second anniversary of the acquisition as described above. The Company and Anvil together were scheduled to make the interim payment to the Sellers on September 30, 2000 in the amount of $2.8 million. On November 9, 2000 the Company paid the Sellers $1.4 million of the $2.8 million due, and reached agreement with the Sellers that the balance, plus interest at 10% per annum, was to be paid by December 22, 2000. To date the remaining balance and accrued interest is still unpaid. The Sellers have been kept apprised of the Company's progress with respect to the potential acquisition of the Prestea Property. The Company was required to escrow the interim payment six months after closing and the final payment 18 months after closing. There are no funds in escrow at the current time for the final payment.
From October 1999 to December 2000 gold prices averaged less than the original estimate of $290 per ounce, and continued to trend downward during most of 2000 reaching prices between $260 and $265 per ounce by the end of 2000. Given this substantial and protracted decline, the Company reduced the remaining liability at December 31, 2000 to reflect an estimated gold price of $270 per ounce for the remaining life of the obligation to the Sellers. The revised estimate reduced the future purchase price by $2.3 million, leaving the December 31, 2000 future payment, including the unpaid portion of the September 30, 2000 payment at $2.7 million.
The reserve acquisition linked payment will be triggered if minable reserves equivalent to 50,000 ounces of gold or greater are acquired elsewhere in Ghana for processing at the Bogoso mill, as would be the case if the Company is successful in acquiring the adjoining Prestea property. In this case, Golden Star and Anvil will make an additional payment to the Sellers on the second anniversary of closing of $2.0 million, irrespective of the gold price, but subject to the $10 million cap.
The Company is also required to make production related payments to the provider of the credit facility arranged for, but not used to effect, the acquisition of BGL. During the first 72 months following the September 30, 1999 acquisition, the Company is required to pay $0.25 million for every continuous 12- month period wherein more than 75,000 ounces of gold is produced from the Bogoso mine concession. Such payments are limited to $1.25 million in total. Based on proven and probable reserves, the Company accrued $0.5 million for the two years expected production life on the Bogoso mine concession. Also in connection with the credit facility arranged for, but not used, the Company issued three-year warrants to acquire 1.5 million common shares of the Company (see Note 12 to the attached financial statements).
The Company and Anvil will be required to pay the Sellers an additional $5.0 million on the first anniversary of the commencement of treatment of sulfide ore at the Bogoso Mine. Due to the contingent nature of this consideration, the Company has not recorded any liability as part of the purchase price allocation for the BGL acquisition.
The Company will receive all distributions from BGL until it recovers the Company's initial purchase price plus all associated acquisition and financing costs incurred by it, including any purchase price adjustment for the acquisition of the Bogoso Mine together with Anvil's share of the distributions which will be used to pay down the Anvil note receivable. Based on current gold prices, cash distributions to the Company from BGL are expected to be sufficient to cover the interest on debentures issued on August 1999 as part of a public offering and to fund Golden Star's other operating requirements through 2001.
On April 4, 2001, the Company announced that it had entered into an agreement to acquire Anvil's 20% equity interest in BGL from Anvil in return for the issuance of 3,000,000 common shares of Golden.
Government of Ghana Special Rights
The Government of Ghana is entitled to acquire an additional 20% interest in BGL. If the Government of Ghana wishes to exercise this right, it must give reasonable notice to BGL. It must also pay such purchase price for the additional 20% interest as the Government of Ghana and BGL may agree on at the time. If there is no agreement, the purchase price will be the fair market value of such interest at such time as determined by arbitration conducted by the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes. The Government of Ghana may also acquire further interests in BGL on terms mutually acceptable to the Government and BGL.
The Government of Ghana is entitled to acquire a special or golden share in any mining company at any time for no consideration or such consideration as the Government of Ghana and BGL may agree. The special share will constitute a separate class of shares with such rights as the Government of Ghana and BGL may agree. In the absence of such agreement, the special share will have the following rights:
. the special share will carry no voting rights, but the holder will be entitled to receive notice of and attend and speak at any general meeting of the members or any separate meeting of the holders of any class of shares;
. the special share may only be issued to, held by or transferred to the Government or a person acting on behalf of the Government;
. the written consent of the holder of such special share must be obtained for all amendments to the organizational documents of the company, the voluntary winding-up or liquidation of the company or the disposal of any mining lease or the whole or any material part of the assets of the company; and
. the holder of the special share will be entitled to the payment of a nominal sum of 1,000 Ghanaian Cedis in a winding-up or liquidation of the company in priority to any payment to other members and may require the company to redeem the special share at any time for a nominal sum of 1,000 Cedis.
BGL has not issued or been requested to issue to date, any such special share to the Government of Ghana.
The Government of Ghana has a pre-emptive right to purchase all gold and other minerals produced by BGL. The purchase price will be such price as the Government of Ghana and BGL may agree on, or the price established by any gold hedging arrangement between BGL and any third party approved by the Government, or the publicly quoted market price prevailing for the minerals or products as delivered at the mine or plant where the right of preemption was exercised. The purchase price must be paid in foreign exchange. The Government of Ghana has agreed to take no preemptive action pursuant to its right to purchase such gold or other minerals so long as BGL sells gold in accordance with certain procedures for selling gold approved by the Bank of Ghana.
Royalties
Under the laws of Ghana, a holder of a mining lease is required to pay a royalty of not less than 3% and not more than 12% of the total revenues earned from the lease area. The royalty is payable on a quarterly basis. The Government of Ghana levies a royalty on BGL based on the profitability of its mining operations. The royalty is determined by the application of an operating ratio expressed in terms of the percentage that the operating margin bears to the value of gold from mining operations in every year. The total royalty paid in 2000 was $0.9 million or, 3% of total revenues.
Heads of Agreement with Anvil
The Company entered into a Heads of Agreement with Anvil (the "Anvil Agreement") outlining the key commercial terms and conditions under which the Company and Anvil agreed to associate themselves in a joint venture for the acquisition of BGL. The Company agreed to provide all of the funds for the initial purchase price and other acquisition costs for the acquisition of BGL. The Company provided Anvil initially with a loan of $2.3 million (the "Anvil Loan") to fund Anvil's share of the BGL acquisition costs. The Company charges Anvil interest at a rate of 15% per year compounded monthly. In addition, Anvil's share of the accrued additional purchase price at
December 31, 2000 was $0.6 million. All of the cash distributions from BGL, including Anvil's share, will be paid to the Company until all of the acquisition costs, including interest, have been repaid.
Anvil granted the Company a security interest in its share of BGL's shares and the BGL Debt. If Anvil does not repay the Anvil Loan, the Company has certain security interests granted by Anvil but the Company will not have any other rights against Anvil or Anvil's other assets. In consideration for the Anvil Loan, Anvil issued to the Company two options (the "Anvil Options") that entitle the Company to purchase, at any time prior to September 30, 2001, up to 7 million Anvil shares at a price of Aus$0.10 per share.
If the Company or Anvil fails to pay or cause to pay its share of any approved BGL expense, the other party may advance the required funds on its behalf. The advance will be treated as a demand loan bearing interest at LIBOR plus 3%. If the defaulting party fails to repay that loan within 60 days, its participating interest in BGL will be diluted. The dilution will be a "straight-line" dilution under which the participating interest of the defaulting party will be reduced to the percentage that the total of its BGL contributions bears to the total BGL contributions made by both the defaulting party and the non-defaulting party. The participating interest of the non-defaulting party will be increased by the corresponding amount. If the participating interest of either the Company or Anvil is diluted to less than 10%, the remaining participating interest of that party in BGL will be automatically converted into a right to receive 5% of the net profits received from BGL after Golden Star has recouped all of the Bogoso acquisition costs, plus accrued interest thereon.
So long as the Company holds at least a 50% equity interest, it will have the right to nominate a majority of the members of the board of directors of BGL. It will also have the right to nominate the Chairman of the BGL board as well as the managing director of BGL. Mr. Peter Bradford, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company is the current Chairman of the BGL board and Mr. Richard Gray, Vice President, Ghana, of the Company, is the Managing Director of BGL.
On April 4, 2001, the Company announced that it had entered into an agreement to acquire Anvil's 20% equity interest in BGL in return for the issuance of 3,000,000 common shares of Golden.
Geology
The Bogoso Mine lies within the West African Precambrian shield, a geological formation that hosts three important Lower Proterozoic volcanic/sedimentary sequences that are particularly important for gold mining: the Lower Birimian, the Upper Birimian and the Tarkwaian. The area is dominated by a major northeast-southwest trending structural feature referred to as the "Ashanti Trend" which extends over 200 kilometers and hosts deposits of the Ghana Gold Belt. This structure is closely aligned with the faulted contact zone between the metasedimentary and metavolcanic units of the Birimian and the clastic rocks of the Tarkwaian.
In the Bogoso area, the faulted contact zone is known as the "Main Crush Zone" and passes through the central part of the Bogoso Mine for its entire 18.5- kilometer length. The Main Crush Zone lies within a structural corridor that varies in width from 1,000 to 2,500 meters. Some 90% of the gold mined to date at the Bogoso Mine has come from the Main Crush Zone with the larger deposits being located at bends and junctions along this major fault. Additional faults and splays in the structural corridor may also be prospective for gold. The oxide ores tend to have fine-grained free gold that has been liberated during the weathering of pre-existing sulfides and oxidation extends from surface down to the approximate elevation of the water table. Below this, a transition zone of up to 20 meters of partially oxidized material directly overlies fresh sulfide mineralization.
Historical Mining Operations
Gold was first commercially mined at the Bogoso Mine in the early 20th century. In 1935, Marlu Gold Mining Areas Ltd. started mining high-grade oxide ore from a series of open pits extending south from Bogoso North to Buesichem, just south of the Bogoso Mine. Marlu also mined a small amount of ore from underground operations at Bogoso North, Marlu and Bogoso South. Marlu was mining the Buesichem pit when it shut down the mine operations in 1955. According to BGL's records, during its 20-year period of operations from 1935 to 1955, Marlu produced over 900,000 ounces of gold at an average recovered grade of 3.73 g/t.
Billiton PLC, then a unit of the Royal Dutch Shell group, took control of the Bogoso Mine in the late 1980's. The initial feasibility study established a minable reserve of 5.96 million tonnes grading 4.0 grams gold per tonne, of which 461,000 tonnes (or less than 8%) comprised oxide ore. The feasibility study forecast gold recoveries of 83% from sulfide ore and 78% from oxide ore and estimated a waste to ore ratio of 5.6:1. Construction of a mining and processing facility was completed in 1991. The facility was designed to process oxide ores by using conventional carbon in leach ("CIL") technology at a design capacity of 1.36 million tonnes per year and to process sulfide ores by using flotation, fluid bed roasting and CIL technology at a design capacity of 0.9 million tonnes per year.
Billiton encountered serious operation difficulties with the fluid bed roaster, which did not function as anticipated because the sulfide level in the concentrate was less than expected and because the clay content of the feed was higher than expected. Mechanical problems also occurred. As a result, Billiton closed the flotation circuit and roaster in early 1994. Following closure of the roaster, Billiton focused the Bogoso operations on oxide ore. The CIL plant has a capacity of approximately two million tonnes of oxide ore per year. However, only a few months of oxide ore were available at that time. Basic exploration has been successful in adding to the available quantity of oxide ore and the mine has operated as an oxide-only operation since 1994. Operating cash flows funded all the exploration costs.
Production and Reserves
Gold production from 1991 through 2000 totaled 1,101,966 ounces. Gold production from January to December 2000 was 108,643 ounces, compared to 130,465 ounces in 1999, 122,585 in 1998 and 108,186 ounces in 1997. The 16.7% decrease in gold production for 2000 compared to 1999 was primarily attributable to lower gold recovery and lower tonnage throughput from transitional ore treatment. The 6.4% increase in production in 1999 was primarily attributable to a higher average head grade of 2.31 g/t compared to 2.19 g/t in 1998 and to 2.05 g/t in 1997. Throughput averaged approximately 5,845 tonnes per day in 2000, 5,958 tonnes per day during 1999, 5,553 tonnes per day during 1998 and 5,229 tonnes per day during 1997. Gold recovery rates were 64.4% in 2000, 81.4% in 1999 and 85.8% in 1998 Cash cost of production, including royalties averaged $201 per ounce in 2000, $190 per ounce in 1999 and $215 per ounce in 1998. Quarterly production statistics for the Bogoso Mine for 1999 and 2000 are as follows:
The Bogoso Mine is expected to produce approximately 99,000 ounces of gold during 2001 at a total cash cost of approximately $206 per ounce. Mill throughput is budgeted at approximately 6,000 tonnes per day of ore. Head grades are anticipated to average 2.25 g/t with a budgeted gold recovery, primarily from transitional ores and low grade stockpiles, of 64.2%. During 2001, the stripping of waste is expected to result in a waste to ore ratio of approximately 2.5:1. Mining is scheduled to cease mid-year and it is planned that low-grade stockpile material will be processed during the last four months of the year.
BGL has reported its Proven and Probable Reserves for year-end 2000 using a $280 gold price. The reserves are those ore tonnages contained within economically optimized pit envelopes, designed for the oxide and transition mineralized material, and using current and predicted mine operating costs and performance parameters. BGL's Proven and Probable Reserves at December 31, 2000 stood at 2.47 million tonnes at an average grade of 2.2 g/t, representing approximately 0.172 million ounces of gold. This is compared to Proven and Probable Reserves at December 31, 1999 of 3.26 million tonnes at an average grade of 2.2 g/t, representing approximately 0.229 million ounces of gold. The qualified person responsible for the estimation of reserves for BGL is Mr. Emmanuel Mensah Aborampah, Projects Superintendent. Mr. Aborampah has a Masters in Mineral Processing and a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering, he has 10 years experience in gold mining and is a member of the Mining Metallurgical and Petroleum Society of Ghana.
BGL's reserves are derived from multiple sources, which have been categorized into the Southern pits, Central pits, Northern pits and Stockpiled material. The following tables summarize the reserves from these sources at year-end 2000 and 1999:
The Company has estimated its 70% share of BGL's Proven and Probable Reserves, as 1.73 million tonnes grading 2.2 g/t, of which 1.71 million tonnes at 2.2 g/t are classified as Proven and 0.02 million tonnes at 2.5 g/t are classified as Probable.
Mineralized Material
At year-end 2000, BGL had estimated total mineralized material of 13.2 million tonnes grading 3.25 g/t. The Bogoso Mine oxide and transition mineralized material has been estimated using historic mining, processing costs and recoveries with a $300 per ounce gold price. Sulfide mineralized material utilized preliminary estimates of bio-oxidation processing recoveries and costs, also assuming a $300 per ounce gold price. Using a 1.0 g/t and 2.1 g/t cut off grade for oxide and transition mineralized material respectively, the combined estimated total is 1.9 million tonnes grading 2.41 g/t. Sulfide mineralized material at a 2.1 g/t cut off grade totals 11.3 million tonnes grading 3.40 g/t. The total mineralized material is exclusive of proven and probable reserves. The Company has estimated its 70% share of BGL's mineralized material at 9.3 million tonnes. The mineralized material estimates correspond with measured and indicated resources as defined by the CIM (Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum) and recognized in the Canadian National Instrument 43-101.
Sulfide and transition exploration drilling programs conducted in 2000 (8,711 and 24,224 meters of RC and diamond drilling for transition and sulfide respectively) delineated additional sulfide mineralized material both along strike and down dip of the previously defined gold mineralization. Mineralized material inventories for transition and oxide was increased in 2000 through better delineation of the weathering surfaces. Transition and oxide mineralization at Bogoso North, Mansahai, Dumase and Chujah Stage 3 was tested with Rotary Air Blast ("RAB")
and Reverse Circulation ("RC") drilling in between the existing 25 meter spaced exploration drilling to bring drill spacing to approximately 12.5 by 25 meter spacing. The close spaced drilling of the oxide and transition enabled better definition of the depth of weathering, which in most instances meant an increase in the volume of mineralized material for these categories. Sulfide mineralized material, which is the basis for the ongoing feasibility study was increased from the December 1999 estimates of 11.1 million tonnes grading 3.3 g/t (estimated using a $325/ounce gold price), to 11.3 million tonnes grading 3.4 g/t (estimated using a $300/ounce gold price). Upon completion of the feasibility study, the second quarter of 2001, a portion of this mineralized material will be re-categorized into either proven or probable reserves. The exact portion of mineralized material that will translate to proven and probable reserves has yet to be determined and will depend on mining, metallurgical, and economic parameters that are currently being finalized.
The December 2000 year-end mineralized material estimates at Bogoso are summarized in the following table.
(1) The mineralized material tabulated above has been estimated using a $300 per ounce gold price, mining-processing costs of $8.19, $9.63, and $15.91/tonne of oxide, transition and sulfide material respectively. Processing recoveries of 80%, 55% and 86% were used for oxide, transition and sulfide respectively. An overall mining recovery of 95% was also applied for all materials. Processing costs and recoveries for transition and oxide are based on historic numbers achieved with the current mining fleet and existing CIL plant. Sulfide processing costs and recoveries have been based on preliminary estimates for bio-oxidation based on variability and pilot test work conducted on drill core. The resources have been calculated in accordance with the definitions and guidelines adopted by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum and NI 43-101.
Mineralized material does not represent reserves and have not been included in the Company's proven and probable reserve estimates. Even though drilling and trenching indicate sufficient tonnage and grade to warrant further exploration or development expenditures. Mineralized materials do not qualify under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission standards as being commercially mineable until further drilling, metallurgical work and other economic and technical feasibility factors based upon such work are resolved.
Mineralized Material Estimation Procedures
Procedures for mineralized material estimates at the Bogoso Mine have been modified since its acquisition by the Company. The compilation and validation of the vast data set initiated by SRK in 1999 was continued by BGL personnel through 2000. Existing sulfide drill intersections were confirmed with a recently completed sulfide drilling program. The confirmation of existing drill hole data by the sulfide drilling gives the total sulfide database greater integrity. Once the database was validated geological sections were interpreted and a high grade and low grade mineralized corridor delineated. High-grade gold mineralized corridors were interpreted using the raw assay data with gold tenors approximately greater than 1 g/t; low-grade corridors were delineated with an approximate 0.3 g/t contour. Gold mineralization was found to cross cut lithological units with the majority being associated with graphitic fault structures. The fault structure and associated gold mineralization is very continuous and can be traced over the entire 18 kilometer extent of the Bogoso Mine. Sectional interpretations of both the low-grade and high-grade gold mineralization have been linked together to form two distinct wire mesh solids. In addition to geologic interpretation, the depth of weathering was estimated from drill hole logs with oxide, transition and fresh
wire mesh surfaces being created. The resulting surfaces and solids were used to create a geological block model where grades were interpolated from the validated drill hole databases.
After drill hole validation the raw assay data was composited at two-meter lengths. The two-meter assay composites were assigned identifiers to distinguish between high-grade, low-grade, waste and degree of weathering. In areas of poor sample recovery, missing intervals were given an "insufficient sample" identifier and if the missing interval accounted for greater than half the composite interval they were excluded from the composite data. Two-meter composite data was extracted from the database and geo-statistical analysis preformed on the individual data sets to determine sample variability. Through the geo-statistical analysis it became clear that high grade and low-grade material should be modeled separately and oxide material should be modeled apart from transition and sulfide material, which could be grouped together. Using the two-meter composites Log probability plots for high-grade and low-grade mineralization were produced to determine where outlier values should be cut. High-grade cut off grades varied from deposit to deposit but generally the high- grade zone upper cut was between 18 to 25 g/t whereas the low-grade upper cut was between 2 and 8 g/t.
The sulfide models were divided into a number of different structural domains based on variations in orientation of gold mineralized corridors. Two-meter composite assay data was filtered to correspond with each individual domain and semi-variogram modeling was conducted. Semi-variogram modeling indicated nugget effects in the order 40 to 45 %, grade correlation distances of approximately 18 to 25 meters along strike, approximately 25 to 50 meters down dip and 10 to 15 meters perpendicular to strike.
Upon completion of the geological block model and semi-variogram modeling, gold grades were interpolated into mineralized blocks with dimensions of 5 meters east - west (perpendicular to strike), 6 meters vertical and 12.5 meters north - south (along strike). Grade interpolation utilized the two-meter composite assay data from drill holes spaced approximately 25 by 25 meters. Gold grades were interpolated into blocks using search parameters defined from the semi-variogram modeling. Mineralized blocks not interpolated during the first pass were filled with grade using a wider search ellipse during a second pass. Grades interpolated during this second pass estimation are classified as either indicated or inferred resources. Two different grade interpolation algorithms were used during block modeling, the Chujah - Dumase model, estimated by SRK, utilized ordinary kriging. The Chujah - Dumase model accounts for approximately 80% of the total mineralized material (10.5 million tonnes grading 3.23 g/t). The remaining mineralized material estimates were done using inverse distance squared algorithms. Drill hole sections and plans were plotted so that block interpreted grades with corresponding drill hole two meter composite assay data could be checked thoroughly, results showed good correlation. Inverse distance squared models reconcile well with actual mined figures from grade control. Inverse distance squared models are actually conservative and understate tonnes by 15 to 20%, and grade by 5 to 10%.
Geologic and grade block models as well as the transition and oxide surfaces are converted to ascii and DXF files and then submitted to the mining department. The mining engineers apply economic, mining and processing costs and if viable produce a pit design so the mineralized material may be exploited for a profit.
