SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 40-F
[ ] REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13(A) OR 15(D) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 Commission File Number 1-15142
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NORTH AMERICAN PALLADIUM LTD.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
CANADA 1099 NOT APPLICABLE
(PROVINCE OR OTHER JURISDICTION (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
OF INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER) IDENTIFICATION NO..)
130 ADELAIDE STREET WEST
SUITE 2116, TORONTO, ONTARIO
M5H 3P5
(416) 360-7590
(ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF REGISTRANTS' PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
CT CORPORATION SYSTEM
111 EIGHTH AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10011
(212) 894-8940
(NAME, ADDRESS (INCLUDING ZIP CODE) AND TELEPHONE NUMBER
(INCLUDING AREA CODE) OF AGENT FOR SERVICE IN THE UNITED STATES)
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Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE
TITLE OF EACH CLASS ON WHICH REGISTERED:
----------------------------- -------------------------------
COMMON SHARES, NO PAR VALUE AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.
NONE
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d)
of the Act.
NONE
For annual reports, indicate by check mark the information filed with this Form:
[X] Annual information form [X] Audited annual financial statements
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes
of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by this annual
report.
THE REGISTRANT HAD 51,709,075 COMMON SHARES
OUTSTANDING AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2004
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant by filing the information
contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(the "Exchange Act"). If "Yes" is marked, indicate the filing number assigned to
the registrant in connection with such Rule.
Yes 82- No X
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Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required
to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for
the past 90 days.
Yes X No
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DOCUMENTS FILED UNDER COVER OF THIS FORM
Document No. 1: Renewal Annual Information Form for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2004, dated March 29, 2005.
Document No. 2: Audited Comparative Consolidated Financial Statements for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, prepared in
accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting
principles, and reconciled to United States generally
accepted accounting principles in accordance with Item 18 of
Form 20-F, and the notes thereto.
Document No. 3: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Operations and
Financial Position for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2004.
NORTH AMERICAN PALLADIUM LTD.
RENEWAL ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM
For the year ended December 31, 2004
Dated March 29, 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
CORPORATE STRUCTURE............................................................3
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS............................................3
Overview..............................................................3
Open Pit Lac des Iles Mine............................................5
Mineral Properties ..................................................10
Underground Mine.....................................................17
DIVIDENDS.....................................................................19
cAPITAL sTRUCTURE.............................................................19
MARKET FOR SECURITIES.........................................................20
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS........................................................20
lEGAL PROCEEDINGS.............................................................23
INTERESTS OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS...................24
TRANSFER AGENT................................................................25
MATERIAL CONTRACTS............................................................25
INTERESTS OF EXPERTS..........................................................25
RISK FACTORS..................................................................25
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION........................................................33
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER.......................................................36
GLOSSARY OF TERMS.............................................................40
METRIC CONVERSION TABLE
------------------------------------- -- ----------------------------------
IMPERIAL METRIC
------------------------------------- -- ----------------------------------
------------------------------------- -- ----------------------------------
1 troy ounce 31.103 grams
------------------------------------- -- ----------------------------------
1 ton, short 0.907 tonnes
------------------------------------- -- ----------------------------------
1 troy ounce per ton 34.286 grams per tonne
------------------------------------- -- ----------------------------------
1 foot 0.305 metres
------------------------------------- -- ----------------------------------
1 mile 1.609 kilometres
------------------------------------- -- ----------------------------------
1 acre 0.405 hectares
------------------------------------- -- ----------------------------------
All dollar amounts referred to herein are in Canadian dollars unless stated
otherwise. Unless otherwise indicated, all financial information included herein
has been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting
principles ("Canadian GAAP"), which may differ from United States generally
accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP"). See note 18 to the audited
consolidated financial statements for a reconciliation of financial results from
Canadian GAAP to U.S. GAAP.
Descriptions of mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates included herein
under Canadian standards may not be comparable to similar information made
public by U.S. companies subject to reporting and disclosure requirements of the
United States Securities and Exchange Commission. See "Mineral Reserve and
Resource Estimates - Note to U.S. Shareholders" herein.
2
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
North American Palladium Ltd. (the "Corporation") is the successor to Madeleine
Mines Ltd., a company incorporated under the QUEBEC MINING COMPANIES ACT by
letters patent dated February 2, 1968. In January 1992: (i) Madeleine Mines Ltd.
was amalgamated with a wholly owned Quebec subsidiary of 2750538 Canada Inc., a
company incorporated under the CANADA BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT by articles of
incorporation dated September 12, 1991; (ii) the amalgamated company was wound
up into 2750538 Canada Inc.; and (iii) 2750538 Canada Inc. changed its name to
"Madeleine Mines Ltd." By articles of amendment dated July 24, 1993, Madeleine
Mines Ltd. changed its name to "North American Palladium Ltd." The Corporation
has one operating subsidiary, Lac des Iles Mines Ltd., incorporated under the
CANADA BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT, and wholly owned by the Corporation. Unless
otherwise indicated, all references in this annual information form ("AIF") to
the "Corporation" include North American Palladium Ltd., together with its
wholly-owned subsidiary, Lac des Iles Mines Ltd.
The Corporation's registered office is at Suite 2116, 130 Adelaide Street West,
Toronto, Ontario M5H 3P5, telephone: (416) 360-7590, fax: (416) 360-7709. The
Corporation's mining operations are situated approximately 85 kilometres
northwest of Thunder Bay at Lac des Iles, in northern Ontario. The postal
address is P.O. Box 10547, Station P, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 6T9, telephone:
(807) 448-2000, fax: (807) 448-2001.
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS
The following description of the Corporation's business includes many geological
terms that may not be familiar to the reader. For a description of the meaning
of some of these terms, please see the "Glossary of Terms" included in this AIF.
OVERVIEW
The Corporation owns and operates an open pit mine known as the Lac des Iles
Mine and processing plant with a design capacity of 15,000 tonnes per day. The
mining and processing operation produces by flotation a palladium rich
concentrate that also contains platinum, gold, copper and nickel. The
concentrate is delivered to the Sudbury operations of each of Falconbridge
Limited ("Falconbridge") and Inco Limited ("Inco") for smelting, and is further
processed at their respective European operations for refining.
The Corporation's current operations are the result of an expansion of the
mining operations commenced in March 2000 to increase the ore processing rate
from 2,400 tonnes per day to 15,000 tonnes per day. The expansion involved the
construction of a new concentrator at the mine site and preparing for increased
production from the open pit. The new concentrator was commissioned in June
2001. Initially, the new concentrator did not operate at design capacity as a
number of modifications were required to improve production throughput and
recoveries. In the fourth quarter of 2001 the concentrator throughput and
recoveries improved as a result of these changes.
In 2002, certain modifications were made to the semi-autogenous grinding (SAG)
mill circuit, including fine crushing a portion of the SAG mill feed and, in
August 2002, the mill achieved its design rate of 15,000 tonnes per day.
However, this rate was not sustained for the remainder of the year because of
the failure in late August 2002 of the primary crusher, which processes ore
before it reaches the SAG mill. Portable third party contract crushers were
installed to sustain the operation while the primary crusher was repaired. The
repairs were more difficult than anticipated and the unit did not return to
operation until early March 2003. As the long-term reliability of the primary
crusher was doubtful, a new primary crusher was purchased and was put into
operation in June 2003. The Corporation carries property
3
damage and business interruption insurance and submitted a claim to recover
losses sustained by the crusher failure. The Corporation received $7.1 million
as an interim payment and is pursuing the balance of the claim.
In late 2003 the Corporation commissioned a full feasibility study in response
to scoping studies and a pre-feasibility study that indicated a higher grade
sub-vertical ore body located directly beneath the open pit was viable as an
underground mine. The feasibility study confirmed that an underground operation
is economically viable operating concurrently with the open pit to provide a
blended higher grade mill feed. The Corporation commenced the development of an
underground mine at its Lac des Iles operations in the second quarter of 2004.
The underground mine development is focused on the Main High Grade Zone below
the ultimate pit depth. Capital costs for the underground development are
estimated at $40 million for direct and indirect costs and working capital.
Mining equipment accounts for an additional $12 million of capital costs and the
Corporation is financing this equipment through a vendor lease program. By
December 31, 2004 the main ramp had been advanced 435 metres. The underground
development is progressing towards full production in 2006. Construction and
development of the underground mine is proceeding on schedule to meet commercial
production in the fourth quarter of 2005 and within budget.
In 2004, total tonnes mined amounted to 16.9 million tonnes or 46,038 tonnes per
day, containing 4.6 million tonnes of ore grading 2.60 grams of palladium per
tonne.
Palladium production from the Lac des Iles mill reached a new record of 308,931
ounces in 2004, primarily as a result of higher palladium feed grade combined
with higher mill throughput. Ore processed in 2004 totalled 5,298,544 tonnes or
14,477 tonnes per calendar day at an average palladium head grade of 2.41 grams
per tonne and an average palladium recovery of 75.2%. Other metal production in
2004 included 25,128 ounces of platinum, 25,679 ounces of gold, 7,836,183 pounds
of copper and 4,320,970 pounds of nickel.
In 2004 the Corporation decided to proceed with a secondary crusher installation
for the mill designed to increase the throughput rate and reduce processing
costs in the mill circuit. The secondary crushing circuit was commissioned at a
capital cost of $10.2 million and commenced operation at the beginning of
December 2004.
With the secondary crusher installed and operating as planned, the milling
process will continue to be further optimized. In conjunction with S.G.S.
Lakefield Research Limited, flotation test work involving hydrodynamic studies
commenced in mid-2004. Further plant test work involving hydrodynamics is being
carried out in 2005 and is expected to improve palladium recovery. In addition,
process control equipment for automated reagent addition and flow regulation,
was purchased in late 2004 and will be installed in the first half of 2005.
These additions will allow for further control advancements in the flotation
circuit as a part of the action plan for improving the palladium recovery.
Reference is made to the section entitled "Mining Operations" for further
information about the Corporation's operations.
The Corporation has a palladium sales contract (the "Palladium Sales Contract")
with a major automotive manufacturer (the "Automotive Manufacturer"), whereby
the Corporation has hedged the price of 100% of the palladium it is entitled to
receive from its smelter customers. Under the Palladium Sales Contract, the
Automotive Manufacturer purchases all of the refined palladium that the
Corporation is entitled to receive from the smelters. The actual amount
purchased depends on how much palladium is delivered, less the amount due under
a royalty agreement with the Sheridan Platinum Group Inc. and John Patrick
Sheridan. See "Royalty Agreement".
4
The price of the palladium under the Palladium Sales Contract is the average
monthly London Metal Exchange afternoon fixing price minus a modest specified
discount; however, the price for palladium cannot be less than US$325 per ounce
for all production delivered in each month under the Palladium Sales Contract.
The Palladium Sales Contract expires on June 30, 2005. Commencing with the first
quarter of 2005, palladium production which will be available for physical
delivery after June 30, 2005 will not be subject to the Pallladium Sales
Contract.
The Corporation has entered into a palladium sales contract for the sale of an
aggregate of 36,000 ounces of palladium from June to December 2005. The other
party to the contract is an international bank that is purchasing the metal for
further sale to an end-user of palladium. The price of the palladium is average
monthly London Metal Exchange afternoon fixing price minus a modest specified
discount.
The Corporation also enters into forward commodity sales contracts from time to
time to hedge the effect of changes in certain metal prices on the Corporation's
revenues.
Reference is made to the section entitled "Metal Sales Agreements" for further
information about the metal sales agreements.
The Corporation has agreements with Falconbridge and Inco providing for the sale
of the Corporation's concentrates produced at the Lac des Iles Mine and,
ultimately, the smelting and refining of the principal metals contained in the
concentrates. The agreement with Falconbridge ends on March 31, 2006 and the
agreement with Inco ends on August 31, 2005. The Corporation is in discussions
with each smelter and expects to renew the contracts with the smelters. (See
"Smelting and Refining Agreements")
In June 2004, the Corporation entered into a new US$20 million and $10 million
senior credit facility with a leading equipment finance company which were fully
drawn. Each of the credit facilities is repayable in equal quarterly instalments
over a five-year term. The Corporation also has a US$20 million non-revolving
credit facility provided by Kaiser-Francis Oil Company ("Kaiser-Francis") to
finance the Corporation's working capital requirements. In the second quarter of
2004, the Kaiser-Francis credit facility was extended to June 30, 2006 as part
of a debt restructuring plan. As at December 31, 2005, US$11.5 million was drawn
on the facility. Kaiser-Francis holds 50.4% of the common shares of the
Corporation. (See "Financing")
OPEN PIT LAC DES ILES MINE
The Lac des Iles Mine property consists of four mining leases from the
Government of Ontario numbered 104108 to 104111, inclusive, comprising 85 single
unit mining claims and covering an aggregate of 1,465 hectares. The mining
leases are dated August 16, 1985 and are set to expire on August 31, 2006. If an
application is made within 90 days of expiry of the leases, and the terms and
conditions of the leases have been complied with, the leases are renewable for a
further term of 21 years. In addition to the mining leases, the Corporation
holds mining claims covering approximately 7,226 hectares within a 52 kilometer
radius of the Lac des Iles Mine.
The Lac des Iles Mine and surrounding property are located approximately 85
kilometres northwest of the city of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Paved road access is
provided by Ontario Provincial Highway 527, followed by 15 kilometres of an all
weather gravel road, maintained by the Corporation. Approximately 87% of the
employees reside in the Thunder Bay area.
5
MINING OPERATIONS
The Corporation mines ore and waste from the open pit using conventional
hydraulic 23 cubic meter and 19 cubic meter shovels, 190 tonne trucks, 229
millimeter blast hole drills and a fleet of conventional ancillary equipment.
Mine waste is stockpiled outside of design pit limits.
In 2004, total tonnes mined from the Lac des Iles open pit amounted to 16.9
million tonnes or 46,038 tonnes per day of ore and waste combined compared to
14.6 million tonnes or 39,895 tonnes per day in 2003. Ore production for 2004
totaled 4.6 million tonnes grading 2.60 grams per tonne of palladium compared to
4.4 million tonnes grading 2.48 grams of palladium per tonne in 2003. The
increase in the total tonnes mined from an average of 39,895 tonnes per day in
2003 to an average of 46,038 tonnes per day in 2004 resulted from the
elimination of primary crusher problems and a shorter haul distance for both ore
and waste with the Phase 4 expansion.
During the fourth quarter, the waste strip ratio increased to 3.46:1 compared to
1.89:1 in the fourth quarter of 2003. In 2004, mining moved into Phase Four and
required a higher level of waste removal whereas in the fourth quarter of 2003,
mining was from the final stage of Phase Three. The waste to ore strip ratio
increased to 2.68:1 in 2004 compared to 2.31:1 in 2003. The strip ratio is
expected to return to normal levels in 2005 as Phase Four mining advances.
At the end of 2004, the broken ore stockpile consisted of 1.4 million tonnes
grading 1.76 grams per tonne palladium containing approximately 79,000 ounces of
palladium compared to 2.1 million tonnes grading 1.57 grams of palladium per
tonne containing 107,000 ounces of palladium at the end of 2003.
The following table sets forth information concerning the production from the
Lac des Iles Mine for each of the five years ended December 31, 2004:
------------------------------------- -------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Year 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
------------------------------------- -------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Ore Mined (Tonnes) 4,574,134 4,396,847 7,250,963 5,768,157 2,689,634
------------------------------------- -------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Waste Mined (Tonnes) 12,275,889 10,164,806 9,828,552 19,174,635 7,508,117
------------------------------------- -------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Total Mined (Tonnes) 16,850,023 14,561,653 17,079,515 24,942,792 10,197,751
------------------------------------- -------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Stripping Ratio 2.68:1 2.31:1 1.36:1 3.32:1 2.79:1
------------------------------------- -------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Average Daily Production (Tonnes) 46,038 39,895 46,793 68,336 27,939
------------------------------------- -------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
UNDERGROUND OPERATIONS
In late 2003 the Corporation commissioned a full feasibility study in response
to scoping studies and a pre-feasibility study that indicated a higher grade
sub-vertical ore body located directly beneath the open pit was viable as an
underground mine. The feasibility study confirmed that an underground operation
is economically viable operating concurrently with the open pit to provide a
blended higher grade mill feed. See section referenced "Underground Mine" for
additional information on the underground mine.
The Corporation commenced the development of an underground mine at its Lac des
Iles operations in the second quarter of 2004. The underground mine development
is focused on the Main High Grade Zone below the ultimate pit depth. Capital
costs for the underground development are estimated at $40
6
million for direct and indirect costs and working capital. Mining equipment
accounts for an additional $12 million of capital costs and the Corporation is
financing this equipment through a vendor lease program. By December 31, 2004
the main ramp had been advanced 435 metres from the portal entrance. The
underground development will continue throughout 2005, with first ore production
expected during the fourth quarter. Once in full production, in the first
quarter of 2006, the underground mine is expected to produce 2,000 tonnes of ore
per day at an average head grade of 6.62 grams of palladium per tonne. This will
be combined with 13,500 tonnes of ore per day from the open pit operations, to
feed the mill ore with an approximate grade of 2.33 grams per tonne.
Mobile equipment for the mine is expected to include two electric hydraulic
drill jumbos, one longhole drill, one emulsion truck, two 8 cubic yard
scooptrams and one 11 cubic yard scooptram, and three 60 tonne trucks, along
with other service and support equipment. To date the Corporation has acquired
one electric hydraulic drill jumbo, one emulsion truck, one eight cubic yard
scoop tram, one 60 tonne truck and certain other service and support equipment.
Total intake ventilation for the mine is designed to be 425,000 cubic feet per
minute. There will be one intake ventilation raise/secondary egress situated
outside the ultimate open pit limits and air will exhaust up the main ramp.
Work is currently being conducted using the Corporation's workforce and
contractors. When the underground mine is in full production approximately 80
full-time employees will have been added to the workforce, bringing the number
of employees at the Lac des Iles Mine to approximately 380.
Local Thunder Bay engineering firms have been engaged to complete the details
for ventilation, heating, electrical services and water supply for the
underground mine.
Construction and development of the underground mine is on schedule to meet
commercial production in the fourth quarter of 2005 and within budget.
MILLING OPERATIONS
The concentrator facility used at the mine has a design capacity of 15,000
tonnes per day. Ore is crushed in a gyratory crusher and conveyed to a coarse
ore stockpile. A portion of the coarse ore is crushed in the secondary crusher
(an HP 800 peeble crusher) and the finer material blended with the coarse ore as
it is fed to the SAG mill. The blending of the fine and coarse ore is automated
providing greater control over the process. The ore is ground to a nominal P80
(the size of an opening through which 80% of the product will pass) of 74
microns in a conventional semi-autogenous mill/ball mill/pebble crusher (SABC)
circuit. The ground ore feeds a flotation circuit that is comprised of
rougher/scavengers, four stages of cleaning and includes a regrind circuit. The
flotation circuit in the old concentrator is currently connected to the new
concentrator to provide additional cleaner flotation capacity. The final
concentrate is thickened and dewatered using two pressure filters. Tailings are
contained in the existing tailings impoundment facility which is required to be
expanded on an annual basis, for the life of the mine.
The concentrator processed 5,298,544 tonnes of ore or 14,477 tonnes per calendar
day in 2004 at an average palladium head grade of 2.41 grams per tonne and an
average palladium recovery of 75.2%. The concentrator throughput was 5,159,730
tonnes of ore in 2003 at an average palladium grade of 2.31 grams per tonne and
an average palladium recovery of 75.5%. The Corporation produced 308,931 ounces,
288,703 ounces and 219,325 ounces of palladium in 2004, 2003 and 2002,
respectively. Palladium production reached a record high primarily as a result
of higher palladium feed grade combined with increased mill throughput.
The average grade of palladium milled was 2.41 grams per tonne in 2004, 2.31
grams per tonne in 2003 and 1.91 grams per tonne in 2002. Production costs per
tonne of ore milled were $19.43 in 2004, $20.09
7
in 2003 and $20.74 in 2002. Cash costs, which include direct and indirect
operating costs, smelting, refining, transportation and sales costs, royalties,
net of credits for by-products, were US$159 per ounce in 2004, US$175 per ounce
in 2003 and US$264 per ounce in 2002. The improvement in unit cash costs in 2004
compared to 2003 was achieved by a 7% increase in palladium production combined
with a 13% increase in revenue from by-product metals.
The Company decided to proceed with the secondary crusher installation for the
mill in 2004. The secondary crusher is designed to increase the throughput rate
and reduce processing costs in the mill circuit. The secondary crushing circuit
was commissioned at a capital cost of $10.2 million and commenced operation at
the beginning of December 2004. Contractor crushing was significantly reduced by
year-end and was eliminated in early 2005.
With the secondary crusher installed and operating as planned, the milling
process will continue to be further optimized. In conjunction with S.G.S.
Lakefield Research Limited, flotation test work involving hydrodynamic studies
commenced in mid-2004. Further plant test work involving hydrodynamics is being
carried out in 2005 and is expected to improve palladium recovery. In addition,
process control equipment for automated reagent addition and flow regulation,
was purchased in late 2004 and will be installed in the first half of 2005.
These additions will allow for further control advancements in the flotation
circuit as a part of the action plan for improving the palladium recovery.
The concentrator produces a palladium rich concentrate that is shipped off-site
for final processing. See "Smelting and Refining Agreements". The following
table set forth the tonnes milled and the metal production of the concentrate
for each of the five years ended December 31, 2004:
Milled Concentrate Palladium Platinum Gold Copper Nickel
Year (tonnes) (tonnes) (troy ozs) (troy ozs) (troy ozs) (lbs) (lbs)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2004 5,298,544 45,652 308,931 25,128 25,679 7,836,183 4,320,970
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2003 5,159,730 36,869 288,703 23,742 23,536 7,142,674 4,070,785
2002 4,851,621 27,179 219,325 19,180 16,030 5,295,486 2,763,654
2001 2,662,240 21,697 123,281 10,073 9,603 3,123,763 1,595,179
2000 893,017 14,271 95,116 6,074 6,035 1,362,266 1,035,485
FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE
The mining operation includes, in addition to the concentrator, an assay
laboratory, a warehouse, electrical shop, a three bay truck shop to service the
larger haul trucks, an operations camp, a water treatment plant, a propane
storage facility, a fuel storage area and an electrical substation. Power is
delivered to the site by a 65 kilometer power line, which ties directly into the
northwestern Ontario power grid.
The present tailings management facility ("TMF") has been operating since 1990.
Until 1998, the dams were primarily constructed as water retaining dams,
comprising rock fill, filters and glacial till or high density polyethylene
facing. In 1998 and 1999, dams at the north end of the facility were raised
using rock fill and tailings. Further TMF expansion commenced in 2000 and is
designed to accommodate successive lifts when required to store the tailings
produced over the current 5.5 year mine life. The dams have been raised and are
constructed of non-reactive rock fill, filters and geotextile. The TMF is a
stable impoundment, where erosion is minimized, runoff is managed, water is
returned to the concentrator as needed and excess water is stored until it can
be treated and released. The design of the operation provides for closure and
reclamation of the facility.
8
METAL SALES AGREEMENTS
The Corporation has a palladium sales contract (the "Palladium Sales Contract")
with a major automotive manufacturer (the "Automotive Manufacturer"), whereby
the Corporation has hedged the price of 100% of the palladium it is entitled to
receive from its smelter customers. Under the Palladium Sales Contract, the
Automotive Manufacturer purchases all of the refined palladium that the
Corporation is entitled to receive from the smelters. The actual amount
purchased depends on how much palladium is delivered, less the amount due under
a royalty agreement with the Sheridan Platinum Group Inc. and John Patrick
Sheridan. See "Royalty Agreement".
The price of the palladium under the Palladium Sales Contract is the average
monthly London Metal Exchange afternoon fixing price minus a modest specified
discount; however, the price for palladium cannot be less than US$325 per ounce
for all production delivered in each month under the Palladium Sales Contract.
The Palladium Sales Contract expires on June 30, 2005. Commencing with the first
quarter of 2005, palladium production which will be available for physical
delivery after June 30, 2005 will not be subject to the Pallladium Sales
Contract.