Mineralized material classification for the Company's revised estimation procedures is based on the density of drill data, complexity and continuity of gold mineralized corridors and confidence in drill hole data. Approximately 80% of the mineralized material has been categorized using confidence level parameters estimated by SRK. Mineralized material estimated with inverse distance squared methodologies was classified into measured and indicated resources based on sample density, complexity and continuity of gold bearing structures. Individual blocks which were situated in areas of continuous robust gold mineralization and utilized two or more drill holes for grade interpolation during the restricted first pass search ellipse were allocated as measured resource category. Indicated resources were allocated to individual blocks which utilized one drill hole during the restricted ellipse grade interpolation or utilized two or more holes during the less restrictive second pass. The classification of the mineralized material conforms to definitions by the Canadian Institute of Mining Metallurgy and Petroleum.
As part of the management of the sulfide feasibility study, Dr. John Arthur of SRK is overseeing the mineralized material estimation component of the sulfide project feasibility study of which the reported sulfide mineralized material is an integral part. Mineralized material for Chujah and Dumase were estimated by SRK using the validated drill hole database, geological 3D-solids, weathering and topographic surfaces prepared on site. The
mineralized sulfide material for Chujah - Dumase represents 80% of the total estimated mineralized material, 11.3 million tonnes at 3.4 g/t.
The information in this report that relates to mineralized material is based on information compiled and or validated by Mr. S. Mitchel Wasel an employee of Golden Star, who following the acquisition of the mine in late 1999 has assumed the position of Exploration Manager for BGL. Mr. Wasel qualifies as the competent person responsible for overseeing mineralized material estimates. Mr. Wasel is a qualified geologist who has 13 years of experience in gold and base metal exploration and is a Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
Work Program
Exploration activities during 2000 concentrated on delineating and defining oxide and transition mill feed and increasing the confidence and tonnage of the existing sulfide mineralized material.
Utilizing RAB and RC drill rigs, known oxide and transition mineralized materials were confirmed and, where applicable, were converted to proven and probable reserves. Oxide and transition RC and RAB drilling for 2000, totaled 8,014 and 8,711 meters respectively. Testing of additional oxide and transition targets is ongoing and is continuing into 2001.
An in-house pre-feasibility study conducted late in 1999 indicated that with further work the sulfide mineralized material could be expanded and a feasibility study on the sulfides could be justified. In December 1999, the Sulfide Project Feasibility Study was initiated. A sulfide drilling program was completed in June 2000 with a total of 24,224 meters of RC and diamond drilling being completed (of which 8,298 meters was diamond core drilling and included 1,210 meters of oriented core for geotechnical and hydrogeological modeling). The drilling program validated historical drilling data, filled in gaps between previously drilled holes, tested sulfide mineralization at depth and along strike, better defined depths of weathering surfaces, provided geotechnical and hydrogeological information for pit design and de-watering and collected representative core samples for metallurgical and environmental testing. Mineralized material estimates utilizing the new drilling data has increased sulfide mineralized material from 11.1 million tonnes grading 3.3 g/t to 31.3 million tonnes grading 2.1 g/t.
Universal Drill Rigs were used for the entire sulfide drill program, utilizing RC pre-collars for the top portion of the hole above the zone of interest and then completing the hole with diamond drill core. The majority of the core drilling was approximately 63 millimeters in diameter of which half was taken for analysis. Three 85-millimeter diameter core drill holes were drilled to collect samples for metallurgical comminution test work. RC chip samples were collected using a face-sampling bit and triple tube rods to minimize bore hole contamination. RC samples were split using a riffle splitter and submitted to Performance Laboratory for analysis. Performance Laboratory is a subsidiary of the South African Time Mining Group.
RC chip samples and core samples were logged in detail according to degree of weathering, alteration, recovery, and lithology. Diamond drill core sticks were photographed before being split and sampled. Approximately 500 representative core samples were selected for in house density determinations. The split core samples not utilized for metallurgical test work and representative reverse circulation chip samples remain on site for future reference. Diamond drill core and RC chip samples collected during the sulfide drilling campaign were analyzed at an independent laboratory for gold, carbon, sulfur, iron and arsenic.
A thorough sample validation program was implemented during the entire sulfide drilling program. Sample batches were submitted to the laboratory with four control samples (blank, replicate and 2 standards) for every 20 samples submitted. In addition to control samples approximately 10 % of all samples submitted were renumbered and reanalyzed either at the original laboratory (Performance Laboratory) or at two different independent laboratories (SGS in Tarkwa or ITS Bondar Clegg). Results of the validation indicated that there was good correlation between laboratories and precision and repeatability were excellent.
Quartered diamond drill core and coarse core sample rejects were combined together to produce a representative suite of variability and bulk samples for metallurgical test work. These samples were selected from within a $325 per ounce optimized pit shell. All mineral types associated with the mineralized material were sampled to ensure that the potential impact of variations along strike, down dip and across the gold mineralized body, as well as the
potential effects of dilution by waste material were well accounted for. A total of 22 variability samples were collected, each comprising a composite of 80 kilograms of drill core. These samples were used for the bench variability testwork program. In addition, one bulk sample of 9.5 tonnes of drill core was selected representing some 80 mineralized drill intersections. The bulk sample was used for the pilot plant testwork. Both sets of sampling (variability and bulk samples) were weighted to represent the mineralized material along strike and at depth.
Various laboratories that specialized in specific portions of the proposed extraction process conducted metallurgical test work. Ammtec Laboratories was used for the physical metallurgical tests and bench flotation test work. Mintek Laboratories was used for the pilot plant flotation test work. Lakefield Laboratories was used for the bench bio-oxidation test work. Goldfields BIOX was used for the bio-oxidation pilot plant test work and will also be supplying the bio-oxidation technology and design package. The metallurgical test work program consisted of four main elements:
(i) Physical metallurgy testwork, which determined that the primary sulfide mineralized material could be processed through the existing crushing and grinding circuit at Bogoso at an average rate of 1.3 Mtpa, with a variation depending on depth, which ranged from 1.6 to 1.2 Mtpa. The work index averaged 14.0 kWh/tonne (range 12.0 to 16.8 kWh/tonne).
(ii) Bench gravity and flotation testwork, which determined that the primary sulfide mineralized material could be upgraded by gravity and flotation methods to a concentrate with an average recovery of 93.3% (range 87.6% and 96.7%). Substantially all of the process equipment to achieve these recoveries is already in place at Bogoso but needs to be supplemented by the addition of flash flotation on the grinding circuit and cleaner flotation in the existing flotation circuit.
(iii) Bench bio-oxidation work, which determined that the primary sulfide mineralized material is readily oxidized by this process method. Oxidation after six days averaged 98.1% (range 95 to 99%). Optimum oxidation of 93.8% (range 91 to 95%) was found to occur after an average of 4 to 5 days. Cyanide leaching of the bio-oxidized samples indicated an average gold recovery of 93.2% (range 91 to 98%) for the fully oxidized sample and an average gold recovery of 92.7% (range 91 to 94%) for the sample taken to the optimum oxidation point. The overall gold recovery for the bench testwork averaged 86.5% (range 84.5 to 88.5%)
(iv) Pilot Plant flotation and bio-oxidation testwork, in which a representative sample of 9.5 tonnes was processed in a 200 kilograms per hour pilot plant flotation circuit and then in a 0.25 kilogram per hour pilot plant bio-oxidation circuit. The pilot plant testwork returned an average flotation circuit recovery of 92.8%, an average bio-oxidation of 92.8% (after an average of 5 days) and an average cyanide leach gold recovery of 92.7%. The overall gold recovery from the entire circuit averaged 86.5%.
The Sulfide Project Feasibility Study is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2001, once proven and probable reserve estimates, mining schedules, capital costs estimates, operating cost estimates and Environmental Impact assessments have been completed and the report collated.
In conjunction with the Sulfide Project Feasibility Study, exploration will be conducted both within the Bogoso Mine as well as within surrounding exploration permits that have been optioned by BGL, to identify additional sources of oxide and transition mineralization.
Environment
BGL has adopted World Bank environmental standards and is in substantial compliance with the environmental requirements imposed by Ghanaian laws and guidelines. BGL completed significant work during 1999 to identify the outstanding reclamation liability and to prepare a rehabilitation work plan. Significant work was completed in 2000 to advance this plan and to reduce the outstanding reclamation liability. Monthly expenditures for ongoing rehabilitation work, including the capping of sulfide material and the contouring and re-vegetation of waste dumps, were approximately $60,000 per month during 2000. In connection with the acquisition of BGL, the Company and Anvil reviewed the information and reports available and they agreed to restrict $6 million from BGL's existing cash to be used exclusively to fund environmental rehabilitation work. Based on an independent audit, a total of
$1.9 million of the total was made available to BGL during 2000 to cover BGL's cash reclamation costs incurred since the acquisition.
Exploration Projects in Ghana
The Company and BGL have entered into four option agreements since the acquisition of BGL in September 1999. Each option agreement entitles BGL to acquire a 100% interest in mineral properties located on the Akropong trend and within approximately 20 to 25 kilometers from the BGL plant. The total surface area of the mineral properties covered in the option agreements is approximately 259 square kilometers. The Company paid an aggregate of $0.3 million to the owners of these projects in consideration for the grant of the options. The Company's objective is to acquire potential mining opportunities in the immediate vicinity of the Bogoso Mine that may, in the future, provide additional sources of oxide ore to extend BGL's mine life. All these projects are at an early stage of exploration and they do not have and may not have any proven and probable reserves. The four projects are referred to hereinafter as the Akropong projects.
In 2000, BGL's exploration activities on the Akropong projects were limited to the Riyadh and Pampe projects. Preliminary exploration involved compilation of historical data and augering to a depth of four meters (or point of refusal) on a grid of 200 by 50 meters over the anomalous areas previously defined by soil geochemistry. Excluding property payments and geologists time, exploration expenditures totaled approximately $0.1 million.
BGL's 2001 budget expenditures for the Akropong projects are approximately $0.7 million. Exploration activities for the Akropong projects will be coordinated as a single exploration program where equipment and manpower will move from property to property during different phases of exploration. Phased exploration work advances only when positive results are generated from early phases of exploration. Expenditures given are estimates and may vary dependent on actual results.
OMAI GOLD MINE - --------------
The operating Omai gold mine is located in the Co-operative Republic of Guyana ("Guyana"), a former British colony, which obtained independence in 1966. Guyana has a surface area of 216,000 km/2/ with a population of approximately 800,000. The official language is English and the climate is tropical. Guyana is governed as a democratic republic, and the legal and land title systems are based on the English common law.
Omai Gold Mines Limited ("OGML") is an equity joint venture of the Government of Guyana, the Company and Cambior Inc. ("Cambior"). The Company owns a 30% common share equity interest in OGML. Cambior and the Government of Guyana own 65% and 5% of OGML, respectively. OGML owns the Omai Mining License and the Eagle Mountain, Omai River and Quartz Hill prospecting licenses.
The Omai mine is owned by OGML. Cambior is the manager of all mining and related operations. The Omai mine is located on a 52 km/2/ mining license on the Essequibo River, approximately 160 km southwest of Georgetown, Guyana. Access to the mine is by improved road and ferry or by fixed-wing aircraft to an all- weather airstrip.
The Company and Cambior entered into an agreement with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission ("GGMC") and the Government of Guyana on August 16, 1991 (the "Omai Mineral Agreement"), whereby, among other things, OGML was granted the right to obtain a mining license (which was granted on December 12, 1991 for a term of 20 years), and to carry out mining operations in accordance with the terms of the Omai Mineral Agreement. In addition, the Omai Mineral Agreement provides for the payment to the Government of Guyana of a 5% in-kind royalty from the Omai Mine. It also provides that capital and profits may be repatriated without restrictions.
Pursuant to the articles of association of OGML, the Government of Guyana has the right to a 5% carried interest in OGML and the subsequent right to acquire from the combined holdings of the Company and Cambior in the common shares of OGML (i) after the expiration of eight years from commencement of commercial production at the Omai Mine (which was achieved in January 1993), but before the expiration of the tenth year, 5% of the common shares of OGML issued and outstanding at such time; and (ii) after the expiration of ten years from commencement of commercial production, but before the expiration of the twelfth year, an additional 22% of the
common shares of OGML issued and outstanding at such time. The purchase price will be the market value of the OGML shares based upon the North American stock market value of common shares of gold mining companies having similar production levels and potential, based upon the average market capitalization of such comparable companies taking into account their relative long term debt position. Should the government decide to exercise the options mentioned above, the Company and Cambior have each agreed to sell and deliver to the Government of Guyana one-half of the total number of common shares of OGML required to give effect to the Government of Guyana's right. If the Government of Guyana were to exercise both of its options as set forth above, the Company's common share equity interest in OGML would be reduced to 16.5%. The exercise of the options by the Government is not likely to affect the Company's financial position, results of operations and liquidity since the Company is not expecting to receive any cash flow from the operations of OGML in the near future. The articles of association contain a right of first refusal as typical in shareholder agreements.
Pursuant to OGML's articles of association, the Company received approximately $11.0 million of Class I redeemable preferred shares of OGML in recognition of past exploration costs incurred by the Company. Pursuant to their terms, these preferred shares must be redeemed prior to any distribution to the common shareholders of OGML out of 10% of net cash flow from operations of OGML (as defined in the Omai Mineral Agreement). The reimbursements must be calculated and paid quarterly to the Company. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, the Company received $0.9 million as a result of the redemption of Class I preferred shares, for a total of $9.6 million in redemption of Class I preferred shares since the beginning of production in 1993. The amount so received and all future redemptions will be applied against the reimbursement of the loan made by OMGL to the Company until it is paid in full. The Company considers it unlikely that it will receive dividends from its common share holdings in OGML. As of December 31, 2000, OGML had $63 million in debt and a total of $138 million worth of Class II and III preferred shares outstanding. The Class III preferred shares have past cumulative unpaid dividends totaling $102 million as of December 31, 2000. (OMGL's financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2000 were prepared by the management of OMGL but the audit thereof is not complete as of the date of this form 10K. Thus, the figures set forth in this paragraph are subject to change.)
On August 19, 1995, a failure occurred in the main section of the tailings dam at the Omai Mine. The failure resulted in the discharge of cyanide-contaminated water into the Omai River, which in turn flowed into the Essequibo River. Production at the Omai Mine was suspended from August 19, 1995, and resumed on February 4, 1996, after the Government of Guyana and OGML had executed an agreement authorizing, under certain conditions, OGML to recommence commercial production at the Omai Mine.
As of December 31, 2000, approximately 1,000 individual claims have been made against OMGL in Guyana in connection with the tailings dam failure, of which 414 have been settled for an aggregate dollar amount of less than $1 million. Of the claims that remain unsettled, legal proceedings have been instituted against OGML with respect to approximately 300 individual claims and one class action (on behalf of 244 claimants). According to the management of Cambior, as disclosed in their public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, these claims are expected to be settled for amounts totaling less than $1 million, of which $600,000 has already been funded in advance by an insurance company as part of a settlement with OGML and Cambior.
Another class action (claiming to represent 23,000 claimants) was filed in August 1998 in the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature, Civil Jurisdiction in Guyana but was not served on the defendants (OGML, Cambior, two engineering firms and one insurance company) until August 1999. This class action is essentially an outgrowth of a class action initiated in 1997 and later dismissed by a Quebec court. The class action was amended in May 1999 to include Golden Star as defendant and then served on Golden Star in July 1999. The class action claims from the defendants, including Golden Star, $100 million in damages, allegedly resulting from the tailings dam failure. On March 28, 2000, the proceedings against Golden Star were dismissed.
The three-year limitation period for bringing legal proceedings against OGML and its shareholders in Guyana with respect to the tailings dam failure expired on August 19, 1998.
Geology
The Omai region is underlain by a series of Precambrian mafic to felsic volcanics and clastic sedimentary rocks of the Barama-Mazaruni Supergroup. These strata were intruded by intermediate to felsic plutons of the Younger
Granite Group and mafic dykes of the Younger Basic Group. Prolonged uplift and weathering resulted in the development of thick latosols. Gold mineralization at Omai is hosted within three distinct settings: a) the Omai Intrusive Complex, b) the Wenot Lake zone weathered profile and c) alluvial deposits.
The Omai Intrusive Complex consists of an approximately 400m by 500m lobate, altered quartz diorite pluton that intrudes mafic volcanic rocks. Gold mineralization within quartz diorite is confined to widespread, narrow, regularly spaced and discrete but discontinuous quartz and ferroan calcite and pyrite veins. Alterations associated with gold mineralization include carbonitization, sulphidation and silicification.
The Wenot Lake zone is an elongated lateritic and saprolitic gold deposit developed over a sequence of interbedded mafic to felsic volcanic flows and tuffs. This sequence of rocks underwent weathering under humid, tropical conditions, leading to the formation of a well- developed weathered profile. Primary gold mineralization is found in anastomosing stratabound quartz- carbonate veins filling shears. Secondary gold is found in both the saprolitic and lateritic horizons. Laterites contain the bulk of the mineralization in the Wenot zone.
Alluvial gold deposits at Omai are contained in small drainage systems made up largely of tailings from hydraulic mining of latosols over the Omai Intrusive complex and Wenot Lake Zone.
Production and Reserves of Omai Mine
The Company has not included production and reserve details with respect to the operating Omai Mine as it is considered unlikely that the Company will receive any distribution in connection with its common share equity interest in OGML.
Eagle Mountain
The Eagle Mountain project is located in Central Guyana, 50 km from the Omai Mine. Prior to its sale in December 1998, the Company owned a 100% interest in the Eagle Mountain Prospecting License. The transfer of the Eagle Mountain License by the Company to OGML was approved by the government of Guyana on December 21, 1998. The purchase agreement between the Company, OGML and Cambior Inc. was executed on December 23, 1998 and, in accordance with the agreement, the Company received $80,000. As a result of the transfer to OGML, the Company now has a 30% indirect interest in the Eagle Mountain project. In consideration for receiving a 5% free carried interest (its interest in OGML), the government of Guyana has accepted to charge a consumption tax of only 5% on fuel used with respect to the Eagle Mountain property. All past capitalized exploration costs associated with the Eagle Mountain project were written off during 2000.
GROSS ROSEBEL - -------------
The Gross Rosebel project is located in Suriname, a former Dutch colony that became independent in 1975. Suriname has a surface area of 163,000 km/2/, a tropical climate and a population of approximately 470,000. The official language is Dutch with English spoken as a second, commercial and technical language. Suriname has a democratically elected government.
The Company's operations in Suriname in 2000 consisted primarily of care and maintenance for Gross Rosebel and continued engineering evaluation of the project. During 2000, the Company incurred total expenditures for Gross Rosebel of $0.5 million, of which $0.2 million were capitalized and $0.3 million were expensed. Approximately $0.3 million was reimbursed by the Company's joint venture partners. Total expenditures during 1999 amounted to $0.7 million, $0.4 million of which was reimbursed by the Company's joint venture partners.
Pursuant to a mineral agreement, dated May 8, 1992, as amended and restated on April 7, 1994 (the "Gross Rosebel Agreement"), between the Company, the Government of Suriname and the state mining company, Grasshopper Aluminum Company N.V. ("Grassalco"), Grassalco assigned to the Company its interest in the Gross Rosebel right of exploration, a 170 km/2/ area in north-central Suriname. The National Assembly of Suriname ratified the Gross Rosebel Agreement on March 1, 1994.
The Gross Rosebel Right of Exploration originally transferred to the Company was for a term of three years expiring in March 1995. It was then renewed for an additional term of two years expiring in March 1997. The Company filed an application for the additional two-year extension it is entitled to pursuant to the mining laws of Suriname. The application is still pending. Under the mining laws of Suriname, a right of exploration does not terminate by expiration of its term if the holder has in time applied for prolongation of such right and such application has not been denied. Moreover, under the mining laws of Suriname, an existing right of exploration remains legally in force until a decision on the application for a right of exploitation has been taken.
As partial consideration for the transfer of the Gross Rosebel right of exploration, the Company issued 60,000 common shares to Grassalco on June 28, 1994. Under the terms of the Gross Rosebel Agreement, the Company committed to expend an aggregate of $8.0 million on exploration activities over a five-year period commencing on May 8, 1992. As of May 8, 1997, the Company had spent approximately $25.8 million on the Gross Rosebel property and, as a result, fulfilled its expenditure requirement. Of the amounts expended by the Company, Cambior has contributed $14.1 million by way of joint venture recoveries (see discussion of Cambior Joint Venture below). In addition, in consideration for Grassalco making the Gross Rosebel property available for exploration, the Company paid $1.0 million to Grassalco pursuant to the terms of the Gross Rosebel Agreement. Under the terms of the Gross Rosebel Agreement, the Company had the obligation to submit to the Republic of Suriname's Minister in charge of mining activities and Grassalco a feasibility study and an environmental impact statement (as these terms are defined in the Gross Rosebel Agreement) on or prior to May 8, 1997. In the event that Golden Star failed to timely submit such feasibility study and environmental impact statement, Golden Star was deemed to have waived its rights resulting from the Gross Rosebel Agreement and was obliged to reassign the Right of Exploration to Grassalco at its demand, whereupon the Gross Rosebel Agreement was to terminate. On May 7, 1997, a feasibility study and an executive summary of the environmental impact statement were submitted to the Government of Suriname. A more detailed environmental impact statement and a revised feasibility study were submitted to the Government of Suriname in June and December 1997, respectively. The Government of Suriname has not yet approved the feasibility study or the environmental impact statement. There can be no assurance that a final feasibility study will be submitted or that the Government of Suriname will approve the feasibility study and grant a right of exploitation to the operating company to be formed by the two joint venture partners.
Upon approval by the Suriname Government of the feasibility study and the environmental impact statement, the Gross Rosebel right of exploration may be converted into a right of exploitation for an initial term of 25 years. The right of exploitation is to be granted to an operating company (the "Operating Company"). Within 30 days of the grant of the right of exploitation, the Company and Cambior will be obligated to pay to Grassalco the total sum of $2.5 million as compensation for previous exploration expenditures incurred by Grassalco.
Upon the grant of a right of exploitation to the Operating Company, Grassalco will have the option, for a period of 60 days, to purchase an undiluted 20% common share equity interest in the Operating Company by paying 20% of all exploration costs previously incurred by the Company and 20% of all subsequent costs of the Operating Company. Grassalco has a further option to purchase a second undiluted 20% interest in the shares of the Operating Company eight years following the date of commencement of commercial production (as defined in the Gross Rosebel Agreement) in consideration for the payment of a sum equal to 90% of the market value of such shares, as determined in accordance with the terms of the Gross Rosebel Agreement.
The Gross Rosebel Agreement provides that (i) a royalty of two percent of the gold produced from the Gross Rosebel property is payable in kind to Grassalco and (ii) an additional one-quarter of one percent royalty is payable for the life of the project to a charitable fund to promote natural resources development in Suriname. In addition, a royalty of two percent of the proceeds received on any other minerals produced (less transportation and processing costs) is also payable to Grassalco. An advance royalty payment against the above-mentioned royalties of $6.5 million must be made to Grassalco within 90 days of receipt of the first proceeds from the sale of minerals at Gross Rosebel and a further $6.5 million must be made 12 months later. Further, in the event the price of gold exceeds $500 per ounce Grassalco is entitled to an additional 6.5% royalty on that portion of the sales price, which exceeds $500 per ounce.
The Cambior Joint Venture
The Company and Cambior entered into an agreement on June 7, 1994, pursuant to which Cambior was granted the option to earn an undivided 50% interest in the Company's rights in the Gross Rosebel Agreement and Gross Rosebel property. On January 8, 1996, Cambior announced its decision to exercise its option to acquire 50% of the Company's rights in the Gross Rosebel property after expending $6.0 million in exploration and development activities on the property, as required by the June 1994 option agreement. As also required under the agreement, Cambior advanced a further $2.5 million in expenditures to be repaid out of initial project earnings. Since April 1996, when Cambior earned a 50% interest in Gross Rosebel, the Company and Cambior have been contributing equally to programs and budgets with respect to the Gross Rosebel property.
Under the June 1994 option agreement, Cambior must use its best efforts to secure financing for at least 65% of eventual mine development costs from third parties. Cambior assumed managerial responsibility for the preparation of the feasibility study. Cambior has the right to be appointed manager of all subsequent mining and related operations of the project. The option agreement provides for the customary right of first refusal typical found in such agreements.
The Property
The Gross Rosebel right of exploration covers 170 km/2/ (17,000 ha.) and is located 80 km south of the capital city of Paramaribo. Access is via a paved highway followed by an all-weather laterite surface road. Gold was reportedly first discovered in the area in 1879 and since then more than half of Suriname's recorded production has been produced from the district by dredging and small artisanal surface and underground workings. Commencing in 1974, Surplacer N.V., a subsidiary of Placer Development, a Canadian mining company (now Placer Dome), conducted an extensive exploration program of trenching, hand augering and rotary drilling over a period of three years. Subsequent field work was conducted by Grassalco over a period of seven years and a feasibility study was prepared and completed in 1984 by a Canadian engineering firm controlled by Grassalco.
Geology
The Gross Rosebel property is underlain by Proterozoic Armina, Paramaca, and Rosebel metasedimentary and metavolcanic greenstone formations. These units are intruded by a large tonalitic stock near the southern boundary of the property, which has resulted in doming of the adjacent Armina rocks and the development of steep reverse faults. The greenstone units are folded into a broad east-west trending and westerly plunging synclinal structure. Gold mineralization associated with at least five generations of hydrothermal quartz veins occur over large areas both in the south and north limbs of the syncline where these are cut by strong west-northwest trending shear zones. Locally, mineralization is controlled by zones of dilation along the shear planes and by drag folding. Intense tropical weathering has developed a residual surface laterite and saprolite profile of up to 50 m thick, overlying bedrock. Gold mineralization has been established by the Company within at least ten separate target areas including Royal Hill, Mayo, Rosebel, Koolhoven, Pay Caro, East Pay Caro, "J" Zone, Bigi Asanjangmoni, Mama Kreek and Spin Zone. All of these target areas are capped by mineralized laterite blankets typically between 3 to 10 m in thickness overlying less continuous shear and/or fold related mineralization in saprolite and bedrock. Both types of deposits are being defined for potential mining.
Mine Development
A formal feasibility study was submitted to the Government of Suriname in May 1997. The study contained a description and analysis of the economic and commercial viability of bringing into production and operating a mine on Gross Rosebel assuming a gold price of between $380 and $400 during the life of the mine. Development of the Gross Rosebel project has been deferred by the joint venture partners pending receipt of necessary governmental approvals including approval of the feasibility study, resolution of several development issues, economic concessions from the government and improved gold prices. There can be no assurance that the government of Suriname will approve the May 1997 feasibility study and the environmental impact statement and therefore grant a right of exploitation to the Operating Company until an acceptable feasibility study, based on current gold prices, is produced by the joint venture. Some of the development issues that must be resolved prior to development, include, amongst other things, the structure of the Operating Company, the ability to secure foreign investment insurance,
availability of financing from banks and other financial institutions, and disposition of Nieuw Koffiekamp, a small village located within the concession. Although the Company believes that these issues can be resolved, there can be no assurance that it will be the case. The project will continue to be on care and maintenance until these issues are resolved.
Work Program
The project remained on care and maintenance in 1999 and 2000. Engineering activities performed at Gross Rosebel during 2000, as in 1999, were largely directed at determining development alternatives for the project because of the prevailing depressed gold prices. In August 1999, the Company completed an independent scoping study. This was performed to model the potential benefits of applying a low cost heap leach processing approach to the project. Results of the study supported the Company's belief that the project could be developed at a profit even in a low gold price environment. The outcome of this study prompted serious discussions between the joint venture partners in the early part of 2000 to consider alternative low cost mining and processing methods more suitable to the tropical rain forest conditions existing in Suriname.
As a result of the discussions, a pre-feasibility study based on a more conventional CIL flow sheet was completed during the final quarter of 2000 and presented to the Minister of Natural Resources in early December. This study defines a project that is robust at a project life gold price of $300 per ounce. This was largely achieved by confining the scope of the project to the softer saprolite and transition mineralized material, which significantly reduces both capital cost and operation cost. The hard primary mineralized material included in the original feasibility study would remain un-mined in this soft rock scenario, but could be exploited at a future date when gold prices are at a level that would make the extraction of the material economic. Allowance was therefore made in the plant design for the future installation of additional crushing and grinding equipment. The pre-feasibility study and the capital cost estimates were prepared by Cambior Projects and Construction, a subsidiary of Cambior Inc.
Meetings were held with the Government of Suriname in December 2000 to discuss the pre-feasibility study results and the assumptions made in the preparation of the study that will require commitments from Government, which include the highly critical supply and price of power from the hydro-electric grid. Once this and other issues have been resolved, Cambior and Golden Star intend to complete a final feasibility study in readiness for a decision on the development of the project by the end of 2001.
Budgeted expenditures in 2001 for Gross Rosebel are $1.0 million comprised of $0.6 million of care and maintenance, and $0.4 million of engineering work to complete an updated feasibility study. The Company's share of these expenditures will be $0.5 million.
Mineralized Material
The Company's share of the mineralized material for Gross Rosebel, as at December 2000, amounted to 12.5 million tonnes grading 1.7 g/t using a long-term gold price assumption of $300 per ounce compared to 20.7 million tonnes grading 1.6 g/t at a gold price of $325 per ounce reported as of December 31, 1999. The mineralized material was calculated by Cambior in accordance with the definitions and guidelines adopted by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum on August 20, 2000 and NI 43-101 and only takes into account the softer saprolite and transition material. Cambior reported its 50% share as "Indicated Resources". The qualified person responsible for this calculation is Mr. Francis Clouston. The Company has not independently verified the estimate reported by Cambior.
Mineralized material does not represent reserves and has not been included in the Company's proven and probable reserve estimates. Even though enough drilling and trenching has been completed to indicate sufficient tonnages and grade to warrant further exploration or development expenditures, these mineral deposits do not qualify under the United States Securities and Exchange Commission standards as being commercially minable until further drilling, metallurgical work and other economic and technical feasibility factors based upon such work are resolved.
FRENCH GUIANA PROPERTIES - ------------------------
General
French Guiana is part of the French national territory and has been an overseas "Departement" of France since 1946. The Departement, with an area of 84,000 km/2/ and a population of approximately 130,000, has two representatives in the French National Assembly and one representative in the French Senate. Under the French Constitution, French Guiana is governed by the same laws as metropolitan France, subject to modifications (including those affecting tax and mining laws and regulations) that may be adopted to reflect the historical, cultural, geographical and economic characteristics of French Guiana and provide for regional administration. An appointed Prefect, representing the Government of France, holds governmental and administrative powers locally. A 19-member, locally-elected General Council votes on departmental budget and other local matters.
The mineral rights held by our French subsidiaries are subject to French mining laws applicable in French Guiana, the most important being Decrees no.55-586 of May 20, 1955 and no. 56-1039 of October 5, 1956 (the "1955 and 1956 Decrees"), and the law no. 98-297 of April 21, 1998 (the "1998 Law") that partially extended and adapted the French Mining Code to the French overseas departments (including French Guiana). The 1998 Law provides that all existing permits continue to have full force and effect during their terms and that all applications for extension of existing permits filed before the publication of the 1998 Law remain subject to the 1955 and 1956 Decrees. Permits granted or extended since the publication of the 1998 Law are subject to the French Mining Code.
The grant of mining titles in French Guiana is administered by the Direction Regionale de l'Industrie, de la Recherche et de l'Environnement ("DRIRE"), under the Ministry of Industry. There are two different types of mining titles under French law: permits and concessions. Under the 1955 and 1956 Decrees, two types of exploration permits could be obtained, the A and B types. An exploration permit conveys for a specific area of land the exclusive right of prospecting and exploration for the substances to which it relates. Permits of Type "B" are valid for two years and renewable twice for periods of two years each. The surface of type "B" permits covers a square area of 25 km/2/ each. Type "A" permits are valid for five years and can be renewed at least once for an additional five-year term. The French Mining Code (now partially applicable to French Guiana) provides for only one type of exploration permit called Permis exclusif de recherche ("PER"). PER can be granted for a period of up to five years and can be renewed for two additional periods of up to five years each.
The holder of an exploration permit who can demonstrate the presence of an exploitable mineral deposit within the area covered by the exploration permit and has the financial and technical capacity to bring the project to exploitation can obtain a mineral concession. A mineral concession confers upon its holder an immovable right, which is distinct from the actual ownership of the underlying land for a term of up to 50 years. The 1998 Law provides that all concessions that were granted for an unlimited amount of time under the 1955 and 1956 Decrees will expire on December 31, 2018 subject to being renewed twice for up to 25 additional years. Concessions may be mortgaged, leased, sold or otherwise transferred or inherited, in whole or in part and may be merged or subdivided, subject to authorization for the transaction being granted by a decree issued by the French government after consultation with specific agencies.
Guyanor Ressources S.A.
All of the Company's mineral interests in French Guiana are held through its 73% owned publicly traded subsidiary Guyanor Ressources S.A. Guyanor is a societe anonyme incorporated under the laws of France on April 20, 1993 with its head and registered offices located at Lot. Calimbe 2, Route du Tigre, B.P. 750, 97300 Cayenne, French Guiana.
Guyanor owns mineral rights (either directly or through its subsidiaries) for the Yaou, Dorlin, Paul Isnard, Eau-Blanche and St-Elie gold projects and the Dachine diamond project. All of the properties are in the exploration stage.
During 2000, Guyanor spent $1.6 million on exploration and in care and maintenance expenditures, of which $0.8 million was reimbursed by joint venture partners. In 1999, Guyanor had spent $3.0 million, $1.4 million of which was reimbursed by joint venture partners. Total budgeted exploration expenditures by Guyanor for 2001 are $0.9 million. During 2000 it was determined, given the historically low gold prices, lack of funds to continue active exploration and the change in the Company's focus, that all of the Guyanor properties, save Paul Isnard were impaired. Accordingly all of the Guyanor deferred exploration projects were written off, with the exception of portions of the Paul Isnard property. Title to the mineral rights, however, will be retained for all French Guiana properties.
YAOU AND DORLIN - ---------------
Pursuant to an agreement, dated July 16, 1993, the Company acquired from BHP Minerals International Exploration Inc. ("BHP") for $4.3 million a 63.3% participating interest in a joint venture between BHP and the Bureau de Recherches Geologiques et minieres ("BRGM") with respect to six type "B" exploration permits covering an area known as Yaou and six type "B" exploration permits covering an area known as Dorlin in French Guiana. In August 1993, the Company transferred its 63.3% participating interest in the joint venture to Guyanor at cost. Further to an agreement dated August 3, 1993, between the Company and BRGM and a subsequent agreement, dated September 23, 1993, among the Company, Guyanor and BRGM, Guyanor acquired for $2.5 million BRGM's 36.7% interest in the joint venture assets owned for the benefit of the joint venture by BRGM. In addition, Guyanor agreed to pay to BRGM a further FF14.0 million (approximately $2.1 million) as follows: FF7.0 million at the time of completion of a bankable feasibility study on either the Yaou or Dorlin properties and FF7.0 million at the time of commencement of commercial production on either of these properties. The transfer of the Yaou and Dorlin permits from the BRGM to Guyanor was approved by the relevant French regulatory authorities on May 25, 1994. Both BHP and BRGM are arms' length parties to Guyanor and the Company.
Guyanor and the Company entered into an option agreement with Cambior, dated as of May 11, 1994, pursuant to which Cambior was granted the option to acquire a 50% interest in the operating company to hold the Yaou and Dorlin permits in French Guiana. Cambior exercised the option after having spent the $11.0 million expenditure commitment in September 1997. Since then, Cambior and Guyanor have participated equally in the funding of the joint venture's expenditures. The acquisition by Cambior of any interest in the Yaou and Dorlin permits is subject to French governmental approval. Cambior is responsible for the preparation of a feasibility study on the properties and will, if warranted, manage the development and operation of future mining operations.
A "Memoires Technique" and "Notice d'impact were prepared and filed with the French administration in March 1999, prior to the expiration of type "B" exploration permit. Since the project was not economic under the then current gold price, Guyanor revived two applications for type "A" exploration permits previously filed in 1997. The two Type "A" permits were granted to Guyanor on January 31, 2001 and will each be valid until March 1, 2006. These permits replace the type "B" permits. On February 21, 2001, the two type "A" permits were transferred to Societe Miniere Yaou-Dorlin ("SMYD"), a French company, created by Cambior and Guyanor to hold the Yaou and Dorlin mineral rights. Cambior and Guyanor each hold 50% of the shares of SMYD.
The Properties
The Yaou Type "A" permit covers an area of 52 km2 located some 210 km southwest of Cayenne. Access to the property is by helicopter or four-wheel drive vehicle on 17 km of dirt road from the town of Maripasoula, which is accessible by chartered and daily scheduled fixed-wing aircraft from Cayenne.
The Dorlin Type "A" permit covers an area of 84 km2 located some 180 km southwest of Cayenne and 60 km east of Maripasoula. The property is accessible by helicopter and a 500 m airstrip located on the property is suitable for fixed wing aircraft. Access is also available by boat during the rainy season.
Geology
The geology of the Yaou project area consists of a folded and sheared sequence of Lower Proterozoic mafic and ultramafic volcanics and volcaniclastics, with minor intercalations of fine-grained clastic sediments. Prior to folding, these were intruded by dioritic bodies. Two generations of granitic plutons bound the property to the east
and south. A north-north-west striking dolerite dyke of Permo-Triassic age cuts through the property. Exploration has defined three principal zones of gold mineralisation, mainly associated with narrow, deformed felsic intrusive bodies and finely laminated felsic tuffs. These zones, Yaou Central, Chaina and IJK, have been evaluated by intensive deep augering, trenching and core drilling.
The geology of the Dorlin project area consists of sheared and folded greenstone units of Lower Paramaca sequence. Exploration has identified an 11km long zone of soil geochemistry anomalies associated with a radiometric potassium anomaly. Within this anomalous zone one major, N-S trending gold mineralized system, Montagne Nivre, associated with tourmalinization, silicification and pyritization, has been intensively explored by deep auger, trenching and core drilling.
Work Program
In 2000, at the Yaou and Dorlin remained on care and maintenance. Among other things, management believes that the price of gold must improve substantially in order to have an economically feasible project.
In 2000, Guyanor's expenditures on Yaou and Dorlin totaled $0.3 million, $0.2 million of which was reimbursed by Cambior under the above-mentioned agreement. During 1999, Guyanor spent a total of $1.2 million on the Yaou project, of which Cambior reimbursed $0.8 million. Guyanor has budgeted $0.1 million in 2001 for its shares of expenditures at Yaou and Dorlin. During 2000 the Yaou and Dorlin projects were determined to be impaired and written off.
Mineralized Material
At year-end 2000, Cambior reported its 50% share of mineralized material (indicated resources) for Yaou and Dorlin, using a long-term gold price assumption of $300/oz (as compared with $325/oz in 1999), as 6.9 million tonnes grading 2.1g/t. The Company's share of the mineralized material for Yaou and Dorlin is 6.9 million tonnes grading 2.1 g/t compared to 8.2 million tonnes grading at 1.9g/t in 1999. The qualified person responsible for the estimation of mineralized material for the Yaou and Dorlin project is Mr. Francis Clouston, Project Assessment Engineer for Cambior. The Company has not independently verified the estimates reported by Cambior for Yaou and Dorlin.
The Company is reporting these results as mineralized material. Mineralized material does not represent reserves and has not been included in the Company's proven and probable reserve estimates because even though enough drilling and trenching indicate a sufficient amount and grade to warrant further exploration or development expenditures, these mineral deposits do not qualify under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission standards as being commercially minable until further drilling, metallurgical work and other economic and technical feasibility factors based upon such work are resolved.
PAUL ISNARD - ------------
On October 29, 1994, Guyanor acquired an interest in the Paul Isnard and Eau Blanche projects by way of the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of Societe de Travaux Publics et de Mines Auriferes en Guyane ("SOTRAPMAG"). SOTRAPMAG held, directly or indirectly, eight mineral concessions (the "Paul Isnard Concessions") and four type "B" exploration permits. Since then, all type "B" permits have expired or were relinquished. The concessions will expire on December 31, 2018 but can be renewed for an additional 25 years. A type "A" permit covering an area of approximately 326 km/2/ was granted to Guyanor on November 30, 1999 for an initial period of three years. The type "A" permit includes most of the area covered by the four type "B" permits as well as a new area adjacent to the Paul Isnard property. In this report, unless the context indicates otherwise, the term the "Paul Isnard" refers to the Paul Isnard and Eau Blanche properties.
Agreement with LaSource
In conjunction with Guyanor's acquisition of SOTRAPMAG, BRGM relinquished its rights under an option from Alcatel Alsthom Compagnie Generale d'Electricite to acquire any primary deposit located within the Paul Isnard Concessions. In consideration therefore, Guyanor paid to BRGM the sum of FF2.5 million (approximately
$505,000) and LaSource Developpement S.A., a company affiliated to BRGM ("LaSource"), received an initial 25% participating interest in two joint ventures for the exploration and exploitation of primary gold deposits on the Paul Isnard project. LaSource did not contribute its share of the exploration expenditures since 1997. By July 31, 1999, Guyanor's interest in the project had increased to approximately 90.2% and 91.2%, respectively. As a result of LaSource's participating interest having decreased below 10%, LaSource's interest in the joint ventures was automatically converted to a 2.5% of net profits.
Agreement with Rio Tinto
In January 2001, Guyanor and Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration Limited ("Rio Tinto") entered into a Heads of Agreement with respect to the Paul Isnard project. The area covered by the agreement includes the eight concessions held by SOTRAPMAG and the western part of the type "A" permit held by Guyanor, covering a total area of 216 km/2/. The remaining 214 km/2/ in the eastern part of the exploration permit is not included in the joint venture, although Rio Tinto has a preemptive right over the area. Guyanor may continue to explore and develop this portion of the exploration permit in its own right.
Under the terms of the agreement, Rio Tinto can earn a 40% participating interest in the joint venture by incurring expenditures of at least $2,250,000 on the project on or before the third anniversary of the agreement. In order to maintain its option, Rio Tinto will have to incur, with respect to the Property, annual expenditures for all years, other than the first year of the option, of at least $500,000. Unless otherwise specified, upon Rio Tinto having acquired its 40% participating interest in the joint venture, the parties will have to contribute to work programs and budgets in accordance with their then participating interests in the joint venture.