The Corporation has entered into a palladium sales contract for the sale of an
aggregate of 36,000 ounces of palladium from June to December 2005. The other
party to the contract is an international bank that is purchasing the metal for
further sale to an end-user of palladium. The selling price of the palladium is
the average monthly London Metal Exchange afternoon fixing price minus a modest
specified discount.
The Corporation also enters into forward commodity sales contracts from time to
time to hedge the effect of changes in certain metal prices on the Corporation's
revenues. At December 31, 2004, the Corporation had forward sales contracts for
10,500 ounces of platinum at an estimated weighted-average price of US$831 per
ounce, 12,000 ounces of gold at an estimated weighted-average price of $435 per
ounce, 510 tonnes of nickel at an estimated weighted-average price of US$14,500
per tonne (US$6.58 per pound) and 900 tonnes of copper at an estimated
weighted-average price of US$2,755 per tonne (US$1.25 per pound).
ROYALTY AGREEMENT
On August 31, 1994, the Corporation entered into a royalty agreement with The
Sheridan Platinum Group Inc. and John Patrick Sheridan (together referred to as
the "Sheridan Group"). Under the agreement, the Corporation is obligated to pay
to the Sheridan Group a royalty equal to 5% of "net cash proceeds" received from
concentrates and other products produced at the Lac des Iles Mine. The term "net
cash proceeds" is defined in the royalty agreement generally as the net proceeds
of sale receivable by Lac des Iles Mines Ltd. from the production and sale of
concentrates from the Lac des Iles Mine, after deducting the costs of sampling,
assaying, transporting and insuring the concentrate; smelter, processing and
refining charges and penalties (excluding Lac des Iles Mines Ltd.'s own
processing costs) and all applicable taxes and royalties that must be paid in
respect of the mining operations. Under the royalty agreement, the Sheridan
Group may elect, and has elected, to receive payment of the royalty in kind in
respect of palladium and platinum, rather than in cash, and in respect of other
metals, the Sheridan Group has elected to receive cash. All mining operations at
the Lac des Iles Mine are on the mining leases and are covered by the royalty
agreement.
9
SMELTING AND REFINING AGREEMENTS
The Corporation has agreements with Falconbridge and Inco providing for the sale
of the Corporation's concentrates produced at the Lac des Iles Mine and,
ultimately, the smelting and refining of the principal metals contained in the
concentrates.
The agreement with Falconbridge ends on March 31, 2006. Under the agreement,
Falconbridge purchases the Corporation's concentrates and, will settle in cash
or, at the Corporation's discretion, make available to the Corporation the
refined palladium, platinum and gold at Falconbridge's refining facilities in
Kristiansand, Norway. In certain circumstances, such as default of performance,
insolvency or ceasing to carry on business, the agreement can be terminated by
the party not in default, insolvent or ceasing to carry on business. The
agreement can be suspended in the event of a force majeure.
The agreement with Inco ends on August 31, 2005. Under the terms of the
agreement, Inco purchases the Corporation's concentrates and will settle in cash
or, at the Corporation's discretion, make available to the Corporation the
refined palladium and platinum at Inco's Acton Refinery in London, England. The
agreement can be suspended in the event of a force majeure.
The Corporation is in discussions with each smelter and expects to renew the
contracts with the smelters.
FINANCING
On June 28, 2004, the Corporation entered into a new US$20 million and $10
million senior credit facility (the "Senior Credit Facility") with a leading
equipment finance company which were fully drawn. The US$20 million credit
facility is repayable in equal quarterly instalments of US$1 million commencing
on September 30, 2004 and has a final maturity on June 30, 2009. The $10 million
credit facility is repayable in equal quarterly instalments of $500,000
commencing February 24, 2005 and has a final maturity of November 24, 2009. The
credit facility has an interest margin of 2.5% over LIBOR or Bankers
Acceptances. In return for granting the loan the lender received a first
priority security in all of the Corporation's existing and future assets
excluding its production leases and claims. The credit facility allows in
certain circumstances, full repayment of outstanding loans at any time during
the term of the facility.
In December 2001, Kaiser-Francis Oil Company ("Kaiser-Francis") provided a US$20
million non-revolving credit facility to finance the Corporation's working
capital requirements. In the second quarter of 2004, the Kaiser-Francis credit
facility was extended to June 30, 2006 as part of a debt restructuring plan.
Interest is based upon the 30-day LIBOR plus 2.50% and there is a stand-by fee
of 0.125% per annum. The amount payable to Kaiser-Francis for interest, standby
fee and guarantee fee was $585,000 in 2004 compared to $687,000 in 2003. As at
December 31, 2004, US$11.5 million was drawn on the facility. Kaiser-Francis
holds 50.4% of the common shares of the Corporation.
MINERAL PROPERTIES
REGIONAL GEOLOGY
The Lac des Iles area is underlain by Archean-age rocks of the Superior Province
of the Canadian Shield which are overlain and intruded by rocks of the
Proterozoic-age Southern Province. The Superior Province can be subdivided into
areas of plutonic, granite-greenstone, metasedimentary and gneissic rocks. The
Southern Province consists of a blanket of sedimentary rocks extensively
intruded by gabbroic magma.
10
In the Archean, mafic to ultramafic intrusions scattered throughout northwestern
Ontario host, or have the potential to host, platinum group metal
mineralization. Platinum group metal mineralization of Proterozoic age is also
known to occur in northwestern Ontario.
In the Lac des Iles area, the Lac des Iles Intrusive Complex is one of many
platinum group metal-bearing, mafic to ultramafic, intrusions that define a
circular feature (of speculative origin) with a diameter of 30 kilometres. The
30-square kilometer Lac des Iles Intrusive Complex consists of three separate
magma chambers partially separated by tonalite septum. The ultramafic North Lac
des Iles Intrusive Complex is centered on Lac des Iles (the lake). The gabbroic
Mine Block Intrusion and Camp Lake Intrusion occur south of Lac des Iles. The
Camp Lake Intrusion is a relatively homogeneous hornblende gabbro and contains
minor base metal sulphides and platinum group metals. The Mine Block Intrusion
to the north is complex in structure, texture and composition, and contains
abundant platinum group metal mineralization. The most significant zones of
platinum group metal mineralization are in the Mine Block Intrusion and are the
Roby, Twilight, Creek Baker, South Roby zones and the VT Rim Target. The Roby
and Twilight zones are the only defined areas of mineralization on the Lac des
Iles property.
MINERALIZATION - MINE BLOCK INTRUSION GEOLOGY
The Roby zone is a breccia zone, currently measuring 950 metres long, 815 metres
wide and 905 metres deep, and remains open to the west, southeast and at depth.
Platinum group metal mineralization is associated with pyroxenite, gabbronorite
and gabbro in areas that have been invaded and brecciated by
copper-nickel-platinum group metal bearing melanogabbro, which also generated
abundant pegmatitic gabbro. The ore typically contains from a trace to 5%
pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, pyrite and pentlandite. The platinum group metals
include vysotskite, isomerticite, kotulskite, sperrylite, merenskyite and
palladium arsenide. Similar breccia mineralization occurs at other locations
within the intrusive complex.
The Roby zone contains two distinct types of mineralization separated by a zone
of sheared and mineralized pyroxenite that trends north-northwest. North of the
shear zone, the North Roby ore is hosted by varitextured gabbro and gabbronorite
that strikes northeast and dips to the east-southeast variably at 45 to 60
degrees. This mineralization tends to be sulphide-poor. Southwest of the shear
zone the breccia ore (the "Breccia Ore") is hosted by a heterolithic gabbro
breccia with abundant pegmatitic and varitextured gabbro. From the pyroxenite
contact, the grades diminish gradually to the west. This zone typically contains
2% to 5% sulphides. The pyroxenite is well mineralized and contains high grade
ore associated with intense talc alteration. The Main High Grade Zone occurs at
the eastern boundary of the central portion of the Roby Zone and extends below
the economic limits of the Roby pit. This near vertical planar zone has a strike
length exceeding 350 metres with thickness averaging 12 metres and is ideal for
exploitation by underground mining. It is continuous to a depth of 675 metres
where it is truncated and offset to the west by a fault. Below this fault, the
Offset High Grade zone has been traced to a depth of 905 metres, over a strike
length of 300 metres, and remains open.
The Twilight zone lies 50 to 70 metres east of the east boundary of the Roby
zone. The Baker zone is located one kilometer east of the Roby zone and the
Creek Zone is located less than two kilometres from the Roby Zone.
The South Roby Zone is located southeast of the Roby Zone and lies entirely
outside the ultimate pit limits as contemplated by the current mine plan. It is
separated from the Roby Zone by a horst or older, barren rock known as East
Gabbro.
Most of the significant platinum group and base metal mineralization in the Lac
des Iles Intrusive Complex is associated with distinctly varied textured ("VT"),
mafic-ultramafic lithologies. These rock
11
units tend to occur along the rim of the complex. The VT Rim Target, which is
one to two kilometres from the Roby Zone, has been identified for further
exploration.
EXPLORATION
Concurrently with the development of the underground mine, the Corporation is
exploring five targets proximate to the Mine: the potential down dip extension
of the Offset High Grade Zone, the Creek Zone, the Baker Zone, the South Roby
Zone, and VT Rim Target (hereinafter individually referred to as the "Target"
and collectively as the "Targets").
The Corporation believes that the High Grade Zone is cut off at depth or
displaced approximately 250 metres to the west along a flat lying structure
where it forms what is called the Offset High Grade Zone. An alternate
hypothesis is that the Offset High Grade Zone is a separate, sub-parallel
mineralized zone.
The Corporation completed a deep 2000 metre diamond drill hole to test the
potential down dip extension (the "Deep Target") of the Offset High Grade Zone
at a vertical depth of 1500 metres from surface. A second hole was also
completed intersecting the Offset High Grade Zone approximately 300 metres below
the limit of the underground inferred resource and 300 metres above the
projected intercept of the first drill hole. If the results from these holes
warrant further exploration, the Corporation will drill wedges off this "master
hole". The anticipated "pierce" points of these holes would be in the order of
approximately 600 to 900 metres vertical below any proposed underground
development of the current combined open pit/underground operation.
Each of the other Targets is beyond the limit of the ultimate pit boundary as
currently planned. It is anticipated that each Target, if sufficient reserves
are identified, would be mined by open pit method independently of the Roby Zone
pit. Each pit would require pre-stripping of overburden, road access and a
facility for staging and supply access for truck haulage and drill blasting.
Mine production from each of the Targets would be processed at the current
milling facility at the Lac des Iles Mine.
Anomalous PGM values occur within breccia bodies along the northeast margin of
the LDI Mafic Intrusive Complex. Grab samples taken from surface trenches on the
Creek Zone had values that warrant further exploration and the Corporation plans
to conduct drilling on the property.
Surface trenching on the Baker Zone has exposed mineralized breccias. The
Corporation proposes to drill test an IP Resistivity Anomaly coincident with low
grade mineralization. It also proposes to drill an east-west hole under Shorty
Lake to test for a north-south structure believed to be similar to the structure
hosting the High Grade Zone.
A previous drilling program on the South Roby Zone showed encouraging values and
further drilling will be conducted on this zone. As mentioned previously, most
of the significant platinum group and base metal mineralization in the Lac des
Iles Intrusive Complex is associated with distinctly textured, varied textured,
mafic-ultramafic lithologies. The Corporation proposes to conduct a systematic
drill program to explore for blind mineralized breccia bodies along the VT Rim
Target.
The drilling programs for the Targets were conducted by Chibougamau Diamond
Drilling and Bradley Brothers Limited and supervised by employees of the
Corporation.
Exploration for 2005 will include both resource development and grass roots
programs. The greatest potential for expanding resources remains within the
immediate Lac des Iles area. Consequently, core
12
drilling will be conducted on the southeast extensions of the Roby zone as well
as the Targets; the drilling programs are expected to commence in the second
quarter of 2005. The Corporation will also continue grass roots exploration on
recently acquired properties located within 100 kilometres of the mine.
OTHER PROPERTIES
In 2004, the Corporation continued to pursue new properties beyond the Lac des
Iles Mine, with a focus on those with established base and platinum group metals
resources.
The Corporation entered into an option and joint venture agreement with Inco
relating to Inco's Haines and Conacher properties, located approximately 80
kilometres southwest of Thunder Bay, which surround Inco's former Shebandowan
mine and are contiguous with the Corporation's Haines property. Combined with
the Corporation's options on two adjacent properties, the Shebandowan Lake
project in the Haines and Conacher districts now covers approximately 8,000
hectares.
In 2004 the combined Shebandowan Lake properties were subject to an airborne
geophysical survey and diamond drilling to test priority targets. The drill
program will continue through the first quarter of 2005.
In June 2004 the Corporation entered into an option agreement to earn a 100%
interest in a property known as the Legris Lake Project which is adjacent to the
Lac des Iles Mine. The property covers a mafic-ultramafic intrusive complex that
exhibits certain similarities to the Lac des Iles Intrusive. Previous work
successfully identified several PGM bearing heterolithic gabbro breccias. The
proposed 2005 exploration program will include ground geophysical surveys and
approximately 2000 meters in diamond drilling.
In March 2005 the Corporation entered into an option and joint venture agreement
with Gossan Resources Limited to earn up to a 75% interest on a property known
as Bird River Property located in south-east Manitoba. The Corporation plans to
conduct a detailed airborne geophysical survey in the second quarter of 2005,
followed by mapping and prospecting, and diamond drilling of priority targets in
the third quarter 2005.
The Corporation had an option to acquire a 60% interest in the Roaring River
property located 60 kilometres north of Lac des Iles. The 5,404 hectare Roaring
River property contains a large complex mafic intrusion, similar to the Lac des
Iles intrusion. Prospecting discovered numerous large boulders containing
elevated base metal and PGM values; however, efforts to locate the bedrock
source of the boulders were unsuccessful and the Corporation terminated its
option in November 2004.
DRILLING, SAMPLING, ASSAYING AND SECURITY
On the Corporation's Lac des Iles property all hole collars have been surveyed
using known mine survey stations. Since 1995 all holes have been surveyed
downhole either with a Tropari instrument or the Reflex Maxibor, a light log
method that is not affected by magnetism. Core recovery is excellent throughout
the deposit and is reported to average close to 100%. The loss of core is
nominal, occurring occasionally when a drill hole intersects a fault.
The drillers deliver the core daily to the core logging facilities in a secure
wooden building where the geologists measure and photograph the core, then take
RQD measurements and specific gravity samples every 30 metres. The core is then
logged and marked for sampling. Sections of the hole are split using a hydraulic
core splitter on a one to three-metre sample. Lithology and geological contacts
occasionally necessitate smaller sample intervals. The drill procedures, core
handling and logging are in compliance with accepted industry standards and
accepted industry practices.
13
Split core is assayed by Accurassay Laboratories Ltd. of Thunder Bay. Precious
metals values are determined by fire assay followed by atomic absorbtion finish
and base metal values by atomic absorbtion. Pulverized rock standards are
inserted at every thirtieth sample, a blank split core sample is inserted every
twentieth sample, and for every twentieth sample, two subsamples of the coarse
crush reject are sent to one independent laboratory (ALS Chemex or Lakefield
Research), and the minesite laboratory.
The database used in construction of the geological and resource model meets
industry standards. Further the block models for the open pit are checked
against a block model derived from the blast hole samples on a regular basis,
and there is reasonable agreement between the block model and the blast hole
samples.
MINERAL RESERVE AND MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATES
The resource and reserve model developed by the Corporation utilizes the
classification system and definitions set forth in National Instrument 43-101
Standards Of Disclosure For Mineral Projects ("National Instrument 43-101")
which classifies resources into measured, indicated and inferred confidence
categories and classifies reserves as proven and probable. The standards applied
by the Corporation conform to the definitions adopted by the Canadian Institute
of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the "CIM") Standards on Mineral Resources
and Reserves - Definitions and Guidelines adopted by the CIM Council on August
20, 2000.
Mr. Douglas Kim, P. Geo., Quality Control and Metals Accounting Manager prepared
the reserve and resource estimates for the open pit mine and the resource
estimate for the underground mine. Mr. Kim is an employee of the Corporation and
he is a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101. Graham G. Clow, P.
Eng. and David W. Rennie, P. Eng. of Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. ("RPA"), an
independent geological mining engineering consulting firm, prepared the reserve
estimate for the underground mine. Each of Mr. Clow and Mr. Rennie is a
qualified person under National Instrument 43-101.
Resources are in addition to reserves. Reserves are presently defined on a
palladium-only basis. The deposit is polymetallic by nature, with economically
recoverable credits for platinum, gold, copper, nickel and cobalt. The majority
of revenue is derived from palladium averaging about 61% of revenues in 2004.
Geochemical and statistical correlations between the metals are sufficiently
robust that grade control based on palladium only is sufficient for making
economic decisions.
The reserve estimates are diluted and based upon a cut off grade of 1.1 grams
and 4.5 grams of palladium per tonne for the open pit and the underground,
respectively, assuming a long-term palladium metal price of US$275 per troy
ounce and including by-product metal prices.
NOTE TO U.S. SHAREHOLDERS
The Corporation is required under Canadian law (National Instrument 43-101) to
report mineral reserves and resources using the classification system set out in
the CIM standards. These guidelines establish definitions for the reporting of
exploration information, mineral resources and mineral reserves in Canada. These
definitions have not been adopted for use in the United States by the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").
The CIM definitions of proven and probable reserves are substantially similar to
the definitions of proven and probable reserves as set out Industry Guide No. 7
under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. In addition, Canadian law
requires disclosure of mineral resources be classified as measured, indicated
and inferred resources if such resources are material to the company. While the
terms "mineral resource",
14
"measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral
resource" are recognized by Canadian securities regulators, they are not defined
terms under the standards in the United States. As such, the information
contained in this AIF (and in particular the sections entitled "Reserves" and
"Resources") concerning descriptions of mineralization and resources under
Canadian standards may not be comparable to similar information made public by
U.S. companies subject to reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC.
"Indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource" have a great amount
of uncertainty as to their existence and a great uncertainty as to their
economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an
"indicated mineral resource" or "inferred mineral resource" will ever be
upgraded to a higher category. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or
any part of the mineralization classified in these categories will ever be
reclassified as reserves.
RESERVES
The following table sets forth the estimated OPEN PIT reserves at the Lac des
Iles Mine as at December 31, 2004:
RESERVES TONNES PALLADIUM PLATINUM GOLD COPPER NICKEL PALLADIUM PLATINUM
(000) (g/t) (g/t) (g/t) (%) (%) (000 OZ.) (000 OZ.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proven 20,155 1.66 0.20 0.13 0.06 0.08 1,074 128
Probable 8,398 2.14 0.23 0.16 0.07 0.08 578 62
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 28,553 1.80 0.21 0.14 0.06 0.08 1,651 190
======================================================================================================================
A basic dilution strategy is applied on a selective basis to the reserve model.
With the higher grade Roby High Grade and gabbronorite rock types, grades are
diluted by 10%. Within the other ore-bearing rock units, material is diluted by
10% with the diluting material assumed at a 0.4 g/t palladium grade (the average
grade of the surrounding waste material). Mining recovery in all cases is
assumed at 90%.
The following table sets forth the estimated UNDERGROUND reserves at the Lac des
Iles Mine as at December 31, 2004:
RESERVES TONNES PALLADIUM PLATINUM GOLD COPPER NICKEL PALLADIUM PLATINUM
(000) (g/t) (g/t) (g/t) (%) (%) (000 OZ.) (000 OZ.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Probable 3,542 6.62 0.40 0.34 0.07 0.08 754 46
======================================================================================================================
A basic dilution strategy is applied on a selective basis to the reserve model.
Overall dilution is 16% on average, at a palladium grade of 1.1 gram per tonne.
Mining recovery in all cases is assumed at 83 %.
See "Note to U.S. Shareholders".
15
RESOURCES
The following table sets forth the estimated OPEN PIT resources at the Lac des
Iles Mine as at December 31, 2004:
RESOURCES TONNES PALLADIUM PLATINUM GOLD COPPER NICKEL PALLADIUM PLATINUM
(000) (g/t) (g/t) (g/t) (%) (%) (000 OZ.) (000 OZ.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Measured 9,714 1.70 0.20 0.14 0.07 0.08 531 62
Indicated 6,617 1.64 0.19 0.13 0.06 0.08 349 40
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 16,331 1.68 0.20 0.14 0.06 0.08 880 103
======================================================================================================================
Inferred 135 1.49 0.16 0.11 0.06 0.07 6 1
======================================================================================================================
The following table sets forth the estimated UNDERGROUND resources at the Lac
des Iles Mine as at December 31, 2004:
RESOURCES TONNES PALLADIUM PLATINUM GOLD COPPER NICKEL PALLADIUM PLATINUM
(000) (g/t) (g/t) (g/t) (%) (%) (000 OZ.) (000 OZ.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indicated 600 7.00 0.39 0.29 0.06 0.07 135 7
======================================================================================================================
Inferred 5,367 6.10 0.34 0.33 0.07 0.12 1,052 59
======================================================================================================================
THE RESOURCES IN THE FOREGOING TABLES ARE IN ADDITION TO RESERVES. The resources
were estimated using a cut-off grade of 1.1 grams and 4.5 grams of palladium per
tonne for the open pit and underground, respectively, assuming an average
long-term palladium price of US$275 per ounce and including by-product metal
credits. The cut-off grade used in the resource estimates reflect the current
estimated life-of-mine costs of mining and processing, in conjunction with
smelting and transportation costs consistent with current contracts. The metal
ounces listed in the table above are on a contained basis without adjustment for
processing or smelting recoveries. Resources which are not reserves do not have
demonstrated economic viability.
See "Note to U.S. Shareholders".
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
The expansion of operations at the Lac des Iles Mine in 2000 and 2001 involved
numerous amendments to the existing approvals, as well as new approvals pursuant
to various provincial statutes relating to environmental matters. The ONTARIO
WATER RESOURCES ACT required amendments to the existing permit to take water, a
certificate of approval for domestic (human) subsurface sewage disposal, and a
certificate of approval for industrial sewage that includes expansion of the
tailings facility. The amendments and approvals under the ONTARIO WATER
RESOURCES ACT were obtained. The Corporation received approval for an amendment
to the certificate for industrial sewage to permit the new effluent treatment
plant and increase effluent discharge volume. The Corporation obtained the
permit required for the tailings facility under the Ontario LAKES AND RIVERS
IMPROVEMENT ACT because of the expanded area of the tailings pond. The
Corporation obtained a certificate of approval for air emissions for the site
required under the Ontario ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT.
The Corporation amended the existing closure plan under the Ontario MINING ACT,
which includes an increase in the amount of financial assurance required by the
Ministry of Northern Development and
16
Mines ("MNDM"). The closure plan and financial assurance agreement was submitted
to the MNDM in April 2001. Under this agreement, the Corporation will provide
financial assurance of $7.8 million payable in installments of $100,000 per
month over six years. As at December 31, 2004, the Corporation had approximately
$6 million on deposit with the MNDM. The closure plan and financial assurance
were accepted on June 21, 2001.
The Corporation has designed the expanded operations so as not to infringe on
any navigable waters or fish habitat. Consequently, management believes no
federal approvals or permits are required pursuant to either the NAVIGABLE
WATERS PROTECTION ACT or the FISHERIES ACT. In addition, because federal
approvals are not required, an environmental assessment under the Canadian
Environmental Assessment Act should not be necessary. However, when production
increases beyond 15,000 tonnes per day, federal permits may be necessary which
would trigger an environmental assessment which may be in the form of a
comprehensive study.
Permitting and approvals for the underground mine are minimal as the underground
mine will be an extension of the much larger and higher impact open pit
operations. A work permit for the camp extension was submitted to and approved
by the Ministry of Natural Resources. The Corporation has submitted the
following applications in connection with operations: notices of material change
regarding the expansion and the east waste dump were submitted to the MNDM; and
an amendment to the Certificate of Approval (Air) for the secondary crusher was
submitted to the Ministry of the Environment. The Corporation will prepare and
submit applications for: an amendment to the Municipal Sewage Certificate of
Approval; a further amendment to the Certificate of Approval (Air); and an
amendment to the Closure Plan.
UNDERGROUND MINE
RPA prepared a feasibility study titled "Feasibility Study for the Underground
Mine at the Lac des Iles Mine" (the "RPA Feasibility Study"). The purpose of the
RPA Feasibility Study was to demonstrate the economic viability of a palladium
underground mining operation (the "Project") below the existing Roby open pit
(the "Roby Pit"). Certain of the technical information contained in this AIF
relating to the Project has been taken from the RPA Feasibility Study. A
technical report (the "Technical Report") dated April 2, 2004, prepared by
Graham G. Clow, P. Eng and David W. Rennie, P. Eng of RPA, incorporating certain
information from the RPA Feasibility Study has been filed on SEDAR. Messrs. Clow
and Rennie are employees of RPA, have confirmed their independence to the
Corporation and are qualified persons under National Instrument 43-101. Messrs.
Clow and Rennie prepared the reserve and resource estimates, as set out in the
Technical Report, for the proposed underground mine at the Roby High Grade Zone.
The mineral resource estimate for the underground mine was subsequently
re-estimated by the Corporation's personnel (see "Mineral Reserves and
Resources").
The underground portion of the Roby deposit is a continuation to depth of the
Roby High Grade Zone that forms the core of the Roby Pit reserves. The
underground deposit lies below the ultimate pit bottom of the Roby Pit at an
elevation of 209 metres above sea level, and extends to a depth of 170 metres
below sea level, for a total dip length of 444 metres.
A nominal target of 2,000 tonnes of ore per day from underground was determined
to be the most appropriate rate for both the size of the deposit and the
allowable time for pre-production development. Several constraints were
identified in assessing access alternatives and coordinating the underground
operations with the open pit. It was concluded that ramp access from within the
open pit would be the most economical alternative. It was also determined that
the portal be located in the pit wall, and ore be hauled in 60 tonne trucks
directly from the mine to a stockpile area near the surface crusher.
17
The chosen mining method is sublevel retreat longitudinal longhole stoping with
no fill. The mining block interval is 70 metres floor to floor including a 15
metre to 25 metre sill pillar below each haulage level. Stopes will be 45 metres
to 55 metres high by the width of the orebody.
Mobile equipment for the mine is expected to include two electric hydraulic
drill jumbos, one longhole drill, one emulsion truck, three 8 cubic yard
scooptrams, and three 60 tonne trucks, along with other service and support
equipment. Total intake ventilation for the mine is designed to be 425,000 cubic
feet per minute. There will be one intake ventilation raise/secondary egress
situated outside the ultimate open pit limits and air will exhaust up the main
ramp.
The Corporation has carried out metallurgical test work on the underground ore
and has determined that no modifications are required to process a blend of
underground and open pit ore. The Corporation expects that the palladium
recovery of underground ore will be higher (+80%) than that being achieved on
the open pit ore in the mill (75% to 80%).
At full complement there will be an underground workforce of 70 hourly and 11
management and technical staff. Hourly employees will work two ten-hour shifts
per day on a two week on/one week off rotation. Contractors will be retained
during the pre-production period to install the ventilation raise. During the
mine life, there will be an ongoing contractor presence for infill diamond
drilling. A contract crew will continue to extend the ventilation raise into
production as lower levels of the mine are reached.
CAPITAL COSTS AND RETURN OF CAPITAL
The estimated capital costs of the Project (in constant 2004 dollars) is
approximately $30.4 million.
The capital cost estimate covers a 16-month pre-production period and includes
all costs for the development of the underground mine based upon 2,000 tonnes
ore per day for its 4.7 year mine life.
During pre-production, approximately 100,000 tonnes of ore will be produced,
generating revenue of $6.5 million. For evaluation purposes it is assumed that
this was in addition to and does not replace open pit feed.
Closure costs related to the overall underground site are assumed to be minimal.
These include removal of underground equipment and services, and capping of the
ventilation raises. Costs are expected to be recovered from the salvage value of
equipment.
At current palladium prices ($216 per ounce) for the underground mine on a
stand-alone basis, the undiscounted pre-tax cash flow is approximately $61.3
million, and simple payback occurs in approximately 22.5 months from the start
of commercial production. However, with the large discount between platinum and
palladium prices, the Corporation believes that jewellery and catalyst
fabricators will switch to palladium to protect their profit margins. The
Corporation expects the result to be a narrowing of the spread between the
platinum and palladium prices as the platinum market stagnates and the palladium
over-supply is consumed by increased substitution.
OPERATING COSTS
The average total unit cash operating cost over the mine life is estimated to be
$39.79 per tonne milled, or $152 per ounce of palladium (net of by-product
credits). This includes mining, ore haul, milling, power, equipment leases, and
general and administrative costs.
18
PROJECT RISK
According to the RPA Feasibility Study, this is a relatively low risk mine
project from a technical standpoint. The underground mine is being developed
beneath an existing open pit where the surface infrastructure is in place,
including crusher and concentrator. Resources and reserves have been estimated
in accordance with the requirements of National Instrument 43-101 from an
extensive database built up over five years. The underground mineral deposit
lies within the same competent rocks as in the overlying open pit, and ground
conditions are expected to be good. Development and production plans have been
prepared from a zero base using known operating and productivity specifications.
Costing has been derived from firm quotations from equipment suppliers and
contractors.
Geomechanics testwork has indicated that large openings created with longhole
retreat mining need to be supported by a recoverable central main rib pillar and
a side rib pillar to minimize the chance of major ground falls in the later
stages of mining. It is expected that 83% of the reserves will be recoverable
using this method, where the majority of the non-recoverable ore will be in
thin, lower grade pillars.
DIVIDENDS
The Corporation has not paid any dividends to date on its common shares. In
addition, the payment of dividends on the common shares is restricted under the
Corporation's credit facility with Kaiser-Francis. Accordingly, it is not
anticipated that the Corporation will pay any dividends on its common shares in
the near future. The actual timing, payment and amount of any dividends will be
determined by the board of directors from time to time based upon, among other
things, cash flow, results of operations and financial condition, the need for
funds to finance ongoing operations and such other business considerations as
the board of directors may consider relevant.
CAPITAL STRUCTURE
The authorized share capital of the Corporation consists of an unlimited number
of special shares, issuable in series and an unlimited number of common shares.
There are no special shares outstanding.
The special shares may be issued in series. The Corporation's directors may, by
resolution, fix the number of shares in, the designation of, and determine the
rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to, each series of
special shares. The special shares of each series rank on a parity with the
special shares of any other series in respect of dividends or the return of
capital. The holders of special shares are entitled to receive, in priority to
the holders of common shares and the shares of any other class ranking junior to
the special shares, as and when declared by the directors, dividends in the
amounts specified or determinable in accordance with the provisions of the
series of which such special shares form a part. In the event of the
liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or
involuntary, before any amount is paid to the holders of common shares or shares
of any other class ranking junior to the special shares, the holders of special
shares shall be entitled to receive, to the extent provided for with respect to
such series, an amount equal to the price at which such shares were issued, such
premium, if any, as has been provided for with respect to such series, and all
unpaid cumulative dividends or declared and unpaid non-cumulative dividends. The
special shares of any series may also be given such other preferences over the
common shares and any other class of shares ranking junior to the special shares
as may be determined in the case of such series. The holders of special shares
are not entitled to vote separately as a class and the holders of any series of
special shares are not entitled to vote separately as a series except as
required by the CANADA BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT.
19
Each common share entitles the shareholder to one vote at all meetings of
shareholders other than meetings at which only the holders of another class or
series of shares are entitled to vote. Each common share entitles the holder
thereof, subject to the prior rights of the holders of the special shares, to
receive any dividends declared by the board of directors and the remaining
property of the Corporation upon dissolution.
The Corporation has not issued any debt securities or preferred shares to the
public and accordingly is not rated by any commercial rating organization.
MARKET FOR SECURITIES
The common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol
"PDL" and on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol "PAL".
The following table sets out the reported high and low closing prices and
aggregate trading volume of the common shares on the AMEX and TSX for the
periods indicated:
AMEX TSX
------------------------------------ --------------------------------------
HIGH LOW VOLUME HIGH LOW VOLUME
------------------------------------ --------------------------------------
(US$) (US$) (CDN$) (CDN$)
2004
January 9.40 7.75 7,916,200 12.20 9.93 1,615,235
February 10.00 7.93 5,282,900 13.16 10.27 1,105,246
March 11.78 9.37 7,924,200 15.58 12.42 1,633,079
April 13.67 8.68 17,168,900 17.85 11.95 4,290,965
May 10.50 8.87 6,887,200 14.41 12.42 1,316,672
June 10.01 8.30 3,453,200 13.72 11.39 813,546
July 9.55 7.90 3,328,600 12.49 10.39 525,496
August 8.27 6.32 4,511,500 10.08 8.50 689,720
September 8.33 6.50 4,643,900 10.50 8.34 1,052,461
October 9.21 7.90 5,290,500 11.60 9.80 928,390
November 9.67 7.75 7,204,100 11.55 9.43 1,483,606
December 8.82 7.53 6,152,200 10.48 9.14 1,002,950
2005
January 8.19 7.54 3,052,300 9.99 9.07 758,994
February 8.55 7.23 4,056,700 10.46 8.99 1,044,894
March 1 - March 29 8.65 7.24 4,872,000 10.56 8.81 909,376
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- ------------------------------
NAME, RESIDENCE AND POSITION(S)
HELD WITH THE CORPORATION PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DIRECTOR SINCE
----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- ------------------------------
Michael P. Amsden, P.Eng. (1) (4) Retired senior mining executive April 1995
Chairman
Oakville, Ontario, Canada
----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- ------------------------------
Steven R. Berlin, C.P.A.(1) (2) Vice President, Kaiser-Francis Oil February 2001
Director Company
Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- ------------------------------
20
----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- ------------------------------
NAME, RESIDENCE AND POSITION(S)
HELD WITH THE CORPORATION PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DIRECTOR SINCE
----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- ------------------------------
Andre J. Douchane(4) Officer of the Corporation April 2003
Director, President and Chief Executive
Officer
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- ------------------------------
James D. Excell(3) (4) Chairman, BHP Billiton Diamonds June 2004
Director Inc., a diamond mining company and
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada President Narego Solutions Inc., a
strategic planning consulting
services company
----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- ------------------------------
Louis J. Fox, Esquire(2)(3) Private Businessman; Consultant June 2000
Director
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- ------------------------------
Richard H. Sutcliffe, Ph.D., P.Geo.(2)(4) President and Chief Executive January 1999
Director Officer, URSA Major Minerals
Ancaster, Ontario, USA Incorporated, a base and precious
metals exploration company and
Chairman, Patricia Mining Corp., a
precious metals exploration and
development company
----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- ------------------------------
Gregory J. Van Staveren, C.A., C.M.A., Strategic Financial Consultant February 2003
C.P.A.(1)(3)
Director
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- ------------------------------
George D. Faught, C.A. Officer of the Corporation
Vice President Finance and Chief Financial
Officer
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- ------------------------------
Ray J. Mason, B.Sc. Officer of the Corporation
General Manager
Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- ------------------------------
Bruce W. Mackie, P.Geo. Officer of the Corporation
Vice President, Exploration and Corporate
Development
Oakville, Ontario, Canada
----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- ------------------------------
Douglas H. Bache Officer of the Corporation
Treasurer
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- ------------------------------
Michael C. Thompson, F.C.C.A. Officer of the Corporation
Manager Administration and Senior Controller
Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- ------------------------------
Mary D. Batoff, LL.B. Officer of the Corporation
Vice President, Legal and Secretary
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- ------------------------------
(1) Member of the Audit Committee
(2) Member of the Compensation Committee
(3) Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee
(4) Member of the Technical Committee
21
The term of office for each director expires at each annual meeting of
shareholders.
Each director or officer listed above has held the same principal occupation
during the past five years except as described below:
Mr. Berlin has been a Vice President of Kaiser-Francis Oil Company
("Kaiser-Francis"), the Corporation's principal shareholder, since February 1999
on a part-time basis and since September 1999 on a full-time basis. From
November 1999 until January 30, 2004, he was also Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer of PetroCorp Incorporated, an oil and natural gas company.
Mr. Douchane was President of Management Inc., a management consulting firm
prior to April 2003. Prior to April 2002, he was President and Chief Operating
Officer of Chief Consolidated Mining Co., a mineral resources company and prior
to June 2001 he was Vice-President Operations of Franco-Nevada Mining
Corporation Limited., a mining and metals royalty company.
Mr. Excell, prior to January 2004, was President and Chief Operating Officer of
EKATI Diamond Mine, operated by BHP Billiton Diamonds Inc. BHP Billiton Diamonds
Inc., a diamond mining company, is part of the BHP Billiton Group, a diversified
resource company. Narego Solutions Inc. is a consulting company that provides
strategic planning services to junior mining companies.
Mr. Sutcliffe, prior to being appointed Chairman in May 2004, was President and
Chief Executive Officer of Patricia Mining Corp.
Mr. Van Staveren, prior to September 2001, was Vice President Finance and Chief
Financial Officer of Martinrea International (formerly Royal Laser Tech
Corporation) an automotive parts manufacturer.
Mr. Mason was resident manager of Wabush Mines, Labrador prior to July 2001, and
previously held senior positions with a number of mines in Canada.
Mr. Mackie was an independent consultant providing services to junior mining
companies prior to February 2004. Prior to 2002 he was the senior
geologist/analyst for Battle Mountain Canada Ltd., a gold and silver mining
company.
Mr. Bache was Director, Strategic Planning and Corporate Development of Inco
Limited ("Inco"), a nickel mining and processing company, prior to May 2004.
Prior to October 2002 he was Assistant Comptroller, Financial Planning and
Analysis of Inco.
Mr. Thompson was a consultant prior to June 2000.
22
Ms. Batoff was a consultant prior to November 1, 2004, serving as legal counsel
and corporate secretary to certain public companies, including the Corporation,
in the mining and mineral exploration sector.
Mr. Berlin is the nominee of Kaiser-Francis, the Corporation's principal
shareholder, which has advised the Corporation that it intends to vote the
common shares which it owns in favour of his re-election as a director at the
2005 annual shareholder meeting.
The number of common shares beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, or over
which control or direction is exercised, by all directors and senior officers of
the Corporation is 96,671, less than 1% of the common shares issued and
outstanding.
CEASE TRADE ORDERS, BANKRUPTCIES, PENALTIES OR SANCTIONS
Mr. Berlin was a director of Ozark Airlines, Inc., doing business as Great
Plains Airlines, which filed for creditor protection under Chapter 11 of the
United States Bankruptcy Code in an Oklahoma court on December 14, 2004. Mr.
Berlin resigned from the board of Ozark Airlines, Inc. on December 14, 2004.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST OR DUTY
There are potential conflicts to which the directors of the Corporation are
subject in connection with the business and operations of the Corporation. The
individuals concerned shall be governed in any conflicts or potential conflicts
by applicable law. As of the date hereof, the following directors and officers
of the Corporation hold positions with other companies that explore for or
produce platinum group metals or have other business interests which may
potentially conflict with the interests of the Corporation.
Dr. Sutcliffe is the President and Chief Executive Officer and a director of
Ursa Major Minerals Incorporated ("Ursa Major") and Mr. Faught was a director of
Ursa Major from February 2004 to March 2005. Ursa Major has active base and
precious metal exploration projects in Wyoming, U.S.A. and the Sudbury area of
Ontario, Canada.
Mr. Sutcliffe is Chairman of Patricia Mining Corp. ("Patricia Mining"). Patricia
Mining has active gold exploration and mining interests in the Wawa area of
Ontario, Canada. Patricia Mining has a 2% net smelter return royalty on six
mining claims acquired by the Corporation from Patricia Mining.
Mr. Fox is a director of Southern Platinum Corp. ("Southern Plats"), a company
listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and Messina Limited, a South African
company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Southern Plats owns a 91.5%
interest in Messina Limited which in turn owns 100% of Messina Platinum Mines
Limited, a platinum group metals producer in South Africa.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Corporation, along with J. Patrick Sheridan, Minerales De Copan and two
other individuals, are defendants in an action brought by Cambridge Resources
Corp. ("Cambridge"), in the Superior Court of Justice (Ontario). In its amended
statement of claim dated September 27, 1991 Cambridge claims damages in the
amount of $20 million, punitive and exemplary damages in the amount of $5
million, a declaration that the defendants hold any interest in an unidentified
mining concession located in Honduras, about forty miles southeast of
Tegucigalpa (defined therein as the "Mining Property") on constructive trust for
Cambridge, a mandatory order requiring the defendants to deliver up all
proceeds, equity interest, security or debenture interest in whatever form
relating to the Mining Property,
23
pre-judgment and post-judgment interest and costs. The Corporation filed a
statement of defense dated February 7, 1992 which states, among other things,
that the Mining Property was previously known to one of the individual
defendants to be of insufficient quality to merit commercial development and
that, accordingly, the Corporation had declined to proceed any further with the
investigation or purchase of the Mining Property. Partial discoveries of certain
of the parties were conducted on October 6, 7 and 8, 1993. There have been no
further proceedings in the action. No provision in the financial statements has
been made in respect of any possible loss from the action as management believes
that the Corporation has a valid defense and the Sheridan Group has indemnified
the Corporation.
From time to time, the Corporation is involved in other litigation,
investigations or proceedings related to claims arising out of its operations in
the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of the Corporation's management,
these claims and lawsuits in the aggregate, even if adversely settled, will not
have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements of the
Corporation.
INTERESTS OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
Other than as described below, no director, executive officer, shareholder
owning, directly or indirectly, or exercising control or direction over, 10% or
more of the voting securities of the Corporation or any associate of any of the
foregoing has or had a material interest in any transaction since January 1,
2002 that has materially affected or will materially affect the Corporation.
In November 1999, the Corporation entered into a services agreement with Mr. Fox
pursuant to which Mr. Fox was engaged to provide services in connection with the
negotiation of palladium end-user supply contracts, project capital financing,
smelting and refining agreements, metals price forecasting and marketing other
metals. The services agreement was negotiated at arms-length prior to Mr. Fox
becoming a director of NAP. During 2004, 2003 and 2002 Mr. Fox received
$581,000, $400,000 and $412,000, respectively, pursuant to the agreement.
TRANSFER AGENT
Computershare Trust Company of Canada is the registrar and transfer agent of the
Corporation's common shares in Canada and Computershare Trust Company, Inc. is
the registrar and co-transfer agent for the Corporation's common shares in the
United States.
24
MATERIAL CONTRACTS
The Senior Credit Facility described in the section titled "Financings" is the
only contract that is material to the Corporation and that was entered into
within the most recently completed financial year.
INTERESTS OF EXPERTS
RPA was engaged to prepare the RPA Feasibility Study and the Technical Report
and the reserve estimate for the underground mine as at December 31, 2004. None
of Messrs. Clow and Rennie and RPA owned securities of the Corporation when the
services were provided and no securities of the Corporation were issued to
Messrs. Clow and Rennie or to RPA as compensation for their services in
connection with the RPA Feasibility Study, the Technical Report or the recent
underground mineral reserve estimate.
KPMG LLP, the external auditors of the Corporation, prepared the "Auditor's
Report to the Shareholders of North American Palladium Ltd." with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of the Corporation as at December 31, 2004 and
for the year then ended. As at March 29, 2005, KPMG LLP and its partners did not
hold any registered or beneficial ownership interests, directly or indirectly,
in the securities of the Corporation or its associates or affiliates.
RISK FACTORS
The Corporation's securities are subject to the following risks. If any of the
risks occur, the Corporation's business, operating results and financial
condition could be materially adversely affected, the trading price of the
common shares could decline and all or part of any investment may be lost.
THE CORPORATION CANNOT ASSURE THAT IT WILL MEET ITS GOALS FOR PRODUCTION AND
OPERATING COSTS AND IF IT DOES NOT, ITS OPERATING RESULTS WILL BE ADVERSELY
AFFECTED.
Planned production levels and operating costs are estimated based on the
Corporation's experience in operating its mine. These estimates are subject to
numerous uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Corporation's control. The
Corporation cannot make assurances that its actual production levels will not be
substantially lower than its estimates or that its operating costs will not be
materially higher than anticipated.
IF RESERVE ESTIMATES ARE NOT ACCURATE, PRODUCTION MAY BE LESS THAN ESTIMATED
WHICH WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE CORPORATION'S FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULT OF
OPERATIONS.
Reserve estimates are imprecise and depend on geological analysis based partly
on statistical inferences drawn from drilling, which may prove unreliable, and
assumptions about operating costs and metal prices. The Corporation cannot be
certain that the reserve estimates are accurate and cannot guarantee that it
will recover the indicated quantities of metals. Future production could differ
dramatically from such estimates for the following reasons:
o mineralization or formations at the mine could be different from those
predicted by drilling, sampling and similar examinations;
o declines in the market price of palladium may render the mining of
some or all of the reserves uneconomic; and
25
o the grade of ore may vary significantly from time to time and the
Corporation cannot give any assurances that any particular quantity of
metal will be recovered from the reserves.
The occurrence of any of these events may cause the Corporation to adjust the
reserve estimates or change its mining plans, which could negatively affect the
Corporation's financial condition and results of operation. Moreover, short-term
factors, such as the need for additional development of the ore body or the
processing of new or different grades, may impair its profitability in any
particular accounting period.
THE RISKS AND HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH MINING AND PROCESSING MAY INCREASE COSTS
AND REDUCE PROFITABILITY IN THE FUTURE.
Mining and processing operations involve many risks and hazards, including among
others:
o environmental hazards;
o mining and industrial accidents;
o metallurgical and other processing problems;
o unusual and unexpected rock formations;
o pit slope failures;
o flooding and periodic interruptions due to inclement or hazardous
weather conditions or other acts of nature;
o mechanical equipment and facility performance problems; and
o unavailability of materials, equipment and personnel.
These risks could result in:
o damage to, or destruction of, the Corporation's properties or
production facilities;
o personal injury or death;
o environmental damage;
o delays in mining;
o increased production costs;
o asset write downs;
o monetary losses; and
o possible legal liability.
The Corporation cannot be certain that its insurance will cover the risks
associated with mining or that it will be able to maintain insurance to cover
these risks at affordable premiums. The Corporation might also become subject to
liability for pollution or other hazards against which it cannot insure or
against which the Corporation may elect not to insure because of premium costs
or other reasons. Losses from such events may increase costs and decrease
profitability.
IF THE CORPORATION FAILS TO DEVELOP ITS UNDERGROUND MINING OPERATIONS AT A
REASONABLE COST, OR AT ALL, OR TO ACHIEVE PROJECTED PRODUCTION LEVELS FOR ITS
UNDERGROUND MINING OPERATIONS, ITS ABILITY TO GENERATE REVENUE AND PROFITS WILL
BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED.
The Corporation's future prospects will be negatively affected if the
underground mine fails to achieve projected production levels. Due to the
complexity and uncertainty involved in developing an underground mine, it is
difficult to provide reliable time and cost estimates for completion. Unforeseen
conditions or developments could arise during the development and construction
of the underground mine which could delay or prevent its completion or
substantially increase the cost of such project, adversely
26
affecting the Corporation's ability to generate revenue and profits. These
events may include, among others:
o delays or difficulties in obtaining required permits;
o shortages of equipment, materials or labor;
o delays in delivery of equipment or materials;
o labor disruptions;
o local or political opposition;
o adverse weather conditions or natural disasters;
o unanticipated increases in costs of labor, supplies and
equipment;
o accidents; and
o unforeseen engineering, design, environmental or geological
problems.
THE CORPORATION MAY EXPERIENCE HIGHER COSTS AND LOWER REVENUES THAN ESTIMATED
DUE TO UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS AND DELAYS.
New mining operations often experience unexpected problems during the
development and start-up phases and such problems can result in substantial
delays in reaching commercial production. Delays in construction or reaching
commercial production in connection with the Corporation's development of its
underground mine would increase its operating costs and delay revenue growth.
IF THE COSTS OF COMPLETING THE UNDERGROUND MINE ARE GREATER THAN ANTICIPATED,
THE CORPORATION MAY NEED TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL FUNDS WHICH MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE
ON FAVOURABLE TERMS OR AT ALL.
The costs of developing the underground mine are subject to many uncertainties
which may cause such costs to be higher than anticipated. In such event, the
Corporation may need to obtain additional capital to pursue its mining plan.