Rio Tinto may also acquire an additional 30% participating interest in the joint venture by incurring expenditures, without contribution by Guyanor of at least $6,750,000 on or before the fifth anniversary of the agreement. Upon receiving notice that Rio Tinto has acquired a 70% participating interest in the joint venture, Guyanor will have the right to elect to retain its then participating interest in the joint venture and fund its pro rata share of all costs of the joint venture or exchange a 10% participating interest in the joint venture in consideration for the obligation of Rio Tinto to fund all costs of the joint venture until commencement of commercial production, such amounts to be repaid out of 80% of Guyanor's share of project cash flow at LIBOR +3%.
The Properties
The Paul Isnard project is located in the western part of French Guiana, some 200 km west of Cayenne. The property is accessible from St-Laurent-du-Maroni, either by air, at a distance of 75 km to the south, or by means of a 115 km-long laterite road. The first 62-km section of this road is maintained by the government and the remaining 53-km section by SOTRAPMAG.
Geology
The Paul Isnard project covers a Lower Proterozoic greenstone belt comprised dominantly of mafic metavolcanic rocks with lesser felsic meta volcanic rocks, metavolcaniclastics and meta sediments. These have been intruded by intermediate granitic rocks of similar age.
The Decou-Decou mountain located to the south of the property is formed of volcanic rocks that, at the summit, are covered by degraded lateritic layers. The Lucifer mountain to the north-east is formed of basic intrusive rocks. The basin between the mountains is underlain by a Proterozoic sequence of mafic to felsic volcanics and clastic sediments of the Paramaca and Orapu groups, cut by ultramafic to felsic intrusives.
At Montagne D'Or the host stratigraphy for mineralization is a +400m thick section of bi-modal felsic and mafic volcanics with lesser volcaniclastics, particularly at the base. The eastern part of the section contains more mafic volcanics than the western section. The section is intruded by a largely post mineral and later deformation swarm of mafic dykes or sills. The section contains at least three unique time stratigraphic horizons marked by chemical sediments and thin lithologically distinctive flows designated as "favorable sequences".
Mineralization consists of two principal types: disseminated zones or stringer mineralization and semi-massive (SMS) mineralization. The SMS occurs mainly within the favorable sequences that can be reasonably correlated between the widely spaced (200m) drill sections. Both contain mainly pyrite with lesser pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite and arsenopyrite. A third more localized mineralization type, "highly chloritic one" has also been identified.
Work Program
During 2000, Guyanor concentrated its activities on the evaluation of the Elysee target. Several trenches, pits and galleries were sampled and the results are considered very encouraging. Guyanor also initiated the systematic geological mapping of the eastern part of the area, locating and sampling rocks from historical alluvial mining areas. A few new gold-mineralized occurrences found by the current alluvial miners were also studied.
Efforts during the first half of 2001 will focus primarily on the identification of additional gold-mineralized targets to supplement what had been previously outlined at Montagne d'Or. Work will include the geochemical evaluation of the area between Montagne d'Or and the Elysee target. Additional work will include the systematic trenching and test drilling of the Elysee area, and the drilling of geophysical targets on Montagne d'Or. A re-evaluation of the Montagne d'Or mineralized material will also be carried out in preparation for additional drilling.
Total expenditures in 2000 were $0.5 million for Paul Isnard. Total expenditures in 1999 were $0.8 million. Exploration expenditures for Paul Isnard in 2001 are budgeted to be $ 0.9million. Golden Star will lend $750,000 from the private placement proceeds received from Rio Tinto in January to fund the first semester work program on Paul Isnard.
During 2000, $2.0 million of past capitalized exploration work on the Paul Isnard alluvial areas was impaired and written off.
Mineralized Material
The mineralized material reported by the Company was estimated in February 1999. The Company estimated its 73% share of Paul Isnard, using a $325 gold price, as 4.4 million tonnes grading 2.8 g/t. This report only reflects mineralized material estimated to be present within the open pits modeled by the Company. The qualified person responsible for the estimation of mineralized material for the Paul Isnard project was Declan Costelloe, former Manager Mining Geology, for the Company.
Mineralized material does not represent reserves and has not been included in the Company's proven and probable reserve estimates because even though enough drilling and trenching indicate a sufficient amount and grade to warrant further exploration or development expenditures, these mineral deposits do not qualify under the United States Securities and Exchange Commission standards as being commercially minable until further drilling, metallurgical work and other economic and technical feasibility factors based upon such work are resolved.
Exploitation Authorization given for alluvial mining titles by third parties
Guyanor has granted the right to twenty-two small scale mining companies or individuals to apply for Exploitation Authorization on specific areas located within the Paul Isnard concessions and the Type A permit. The French government created this new type of mining title in connection with the recent revisions to the Mining Code. This new title, referred to as "AEX", grants to small-scale alluvial miners the right to mine within a specific area of 1 km/2/. The titleholder of an AEX is responsible for all potential environmental damages. The applications for AEX have been submitted to the DRIRE and if the applicants meet the DRIRE requirements, the AEX will be granted for a term of one or two years. Under separate agreements with each applicant, Guyanor is entitled to receive as compensation a certain percentage of the value of the gold extracted.
DACHINE - ---------
The Dachine property is accessible only by helicopter or, during the rainy season, by canoe from Maripasoula. Microdiamonds were found for the first time, in 1983, in alluvium/colluvium by BRGM during strategic prospecting
work for the Mineral Inventory of French Guiana. No further exploration was conducted at Dachine until Guyanor, after examining the existing literature and conducting preliminary reconnaissance in the field, was granted a type "B" exploration permit by the French government covering a 25 km/2/ area in southwest French Guiana known as Dachine (formerly known as IT-33). An application was filed in December of 1995 for a type "A" permit covering an area of 337 km/2/ that would include the current type "B" permit. Given the results obtained under the joint venture with Rio Tinto, Guyanor planned to substantially reduce the area covered by type "A" permit application.
Joint Venture with Rio Tinto
In 1999, Guyanor entered into a Heads of Agreement with Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration Limited ("Rio Tinto") with respect to the exploration, the development, and mining of diamonds within the whole territory of French Guiana excluding the St-Elie, Paul Isnard and Yaou-Dorlin properties. The Heads of Agreement gave Rio Tinto the right to earn a 70% participating interest in a Joint Venture between Guyanor and Rio Tinto. A program was designed to sample a large volume of material from various zones of the Dachine ultramafic body to yield a parcel of diamonds in order to confirm the presence of gem quality stones. Diamonds were found in 18 out of 23 samples processed. Using a cut-off size of 1 mm, grades varied from 0.06 to 10.48 carats per hundred tonnes. The largest stones were found in the 1.7 to 2.36 mm size range, with an average weight of 0.066 carats. However, the majority of the stones occurs in the ranges of 1 to 1.18 mm and 1.18 to 1.70 mm. Stone colors varied from white to light brown and rarely greenish/yellow. Stones are translucid to transparent, but often masked by large quantities of inclusions. The dominant shapes are irregular, with small quantities of cubic and octahedral stones. Stones are often intensely reabsorbed.
These results were considered disappointing. In October 2000, Rio Tinto decided to withdraw from the project and terminate the joint venture. Management determined that the Dachine project was impaired and capitalized exploration costs were written off during 2000.
Geology
The diamond occurrence at Dachine is hosted in a volcaniclastic komatiite - an unusual type of volcanic rock which differs from more well-known diamond host rocks such as kimberlite and lamproite. These komatiites once formed part of an island-arc sequence, a tectonic setting distinct from all other currently exploited diamond deposits.
Work Program
No work program is planned for 2001. The project will remain on care and maintenance. In 2000, $0.7 million was spent on exploration program for Dachine, of which $0.7million was reimbursed by Rio Tinto. During 1999, $0.8 million was spent on exploration and care and maintenance work for Dachine, of which $0.5 million was reimbursed by Rio Tinto.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS - ------- -----------------
There are currently no material pending legal proceedings to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or to which any of its properties or those of any of its subsidiaries is subject. The Company and its subsidiaries are, however, engaged in routine litigation incidental to their business. No material legal proceedings involving the Company are pending, or, to the knowledge of the Company, contemplated, by any governmental authority. The Company is not aware of any material events of non-compliance with environmental laws and regulations. The exact nature of environmental control problems, if any, which the Company may encounter in the future cannot be predicted, primarily because of the changing character of environmental requirements that may be enacted within foreign jurisdictions. For a description of the type of legal and regulatory environment in which the Company does business, see "Item 1. Description of Business - Risk Factors" and "Item 2. Description of Properties - General".
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS - ------- ---------------------------------------------------
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2000.
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED - ------- ----------------------------------------------------- STOCKHOLDER MATTERS -------------------
During 2000 the Company's common shares were listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSE") under the trading symbol "GSC" and on the American Stock Exchange ("Amex")under the trading symbol "GSR". The Company's shares were de- listed from the Amex on January 26, 2001, and immediately began trading on the OTC Bulletin Board. As of April 2, 2001, 38,088,988 common shares were outstanding and the Company had 837 shareholders of record. On April 2, 2001, the closing price per share for the Company's common shares, as reported by the TSE was Cdn$0.49 and as reported by the OTC Bulletin Board was $0.30.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low market closing prices per share of the Company's common shares as reported by the TSE and the AMEX.
The Company has not declared or paid cash dividends on its common shares since its inception. The Company's dividend policy is reviewed from time to time by its Board of Directors. Future dividend decisions will consider then current business results, cash requirements and the financial condition of the Company.
CERTAIN CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS - ----------------------------------------------------
The following summarizes the principal Canadian federal income tax considerations applicable to the holding and disposition of a common share of the Company (a "Common Share") by a holder (the "Holder") of one or more Common Shares who is resident in the United States of America and holds the Common Shares as capital property. This summary is based on the current provisions of the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (1980) (the "Treaty"), Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Tax Act"), the regulations thereunder and all amendments to the Tax Act publicly proposed by the government of Canada to the date hereof. It is assumed that each such amendment will be enacted as proposed and there is no other relevant change in any governing law, although no assurance can be given in these respects.
Every Holder is liable to pay a withholding tax on every dividend that is or is deemed to be paid or credited to him on his Common Shares. Under the Treaty, the rate of withholding tax is 5% of the gross amount of the dividend where the Holder is a company that owns at least 10% of the voting stock of the Company and beneficially owns the dividend, and 15% in any other case.
Under the Tax Act, a Holder will not be subject to Canadian tax on any capital gain realized on an actual or deemed disposition of a Common Share, including a deemed disposition at death, provided that he did not hold the Common Share as capital property used in carrying on a business in Canada, and that neither he nor persons with whom he did
not deal at arm's length alone or together owned 25% or more of the issued shares of any class of the Company at any time in the five years immediately preceding the disposition.
A Holder who is liable under the Tax Act for Canadian tax in respect of a capital gain realized on an actual or deemed disposition of a Common Share will be relieved under the Treaty from such liability unless
(a) the Common Share formed part of the business property of a permanent establishment or fixed base in Canada that the Holder has or had within the twelve-month period preceding the disposition, or
(b) the Holder
(i) was resident in Canada for 120 months during any period of 20 consecutive years preceding the disposition, and
(ii) was resident in Canada at any time during the ten years immediately preceding the disposition, and
(iii) owned the Common Share when he ceased to be a resident of Canada.
This summary is of a general nature and is not intended, nor should it be construed, to be legal or tax advice to any particular Shareholder. SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISERS AS TO THE INCOME AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING IN THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.
CERTAIN UNITED STATES INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules
Under the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the Company may be classified as a passive foreign investment company (a "PFIC"). United States shareholders of a PFIC are subject to certain adverse tax consequences. These consequences can be mitigated, under certain circumstances, if the United States shareholder makes a timely election to treat the Company as a "qualified electing fund" (a "QEF"). ALL United States SHAREHOLDERS ARE THEREFORE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS ABOUT THE ADVISABILITY OF MAKING A QEF ELECTION WITH RESPECT TO THE COMPANY. ALL UNITED STATES SHAREHOLDERS ARE ALSO URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISERS ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF CREDITING CANADIAN TAXES PAID AGAINST UNITED STATES TAX PAYABLE.
Definition of a PFIC
A PFIC is a corporation not formed in the United States (a "Non-United States Corporation") and either (i) 75% or more of its gross income is passive income or (ii) 50% or more of the average value of its assets produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. Passive income for these purposes includes interest, dividends, and certain rents and royalties. For purposes of the foregoing tests, if a Non-United States Corporation owns at least 25% by value of the stock of another corporation, it is treated as if it instead owned its proportionate share of the other corporation's assets and received directly its proportionate share of the other corporation's income.
The Company has been advised by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP that it should not be treated as a PFIC with respect to shares purchased by United States shareholders during the years 1993 through 1999, although it could potentially be a PFIC with respect to shares acquired by United States shareholders prior to 1993. The Company also intends to engage PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in the future to analyze whether it is a PFIC in 2000 and subsequent years and will continue to notify shareholders of the results of such future analyses. The PFIC analysis involves a complex analysis of many factors, including, among other things, the price of gold, production and cash flow from BGL and the cash flow of OGML.
Consequence of PFIC Classification if No QEF Election Made
If the Company is classified as a PFIC, United States shareholders who do not make timely QEF Elections (as discussed below) will be subject to a number of special adverse tax rules. For example, gain recognized on disposition of PFIC stock or the receipt of an "excess distribution" from a PFIC is (i) treated as if it were ordinary income earned ratably on each day in the taxpayer's holding period for the stock at the highest marginal rate in effect during the period in which it was deemed earned and (ii) subject to an interest charge as if the resulting tax had actually been due in such earlier year or years. (An excess distribution is the amount of any distribution received by the United States shareholder during the taxable year that exceeds 125% of the immediately preceding three year average of distributions received from the corporation, subject to certain adjustments.) Proposed United States Treasury Regulations broadly define a disposition to include any transaction or event that constitutes an actual or deemed transfer of property for any purpose under the Code, including (but not limited to) a sale, exchange, gift, transfer at death, and the pledging of PFIC stock to secure a loan. If the tax described above is not imposed on a transfer at death, the recipient of the PFIC stock receives a basis in the transferred stock equal to the lesser of the fair market value or the adjusted basis of the stock in the hands of the shareholder immediately before death. Finally, the foregoing rules will continue to apply with respect to a United States shareholder who held the stock of the Company while the Company met the definition of a PFIC even if the Company ceases to meet the definition of a PFIC.
The proposed PFIC regulations herein were proposed to be effective in April 1992 and may apply to all post-1986 years. However, there can be no assurance that such regulations will be adopted in their present form.
Consequences of PFIC Classification if QEF Election Made
Most of the foregoing adverse tax consequences can be avoided if (i) the United States shareholder makes a timely election to treat the Company as a QEF (a "QEF Election") for the first year of the shareholder's holding period in which the Company is a PFIC (or in a year for which the Shareholder also makes the "Deemed Sale Election" described below) and (ii) the Company provides the United States shareholder with a "PFIC Annual Information Statement" pursuant to Temporary Regulations issued by the Internal Revenue Service. United States shareholders of a PFIC who make a QEF Election, however, will be taxable currently on their pro rata share of the PFIC's ordinary earnings and net capital gain, unless they make a further election to defer payments of tax on amounts included in income for which no distribution has been received (subject to an interest charge). Special adjustments are provided to prevent inappropriate double taxation of amounts so included in a United States shareholder's income upon a subsequent distribution or disposition of the stock.
A United States shareholder makes a QEF Election by filing a Form 8621 with its tax return. In the case of stock owned through a United States entity, the election generally must be made at the entity level. A QEF Election must be filed by the due date (taking into account extensions) for filing the United States shareholder's income tax return for the taxable year for which the election is made. Once made, the election is effective for the shareholder's taxable year for which it is made and all subsequent taxable years, and may not be revoked without consent of the Secretary of the Treasury. A QEF election is required to be made for each corporation. Thus, to totally purge any PFIC taint, a separate election would be required for the non-United States subsidiaries of the Company. If a United States shareholder wishes to make a QEF Election subsequent to the first year of his holding period for stock of a Non-United States Corporation that is a PFIC, the United States shareholder may further elect to recognize gain (the "Deemed Sale Election") as if it had sold the QEF stock on the first day of the taxable year in which the QEF election is made if (i) the United States shareholder holds stock in the PFIC on that day and (ii) the shareholder can establish the fair market value of such stock on that day.
In the event that the Company is classified as a PFIC, the Company intends to comply with the reporting requirements prescribed by Temporary Treasury regulations. In particular, the Company will maintain information so that the ordinary earnings and net capital gains of the Company may be determined. However, future regulations may contain reporting and record-keeping requirements that are so onerous that it would not be practicable for the Company to comply. If, after review of the requirements, the Company determines that it would not be practicable to comply, it will so notify its shareholders.
Mark to Market Election
Under the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, a United States holder of "marketable stock" under the PFIC rules may be able to avoid the imposition of the special tax and interest charge by making a "mark-to-market election". Generally, pursuant to this election, such United States holder would include in ordinary income, for each taxable year during which such stock is held, an amount equal to the increase in value of the stock, which increase will be determined by reference to the value of such stock at the end of the current taxable year as compared with its value as of the end of the prior taxable year. Special rules should be considered in determining the ordinary income created by the election. United States holders desiring to make the mark-to-market election should consult their tax advisors with respect to the application and effect of making such election.
Taxation of Dividends on the Company's Stock
Subject to the PFIC rules described above for United States Federal income tax purposes, dividends paid by the Company (including any Canadian tax withheld thereon) will constitute ordinary dividend income to the extent of the Company's current or accumulated earnings and profits as determined for United States Federal income tax purposes, and to the extent in excess of earnings and profits, will first be applied against and reduce the shareholder's basis in such holder's stock, and to the extent in excess of such basis will be treated as gain from the sale or exchange of property. Because the Company is not a United States corporation, dividends that it pays will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction provided for in Section 243 of the Code. If a United States shareholder receives a dividend payment in any currency other than United States dollars, the amount of the dividend payment for United States Federal income tax purposes will be the United States dollar value of the dividend payment (determined at the spot rate on the date of such payment) regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into United States dollars. In such case, United States shareholders may recognize ordinary income or loss as a result of currency fluctuations during the period between the date of a dividend payment and the date such dividend payment is converted into United States dollars.
Subject to the limitations provided in the Code, the Canadian tax withheld with respect to such dividends should be eligible for the benefits of the foreign tax credit rules of the Code. A shareholder who does not elect the benefits of the foreign tax credit provisions of the Code will be entitled to a deduction for the amount of the Canadian tax withheld.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA - ------- -----------------------
The selected financial data set forth below are derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997 and 1996, included elsewhere herein, and should be read in conjunction with those financial statements and the footnotes thereto. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles ("Cdn GAAP"). Selected financial data derived in accordance with United States GAAP ("US GAAP") has also been provided and should be read in conjunction with Footnote 15 to the financial statements. For US GAAP reconciliation items, see the attached consolidated financial statements and notes. Reference should also be made to "Item 7.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND - ------- --------------------------------------------------------------- RESULTS OF OPERATIONS ---------------------
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP. For the US GAAP reconciliation, see foot note 15 to the attached consolidated financial statements, as well as "Results of Operations" below.
The following contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States securities laws. Actual results, performance or achievements of the Company could differ materially from those projected in the forward- looking statements due to a number of factors, including those set forth under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - ---------------------
Overview
Beginning in 1999 the Company embarked upon a significant shift in business strategy which would turn the organization's focus away from being a pure exploration company, to becoming a production, development and advanced stage exploration company (See Item 1, "Business Strategy"). In accordance with this new direction we were able to acquire a 70% interest in the Bogoso gold mine and mill in Ghana West Africa in late 1999, becoming the majority owner and operator of the property. (See Item 2, "The Bogoso Gold Mine").
The year 2000 saw continuation of the efforts to reorient the Company along these lines. Operation of the Bogoso mine yielded a positive operating cash flow and additional reserves were identified at Bogoso which, along with low-grade stock pile material, are expected to extend the life of the Bogoso mine into early 2002. Also during 2000 and in early 2001, in an effort to reduce costs and to move away from grass roots exploration, the Company closed exploration offices in Guyana, Ivory Coast, and Kenya and has cut back exploration efforts in Suriname, French Guiana and elsewhere in Africa and South America.
The cutbacks in exploration activity resulted in the write-off of the carrying value of several of our exploration properties, including all projects in Guyana, the Tanda project in Ivory Coast, the Yaou and Dorlin gold projects in French Guiana, and the Dachine diamond project, also in French Guiana. In total, $16.7 million of project abandonment expenses were recognized in 2000.
Also, in accord with the strategy shift, we have sought out and investigated several gold properties as potential acquisition targets. The majority of the properties so investigated are located in West Africa, where we have already established an operating presence via the Bogoso Mine. While acquisition efforts during 2000 did not come to fruition, such efforts are continuing in 2001.
Liquidity was a concern during 2000 and continues to be so. While positive operating cash flow was generated by the Bogoso Mine during 2000, cash needs for corporate operations and to maintain various exploration projects combined to yield a $1.9 million net reduction in cash on hand during 2000. See Item 1. - Risk Factors - "We currently have limited liquidity and capital resources", and the "Liquidity and Capital Resources" and "Outlook" sections below for additional discussion of our liquidity situation. The Company's ability to continue as a going concern after 2001 is dependent on its ability to obtain funding for acquisitions and development projects during 2001. Mining will cease at the Company's only producing mine (the Bogoso Mine) by mid-2001. While low- grade stock pile material will allow the Bogoso mill to continue operating into early 2002, additional ore reserves will be required by the beginning of 2002 to avoid mill closure. The Company is currently involved in advanced negotiations to acquire a property contiguous with the Bogoso Mine in Ghana that contains reserves that, if acquired, would be expected to provide mill feed for several years into the future. Additional funding would be required for this acquisition and, while the Company is currently engaged in financing negotiations, there is no assurance such funding can be obtained. The current market for gold shares is weak and equity capital is difficult to obtain. Although there is no assurance that the Company will be successful in these actions, management believes that they will be able to conclude property acquisitions and to secure the necessary financing to enable the Company to continue as a going concern.
Our consolidated financial statements are presented in compliance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada (Cdn GAAP), with a reconciliation included in the footnotes to the consolidated financial statements (presented in footnote 15) reconciling these with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (US GAAP). There are several differences between US GAAP and Cdn GAAP, some of which can yield material differences in the reported data.
The cumulative effect of the differences in accounting under Cdn GAAP and US GAAP on the statement of net loss is as follows:
The MD&A discussion below is in reference to Canadian GAAP financial results.
2000 Compared to 1999
The Company reported a net loss of $14.9 million for 2000 compared to a net loss of $24.4 million in 1999. The major factor contributing to the 2000 loss was the impairment costs of numerous deferred exploration properties following cutbacks in exploration and the placing of most projects on a care and maintenance basis during the year in response to continued low gold prices and in response to the Company's new direction. As a result, a total of $16.7 million of deferred exploration costs were written off during 2000, including those for the Tanda project in the Ivory Coast; the Yaou, Dorlin, Paul Isnard Alluvials and Dachine projects in French Guiana, and the Eagle Mountain project in Guyana. While many of the exploration properties written-off may still have development potential, and while the mineral rights to most of these properties will be retained by the Company, continued exploration and development has been indefinitely delayed.
The Bogoso Mine in Ghana, West Africa, acquired in September 1999, operated throughout 2000 contributing $30.4 million of revenues versus $10.6 million during 1999. The 1999 revenues were generated during the last quarter of 1999 following the September 30, 1999 acquisition of the Bogoso Mine. During 2000, the Bogoso Mine produced and sold 108,643 ounces of gold, which was sold at an average market price of $279.59 per ounce. We do not hedge our gold sales.
Cash cost of operations was $21.7 million during the year, compared to $6.0 million in 1999, the 1999 figure again reflecting the Company's ownership only during the last three months of 1999. Total cash cost per ounce averaged $201 per ounce during 2000 versus $165 per ounce in the fourth quarter of 1999. The higher cost per ounce in 2000 versus 1999 was due to the fact that during various periods in 2000 the mill processed mixed sulfide/oxide (transition) ore, which is more expensive to process and yields lower recoveries than did the oxide ores which were milled exclusively during the fourth quarter of 1999.
Depreciation and depletion expenses increased to $7.3 million from $3.0 million during the last quarter of 1999, again the increase being due to 12 months of operation in 2000 versus three months in 1999. Purchase cost amortization averaged $58 per ounce in 2000. Exploration expenses of $0.9 million during 2000 were up from $0.5 million in 1999. While overall exploration activity decreased from 1999, the amount of the expenses capitalized to specific projects was limited in 2000 following the large number of project closures at the end of 1999.
General and administrative costs were further reduced during 2000 from $3.7 million in 1999 to $2.9 million in 2000. Continued reductions in corporate staff and corporate activities were responsible for the lower costs. Interest expense rose in response to a full year's interest on the convertible debentures compared to only four and one-half months interest in 1999, the debentures having been issued in August 1999.
1999 Compared to 1998
The Company reported a net loss of $24.4 million in 1999 as compared to a net loss of $22.2 million in 1998. The most significant aspects of the 1999 results were the revenue and operating costs from gold production at the Bogoso Mine, which was acquired on September 30, 1999, and the impact of property abandonment charges and write-downs of $23.9 million in 1999 compared with $16.6 million in 1998. The write-downs on exploration properties totaled $10.0 million for properties in Suriname, $2.5 million for properties in Guyana, $2.6 million for properties in French Guiana, $3.3 million for properties in Brazil, and $5.5 million for properties in Africa. The write-downs in 1999 were due to the fundamental shift in the direction and focus of the Company from a pure exploration company, to a production, development and advanced stage exploration company. With the consummation of the acquisition of BGL, the Company completed the first major objective of management's shift of the Company's focus. Also, as a result of the shift of focus and with the prioritization of available funding, the Company must continually consolidate and rationalize exploration and development activities, which could impact its corporate and project budgets. Available funds will be more focused on the development and acquisition of advanced stage exploration projects, rather than on grass roots projects. During 1999, the Company undertook a review of the carrying value of all of its exploration properties and, as a result, the Company expensed $23.9 million for the write-down or abandonment of several projects and prospecting licenses. A number of these properties will be retained and could be actively explored in the future, but the write-down reflects their present potential, in view of the continuing low gold price and depressed markets for gold equities.
Total revenues in 1999 were $11.2 million, of which $10.6 million came from revenue from gold sales. The Bogoso Mine produced and sold 36,074 ounces of gold during the three months ended December 31, 1999, with an average $293 per ounce gold price realized and total cash costs of $165 per ounce. Depreciation and depletion expense increased to $3.0 million from $0.2 million, primarily as a result of the acquisition of the Bogoso Mine in September 1999.
Interest and other revenues of $0.7 million were comparable to the 1998 amount of $0.6 million.
General and administrative expenditures totaled $3.7 million in 1999, as compared to $7.7 million for 1998. The decrease in general and administrative expenditures resulted from the Company's ongoing cost reduction efforts.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES - -------------------------------
Cash provided by operations increased to $2.5 million from a negative $0.1 million in 1999, the improvement mostly based upon a full year's operation at the Bogoso Mine in 2000, compared with the three months of operations in the fourth quarter of 1999. While operating cash flow was higher than in 1999, capital equipment needs and property development costs at the Bogoso Mine along with corporate needs and requirements to maintain various exploration projects and offices combined to draw cash reserves down from $2.9 million at December 31, 1999 to $1.0 million at December 31, 2000.
Cash used in investing activities was down sharply from 1999, totaling only $3.3 million for the year, compared to $11.3 million in 1999 when costs of acquiring the Bogoso Mine were incurred. Cash used in financing transactions totaled $1.2 million, with most of the outflow used to repay loans. During 1999, financing transactions provided $7.0 million of cash, mostly from issuance of share capital and convertible debentures used to acquire the Bogoso Mine.
Working capital as of December 31, 2000 had decreased to $4.5 million from $6.0 million at December 31, 1999, mainly due to the drop in cash on hand and to lower receivables due to lower gold sales in the last month of 2000 (3,670 ounces) versus the last month of 1999 (14,069 ounces). Lower December gold sales are the result of a temporary reduction in mill output to allow for capital improvements in the mill in December of 2000, designed to allow more economic processing of transition ores in 2001.
The Company had $4.1 million of cash at December 31, 2000, which is restricted, in accordance with the BGL acquisition agreement, to be used for environmental rehabilitation at the Bogoso Mine. The Company drew down $1.9 million from the restricted cash account during 2000 to cover rehabilitation expenditures incurred since the acquisition of BGL.
The Company's ability to continue as a going concern after 2001 is dependent on its ability to obtain funding for acquisitions and development projects during 2001. Mining at the Company's only producing mine (the Bogoso Mine) is expected to be completed by mid-2001. While low-grade stock pile material will allow the Bogoso mill to continue operating through early 2002, additional ore reserves will be required by the beginning of 2002 to avoid mill closure. The Company is currently involved in advanced negotiations to acquire a property contiguous with the Bogoso Mine in Ghana that contains reserves that, if acquired, would be expected to provide mill feed for several years into the future. Additional funding would be required for this acquisition and, while the Company is currently engaged in financing negotiations, there is no assurance such funding can be obtained. The current market for gold shares is weak and equity capital is difficult to obtain.
Under the terms of the 1999 Bogoso purchase agreement between the Company, Anvil and the Sellers, the Company and Anvil together were required to make payment to the Sellers on September 30, 2000 in the amount of $2.8 million. The amount of the payment was determined using a formula in the purchase agreement, which incorporates the average price of gold during the twelve months ended September 30, 2000. On November 9, 2000 the Company paid to the Sellers $1.4 million of the $2.8 million due, and reached agreement with the Sellers that the balance, plus interest at 10% per annum, was to be paid by December 22, 2000. As of the date of this report, the Company is in discussions with the representatives of the Sellers, but the remaining balance and accrued interest has still not been paid.
Bogoso Gold Limited
The Bogoso Mine in Ghana, West Africa, acquired in September 1999, operated throughout 2000, contributing $30.4 of revenues versus $10.6 million during 1999. The 1999 revenues were generated during the last quarter following the September 30, 1999 acquisition of the Bogoso Mine. In 2000, the Bogoso Mine produced and sold 108,643 ounces of gold at an average price of $279.59 per ounce. Cash operating costs were $21.7 million during the year, compared to $6.0 million in 1999, the 1999 figure again reflecting the company's ownership only during the last three months of 1999. Total cash cost per ounce averaged $201 during 2000 versus $165 in the fourth quarter of 1999. The higher cost per ounce in 2000 versus 1999 was due to the fact that during various periods in 2000 the mill processed transition ore which is more expensive to process and yields lower recoveries than does the oxide ores which were milled in the fourth 1999.
Cash flow from operations at the Bogoso mine totaled $6.6 million in 2000, of which $5.7 million was used at Bogoso, mostly for development of new gold resources and for acquisition of property, plant and equipment. A total of $7.1 million of cash was forwarded to the parent entity, from which $1.4 million was paid to the Sellers, $1.6 million was applied against a note receivable from the Anvil, the Bogoso minority interest holder, and the balance was used for corporate operations and to fund various exploration projects and exploration offices.
Guyanor Ressources S.A.
Total exploration expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2000, amounted to $1.6 million, offset by joint venture recoveries of $0.8 million, compared to 1999 expenditures of $3.0 million, offset by 1999 joint venture recoveries of $1.4 million. Guyanor recorded property write-downs of $13.5 million at the Dorlin, Yaou, Dachine and Paul Isnard Alluvial projects. This compares to $2.6 million in property write-downs in 1999 at the St-Elie property.
A budget prepared by Guyanor estimates total exploration project spending for 2001 of approximately $0.9 million with recoveries from joint venture partners of approximately $0.2 million for net expenditures of $0.7 million. Net expenditures for 2001 are expected to be funded by minor working capital loans from Golden Star and by funds supplied by Rio Tinto, which purchased $1.0 million of Golden Star common stock in January 2001 with the agreement that the $0.25 million would be used by Golden Star to fund portions of Guyanor's working capital needs in early 2001 with the balance of $0.75 million to be spent on exploration on the Paul Isnard project during 2001.
Guyana
There were no capitalized exploration costs in Guyana in 2000 but $0.3 million of care and maintenance costs were incurred. In comparison there were $0.4 million of capitalized exploration costs incurred in 1999. The company wrote- off deferred project expenditures in Guyana of $1.5 million in 2000. This compares with $2.5 million of property abandonment charges in 1999. Lower spending in Guyana in 2000 reflects closing of the Guyana exploration office in March 2000.
Suriname
Activities in Suriname during 2000 focused on the Gross Rosebel gold project, held in a 50/50 joint venture with Cambior. Total Gross Rosebel spending in 2000 amounted to $0.5 million only a portion of which was capitalized, offset by joint venture recoveries of $0.3 million, as compared to 1999 spending of $0.7 million, which was offset by joint venture recoveries of $0.4 million. The spending reduction is the result of putting all properties in Suriname, including the Gross Rosebel project, on care and maintenance pending improved gold prices, the resolution of various technical matters and Cambior's future development plans.
In August 1999, the Company announced the results of its scoping study for a smaller, less capital intensive development plan at Gross Rosebel. These results supported the Company's belief that the project could be profitably developed in a low gold price environment by applying a low cost heap leach processing approach. Budgeted 2001 care and maintenance, and exploration and development expenditures for Gross Rosebel are $1.0 million, with budgeted joint venture recoveries of $0.5 million. Expenditures at the Gross Rosebel project are shared equally between the Company and Cambior. A portion of the 2001 expenditures are expected to be related to a revised feasibility study for a lower cost, smaller scale operation at the Gross Rosebel property.
At such time as the decision may be made to proceed with the development of Gross Rosebel, the Company will evaluate various funding alternatives including the issuance of debt or equity securities or the sale of other assets to fund its share of the development costs.
Brazil
There were no capitalized exploration costs in Brazil in 2000 but $0.1 million of care and maintenance costs were incurred. In comparison there were $0.5 million of capitalized exploration costs incurred in 1999. The Company recorded write-downs totaling $3.3 million in 1999 for all its remaining Brazilian properties. The write-downs were a result of poor exploration results and management's decision to reduce exploration expenditures. Expenditures in 2000 reflected administrative costs of the Brazilian office which is scheduled to be closed in early 2001.
Pan African Resources Corporation
Prior to the acquisition of BGL, all the Company's exploration activities in Africa were conducted through Pan African Resources Corporation ("PARC") which became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company in April 1998. The Company spent $0.2 million maintaining the PARC administrative offices in 2000, compared with $0.3 million in 1999. The PARC administrative offices were closed in December 2000. During 2000, the Company recorded deferred exploration write- downs of $1.7 million as compared to $5.5 million in 1999. Maintenance of exploration rights to Tanda and other administrative duties of PARC will be handled by the Bogoso Mine staff in Ghana from 2001.
OTHER MATTERS - -------------
Prior to 2000, the majority of the Company's funding came from equity financing transactions completed in Canada and in Canadian currency. The Company currently maintains all or the majority of its working capital in United States dollars or United States dollar denominated securities and its practice has been to convert funds to foreign currencies as payment obligations come due. Accordingly, the Company is subject to fluctuations in the rates of currency exchange between the Unites States dollar and other currencies, and such fluctuations may materially affect the Company's financial position and results of operations. The Company currently has future obligations payable and receivables collectible in Cedis and French francs. The Company's share of BGL gold sales (net of
operating expenses and capital expenditures) will, however, be in United States dollars. The Company currently does not actively hedge against such currency risks.
The Company believes that its current activities are in material compliance with applicable laws and regulations designed to protect the environment. The Company periodically engages specialists to evaluate potential environmental issues for specific projects. The results of these evaluations are utilized in the property evaluation process, where applicable. The Company also evaluates reclamation needs in light of current laws and regulations and will make provisions for the required funding as necessary, based on the Company's activities in South America and Africa. In accordance with the acquisition agreement for BGL, the Company has $4.1 million of cash restricted for the final environmental rehabilitation of the Bogoso Mine site. These funds are classified as restricted cash on the December 31, 2000 balance sheet.
Management
The Company experienced significant management changes between October 1998 and March 2000. In October 1998 David Fennell resigned as President and Chief Executive Officer. James E. Askew was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer in March 1999 and, after his work to re-focus the Company and to acquire the operating Bogoso Mine, he resigned in October 1999 to take a position in his native Australia. Mr. Askew continues as a member of the board of directors. On November 1, 1999, Peter J. Bradford was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Bradford was instrumental in bringing the BGL opportunity to the Company's attention and, after many years of development and operating gold mining experience (including seven years in Ghana), he brings appropriate skills to this phase of the Company's development. In addition to Mr. Askew, the Company's Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Corporate Development, and Controller also resigned during 1999 and early 2000. These latter resignations mostly resulted from the reorganization and re-focusing of the Company, combined with the objectives of cost reduction to accommodate the continuing low gold price environment. The board of directors was also reduced in size during 1999 to a level of five directors, all of whom are independent of management. Mr. Bradford, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, was elected to the board of directors in 2000, bringing the total board membership to six.
Effects of the European Monetary Union Currency
Effective January 1, 1999, eleven of the fifteen member countries of the European Monetary Union ("EMU") adopted a single European currency, the "Euro", as their common legal currency. During the years 1999 through 2001, business conducted within the EMU will be conducted in both the existing national currency and the Euro. As a result, companies operating in EMU member states will need to ensure that their financial systems are capable of processing transactions and properly handle these currencies, including the Euro. The operations of the Company's 73% owned subsidiary Guyanor Ressources S.A. are affected by this change. The Company has not had and does not expect a material impact on its results of operations from foreign currency gains or losses as a result of the transition to the Euro in January 2002.
OUTLOOK - -------
In years prior to 2000 the Company relied primarily on the capital markets to fund its acquisitions, operations and exploration activities. With the acquisition of BGL and its operating gold mine, effective September 30, 1999 the Company gained a source of positive cash flow from mining operations which is expected to continue through 2001, although we still have limited cash resources (see "Risk Factors - We currently have limited liquidity and capital resources"). The current market for gold shares continues to be weak and equity capital is difficult to obtain; but, as the Company demonstrated in 1999 through its capital raising activities (from the issuance of shares and convertible debentures), it is somewhat easier to raise funds to acquire producing mining assets compared with the challenge of raising capital primarily for exploration. The Company will continue to explore various possibilities for raising capital, which might include, among other things, the further establishment of joint ventures, the sale of property interests, debt financing and the issuance of additional equity. Although there is no assurance that the Company will be successful in these actions, management believes that they will be able to conclude property acquisitions and to secure the necessary financing to enable the Company to continue as a going concern.
Whether and to what extent alternative financing options are completed by the Company or its subsidiaries will depend on a number of factors including, among others, the successful acquisition of additional properties or projects, the price of gold and management's assessment of the capital markets. The low gold price adversely
affects our ability to obtain financing and therefore our ability to acquire additional properties and to explore and develop our current portfolio of properties. We cannot provide assurance that additional funding will be available in 2001. We may, in the future, be unable to continue our exploration and development programs and fulfill our obligations under our agreements with our partners or under our permits and licenses. Although we have been successful in the past in obtaining financing though partnership arrangements and sale of equity securities, we cannot provide assurance that we will be able to obtain adequate financing on acceptable terms. If we are unable to obtain such additional financing, we may need to delay, or indefinitely postpone, further exploration and development of our properties. As a result we may lose our interest in some of our projects and may be obliged to sell some of our properties. The loss of any of our interests in exploration and mining properties would give rise to write-offs, under Canadian GAAP, of any capitalized costs and this would negatively impact the results of our operations. The impact would also be shown in reduction of the assets in our balance sheet, which in turn may reduce our ability to raise additional funds from equity or debt sources.
As of December 31, 2000, the Company held consolidated cash and short-term investments of $1.0 million. For 2001 management has budgeted consolidated total revenue of approximately $28 million and total operating and general and administrative expenditures of approximately $23.7 million. Consolidated net exploration and development expenditures, after recoveries from joint venture partners are budgeted at approximately $3.3 million, most of which will be at the Bogoso Mine.
The Company has budgeted production from the Bogoso Mine of 99,000 ounces during 2001. The Company's planned exploration and development spending during 2001 is primarily for completion of the feasibility study on the Bogoso sulfide project, exploration work at the Paul Isnard property in French Guiana, and the new feasibility study at Gross Rosebel in Suriname. No fieldwork is planned for Gross Rosebel, other than property care and maintenance.
The Company does not anticipate receiving cash flow from OGML in 2001 through redemptions of Class I preferred shares, as any redemptions will be utilized to reduce the debt owed to OGML. The amount of redemptions, if any, is dependent on the net cash flow of OGML. In 2000, the Company recorded $0.5 million or preferred share income from the redemption of Class I preferred shares.
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS - -----------------
De-listing from the America Stock Exchange and Trading on the Over-The-Counter Bulletin Board
The Company's shares were de-listed from the American Stock Exchange (Amex) on January 26, 2001, following several appeals and extended discussions between the Company' management and the Amex. The Amex noted the Company's stock price trading below one dollar per share, continuing losses and total shareholder equity below the Amex minimum, on a U.S GAAP basis, as the reasons for their decision.
The Company now trades on the NASDAQ Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board under the symbol GSRSF. Golden Star Resources stock continues to trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol GSC.
Penalties arising from the Amex De-Listing
Delisting from the Amex has triggered penalties on 1.5 million of outstanding warrants. The warrants were issued with the agreement that if our stock was to be delisted from the Amex and not subsequently relisted on either the New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ National Market or the NASDAQ Smallcap Market, that cash payments and other remedies would be made available to the holders of the warrants. At this time our stock does not qualify for listing on these three exchanges thus triggering the penalties.
The penalties include cash payments to the warrant holders equal to 3% per month of the aggregate value of the shares underlying the warrants, being approximately $19,000 per month. The warrant holders have agreed to defer any penalty payments until the end of April 2001 and discussions are ongoing regarding a potential financing and resolution of this matter.
If we are required to pay this penalty for more than six months, i.e., through July 2001, the warrant agreement would then require us to repurchase the warrants (or if the warrant holders elect to exercise the warrants, to repurchase the warrant holder's common stocks at a premium over the fair market value of our common shares). Payment of the penalties and repurchase of the warrants (shares) would adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
Liquidity
Cash availability in the first three months of 2001 has been negatively impacted by recent events at the Bogoso Mine, associated with the installation of new mill circuits and mill modifications designed to allow the processing of transition ores which are expected to be the main source of mill feed for the mill at the Bogoso Mine during the first few months of 2001. To process such transition ores, the mill was upgraded during the period from August to December 2000 to add a spiral gravity circuit (to produce a sulfide concentrate from the transition ore) and a regrind and intensive cyanide leach circuit (CIIL) (to recover gold from the transition ore concentrate).