There is no assurance that the Corporation will be able to obtain such capital
on favourable terms, if at all. If additional capital is raised by incurring
debt, the Corporation will be obligated to make greater interest payments which
will reduce funds available for the mining operations. If capital is raised
through the sale of equity securities, shareholders may experience substantial
dilution. If the Corporation is unable to raise additional funds when and if
required, it may have to delay or abandon its development of the underground
mine or restrict its operations.
FUTURE EXPLORATION AT LAC DES ILES MINE OR ELSEWHERE MAY NOT RESULT IN INCREASED
RESERVES, WHICH WOULD PREVENT THE CORPORATION FROM SUSTAINING ITS TARGETED
PRODUCTION LEVELS.
This AIF contains reserve estimates as at December 31, 2004 based on exploration
to that date. The Corporation conducts exploration programs at and surrounding
the Lac des Iles Mine with the objective of increasing reserves. Mineral
exploration involves significant risks over a substantial period of time, which
even a combination of careful evaluation, experience and knowledge may not
eliminate. Even if the Corporation discovers a valuable deposit of minerals, it
may be several years before production is possible and during that time it may
become economically unfeasible to produce those minerals. There is no assurance
that current or future exploration programs will result in any new economically
viable mining operations or yield new reserves to replace and expand current
reserves at the Lac des Iles Mine. In the event that new reserves are not
discovered, the Corporation may not be able to sustain production beyond 2010.
THE CORPORATION FACES STRONG COMPETITION FROM OTHER MINING COMPANIES FOR THE
ACQUISITION OF NEW PROPERTIES.
27
Mines have limited lives and, as a result, the Corporation continually seeks to
replace and expand its reserves through the acquisition of new properties. In
addition, there is a limited supply of desirable mineral lands available in
areas where the Corporation would consider conducting exploration and/or
production activities. Because the Corporation faces strong competition for new
properties from other mining companies, some of which have greater financial
resources than it, the Corporation may be unable to acquire attractive new
mining properties on terms acceptable to it.
THE CORPORATION DEPENDS ON A SINGLE MINE TO GENERATE REVENUES AND, IF MINING
OPERATIONS ARE INTERRUPTED, THE CORPORATION'S BUSINESS WILL SUFFER.
All of the Corporation's revenues are derived from its mining operations at the
Lac des Iles Mine, which is the Corporation's only mine and the only place it
has reserves. If there is an interruption in operations at the Lac des Iles
Mine, or if the Corporation can no longer extract ore from this mine for any
reason, the Corporation's business will suffer significantly. In addition, any
adverse condition affecting mining conditions at the Lac des Iles Mine could
have a material adverse effect on the Corporation's financial performance and
results of operations until such time as the condition is remedied.
THE CORPORATION DEPENDS ON A SINGLE PALLADIUM SALES CONTRACT TO GENERATE MOST OF
ITS REVENUES AND REDUCE ITS EXPOSURE TO FLUCTUATIONS OF THE PRICE OF PALLADIUM
AND, AFTER THIS CONTRACT IS TERMINATED, THE CORPORATION MAY NOT BE ABLE TO FIND
OTHER PURCHASERS FOR ITS PALLADIUM ON SIMILAR TERMS OR AT ALL.
Pursuant to the Palladium Sales Contract with the Automotive Manufacturer, the
Corporation has committed to sell all of the refined palladium it is entitled to
receive from the smelters to the Automotive Manufacturer until June 30, 2005.
After the Palladium Sales Contract is suspended or terminated, the Corporation
may not be able to sell its palladium on similar terms, and the Corporation's
business could suffer significantly.
THE CORPORATION IS DEPENDENT ON THIRD PARTIES FOR SMELTING AND REFINING ITS
PALLADIUM AND IF THEY ARE UNABLE TO ACCOMMODATE THE CORPORATION'S SMELTING AND
REFINING REQUIREMENTS OR THE EXISTING CONTRACTS ARE TERMINATED OR NOT RENEWED
THE CORPORATION'S ABILITY TO GENERATE REVENUES COULD BE HARMED.
The Corporation has smelter agreements with Inco and Falconbridge which provide
for the smelting and refining of the principal metals contained in the
concentrates produced at Lac des Iles Mine. The existing agreements with Inco
and Falconbridge end on August 31, 2005 and March 31, 2006, respectively, and do
not provide for automatic renewal or additional terms at the expiry of the
initial term. The agreement with Falconbridge can be terminated in certain
circumstances, such as default of performance. The inability to renew one or
both of these agreements under similar terms or the termination of the
Falconbridge agreement could have a material adverse affect on the Corporation's
financial performance and results of operations until such time as alternative
smelting and refining arrangements can be made or alternative purchasers of the
Corporation's concentrates can be found.
THE CORPORATION'S VULNERABILITY TO CHANGES IN METAL PRICES MAY CAUSE ITS COMMON
SHARE PRICE TO BE VOLATILE AND MAY AFFECT THE CORPORATION'S OPERATIONS AND
FINANCIAL RESULTS..
The Corporation's primary source of revenue is the sale of palladium. In fiscal
2004, sales of palladium accounted for approximately 61% of the Corporation's
revenues. Historically, changes in the market price of palladium have
significantly impacted the Corporation's profitability and common share price.
Following the expiry of the Palladium Sales Contract, market prices will
directly impact profitability and may cause wide fluctuations in the market
price for the Corporation's common shares. In addition, the financial results
are very sensitive to external economic criteria related to the palladium price.
A major risk will arise if there is a significant weakening of the U.S. dollar
combined with a prolonged period of
28
lower palladium prices. Many factors beyond the Corporation's control influence
the market price of palladium. These factors include:
o global supply and demand;
o availability and costs of metal substitutes;
o speculative activities;
o international political and economic conditions; and
o production levels and costs in other platinum group
metal-producing countries, particularly Russia and South Africa.
Economic and political events in Russia could result in declining market prices.
If Russia disposes of substantial amounts of palladium, platinum, rhodium,
ruthenium, osmium and iridium, which are referred to as platinum group metals,
from stockpiles or otherwise, the increased supply could reduce the market
prices of palladium and platinum and adversely affect the Corporation's
profitability and common share price. Russia's economic problems make Russian
stockpiles difficult to predict and the risk of sales from stockpiles more
significant.
SINCE THE CORPORATION'S REVENUES ARE IN UNITED STATES DOLLARS AND EXPENDITURES
ARE IN CANADIAN DOLLARS, THE CORPORATION IS SUBJECT TO FLUCTUATIONS IN EXCHANGE
RATES BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADIAN DOLLARS.
Currency fluctuations may affect cash flow since the Corporation's production
currently is sold in United States dollars, whereas the Corporation's
administration, operating and exploration costs are incurred in Canadian
dollars. Significant long term fluctuations in relative currency values could
adversely affect the Corporation's results of operations. In particular, the
Corporation may be adversely affected by a significant strengthening of the
Canadian dollar against the United States dollar. In addition, the financial
results are sensitive to fluctuations in the exchange rate. A major risk will
arise if there is a significant weakening of the U.S. dollar combined with a
prolonged period of lower palladium spot prices.
THE CORPORATION'S COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT WITH ITS EMPLOYEES EXPIRES IN FEBRUARY
2006 AND THE INABILITY TO RENEW THE COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT ON SIMILAR TERMS COULD
HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE AFFECT ON THE CORPORATION.
The Corporation has a collective agreement with the United Steel Workers of
America, the union representing the employees at the Lac des Iles Mine (other
than employees at or above the rank of foreman, safety co-ordinator, surveyors,
dispatchers, technical staff and office, clerical and security personnel). The
collective agreement expires in February 2006 and the inability to renew the
agreement on similar terms could have a material adverse affect on the
Corporation, including the affect of work stoppages or strikes on the results of
operations and financial performance of the Corporation.
THE CORPORATION IS SUBJECT TO EXTENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION AND THE COSTS
OF COMPLYING WITH THESE REGULATIONS MAY BE SIGNIFICANT.
Environmental legislation relating to land, air and water affects nearly all
aspects of the Corporation's operations. This legislation requires the
Corporation to obtain various operating licenses and also imposes standards and
controls on activities relating to the exploration, development and production
of palladium and associated metals. The cost of obtaining operating licenses and
abiding by standards and controls on its activities may be significant. Further,
if the Corporation fails to obtain or maintain such operating licenses or
breaches such standards or controls imposed on its activities, it may not be
able to continue its operations in its usual manner, or at all, or the
Corporation may be subject to fines or other claims for remediation which may
have a material adverse impact on its operations or financial results.
29
The Corporation will be responsible for all costs of closure and reclamation at
the Lac des Iles Mine. Under applicable environmental legislation, the
Corporation was required to establish a trust fund to prepare for closure and
reclamation. The current amended mine closure plan requires $7.8 million for
clean-up and restoration of the mine site. The trust fund, maintained by the
Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, is designed to collect $7.8
million through instalments of $100,000 per month. The money in the trust fund
will become available to the Corporation when the mine closure is completed. At
December 31, 2004, approximately $6.0 million was on deposit in the trust fund.
Development of the underground mine as planned will require an amendment to the
existing closure plan and will result in an increase in the amount of financial
assurance required by the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.
The actual amount needed for the closure of the Lac des Iles Mine may be
materially more than the original estimate. Recent changes in the Province of
Ontario mining regulations may require the Corporation to provide a letter of
credit or other financial instrument as security for the closure of the Lac des
Iles Mine.
CHANGES IN ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION COULD INCREASE THE COSTS OF COMPLYING WITH
APPLICABLE REGULATIONS AND REDUCE LEVELS OF PRODUCTION.
Changes in environmental laws, new information on existing environmental
conditions or other events may increase future compliance expenditures or
otherwise have a negative effect on the Corporation's financial condition and
results of operations. In addition to existing requirements, it is expected that
other environmental regulations will likely be implemented in the future with
the objective of further protecting human health and the environment. Some of
the issues currently under review by environmental agencies include reducing or
stabilizing air emissions, mine reclamation and restoration, and water quality.
Other changes in environmental legislation could have a negative effect on
production levels, product demand, product quality and methods of production and
distribution. The complexity and breadth of these issues make it difficult for
the Corporation to predict their impact. The Corporation anticipates capital
expenditures and operating expenses will increase as a result of compliance with
the introduction of new and more stringent environmental regulations. Failure to
comply with environmental legislation may result in the issuance of clean up
orders, imposition of penalties, liability for related damages and the loss of
operating permits. The Corporation cannot make assurances that it will at all
future times be in compliance with all federal and provincial environmental
regulations or that steps to bring the Corporation into compliance would not
have a negative effect on its financial condition and results of operations.
COMPLIANCE WITH CURRENT AND FUTURE GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS MAY CAUSE THE
CORPORATION TO INCUR SIGNIFICANT COSTS AND SLOW ITS GROWTH.
The Corporation's activities are subject to extensive Canadian federal and
provincial laws and regulations governing matters relating to mine safety,
occupational health, labor standards, prospecting, exploration, production,
exports and taxes. Compliance with these and other laws and regulations could
require the Corporation to make significant capital outlays which may slow its
growth by diverting its financial resources. The enactment of new adverse
regulations or regulatory requirements or more stringent enforcement of current
regulations or regulatory requirements may increase costs, which could have a
harmful effect on the Corporation. The Corporation cannot make assurances that
it will be able to adapt to these regulatory developments on a timely or cost
effective basis. Violations of these regulations and regulatory requirements
could lead to substantial fines, penalties or other sanctions.
THE CORPORATION IS REQUIRED TO OBTAIN AND RENEW GOVERNMENTAL PERMITS IN ORDER TO
CONDUCT MINING OPERATIONS, WHICH IS OFTEN A COSTLY AND TIME-CONSUMING PROCESS.
30
In the ordinary course of business, the Corporation is required to obtain and
renew governmental permits for the operation and expansion of existing
operations or for the commencement of new operations. Obtaining or renewing the
necessary governmental permits is a complex and time-consuming process. The
duration and success of the Corporation's efforts to obtain and renew permits
are contingent upon many variables not within its control including the
interpretation of applicable requirements implemented by the permitting
authority. The Corporation may not be able to obtain or renew permits that are
necessary to its operations, or the cost to obtain or renew permits may exceed
what the Corporation expects. Any unexpected delays or costs associated with the
permitting process could delay the development or impede the operation of a
mine, which could adversely affect the Corporation's revenues and future growth.
THE CORPORATION FACES COMPETITION WITH OTHER LARGER SUPPLIERS OF PLATINUM GROUP
METALS AND FROM POTENTIAL NEW SOURCES OF PLATINUM GROUP METALS.
The Corporation competes with other suppliers of platinum group metals, some of
which are significantly larger than it is and have access to greater mineral
reserves and financial resources than it does. In addition, new mines may open
which would increase supply of palladium and platinum. Furthermore, in certain
industrialized countries an industry has developed for the recovery of platinum
group metals from scrap sources, mostly from spent automobile and industrial
catalysts. The Corporation may not be successful in competing with these
existing and emerging platinum group metal producers.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TECHNOLOGY OR NEW ALLOYS COULD REDUCE THE DEMAND FOR
PALLADIUM AND PLATINUM.
The development of a substitute alloy or synthetic material which has catalytic
characteristics similar to platinum group metals would result in a decrease in
demand for palladium and platinum. Furthermore the development by the automobile
industry of automobiles that do not use catalytic converters could reduce the
demand for palladium and platinum. Demand might also be reduced by manufacturers
in such industries as automobiles, electronics and dentistry finding substitutes
for palladium. The dentistry and electronics industries have already experienced
advances in new technology which use base metals as a substitute for palladium
in certain component parts. High prices for palladium would create an incentive
for the development of substitutes. Any such developments could have a material
adverse effect on the Corporation's financial condition and results of
operations.
IF THE CORPORATION LOSES KEY PERSONNEL OR IS UNABLE TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN
ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL, THE CORPORATION'S MINING OPERATIONS AND PROSPECTS COULD BE
HARMED.
The Corporation is dependent upon the services of a small number of members of
senior management including Andre J. Douchane, the President and Chief Executive
Officer, and George D. Faught, the Chief Financial Officer. The Corporation's
current mining operations, its successful development of the underground mine
and its future prospects depends on the experience and knowledge of these
individuals. The loss of one or more of these individuals could have a material
adverse affect on the Corporation's mining operations.
THE MINING LEASES CONSTITUTING THE LAC DES ILES MINE EXPIRE IN 2006 AND MAY NOT
BE RENEWED.
The Lac des Iles Mine consists of four mining leases issued by the Government of
Ontario. The mining leases are dated August 16, 1985 and have a 21 year term,
which is the term of all mining leases granted by the Government of Ontario.
These leases expire on August 31, 2006 and are renewable for a further term of
21 years if the terms and conditions of the leases have been complied with. If
the leases expire and are not renewed, the Corporation will not be able to
continue its mining operations.
31
THE CORPORATION'S CREDIT FACILITIES HAVE EVENTS OF DEFAULT, SOME OF WHICH ARE
BEYOND THE CORPORATION'S CONTROL.
The Corporation has borrowed funds under its credit facilities to finance its
operations. The credit facilities contain certain events of default, some of
which are beyond the Corporation's control, the occurrence of which could
require the Corporation to pay back immediately all amounts borrowed under the
credit facilities.
THE CORPORATION'S PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDER HAS THE ABILITY TO DIRECT THE
CORPORATION'S AFFAIRS AND BUSINESS AND, BECAUSE IT OWNS APPROXIMATELY 50.4% OF
THE COMMON SHARES, THIRD PARTIES MAY BE DETERRED FROM ACQUIRING THE CORPORATION.
To the best of the Corporation's knowledge, Kaiser-Francis, a privately-held oil
and gas company based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, owns common shares, representing
approximately 50.4% of the total number of common shares outstanding as of March
4, 2005. Kaiser-Francis therefore has the ability to direct the affairs and
business of the Corporation. This concentration of ownership may have the effect
of delaying or preventing a change in control of the Corporation, which may
deprive the Corporation's shareholders of a control premium that might otherwise
be realized in connection with an acquisition of the Corporation.
THE CORPORATION'S HEDGING ACTIVITIES OR ITS DECISION NOT TO HEDGE COULD EXPOSE
IT TO LOSSES.
From time to time, the Corporation engages in hedging activities in connection
with the metals it produces, such as forward sales contracts and commodity put
and call option contracts, to partially offset the risk of declines in metal
prices on its operating results. While these hedging activities may protect the
Corporation against low metal prices, they may also limit the price it can
receive on hedged products. As a result, the Corporation may be prevented from
realizing possible revenues in the event that the market price of a metal
exceeds the price stated in a forward sale or call option contract. In addition,
the Corporation may experience losses if a counterparty fails to purchase under
a contract when the contract price exceeds the spot price of a commodity.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This AIF contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S.
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are
necessarily made based on estimates and assumptions made by the Corporation in
light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions
and expected future developments, as well as other factors it believes are
appropriate in the circumstances. These estimates and assumptions are inherently
subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, many of
which, with respect to future events, are subject to change. These uncertainties
and contingencies can affect actual results and could cause actual results to
differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking
statements made by the Corporation, or on its behalf.
In particular, the words "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "may," "will,"
"should," "intend," "believe," "target," "budget," "plan," "projection",
"strategy" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking
statements. In light of the risks and uncertainties inherent in all
forward-looking statements, the inclusion or incorporation by reference of
forward-looking statements in this renewal annual information form should not be
considered as a representation by the Corporation or any other person that its
objectives or plans will be achieved. Numerous factors could cause the
Corporation's actual results to differ materially from those in the
forward-looking statements, including the following, which are discussed in
greater detail under the "Risk Factors" section herein:
32
o inability to meet production or operating cost goals;
o inaccurate resource and reserve estimates;
o inherent risks associated with mining and processing operations;
o failure to successfully develop the underground mining operations
or to achieve projected production levels;
o unexpected problems and delays in the construction of the
underground mining operations;
o inability to obtain additional funding for operations, if
required;
o failure of the exploration program to increase reserves;
o interruption of operations at the Lac des Iles Mine;
o termination or failure to renew smelting agreements;
o volatility in metal prices;
o changes in the United States/Canadian dollar exchange rate;
o costs of complying with current and future environmental
regulation;
o costs of complying with other current and future governmental
regulation;
o competition from other suppliers of platinum group metals;
o development of new technology leading to reduced demand for
palladium;
o loss of key personnel;
o failure to renew mining leases;
o defaults under credit facilities; and
o hedging activities.
These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue
reliance on the Corporation's forward-looking statements. The Corporation
undertakes no obligation to release publicly the results of any future revisions
it may make to forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances
after the date of this renewal annual information form or to reflect the
occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
AUDIT COMMITTEE INFORMATION
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
The Audit Committee charter is set out below.
COMPOSITION OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Committee is comprised of Gregory J. Van Staveren (Chairman), Steven R.
Berlin and Michael P. Amsden. Messrs. Van Staveren and Amsden are independent as
such term is defined in Multilateral Instrument 52-110 - Audit Committees. Mr.
Berlin is an executive officer of the principal shareholder of the Corporation
and is not considered independent by virtue of such relationship. Mr. Berlin is
a certified public accountant and has considerable experience in finance and
accounting. The Board of Directors determined that it was in the best interests
of shareholders to appoint Mr. Berlin to the Audit Committee.
RELEVANT EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Each of the members of the Committee is financially literate. Each of Mr. Van
Staveren and Mr. Berlin satisfy the criteria required for the financial expert
and Mr. Van Staveren is designated as the audit committee financial expert. Mr.
Van Staveren is a chartered accountant and a certified public accountant.
33
He was Chief Financial Officer of Martinrea International Inc. an automotive
parts manufacturer from February 1998 to September 2001 and currently provides
strategic financial services to companies. Prior to February 1998, Mr. Van
Staveren was a partner with KPMG LLP.
Mr. Berlin is a certified public accountant and is a Vice President of
Kaiser-Francis since September 1999 and Co-Chief Financial Officer of
Kaiser-Francis from September 1999 to the end of December 2004. Mr. Berlin also
served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of PetroCorp Incorporated, an
oil and gas company from November 1999 to January 2004.
Mr. Amsden has been a Director of the Corporation since April 1995. He has also
extensive management experience throughout his career. Mr. Amsden retired from
Falconbridge Ltd. in 1993. During his tenure at Falconbridge, which began in
1986, Mr. Amsden was Vice President and General Manager of the Kidd Creek
Division until 1990 when he became Vice President Environmental Services, which
included being President of Lakefield Research. In 1992 he became General
Manager of Falconbridge, Chile S.A.
AUDIT COMMITTEE PRE-APPROVAL POLICIES
All audit and non-audit services performed by the Corporation's external
auditors are pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
EXTERNAL AUDITOR SERVICE FEES
AUDIT FEES
The aggregate fees billed by Ernst & Young LLP ("E&Y"), the Corporation's
external auditors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 and 2004, for
professional services rendered by E&Y for the audit of the Corporation's 2003
annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the
external auditors in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or
engagements for such years were Cdn$195,000 and Cdn$125,000, respectively. The
Corporation's shareholders approved the appointment of KPMG LLP ("KPMG") as
auditors of the Corporation in June 2004. The aggregate fees billed by KPMG, the
Corporation's external auditors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, for
professional services that are normally provided by the external auditors in
connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for that year
were Cdn$210,000.
AUDIT-RELATED FEES
No fees were billed by E&Y or KPMG for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2003
and 2004 for assurance and related services rendered by it that are reasonably
related to the performance of the audit or review of the Registrant's financial
statements.
TAX FEES
The aggregate fees billed by E&Y for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2003
and 2004 for professional services rendered by it for tax compliance, tax
advice, tax planning and other services were Cdn$26,426 and Cdn$13,000,
respectively. The aggregate fees billed by KPMG for the fiscal years ended
December 31, 2003 and 2004 for professional services rendered by it for tax
compliance, tax advice, tax planning and other services were Cdn$nil and
Cdn$79,000, respectively. Tax services provided included preparation of
corporate tax returns and review of tax provisions.
34
ALL OTHER FEES
The aggregate fees billed by E&Y for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2003
and 2004 for products and services provided by E&Y, other than the services
reported in the preceding three paragraphs, were Cdn$nil and Cdn$500,
respectively. Other products and services provided included accounting support.
The aggregate fees billed by KPMG for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2003
and 2004 for products and services provided by KPMG, other than the services
reported in the preceding three paragraphs, were Cdn$nil and Cdn$nil,
respectively.
OTHER ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information relating to the Corporation may be found on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com. Additional information, including directors' and officers'
remuneration and indebtedness, principal holders of the Corporation's securities
and securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans, is
contained in the Corporation's Management Proxy Circular dated March 16, 2005.
As well, additional financial information is provided in the Corporation's
annual financials statements for the year ended December 31, 2004 and
management's discussion and analysis of operations and financial results.
35
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
1. COMPOSITION
a) The Audit Committee shall consist of a minimum of three directors of the
Corporation.
The Audit Committee shall be comprised entirely of independent directors,
as such term is defined by applicable laws and related rules and
regulations, and rules of relevant stock exchanges (collectively referred
to as "Applicable Laws"). For clarity, US Applicable Laws means those
applicable to foreign private issuers.
Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, a member is exempt from the
independence requirements if permitted by Applicable Laws. The appointment
of the non-independent director shall be disclosed in the next proxy
circular mailed to shareholders. If there is reliance on curing provisions,
notice shall be given to the stock exchanges immediately upon learning of
the circumstances that resulted in the non-compliance.
b) A quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings of the Audit
Committee shall be a majority of members.
2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
At the time of appointment or within a reasonable period of time following
appointment, each member of the Committee must be financially literate,
having the ability to read and understand a set of financial statements
that present the breadth and level of complexity or accounting issues that
are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of the issues that
can be reasonably be expected to be raised by the Corporation's financial
statements.
a) At least one member (the "financial expert") of the Committee must have:
i. An understanding of financial statements and accounting principles
used by the Corporation to prepare its financial statements;
ii. The ability to assess the general application of such accounting
principles in connection with the accounting for estimates, accruals
and reserves;
iii. Experience preparing, auditing, analyzing or evaluating financial
statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of
accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and
complexity of issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by
the Corporation's financial statements, or experience actively
supervising one or more persons engaged in such activities;
iv. An understanding of internal controls and procedures for financial
reporting; and
v. An understanding of audit committee functions.
b) The financial expert must have acquired the foregoing attributes through
one or more of the following:
36
i. Education and experience as a principal financial officer, principal
accounting officer, controller, public accountant or auditor or
experience in one or more positions that involve the performance of
similar functions;
ii. Experience actively supervising a principal financial officer,
principal accounting officer, controller, public accountant, auditor
or person performing similar functions;
iii. Experience overseeing or assessing the performance of companies or
public accountants with respect to the preparation, auditing or
evaluation of financial statements; or
iv. Other relevant experience.