As a result of the earlier commissioning in November 2000 of the spiral gravity circuit, transition ore concentrate was stockpiled until the regrind and CIIL were commissioned in January 2001. This resulted in a drop in gold output. To cover ongoing expenses during this time period, BGL obtained a $1.0 million working capital credit facility. At December 31, 2000, BGL had drawn $0.9 million under this credit facility. Commissioning problems with the new mill circuits in January and February 2001 left gold output and revenues below expectations during the first quarter of 2001. Gold output levels returned to normal levels by late in the first quarter of 2001.
As a result of the above events, only minor amounts of cash have been available for disbursement by BGL to Golden Star since January 1, 2001. There is at the present time no assurance that there will be sufficient cash available to continue meeting all of the Company's needs until the commissioning/processing difficulties are resolved. There also can be no assurance that the difficulties experienced to date in commissioning the new mill circuits, can be resolved. See "Prestea Acquisition Activities" below for impact that additional subsequent events could have on potential operating cash sources.
Prestea Property Acquisition Activities
Since the beginning of 2000, the Company has endeavored to acquire the property located along the southern boundary of the existing Bogoso concession, known as the "Prestea Property". The Prestea Property is known to contain at least three prospective oxide gold deposits amenable to open-pit mining methods and CIL processing. Negotiations with the owner of the Prestea Property during 2000 led to the signing of a letter of intent on August 24, 2000, which would have allowed the Company to proceed with the acquisition. On October 25, 2000 the Government of Ghana advised its decision to abrogate the existing rights over the mining lease on the Prestea Property. On November 1, 2000 the Government of Ghana granted a new mining lease over the Prestea property to a company that was mining the underground mine on the Prestea Property. The Company continues to negotiate with the parties and the Government of Ghana. The letter of intent was subsequently allowed to expire.
In February 2001, following a change of government in Ghana and other developments, the Company again entered into negotiations to obtain the Prestea Property. The Company is also currently in discussions with a number of financial institutions to obtain the funding required to proceed with the acquisition and to provide for near-term working capital needs for the Company, although there can be no assurance that funding can be obtained.
Anvil Buyout
On April 4, 2001, the Company announced that it had entered into an agreement to acquire Anvil's 20% equity interest in BGL in return for the issuance of 3,000,000 common shares of Golden Star.
Private Placement - Rio Tinto
On January 10, 2001, the Company and Guyanor announced that a heads of agreement had been concluded between Guyanor and Rio Tinto, with respect to the Paul Isnard gold project in French Guiana. Under the terms of the agreement, Rio Tinto can earn a participating interest of up to 70% in a joint venture relating to the Paul Isnard
property, by spending a total of $9.0 million on exploration and development on the Paul Isnard property (See "Item 2. Description of Properties -Paul Isnard".)
On January 17, 2001, Rio Tinto purchased by way of private placement 500,000 common shares of Golden Star at a price of $2.00 per common share, for total proceeds of $1,000,000. The Company has committed to lend all $1.0 million of the proceeds to Guyanor. Of the $1.0 million total, $0.75 million will be used to fund a work program in 2001 on the Paul Isnard gold project and $250,000 will be used to partially fund the cost of a re-organization of Guyanor, aimed at reducing ongoing costs.
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - -------- ----------------------------------------------------------
The Company's exposure to market risk includes, but is not limited to, the following risks: changes in interest rates on the Company's investment portfolio, changes in foreign currency exchange rates and commodity price fluctuations. The Company also has various agreements that are classified as derivative financial instruments. (See also "Risk Factors" in Part I of this Form 10-K.)
Interest Rate Risk
The Company may invest its cash in debt instruments of the United States Government and its agencies, and in high-quality corporate issuers, and limits the amount of exposure to any one issuer. Investments in both fixed rate and floating rate interest-earning instruments carry a degree of interest rate risk. Fixed rate securities may have their fair market value adversely impacted due to a rise in interest rates, while floating rate securities may produce less income than expected if interest rates fall. Due in part to these factors the Company's future investment income may fall short of expectations due to changes in interest rates or the Company may suffer losses in principal if forced to sell securities which have declined in market value due to changes in interest rates. Given the relatively low amounts of cash on hand in recent quarters, the impact on the Company's revenues from changes in interest rates would be nil. The Company may in the future actively manage its exposure to interest rate risk.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
The price of gold is denominated in United States dollars and the majority of the Company's revenues and expenses are denominated in United States dollars. As a result of the limited exposure, management considers that the Company is not exposed to a material risk as a result of any changes in foreign currency exchange rate changes, so the Company does not utilize market risk sensitive instruments to manage its exposure.
Commodity Price Risk
The Company is engaged in gold mining and related activities, including exploration, extraction, processing and reclamation. Gold bullion is the Company's primary product and, as a result, changes in the price of gold could significantly affect the Company's results of operations and cash flows. According to current estimates, a $25 change in the price of gold could result in a $2.5 million effect on the results of operations and cash flows. The Company currently does not have a program for hedging, or otherwise manage its exposure to commodity price risk. The Company may in the future manage its exposure through hedging programs.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA - ------- -------------------------------------------
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements of Golden Star Resources Ltd. and Subsidiaries
MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION
To the Shareholders of Golden Star Resources Ltd.
The consolidated financial statements and all information in the Annual Report are the responsibility of the Board of Directors and management. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management based on information available to April 2, 2001, and are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada.
A system of internal accounting and administrative controls is maintained by management in order to provide reasonable assurance that financial information is accurate and reliable, and that the Company's assets are safeguarded. Limitations exist in all cost effective systems of internal controls. The Company's systems have been designed to provide reasonable but not absolute assurance that financial records are adequate to allow for the completion of reliable financial information and the safeguarding of its assets.
The Company believes that the systems are adequate to achieve the stated objectives. Regular testing of these systems is employed to ensure continued effectiveness of the controls, and actions are taken when necessary to correct deficiencies when they are identified.
The Audit and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors is comprised of three outside directors, and meets regularly with management and the independent auditors to ensure that management is maintaining adequate internal controls and systems and to approve the annual and quarterly consolidated financial statements of the Company. The committee also reviews the audit plan of the independent auditors and discusses the results of their audit and their report prior to submitting the consolidated financial statements to the Board of Directors for approval.
The consolidated financial statements have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Accountants, who were appointed by the shareholders. The auditors' report outlines the scope of their examination and their opinion on the consolidated financial statements.
/s/ Peter J. Bradford /s/ Allan J. Marter - ----------------------- ------------------- Peter J. Bradford Allan J. Marter President and Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer
April 10, 2001
AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Shareholders of Golden Star Resources Ltd.:
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Golden Star Resources Ltd. as of December 31, 2000 and 1999 and the consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in Canada and in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2000 and 1999, and the consolidated results of its operations and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Chartered Accountants Calgary, Canada
April 4, 2001
Comments by the Auditors for the U.S. Readers on Canada-U.S. Reporting - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Differences - -----------
In the United States, reporting standards for auditors require the addition of an explanatory paragraph (following the opinion paragraph) when the financial statements are affected by conditions and events that cast substantial doubt on the Company's ability to continue as a going concern such as those described in Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements. Our report to the shareholders dated April 4, 2001 is expressed in accordance with Canadian reporting standards which do not permit a reference to such conditions and events in the auditor's report when these are adequately disclosed in the financial statements
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Chartered Accountants Calgary, Canada
April 4, 2001
GOLDEN STAR RESOURCES LTD. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Stated in thousands of United States Dollars except share amounts) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Approved by the Board:
By: /s/ Robert R. Stone - Director By: /s/ David K. Fagin - Director ------------------------------ ------------------------------
GOLDEN STAR RESOURCES LTD. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Stated in thousands of United States Dollars except per share amounts) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
GOLDEN STAR RESOURCES LTD. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Stated in thousands of United States Dollars except share amounts) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
GOLDEN STAR RESOURCES LTD. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Stated in thousands of United States Dollars) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - ---------------------------------------------- (All amounts in thousands of United States Dollars unless noted otherwise)
1. Operations and Going Concern - -- ----------------------------
The Company's ability to continue as a going concern after 2001 is dependent on its ability to obtain funding for acquisitions and development projects during 2001. Mining at the Company's only producing mine (the Bogoso Mine in Ghana) is expected to be completed by mid-2001. While low grade stock pile material will allow the Bogoso mill to continue operating into early 2002, additional ore reserves will be required by the beginning of 2002 to avoid mill closure. The Company is currently involved in advanced negotiations to acquire a property contiguous with the Bogoso Mine that contains mineralized material that, if acquired, would be expected to provide mill feed for several years into the future. Additional funding would be required for this acquisition and, while the Company is currently engaged in financing negotiations, there is no assurance such funding can be obtained. Historically low gold prices continue to adversely affect our ability to obtain financing and therefore our abilities to proceed with our current operational and development plans.
The Company may experience difficulties in satisfying our obligations under its convertible debentures because the Bogoso Mine life is expected to be shorter than the term of the debentures. Currently, we anticipate production from the Bogoso Mine to continue until early 2002, while the term of the debentures is five years, maturing in August 2004. If we are unable to extend the mine life beyond its anticipated usefulness or are not successful in generating sufficient free cash flow from other operations or sources, our ability to repay amounts outstanding under the debentures would be materially and adversely affected
The Company and Anvil, the minority interest holder in BGL, together were scheduled to make the interim payment to the Sellers of BGL on September 30, 2000 in the amount of $2.8 million. On November 9, 2000 the Company paid the Sellers $1.4 million of the $2.8 million due, and reached agreement with the Sellers that the balance, plus interest at 10% per annum, was to be paid by December 22, 2000. As of April 16, 2001 the Company is in discussions with representatives of the Sellers, but the remaining balance and accrued interest is still unpaid
The Company's shares were de-listed from the American Stock Exchange (Amex) on January 26, 2001. Although the Company has not experienced an immediate, direct impact on its financial position, results of operations and liquidity as a result of the de-listing, the Company may, in the longer term, have more difficulty raising financing in the U.S. market. De-listing from the Amex has triggered penalties on 1.5 million of outstanding warrants. The penalties include cash payments to the warrant holders equal to 3% per month of the aggregate value of the shares underlying the warrants, which would cost approximately $19,000 per month. We are now in financing discussions with the warrant holders and will propose alternatives to resolve the penalty situation and, as a result, the warrant holders have initially agreed to defer any penalty payments until the end of April 2001.
If the Company is required to pay this penalty for more than six months, the warrant agreement would then require us to repurchase the warrants or, if the warrant holders elect to exercise the warrants, to repurchase the warrant holder's common shares at a premium over the fair market value of our common shares. Payment of the penalties and repurchase of the warrants or shares would adversely impact the Company's financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
The Company is exploring various transactions which would enable it to have sufficient capital to continue its operations. Various transactions being considered include mergers with other companies, the issuance of new equity, the further establishment of joint ventures and the sale of property interests. Whether and to what extent alternative financing options are completed by the Company or its subsidiaries will depend on a number of factors including, among others, the successful acquisition of additional properties or projects, the price of gold and management's assessment of the capital markets. Although there is no assurance that the Company will be successful in these actions, management believes that they will be able to conclude property acquisitions and to secure the necessary financing to enable the Company to continue as a going concern. These financial statements do not reflect going concern adjustments to the carrying value of assets and liabilities. If the going concern assumption were not appropriate, such adjustments could be material.
2. Formation of the Company - -----------------------------
In May of 1992, the shareholders of Golden Star Resources Ltd. ("Golden Star" or the "Company") and South American Goldfields Inc. ("South American"), respectively agreed to a business combination of the two companies. Neither company was under common control prior to the amalgamation. This combination was considered to be an amalgamation under the Canada Business Corporations Act and was effective May 15, 1992. The amalgamation was treated as a purchase by the Company for accounting purposes. Concurrent with the amalgamation, the common shares of the Company were consolidated on a one-for-two basis. The Company's fiscal year-end is December 31, and commencing on May 15, 1992 the Company changed its reporting currency to the United States dollar. However, if the Company were to declare a dividend to its shareholders, it would be paid in Canadian dollars.
3. Description of Business - ---------------------------
The Company is engaged in the business of gold production in West Africa, and the acquisition, exploration and development of precious metals deposits in both South America and Africa and holds a 30% equity interest in the producing Omai mine in Guyana.
Efforts in Africa are focused on the producing Bogoso Mine in Ghana and are conducted through the Company's 70% owned subsidiary, Bogoso Gold Limited. Exploration rights to various inactive properties in Kenya and the Ivory Coast are held by the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Pan African Resources Corporation.
Efforts in South America are focused on property interests in Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana (through its 73%-owned subsidiary Guyanor Ressources S.A.)
Most of the Company's projects are conducted through agreements with third parties, national governments and/or pursuant to permits and licenses granted by other appropriate authorities. When deemed appropriate, certain projects are pursued on a joint venture basis to share the associated risk and to assist in project funding.
4. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - ----------------------------------------------
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") in Canada. The following policies have been adopted by the Company.
Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its more than 50%-owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The consolidated group includes the following as of December 31, 2000 (all entities are 100%-owned by the Company, unless otherwise noted):
2000: 1999: - ----- -----
Golden Star Holdings Ltd. Golden Star Holdings Ltd. Venezuela Investments Ltd. Venezuela Investments Ltd. Golden Star Management Ltd. Golden Star Management Ltd. Pan African Resources Corporation Pan African Resources Corporation Southern Star Resources Ltd. Southern Star Resources Ltd. Guyanor Ressources S.A. (72.6%) Guyanor Ressources S.A. (71%) Societe de Travaux Publics Societe de Travaux Publics et de Mines Auriferes en et de Mines Auriferes en Guyane ("SOTRAPMAG") Guyane ("SOTRAPMAG") Societe des Mines de St-Elie Societe des Mines de St-Elie ("SMSE") ("SMSE") Caystar Holdings Caystar Holdings Bogoso Holdings Bogoso Holdings Bogoso Gold Limited ("BGL") (70%) Bogoso Gold Limited ("BGL") (70%)
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Short-term Investments
Cash and short-term investments consist primarily of high credit quality United States and Canadian money market investments and fixed and variable income commercial paper, which are capable of reasonably prompt liquidation, and are stated at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
Inventories
Stockpiled ore, in-process and finished inventory are recorded at the lower of cost or market, including direct production costs and attributable operating expenses. Materials and supplies are valued at the lower of average cost or replacement cost.
Reclassifications
Certain amounts in the 1999 financial statements have been reclassified to be consistent with the 2000 presentation.
Restricted Cash
In certain countries where the Company conducts business, governments may require performance bonds to be placed for certain amounts of the agreed-upon exploration expenditures. The cash collateral for these bonds is shown as a non-current asset as the funds are not available for use in operations until the bond amounts are reduced or released by the governments. In relation to the Bogoso Mine in Ghana, funds are restricted in accordance with the BGL acquisition agreement for the final environmental rehabilitation of the mine site.
Acquisition, Deferred Exploration and Development Costs
Acquisition, administration, exploration and development costs of mineral properties are capitalized.
Management periodically reviews the carrying value of its investments in acquisition, deferred exploration and development costs. A decision to abandon, reduce or expand a specific project is based upon many factors including general and specific assessments of reserves and mineralized material, anticipated future mineral prices, the anticipated future costs of exploring, developing and operating a producing mine, the expiration term and ongoing expenses of maintaining leased mineral properties and the general likelihood that the Company will continue exploration. The Company does not set a pre-determined holding period for properties with unproven reserves; however, properties which have not demonstrated suitable metal concentrations at the conclusion of each phase of an exploration program are re-evaluated to determine if future exploration is warranted and if their carrying values are appropriate.
If a mineral property is abandoned or it is determined that its carrying value cannot be supported by future production or sale, the related costs are charged against operations in the year of abandonment or determination of value. Any costs incurred for a particular project afterward are expensed as incurred.
The accumulated costs of mineral properties are depleted on a units-of- production basis at such time as production commences.
Mining Properties Impairments
The Company evaluates its mining properties for impairment annually and when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying value may not be recoverable. If deemed impaired, an impairment loss is measured and recorded based upon the fair value of the asset which generally will be computed using discounted future cash flows. The Company's estimates of future cash flows are subject to risks and uncertainties. Therefore, it is possible that changes could occur which may affect the recoverability of the Company's investments in mineral properties.
Investment in Omai Gold Mines Limited
The common share investment in Omai Gold Mines Limited ("OGML") is accounted for using the equity method. As of December 31, 2000 the Company's share of cumulative losses of OGML had exceeded the cost of the original investment in common shares.
In addition, the Company holds Class I redeemable preferred shares of OGML which were recorded at the cost of the mineral interest exchanged. The preferred shares are required to be redeemed quarterly based upon a percentage of cash flows from the Omai Mine (Note 11), which proceeds are applied to the Investment in Omai Gold Mines Limited balance based upon the relationship that the Company's original investment in deferred exploration costs ($5 million) bore to the original value of the redeemable preferred shares ($11 million). The remainder of the preferred share proceeds is recognized as "Omai preferred share redemption premium" in the consolidated statement of operations.
Fixed Assets
Fixed assets are stated at cost and include buildings, machinery, equipment and vehicles. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method at rates calculated to depreciate the cost of the assets less their anticipated residual values, if any, over the estimated useful lives. The net book value of fixed assets at property locations is charged against income if the site is abandoned and it is determined that the assets cannot be economically transferred to another project or sold. Major overhauls of mining equipment that extend the life of such equipment are capitalized and depreciated on a units-of-production basis.
Environmental Rehabilitation
Costs are estimated based primarily upon environmental and regulatory requirements to fund the ongoing and final reclamation and closing costs relating to the Bogoso mine site.
Foreign Currencies and Foreign Currency Translation
Certain South American and African currencies are not readily negotiable outside their respective countries. United States of America funds transferred to these countries are used to purchase local currency to be used for labor, local supplies, and other items associated with the exploration and development of mineral properties.
As the functional currency of the Company is the United States Dollar, monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the rate of exchange prevailing at the end of the period. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing when the assets were acquired or the liabilities assumed. Revenue and expense items are translated at the average rate of exchange during the year. Translation gains or losses are included in the determination of net income for the period. Fully integrated foreign subsidiary accounts are translated using the same method.
Canadian currency in these financial statements is denoted as "Cdn$", French currency is denoted as "FF", Ghanaian currency is denoted as "Cedi" or "Cedis" and Australian currency is denoted as "Aus$".
Net Loss per Share
Net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Common share equivalents are not included as the effect would be anti-dilutive.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash investments and trade accounts receivable. The Company restricts investment of temporary cash balances to financial institutions with high credit standing. The Company strives to minimize its credit risk through diversification of its holdings with financial institutions. All gold sales are under one customer contract.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue from the sale of gold is recognized when title and the risk of ownership passes to the buyer.
5. Supplemental Cash Flow Information - ----------------------------------------
The following is a summary of non-cash transactions:
6. Fair Value of Financial Instruments - -----------------------------------------
The Company's financial instruments are comprised of short-term investments, accounts receivable, restricted cash, the investment in OGML, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, accrued wages, payroll taxes and long-term debt. The fair value of cash and short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and accrued wages and payroll taxes equals their carrying value due to the short-term nature of these items. The fair value of restricted cash is equal to the carrying value as the cash is invested in short-term, high- quality instruments. The fair value of the Company's investment in OGML and its long term debt cannot be determined with sufficient reliability.
7. Inventories - ----------------- December 31, December 31, 2000 1999 ------------ ------------
Stockpiled ore $ 2,736 $2,862 In-process 2,361 836 Materials and supplies 5,708 5,207 ------------ ------------ $10,805 $8,905
8. Convertible Debentures - ----------------------------
Liability Equity Component Component --------- --------- Upon issuance, August 1999 $3,110 $1,045 Accretion since issuance 283 - Conversions since issuance (214) - ------ ------ December 31, 2000 $3,179 $1,045 ====== ======
On August 24, 1999, the Company issued the principal amount of $4,155,000 in subordinated convertible debentures to raise financing for the acquisition of BGL. The debentures mature on August 24, 2004 and bear interest at the rate of 7.5% per annum from the date of issue, payable semi-annually on February 15 and August 15, to the debenture-holders as of February 1 and August 1, respectively, commencing on February 15, 2000.
The debentures are convertible at the option of the holder into common shares of the Company at a conversion price of $0.70 per share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, such as but not limited to the payment of dividends on the Company's share capital. Any portion of the debenture that is a multiple of $1,000 may be converted into common shares at any time prior to the maturity date of August 24, 2004, unless previously redeemed. The holder's right of conversion will terminate on the date of redemption, if the Company has chosen to redeem the debentures. Each $1,000 principal amount of debentures also entitles the holder to warrants exercisable for 200 common shares of the Company at a price of $1.50 per share until August 24, 2001 and $1.75 per share for the remaining two years until August 24, 2003.
The debentures are redeemable by the Company (1) in the event of certain developments involving Canadian withholding taxes at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount of the debentures to be redeemed, plus accrued interest to the redemption date and (2) at the option of the Company on or after August, 2002 if the reported closing trading price, on the American Stock Exchange or any other national securities exchange or any automated quotation system the Company's shares are listed on, of the common shares as reported on the close of business for any 20 of the 25 consecutive trading days immediately prior to the date notice of redemption is given is at least 125% of the conversion price.
The debentures are unsecured obligations of the Company and are subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of the Company and its subsidiaries. There are no financial restrictions or covenants contained in the debentures.
During 2000 $214,000 of the debentures were converted to 392,857 shares of common stock. The following schedule shows the obligations of the Company for the next five years in relation to interest and principal payments on the convertible debentures.
Year Obligation ---- ---------- 2001 291 2002 291 2003 291 2004 4,069 ------ Total $4,942 ======
9. Acquisition of BGL - ------------------------
On September 30, 1999 the Company and Anvil Mining NL, an Australian company ("Anvil"), acquired 70% and 20%, respectively, of the common shares of Bogoso Gold Limited, a Ghanaian company ("BGL"). The Government of Ghana retained its 10% equity interest in BGL. BGL is the owner of the Bogoso Mine, an operating gold mine in the Republic of Ghana.
The acquisition was completed pursuant to a purchase agreement among the Company and Anvil (the buyers) and a consortium of banks headed by the International Finance Corporation and Deutsche Investition und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH (the Sellers). The total acquisition cost including initial payments, future payments, financing costs and administrative costs was $17.0 million. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting for business combinations. Included in the purchase price were $10.9 million of current assets, $6.0 million of cash restricted for future reclamation work, $13.2 million of mining property, $4.4 million of liabilities, $7.0 million of accrued reclamation liabilities and $1.7 million of minority interest. The Sellers received $6.5 million cash at September 30, 1999 and agreed to receive additional payments in the future as described below. The initial payment of $6.5 million, was funded using working capital and proceeds from the Company's August 24, 1999 offering of its subordinated convertible debentures, common shares and warrants.
The amount of the future payments due the Sellers is to be determined by the average price of gold over the two years following the September 30, 1999 acquisition and upon the potential acquisition of reserves in Ghana outside of the region of BGL's mining interests, and upon initiation of the mining and processing of sulfide ores at Bogoso. These additional payments are capped at $10.0 million in total.
The gold price related portion of future payments is determined by a formula, which is equal to the product (in United States dollars) of 183,333 times the amount by which the average price of gold over the two-year period following the acquisition exceeds $255 per ounce. The average price is based upon the London Bullion Market Association p.m. gold fix. Payment is due on the earlier of production of gold ceasing or the second anniversary after closing. The Company, in the fourth quarter of 1999, accrued $6.4 million for the future payments, based on its estimate that the gold price would average $290 per ounce for the remainder of the two year period following the acquisition. The $6.4 million future payment was included in total BGL acquisition costs and is being amortized on a units of production basis along with other purchase costs.
An interim payment was due on the first anniversary of the acquisition, September 30, 2000. The interim payment was equal to one half of 183,333 times the amount by which the average price of gold during the twelve months following the acquisition exceeds $255 per ounce. The interim payment is non-refundable and will be credited to the liability due on the second anniversary of the acquisition as described above. The Company and Anvil together were scheduled to make the interim payment to the Sellers on September 30, 2000 in the amount of $2.8 million, based upon an average price of gold for the first twelve months following the acquisition, of $286 per ounce. On November 9, 2000 the Company paid the Sellers $1.4 million of the $2.8 million due, and reached agreement with the Sellers that the balance, plus interest at 10% per annum, was to be paid by December 22, 2000. The Company is in discussions with the representatives of the Sellers but, to date the remaining balance and accrued interest is still unpaid.
From October 1999 to December 2000 gold prices averaged less than the original estimate of $290 per ounce, and continued to trend downward during most of 2000 reaching prices between $260 and $265 per ounce by the end of 2000. Given this substantial and protracted decline, the Company reduced the remaining liability at December 31, 2000 to reflect an estimated gold price of $270 per ounce for the remaining life of the obligation to the Sellers. The revised estimate reduced the future purchase price by $2.3 million, leaving the December 31, 2000 future payment, including the unpaid portion of the September 30, 2000 payment, at $2.7 million.
The reserve acquisition linked payment due the Sellers will be triggered if minable reserves equivalent to 50,000 ounces of gold or greater are acquired elsewhere in Ghana for processing at the Bogoso mill, as would be the case if the Company is successful in acquiring the adjoining Prestea property. In this case, Golden Star and Anvil would make an additional payment to the Sellers on the second anniversary of closing of $2.0 million, irrespective of the gold price, but subject to the $10 million cap. Due to the contingent nature of this consideration, no liability has been recorded.
The Company and Anvil would be required to pay the Sellers an additional $5.0 million on the first anniversary of the commencement of treatment of sulfide ore at the Bogoso Mine. Such payment is contingent upon the successful outcome of a sulfide mining feasibility study (now in progress) and upon financing, implementation and start-up of a sulfide operation. Due to the contingent nature of this consideration, the Company has not recorded any liability as part of the purchase price allocation for the BGL acquisition.
The Company is also required to make production related payments to the provider of a credit facility arranged for, but not used to effect, the acquisition of BGL. During the first 72 months following the September 30, 1999 acquisition, the Company is required to pay $0.25 million for every continuous 12- month period wherein more than 75,000 ounces of gold is produced from the Bogoso mine concession. Such payments are limited to $1.25 million in total. Based on proven and probable reserves, the Company accrued $0.5 million (for the two years expected production life on the Bogoso mine concession).
Under the terms of a heads of agreement between the Company and Anvil Mining NL ("Anvil"), the Company funded the entire acquisition cost of BGL at September 30, 1999. The Company initially received two promissory notes totaling $2.3 million from Anvil for their share of the purchase price and the related transaction costs. This
receivable is non-recourse and bears interest at 15% per annum, compounded monthly. In addition, Anvil is liable for its share of the additional purchase price payments and this estimated liability is included in the notes receivable total.
As described above, a portion of the notes receivable from Anvil is based upon Anvil's share of the additional purchase price. Revised assumption on the average price of gold during the remaining life of the liability to the Sellers reduced the estimated future purchase price as of December 31, 2000 by $2.3 million. This reduction in turn reduced the Anvil notes receivable by 22.2% of the reduction or by approximately $0.5 million. The additional purchase price payments, plus accrued interest less Anvil's payments during 2000 left the year- end notes receivable balance at $1.9 million.
On April 4, 2001, the Company announced that it had entered into an agreement to acquire Anvil's 20% equity interest in BGL in return for the issuance of 3,000,000 common shares of Golden Star.
The following is the pro-forma income and loss for the Company for the twelve months ended December 31, 1999, and 1998 (in summary form), showing the results of operations had the BGL acquisition been completed on January 1, 1999, and 1998, respectively. The pro-forma information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that actually would have been achieved had the transaction been consummated as of that time.
In December 2000 BGL, established a working capital line of credit of $1.0 million of which $0.9 was drawn at December 31, 2000. Repayment is scheduled during 2001.
Current portions of Bogoso-related amounts due to financial institutions includes the following items:
Amounts payable to financial institutions $2.8 Working capital line of credit at BGL 0.9 Amounts due other financial institutions 0.3 ----- Total $4.0
Long term amounts due financial institutions associated with the Bogoso acquisition total $0.25 million.
10. Acquisition, Deferred Exploration and Development Costs - --------------------------------------------------------------
(1) A division of the Company. (2) Approximately 73% owned by the Company. (3) A wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. (4) A 70% owned subsidiary of the Company. (5) Our holdings include ownership interests, royalty interests, leases, options and joint venture interests in varying percentages.
(1) A division of the Company. (2) Approximately 71% owned by the Company. (3) A wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. (4) A 70% owned subsidiary of the Company. (5) Our holdings include ownership interests, royalty interests, leases, options and joint venture interests in varying percentages.
The recoverability of amounts shown for deferred exploration is dependent upon sale or the discovery of economically recoverable reserves, the ability of the Company to obtain necessary financing to complete the development, and upon future profitable production or proceeds from the disposition thereof. The amounts deferred represent costs to be charged to operations in the future and do not necessarily reflect the present or future values of the properties.
11. Investment in Omai Gold Mines Limited - ---------------------------------------------
(a) Common Share Investment
The Company has a 30% common share equity interest in OGML, a Guyana company established to build and operate the Omai Mine in Guyana. The common share investment in OGML is accounted for using the equity method but, as of December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, the Company's share of cumulative losses of OGML exceeded the value of its initial common equity investment, and accordingly, the Company discontinued applying the equity method in these years. The Company's unrecorded share of OGML's losses was $32.4 million, $22.9 million and $0.6 million at December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
(b) Preferred Share Investment
The Company acquired a preferred share equity interest in recognition of cumulative exploration costs of $5.0 million incurred by the Company on the Omai project. The aggregate redemption value of these shares approximated $11.0 million of which $9.6 million had been received by the Company through December 31, 2000.
(c) Note Payable
On December 23, 1998 OGML advanced $3.2 million to the Company as an unsecured loan to be repaid as and when Class I preferred shares of OGML held by the Company are redeemed by OGML. The loan is non-interest bearing until September 30, 2010. Of the $0.7 million and $0.9 million of Class I preferred shares redeemed in 1999 and 2000, approximately $0.7 million and $0.9 million respectively, were used to reduce the outstanding loan balance. As of December 31, 2000 the Company owed OGML approximately $1.4 million under this loan, all of which has been classified as long-term debt.
12. Share Capital - ---------------------
(a) Stock Option Plan
Stock Options
The Company has one stock option plan, the 1997 Stock Option Plan (the GSR Plan). Options granted under the GSR Plan are non-assignable and are exercisable for a period of ten years or such other date as stipulated in a stock option agreement between the Company and an optionee. The maximum number of shares issuable under the plan is 5,600,000. The number of common shares vested and exercisable under the plan at December 31, 2000 was 3,520,350. The number of common shares vested and exercisable under the plan as of December 31, 1999 was 3,126,547.
Stock Option Loans
As of December 31, 1998 employees had exercised their rights under employee stock option loan agreements and purchased 1,029,012 common shares against which there were outstanding loans of Cdn$5.3 million which related to loans to two employees, one a former officer and currently a director, and the other a former officer of the Company. These loans were non-interest bearing, collateralized by the Company's common shares issued under the agreement, and repayable within five years from the date of exercise unless the loan term is extended by vote of the Board of Directors.
During 1999, 679,012 shares were canceled that were previously issued for options granted under the Company's Stock Option Plan and the remaining balance related to stock option loans, principally to one former officer,
amounting to $3.3 million and collateralized by the shares, was also canceled. During 1999, the Company negotiated repayment of the stock option loans in the amount of approximately $0.7 million with the former officer and current director, and it was paid in full in May 1999. There were no stock option loans outstanding as of December 31, 1999. No new stock option loans were granted during 2000.
Schedule of Stock Option Activity
Shares Under Option Price (Cdn$) ------------------- ------------- Shares Under Option at December 31, 1997 3,957,348 3.40 to $4.40 Granted 209,500 1.55 to $6.65 Exercised (73,460) $3.40 Canceled (596,658) 3.40 to $3.00 ---------- Shares Under Option at December 31, 1998 3,496,730 1.55 to $4.40 ==========
Granted 2,012,750 1.05 to $1.55 Exercised (17,500) $1.08 Canceled (1,761,766) 3.40 to $4.40 ---------- Shares Under Option at December 31, 1999 3,730,214 1.05 to $3.40 ========== Granted 1,695,050 1.21 to $1.62 Exercised (62,400) 1.05 to $1.80 Canceled (541,980) 1.05 to $1.80 ---------- Shares Under Option at December 31, 2000 4,820,844 1.05 to $1.80 ==========
b) Stock Bonus Plan
In December 1992, the Company established an Employees' Stock Bonus Plan (the "Bonus Plan") for any full-time or part-time employee (whether or not a director) of the Company or any of its subsidiaries who has rendered meritorious services which contributed to the success of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. The Bonus Plan provides that a specifically designated committee of the Board of Directors of the Company may grant bonus common shares on terms that it may determine, within the limitations of the Bonus Plan and subject to the rules of applicable regulatory authorities. The maximum number of common shares issuable under the Bonus Plan is 320,000.
During 2000, 1999 and 1998, a total of 40,000, 24,994 and 32,783 common shares respectively were issued to certain employees pursuant to the Bonus Plan. The Company recognized compensation expense related to bonuses under the Bonus Plan during 2000, 1999 and 1998 of $0.035 million, $0.02 million and $0.1 million respectively.
c) Warrants
On August 24, 1999 the Company completed a financing with total proceeds from the sale of equity units of $3.4 million, comprised of 6,923,000 common shares and warrants to purchase 3,461,500 common shares. The exercise price of these warrants was $0.70 and the expiration date was February 24, 2001. In December 2000, the Company obtained regulatory approval to reduce the exercise price for 2,299,500 of these warrants to $0.52 per share and to extend the life of these same warrants to the earlier of August 24, 2001 or the 30th calendar day following the determination that the 10-day weighted average trading price is greater than $0.62 per share. The new price was in excess of the fair market value at the date of the re-pricing. In conjunction with the convertible debenture financing (also completed on August 24, 1999), which totaled $4,155,000, the Company also issued warrants ("four year warrants") to the holders of the debentures to purchase up to 831,000 common shares. The exercise prices for the four-year warrants are $1.50 if exercised prior to August 24, 2001 and $1.75 if exercised after August 24, 2001 but before August 24, 2003. The four-year warrants expire August 24, 2003.
Also on August 24, 1999 the Company issued warrants at an exercise price of $0.70 to purchase a total of 380,825 common shares of the Company, in connection with the equity financing completed on the same date. These
warrants had an expiration date of August 24, 2000. In August 2000, the Company extended the life of these warrants to February 24, 2001. In December 2000, the Company obtained regulatory approval to reduce the exercise price for these warrants to $0.52 per share and to extend the life of these warrants to the earlier of August 24, 2001 or the 30th calendar day following the determination that the 10-day weighted average trading price is greater than $0.62 per share. The new price was in excess of the fair market value at the date of the re- pricing.
On June 9, 1999 the Company issued two warrants to a financial institution to purchase 1,500,000 common shares of the Company, in connection with the credit facility that was arranged, but not used to effect, the purchase of BGL. These warrants were exercisable at a price of $0.7063 each and expire June 9, 2002. In October 1999, the Company reduced the exercise price of these warrants from $0.7063 to $0.425. The fair value of the warrants of approximately $1.3 million is included in share capital, and was reflected as a purchase price adjustment in the fourth quarter of 1999. The credit facility was canceled on August 18, 1999.
On October 26 1999 the Company issued two warrants at an exercise price of $0.70 to brokerage firms to purchase a total of 380,825 common shares of the Company in connection with the completion of the August 24 equity financing and the closing of the BGL acquisition. These warrants had an expiration date of August 24, 2000. In August 2000, the Company extended the life of these warrants to February 24, 2001. In December 2000, the Company obtained regulatory approval to reduce the exercise price for these warrants to $0.52 per share and to extend the life of these warrants to the earlier of August 24, 2001 or the 30th calendar day following the determination that the 10-day weighted average trading price is greater than $0.62 per share. The new price was in excess of the fair market value at the date of the re-pricing.
13. Income Taxes - -------------------
Effective January 1, 2000, the Company adopted the liability method of accounting for income taxes in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants new income tax standard. Under this method, income tax liabilities and assets are recognized for the estimated tax consequences attributable to differences between the amounts reported in the financial statements and their respective tax bases, using enacted income tax rates. The effect of the change in income tax rates on future income tax liabilities and assets is recognized in the results of the period that the change occurs. Formerly, Canadian generally accepted accounting principles required the future income tax method be used.
Income tax accounting for US GAAP utilizes a similar asset and liability approach. Use of the asset and liability method has no effect on the US GAAP nor the Cdn GAAP financial statements as the Company has concluded that a full valuation allowance must be applied to the future tax asset resulting from the Company's net operating loss carryforwards. For the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999, the Company has recorded no current tax expense under Canadian nor US GAAP due to the cumulative net losses incurred by the Company.
Summarized below are the components of future taxes:
As of December 31, ---------------------- 2000 1999 ---- ---- Temporary differences relating to net assets: Other current assets $ 62 $ 62 Property & equipment 753 575 Deferred exploration 27,939 27,377 Investment in OGML 930 1,029 Offering costs 1,324 1,324 Tax loss and credit carryforwards 18,016 18,775 -------- -------- Gross future tax asset 49,024 49,142 -------- -------- Valuation allowance (49,024) (49,142) -------- -------- Net future tax assets $ - $ - ======== ========
Any income tax benefits resulting from utilization of net operating loss carry forwards existing at May 15, 1992, the date of the quasi-reorganization under US GAAP, would be excluded from results of operations and credited directly to share capital, resulting in lower earnings than would be reported absent the quasi-reorganization. The Company
has unutilized capital allowances of approximately $19.5 million which will be available for deductions by BGL in future periods.
14. Operations by Geographic Area - ------------------------------------
Information on the Company's continuing operations by geographic area for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 is shown below. During the periods presented, the Company had one customer who accounted for 100% of sales. However, because the Company is principally selling a commodity, concentration of credit risk is not considered significant.
Net Identifiable Revenues Income(Loss) Assets -------- ------------ ------------ South America $ 29 $(14,009) $21,960 Africa 30,916 18 24,625 Corporate 226 (890) 2,884 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 31,171 (14,881) 49,469 ================================================================================
South America $ 345 $(19,176) $36,800 Africa 10,611 (1,508) 26,364 Corporate 298 (3,682) 11,188 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $11,254 $(24,366) $74,352 ================================================================================
South America $ 8 $(18,448) $52,711 Africa - (6) 6,865 Corporate 627 (3,794) 9,021 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $ 635 $(22,248) $68,597 ================================================================================
15. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in Canada and the United States - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada (Cdn GAAP) which differ in certain respects from those principles that the Company would have followed had its financial statements been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. (US GAAP) Differences which materially affect these consolidated financial statements are:
(a) For US GAAP exploration and general and administrative costs related to projects are charged to expense as incurred. As such, the majority of costs charged to Exploration Expense and Abandonment of Mineral Properties under Canadian GAAP would have been charged to earnings in prior periods under US GAAP. Prior to January 1, 2000, acquisition costs for exploration properties were capitalized under US GAAP. The Company changed its method effectively January 1, 2000 whereby the Company has expensed previously capitalized acquisition costs related to exploration projects, totaling $11,302,000, based upon the uncertainty of the ultimate recoverability of these costs under FAS 121. Under US GAAP, the Company now expenses all exploration costs, including property acquisition costs, for exploration projects.
(b) Under US GAAP, the preferred share investment in OGML would have a carrying value of nil since the preferred shares were received in recognition of past exploration costs incurred by the Company, all of which were expensed for US GAAP purposes. Therefore, the entire Omai preferred share redemption premium would have been included in income. Under Cdn GAAP, a portion of the premium on the Omai preferred share redemption premium is included in income with the remainder reducing the carrying value of the Company's preferred stock investment.
(c) US GAAP requires that compensation expense be recorded for the excess of the quoted market price over the option price granted to employees and directors under stock option plans. Under Cdn GAAP, no compensation expense is required to be recorded for such awards.
(d) Cdn GAAP requires that convertible debentures should be classified into their component parts, as either a liability or equity, in accordance with the substance of the contractual agreement. Under US GAAP, the convertible debenture would be classified entirely as a liability.
(e) The gains on subsidiaries' issuance of common shares recorded under Cdn GAAP in respect of the Guyanor public offering and the PARC private placement are not appropriate under US GAAP.
(f) The Company eliminated its accumulated deficit through the amalgamation (defined as a reorganization under US GAAP) effective May 15, 1992. Under US GAAP the cumulative deficit was greater than the deficit under Cdn GAAP due to the write-off of certain deferred exploration costs described in (a) above.
(g) Under US GAAP, items such as foreign exchange gains and losses are required to be shown separately in derivation of Comprehensive Income.
(h) Under US GAAP, the fair value of warrants issued in connection with the credit facility that was arranged for, but not used to effect the purchase of BGL, is required to be expensed. Such costs were capitalized as part of the purchase cost of BGL for Canadian GAAP.
Had the Company followed GAAP in the United States, certain items on the statements of operations and balance sheets would have been reported as follows:
Under US GAAP the Omai preferred share redemption premium would be included with costs and expenses before the caption "Loss Before the Undernoted" on the consolidated statements of operations. Weighted average common shares outstanding are substantially the same under US GAAP as under Cdn GAAP for the periods presented.