3. MANDATE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Audit Committee shall:
a) Review and assess the adequacy of the Audit Committee Charter on an
annual basis;
b) Meet with the Corporation's external auditors as necessary and before
the submission of the audited annual financial statements to the Board
and communicate to external auditors that they are ultimately
accountable to the Board and the Audit Committee as representatives of
shareholders;
c) Review the annual financial statements of the Corporation and
"management's discussion and analysis" and recommend the financial
statements for approval to the Board;
d) Review and approve interim financial statements of the Corporation and
"management's discussion and analysis" prior to filing with the
securities regulatory authorities and delivery to shareholders;
e) Obtain explanations from management on all the significant variances
between comparative reporting periods and, in respect the annual
financial statements, question management and the external auditor
regarding the significant financial reporting issues discussed during
the fiscal period and the method of resolution;
f) Be responsible for:
i. Ensuring that a written statement is obtained from the external
auditor describing all relationships between the external auditor
and the Corporation;
ii. Discussing with the external auditor any disclosed relationships
or services that may impact the objectivity and independence of
the external auditor; and
iii. Determining that the external auditors have a process in place to
address the rotation of the lead partner and other audit partners
serving the account as required under Canadian independence
standards and the SEC independence rules, as applicable to
foreign private issuers;
g) Assess the performance of the external auditors and recommend to the Board
annually or as they may otherwise determine a duly qualified external
auditor to be nominated (for appointment or retention) for the purpose of
preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or
attest services for the Corporation;
h) Review the plan and scope of the audit to be conducted by the internal (if
any) and external auditors of the Corporation;
37
i) Approve, or recommend to the Board for approval, the compensation of the
external auditors;
j) Directly oversee the work of the external auditors, including reviewing the
Corporation's critical accounting policies and practices, material
alternative accounting treatments and material written communications
between the external auditors and management, and the resolution of
disagreements between management and the external auditor regarding
financial reporting;
k) Pre-approve all audit and permitted non-audit services to be provided to
the Corporation or its subsidiary entities by its external auditors or the
external auditors of the Corporation's subsidiary, in accordance with
Applicable Laws;
l) Review all post-audit or management letters containing the recommendations
of the external auditor and management's response or follow-up of any
identified weakness;
m) Meet separately, periodically, with management, with internal auditors (or
other personnel responsible for the internal audit function) and with
external auditors;
n) Review all annual and interim earnings press releases;
o) Determine that adequate procedures are in place for the review of the
Corporation's disclosure of financial information extracted or derived from
the Corporation's financial statements, other than disclosure in the
Corporation's financial statements, management's discussion and analysis
and earnings press releases, and periodically assess the adequacy of these
procedures;
p) Establish procedures for:
i. The receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the
Corporation regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or
auditing matters; and
ii. The confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the Corporation
of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters;
q) Enquire as to the adequacy of the Corporation's system of internal
controls;
r) Review and approve all related party transactions;
s) Review and approve the Corporation's hiring policies regarding employees
and former employees of the present and former external auditors of the
Corporation;
t) Have such other duties, powers and authorities, consistent with the
provisions of the CANADA BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT, as the Board may, by
resolution, delegate to the Audit Committee from time to time.
4. AUTHORITY
The Audit Committee shall have the authority:
a) For the purpose of performing their duties, of inspecting all of the books
and records of the Corporation and its affiliates and of discussing such
accounts and records and any matters relating to the financial position or
condition of the Corporation with the officers and internal (if any) and
external auditors of the Corporation and its affiliates;
38
b) To engage independent counsel and other advisors as it determines necessary
to carry out its duties;
c) To set and pay the compensation for any advisors employed by the Audit
Committee, including without limitation, compensation to any public
accounting firm engaged for the purpose of preparing or issuing and audit
report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the
Corporation;
d) To set and pay the ordinary administrative expenses of the Audit Committee
that are necessary or appropriate in carrying out its duties; and
e) To communicate directly with the internal (if any) and external auditors.
5. PROCEEDINGS
The following shall apply to the proceedings of the Audit Committee.
a) The business of the Audit Committee shall be transacted either at meetings
thereof or by conference telephone or other communications facilities that
permit all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other, or by
resolution in writing. All questions at a meeting shall be decided in
accordance with the vote of a majority of those present and the Chairman of
the meeting shall not have a second or casting vote.
b) A resolution in writing signed by all members of the Audit Committee
entitled to vote on that resolution at a meeting of the Audit Committee
shall be as valid as if it had been passed at a duly called and constituted
meeting. Such resolutions in writing may be in one or more counterparts,
all of which, when taken together, shall be deemed to constitute one
resolution.
c) The Audit Committee Chairman shall periodically report to the Board of
Directors on the activities of the Audit Committee.
d) The external auditor of the Corporation shall, at the expense of the
Corporation, be entitled to attend and be heard at or may be invited to any
meeting of the Audit Committee.
e) The external auditor and senior management shall have the opportunity or
may be invited to meet separately with the Audit Committee.
f) The minutes of the proceedings of the Audit Committee and any resolutions
in writing shall be kept in a book provided for that purpose which shall
always be open for inspection by any director of the Corporation.
39
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
The following is a glossary of certain terms used in this document.
"BALL MILL" means a rotary grinding mill which uses metal balls to reduce ore to
a fine particle size.
"BRECCIA" means a textural description of a rock which is composed of angular
rock fragments.
"CATALYST" is a substance which, when present in small amounts, modifies the
rate or efficiency of a chemical reaction of other substances without being
consumed in the process.
"CATALYTIC CONVERTER" means a pollution control device, fitted to the exhaust
systems of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines. This device contains
platinum, palladium and sometimes rhodium, which assist in the conversion
(oxidation) of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water.
"CONCENTRATE" means a product containing the valuable metal and from which most
of the waste material in the ore has been removed.
"CONCENTRATOR OR PROCESSING PLANT" means a plant or facility which processes ore
brought from the mine and removes most of the valuable mineral or metal from the
ore and discards most of the barren portion of the ore as tailings.
"CUT-OFF GRADE" is determined by the following formula parameters: estimates
over the relevant period of mining costs, ore treatment costs, general and
administrative costs, refining costs, royalty expenses, process and refining
recovery rates and PGMs prices.
"DIAMOND DRILLING" means rotary drilling using diamond impregnated bits to
produce a solid continuous core sample of the underlying rock.
"FEASIBILITY STUDY" means a program to establish whether a mineral deposit can
be successfully mined considering technical and economic parameters.
"FLOTATION CIRCUIT" means a series of flotation tanks or cells which recover
metal by means of floatation. Floatation is a milling process by which some
mineral particles are induced to float and others to sink. The valuable minerals
are thereby concentrated and separated from the worthless waste.
"GABBRO" means a dark, course-grained intrusive rock usually composed of angular
rock fragments.
"GABBRONORITE" means a type of gabbro which contains the mafic minerals
clinopyroxene (Ca-Mg rich silicate) and orthopyroxene (Mg-rich silicate).
"GRADE" means a particular quantity of ore or mineral relative to other
constituents, in a specified quantity of rock.
"HEAD GRADE" means the quantity of valuable mineral or metal contained in each
ton of ore delivered to the concentrator.
"INDICATED MINERAL RESOURCE" means that part of a mineral resource for which
quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics, can
be estimated with a level of confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate
application of technical and economic parameters, to support mine planning and
evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on
detailed and reliable exploration and testing information gathered through
appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings
and drill holes that are spaced closely enough for geological and grade
continuity to be reasonably assumed. See "Note to U.S. Shareholders".
40
"INFERRED MINERAL RESOURCE" means that part of a mineral resource for which
quantity and grade or quality can be estimated on the basis of geological
evidence and limited sampling and reasonably assumed, but not verified,
geological and grade continuity. The estimate is based on limited information
and sampling gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as
outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes. See "Note to U.S.
Shareholders".
"INTRUSION/INTRUSIVE" means a mass of igneous rock that was injected and
solidified within the earth's crust.
"IRIDIUM" means hard, brittle, silver-white platinum group metal used for pen
tips, jewelery, resistance wiring, electronic contacts and electrodes.
"MAFIC ROCKS" means rocks composed of 40 to 90% mafic minerals. (PGM deposits
are usually hosted in mafic and untramafic intrusive rocks).
"MEASURED MINERAL RESOURCE" means that part of a mineral resource for which
quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape, physical characteristics are so
well established that they can be estimated with confidence sufficient to allow
the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to support
production planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The
estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing
information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as
outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely
enough to confirm both geological and grade continuity. See "Note to U.S.
Shareholders".
"MINERAL RESERVE" means the economically mineable part of a measured or
indicated resource demonstrated by at least a preliminary feasibility study.
This study must include adequate information on mining, processing,
metallurgical, economic and other relevant factors that demonstrate, at the time
of reporting, that economic extraction can be justified. A mineral reserve
includes diluting materials and allowances for losses that may occur when the
material is mined. See "Note to U.S. Shareholders".
"MINERAL RESOURCE" means a concentration or occurrence of natural, solid,
inorganic or fossilized organic material in or on the Earth's crust in such form
and quantity and of such a grade or quality that it has reasonable prospects for
economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade, geological characteristics
and continuity of a mineral resource are known, estimated or interpreted from
specific geological evidence and knowledge. See "Note to U.S. Shareholders".
"MINERALIZATION" means the concentration of metals and their chemical compounds
within a body of rock.
"NET SMELTER RETURN ROYALTY" means a royalty based on the gross proceeds
received from the sale of minerals less the cost of smelting, refining, freight
and other related costs.
"OPEN PIT" means a mine worked at the surface.
"ORE" means a mixture of valuable and worthless minerals from which at least one
of the minerals can be mined and processed at an economic profit.
"OSMIUM" means a rare, hard white metal.
41
"OUNCE" or "OZ." is a unit of weight measure. In the precious metals industry a
troy ounce is equal to one-twelfth part of a pound or 31.103 grams.
"OVERBURDEN" means unconsolidated material that overlies a mineral deposit and
must be removed prior to mining.
"PALLADIUM" means a white, ductile, malleable precious metal that does not
tarnish at normal temperatures. Wide applications range from electronics,
dentistry, jewelry and automotive catalytic converters.
"PGMS" means "PLATINUM GROUP METALS". Platinum Group Metals include platinum,
palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, osmium and iridium. All PGMs have catalytic
qualities and resist corrosion and are chemically inert over a wide range of
temperatures.
"PROBABLE MINERAL RESERVE" means the economically mineable part of an indicated,
and in some circumstances a measured mineral resource demonstrated by at least a
preliminary feasibility study. This study must include adequate information on
mining, processing, metallurgical, economic, and other relevant factors that
demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that economic extraction can be
justified. See "Note to U.S. Shareholders".
"PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION", for the purposes of the definition of a qualified
person below, means a self-regulatory organization of engineers, geoscientists
or both engineers and geoscientists that
(a) has been given authority or recognition by statute;
(b) admits members primarily on the basis of their academic qualifications
and experience;
(c) requires compliance with the professional standards of competence and
ethics established by the organization; and
(d) has disciplinary powers, including the power to suspend or expel a
member.
"PROVEN MINERAL RESERVE" means the economically mineable part of a measured
mineral resource demonstrated by at least a preliminary feasibility study. This
study must include adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical,
economic, and other relevant factors that demonstrate, at the time of reporting,
that economic extraction is justified. See "Note to U.S. Shareholders".
"PYROXENITE" means an ultramafic rock which predominantly contains the mafic
mineral pyroxene (Mg-rich silicate).
"QUALIFIED PERSON" means an individual who
(a) is an engineer or geoscientist with at least five years of experience
in mineral exploration, mine development or operation or mineral
project assessment, or any combination of these;
(b) has experience relevant to the subject matter of the mineral project
and the technical report; and
(c) is a member in good standing of a professional association.
42
"RHODIUM" means a silver-white metal of the platinum family resistant to
tarnishing and used as an electrode posit, or alloyed with platinum to
manufacture thermocouples.
"SAG MILL" means a semi-autogenous grinding mill. A SAG mill is one in which
steel balls are added to the mill charge to supplement the grinding capabilities
of the larger pieces of ore.
"STRIP RATIO" means the ratio of units of waste material required to be removed
to facilitate the mining of one unit of economic material.
"TAILINGS" means that portion of the ore which remains after the valuable
minerals have been extracted.
"TAILINGS IMPOUNDMENT" means a containment area constructed to hold tailings.
"TON" means a short ton, equivalent to 2,000 pounds.
"TONNE" means a metric measure consisting of 2,204.6 pounds or 1,000 kilograms.
"ULTRAMAFIC" means rocks composed of greater than 90% mafic minerals. (PGM
deposits are usually hosted in mafic and ultramafic intrusive rocks.)
"WASTE" means barren rock in a mine, or mineralized material that is too low in
grade to be mined and milled at a profit.
43
MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY AUDITORS' REPORT TO
FOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS THE SHAREHOLDERS OF
NORTH AMERICAN PALLADIUM LTD.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements
have been prepared by management in accordance with Canadian We have audited the consolidated balance sheet of
generally accepted accounting principles. Financial North American Palladium Ltd. as at December 31, 2004 and
statements are not precise since they include certain the consolidated statements of earnings (loss) and deficit
amounts based on estimates and judgments. When alternative and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial
methods exist, management has chosen those it deems most statements are the responsibility of the Company's
appropriate in the circumstances in order to ensure that the management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
consolidated financial statements are presented fairly, in these financial statements based on our audit.
all material respects, in accordance with Canadian generally
accepted accounting principles. The financial information We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian
presented elsewhere in the annual report is consistent with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards
that in the consolidated financial statements. require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain
reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are
The Company maintains adequate systems of internal free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining,
accounting and administrative controls. Such systems are on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
designed to provide reasonable assurance that transactions disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also
are properly authorized and recorded, the Company's assets includes assessing the accounting principles used and
are appropriately accounted for and adequately safeguarded significant estimates made by management, as well as
and that the financial information is relevant and reliable. evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
The Board of Directors of the Company is responsible In our opinion, these consolidated financial
for ensuring that management fulfills its responsibilities statements present fairly, in all material respects, the
for financial reporting, and is ultimately responsible for financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2004
reviewing and approving the consolidated financial and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the
statements and the accompanying management's discussion and year then ended in accordance with Canadian generally
analysis. The Board of Directors carries out this accepted accounting principles.
responsibility principally through its Audit Committee.
The consolidated financial statements as at December
The Audit Committee is appointed by the Board of 31, 2003 and for the two years ended December 31, 2003 were
Directors and all of its members are non-management audited by another firm of chartered accountants, who
directors. The Audit Committee meets periodically with expressed an opinion without reservation on those statements
management and the external auditors to discuss internal in their auditors' report dated February 20, 2004.
controls, auditing matters and financial reporting issues,
and to satisfy itself that each party is properly
discharging its responsibilities. The Audit Committee also /s/ KPMG LLP
reviews the consolidated financial statements, management's
discussion and analysis, the external auditors' report, Chartered Accountants
examines the fees and expenses for audit services, and
considers the engagement or reappointment of the external Toronto, Canada,
auditors. The Audit Committee reports its findings to the February 21, 2005
Board of Directors for its consideration when approving the
consolidated financial statements for issuance to the
shareholders. KPMG LLP, the external auditors, have full and
free access to the Audit Committee.
Toronto, Canada
February 21, 2005
/s/ ANDRE J. DOUCHANE /s/ GEORGE D. FAUGHT
ANDRE J. DOUCHANE GEORGE D. FAUGHT
President and CEO Vice President Finance,
and CFO
30 Continued FOCUS on Operations, Growth and Financial Position
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North American Palladium Ltd.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(CANADIAN FUNDS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31
2004 2003
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 65,755 $ 11,950
Restricted cash equivalents -- 1,813
Concentrate awaiting settlement, net - NOTE 3 68,259 94,610
Inventories - NOTE 4 8,954 9,141
Crushed and broken ore stockpiles 9,256 6,251
Accounts receivable and other assets 1,615 1,387
Future tax asset - NOTE 16 -- 84
153,839 125,236
Mining interests, net - NOTE 5 136,009 247,116
Mine restoration deposit - NOTE 7 5,973 4,733
Crushed and broken ore stockpiles 1,379 5,983
Future tax asset - NOTE 16 -- 9,334
Deferred financing costs - NOTE 6 697 1,290
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 297,897 $ 393,692
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 20,231 $ 16,041
Taxes payable 521 1,311
Future tax liability - NOTE 16 -- 216
Current portion of obligations under capital leases - NOTE 8 1,481 1,070
Current portion of long-term debt - NOTE 9 6,815 34,538
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29,048 53,176
Mine restoration obligation 7,592 7,300
Obligations under capital leases - NOTE 8 3,182 1,015
Long-term debt - NOTE 9 24,851 7,272
Kaiser-Francis credit facility - NOTE 10 13,842 14,866
Future mining tax liability - NOTE 16 1,549 10,108
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
80,064 93,737
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Capital stock - NOTE 12 322,904 313,489
Contributed surplus 573 --
Deficit (105,644) (13,534)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total shareholders' equity 217,833 299,955
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 297,897 $ 393,692
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commitments - NOTE 13
Contingencies - NOTE 15
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
On Behalf of the Board:
/s/ MICHAEL P. AMSDEN /s/ GREG VAN STAVEREN
MICHAEL P. AMSDEN GREG VAN STAVEREN
Director Director
North American Palladium Ltd. 2004 Annual Report 31
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North American Palladium Ltd.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (LOSS) AND DEFICIT
(CANADIAN FUNDS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year ended December 31
2004 2003 2002
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REVENUE FROM METAL SALES - NOTE 14 $ 185,204 $ 192,141 $ 176,773
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING EXPENSES
Production costs, excluding amortization and
asset retirement costs 102,936 103,654 100,599
Smelter treatment, refining and freight costs 23,602 19,048 16,909
Insurance recovery (7,148) -- --
Amortization - NOTE 5(B) 36,710 28,590 20,190
Administrative 5,557 3,788 4,212
Exploration expense 2,479 1,942 850
Loss on disposal of capital assets 277 788 99
Asset retirement costs 905 921 587
Write-down of mining interests - NOTE 5(C) 108,000 2,315 --
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total operating expenses 273,318 161,046 143,446
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME (LOSS) FROM MINING OPERATIONS (88,114) 31,095 33,327
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other income (expenses)
Interest on long-term debt - NOTES 9 AND 10 (1,756) (3,158) (5,405)
Write-off of deferred financing costs (788) -- --
Foreign exchange gain (loss) (340) 18,138 792
Interest income 494 474 663
Derivative income 213 -- --
Interest expense (29) (17) (433)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total other income (expenses) (2,206) 15,437 (4,383)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES (90,320) 46,532 28,944
Provision for income taxes - NOTE 16 1,790 8,154 13,862
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME (LOSS) FOR THE YEAR (92,110) 38,378 15,082
Deficit, beginning of year (13,534) (51,912) (66,994)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deficit, end of year $ (105,644) $ (13,534) $ (51,912)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss) per share
Basic $ (1.79) $ 0.76 $ 0.30
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted - NOTE 12(B) $ (1.79) $ 0.75 $ 0.30
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - basic 51,379,542 50,763,566 50,544,634
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - diluted
- NOTE 12(B) 51,379,542 50,832,904 50,593,508
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
32 Continued FOCUS on Operations, Growth and Financial Position
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North American Palladium Ltd.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(CANADIAN FUNDS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year ended December 31
2004 2003 2002
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN)
OPERATIONS
Net income (loss) for the year $ (92,110) $ 38,378 $ 15,082
Operating items not involving cash
Future income tax expense - NOTE 16 643 7,392 13,046
Amortization 36,710 28,590 20,190
Accrued interest on mine closure deposit (40) (63) (38)
Write-down of mining interests 108,000 2,315 --
Unrealized foreign exchange gain (3,687) (18,519) (1,494)
Loss on disposal of capital assets 277 788 99
Provision for asset retirement costs 905 921 587
Write-off of deferred financing costs 788 -- --
Stock-based compensation 573 -- --
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
52,059 59,802 47,472
Changes in non-cash working capital - NOTE 17(A) 29,731 (5,235) (5,369)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
81,790 54,567 42,103
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Repayment of long-term debt (44,290) (45,134) (33,233)
Increase in long-term debt 36,809 -- --
Issuance of common shares 9,415 1,506 1,199
Mine restoration deposit (1,200) (1,200) (1,200)
Repayment of obligations under capital leases (1,751) (1,046) (1,419)
Deferred financing costs (504) -- --
Increase in Kaiser-Francis credit facility -- -- 10,372
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1,521) (45,874) (24,281)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to mining interests (28,728) (11,707) (8,446)
Proceeds on disposal of mining interests 451 114 513
Restricted cash equivalents 1,813 3,314 (128)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(26,464) (8,279) (8,061)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase in cash and cash equivalents 53,805 414 9,761
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 11,950 11,536 1,775
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ 65,755 $ 11,950 $ 11,536
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplementary information - NOTE 17(B) AND (C)
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
North American Palladium Ltd. 2004 Annual Report 33
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North American Palladium Ltd.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(CANADIAN FUNDS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
North American Palladium Ltd. ("NAP" or "the Company") is a Canadian
company in the business of exploring and mining Platinum Group Metals ("PGMs")
and certain base and precious metals. Its principal asset is the Lac des Iles
mine located in the Thunder Bay District in Ontario. The Company operates in one
geographical area, Canada, and in one operating segment, mining.
The Company's financial position and operating results are directly
affected by the market price of the PGMs in relation to the Company's production
costs. The prices of PGMs (palladium, platinum) and by-product metals (gold,
copper and nickel) fluctuate widely and are affected by numerous factors beyond
the Company's control. The Company is under long-term contracts with two
smelting firms for the sale of its concentrates. During 2000, the Company
entered into a long-term palladium sales agreement with a major automotive
manufacturer for the sale of all of its palladium production for deliveries of
metal up to June 30, 2005 (NOTE 13(A)). Commencing with the first quarter of
2005, palladium production which will be available for delivery after June 30,
2005 will not be subject to the palladium sales agreement.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles and, except as discussed
in note 18, conform in all material respects with United States generally
accepted accounting principles. The more significant accounting policies are
summarized as follows:
BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the
Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Lac des Iles Mines Ltd. ("LDI"). All
intercompany balances and tranactions have been eliminated.
REVENUE AND CONCENTRATE AWAITING SETTLEMENT
Revenue from the sale of palladium and by-product metals is recognized
net of royalties upon the delivery of concentrate to the smelter, which is when
title transfers and the rights and obligations of ownership pass. The Company's
metals are sold under contracts that provide for final prices that are
determined by quoted market prices in a period subsequent to the date of sale.
Variations from the provisionally priced sales are recognized as revenue
adjustments as they occur until the price is finalized. The effect of hedging
instruments is also included in revenue. Concentrate awaiting settlement at the
smelter is net of estimated treatment and refining costs.
Although the Company sold its metals during 2004 to a limited number of
customers, the Company is not economically dependent upon them as there are
other markets throughout the world for the Company's metals.
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company enters into forward commodity sales contracts from time to
time to hedge the effect of changes in the prices of metals it produces on the
Company's revenues (NOTES 13(A), (C), (D) (E) AND (F)). Gains and losses on
derivative financial instruments used to mitigate metal price risk are
recognized in revenue from metal sales (NOTE 14) over the term of the hedging
contract.
From time to time the Company enters into foreign exchange forward sales
contracts to manage the effect of fluctuations in the value of committed US
dollar denominated revenues. For those forward exchange contracts designated by
the Company as hedges, the related revenue is recorded at the forward contract
rate. Those foreign exchange forward sales contracts not designated by the
Company as hedges are marked-to-market as at the balance sheet date and the
resultant gains or losses are included in earnings for the period. The fair
value of the Company's derivative financial instruments is determined based on
forward prices supplied by knowledgeable, independent third parties.
The Company used electricity swap contracts to hedge the effects of
price fluctuations in its electricity purchase requirements in Ontario. The net
swap settlements are recognized in the same period as the hedge transaction.
The Company does not hold financial instruments or derivative financial
instruments for trading purposes. Cash flows arising in respect of hedging
transactions are recognized under cash flows from operating activities.
The Company does not consider the credit risk associated with its
financial instruments to be significant. Foreign currency contracts and
commodity hedge contracts are maintained with high-quality counter-parties, and
the Company does not anticipate that any counter-party will fail to meet its
obligations.
34 Continued FOCUS on Operations, Growth and Financial Position
CONCENTRATE, CRUSHED AND BROKEN ORE STOCKPILES AND SUPPLIES INVENTORIES
Concentrate and crushed and broken ore stockpiles are valued at the
lower of average production cost and net realizable value. Average production
cost does not include an allocation of the amortization of production related
assets. Crushed and broken ore stockpiles represent course ore that has been
extracted from the mine and is available for further processing. Stockpile
tonnages are verified by periodic surveys. The amount of stockpiled ore that is
not expected to be processed within one year is shown as a long-term asset.
Supplies inventory is valued at the lower of average direct acquisition cost and
replacement cost.
MINING INTERESTS
Plant and equipment are recorded at cost with amortization generally
provided either on the unit-of-production method over the proven and probable
reserves to which they relate or on a straight-line method over their estimated
useful lives ranging from three to seven years. The Company capitalizes interest
on major projects where direct indebtedness has occurred.
The Company leases certain equipment under capital leases. These leases
are capitalized based on the lower of fair market value and the present value of
future minimum lease payments. The corresponding liabilities are recorded as
obligations under capital leases. This equipment is being amortized on the same
basis as described above.
Mining leases and claims and royalty interests are recorded at cost and
are amortized on the unit-of-production method over the proven and probable
reserves.
Exploration costs relating to properties are charged to earnings in the
year in which they are incurred. When it is determined that a mining property
can be economically developed as a result of established proven and probable
reserves, future development and exploration expenditures are capitalized.
Determination as to reserve potential is based on the results of feasibility
studies, which indicate whether production from a property is economically
feasible. Initial feasibility studies are optimized once drilling has confirmed
the shape, grades and continuity of the mineralization. Upon commencement of the
commercial production of a development project these costs are amortized using
the unit-of-production method over the proven and probable reserves. Deferred
expenditures, net of salvage values, relating to a property that is abandoned or
considered uneconomic for the foreseeable future, are written off.
Each year, the Company reviews mining plans for the remaining life of
each property. Significant changes in the mine plan can occur as a result of
mining experience, new discoveries, changes in mining methods and rates, process
changes, investments in new equipment and technology and other factors. Based on
year-end ore reserves and the current mine plan, the Company reviews annually
its accounting estimates and makes adjustments accordingly.
The Company assesses long-lived assets for recoverability whenever
indicators of impairment exist. When the carrying value of a long-lived asset is
less than its net recoverable value as determined on an undiscounted basis, an
impairment loss is recognized to the extent that its fair value, measured as the
discounted cash flows over the life of the asset is less than the carrying
value. Future cash flows are estimated based on quantities of recoverable
minerals, expected palladium and other commodity prices and expected foreign
exchange rates (considering current, historical and expected future prices and
foreign exchange rates and related factors), production levels and cash costs of
production and capital and reclamation expenditures, all based on detailed
life-of-mine plans and projections. The term "recoverable minerals" refers to
the estimated amount of palladium and other commodities that will be obtained
from proven and probable reserves after taking into account losses during
mining, ore processing and concentrate treatment. Assumptions underlying future
cash flow estimates are subject to risk and uncertainty. Any differences between
significant assumptions and market conditions such as metal prices, exchange
rates, recoverable metal, and/or the Company's operating performance could have
a material effect on the Company's ability to recover the carrying amounts of
its long-lived assets resulting in possible additional impairment changes (NOTE
5(C)).
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
Asset retirement obligations are recognized when incurred and recorded
as liabilities at fair value. The amount of the liability is subject to
re-measurement at each reporting period. The liability is accreted over time
through periodic charges to earnings. In addition, the asset retirement
obligation is capitalized as part of mining interests and amortized over the
estimated life of the mine. Total undiscounted cash flows required to settle the
obligations are estimated to be approximately $7.8 million, the majority of
which is to be paid at the end of the mine life, which is currently expected to
end in 2010. A credit adjusted risk-free rate of 5% has been utilized to
determine the obligation recorded on the balance sheet. The estimated asset
retirement obligation may change materially based on future changes in
operations, costs of reclamation and closure activities, and regulatory
requirements.
North American Palladium Ltd. 2004 Annual Report 35
The following is a reconciliation of the changes in the asset retirement
obligation during the year:
2004 2003
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, beginning of the year $ 7,300 $ 7,019
Accretion expense 292 281
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at the end of year $ 7,592 $ 7,300
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN
The Company has a stock-based compensation plan which is described in
note 12(a). Effective January 1, 2003, the Company changed its method of
accounting for stock options from the intrinsic value method to one that
recognizes as an expense the cost of stock-based compensation based on the
estimated fair value of new stock options granted to employees and directors.
The fair value of each option granted is estimated on the date of the grant
using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. For options granted from January
1, 2002 to December 31, 2002, the Company elected to not recognize compensation
expense when stock options were issued to employees and directors. Any
consideration paid by employees and directors on exercise of stock options or
purchase of stock is credited to share capital.
TRANSLATION OF FOREIGN CURRENCY
Transactions recorded in United States dollars have been translated into
Canadian dollars as follows:
1. Monetary items at the rate prevailing at the consolidated
balance sheet dates;
2. Non-monetary items at the historical exchange rate; and
3. Revenue and expenses at the actual rate in effect during the
applicable accounting period.
All resulting foreign exchange gains and losses are recorded in the
consolidated statements of earnings and deficit.
INCOME TAXES
The Company follows the asset and liability method of tax allocation for
accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method of tax
allocation, future tax assets and liabilities are determined based on
differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and
liabilities and are measured using the substantively enacted tax rates and laws
that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The effect
on future tax liabilities and assets of a change in tax rates is recognized in
income in the period that the change occurs.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS/RESTRICTED CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on account, demand deposits and
short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less and are
stated at cost.
Short-term investments with maturities of three months or less that are
subject to security arrangements are included in restricted cash equivalents.
DEFERRED FINANCING COSTS
Deferred financing costs represents the costs of negotiating and
securing the Company's long-term debt facilities and share issue costs in
connection with the filing of a shelf prospectus. The amortization of the costs
of securing the long-term debt facilities is included in amortization expense on
a straight-line basis over the term of the debt facility. The share issue costs
will be offset against share proceeds at the time an equity financing is
completed and if an equity financing is not completed before the expiration of
the shelf prospectus, the share issue costs will be written off.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The carrying amounts of all financial instruments on the balance sheet
approximate fair value due to their short-term maturities or variable interest
rates.
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 reported amount of assets and liabilities, and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and that also affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reported year. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
36 Continued FOCUS on Operations, Growth and Financial Position
3. CONCENTRATE AWAITING SETTLEMENT
Concentrate awaiting settlement is comprised of:
2004 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Concentrate awaiting settlement, gross $ 76,491 $ 104,880
Refining and smelter treatment charges (8,232) (10,270)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Concentrate awaiting settlement, net $ 68,259 $ 94,610
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The gross value of concentrate awaiting settlement represents the value
of all PGMs and base metals from production shipped to and received by the
third-party smelters between June and December 2004, including 114,186 ounces of
palladium (2003 - between June and December 2003, including 147,570 ounces of
palladium).
All of the concentrate awaiting settlement is from two domestic
customers at December 31, 2004 (2003 - two domestic customers). No reserves for
doubtful accounts have been established. In the opinion of management, full
realization will occur on all such receivables.
4. INVENTORIES
Inventories consist of the following:
2004 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Concentrate $ 587 $ 1,669
Supplies 8,367 7,472
--------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 8,954 $ 9,141
--------------------------------------------------------------------
5. MINING INTERESTS
(A) Mining interests are comprised of the following:
2004 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Plant and equipment, at cost $ 345,588 $ 322,966
Underground mine development, at cost 6,920 -
Accumulated amortization 140,413 108,972
--------------------------------------------------------------------
212,065 213,994
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment under capital lease, at cost 6,346 3,758
Accumulated amortization 859 1,056
--------------------------------------------------------------------
5,487 2,702
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Mining leases and claims, royalty interest,
exploration and development, at cost 82,537 82,353
Accumulated amortization 56,080 51,933
--------------------------------------------------------------------
26,457 30,420
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Mining interests before impairment charge 244,009 247,116
Impairment charge 108,000 -
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Mining interests, net $ 136,009 $ 247,116
--------------------------------------------------------------------
North American Palladium Ltd. 2004 Annual Report 37
(B) Amortization expense is comprised of:
2004 2003 2002
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital assets (including plant and equipment,
and equipment under capital lease) $ 32,149 $ 24,746 $ 17,505
Mining leases and claims, royalty interest,
exploration and development costs 4,147 3,054 1,895
Deferred financing costs 414 790 790
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 36,710 $ 28,590 $ 20,190
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(C) During the fourth quarter of 2004 the Company performed an
annual impairment test which resulted in a non-cash charge of $108,000 to
write-down the carrying value of mining interests. An assessment of impairment
was required as a result of changes in certain key assumptions which were
affected by a continuation of low palladium prices.
In 2003, the Company recorded a write-down of $2,315 pertaining to the
retirement of a damaged primary crusher.
6. DEFERRED FINANCING COSTS
2004 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Financing costs $ 716 $ 3,265
Accumulated amortization 19 1,975
--------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 697 $ 1,290
--------------------------------------------------------------------
7. MINE RESTORATION PLAN
The Company, in conjunction with the Ontario Ministry of Northern
Development and Mines (the "Ministry"), has established a trust fund (the
"Fund") pursuant to the Company's mine closure plan for eventual clean-up and
restoration of the mine site. The mine closure plan calls for a total amount of
$7,802 to be accumulated in the Fund.
Commencing in February 2001, the Fund, controlled by the Ministry,
started to accumulate through monthly deposits of $100. At December 31, 2004,
the Company had $5,973 (2003 - $4,733) on deposit with the Ministry including
accrued interest of $243. The funds on deposit bear interest at current
short-term deposit rates and will be returned to the Company once the mine
closure is completed.
8. LEASE OBLIGATIONS
The following is a schedule of future minimum lease payments under
capital leases together with the present value of the net minimum lease
payments:
2004 2003
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2004 $ - $ 1,098
2005 1,632 620
2006 1,223 257
2007 951 171
2008 763 -
2009 452 -
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total minimum lease payments 5,021 2,146
Amounts representing interest rates from 3.5% - 8.3% 358 61
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Present value of minimum lease payments $ 4,663 $ 2,085
Less current portion $ 1,481 $ 1,070
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term liabilities $ 3,182 $ 1,015
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
38 Continued FOCUS on Operations, Growth and Financial Position
9. LONG-TERM DEBT
(A) PROJECT TERM LOAN
The project term loan was a non-revolving credit facility with an
interest margin of 1.75% over LIBOR or Bankers Acceptance. In return for
granting the loan the lender received a security in all of the Company's
existing and future assets. In addition, the lender received an assignment of
all material agreements including the palladium sales contract (NOTE 13(A)) and
a pledge of the shares of LDI.
Amounts drawn under the credit facility were required to be repaid in
quarterly installments, with the final maturity date of the credit facility
being March 31, 2005.
In June 2004, the Company entered into a new senior credit facility and
used a portion of this new facility to repay the Company's project term loan
totalling approximately US$19,000.
(B) SENIOR CREDIT FACILITY
On June 28, 2004, the Company entered into a new US$20,000 and C$10,000
senior credit facility with a leading equipment finance company which were fully
drawn. The US$20,000 credit facility is repayable in equal quarterly
installments of US$1,000 commencing on September 30, 2004 and has a final
maturity on June 30, 2009. The C$10,000 credit facility is repayable in equal
quarterly installments of C$500 commencing February 24, 2005 and has a final
maturity of November 24, 2009. The credit facility has an interest margin of
2.5% over LIBOR or Bankers Acceptances. In return for granting the loan the
lender received a first priority security in all of the Company's existing and
future assets excluding its production leases and claims. The credit facility
allows in certain circumstances, full repayment of outstanding loans at any time
during the term of the facility.
10. KAISER-FRANCIS CREDIT FACILITY
At the time the Company entered into the new senior credit facility,
certain terms under the US$20,000 non-revolving credit facility with
Kaiser-Francis Oil Company ("Kaiser-Francis") were amended. The final maturity
date was extended to June 30, 2006 from May 31, 2005 and the interest rate was
reset based upon the 30 day LIBOR rate plus 2.50%. Amounts not drawn under the
loan are subject to a standby fee payable quarterly at 0.125% per annum. The
Company paid on closing a commitment fee of 0.75% of the total commitment
(US$150). In connection with the loan, the Company has granted Kaiser-Francis a
security interest in all of the assets of the Company and a pledge of the LDI
shares. The security interests in all of the assets of the Company are
subordinated to the security interests of the senior credit facility. As at
December 31, 2004, the outstanding loan was US$11,500 (2003 - US$11,500).
The loan agreement includes customary representations, warranties and
covenants, including a covenant by the Company not to pay dividends or make any
other payment to shareholders while the loan is outstanding. The loan agreement
also provides for customary events of default.
11. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND COMMITMENTS
Kaiser-Francis is the controlling shareholder of the Company. In
addition to the related party transactions with Kaiser-Francis disclosed in note
10, the Company has completed the following related party transactions:
(A) On January 1, 1999, the Company entered into a farm-in agreement
with a mining company of which one of the Company's directors is an officer and
director. Under the agreement, the Company earned the right to a 100% interest
in six mining claims in the vicinity of the Lac des Iles property by making
payments to the optionor totaling $260 and by conducting exploration work in the
amount of $135 by December 31, 2000. The optionor retained a 2% net smelter
royalty on the farm-in claim property.
(B) In 2004, a director of the Company received a fee of $581 (2003
- $400; 2002 - $412) in connection with the negotiations related to the
Palladium Sales Contract entered into by the Company in 2000 (NOTE 13(A)). The
contract was made prior to such person becoming a director of the Company.
North American Palladium Ltd. 2004 Annual Report 39
12. CAPITAL STOCK
The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of an unlimited
number of common shares and an unlimited number of special shares, issuable in
series, including 10,000,000 Series "A" preferred shares.
(a) COMMON SHARES:
The changes in issued common share capital for the year are
summarized below:
2004 2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES AMOUNT Shares Amount
Common shares issued, beginning of year 50,895,338 $ 313,489 50,647,955 $ 311,983
Common shares issued
Pursuant to stock options exercised 459,380 4,637 13,450 101
To Group Registered Retirement
Savings Plan participants 84,357 956 190,605 905
Private placement 270,000 3,822 43,328 500
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common shares issued, end of year 51,709,075 $ 322,904 50,895,338 $ 313,489
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROUP REGISTERED RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN
The Company has a group registered retirement savings plan, which all
employees can participate in at their option. The Company is required to make
matching contributions to a maximum of $5 per employee per annum. The Company
matching contribution can be made either in cash or treasury shares of the
company. During 2004 the Company contributed 84,357 shares at a stated capital
of $956, being fair value (2003 - 190,605 shares at a stated capital of $905).
PRIVATE PLACEMENT
On July 9, 2004, the Company completed a private placement of 270,000
flow through common shares. The gross proceeds of $4,050 must be spent on
Canadian exploration expenses as defined in Section 66 of the Income Tax Act
(Canada) by December 31, 2005. In 2003, the Company completed a private
placement of 43,328 flow through common shares. The gross proceeds of $500 were
spent on Canadian exploration expenses by December 31, 2004. Under the terms of
the flow through common share issue, the tax attributes of the related
expenditures will be renounced to investors and the share capital will be
reduced and future income tax liabilities will be increased by the estimated
income tax benefits renounced by the Company to the investors.
CORPORATE STOCK OPTION PLAN
The Company has adopted, and the shareholders have approved, the ongoing
1995 Corporate Stock Option Plan (the "Plan"), under which eligible directors,
officers, employees and consultants of the Company are entitled to receive
options to acquire common shares. The Plan is administered by the Compensation
Committee, a subcommittee of the Board of Directors, which will determine the
number of options to be issued, the exercise price (which may not be lower than
the closing price of the Company's common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange
("TSX") on the day prior to the date of grant) and expiration dates of each
option, the extent to which each option is exercisable provided that the term of
an option shall not exceed 10 years from the date of grant, as well as
establishing a limited time period should the optionee cease to be an "Eligible
Person" as set forth in the conditions of the Plan. Options granted since
December 2001 vest as to 1/3 on each of the first three anniversary dates of the
date of grant. Prior to December 2001, options granted under the Plan vested as
to 1/3 on the date of grant and 1/3 on each of the first two anniversary dates.
The maximum number of common shares subject to option shall not exceed
2,700,000, being approximately 5.2% of the outstanding common shares or such
greater number of common shares as may be determined by the Board of Directors,
and approved if required, by the shareholders of the Company and by any relevant
stock exchange or other regulatory authority. As at December 31, 2004, 318,094
options were available to be granted under the Plan.
40 Continued FOCUS on Operations, Growth and Financial Position
The following summary sets out the activity in outstanding common share purchase
options:
2004 2003
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEIGHTED- Weighted-
AVERAGE Average
EXERCISE Exercise
SHARES PRICE Shares Price
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding, beginning of year 1,038,857 $ 9.24 1,066,939 $ 11.04
Granted 316,800 11.87 258,000 3.71
Exercised (459,380) 10.10 (13,450) 7.50
Cancelled (70,667) 7.96 (272,632) 11.15
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 825,610 $ 9.88 1,038,857 $ 9.24
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Options exercisable at end of year 389,265 $10.08 685,057 $ 11.27
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following table summarizes information about the Company's stock
options outstanding at December 31, 2004 (SEE ALSO NOTE 15(A)):
EXERCISE PRICE EXPIRY DATES OPTIONS OPTIONS
OUTSTANDING AT EXERCISABLE AT
DEC. 31, 2004 DEC. 31, 2004
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 3.42 April 7, 2011 103,334 34,445
$ 3.70 April 1, 2011 33,400 11,133
$ 4.75 February 27, 2011 7,500 2,500
$ 5.92 September 2, 2011 20,000 6,667
$ 7.89 December 12, 2009 51,900 51,900
$ 8.40 March 3, 2005 35,000 35,000
$ 9.30 July 27, 2005 34,499 34,499
$ 9.40 March 15, 2005 14,760 14,760
$ 9.76 November 1, 2012 15,000 -
$ 10.01 June 6, 2010 73,667 49,111
$ 11.90 June 23, 2012 287,300 -
$ 13.55 June 6, 2006 90,750 90,750
$ 13.90 December 14, 2005 25,500 25,500
$ 14.44 February 13, 2006 33,000 33,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
825,610 389,265
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prior to January 1, 2003, the Company did not recognize compensation
expense for stock options. Had compensation expense for options granted in 2002
under the Company's stock option plan been determined based on the fair value at
the grant dates consistent with the fair value based method of accounting for
stock-based compensation, the Company's net income and earnings per share would
have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:
2004 2003 2002
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss) as reported $ (92,110) $ 38,378 $ 15,082
Stock-based compensation 160 160 160
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pro forma net income (loss) $ (92,270) $ 38,218 $ 14,922
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pro forma basic and diluted income (loss) per share $ (1.80) $ 0.75 $ 0.30
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The fair value of options granted in 2004 has been estimated at the date
of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following
weighted average assumptions: risk free interest rate of 3.7% (2003 - 4%; 2002 -
4%), expected dividend yield of nil (2003 - nil; 2002 - nil), expected
volatility of 55% (2003 - 48%; 2002 - 60%), and expected option life of 4 years
(2003 - 3 years; 2002 - 3 years). The estimated fair value of the options is
expensed over the option's vesting period, which is 3 years. The weighted
average fair market value of options granted in 2004 was $5.43 (2003 - $2.13;
2002 - $4.33).
North American Palladium Ltd. 2004 Annual Report 41
(B) Reconciliation of the diluted number of shares outstanding:
2004 2003 2002
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders $ (92,110) $ 38,378 $ 15,082
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average number of shares outstanding 51,379,542 50,763,566 50,544,634
Effect of dilutive securities stock options - 69,338 48,874
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average diluted number of
shares outstanding 51,379,542 50,832,904 50,593,508
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted net income (loss) per share $ (1.79) $ 0.75 $ 0.30
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The effect of stock options has not been included in the determination
of diluted loss per share for 2004 because to do so would be antidilutive.
13. COMMITMENTS
(A) PALLADIUM SALES CONTRACT
During 2000, the Company entered into a contract (the "Palladium Sales
Contract") whereby the Company hedged the price of 100% of its palladium
production. Under the Palladium Sales Contract the sales price is based on the
monthly average spot price for palladium, as determined by the London Metal
Exchange P.M. Fix, for the month prior to the month that the metal is received
by the customer, but the price will be no less than US$325 per ounce for 100% of
the metal received and no more than US$550 per ounce for 50% of the metal
received. For the remaining 50% of the metal received, there is no maximum
price. The Palladium Sales Contract's term commenced effective July 1, 2000 and
expires on June 30, 2005.
(B) SHERIDAN PLATINUM GROUP OF COMPANIES ("SPG") COMMITMENT
The Company is required to pay a royalty to SPG equal to 5% of the Net
Cash Proceeds, as defined in the agreement from mining operations until the
expiration of the Lac des Iles leases.
(C) PLATINUM FORWARD CONTRACTS
At December 31, 2004, the Company had forward sales contracts for 10,500
ounces of platinum at an average price of US$831 per ounce maturing at various
dates through December 2005. The fair value of these forward sales contracts was
below their carrying value by $313 as at December 31, 2004.
(D) NICKEL SWAP CONTRACTS
At December 31, 2004, the Company had swap contracts for 1,190,000 lbs.
of nickel at an average fixed price of US$6.58 per lb. maturing at various dates
through June 2005. The fair value of these swap contracts was below their
carrying value by $123 as at December 31, 2004.
(E) COPPER SWAP CONTRACTS
At December 31, 2004, the Company had swap contracts for 1,984,000 lbs.
of copper at an average fixed price of US$1.25 per lb. maturing at various dates
through December 2005. The fair value of these swap contracts was below their
carrying value by $176 as at December 31, 2004.
(F) GOLD FORWARD CONTRACTS
At December 31, 2004, the Company had forward sales contracts for 12,000
ounces of gold at an average price of US$435 per ounce maturing at various dates
through December 2005. The fair value of these forward sales contracts was below
their carrying value by $140 as at December 31, 2004.
42 Continued FOCUS on Operations, Growth and Financial Position
14. REVENUE FROM METAL SALES
2004 2003 2002
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Palladium (A) $ 112,879 $ 109,443 $ 101,317
Palladium forward contracts (B) - 20,437 46,033
Adjustments for mark-to-market 909 (1,163) (9,243)
Nickel 25,735 26,010 12,111
Platinum 21,476 18,847 14,069
Gold 10,665 9,826 7,094
Copper 10,945 7,722 4,723
Other metals 2,595 1,019 669
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 185,204 $ 192,141 $ 176,773
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
(A) Palladium revenues include the effect of the Palladium Sales
Contract (NOTE 13(A)).
(B) The Company entered into palladium forward contracts in 2001 for
100,800 ounces of palladium at an average price of US$922 per ounce, the revenue
from which was fully recognized by June 30, 2003. The effect of palladium
forward contracts represents the difference between the fixed price realized
under the palladium forward contracts and the palladium price at the time of
revenue recognition.
15. CONTINGENCIES
(A) The Company is a defendant in an action by another mining
company claiming damages in the amount of $20,000, punitive and exemplary
damages in the amount of $5,000 and a declaration that the Company held the
Compania Minerales de Copan, S.A. de C.V. ("Copan") property in trust for the
plaintiff. No provision has been made in the accounts as at December 31, 2004 or
2003 for any possible loss from this action as management of the Company
believes it has a valid defense and it has been indemnified by SPG regarding
this action. In addition, certain stock options are claimed to be held by
employees of Copan. These options have not been included in note 12(A) as the
Company has been indemnified by SPG regarding such matters.
(B) The Company has filed a claim with its insurance company
relating to losses incurred in connection with the failure of the primary
crusher in 2002. During 2004, the Company received $7,148 as an interim payment
against this claim and has included this amount in income from mining
operations. The Company is pursuing the balance of its insurance claim and will
record any additional recovery in income if and when received.
(C) From time to time, the Company is involved in other litigation,
investigations, or proceedings related to claims arising out of its operations
in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of the Company's management,
these claims and lawsuits in the aggregate, even if adversely settled, will not
have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
North American Palladium Ltd. 2004 Annual Report 43
16. INCOME TAXES
The provision for income and mining taxes differs from the amount that
would have resulted by applying the combined Canadian Federal and Ontario
statutory income tax rates of approximately 39%.
2004 2003 2002
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income tax provision using statutory income
tax rates $ (35,406) $ 18,147 $ 11,888
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
Write-down of mining interests not tax benefited 35,694 - -
Resource allowance 6,439 (3,342) (5,320)
Non-taxable portion of capital gains (2) (2,908) -
Increase in valuation allowance on assets
previously recognized 2,525 - -
Changes in income tax rates and laws - (3,546) -
Benefit of income tax losses not previously
recognized (437) (811) -
Federal large corporations taxes 465 837 817
Ontario mining taxes (7,979) 983 4,357
Other 491 (1,206) 2,120
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income tax expense $ 1,790 $ 8,154 $ 13,862
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The details of the Company's income tax expense are as follows:
2004 2003 2002
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current income tax expense:
Income taxes $ 102 $ (550) $ -
Mining taxes 580 475 -
Federal large corporations tax 465 837 816
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 1,147 $ 762 $ 816
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Future income tax expense:
Income taxes $ 9,202 $ 6,884 $ 8,546
Mining taxes (8,559) 508 4,500
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 643 $ 7,392 $ 13,046
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 1,790 $ 8,154 $ 13,862
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
44 Continued FOCUS on Operations, Growth and Financial Position
Future tax assets (liabilities) consist of the following temporary
differences:
2004 2003
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Current future income tax asset:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 389 $ -
Non-capital loss carry-forwards - 84
Valuation allowance (389) -
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Net future income tax asset, current $ - $ 84
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term future income tax asset:
Mining interests, net $ 34,630 $ 7,472
Deferred financing costs (11) 1,022
Mine restoration obligation 3,495 -
Future mining tax liability 343 2,157
Other assets 174 231
Ontario corporate minimum tax credits 327 257
Capital loss carry-forwards 927 1,308
Valuation allowance (38,728) (1,308)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Net future income tax asset, long-term 1,157 11,139
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Future income tax liability, long-term:
Long-term debt (420) (1,243)
Kaiser-Francis credit facility (737) (562)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
(1,157) (1,805)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Net future income tax asset, long-term $ - $ 9,334
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Current future tax liability:
Deferred financing costs $ - $ 216
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Future tax liability, current $ - $ 216
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Future mining tax liability, long-term:
Mining interests, net $ 1,549 $ 10,108
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Future mining tax liability, long-term $ 1,549 $ 10,108
-------------------------------------------------------------------
At December 31, 2004, the Company had net capital loss carry-forwards of
approximately $5,100 (2003 - $3,700), which are available to reduce net capital
gains of future years.
17. STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(A) The net changes in non-cash working capital balances related to
operations are as follows:
2004 2003 2002
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash provided by (used in):
Concentrate awaiting settlement $ 26,351 $ (9,298) $ (2,778)
Inventories and stockpiles 1,786 3,179 507
Accounts receivable and other assets (229) 296 943
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 2,613 1,218 (2,442)
Taxes payable (790) (630) (1,599)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 29,731 $ (5,235) $ (5,369)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(B) Cash outflows during the year for interest and income taxes were
as follows:
2004 2003 2002
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest paid on long-term debt $ 1,929 $ 3,433 $ 5,842
Income and mining taxes paid $ 436 $ - $ -
North American Palladium Ltd. 2004 Annual Report 45
(C) During 2004, mining interests were acquired at an aggregate cost
of $33,058 (2003 - $12,687; 2002 - $9,960) of which $4,330 (2003 - $980; 2002 -
$1,514) were acquired by means of capital leases.
18. RECONCILIATION TO ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES GENERALLY ACCEPTED IN THE U.S.
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles, which differ in some
respects from those in the United States. The following table presents amounts
that would have been reported had the Company's consolidated financial
statements been prepared on the basis of United States generally accepted
accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP"):
(CANADIAN FUNDS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
2004 2003 2002
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statements of earnings (loss) and deficit:
Net income (loss) under Canadian GAAP $ (92,110) $ 38,378 $ 15,082
Amortization of capitalized interest (A) (95) (39) (20)
Concentrates and crushed and broken ore
stockpiles (B) 295 (1,702) (404)
Derivative financial instruments (C) 2,041 (2,867) 74
Reversal of asset retirement obligation under
Canadian GAAP (E) - - 53
Tax effect of differences - 1,459 112
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss) and comprehensive income
under U.S. GAAP before cumulative impact
of change in accounting policy $ (89,869) $ 35,229 $ 14,897
Cumulative impact of change in accounting
policy for asset retirement obligations (E) - (375) -
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss) and comprehensive income
under U.S. GAAP $ (89,869) $ 34,854 $ 14,897
Basic and diluted income (loss) per share
under U.S. GAAP before cumulative impact
of change in accounting policy $ (1.75) $ 0.69 $ 0.29
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic and diluted income (loss) per share under
U.S. GAAP $ (1.75) $ 0.69 $ 0.29
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance sheets:
Current assets (B) and (C) $ 155,842 $ 124,186
Mining interests (A) $ 136,567 $ 247,769
Crushed and broken ore stockpiles - long-term
(B) $ 1,568 $ 6,889
Future tax asset, long-term $ - $ 9,124
Capital stock (D) $ 329,002 $ 319,587
Deficit $ (108,992) $ (19,333)
(A) The Company capitalizes interest on major projects where direct
indebtedness has occurred. Under U.S. GAAP, interest is capitalized as it arises
from indebtedness incurred, directly or indirectly, to finance development and
construction activities on assets that are not yet subject to amortization or
depletion. The current year adjustment relates entirely to the amortization of
these amounts under U.S. GAAP.
(B) Under Canadian GAAP, the cost of the Company's concentrate and
crushed and broken ore stockpiles is determined on the average production cost
and does not include an allocation of the amortization of production related
assets, whereas under U.S. GAAP the cost of these assets should include this
allocation.
(C) Under U.S. GAAP, the Company has chosen not to designate its
derivative financial instruments as hedging instruments and thus they are
carried on the balance sheet at their fair value and any changes in fair value
are being recorded to earnings in the period of the change.
46 Continued FOCUS on Operations, Growth and Financial Position
(D) Canadian GAAP allows for the reduction of the stated capital of
outstanding common shares with a corresponding offset to deficit. This
reclassification, which the Company made in 1991, is not permitted by U.S. GAAP
and would result in an increase in both capital stock and deficit of $6,098 at
December 31, 2004 and 2003.
(E) Effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted FAS 143,
"Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations" which requires that the fair value
of liabilities for asset retirement obligations be recognized in the period in
which they occur. A corresponding increase to the carrying amount of the related
asset is generally recorded and depreciated over the life of the asset. The
amount of the liability is subject to re-measurement at each reporting period.
The cumulative effect of the change through January 1, 2003 was to increase
mining assets by $6,489, increase the mine closure obligation to $7,019 and a
one time after-tax charge to net earnings of $375.
(F) U.S. GAAP requires that amounts totaling 5% or more of accounts
payable and accrued liabilities be identified separately. As at December 31,
2004, these amounts were as follows: trade payables and accruals - $15,235 (2003
- $13,756); other accruals - $4,996 (2003 - $2,285).
(G) U.S. GAAP does not permit the disclosure of subtotal of cash
from operations before changes in non-cash working capital.
(H) Effective January 1, 2003, the Company prospectively adopted FAS
No. 123 "Accounting for Stock-based Compensation" as amended by FAS No. 148,
whereby compensation expense for options granted after January 1, 2003 is
measured at fair value at the grant date using the Black-Scholes valuation model
and recognized over the remaining vesting period of the options granted.
Previously, the Company, for purposes of preparing financial information in
accordance with U.S. GAAP, accounted for its stock-based compensation plan under
Accounting Principles Board Opinion 25 "Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees" (APB No. 25) which did not result in the recognition of compensation
expense. Under FAS 148, pro forma disclosure is still required for those options
granted prior to January 1, 2003 as follows:
2004 2003 2002
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss) as reported under U.S. GAAP $ (89,869) $ 34,854 $ 14,897
Stock-based compensation 168 (1,000) 2,648
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pro forma net income (loss) under U.S. GAAP $ (90,037) $ 35,854 $ 12,249
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pro forma basic and diluted income (loss) per share $ (1.75) $ 0.71 $ 0.24
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19. COMPARATIVE FIGURES
Certain of the prior years' figures have been reclassified to conform to
the presentation adopted in 2004.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Forward-Looking Statements
The Company's annual report 2004, consolidated balance sheets as at
December 31, 2004 and the consolidated statements of earnings and deficit and
cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31,
2004 (collectively the "Financial Statements") and management's discussion and
analysis of operations and financial position ("MD&A") for the Financial
Statements, contain certain that are forward-looking statements which are made
pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. They include estimates and statements that
describe the Company's future plans, objectives and goals, including words to
the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result
to occur. When used herein, words such as "estimate", "expect", "believe",
"intend", "budget", "projection", "strategy", "will", "continue" and other
similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In
particular statements relating to the impairment charge and the estimated future
metal prices, cash flows, expenses, capital costs, ore production, mine life,
financing, construction and commissioning are forward-looking statements. Such
forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and are
subject to factors, many of which are beyond our control, that may cause actual
results or performance to differ materially from those currently anticipated in
such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements
include among others metal price volatility, changes in the US/CDN dollar
exchange rate, the salvage value of equipment, economic and political events
affecting metal supply and demand, fluctuations in ore grade, ore tonnes milled,
geological, technical, mining or processing problems, recoverability of metals,
future profitability and production, availability of financing on acceptable
terms and unexpected problems during the development, construction and start-up
phases of the underground mine, exploration programs may not result in increased
reserves and competition for acquisition of new properties. For a more
comprehensive review of risk factors, please refer to the Company's MD&A and
Annual Information Form under "Risk Factors" on file with the U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission and Canadian provincial securities regulatory
authorities. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any
forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, events or
otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements.
North American Palladium Ltd. 2004 Annual Report 47
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION
AND ANALYSIS - 2004
THE FOLLOWING IS MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF Based on a positive feasibility study, the Company
OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL POSITION AND SHOULD BE READ IN commenced the development of an underground mine at its Lac
CONJUNCTION WITH THE COMPANY'S CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL des Iles operations in the second quarter of 2004. The
STATEMENTS THAT ARE INCLUDED ELSEWHERE IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT underground mine development is focused on the Main High
AND PREPARED AS OF FEBRUARY 21, 2005. IT IS INTENDED TO Grade Zone below the ultimate pit depth. Capital costs for
PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY'S PERFORMANCE, the underground development are estimated at $40 million for
FINANCIAL POSITION AND OUTLOOK. direct and indirect costs and working capital. Mining
equipment accounts for an additional $12 million of capital
costs and the Company is financing this equipment through a
OVERVIEW AND STRATEGIC ACTIVITIES vendor lease program. By year end the main ramp had been
advanced 435 metres. The underground development is
North American Palladium Ltd. (the "Company") progressing towards full production in 2006.
operates the Lac des Iles mine located 85 km northwest of
Thunder Bay, Ontario. The mine is Canada's only primary In early 2004, the Company also decided to proceed
producer of platinum group metals (PGM) and contains one of with a secondary crusher installation for the Lac des Iles
the largest open pit bulk mineable palladium reserves in the mill designed to increase the throughput rate and reduce
world. In addition to palladium, the Company earns processing costs in the mill circuit. The secondary crusher
substantial revenue from by-product nickel, platinum, gold was successfully commissioned in December at a capital cost
and copper. Palladium's primary use continues to be in the of $10.2 million.
auto industry where it is an important component in
controlling exhaust emissions as mandated by more stringent The Company hedges the price of its palladium
hydrocarbon emission standards for cars, light trucks and production under a contract with a major automotive
SUVs, particularly in the United States, Europe and Japan. manufacturer (the "Palladium Sales Contract"). The hedge
In addition, palladium is consumed in the dental, price is based on the monthly average spot price for
electronics, jewellery and chemical sectors. palladium with a floor price of US$325 per ounce for 100% of
production and a ceiling price of US$550 per
MD&A
"The mine is Canada's only primary producer of PGMs and contains one of the largest open pit bulk mineable palladium reserves in
the world."
North American Palladium Ltd. 2004 Annual Report 21
ounce for 50% of production delivered by June 30, 2005. The PRODUCTION STATISTICS
remaining 50% of production is sold at market prices or the
contract floor, whichever is higher. The Palladium Sales Year Ended
Contract expires on June 30, 2005. Commencing with the first December 31
quarter of 2005, palladium production which will be 2004 2003
available for physical delivery after June 30, 2005 will not -----------------------------------------------------------
be subject to the Palladium Sales Contract. In 2004, the PALLADIUM (OZ) 308,931 288,703
Company also commenced a hedging strategy for a portion of Payable Palladium (OZ) 281,743 261,247
its by-product metals production. The objective of this Platinum (OZ) 25,128 23,742
hedge strategy is to reduce the variability of cash flow Gold (OZ) 25,679 23,536
associated with revenues derived from the sale of nickel, Copper (LBS) 7,836,183 7,142,674
platinum, gold and copper. Nickel (LBS) 4,320,970 4,070,785
-----------------------------------------------------------
The Company assesses long-lived assets for Ore Tonnes Milled 5,298,544 5,159,730
recoverability whenever indicators of impairment exist. At Ore Tonnes Mined 4,574,134 4,396,847
the end of 2004, the Company determined that an asset Waste Tonnes Mined 12,275,889 10,164,806
impairment charge was required as a result of changes in -----------------------------------------------------------
certain key assumptions, which were affected by a Waste to Ore Strip Ratio 2.68:1 2.31:1
continuation of low palladium prices. Without the benefit of -----------------------------------------------------------
the floor price under the Palladium Sales Contract, the
Company's profitability would be significantly impacted by
the current depressed spot palladium price. KEY FINANCIAL STATISTICS
The Company remains optimistic that the fundamentals Year Ended
for palladium demand will improve in the medium term with December 31
the expected draw-down of surplus inventories held by 2004 2003
automotive manufacturers. In addition, the current wide -----------------------------------------------------------
market price spread between platinum and palladium is ($000'S)
expected to accelerate consumption of palladium in the auto
catalyst and jewellery markets. REVENUE FROM METAL SALES 185,204 192,141
Net income (loss) (92,110) 38,378
During the coming year, the Company will continue to Basic net income (loss)
pursue and evaluate growth opportunities that include per share (dollars) (1.79) 0.76
development projects and operating base and precious metal Operating cash flow 52,059 59,802
mines. Long-term debt, including
current portion 50,171 58,761
Shareholders' equity 217,833 299,955
-----------------------------------------------------------
Common shares outstanding
(AS AT DECEMBER 31) 51,709,075 50,895,338
-----------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS
(IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS 2003 2004
EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr 1ST QTR 2ND QTR 3RD QTR 4TH QTR
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue from metal sales 45,120 44,631 42,585 59,805 53,156 51,712 45,154 35,182
Net income (loss) 8,390 10,361 3,535 16,092 6,121 2,834 6,598 (107,663)
Net income (loss) per share 0.17 0.20 0.07 0.32 0.11 0.06 0.13 (2.09)
Fully diluted net income (loss)
per share 0.17 0.20 0.07 0.31 0.11 0.06 0.13 (2.09)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS which was partially offset by further weakness in the US
dollar. Palladium forward contracts provided additional
The Company generated gross revenue from metal sales revenue of $20.4 million in 2003 while no revenue was
of $185.2 million in 2004, compared to $192.1 million in realized from palladium forward contracts in 2004. The
2003. Revenue in 2004 from the sale of palladium before the effect of palladium forward contracts represents the
mark-to-market effect of price changes and palladium forward difference between the fixed price realized under the
contracts was $112.9 million compared to $109.4 million in palladium forward contracts and the palladium price at the
2003. The revenue increase was due to a 7% increase in time of revenue recognition. During 2004, the spot price of
palladium production palladium per ounce ranged from a high of US$333 to
22 Continued FOCUS on Operations, Growth and Financial Position
a low of US$178 and averaged US$230 compared to an average in 2004 compared to 288,703 ounces in 2003, combined with a
of US$200 during 2003. Throughout this period of lower 13% increase in revenue from by-product metals.
palladium prices, the Company realized the hedged floor
price of US$325 per ounce provided for under the Palladium The Company received $7.1 million in 2004 as an
Sales Contract. Palladium production sold to third-party interim payment against a claim filed with its insurance
smelters takes up to six months from time of receipt at the company relating to losses incurred in connection with the
smelter to settle the final delivery and pricing settlement. failure of the primary crusher in 2002. The insurance
The price adjustment relating to palladium settled and recovery has been included in income from mining operations
awaiting settlement was a small positive amount of $0.9 in 2004. The Company is pursuing the balance of the
million compared to a negative $1.2 million in 2003. Revenue insurance claim and will record any additional recovery in
from by-product metal sales increased by 13% to $71.4 income if and when received.
million in 2004 compared to $63.4 million in 2003 reflecting
the increased production and improved price levels for The Company reviews and evaluates its long-lived
nickel, platinum, gold and copper. Realized prices for assets for impairment when events or changes in
by-product metals were higher in 2004 compared to 2003, most circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may
notably platinum at US$831 per ounce, nickel at US$6.11 per not be recoverable. Impairment is considered to exist if
lb., gold at US$417 and copper at US$1.24 per lb. This total estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than
compares to 2003 realized prices for platinum of US$683 per the carrying amount of the asset. Future cash flows are
ounce, nickel at US$5.10 per lb., gold at US$378 per ounce estimated based on quantities of recoverable minerals,
and copper at US$0.87 per lb. Partially offsetting the expected palladium and other commodity prices and expected
higher realized metal prices was a strengthening Canadian foreign exchange rates (considering current, historical and
dollar, which averaged US$0.77 in 2004, compared to US$0.72 expected future prices and foreign exchange rates and
in 2003. related factors), production levels and cash costs of
production and future capital and reclamation expenditures,
During 2004, the mill processed 5,298,544 tonnes of all based on life-of-mine plans and projections. The term
ore or an average of 14,477 tonnes per day compared to "recoverable minerals" refers to the estimated amount of
5,159,730 tonnes of ore or an average of 14,136 tonnes per palladium and other commodities that will be obtained from
day in 2003. In 2004, the average palladium head grade proven and probable reserves after taking into account
improved to 2.41 grams per tonne as compared to 2.31 grams losses during mining, ore processing and concentrate
per tonne in 2003. The Phase 3 pit was completed in mid treatment.
October, which resulted in the release of an additional
approximately 200,000 tonnes of high-grade ore. During the During the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company
year, palladium recoveries were 75.2% as compared to 75.5% performed an annual impairment test which resulted in a
in 2003. While palladium production increased 7% compared to non-cash charge of $108.0 million (net of tax - $103.4
the prior year, tonnes of concentrate treated increased 24% million or $2.01 per share) to write down the carrying value
due to a drop in concentrate grade. The concentrate quality of mining interests. An assessment of impairment was
also declined in the current year resulting in higher required as a result of changes in key assumptions which
charges for smelter penalties. In aggregate, smelter were affected by a continuation of low palladium prices. The
treatment, refining and freight costs increased 24% in 2004 impairment charge will not affect the Company's reserves or
compared to 2003. In an effort to improve the concentrate resources, nor will it affect the future anticipated cash
grade, various milling parameters are under investigation, flow or operations at the Lac des Iles mine.
including changes to the mill flow sheet, reagent mix and
the quality of recycled water. Assumptions underlying future cash flow estimates
are subject to risk and uncertainty. Any differences between
Total production costs for 2004 of $102.9 million significant assumptions and market conditions such as metal
were comparable to $103.7 million in the prior year. prices, exchange rates, recoverable metal, and/or the
However, unit cash costs to produce palladium (production Company's operating performance could have a material effect
costs including overhead and smelter treatment, refining and on the Company's ability to recover the carrying amounts of
freight costs), net of by-product metal revenues and its long-lived assets resulting in possible additional
royalties, decreased to US$159 per ounce in 2004 compared to impairment charges.
US$175 per ounce in 2003. The improvement in unit cash costs
was achieved by a 7% increase in palladium production to During 2003, there was a write-down of mining
308,931 ounces interests of $2.3 million relating to the damaged primary
crusher, which was removed from service and replaced with a
new unit.
Non-cash amortization increased to $36.7 million in
2004 compared to $28.6 million in 2003. The higher
amortization amount is attributable to the 7% increase in
North American Palladium Ltd. 2004 Annual Report 23
palladium production and the increase in the unit of The results for 2004 include an insurance recovery
production amortization rate due to a restatement of of $7.1 million relating to losses incurred in connection
reserves at June 30, 2003 that resulted in a 20% reduction with the failure of the primary crusher in 2002 and a
in palladium reserve ounces. As a result of the asset foreign exchange loss of $0.3 million compared to a foreign
impairment charge recorded in 2004, which lowered the book exchange gain of $18.1 million in 2003. After adjusting for
value of mining interests, the Company reviewed its unit of the impairment charge, the insurance recovery and foreign
production amortization rate. It is estimated that the exchange, the adjusted net income was $7.3 million or $0.14
amortization charge for 2005 will be approximately C$75 to per share for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to
$80 per palladium ounce. This compares to a unit adjusted net income of $23.3 million or $0.46 per share for
amortization rate of approximately C$133 per palladium ounce the year ended December 31, 2003.
in 2004.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
After allowing for the $108.0 million impairment
charge, there was a $88.1 million loss from mining Cash flow from operations (prior to changes in
operations in 2004 compared to an income from mining non-cash working capital) was $52.1 million in 2004,
operations of $31.1 million for the previous year. Although compared to $59.8 million in 2003. The $7.7 million decrease
there was a 7% improvement in palladium production compared in operating cash flow was primarily due to no revenue being
to 2003 and a 13% increase in byproduct revenue, the results realized from higher priced palladium forward contracts in
for 2004 did not benefit from a palladium forward sales 2004 compared to $20.4 million of additional revenue in 2003
program compared to 2003 when an additional $20.4 million of from forward contracts. The current year's operating cash
revenue was realized from palladium forward contracts. flow benefited from increased metal production and higher
by-product metal prices. Changes in non-cash working capital
Other income and expense, which includes interest provided $29.7 million of cash in the current year as
income and expense, exploration and foreign exchange gains compared to a consumption of $5.2 million in 2003. Palladium
and losses, was an expense of $2.2 million in 2004 compared awaiting settlement declined to 114,186 ounces at December
to an income of $15.4 million in 2003. In the current year 31, 2004 compared to 147,570 ounces at December 31, 2003.
there was a foreign exchange loss of $0.3 million compared The reduction in the physical quantity of metal in the
to a gain of $18.1 million in 2003. The foreign exchange concentrate awaiting settlement combined with a weaker US
gain relates primarily to the Company's US dollar dollar which is used to value the concentrate awaiting
denominated credit facilities which have benefited from the settlement resulted in a 28% reduction in the value of
strengthening of the Canadian dollar compared to the US concentrate awaiting settlement. After allowing for non-cash
dollar. working capital changes, cash provided by operations was
$81.8 million in 2004 compared to $54.6 million in 2003.
In 2004, the Company incurred interest expense on
long-term debt of $1.8 million compared to $3.2 million in Investing activities required $26.5 million of cash
2003. The reduced interest expense in the current year in 2004, with short-term investments providing $1.8 million
reflects the reduction in the level of average debt and additions to mining interests requiring $28.7 million.
year-over-year. Two major projects were undertaken during the year. The
secondary crusher installation was completed at a cost of
The Company's 2004 provision for income tax expense $10.2 million and the underground mine development, which
of $1.8 million is significantly lower than the statutory commenced in mid 2004 and will extend into late 2005,
income tax rate of approximately 39% due to the fact that no required $6.9 million excluding $3.6 million of mining
tax benefit or tax asset has been recorded on the impairment equipment purchased under capital leases. This compares with
charge of $108.0 million. The impairment charge also $8.3 million of net investing activities in 2003.
resulted in the reversal of assets previously tax benefited
in the amount of $2.5 million. The Company's 2003 tax During the year, the Company's financial position
provision of $8.2 million was reduced for the non-taxable was further strengthened. The Company's debt position was
portion of a capital gain relating to the foreign exchange reduced to $50.2 million at December 31, 2004 compared to
gain and for changes in federal and provincial income tax $58.8 million at December 31, 2003 and the year-end cash and
rates and laws affecting the resource industry. cash equivalents balance was $65.8 million compared to $12.0
million for the prior year.
For the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company
reported a net loss of $92.1 million or $1.79 per share
compared to net income of $38.4 million or $0.75 per share
for the year ended December 31, 2003.
24 Continued FOCUS on Operations, Growth and Financial Position
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2004
PAYMENTS DUE BY PERIOD
Less Than
(IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS) Total 1 Year 1 - 3 Years 4 - 5 Years
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senior credit facility 31,666 6,815 13,630 11,221
Kaiser-Francis credit facility 13,842 - 13,842 -
Capital lease obligations 4,663 1,481 2,008 1,174
Operating leases 1,818 882 910 26
Other purchase obligations 4,222 4,222 - -
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
56,211 13,400 30,390 12,421
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are no payments due after five years.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES Assumptions underlying future cash flow estimates
are subject to risk and uncertainty. Any differences between
1. CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICY significant assumptions and market conditions such as metal
prices, exchange rates, recoverable metal, and/or the
HEDGING RELATIONSHIPS Company's operating performance could have a material effect
on the Company's ability to recover the carrying amounts of
In 2003, the CICA finalized amendments to Accounting its long-lived assets resulting in possible additional
Guideline AcG-13, "Hedging Relationships" that clarified impairment changes.
certain of the requirements in AcG-13 and provided
additional documentation and application guidance. AcG-13 is (B) AMORTIZATION OF MINING INTERESTS
applicable for the Company's 2004 fiscal year. As a result
of the adoption of AcG-13, the Company has marked-to-market The Company amortizes a large portion of its mining
its forward foreign exchange contracts beginning January 1, interests using the unit of production method based on
2004. The impact of this change was an increase to proven and probable reserves. Changes in reserves as at June
derivative income of $0.2 million in the first six months of 30, 2003 caused amortization rates to increase by
2004. Commencing July 1, 2004, these foreign exchange approximately 25%. Changes in reserve estimates are
contracts were designated as a hedge of US dollar revenue calculated periodically and could affect amortization
and are accounted for in revenue as realized. expense prospectively.
2. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES (C) FORWARD METAL SALES AND METAL PRICE SWAP
CONTRACTS
Critical accounting estimates represent estimates
that are highly uncertain and for which changes in those In the fourth quarter of 2003, North American
estimates could materially impact the Company's financial Palladium updated its hedge policy to allow for managing the
statements. The following accounting estimates are critical: Company's exposure to market metal prices, particularly its
platinum, gold, nickel and copper price exposure. With the
(A) IMPAIRMENT ASSESSMENTS OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS adoption of this policy and from time to time, the Company
will enter into forward metal sales or cash settled swaps to
Each year, the Company reviews the mining plan for establish fixed metal prices in order to manage metal price
the remaining life of mine. Significant changes in the mine volatility.
plan can occur as a result of mining experience, new
discoveries, changes in mining methods and rates, process North American Palladium uses fixed-price forward
changes, investments in new equipment and technology, metal platinum and gold sales contracts and cash settled nickel
prices and other factors. Based on year-end ore reserves and and copper price swap contracts to insulate its earnings and
the current mine plan, the Company reviews annually its cash flows from changes in these metal prices. These
accounting estimates and makes adjustments accordingly. contracts allow the Company to sell its platinum and gold
production to credit-worthy metal dealers at a fixed price
The Company assesses long-lived assets for under the forward sales contract. In the case of nickel and
recoverability on an annual basis. When the carrying value copper, the Company receives a fixed metal price in exchange
of a long-lived asset is less than its net recoverable value for paying the floating price received under its physical
as determined on an undiscounted basis, an impairment loss sales contracts to acceptable counterparts under the metal
is recognized to the extent that its fair value, measured as price swap contracts.
the discounted cash flows over the life of the asset.
North American Palladium Ltd. 2004 Annual Report 25
FIXED-PRICE FORWARD PLATINUM SALES CONTRACTS (THE "PLATINUM HEDGE POSITION")
(AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2004)
Platinum ounces hedged 10,500 (or less than 50% of 2005's expected production)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maturity date of platinum sales contracts December 2005
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted-average estimated platinum sales contract price US$831/oz.(1)
up to maturity date
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delivery obligations The Company will deliver platinum produced from its
operations on a monthly basis to satisfy the forward sales
contracts by the maturity date
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized mark-to-market loss at December 31, 2004 US$260,000(2)
FIXED-PRICE FORWARD GOLD SALES CONTRACTS (THE "GOLD HEDGE POSITION")
(AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2004)
Gold ounces hedged 12,000 (or less than 75% of 2005's expected production)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maturity date of gold sales contracts December 31, 2005
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted-average gold sales contract price up to maturity date US$435/oz.(3)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delivery obligations The Company will deliver gold production from its operations
on a monthly basis to satisfy the forward sales contracts by
the maturity date
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized mark-to-market loss at December 31, 2004 US$116,000(4)
1 Weighted-average estimated platinum price is based on the aggregate value of contracted prices for the expected delivery
volumes for each respective delivery month divided by the total volume of platinum sold forward.
2 The December 31, 2004 spot platinum price of US$860 per ounce was used to determine the unrealized mark-to-market loss for
the platinum forward sales contracts.
3 Weighted-average estimated gold price is based on the aggregate value of contracted prices for the expected delivery volumes
for each respective delivery month divided by the total volume of gold sold forward.
4 The December 31, 2004 spot gold price of US$438 per ounce was used to determine the unrealized mark-to-market loss for the
gold forward sales contracts.
FIXED-PRICE NICKEL SWAP CONTRACTS (THE "NICKEL HEDGE POSITION")
(AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2004)
Nickel tonnes hedged 540 (or less than 50% of 2005's expected production)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maturity date of nickel swap contracts June 2005
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted-average estimated fixed nickel price up to US$14,500 per tonne (US$6.58 per lb.)(5)
maturity date
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payment obligations The Company will pay on a monthly basis the floating nickel
price (average monthly LME 3-month nickel price) for the
respective volume of nickel metal swapped and receive a
fixed price from the counterpart for the period up to the
maturity date
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized mark-to-market loss at December 31, 2004 US$102,000(6)
FIXED-PRICE COPPER SWAP CONTRACTS (THE "COPPER HEDGE POSITION")
(AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2004)
Copper tonnes hedged 900 (or less than 50% of 2005's expected production)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maturity date of copper swap contracts December 2005
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted-average estimated fixed copper price up to US$2,755 per tonne (US$1.25 per lb.)(7)
maturity date
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payment obligations The Company will pay on a monthly basis the floating copper
price (average monthly LME 3-month copper price) for the
respective volume of copper metal swapped and receive a
fixed price from the counterpart for the period up to the
maturity date
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized mark-to-market loss at December 31, 2004 US$146,000(8)
26 Continued FOCUS on Operations, Growth and Financial Position
5 Weighted-average estimated nickel price is based on the aggregate value of contracted fixed prices for the expected nickel
volumes for each respective delivery month divided by the total volume of nickel under the swap contract.
6 The December 31, 2004 spot nickel price of US$6.89 per lb. was used to determine the unrealized mark-to-market loss for the
nickel swap contracts.
7 Weighted-average estimated copper price is based on the aggregate value of contracted fixed prices for the expected copper
volumes for each respective delivery month divided by the total volume of copper under the swap contract.
8 The December 31, 2004 spot copper price of US$1.43 per lb. was used to determine the unrealized mark-to-market loss for the
copper swap contracts.
The Company has entered into Master Trading The possible development of a substitute alloy or
Agreements and Master Swap Agreements with various synthetic material, which has catalytic characteristics
counterparts, which govern the terms of its forward metal similar to platinum group metals, may result in a future
sales and fixed price swaps. These counterparts have a decrease in demand for palladium and platinum.
long-term credit rating assigned by Standard & Poor's of "A"
or better, or equivalent rating from other international Currency fluctuations may affect cash flow since
credit rating agencies. production currently is sold in United States dollars,
whereas the Company's administration, operating and
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS exploration expenses are incurred in Canadian dollars. As a
result, changes in the exchange rate between Canadian and
The Company engaged Louis J. Fox in November 1999 to United States dollars can affect revenue and profitability.
provide services in connection with the negotiation of
palladium end-user supply contracts, project capital The Company is dependent on one mine for its metal
financing, smelting and refining agreements, metals price production. The business of mining is generally subject to
forecasting and marketing other metals. The services risks and hazards, including environmental hazards,
agreement was negotiated at arms-length prior to Mr. Fox industrial accidents, metallurgical and other processing
becoming a director of the Company. Mr. Fox receives a fee problems, unusual and unexpected rock formations, pit slope
in connection with the negotiations related to the Palladium failures, flooding and periodic interruptions due to
Sales Contract. The amount payable to Mr. Fox was $581,000 inclement weather conditions or other acts of nature,
in 2004 compared to $400,000 in 2003. mechanical equipment and facility performance problems and
the availability of materials and equipment. These risks
In December 2001, Kaiser-Francis provided a US$20 could result in damage to, or destruction of, the Company's
million non-revolving credit facility to finance the properties or production facilities, personal injury or
Company's working capital requirements. In the second death, environmental damage, delays in mining, monetary
quarter of 2004, the Kaiser-Francis credit facility was losses and possible legal liability. Although the Company
extended to June 30, 2006 as part of a debt restructuring maintains insurance in respect of the mining operations that
plan. Interest is based upon the 30-day LIBOR plus 2.50% and is within ranges of coverage consistent with industry
there is a stand-by fee of 0.125% per annum. The amount practice, such insurance may not provide coverage of all the
payable to Kaiser-Francis for interest, standby fee and risks associated with mining. The Company has made a claim
guarantee fee was $585,000 in 2004 compared to $687,000 in under its property damage and business interruption
2003. Kaiser-Francis holds 50.4% of the common shares of the insurance policies relating to the primary crusher failure
Company. which occurred in 2002. The Company will record the effect
of this insurance recovery in its financial statements if
RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES and when the proceeds are received.
The price of palladium is the most significant NON-GAAP MEASURE
factor influencing the profitability of the Company. In
2004, sales of palladium accounted for approximately 61% of North American Palladium has included in this
the Company's revenue. Many factors influence the price of document a non-GAAP performance measure for cash cost per
palladium, including global supply and demand, speculative ounce. This non-GAAP measure does not have any standardized
activities, international political and economic conditions meaning nor is it necessarily comparable with similar
and production levels and costs in other platinum group measures presented by other companies. North American
metal-producing countries, particularly Russia and South Palladium believes that certain investors use this
Africa. To offset the price risk, the Company entered into information to evaluate the Company's performance. This data
the Palladium Sales Contract and other hedge contracts to is intended to provide additional information and should not
cover a portion of expected annual production. be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures
of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.
North American Palladium Ltd. 2004 Annual Report 27
RECONCILIATION OF CASH COST PER OUNCE TO RECONCILIATION BETWEEN NET INCOME IN
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ACCORDANCE WITH CANADIAN GAAP AND
ADJUSTED NET INCOME
Year Ended
December 31 The adjusted net income reported in this analysis
------------------------------------------------------------ has not been calculated in accordance with Canadian GAAP,
(IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS the accounting principles under which our consolidated
EXCEPT PER OUNCE AMOUNTS 2004 2003 financial statements are prepared, and there is no standard
------------------------------------------------------------ definition in such principles for such adjusted net income
PRODUCTION COSTS or loss. Accordingly, it is unlikely that comparisons can be
INCLUDING OVERHEAD 102,936 103,654 made among different companies in terms of such adjusted
SMELTER TREATMENT, results reported by them.
REFINING AND
FREIGHT COSTS 23,602 19,048 The following table provides a reconciliation
------------------------------------------------------------ between our adjusted net income and net income (loss) as
126,538 122,702 reported in accordance with Canadian GAAP for the years
LESS: BY-PRODUCT ended December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003:
METAL REVENUE (71,416) (63,424)
------------------------------------------------------------
55,122 59,278
------------------------------------------------------------
DIVIDED BY OUNCES
OF PALLADIUM 270,448 248,173
------------------------------------------------------------
CASH COST PER OUNCE (C$) 204 239
------------------------------------------------------------
C$ EXCHANGE RATE 1.2795 1.3672
------------------------------------------------------------
CASH COST PER OUNCE (US$) 159 175
------------------------------------------------------------
BASIC NET INCOME
NET INCOME PER SHARE
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31 DECEMBER 31
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) 2004 2003 2004 2003
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canadian GAAP net income (loss) as reported (92,110) 38,378 (1.79) 0.76
Impairment charge net of tax 103,376 - 2.01 -
Foreign exchange (gain) loss net of tax 340 (15,055) 0.01 (0.30)
Insurance recovery net of tax (4,352) - (0.09) -
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjusted net income 7,254 23,323 0.14 0.46
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER INFORMATION United States Securities and Exchange Commission's website
at www.sec.gov.
Additional information regarding the Company is
included in the Company's Annual Information Form and Annual OUTSTANDING SHARE DATA
Report on Form 40-F which are filed with the Canadian
securities regulators and the United States Securities and As of February 21, 2005, there were 51,732,213
Exchange Commission, respectively. A copy of the Company's common shares of the Company outstanding and options issued
Annual Information Form is posted on the SEDAR website at to pursuant to the 1995 Corporate Stock Option Plan
www.sedar.com. A copy of the Annual Report or Form 40-F can entitling the holders therof to acquire 814,664 common
be obtained from the shares in the aggregate.
28 Continued FOCUS on Operations, Growth and Financial Position
MANAGEMENT OUTLOOK believes that the fundamentals are in place for increased
metal demand, which will ultimately lead to a higher
During 2004, North American Palladium established palladium price.
the solid foundation to complete the underground mine and
transition through 2005 into 2006. The secondary crusher was For 2005, management is committed to concentrating
successfully commissioned in December 2004, paving the way its efforts on the Company's strategy for future growth. The
for increased mill throughput and further cost reductions. Company continues to search for additional reserves and
The underground mine development commenced in May 2004 and resources at the mine site and on favourable grassroots
in combination with the open pit, average palladium exploration projects. Emerging ore bodies and projects, both
production beginning in 2006 is expected to be about 350,000 in Canada and internationally, are being investigated to
ounces per year. Production of by-product metals, which further enhance North American Palladium's strategic
provided an increase of 13% in revenues for the Company in expansion plan.
2004 compared to 2003, will only slightly increase once full
production from the underground commences.
The Company's aggressive exploration program will
continue in 2005, with almost $4.0 million being allocated IMPENDING US GAAP ACCOUNTING CHANGES
to exploration activities. The main focus will remain on the
Lac des Iles campaign and the surrounding grassroots (I) In December 2004, the Financial Accounting
projects such as Shebandowan and Legris Lake. In addition, a Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No. 123(R),
key strategy moving forward will be to continue the pursuit "Share-Based Payment" which replaces SFAS 123, "Accounting
of quality nickel/PGM opportunities. for Stock-Based Compensation" and supersedes APB Opinion 25.
SFAS 123(R) requires compensation costs related to
The platinum group metal (PGM) markets continue to share-based payments to be recognized in the financial
benefit from strong global fundamentals, particularly from statement and the cost must be measured based on the fair
the expectation of further economic growth in China and the value of the equity of liability instruments used. Under
United States. Recent economic data released from both SFAS 123(R) all share-based payment plans must be valued
countries suggest consumer spending and business investment using option-pricing models. SFAS 123(R) is effective for
will remain firm in 2005. Platinum has traded up on these the Company's year ending December 31, 2005.
fundamentals and is testing levels above US$850 per ounce,
while palladium has not responded and continues to test (II) In December 2004, FASB issued SFAS 153 which
support in the US$200 per ounce range. In view of the large deals with the accounting for the exchanges of non-monetary
discount between the platinum and palladium prices, assets. SFAS 153 is an amendment of APB Opinion 29. APB
jewellery and catalyst fabricators are switching to Opinion 29 requires that exchanges of non-monetary assets
palladium in order to protect their profit margins. The should be measured based on the fair value of the assets
Company expects the spread between platinum and palladium to exchanged. SFAS 153 amends APB Opinion 29 to eliminate the
narrow as the platinum market stagnates and the palladium exception from using fair market value for non-monetary
over-supply is consumed by increased substitution. exchanges of similar productive assets and introduces a
broader exception for exchanges of non-monetary assets that
The Company's Palladium Sales Contract at a floor do not have commercial substance. SFAS 153 is effective for
price of US$325 per ounce ends June 30, 2005. At the current non-monetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods
depressed spot price, the Company more than likely will not beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company does not believe
enter into a new long-term sales contract for its palladium that the application of SFAS 153 will have an impact on the
production. The Company strongly financial statements.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Forward-Looking Statements
The Company's annual report 2004, consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 2004 and the consolidated statements of
earnings and deficit and cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2004 (collectively the
"Financial Statements") and management's discussion and analysis of operations and financial position ("MD&A") for the Financial
Statements, contain certain that are forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the
United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. They include estimates and statements that describe the Company's
future plans, objectives and goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or
result to occur. When used herein, words such as "estimate", "expect", "believe", "intend", "budget", "projection", "strategy",
"will", "continue" and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular statements
relating to the impairment charge and the estimated future metal prices, cash flows, expenses, capital costs, ore production, mine
life, financing, construction and commissioning are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve inherent
risks and uncertainties and are subject to factors, many of which are beyond our control, that may cause actual results or
performance to differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include among others metal price
volatility, changes in the US/CDN dollar exchange rate, the salvage value of equipment, economic and political events affecting
metal supply and demand, fluctuations in ore grade, ore tonnes milled, geological, technical, mining or processing problems,
recoverability of metals, future profitability and production, availability of financing on acceptable terms and unexpected problems
during the development, construction and start-up phases of the underground mine, exploration programs may not result in increased
reserves and competition for acquisition of new properties. For a more comprehensive review of risk factors, please refer to the
Company's MD&A and Annual Information Form under "Risk Factors" on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and
Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking
statements whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements.
North American Palladium Ltd. 2004 Annual Report 29
A. DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure controls and procedures are defined by the Securities and Exchange
Commission as those controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure
that information required to be disclosed by North American Palladium Ltd. (the
"Registrant") in reports filed or submitted by it under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within
the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and
forms. The Registrant's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have
evaluated the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of
the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 40-F and have determined that
such disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
B. CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Since the most recent evaluation of the Registrant's internal control over
financial reporting, there has not been any significant change in the
Registrant's internal control over financial reporting that has materially
affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant's internal
control over financial reporting.
C. NOTICE OF PENSION FUND BLACKOUT PERIOD
The Registrant was not required by Rule 104 of Regulation BTR to send any notice
to any of its directors or executive officers during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2004.
D. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
The Registrant's board of directors has determined that Mr. Gregory J. Van
Staveren, an individual serving on the audit committee of the Registrant's board
of directors, is an audit committee financial expert, as that term is defined in
Item 401(h)(2) of Regulation S-K under the SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, as
amended. The Registrant's board of directors has also determined that Mr. Van
Staveren is independent, as that term is defined under the rules and regulations
of the American Stock Exchange.
E. CODE OF ETHICS
The Registrant's board of directors has adopted a code of ethics that applies to
all directors, officers and employees. The Registrant will provide a copy of the
code of ethics without charge to any person that requests a copy by contacting
the Corporate Secretary, at the address that appears on the cover of this Annual
Report on Form 40-F.
F. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
AUDIT FEES
The aggregate fees billed by Ernst & Young LLP ("E&Y"), the Registrant's
external auditors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 and 2004, for
professional services rendered by E&Y for the audit of the Registrant's 2003
annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the
external auditors in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or
engagements for such years were Cdn$195,000 and Cdn$125,000, respectively. The
Registrant's shareholders approved the appointment of KPMG LLP ("KPMG") as
auditors of the Registrant in June 2004. The aggregate fees billed by KPMG, the
Registrant's principal accountant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004,
for professional services that are normally provided by the external auditors in
connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for such year
were Cdn$210,000.
AUDIT-RELATED FEES
No fees were billed by E&Y or KPMG for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2003
and 2004 for assurance and related services rendered by it that are reasonably
related to the performance of the audit or review of the Registrant's financial
statements.
TAX FEES
The aggregate fees billed by E&Y for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2003
and 2004 for professional services rendered by it for tax compliance, tax
advice, tax planning and other services were Cdn$26,426 and Cdn$13,000,
respectively. The aggregate fees billed by KPMG for the fiscal years ended
December 31, 2003 and 2004 for professional services rendered by it for tax
compliance, tax advice, tax planning and other services were Cdn$nil and
Cdn$79,000, respectively. Tax services provided included preparation of
corporate tax returns and review of tax provisions.
ALL OTHER FEES
The aggregate fees billed by E&Y for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2003
and 2004 for products and services provided by E&Y, other than the services
reported in the preceding three paragraphs, were Cdn$nil and Cdn$500,
respectively. Other products and services provided included accounting support.
The aggregate fees billed by KPMG for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2003
and 2004 for products and services provided by KPMG, other than the services
reported in the preceding three paragraphs, were Cdn$nil and Cdn$nil,
respectively.
AUDIT COMMITTEE PRE-APPROVAL POLICIES
All audit and non-audit services performed by the Registrant's auditor are
pre-approved by the audit committee of the Registrant.
G. OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The Registrant is not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or
are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on its financial
condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of
operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is
material to investors.
H. TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The following table sets out the Registrant's known contractual obligations for
its long-term liabilities and lease commitments as of the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2004
(CANADIAN DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payments due by period
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than 1 to 3 4 to 5
Total 1 year years years Thereafter
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SENIOR CREDIT FACILITY $31,666 $ 6,815 $ 13,630 $11,221 $ -
KAISER-FRANCIS CREDIT FACILITY 13,842 - 13,842 - -
CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS 4,663 1,481 2,008 1,174 -
OPERATING LEASES 1,818 882 910 26 -
OTHER PURCHASE OBLIGATIONS 4,222 4,222 - - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS $56,211 $13,400 $ 30,390 $12,421 $ -
================================================================================================================
UNDERTAKING AND CONSENT TO SERVICE OF PROCESS
A. UNDERTAKING
The Registrant undertakes to make available, in person or by telephone,
representatives to respond to inquiries made by the Commission staff, and to
furnish promptly, when requested to do so by the Commission staff, information
relating to: the securities registered pursuant to Form 40-F; the securities in
relation to which the obligation to file an annual report on Form 40-F arises;
or transactions in said securities.
B. CONSENT TO SERVICE OF PROCESS
The Registrant has previously filed with the Commission a Form F-X in connection
with its Common Shares, no par value.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, the Registrant certifies
that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 40-F and has duly
caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto
duly authorized.
NORTH AMERICAN PALLADIUM LTD.
Dated: March 29, 2005 By: /s/ George D. Faught
-------------------------------
By: George D. Faught
Title: Vice President, Finance and
Chief Financial Officer
EXHIBIT INDEX
NUMBER DOCUMENT
------ --------
1. Consent of KPMG LLP
31. Certification of CEO and CFO pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32. Certification of CEO and CFO pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002