The effect of the differences in accounting under Canadian GAAP and US GAAP on the balance sheets and statements of cash flows are as follows:
Balance Sheet
December 31, 2000 December 31, 1999 ---------------------- ---------------------- US GAAP Cdn GAAP US GAAP Cdn GAAP ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Cash $ 991 $ 991 $ 2,905 $ 2,905 Other current assets 11,969 11,969 11,052 11,052 Restricted cash 4,147 4,147 6,000 6,000 Acquisition, deferred exploration and development (a) - 24,492 11,302 37,922 Investment in OGML (b) - 625 - 1,023 Mining property (h) 1,371 1,922 9,180 10,413 Long-term investments - - - - Other assets 5,542 5,323 5,196 5,037 --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Assets $ 24,020 $ 49,469 $ 45,635 $ 74,352 ========= ========= ========= =========
Liabilities (d) $ 19,681 $ 18,985 $ 24,799 $ 23,828 Minority interest 4,817 4,444 9,690 10,023 Share capital, net of stock option loans (f) 158,519 161,967 157,932 161,547 Cumulative translation adjustments 1,595 - 1,595 - Accumulated comprehensive income (g) (329) - (583) - Deficit (160,263) (135,927) (147,798) (121,046) --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 24,020 $ 49,469 $ 45,635 $ 74,352 ========= ========= ========= =========
(For items (a) to (h), see pages-F-22)
Under US GAAP, receivables would be separately disclosed as follows:
2000 1999 ----- ------ Receivables from employees $ 35 $ 119 Receivables from joint venture partners (11) 334 Interest receivable 0 16 Trade receivables 952 1,507 Allowance for doubtful accounts - - ----- ------ Total Receivables $ 976 $1,976 ===== ======
Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity Under US GAAP
(For items (a) to (h), see page-F-22)
Statements of Cash Flows Under US GAAP [
(For items (a) to (h), see page-F-22)
US GAAP Stock-Based Compensation Plans
At December 31, 2000 the Company has two stock-based compensations plans, which are described below. The Company applies APB Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations in accounting for its plans in its US GAAP presentations. Had compensation cost for the Company's stock-based compensation plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates for awards under the plans consistent with the method described in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, the Company's consolidated net loss and loss per share under US GAAP would have been increased to the pro forma amounts indicated below:
Under the 1997 Stock Option Plan ("GSR Plan"), the Company may grant options to employees, consultants and directors of the Company or its subsidiaries for up to 5,600,000 shares of common stock. Under the GSR Plan, the options may take the form of non-qualified stock options, the exercise price of each option shall not be less than the market price of the Company's stock on the date of grant, and an option's maximum term is ten years or such other shorter term as stipulated in a stock option agreement between the Company and the optionee. Options under the GSR Plan are granted from time to time at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Options granted under the GSR Plan vest over periods ranging from immediately to four years from the date of grant and vesting periods are determined at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Under the Guyanor Ressources S.A. Stock Option Plan (the "Guyanor Plan"), Guyanor may grant options to its employees for up to 4,367,889 shares of Class B common shares. The options may take the form of non-qualified
stock options, the exercise price of each option shall not be less than (i) the equivalent of the Canadian Dollar amount equal to the closing price of the shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange on the trading day immediately prior to the day the option is granted and (ii) 80% of the average closing price on the Noveau March[_] of the Bourse de Paris during the 20 consecutive trading days immediately preceding the date the option is granted. An option's term is ten years. Options under the Guyanor Plan are granted from time to time at the discretion of Guyanor's Board of Directors and vest over periods ranging from immediately to two years.
Following the Plan of Arrangement whereby PARC became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, stock options are still outstanding but there is no market to trade the shares.
During 1999, certain employee stock options were repriced. On January 15, 1999 the Board of Directors of the Company approved, subject to any necessary regulatory and shareholder approvals, the amendment of certain stock options. The number of shares that can be purchased under these outstanding options has been reduced by 20%. The exercise price of outstanding stock options previously granted by the Company to certain directors and officers ("Insiders"), employees and consultants ("Non-Insiders") of the Company was amended to Cdn$1.80 (if the exercise price was larger than Cdn$1.80). The exercise price of the stock options being repriced ranges from Cdn$2.76 to Cdn$22.40. The total number of shares of the stock options repriced was 2,525,780. Of that amount 2,026,780 were held by Insiders and 499,000 were held by Non-Insiders. All the necessary approvals were obtained and the Insiders' options were reduced to 1,621,424 (a reduction of 405,356) and the Non-Insiders' options were reduced to 399,200 (a reduction of 99,800).
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant for all plans using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used for grants in 2000, 1999 and 1998:
GSR Plan Guyanor Plan --------------------------------- Expected volatility 87.8% 94.7% Risk-free interest rate 6.10% - 6.79% 6.33% - 6.37% Expected lives 5 years 5 years Dividend yield 0% 0%
GSR Plan Guyanor Plan --------------------------------- Expected volatility 82.2% 90.3% Risk-free interest rate 4.65% - 6.08% 5.15% Expected lives 5 years 5 years Dividend yield 0% 0%
GSR Plan Guyanor Plan --------------------------------- Expected volatility 105.9% N/A Risk-free interest rate 4.37% to 5.70% N/A Expected lives 5 years N/A Dividend yield 0% N/A
The following tables summarize information about stock options under the GSR Plan:
The following tables summarize information about stock options for the Guyanor plan:
The following tables summarize information about stock options for the PARC plan:
Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In June 1998 the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (FAS 133). FAS 133 is effective for all fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. FAS 133 requires that all derivative instruments be recorded on the balance sheet at their fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded each period in current earnings or other comprehensive income, depending on whether a derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction and, if it is, the type of hedge transaction. Since the Company has no derivative instruments and does not hedge, there is currently no impact on the Company's financial statements per this new accounting standard.
Operations by Geographic Area under US GAAP
Information on the Company's continuing operations by geographic area under US GAAP for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 is shown below. Operating earnings from continuing operations are total revenues less operating expenses of the geographic areas.
Net Identifiable Revenues Income(Loss) Assets -------- ------------ ------------ South America $ 29 $(12,092) $ 301 Africa 30,916 (95) 20,809 Corporate 226 (278) 2,910 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $31,171 $(12,465) $24,020 ============================================================================
South America $ 345 $ (9,381) $12,038 Africa 10,611 2,547 23,246 Corporate 298 (4,501) 10,351 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $11,254 $(11,335) $45,635 ============================================================================ South America $ 8 $ (8,626) $18,520 Africa - (3,002) 1,034 Corporate 627 (3,767) 7,686 Total $ 635 $(15,395) $27,240 ============================================================================
16. Related Parties - ----------------------
During 1999, the Company, in conjunction with Anvil Mining NL, acquired BGL (see Note 9). The current President and CEO of the Company, Peter J. Bradford, is also a Director of Anvil Mining NL and this relationship constitutes a related party. Based on the heads of agreement with Anvil to effect the BGL acquisition, the Company provided Anvil with a promissory note for their share of the purchase price and also a note for their share of the acquisition costs. On April 4, 2001, the Company announced that it had entered into an agreement to acquire Anvil's 20% equity interest in BGL in return for the issuance of 3,000,000 common shares of Golden Star.
17. Commitments and Contingencies - ------------------------------------
Environmental Regulations
The Company is not aware of any events of material non-compliance in its operations with environmental laws and regulations which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations or financial condition. The exact nature of environmental control problems, if any, which the Company may encounter in the future cannot be predicted, primarily because of the changing character of environmental requirements that may be enacted within foreign jurisdictions. The environmental rehabilitation liability for reclamation and closure costs at the Bogoso mine was $5.7 million at December 31, 2000 and $6.7 at December 31, 1999.
Restricted Cash (for the Environmental Rehabilitation Liability)
Upon the closing of the acquisition of BGL in 1999, the Company was required, according to the acquisition agreement, to restrict $6 million in cash. These funds are to be used for the ongoing, final reclamation and closure costs relating to the Bogoso mine site. The withdrawal of these funds must be agreed to by the sellers of BGL, who
are ultimately responsible for the reclamation in the event of non-performance by Golden Star and Anvil. During 2000 the Company was allowed to draw down $1.9 million of the restricted cash to cover ongoing reclamation costs incurred since the September 1999 project acquisition. At December 31, 2000 the remaining balance in the BGL reclamation cash fund was $4.1 million.
Payment to the IFC
Under the terms of the purchase agreement between the Company, Anvil and the Sellers, the Company and Anvil together were required to make a payment to the Sellers on September 30, 2000 in the amount of $2.8 million. The amount of the payment was determined using a formula in the purchase agreement, which incorporates the average price of gold during the twelve months ended September 30, 2000. The Company paid the Sellers $1.4 million on November 9, 2000 and reached agreement with the Sellers that the balance, plus interest at 10% per annum, was to be paid by December 22, 2000. The Company is in discussions with the representatives of the Sellers but, to date the remaining balance and accrued interest is still unpaid.
18. Quarterly Financial Data - Unaudited - ------------------------------------------------
Year 2000:
Third quarter results included a $1.7 million impairment adjustment for the Dachine diamond property. Fourth quarter results included $15.0 million of impairment related write-offs of several deferred exploration projects in Africa, French Guiana, and Guyana.
Year 1999:
Deferred exploration costs of $3.3 million were written off in the second quarter of 1999 all related to projects in Brazil. During the third quarter of 1999 an additional $20.4 million of deferred exploration costs were written off related to projects in Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Kenya and the Ivory Coast.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND - ------- ------------------------------------------------- -------------- FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE ---------------------
There have been no disagreements with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Company's chartered accountants, regarding any matter of accounting principles or practices or financial statement disclosure.
PART III
ITEMS 10, 11, 12 AND 13 - -----------------------
In accordance with General Instructions G(3), the information required by Part III is herby incorporated by reference from the Company's proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the fiscal year covered by this report.
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K - -------- ---------------------------------------------------------------
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this Report:
1. Financial Statements
Management's Report Auditors' Report Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2000 and 1999 Consolidated Statements of Operations Years Ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity Years Ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Years Ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Financial Statement Schedules
Financial Statement schedules have been omitted since they are either not required, are not applicable, or the required information is shown in the financial statements or related notes.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K.
On October 5, 2000 the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Form 8-K regarding an appeal filed by the Company against the American Stock Exchange's intention to remove the Company's shares from listing on the Exchange.
On October 20, 2000 the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Form 8-K regarding the results from the bulk sampling program undertaken by Guyanor and its joint venture partner Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration Limited on the Dachine Diamond Project in French Guiana and Rio Tinto's intention to withdraw from the project and terminate of the joint venture.
EXHIBITS --------
2 (a) Articles of Arrangement dated March 7, 1995 with Plan of Arrangement attached (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994)
3 (a) Articles of Amalgamation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 20-F, filed on May 10, 1993)
3 (b) By-laws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 20-F, filed on May 10, 1993)
3 (c) By-law Number One amended and restated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 to the Company's Form 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 1995)
4 (a) Form of Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on July 15, 1994)
4 (b) Registration Statement Form S-3 (333-12673) (incorporated by reference as filed on October 2, 1997)
4 (c) Rights Agreement dated April 24, 1996, between the Company and The R-M Trust Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Form 8-K dated May 7, 1996)
4 (d) Amendment to Rights Agreement between the Company and CIBC Mellon Trust Company (formerly, the R-M Trust Company) dated as of June 30, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1999)
4 (e) Indenture, dated as of August 24, 1999, between the Company and IBJ Whitehall Bank & Trust Company, as trustee (the "Trustee") (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Form 8-K dated August 24, 1999)
4 (f) Indenture Supplement, dated as of August 24, 1999, between the Company and the Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Form 8-K dated August 24, 1999)
4 (g) Form of Specimen of Debenture (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Form 8-K dated August 24, 1999)
4 (h) Form of Specimen of Four-Year Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company's Form 8-K dated August 24, 1999)
4 (i) Form of Specimen of Eighteen-Month Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company's Form 8-K dated August 24, 1999)
4 (j) Form of Specimen of Broker Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Company's Form 8-K dated August 24, 1999)
10 (a) Memorandum of Association of Omai Gold Mines dated August 15, 1990 and entered into among Cambior, the Company and the Government of Guyana (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 20-F, filed on May 10, 1993)
10 (b) Omai Mineral Agreement dated August 16, 1992 respecting the Omai Gold Mine (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.10 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 20-F, filed on May 10, 1993)
10 (c) Gross Rosebel Mineral Agreement dated April 7, 1994 between The Republic of Suriname, Grasshopper Aluminum Company N.V. and the Company (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994)
10 (d) Option Agreement dated June 1, 1994 between Cambior Inc. and the Company regarding the Gross Rosebel property (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994)
10 (e) Option Agreement dated May 11, 1994 between Cambior Inc. and the Company regarding Yaou and Dorlin properties (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994)
10 (f) Management Services Agreement dated January 1, 1995 between the Company and Guyanor Ressources S.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995)
10 (g) English translation of the Exploration Agreement dated May 13, 1996, between the Company's wholly owned subsidiary Southern Star Resources Ltd. and its wholly-owned Brazilian subsidiary, Estrela Sul do Brasil Empreendimentos Ltda. and Companhia Vale do Rio Doce and its subsidiary Rio Doce Geologia e Mineracao S.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996)
10 (h) English translation of the Option and Joint Venture Agreement dated June 26, 1996, between Societe de Travaux Publics et de Mines Aurifiere en Guyane, Societe Guyanaise des Mines, LaSource Developpement SAS and ASARCO Exploration Company for the Paul Isnard property (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996)
10 (i) 1997 Stock Option Plan as amended and restated to June 14, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33(a) to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999)
10 (j) Employees' Stock Bonus Plan amended and restated to April 6, 2000
10 (k) Guyanor Ressources S.A. Stock Option Plan amended and restated as of June 15, 1999 (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35(a) to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999)
10 (l) Standardized Adoption Agreement for a 401-K Savings Plan adopted January 1, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995)
10 (m) Employment contract with Mr. Peter Bradford dated November 1, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38(c) to the Company's Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 1999)
10 (n) Agreements between the Company and its outside directors granting them options to purchase Guyanor Class "B" common shares, (1) dated December 8, 1995, and December 10, 1996 (incorporated by reference as Exhibit 10.39 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996), (2) dated December 9, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39(a) to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997), (3) dated December 8, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39(b) to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998), and (4) dated June 15, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39(c) to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999
10 (o) Registration Rights Agreement between the Company, Elliott Associates, L.P. and Westgate International L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1999)
10 (p) Warrant to purchase common stock granted by the Company to Elliott Associates, L.P. dated June 9, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1999)
10 (q) Agreement for the sale and purchase of debt and 90% of the shares of Bogoso Gold Limited dated as of June 1, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1999)
10 (r) Revised and Restated Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1999, among the Company, Anvil and the other parties signatory thereto Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Form 8-K dated September 30, 1999)
10 (s) Credit Facility letter and Option Premium Letter between Elliott Associates L.P. and the Company entered into on May 5, 1999 in connection with the purchase of 90% interest in Bogoso Gold Mine Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1999)
10 (t) Agency Agreement, dated August 16, 1999, between the Company and TD Securities (USA) Inc, as agent (the "Agent") (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K dated August 24, 1999)
10 (u) Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August 24, 1999, between the Company and the Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 8-K dated August 24, 1999)
10 (v) Escrow Agreement, dated as of August 24, 1999, among the Company, the Agent, IBJ Whitehall Bank & Trust Company, as escrow agent, and International Finance Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Form 8-K dated August 24, 1999)
10 (w) Heads of Agreement dated June 9, 1999, between Guyanor Ressources S.A. and Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration Limited regarding the Dachine project in French Guiana (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.50 to the Company's Form 10-K for year-end 1999)
10 (x) Heads of Agreement dated December 29, 2000, between Guyanor Ressources S.A. and Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration Limited regarding the Paul- Isnard project in French Guiana
10 (y) Share Subscription Agreement dated December 28, 2000 between the Company and Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration Limited
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Accountants
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
GOLDEN STAR RESOURCES LTD. Registrant
By: /s/ Peter J. Bradford ------------------------------------- Peter J. Bradford President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: April 10, 2001 -------------------------------------
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K - -------- ---------------------------------------------------------------
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this Report:
1. Financial Statements
Management's Report Auditors' Report Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2000 and 1999 Consolidated Statements of Operations Years Ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity Years Ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Years Ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Financial Statement Schedules
Financial Statement schedules have been omitted since they are either not required, are not applicable, or the required information is shown in the financial statements or related notes.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K.
On October 5, 2000 the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Form 8-K regarding an appeal filed by the Company against the American Stock Exchange's intention to remove the Company's shares from listing on the Exchange.
On October 20, 2000 the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Form 8-K regarding the results from the bulk sampling program undertaken by Guyanor and its joint venture partner Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration Limited on the Dachine Diamond Project in French Guiana and Rio Tinto's intention to withdraw from the project and terminate of the joint venture.
EXHIBITS --------
2 (a) Articles of Arrangement dated March 7, 1995 with Plan of Arrangement attached (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994)
3 (a) Articles of Amalgamation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 20-F, filed on May 10, 1993)
3 (b) By-laws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 20-F, filed on May 10, 1993)
3 (c) By-law Number One amended and restated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 to the Company's Form 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 1995)
4 (a) Form of Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on July 15, 1994)
4 (b) Registration Statement Form S-3 (333-12673) (incorporated by reference as filed on October 2, 1997)
4 (c) Rights Agreement dated April 24, 1996, between the Company and The R-M Trust Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Form 8-K dated May 7, 1996)
4 (d) Amendment to Rights Agreement between the Company and CIBC Mellon Trust Company (formerly, the R-M Trust Company) dated as of June 30, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1999)
4 (e) Indenture, dated as of August 24, 1999, between the Company and IBJ Whitehall Bank & Trust Company, as trustee (the "Trustee") (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Form 8-K dated August 24, 1999)
4 (f) Indenture Supplement, dated as of August 24, 1999, between the Company and the Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Form 8-K dated August 24, 1999)
4 (g) Form of Specimen of Debenture (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Form 8-K dated August 24, 1999)
4 (h) Form of Specimen of Four-Year Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company's Form 8-K dated August 24, 1999)
4 (i) Form of Specimen of Eighteen-Month Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company's Form 8-K dated August 24, 1999)
4 (j) Form of Specimen of Broker Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Company's Form 8-K dated August 24, 1999)
10 (a) Memorandum of Association of Omai Gold Mines dated August 15, 1990 and entered into among Cambior, the Company and the Government of Guyana (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 20-F, filed on May 10, 1993)
10 (b) Omai Mineral Agreement dated August 16, 1992 respecting the Omai Gold Mine (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.10 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 20-F, filed on May 10, 1993)
10 (c) Gross Rosebel Mineral Agreement dated April 7, 1994 between The Republic of Suriname, Grasshopper Aluminum Company N.V. and the Company (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994)
10 (d) Option Agreement dated June 1, 1994 between Cambior Inc. and the Company regarding the Gross Rosebel property (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994)
10 (e) Option Agreement dated May 11, 1994 between Cambior Inc. and the Company regarding Yaou and Dorlin properties (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994)
10 (f) Management Services Agreement dated January 1, 1995 between the Company and Guyanor Ressources S.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995)
10 (g) English translation of the Exploration Agreement dated May 13, 1996, between the Company's wholly owned subsidiary Southern Star Resources Ltd. and its wholly-owned Brazilian subsidiary, Estrela Sul do Brasil Empreendimentos Ltda. and Companhia Vale do Rio Doce and its subsidiary Rio Doce Geologia e Mineracao S.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996)
10 (h) English translation of the Option and Joint Venture Agreement dated June 26, 1996, between Societe de Travaux Publics et de Mines Aurifiere en Guyane, Societe Guyanaise des Mines, LaSource Developpement SAS and ASARCO Exploration Company for the Paul Isnard property (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996)
10 (i) 1997 Stock Option Plan as amended and restated to June 14, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33(a) to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999)
10 (j) Employees' Stock Bonus Plan amended and restated to April 6, 2000
10 (k) Guyanor Ressources S.A. Stock Option Plan amended and restated as of June 15, 1999 (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35(a) to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999)
10 (l) Standardized Adoption Agreement for a 401-K Savings Plan adopted January 1, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995)
10 (m) Employment contract with Mr. Peter Bradford dated November 1, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38(c) to the Company's Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 1999)
10 (n) Agreements between the Company and its outside directors granting them options to purchase Guyanor Class "B" common shares, (1) dated December 8, 1995, and December 10, 1996 (incorporated by reference as Exhibit 10.39 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996), (2) dated December 9, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39(a) to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997), (3) dated December 8, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39(b) to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998), and (4) dated June 15, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39(c) to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999
10 (o) Registration Rights Agreement between the Company, Elliott Associates, L.P. and Westgate International L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1999)
10 (p) Warrant to purchase common stock granted by the Company to Elliott Associates, L.P. dated June 9, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1999)
10 (q) Agreement for the sale and purchase of debt and 90% of the shares of Bogoso Gold Limited dated as of June 1, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1999)
10 (r) Revised and Restated Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1999, among the Company, Anvil and the other parties signatory thereto Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Form 8-K dated September 30, 1999)
10 (s) Credit Facility letter and Option Premium Letter between Elliott Associates L.P. and the Company entered into on May 5, 1999 in connection with the purchase of 90% interest in Bogoso Gold Mine Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1999)
10 (t) Agency Agreement, dated August 16, 1999, between the Company and TD Securities (USA) Inc, as agent (the "Agent") (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K dated August 24, 1999)
10 (u) Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August 24, 1999, between the Company and the Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 8-K dated August 24, 1999)
10 (v) Escrow Agreement, dated as of August 24, 1999, among the Company, the Agent, IBJ Whitehall Bank & Trust Company, as escrow agent, and International Finance Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Form 8-K dated August 24, 1999)
10 (w) Heads of Agreement dated June 9, 1999, between Guyanor Ressources S.A. and Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration Limited regarding the Dachine project in French Guiana (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.50 to the Company's Form 10-K for year-end 1999)
10 (x) Heads of Agreement dated December 29, 2000, between Guyanor Ressources S.A. and Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration Limited regarding the Paul- Isnard project in French Guiana
10 (y) Share Subscription Agreement dated December 28, 2000 between the Company and Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration Limited
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Accountants
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
GOLDEN STAR RESOURCES LTD. Registrant
By: /s/ Peter J. Bradford ------------------------------------- Peter J. Bradford President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: April 10, 2001 -------------------------------------
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated: