These statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and our perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors we believe are appropriate in particular circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will meet our expectations and predictions depends on a number of risks and uncertainties, which could |
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cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations. These risks are more fully described in the section entitled "Item 3. Key Information - Risk Factors". |
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Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this annual report are qualified by these cautionary statements. We cannot assure you that the actual results or developments anticipated by us will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected effect on us or our business or operations. |
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Unless otherwise indicated, statistical and market trend information, as well as statements related to market position and competitive data, are based on our internal statistics and/or estimates gathered from our own research and/or various publicly available sources. |
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CERTAIN TERMS AND CONVENTIONS |
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Translations of amounts in this annual report from Renminbi into U.S. dollars and vice versa have been made at the rate of RMB7.2946 to US$1.00, which was the noon buying rate in the New York City for cable transfers in Renminbi per U.S. dollar as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on December 31, 2007. You should not construe these translations as representations that the Renminbi amounts actually represent U.S. dollar amounts or could be converted into U.S. dollars at that rate or at all. See "Item 3. Key Information - Exchange Rate Information" for information regarding the noon buying rates from January 1, 2003 through June 20, 2008. |
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We publish our financial statements in Renminbi. |
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Various amounts and percentages set out in this document have been rounded and, accordingly, are not the exact figures and may not total. |
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Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this annual report to: |
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"A Shares" are to the domestic ordinary shares, with a nominal value of RMB1.00 each; |
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"Alcoa"are to Alcoa International (Asia) Ltd., a company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong; |
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"alumina-to-silica ratio"are to the ratio of alumina to silica by weight found in bauxite; |
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"aluminum fabrication" are to the process of taking primary aluminum and converting it into plates, strips, bars, tubes, etc. which can be further converted into consumer or other end products; |
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"bauxite"are to mineral ores whose composition is principally alumina; |
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"Baotou Aluminum"are to Baotou Aluminum Co., Ltd. On December 28, 2007, it became our wholly-owned subsidiary after the completion of shares exchange. |
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"Bayer process"are to a refining process employed to extract alumina from ground bauxite with a strong solution of caustic soda at an elevated temperature; |
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"brownfield development" are to development projects at existing plants or facilities; |
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"CCB"are to China Construction Bank, a PRC state-owned bank established pursuant to PRC government approval; |
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"Chalco," "the Company", "the Group", "our company," "we," "our" and "us"are to Aluminum Corporation of China Limited and its subsidiaries and, where appropriate, to its predecessors; |
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"Chalco Mining" are to Chalco Mining Co., Ltd, our subsidiary that is established under PRC law; |
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"Chalco Nanhai"are to Chalco Nanhai Alloy Company, our subsidiary that is established under PRC law; |
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"Chalco Trading" are to China Aluminum International Trading Corporation Limited, our subsidiary that is established under PRC law; |
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"China"and the"PRC" are to the People's Republic of China, excluding for purposes of this annual report, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan; |
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"China Cinda"are to China Cinda Asset Management Corporation, a PRC state-owned financial enterprise established pursuant to PRC government approval; |
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"China Development Bank" are to a PRC state-owned bank established pursuant to PRC government approval; |
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"Chinalco", "Chinalco Group" and the"ultimate holding company" are to our controlling shareholder, Aluminum Corporation of China and its subsidiaries (other than Chalco and its subsidiaries) and, where appropriate, to its predecessors; |
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"China Orient" are to China Orient Asset Management Corporation, a PRC state-owned financial enterprise established pursuant to PRC government approval; |
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"diasporite"are to a mineral of bauxite deposits with the chemical composition of Al(2)O(3) * H(2)O; |
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"Exchange Act" are to The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; |
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"fabricating ingots" are to the primary aluminum or aluminum alloy ingots that may be used directly in the aluminum fabrication process; |
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"Fushun Aluminum"are to Fushun Aluminum Company Limited, our subsidiary that is established under PRC law; |
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"Gansu Hualu"are to Gansu Hualu Aluminum Company Limited, our subsidiary that is established under PRC law; |
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"gibbsitic"are to a mineral of bauxite deposits with the chemical composition of Al(2)O(3) * 3H(2)O; |
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"greenfield investment" are to investment projects to construct new plants or facilities; |
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"Guangxi Baise" are to Guangxi Baise Yinhai Aluminum Company Limited, a subsidiary of Guangxi Investment; |
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"Guangxi Huayin" are to Guangxi Huayin Aluminum Company Limited, a PRC entity in which we hold 33% equity interest. |
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"Guangxi Investment"are to Guangxi Investment (Group) Co., Ltd., formerly known as Guangxi Development and Investment Co., Ltd., a PRC state-owned enterprise established in the PRC and one of our promoters and shareholders; |
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"Guizhou Development"are to Guizhou Provincial Materials Development and Investment Corporation, a PRC state-owned enterprise established in the PRC and one of our promoters and shareholders; |
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"HK$"and"HK dollars"are to Hong Kong dollars, the lawful currency of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the PRC; |
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"H Shares"are to overseas listed foreign shares of par value RMB1.00 each, which are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and traded in HK dollars; |
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"Hong Kong Stock Exchange"are to The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited; |
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"hybrid Bayer-sintering process"are to the refining process developed in China which involves the application of the Bayer process and the sintering process in combination to extract alumina from bauxite more efficiently; |
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"ingots" and "remelt ingots" are to the international standard primary metal products from an aluminum smelter. Remelt ingots are the aluminum ingots generally remelted before being cast into alloyed products or used for aluminum fabrication; |
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"Jiaozuo Wanfang"are to Jiaozuo Wanfang Aluminum Manufacturing Co. Ltd., our associated company that is established under PRC law, in which we hold 29% of its equity interest; |
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"kA"are to kiloamperes, a unit for measuring the strength of an electric current, with one kiloampere equal to 1,000 amperes; |
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"kWh"are to kilowatt hours, a unit of electrical power, meaning one kilowatt of power for one hour; |
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"Lanzhou Aluminum"are to Lanzhou Aluminum Co., Ltd., previously our associated company that was a joint stock limited company established under the PRC law, whose A Shares were traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. On April 24, 2007, we completed the merger of Lanzhou Aluminum by way of share exchange and Lanzhou Aluminum became our wholly-owned subsidiary. Its shares ceased to be traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. In June 2007, Lanzhou Aluminum was divided into two wholly-owned branches: Lanzhou branch and Northwest Aluminum Fabrication Plant, which are mainly engaged in producing primary aluminum products and fabricated aluminum products, respectively; |
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"Listing Rules"are to the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (as amended from time to time); |
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"LME"are to the London Metal Exchange Limited; |
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"NYSE"are to New York Stock Exchange Inc.; |
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"ore-dressing Bayer process"are to a refining process we developed which involves the treatment of bauxite in order to increase its alumina-to-silica ratio so as to allow the Bayer process to then be applied; |
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"provinces" are to provinces and to provincial-level autonomous regions and municipalities in China, excluding Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macao Special Administrative Region, and Taiwan, which are directly under the supervision of the central PRC government; |
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"refining" are to the chemical process required to produce alumina from bauxite; |
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"Research Institute" are to Zhengzhou Research Institute, our wholly-owned branch mainly providing research and development services; |
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"RMB"are to Renminbi, the lawful currency of the PRC; |
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"NDRC"are to China National Development and Reform Commission; |
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"Northwest Aluminum" are to Northwest Aluminum Fabrication Plant, our wholly-owned branch; |
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"SASAC" are to State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council; |
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"Shandong Aluminum" are to Shandong Aluminum Industry Co., Limited, previously our majority owned subsidiary that was established under PRC law, whose A Shares were traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. On April 24, 2007, we completed the merger of Shandong Aluminum by way of share exchange and Shandong Aluminum became our wholly-owned subsidiary. Its shares ceased to be traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. In September 2007, Shandong Aluminum was changed into Shandong branch, our wholly-owned branch. |
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"Shanxi Coal" are to Shanxi Huatai Coal Co., Ltd., our subsidiary that is established under PRC law; |
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"Shanxi Huasheng"are to Shanxi Huasheng Aluminum Company Limited, our subsidiary that is established under PRC law; |
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"Shandong Huayu" are to Shandong Huayu Aluminum and Power Company Limited, our subsidiary that is established under PRC law; |
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"Shanxi Huaze"are to Shanxi Huaze Aluminum and Power Co., Limited, our subsidiary that is established under PRC law; |
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"Shanxi Zhangze"are to Shanxi Zhangzhe Electricity Company Limited, an entity established under PRC law; |
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"sintering process"are to a refining process employed to extract alumina from ground bauxite by mixing with supplemental materials and burning in a coal fired kiln; |
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"smelting" are to the electrolytic process required to produce molten aluminum from alumina; |
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"tonne" are to the metric ton, a unit of weight, with one metric ton equal to 1,000 kilograms or 2,204.6 pounds; |
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"US$" are to U.S. dollars, the lawful currency of the United States of America; |
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"WTO" are to World Trade Organization; and |
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"Zunyi Aluminum"are to Zunyi Aluminum Company Limited, our subsidiary that is established under PRC law. |
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PART I |
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* | Our alumina products are mainly delivered by rail or truck, and our primary aluminum products are transported to our customers mostly by rail. If we are unable to make on-time delivery due to logistics and transportation problems, our results of operations may be adversely affected. |
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* | A main objective of our research and development projects is to develop new methods and new processes to improve the efficiency of extracting alumina from bauxite that has relatively low alumina-to-silica ratios. If China's supply of bauxite with high alumina-to-silica ratios declines, our failure to achieve technological improvements or to implement such improvements in commercial applications could impede our efforts to reduce unit production costs and to compete with major international producers. |
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* | The bauxite reserve data on which we base our production, revenue and expenditure plans are estimates that we have developed internally and may be inaccurate. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of reserves, including many factors beyond our control. If these estimates are inaccurate or the indicated tonnages are not recovered, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. |
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* | We rely on short-term borrowings to meet part of our financing needs. If we fail to achieve timely rollover, extension or refinancing of our short-term debts, we may be unable to meet our obligations in connection with debt servicing, accounts payable and/or other liabilities when they become due and payable. In addition, we may be exposed to changes in interest rates. If interest rates increase substantially, our results of operations could be adversely affected. |
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* | Our primary sources of funding are cash generated by operating activities, short-term and long-term bank borrowings, proceeds from shares offerings, and proceeds from short-term bond and long-term bond offerings. In 2007, we required our customers to make prepayments or deposits for purchases of alumina. The total amount of prepayments and deposits was approximately RMB1,053 million as of December 31, 2007. We have relied on prepayments and deposits received from customers as a source of liquidity. In the event that demand for our alumina declines significantly, we may not be able to require such prepayments and deposits from customers, in which case this source of liquidity may not be available to us. |
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* | Chinalco, a state-owned enterprise, as of December 31, 2007 owned 38.56% of our issued share capital and is our largest shareholder. The interest of Chinalco may conflict or even compete with our interest and that of our public shareholders. Chinalco may take actions that favor the interest of its subsidiaries, associates and other related entities over ours and that of our public shareholders. In addition, Chinalco and some of its subsidiaries and associates provide a range of services to us, including engineering and construction services, social services, land and property leasing and supply of raw and supplemental materials. Some of the services Chinalco provides to us, such as educational and medical care services for our employees, would be difficult to obtain from other sources. Our cost of operations may increase if Chinalco becomes unable to provide such services to us. |
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* | Chinalco has substantial financial obligations relating to the businesses, operations and personnel that it retained in the reorganization. While Chinalco generates significant operating revenue and receives government support, it may also rely on dividends received from us as a means of funding these obligations. Subject to the relevant provisions of the PRC Company Law and our Articles of Association, Chinalco may seek to influence our decision as to the amount of dividends we pay out in order to satisfy its cash flow requirements. Any increase in our dividend payout resulting from Chinalco's influence could reduce funds available for reinvestment in our businesses and thus may materially reduce our future financial strength and adversely affect our future results of operations. |
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* | Our alumina and primary aluminum production operations are subject to environmental protection laws and regulations in China, which impose such penalties as waste discharge fees, fines or closure of non-compliant plants. Each of our alumina and primary aluminum production plants has |
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| implemented a system to control its emissions and to oversee its compliance with PRC environmental regulations. However, the PRC government has taken steps, and may take additional steps, towards more rigorous enforcement of applicable laws, and/or adoption of more stringent environmental standards. If the PRC national or local authorities enact additional regulations or enforce existing or new regulations in a more rigorous manner, we may be required to make additional environmental expenditures, which could have an materially adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. |
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* | We may experience major accidents in the course of our operations, which may cause significant property damage and personal injuries. Significant industry-related accidents and natural disasters may cause interruptions to various parts of our operations, or could result in property or environmental damage, increase in operating expenses or loss of revenue. The occurrence of such accidents and the resulting consequences may not be covered adequately, or at all, by the insurance policies we carry. In accordance with customary practice in China, we do not carry any business interruption insurance or third party liability insurance for personal injury or environmental damage arising from accidents on our property or relating to our operations other than our automobiles. Losses or payments incurred by us as a result of major accidents or natural disasters may have a material adverse effect on our operating performance if such losses or payments are not fully insured. |
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* | The licenses to mine bauxite in some of our bauxite mines have expired and lapsed. While we are seeking to renew those expired licenses, we may be subject to administrative fines for operating mines without a valid license, or we may be ordered to cease our mining operations all together until we obtain the renewed licenses. The failure to renew those expired mining licenses may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. |
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* | Our H Shares became a Hang Seng Index constituent stock on June 10, 2008, which may attract buying interests of so-called "Hang Seng Index funds" aiming to maintain their investment portfolio parallel to that of the Hang Seng Index. We have no control of the selection of the Hang Seng Index constituent stocks and may not be able to continue to maintain our H Shares as a Hang Seng Index constituent stock. If our H shares are deselected from the Hang Seng Index, the market's interests in investing in our H shares may correspondingly wane, and our share price may materially decline. | | |
* | As of May 6, 2008, 2,500,684,890 A Shares that had previously been subject to a trading moratorium became available for trading on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. If all or a significant portion of these tradable shares are offered for sale on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, the A Share price may materially decrease due to the over-supply of the A Shares on the market. | | |
* | We are also subject to a number of risks relating to the PRC, including the following: |
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Our alumina production capacity has increased rapidly in the past few years. From 2002 to 2007, our annual alumina production capacity increased from 5,410,000 tonnes to approximately 10,200,000 tonnes. |
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We produced 2,800,000 tonnes of primary aluminum in 2007, which accounted for approximately 22.3% of China's domestic primary aluminum production for 2007. From 2002 to 2007, our annual primary aluminum production increased from 750,000 tonnes to 2,800,000 tonnes. |
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Our key operating assets include one subsidiary mainly engaged in mining bauxite products, four integrated alumina and primary aluminum production plants, two alumina refineries, one research institute and 12 primary aluminum smelters, including Jiaozuo Wanfang. Our Research Institute also provides products for commercial sales. Most of our refineries are located in reasonable proximity to abundant bauxite reserves and, as of December 31, 2007, had annual production capacities ranging from 850,000 to 2,217,000 tonnes. Our primary aluminum smelters had annual production capacities ranging from 56,000 to 412,000 tonnes as of December 31, 2007. Since December 31, 2004, all of our production facilities have been operated under the ISO9001:2000, OHSAS 18001:1999 and GB/T 28001-2001 standards. |
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Recent domestic developments |
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On April 24, 2007, we issued 1,236,731,739 A Shares by way of share exchange with the other shareholders of Shandong Aluminum and Lanzhou Aluminum, including providing cash alternative to those shareholders. This share exchange resulted in the merger of Shangdong Aluminum and Lanzhou Aluminum. This issuance was approved by the shareholders at an Extraordinary General Meeting held on February 27, 2007. This mergers optimized resource allocation, improved our corporate governance structure and upgraded our platform for capital operations. |
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On December 28, 2007, we issued 637,880,000 A Shares in exchange 100% equity interest in Baotou Aluminum. Baotou Aluminum had an annual production capacity of approximately 307,000 tonnes of aluminum as of December 31, 2007. Our acquisition of Baotou Aluminum reduced the business competition with our controlling shareholder Chinalco. |
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As approved at our 2008 Extraordinary General Meeting, we submitted to the China Beijing Equity Exchange on May 12, 2008 the application to acquire 100% of the equity interest in Lanzhou Liancheng Longxing Aluminum Company Limited, 100% of the equity interest in Chinalco Southwest Aluminum Cold Rolling Company Limited, 84.02% of the equity interest in Chinalco Henan Aluminum Company Limited, 75% of the equity interest in Chinalco Ruimin Company Limited, 60% of the equity interest in Chinalco Southwest Aluminum Company Limited and 56.86% of the equity interest in Huaxi Aluminum Company Limited from Aluminum Corporation of China and China Nonferrous Metals Processing Technology Company Limited ("Transferors"). The equity interests of the above companies are listed on the China Beijing Equity Exchange for bidding at a consideration of RMB4,175 million. On May 13, 2008, we received the confirmation from the China Beijing Equity Exchange and became the ultimate transferee of the above equity interests. On May 21, 2008, we entered into an acquisition agreement with Transferors for the acquisition of the equity interests of the above companies. The acquisition was complete in early June 2008. |
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On June 20, 2008 the Company announced that based on the initial calculation on its financial information for the first half of 2008 in accordance with the Accounting Standards for Business Enterprises issued by the Ministry of Finance of the PRC, the net profit (attributable to the equity holders of the Company) for the six months from January 1, 2008 to June 30, 2008 was forecast to decrease by over 50% as compared with the same period last year. For comparison purpose, the audited net profit and earnings per share under PRC GAAP for the first half of 2007 were RMB6.397 billion and RMB0.53, respectively. The Company's announcement was made pursuant to PRC laws governing the listing of it's A Shares on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. |
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As of June 23, 2008, due to the expiration of the trading moratorium of 2,500,684,890 shares of our restricted A Shares on May 6, 2008, our total share capital of 13,524,487,892 ordinary shares comprised 5,649,217,045 restricted A Shares, 3,931,304,879 unrestricted A shares, and 3,943,965,968 H Shares. Chinalco's equity interest in us remained 38.56%. |
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BUSINESS OVERVIEW |
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Our Principal Products |
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We manage our operations according to our two principal business segments: alumina and primary aluminum. Our alumina segment includes the production and sale of our alumina-related products, namely, alumina and alumina chemical products, including alumina hydrate, alumina-based industrial chemical products and gallium. Our primary aluminum segment includes the production and sale of our primary aluminum-related products, namely, primary aluminum (including both ingots and other primary aluminum products) and carbon products. External sales of our alumina and primary aluminum segments accounted for approximately 27.3% and 70.5%, respectively, of our total revenue in 2007. Alumina is refined from bauxite through a chemical process and is the key raw material for producing primary aluminum, which in turn is a key raw material for aluminum fabrication. |
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Our alumina segment products consist primarily of alumina, which accounted for approximately 93.8% of our total alumina segment output based on total production volume in 2007. Other alumina segment products consist primarily of alumina chemical products, which are used in the production of chemical, pharmaceutical, ceramic and construction materials. In the process of refining bauxite into alumina, we also produce small amount of gallium, which is a related product and a high-value rare metal with special usage in the electronics and telecommunications industries. |
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Our most important primary aluminum product is ingots, which accounted for approximately 82.9% of our total primary aluminum output in 2007. Our standard ingots are 20-kilogram remelt ingots used for general aluminum fabrication primarily for the automotive, construction, power and consumer goods industries. In addition, we also produce high value-added and high profit margin primary aluminum products, such as electrical aluminum and aluminum alloys used for special industrial applications. In 2007, we continued to adjust our product mix and increased the production of high value-added primary aluminum such as aluminum alloys by approximately 44.9% from 2006 to capture the higher profit margin of such products. Our primary aluminum plants also produce carbon products (principally carbon anodes and cathodes) used in smelting operations. |
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The carbon we produce supplies substantially all of the carbon products required for our smelters. We also sell some of our carbon products to external smelters. |
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We began to recycle scrap materials for our primary aluminum production in 2003. In 2007 our Shandong branch used recycled materials to produce approximately 74,000 tonnes of primary aluminum products. At present, only our Shandong branch has the capability to produce primary aluminum products from recycled materials. |
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Our Production Capacity |
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The following table sets forth the production capacity of alumina and primary aluminum for each of our plants as of December 31, 2007: |
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Overseas Development |
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To implement our international development strategy, we initiated a research program on overseas development projects in 2004. On October 3, 2007, we entered into a memorandum of understandy ("MOU") to jointly construct a primary aluminum plant in Saudi Arabia with an annual capacity of one million tonnes with the MMC and SBG. On November 24, 2007, the parties to the MOU officially entered into a cooperation framework agreement and received the project permit issued by the Saudi Arabia General Investment Authority. The cooperation framework agreement provides that the project will utilize our technologies and major equipment manufactured in China. On May 9, 2008, we entered into a joint venture arrangement with MMC and SBG, according to which, the joint venture will be established in Saudi Arabia and will develop and operate a primary aluminum plant with a planned annual capacity of approximately one million tonnes as well as a self-owned power plant with a planned capacity of 1,860MW. We will hold 40% a nd 20% equity interest in the primary aluminum plant and self-owned power plant respectively, and as a result, will become the largest shareholder in the aluminum project and the smallest shareholder in the self-owned power plant. The project is located in an area with abundant low-cost energy supplies including heavy crude oil for generating electricity, where primary aluminum can be produced at a competitive cost. We commenced the feasibility study in early 2008. |
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Raw Materials |
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Alumina |
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Bauxite is the principal raw material for the production of alumina. Most of the bauxite in China is AL2O3.H2O mineral, which is an uncommon kind of mineral in other parts of the world, where AL2O3.3H2O is prevailing. Aluminum deposits run through a broad area in central China and are especially abundant in the southern and northern parts of central China. The largest aluminum deposit lies in Shanxi Province. |
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Our aluminum deposits, except those of Guangxi Pingguo Mine which is an accumulation deposit due to original erosion, usually have similar stratigraphical sequences. Primary bauxite deposit, as a type of sedimentary AL2O3.H2O of Carboniferous or Permian age, is contained in clay rock, limestone or coal seams. A zonary red shale is usually located at the bottom of the bauxite and the red seam distributes over the irregular "karst-type" erosion face on the top of Ordovician limestone. Aluminum deposits in northern China are usually covered with a very thick Quaternary weathering. |
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The thickness and quality of deposits vary with locations. Quality is usually consistent in smooth sections but changes sharply in karst "billabong" terrain. The level of hardness of minerals also varies. A sequence that includes a seam of hard bauxite of fine quality in the middle and soft bauxite of inferior quality on the bottom and top seams is common in deposits. |
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Generally, deposits are horizontal or with an obliquity of 0-8o, but there are also steep deposits at an angle of 75o, such as the Guizhou No. 2 Mine. Most of the original mineralization is not influenced by folds and faults, and some fractures of a low obliquity and folds emerge in certain deposits, which is evident in the Guizhou No. 2 Mine area where the underground mining method must be used due to the obliquity of its bauxite body reaching 70o with the influence of folds and several meters of dislocation arising from partial faults. |
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The systematic and accurate method of test boring, inspection pit, trial trench, density, tonnage analysis and calculation applied to the geological work of bauxite in China is an appropriate method to analyze these types of deposits. |
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On average, our refineries consume approximately 2.0 tonnes of bauxite to produce one tonne of alumina. We used approximately 15,800,000 tonnes,18,760,000 tonnes and 20,242,900 of bauxite in our alumina production in 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively. In 2007, bauxite cost represented approximately 25.5%, as compared to 23.0% in 2006 of our per unit alumina production costs. |
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Supply. The predominant use of bauxite is for alumina production. Except for our Shandong branch, all of our refineries are located in the four provinces where over 90% of China's potentially mineable bauxite has been found. We generally source our bauxite from mines close to our refineries to save transportation costs. We procure our bauxite supply principally from three sources: |
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| | | | Mining | License | |
Branch/Subsidiary | Mine | Location | Name of Joint Operator | Method | Renewal Date | Material Terms |
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Guizhou | Goujiang | Zunyi, Guizhou Province | Guojiang Economic Development Mining Co., Ltd. | Open pit | August 2011 | This mine is 100% owned by Guojiang Economic Development Mining Co., Ltd. We provide mining services in return for the exclusive purchase rights to the mined bauxite for a period of 10 years starting from 1998. |
| Maige | Guiyang, Guizhou Province | n/a(1) | Open pit | October 2012 | This mine is 100% owned and operated by Qingzhen City Xinfeng Mining Co., Ltd. We possess the exclusive purchase rights to the mined bauxite for 15 years starting from 2000. |
| Zhijin | Bijie, Guizhou Province | n/a(1) | Open pit | September 2005 | This mine is 100% owned and operated by Guizhou Chengjin Mining Co., Ltd. We possess the exclusive purchase rights to the mined bauxite for 15 years starting from 2001. |
| Tuanxi | Zunyi, Guizhou Province | n/a(1) | Open pit | May 2009 | This mine is 100% owned by Qingzhen City Xingwang Mining Co., Ltd. We possess the exclusive purchase rights of the mined bauxite for 30 years starting from 2003. |
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Shanxi | Wenquan Town | Lvliang, Shanxi Province | n/a(1) | Open pit | April 2007 | We are the sole owner of these mines and are |
| Shangtan | Changzhi, Shanxi Province | n/a(1) | Open pit | December 2009 | conducting research on the |
| Yangpo | Changzhi, Shanxi Province | n/a(1) | Open pit | July 2008 | development plan of these mines |
| Shaping | Changzhi, Shanxi Province | n/a(1) | Open pit | January 2010 | and searching for operators for |
| Jindui | Guxian Jindui, Shanxi Province | n/a(1) | Open pit | January 2010 | future development. |
| Shicao | Luofan Shicao, Shanxi Province | n/a(1) | Open pit | August 2008 | We are the sole owner of these mines and are conducting research on the development plan of these mines and searching for operators for future development. |
| Nanpo | Yangcheng Nanpo, Shanxi Province | n/a(1) | Open pit | July 2010 | We fully own these mines and are conducting research on the development plan of these mines and searching for operators for future development. |
| Sunjiata | Lin Xian Company | n/a(1) | Underground | December 2009 | We are the sole owner of these mines and are conducting research on the development plan of these mines and searching for operators for future development. |
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Chalco Mining | Shanchuan | Zhengzhou, Henan Province | n/a(1) | Open pit | November 2008 | We are the sole owner of these mines and are conducting research on the development plan of these mines. We are searching for operators for future development. |
| Jiyuan | Yuxiang mining Co. Ltd. | Shandong Alumina Corporation | Open pit | October 2011 | We are the sole owner of this mine and have contracted with Yuxiang Mining Co. Ltd. for its provision of mining services. |
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Shandong | Yuanping | Xinzhou, Shanxi Province | Yuanpinggao Alumina mine | Open pit / Underground | December 2007 | We established a joint venture with Yuanpinggao Alumina mine, in which we hold 51% equity interest. |
| Dayu | Yangquan, Shanxi Province | n/a(1) | Open pit | June 2007 | We are the sole owner of these mines and are conducting research on the development plan of these mines. We are searching for operators for future development. |
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We have implemented efforts to improve and upgrade several of our mines in the year ended December 31, 2007. These upgrade plans include: (i) RMB2,559 million in Phase III of the Guangxi alumina project; (ii) RMB1,814 million in Phase IV of the Guizhou alumina project for the expansion and (iii) RMB617 million in the 800,000 tonnes alumina construction project. |
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Primary Aluminum |
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An average of approximately 2.0 tonnes of alumina and 14,500 kWh of electricity are required to produce one tonne of primary aluminum. Alumina and electricity, the two principal components of costs in the smelting process, accounted for approximately 43.2% and 33.7%, respectively, of our unit primary aluminum production costs in 2007. In addition, we also require carbon anodes, carbon cathodes and sodium fluoride in the smelting process. |
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Alumina is the main raw material in the production of primary aluminum. Our Shandong, Henan, Guizhou and Guangxi smelters have historically sourced all or substantially all of the alumina they required from their respective integrated refineries. All our plants which do not have integrated alumina refining operations on site have obtained alumina internally from our own alumina refineries located elsewhere. |
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Due to mergers and consolidations, there were 52 primary aluminum smelters each with an annual production volume not less than 100,000 tonnes in the PRC as of December 31, 2007. The average production volume of these primary aluminum smelters is approximately 130,000 tonnes. With the development of the primary aluminum industry, our competitiveness has been enhanced. In 2007, the total amount of alumina consumed by our smelters was approximately 4,740,000 tonnes. |
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Supplemental Materials, Electricity and Fuel |
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The main fuel used by our mining and manufacturing equipment. We are able to purchase diesel supplies from the public markets. |
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We source our water mainly from local rivers, lakes or underground water resources. |
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Alumina |
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Electricity, coal, alkali (caustic soda or soda ash) and heavy oil are the other principal items required for our alumina production. We established a supplies department in our headquarters to control and coordinate the budgeting and procurement for all major items required for our production. In addition, to raise the efficiency of materials flow, a distribution center has been set up at each production facility. However, our efforts to reduce unit costs by improving the efficiency of material supplies by the procurement system were to a certain extent offset by the significantly increased prices for coal and fuel in the market in 2007. |
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Electricity.Electricity is one of the principal forms of energy used in our refining process. Electricity represented approximately 7.6% of our unit alumina production cost in 2007. |
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To the extent that power produced by the joint operation facility is insufficient to meet a refinery's total power requirements, we purchase the shortfall from regional power grids at government-mandated rates pursuant to power supply agreements. Power prices in China can vary, sometimes substantially, from one region to another, based on power production costs in the region as well as the consuming community's ability to pay. Accordingly, power costs for our various plants differ. Most of our electricity supply agreements are one to three year renewable contracts with regional power grids. |
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Coal.Large quantities of coal are used as a reducing agent and as fuel to produce steam and gas in the alumina refining process. The coal we consumed directly in the alumina refining process in 2007 represented 5.8% of our unit alumina production costs. |
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To secure our coal supply, we entered into a joint venture agreement with Jiaozuo Coal (Group) Co., Ltd. ("Jiaozuo Coal") on April 12, 2004 to establish a joint venture company in Henan Province to operate coal mines and manage coal processing business on May 15, 2004. We contributed 30% of the total registered capital in the amount of RMB45.0 million by way of cash and Jiaozuo Coal contributed 70% of the total registered capital in the amount of RMB105.0 million by way of cash and revalued coal mining rights in respect of Zhaogu mine. Zhaogu mine is currently under construction and the construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2008. According to the joint venture agreement, we are entitled to all of the slack coal produced by the joint venture company. |
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Alkali. Alkali is used as a supplemental material in alumina refining. The sintering process and the hybrid Bayer-sintering process require soda ash while caustic soda is used in the Bayer process. We purchase all of our alkali from third party suppliers. Alkali accounted for 8.0% of our unit alumina production cost in 2007. |
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Fuel Oil.Fuel oil is used as fuel in the calcination of aluminum hydroxide to make alumina. Most of our refineries use heavy oil. Heavy oil represented approximately 3.8% of our unit alumina production cost in 2007. |
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There is no governmental regulation on the prices of fuel oil, alkali or coal. The prices are set at market rates or through negotiations. We have not experienced difficulty in obtaining these materials in sufficient quantity and at acceptable prices. |
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Deliveries of raw materials and supplemental materials are generally made on a monthly basis. Our suppliers arrange for railway transportation of these raw materials by submitting to local bureaus of the Ministry of Railways their annual and monthly transportation plans. These local bureaus then arrange for appropriate rail transportation to transport such raw materials or fuel to our refineries. |
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Primary Aluminum |
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Electricity. Smelting primary aluminum requires a substantial and continuous supply of electricity. In 2007, we consumed 34.9 billion kWh of electricity for our primary aluminum production and the cost of electricity represented 33.7% of the unit cost of primary aluminum. Therefore, the availability and price of electricity are key considerations in our primary aluminum production operations. Costs of electricity have increased periodically in the recent years due to severe shortage of electric power in China. In 2007, electricity prices increased due to the government adjustment. Accordingly, our electricity purchase price increased 3.2% compared to 2006. In October, 2007, Chinese government issued "Notice to Further Solutions to Difference in Electricity Rates", according to which the preferential electricity price originally enjoyed by Chinese primary aluminum enterprises ended at the end of 2007. The implementation of this Notice has further increased the costs for primary aluminum enterprises in China. In addition, several Chinese provinces experienced power shortage in the first quarter of 2008 mainly due to damages to power lines caused by the severe weather conditions. We believe the price of electricity will increase in 2008. |
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We have expedited the implementation of integrated energy-saving technology, mainly by streamlining production workflow and improving our product structure. In 2007, aggregate energy consumption of primary aluminum production decreased by 1.38%, compared to 2006. |
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We purchase electricity from the regional power grids for our smelter operations. Prices for electricity supplied by the power grids under power supply contracts are set by the government based on the power generation |
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cost in the region and the consumers' ability to pay. Industrial users within each region are generally subject to a common electricity tariff schedule, but prices vary, sometimes substantially, across regions. Each regional power grid serves a region comprising several provinces. The regional power grids generally rely on multiple power sources to generate electricity, with coal and hydro power being the two most common sources. We believe that the different types of power sources do not imply different degrees of reliability of supply, and that our power supply from the grids is generally not reliant upon any particular generation facility supplying the grid. |
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Electricity purchased from different power grids is subject to different tariff levels in 2007. Our smelters' average electricity cost was RMB0.359 /kWh in 2007. |
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Carbon Products. Carbon anodes and cathodes are key elements of the smelting process. As of December 31, 2007, carbon anodes represented 11.7% of our unit primary aluminum production costs. Each of our smelters produces carbon products other than carbon cathodes, such as carbon anodes. Only our Guizhou plant has a carbon cathode production facility, which supplies all of our smelters with the carbon cathodes required and sells any excess domestically to third-party smelters. |
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Suppliers |
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We purchase some raw materials including bauxite, coal, fuel oil and alkali from outside suppliers. The amount of raw materials provided by our five largest suppliers for alumina products and primary aluminum products accounted for 27.3% and 20.2%, respectively, of our total cost of raw materials for 2007. The cost of raw materials supplied by our largest supplier accounted for 11.6% and 6.3% of our total cost of raw materials for alumina and primary aluminum production, respectively, in 2007. All payments to our suppliers are in Renminbi. |
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Sales and Marketing |
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We coordinate our major sales and marketing activities at our corporate headquarters. We set uniform prices for our alumina products and set minimum prices for primary aluminum products in each region where our primary aluminum products are sold. We have consolidated the networks of our branch offices to eliminate overlapping of administrative support and to reduce sales costs. In response to increasingly intensified competition, we established Shandong Alumina Chemicals Sales Department to centralize the sales of our alumina chemical products nationwide. Our subsidiaries have also played an important role in improving our after-sales services and enhancing our influence in the marketplace. |
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In 2003, as part of our centralized management program, we required all sales of alumina and primary aluminum to be settled upon delivery. However, due to the increased number of the subsidiaries acquired by us, our net trade receivables increased from RMB2,282.2 million as of December 31, 2006 to RMB2,975.7 million as of December 31, 2007. Since 2004, we have required our customers to make prepayments and deposits for purchases of alumina. The total amount of deposits and prepayments received was RMB1,052.9 million as of December 31, 2007. We expect to continue this policy so long as market demand remains strong. |
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Alumina |
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We sell a majority of our alumina output to third-party customers and the remaining portion to our own aluminum smelters. In 2007, we used approximately 4.8 million tonnes of alumina produced by ourselves , which represented approximately 46.7% of our total alumina production. All of our output of alumina chemical products are sold to third-party customers. |
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Sales |
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We coordinate sales of alumina at our corporate headquarters. In the fourth quarter of each year, we organize a national alumina sales conference with our domestic primary aluminum smelter customers in order to match our supply with their requirements for the following year. At such annual conferences, based on our production capacity for the following year, we first reserve the amount of alumina needed for primary aluminum production by our smelters before we determine the amount available for sale to third party primary aluminum smelters. After that, we allocate our alumina to smelters with whom we have long-standing relationships and that have good credit and a good payment history. We consider other smelters only if we have additional alumina to allocate. Approximately 95.0% of our sales of alumina are made through these annual conferences. |
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Based on the sales allocations we make at the annual conference, we and our customers typically enter into one-year sales agreements that set forth their total allocation and delivery schedules. At the time of entering into these one-year sales agreements, prices are left open and determined at or near the time of delivery at the then prevailing market price. We apply uniform prices to alumina sales regardless of where the alumina is produced. If a customer does not accept our price near the time of delivery, it may refuse to take delivery despite the one-year agreement. We began selling a portion of our alumina pursuant to long-term sales contracts which have terms longer than one year in 2001. Since January 1, 2004, we have gradually enter into three-year to five-year sales contracts for alumina. The volume of sales to third party customers under these long-term sales contracts accounts for approximately 37.3% of the total sales volume in 2007. Under such a long-term sales contract, the sales volume is fixed, and the price is linked to an index of three-month futures price of primary aluminum quoted at the Shanghai Futures Exchange. |
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Customers |
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We sell our alumina to smelters throughout China. Sales to our five largest third party customers accounted for 12.9%, 13.0% and 10.1% of our total alumina revenue from third party customers for 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively. Sales to our largest customer accounted for 3.6%, 4.0% and 3.4%, respectively, of our total external alumina revenue for the same periods. All of our major third party customers in the last three years have been domestic smelters. |
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Pricing |
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We sell our alumina products by way of spot sales or under long-term contracts. Pricing for our alumina products is determined by the nature of the sale as described below. |
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Spot sales.We set, and adjust as necessary, uniform sales prices for alumina produced by any of our refineries. In 2007, The highest and lowest spot price of domestic alumina was RMB4,200 per tonne and RMB2,400 per tonne, respectively. The annual average selling price of our alumina was RMB3,412.0 per tonne, representing a year-on-year decrease of 16.92%. We set uniform prices for all our sales of alumina to third party customers by reference to import costs of alumina, the market supply and demand conditions, as well as our short-term and mid-term projections. Our pricing generally takes into account: |
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As part of our sales integration and centralization efforts, we set minimum prices with respect to each region in China where our primary aluminum is sold. These minimum prices are expressed by reference to the Shanghai Futures Exchange spot price for primary aluminum, not including transportation. The minimum prices may differ from region to region, but all of our primary aluminum sold into a region, regardless of the plant or warehouse from which it originates or is shipped, is sold at or generally above the minimum price applicable to that region. Those of our smelter plants filling particular orders are principally involved in discussions with the customer as to the pricing and delivery arrangements for specific transactions. They are required to comply with the minimum pricing guidelines unless prior approval from our corporate headquarters is obtained. In general, we supply each region with products from our nearest smelters to minimize transportation costs. |
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Alumina Chemical Products and Gallium |
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Alumina chemical products and gallium are intermediate products of, or otherwise related to, our alumina production. Our production levels for these products are based on market demand for them. We sell all of our alumina chemical products and gallium to third party customers, mostly domestically but some internationally. Prices for our alumina chemical products and gallium are set according to market demand or by agreement with our customers. |
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Delivery |
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Alumina |
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Delivery of alumina is made from our refineries by rail or truck. Our sales price is normally exclusive of transportation costs. For long-distance delivery, we have spur lines connecting our plants to the national railway routes. We are responsible for the maintenance of these spur lines. The price of shipping on the national railway system is fixed by the government. |
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Primary Aluminum |
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Our primary aluminum products are transported to our customers mostly by rail. In view of the substantial distances that separate our smelter plants from southern and eastern China where most of the aluminum fabrication plants are concentrated, we have subsidiaries (often with warehousing capacity leased from third parties) in major cities in eastern and southern China to facilitate deliveries and coordination. |
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Our Facilities |
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Our core facilities include 17 production plants and our Research Institute. Set forth below is a plant-by-plant description of our facilities. Our production operations are organized and managed according to our two business segments, alumina and primary aluminum. See "Item 4 - History and Development of the Company-Overview" for details of the plants under construction. All of our facilities are accessible via railroads or highways. |
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Guangxi Branch |
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The Guangxi branch commenced operations in 1994 and is located in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southwestern China, an area rich in bauxite resources. The Guangxi branch receives bauxite for production via highway from the Pingguo mine, located in Guangxi Pingguo. The Guangxi branch is our newest alumina and primary aluminum plant, and is equipped with imported production facilities and technology. |
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Our Guangxi branch is situated within 17 kilometers of our own mines that contain large, easily exploitable high alumina-to-silica ratio bauxite reserves. The Guangxi branch is our only refinery that uses the Bayer method exclusively. With imported European technology and production equipment, our Guangxi refinery features a high level of automation and energy efficiency. Since its inception, we have increased the Guangxi branch's original designed production capacity by removing production bottlenecks and capacity expansions. As of December 31, 2007, its production capacity reached 850,000 tonnes of alumina per annum. Most of its alumina output is used in the primary aluminum smelter at our Guangxi branch and the remainder is sold to third party smelters. The Phase III construction of Guangxi Alumina, with a production capacity of 880,000 tonnes, commenced in March 2006 and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2008, and the plant has already test-produced aluminum products. |
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Our Guangxi branch also uses advanced 160 kA and 320 kA pre-bake reduction pot-lines developed by ourselves for its primary aluminum production. As of December 31, 2007, the branch's production capacity reached 139,500 tonnes of primary aluminum per annum. All primary aluminum it produces is sold to third party customers. |
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Guizhou Branch |
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Our primary aluminum production facilities in Guizhou Province, which possesses integrated alumina and primary aluminum production facilities, commenced operations in 1966. |
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Our Guizhou alumina refinery commenced operations in 1978 and is one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in China, as many of its key technologies and equipment are imported. It uses the hybrid Bayer-sintering process for its alumina production and relies on our own third party and outside suppliers for bauxite supply. Bauxite from our own nearby mines is delivered to the refinery by cable cars and train. Its alumina output is mostly used in the primary aluminum production at the same plant and the remainder is sold to third party smelters. As of December 31, 2007, the production capacity of our Guizhou branch reached 1,200,000 tonnes of alumina per annum, after completion of an environmental protection management project in at the end of 2007, which increased the annual alumina production capacity of Guizhou branch by 400,000 tonnes. The primary aluminum facilities at our Guizhou branch consist of large-scale pre-bake reduction pot-lines, ranging from 160 kA to 186 kA. As a result of technologica l innovations and overhauls since its inception, our Guizhou smelter plant is among the most technologically advanced smelters in China. In 2007, the annual production capacity of primary aluminum of our Guizhou branch was 403,700 tonnes. |
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Our Guizhou branch also contains a modern carbon production facility which produces carbon anodes as well as carbon cathodes. It is our only facility that produces carbon cathodes and supplies all of the carbon cathodes required by seven of our facilities and our Research Institute. Its carbon cathodes are also sold to third party customers throughout China. |
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Henan Branch |
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Our Henan branch is located in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, a province rich in bauxite resources. Bauxite is delivered to our Henan Branch for production via railway and highway from the following mines: Xiaoguan mine located in Zhengzhou; Luoyang mine in Luoyang; Yanchi mine in Sanmenxia; Yuzhong mine in Zhengzhou; and Jiaozuo mine in Jiaozuo. Its alumina and primary aluminum production commenced and primary aluminum in 1966 and 1967, respectively. Our Henan branch was the first refinery in China to develop the hybrid Bayer-sintering process. We commenced the operation of a new alumina production line in February 2004 using the ore-dressing Bayer process that we have developed in recent years to refine low alumina-to-silica ratio bauxite. Since its inception, the Henan branch's production facilities have undergone substantial technological upgrades, based on equipment imported from Germany and Denmark. The refinery has also benefited from its access to high alumina-to-silica ratio bauxite from our own mine s and through local market purchases. Its alumina output is first used to satisfy its primary aluminum production, and the remainder is sold to our other smelters and third party customers. The designed annual production capacity of alumina of our Henan branch was 2,050,000 tonnes in 2007. |
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We upgraded a portion of the primary aluminum facilities at this branch, which now utilizes 85 kA pre-bake reduction pot-lines. Its carbon plant produces high quality carbon products for sales to third party customers in China as well |
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as for export, after meeting the needs of our various smelting operations. As of December 31, 2007, the plant's production capacity reached 56,000 tonnes of primary aluminum per annum. |
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Shandong Branch |
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The Shandong branch commenced operations in 1954 and has the capacity to produce both alumina and primary aluminum. Bauxite is delivered to our Shandong branch for production via railway and highway from the Yangquan mine in Shanxi Yangquan. Its refinery was China's first production facility for alumina. Both the refinery and smelter are owned and operated by Shandong Aluminum, which became our wholly-owned subsidiary after our A Shares issuance and exchange on April 30, 2007. It produces the majority of its alumina through the sintering process, but has a small production line to produce alumina through the Bayer process using imported bauxite. During 2002, the Bayer production line was converted into an ore-dressing sintering operation. The Shandong branch purchases the majority of the bauxite required for its production from small third party mines in Henan and Shanxi Provinces. Its alumina output is first used to satisfy its primary aluminum production, and the remainder is sold to our other smelters as well as third party customers. As of December 31, 2007, the annual capacity of alumina of our Shangdong branch reached 1,500,000 tonnes. |
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Our Shandong branch's primary aluminum operations have undergone technological and equipment upgrades, with the majority of its original equipment having been replaced by more advanced equipment. As of December 31, 2007, its production capacity reached 75,000 tonnes of primary aluminum per annum. |
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In addition, our Shandong branch also produces substantial amounts of alumina chemical products. It is the largest and most technologically advanced alumina chemical products production facility, and produces the most varieties of these products in China. Alumina chemical products produced by our Shandong branch are used in the jewelry, ceramics and other industries. Its alumina chemicals products are sold both domestically and internationally. |
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Qinghai Branch |
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Located in Qinghai Province, our Qinghai branch is a stand-alone primary aluminum production facility and is also China's second largest smelter in terms of production capacity. This branch commenced operations in 1987 and is one of the most technologically advanced primary aluminum smelters in China. It operates 160 kA automated pre-bake anode reduction pot-lines that were developed domestically. It benefits from relatively low electricity costs in Qinghai Province resulting from substantial hydroelectric power stations in the region. Historically, the branch has relied on our Shanxi, Shandong, Henan and Zhongzhou branches for its alumina supply. Because of its relatively remote location, it incurs higher average transportation costs for both raw materials and its primary aluminum products than our other branches. The Qinghai branch's designed annual production capacity of primary aluminum was 367,000 tonnes in 2007. |
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Shanxi Branch |
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The Shanxi branch commenced operations in 1987 and is located in Shanxi Province, a province with rich bauxite deposits in China. Bauxite is transported to our Shanxi branch for production via railway and highway from the Xiaoyi mine in Shanxi Province. Our Shanxi branch is a stand-alone alumina plant and is currently China's largest alumina plant in terms of production capacity. |
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The Shanxi branch's production facilities are primarily imported and are more technologically advanced than our other domestic alumina refineries. Shanxi branch relies on bauxite from our own mines as well as third party suppliers. Due to its close proximity to large coal mines and substantial water resources, it currently has the largest power generation capacity of all of our alumina manufacturing facilities. The total alumina production capacity of our Shanxi branch reached 2,217,000 tonnes in 2007. |
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Zhongzhou Branch |
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Situated in Henan Province, our Zhongzhou branch is a stand-alone alumina plant, located near bauxite, coal and water supplies. It commenced operations in 1993 and is equipped with imported and self-developed technology and has undergone various improvements and upgrades, including improved sintering technology. We purchase bauxite supplies from Henan and Shanxi Provinces. In 2007, following the completion of a project involving the upgrade of the sintering process, as well as a project involving alumina |
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concentration with added bauxite after digestion of the ore-dressing Bayer process, its production capacity reached 1,830,000 tonnes of alumina per annum. |
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Lanzhou Branch |
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Our Lanzhou branch is situated in Lanzhou city in Gansu Province and is a stand-alone primary aluminum plant. It was part of Lanzhou Aluminum before June 2007, whose A Shares were listed on Shanghai Stock Exchange until April 24, 2007, when we merged with Lanzhou Aluminum through share exchange. See "Item 4 - History and Development of the Company - The A Shares Offering". In June 2007, Lanzhou Aluminum was divided into two wholly-owned branches: Lanzhou branch and Northwest Aluminum. Our Lanzhou branch owns a primary aluminum smelting plant with a designed annual production capacity of approximately 428,000 tonnes after completion of a new primary aluminum project by the end of 2007. |
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Northwest Aluminum |
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Northwest Aluminum is situated in Lanzhou city in Gansu Province and is an aluminum fabrication plant. It was part of Lanzhou Aluminum before June 2007, whose A Shares were listed on Shanghai Stock Exchange until April 24, 2007, when we merged with Lanzhou Aluminum through share exchange. See "Item 4 - History and Development of the Company - The A Shares Offering". In June 2007, Lanzhou Aluminum was divided into two wholly-owned branches: Lanzhou branch and Northwest Aluminum. Northwest Aluminum has an annual production capacity for aluminum fabrication products of approximately 80,000 tonnes. |
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Jiaozuo Wanfang |
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Jiaozuo Wanfang is situated in Jiaozuo city in Henan Province and is a stand-alone primary aluminum plant. Jiaozuo Wanfang Plant was established in 1993, whose shares were listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 1996. In May, 2006, we entered into a Sale and Purchase Agreement with Jiaozuo Wanfang Group to acquire 29% of the issued share capital, or 139,251,064 State-owned legal person shares held by Jiaozuo Wanfang Group in the issued share capital of Jiaozuo Wanfang Aluminum Manufacturing Co., Ltd. ("Jiaozuo Wanfang"), and thus became its largest shareholder. Jiaozuo Wanfang completed a new primary aluminum project by the end of 2007 and increased its designed annual production capacity for primary aluminum to 428,000 tonnes per annum. |
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Shanxi Huaze |
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Shanxi Huaze is situated in Shanxi Province. On March 30, 2003, we established a joint venture company, Shanxi Huaze Aluminum & Power Co., Ltd., with Shanxi Zhangze Electricity Company Limited to commence the construction of a primary aluminum production facility. In 2007, the designed annual production capacity of primary aluminum of Shanxi Huaze reached 280,000 tonnes. Shanxi Huaze has undertaken an expansion project to increase its aluminum alloy annual production capacity by 100,000 tonnes to reach 380,000 tonnes. This project is expected to be completed by the end of 2008. See "- Property, Plant and Equipment - Our Expansion - Shanxi Huaze Project". |
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Shanxi Huasheng |
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Shanxi Huasheng Aluminum is situated in Shanxi Province. On December 6, 2005, we entered into a joint venture agreement with Shanxi Guanlv Co., Ltd. to establish a joint venture company, Shanxi Huasheng Aluminum Company Ltd. The joint venture company commenced operations in March 2006. In 2007, the designed annual production capacity of primary aluminum reached approximately 220,000 tonnes. The joint venture company has a total investment of RMB2,379.4 million and a registered capital of RMB1,000 million, of which we committed RMB510 million. We currently hold a 51% equity interest in Shanxi Huasheng. |
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Zunyi Aluminum |
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Zunyi Aluminum is situated in Guizhou Province. In June 2006, we entered into a share purchase agreement with Guizhou Wujiang Hydropower Development Co., Ltd. and eight other companies, which are the |
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shareholders of Zunyi Aluminum, to purchase part of the equity interest from Guizhou Wujiang Hydropower Development Co., Ltd. and all the equity interest held by the other eight companies. We have completed our purchase and currently hold a 61.29% equity interest in Zunyi Aluminum. Zunyi Aluminum has a designed annual production capacity of 110,000 tonnes of primary aluminum. A new primary aluminum project with production capacity of 235,000 tonnes is expected to be completed by the end of 2008. |
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Fushun Aluminum |
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Fushun Aluminum is situated in Liaoning Province, and is a stand-alone primary aluminum plant. It has an annual production capacity of 140,000 tonnes. In March 2006, we entered into a share transfer agreement with Liaoning Fushun Aluminum Plant to acquire the 100% equity interests in Fushun Aluminum for a consideration of RMB500 million. Fushun Aluminum's primary business is the production of primary aluminum and carbon products. A new primary aluminum project with a production capacity of 1,000,000 tonnes is expected to be completed by the end of 2008. |
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Shandong Huayu |
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Shandong Huayu is situated in Shandong Province and is a stand-alone primary aluminum plant. In July 2006, we entered into a share transfer agreement with Shandong Huasheng Jiangquan Group to acquire a 55% equity interest of Shandong Huayu, a subsidiary of Shandong Huasheng Jiangquan Group. Shandong Huayu has a designed annual production capacity of 100,000 tonnes of primary aluminum, and also has other supporting facilities and two 135MW coal-fired generators. |
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Gansu Hualu |
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Gansu Hualu is situated in Gansu Province, and is a stand-alone primary aluminum plant. In August 2006, we entered into a share transfer agreement with Baiyin Nonferrous Metal (Group) Co., Ltd. ("Baiyin Nonferrous") and Baiyin Ibis Aluminum Co., Ltd. ("Baiyin Ibis"). Baiyin Nonferrous contributed 127,000 tonnes of primary aluminum smelting and supporting facilities owned by Baiyin Ibis as capital contribution and holds a 49% equity interest in Gansu Hualu, a subsidiary of Baiyin Ibis, and we hold a 51% equity interest in Gansu Hualu. The joint venture has a designed annual production capacity of 140,000 tonnes of primary aluminum in 2007. |
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Baotou Aluminum |
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Baotou Aluminum is located in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and is a stand-alone primary aluminum plant. On December 28, 2007, through A Shares issuance and exchange for Baotou Aluminum shares, we acquired 100% of its equity interest of Baotou Aluminum. Baotou Aluminum had a designed annual production capacity of 307,000 tonnes in 2007. Baotou Aluminum has undertaken an expansion project to increase its annual production capacity by 150,000 tonnes. This project is expected to be completed by the end of 2008. |
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Research Institute |
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Established in August 1965 and located in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, the Research Institute specializes in aluminum smelting-related research and development. It is the only research institute in China dedicated to light metals research, and has played a key role in bringing about technological innovations in China's aluminum industry. The Research Institute is central to our research and development efforts. The Research Institute operates test facilities, which produce alumina chemical products and primary aluminum. It also provides research and development services to third parties on a contractual basis. Approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the PRC in December 2003, Research Institute established National Research Center of Aluminum Refinery Technologies and Engineering. |
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Competition |
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Alumina |
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As the largest producer of alumina in China, we believe that we will not face significant competition from domestic alumina producers in the immediate future for the following reasons: |
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International Competition |
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The tariff rate for alumina and primary aluminum imports has been reduced to nil since January 1, 2008 and August 1, 2007, respectively. China had a net export of approximately 49,400 tonnes of primary aluminum in 2007, representing a 91.0% decrease from 2006. Competition from international suppliers of alumina and primary aluminum is expected to increase. Such competitors are likely to be large, efficient international companies, which generally have lower unit production costs than we do. Some competitors may also consider establishing joint venture companies with local producers in China to gain access to the resources in China and to lower transportation costs. However, certain PRC governmental policies directed at promoting the growth of larger domestic smelters are likely to be retained, and the PRC government encourages large domestic smelters to explore overseas markets. |
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Research and Development |
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Our research and development efforts over the years have facilitated the expansion of our production capacity and reduced our unit production costs. We have successfully commercialized our previous research and development results in various technologies. In 2007, we made significant progress in research and development of new methods and technologies, including: various technologies to improve our energy efficiency and decrease production costs, as well as refinery method utilizing low-grade bauxite. We further strengthened the intellectual property management and protection by filing a total of 297 patent applications during the year. |
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As of December 31, 2007, we owned 406 patents. The major registered patents relate primarily to technologies and know-how, equipment and new products. Once registered, a patent in China for a new invention is valid for 20 years and for a new function or a new design is valid for 10 years from the date of the patent application. |
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As of December 31, 2007, we owned 26 trademarks, which are used to identify our businesses and products. The trademarks have a term of 10 years. We have entered into a Trademarks License Agreement with Chinalco for the non-exclusive use by Chinalco of two of our trademarks relating to aluminum fabrication. |
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Although the PRC has been steadily amending its patent, trademark, and license laws to comply with various international agreements, its laws are still evolving. In its current form, Chinese intellectual property law differs from United States intellectual property law in many significant ways. For instance, the State Intellectual Property Office of the PRC may grant a compulsory license on a patent if it is unable to obtain a license from the patent owner for reasonable terms and within a reasonable time frame. Chinese patent law also provides immunity from damages for an entity that uses or sells a patented product without knowing that it was made or sold without the patentee's permission so long as it proves that the infringing product was obtained from a legitimate source. United States patent law does not offer such provisions. Chinese law also awards patents on a first-to-file system as opposed to the United States' first-to-invent system. Chinese trademark law is similarly based on a first-to-regis ter system as opposed to the United States' first-to-use system. |
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Moreover, the PRC government and its courts have limited experience in enforcing its intellectual property laws. The current PRC patent and trademark laws have only been in effect for approximately 20 years. Courts in China do not have the same level of experience in enforcing and interpreting intellectual property laws as the courts in the United States. However, the PRC government has created administrative bureaus to resolve administrative and judicial matters relating to patent and trademark infringement disputes. These administrative bureaus also have the power to order an infringing party to cease and desist from such use. |
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We do not regard any single patent, license, or trademark to be material to our sales and operations as a whole. We have no material patents, licenses, or trademarks the duration of which cannot, in the judgment of our management, be extended as necessary. We are neither involved in any material intellectual property disputes against us nor are we pursuing any legislation relating to intellectual property rights against any party. |
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Environmental Protection |
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We are subject to PRC national environmental laws and regulations as well as environmental regulations promulgated by the local governments where we operate. These include regulations on waste discharge, land repair, emissions disposal and mining control. For example, national regulations promulgated by the PRC government set discharge standards for emissions into the air and water. National environmental protection enforcement authorities also promulgate discharge fees for various waste substances. These schedules usually provide for discharge fee increases for each incremental increase of the amount of discharge up to a specified level set by the PRC government or the local government. For any discharge exceeding the specified level, the relevant PRC government agencies may order any of our facilities to rectify certain behavior causing environmental damage, and subject to PRC government approval, the local government has the authority to order any of our facilities to close for failure to comply with e xisting regulations. |
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Our bauxite mining operations are subject to relevant environmental laws and regulations promulgated by national and local governments, including regulations on waste discharge, land repair, emission management and mining control. |
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The pollutants discharged from our alumina refining process include red mud, waste water and waste emission of gases and dust. Our primary aluminum production process generates fluorides, pitch fume and dust. It is illegal for such waste to be released into the atmosphere without first being processed. Once processed, the amount of pollutants that can be released is subject to national or local discharge limits. |
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Each of our alumina refineries and primary aluminum smelters has its own waste treatment facilities on site or has developed other methods to dispose of the industrial waste. In 2006, our Shandong branch, Henan branch, Shanxi branch, Zhongzhou branch, Guangxi branch, Qinghai branch and Lanzhou Aluminum received awards from local governments for their outstanding performances in environment protection. |
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In 2007, our comprehensive energy consumption of alumina and comprehensive alternating current consumption of aluminum decreased by 1.24% and 1.38%, respectively, as compared with the corresponding period in the previous year, mainly due to our energy-saving efforts by using new production techniques and technologies. |
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Our total expenditures for environmental protection was RMB69.8 million, RMB105.5 million and RMB533.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively. We have been granted ISO14001:1996 accreditations issued by The International Certification Network on December 31, 2004. We believe that our operations are substantially in compliance with currently applicable national and provincial environmental regulations. |
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Insurance |
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We currently maintain insurance coverage on our property, plant and equipment, our transportation vehicles and various assets that we consider to be subject to significant operating risks. |
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We paid a total of RMB47.4 million, RMB54.6 million and RMB57.6 million in insurance premiums in 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively. |
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We are covered under the injury and accidental death insurance provided by the local government labor departments and do not purchase separate insurance policies from commercial insurers with respect to such risks. |
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Consistent with what we believe to be the customary practice in China, we generally do not carry any third party liability insurance to cover claims in respect of personal injury, environmental damage arising from accidents on our property or relating to our operations (other than our automobiles) or business interruption insurance. More extensive insurance is either unavailable in China or would impose a cost on our operations that would reduce our competitiveness with other producers. |
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Seasonality |
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Our business is not seasonal. |
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Regulatory Overview |
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Producers of alumina and primary aluminum are subject to national industrial policies and relevant laws and regulations in areas of environmental protection, import and export, land use, foreign investment regulation and taxation. We are also subject to regulations relating to activities such as mining. |
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We are principally subject to governmental supervision and regulation by two agencies of the PRC government: |
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The following is a brief summary of the principal laws, regulations, policies and administrative directives to which we are subject. |
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Requirements for New Entrants and Other Capital Investments |
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The constructions of new alumina refineries and new primary aluminum smelters require prior approval by the NDRC, the important projects among which shall be approved by the State Council. Any nonferrous metals projects and rare earths mining projects in which the amount of total investment exceeds RMB5,000 million shall be approved by the NDRC and filed with the State Council for record. All other projects shall be filed with the competent local authorities for record regardless of the scale of such projects. Moreover, in order to obtain governmental approval for its establishment, a new alumina refinery must have an annual production capacity of at least 500,000 tonnes if it uses the sintering process, 400,000 tonnes if it uses the hybrid Bayer-sintering process or 300,000 tonnes if it uses the Bayer process. All legal and regulatory requirements for new projects and other capital investments in the alumina and aluminum industries apply to us. Accordingly, we are required to obtain all necessary governm ental approvals for our capital expenditure plans. |
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Any capital markets financing activities, for example, those to finance capital projects, are subject to approval by securities regulatory authorities and other relevant authorities in China, regardless of whether the funds are |
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raised in China or on the international capital markets. An issuer of equity securities or equity-linked securities in the PRC must obtain prior approval from the CSRC. For the issuance of equity or equity-linked overseas securities, the issuer is also required to obtain approval from the NDRC. Offerings of debt facilities, such as debentures, are subject to approval from the People's Bank of China, as well as the NDRC. For all international financing activities through bank borrowing or issuance of debt, the issuer must obtain prior approval from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange and register with it after the completion of the transaction. |
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Foreign investment in the production of alumina and primary aluminum is encouraged by the PRC government subject to various conditions. Wholly foreign-owned companies may conduct bauxite mining operations in the western region of China, but bauxite mining activities in other regions of China may only be conducted jointly with PRC entities in the form of joint ventures. |
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Entrance Conditions for Aluminum Industry |
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"Entrance Conditions for Alumina Industry" provides that, (i) all new bauxite projects must be approved by relevant authorities at the provincial governments, with an exception for those projects with a total investment over RMB 500 million, for which the approval from the State Council is required. In addition, all new bauxite projects should have an annual production capacity of not less than 300,000 tonnes with a service period of over 15 years; (ii) all new alumina projects must obtain approval from the State Council. Alumina projects which consume domestic bauxite mines must have an annual production capacity of over 800,000 tonnes and service duration of bauxite mines must exceed 30 years. Alumina projects which consume imported bauxite mines must have an annual production capacity of over 600,000 tones and have reliable bauxite supply. Raw materials supplied under long-term purchase agreements with terms of over five years must exceed 60% of the total raw material demand; (iii) all new aluminum pro jects must be approved by the State Council. In near future, approval will only be granted to environmental protection upgrade projects and those projects under state plan to replace out-of-date equipments. All update or replacement project must have reliable alumina supply, power supply and transportation access. |
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Pricing |
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The PRC government does not impose any limitations with respect to the pricing of alumina, primary aluminum and related products. Thus, alumina and primary aluminum producers are free to set prices for their products. All the raw materials, supplemental materials and other supplies that we purchase are based on market prices. Freight transportation on the national railway system is subject to government mandated pricing. |
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Electricity Supply and Price |
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The State Electricity Regulatory Commission is responsible for the supervision and administration of the power industry in China. The NDRC and local governments regulate electricity pricing. Electricity suppliers may not change their electricity prices without governmental authorization. |
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The Electric Power Law and related rules and regulations govern electricity supply and distribution. Currently, China's state-owned power companies, through their respective local subsidiaries, operate all the regional power grids in China from which we obtain most of our electricity requirements. In October, 2007, Chinese government issued "Notice to Further Solutions to Difference in Electricity Rates", according to which the preferential electricity rate originally enjoyed by Chinese primary aluminum enterprises ended at the end of 2007. |
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Regulations Concerning Imports and Exports of Alumina and Primary Aluminum |
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The import taxes on alumina and primary aluminum were abolished on January 1,2008 and August 1, 2007, respectively. The export tax for primary aluminum has been increased to 15% since November 1, 2006. In addition, under the PRC government directive, effective from August 22, 2006 we no longer import alumina for processing. |
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Environmental Protection Laws and Regulations |
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The State Environmental Protection Administration of China is responsible for uniform supervision and control of environmental protection in China. It formulates national environmental quality and discharge standards and monitors China's environmental system. Environmental protection bureaus at the county level or above are responsible for environmental protection within their respective jurisdictions. |
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Environmental regulations require companies to file an environmental impact report with the relevant environmental bureau for approval before undertaking the construction of a new production facility or any major expansion or renovation of an existing production facility. New facilities built pursuant to this approval are not permitted to operate until the relevant environmental bureau has performed an inspection and is satisfied that the facilities are in compliance with environmental standards. |
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The Environmental Protection Law requires any facility that produces pollutants or other hazards to incorporate environmental protection measures in its operations and establish an environmental protection responsibility system. Such system includes adoption of effective measures to control and properly dispose of waste gases, waste water, waste residue, dust or other waste materials. Any entity that discharges pollution must register with the relevant environmental protection authority. |
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Penalties for breaches of the Environmental Protection Law include a warning, payment of damages and imposition of a fine. Any entity undertaking a construction project that fails to install pollution prevention and control facilities in compliance with environmental standards for a construction project may be ordered to suspend production or operations and may be fined. Criminal liability may be imposed for a material violation of environmental laws and regulations that causes loss of property or personal injuries or death. |
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Mineral Resources Laws and Regulations |
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All mineral resources in China are owned by the State under the current Mineral Resources Law. Exploration, exploitation and mining operations must comply with the relevant provisions of the Mineral Resources Law and are under the supervision of the Ministry of Land and Resources. Exploration and exploitation of mineral resources are also subject to examination and approval by the Ministry of Land and Resources and relevant local authorities. Upon approval, a mining permit is issued by the relevant administrative authorities, which are responsible for supervision and inspection of mining exploitation in their jurisdiction. Annual reports are required to be filed by the holders of mining rights with the relevant administrative authorities. |
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The PRC government permits mine operators of collectively owned mines to exploit mineral resources in designated areas and individuals to mine scattered mineral resources. Such mine operators and individuals are subject to government regulation. Mining activities by individuals are restricted. Individuals are not permitted to exploit mineral reserves allocated for exploitation by a mining enterprise or company or protected reserves. Indiscriminate mining that damages mineral resources is prohibited. |
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If mining activities result in damage to arable land, grassland or afforested area, the mining operator must take measures to return the land to an arable state within the prescribed time frame. Any entity or individual which fails to fulfill its remediation obligations may be fined and denied application for land use rights for new land by the relevant land and natural resources authorities. |
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It is unlawful for an entity or individual to conduct mining operations in areas designated for other legal mining operators. A mining operator whose exploitation causes harm to others in terms of production or in terms of living standards is liable for compensation and is required to take necessary remedial measures. When a mine is closed, a mine closure report and information concerning the mining facilities, hidden dangers, remediation and environmental protection must be submitted for examination and approval in accordance with the relevant law. |
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The mineral products illegally extracted and the income derived from such activities may be confiscated and may result in fines, revocation of the mining permit and, in serious circumstances, criminal liability. |
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Tax Laws and Regulation |
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In March 2007, the PRC government promulgated the Corporate Income Tax Law which became effective from January 1, 2008. The Corporate Income Tax Law imposed a single income tax rate of 25% on both domestic and foreign invested enterprises. The Tax Law of the People's Republic of China for Enterprises with Foreign Investment and Foreign Enterprises (the "FIE and FE tax laws") and Provisional Regulations of the PRC on Enterprise Income Tax (collectively referred to as the "existing tax laws") were abolished simultaneously. The Corporate Income Tax Law provides for a 5-year transitional period for those entities that applied FIE and FE tax laws in previous years. On December 11, 2007, PRC government promulgated the Corporate Income Tax Law Implementation Rules which also became effective from January 1, 2008. |
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ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE |
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We are organized as a joint stock limited company under PRC law. As of June 23, 2008, Chinalco, China Cinda, China Construction Bank Corporation, China Development Bank, Baotou Aluminum (Group) Co., Ltd. Guangxi Investment, Guizhou Development, Lanzhou Aluminum Factory, Lanzhou Economic Information Consultation Company, Baotou Aluminum, Guiyang Aluminum Magnesium Design and Research Institute and our public shareholders own 38.56%, 6.65%, 5.24%, 4.10%, 2.60%, 1.46%, 0.96%, 0.59%, 0.07%, 0.03% and 39.74%, respectively, of our issued share capital. |
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Shandong Aluminum, a significant subsidiary incorporated in the PRC and located in Shandong Province, in which we had previously held a 71.43% interest, is a joint stock limited company established under PRC law. Its A Shares were traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. Pursuant to a Share exchange between Shandong Aluminum and us on April 30, 2007, we currently hold 100% of the equity interest in Shandong Aluminum, and the A Shares of Shandong Aluminum were delisted from the Shanghai Stock Exchange as a result of such share exchange. |
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Lanzhou Aluminum, was previously our associate company in which we held a 28% equity interest pursuant to a share exchange between Lanzhou Aluminum and us on April 30, 2007, it became our wholly-owned subsidiary, and its A Shares were delisted from the Shanghai Stock Exchange. In June 2007, Lanzhou Aluminum was divided into the Lanzhou branch and Northwest Aluminum Fabrication Plant, which are mainly engaged in producing primary aluminum products and fabricated aluminum products, respectively. Both of them are our wholly owned branches. |
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Baotou Aluminum, incorporated in the PRC and located in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region pursuant to a share exchange between Baotou Aluminum and us on December 28, 2007, it became our wholly-owned subsidiary, and its A Shares were delisted from the Shanghai Stock Exchange. |
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PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT |
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Mines |
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The following map sets forth the location of our large-scale, mid-scale and small-scale mines and properties: |
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![](https://capedge.com/proxy/20-FA/0001161611-08-000052/image_0009.jpg) |
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The following map sets forth details of the area surrounding our largest mine, Pingguo Mine: |
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![](https://capedge.com/proxy/20-FA/0001161611-08-000052/image_0013.jpg) |
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The Guangxi Pingguo plant commenced operations in 1994 and is located in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It is our newest alumina and primary aluminum plant. The surrounding infrastructure includes roadways and waterways. As of December 31, 2007, the plant had a production capacity of 850,000 tonnes of alumina per annum. |
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Land |
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Chinalco leases to us 445 pieces or parcels of land, which are located in six provinces, covering an aggregate area of approximately 58.22 million square meters for the purposes of all aspects of our operations and businesses. The leased land consists of: |
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The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements, and selected historical financial data, in each case together with the accompanying notes, included elsewhere in this annual report. This section contains certain expressions such as "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "seek", "estimate", "intends", "should", "may" or other terms or phrases which are forward-looking statements involving risks and uncertainties. See "Item 3 Key Information Risk Factors". Forward-looking |
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statements are not guarantees of our future performance or results and our actual results could materially differ from those disclosed in the forward-looking statements. |
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The HKFRS financial information discussed in this section have been restated after taking into account the effect of the acquisition of Baotou Aluminum, which was accounted for using merger accounting. See Note 5 to the Financial Statements. |
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Critical Accounting Policies |
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We have identified a number of accounting policies below as critical to our business operations and the understanding of our results of operations. Some of our accounting policies require our management to make significant judgments relating to estimates and assumptions about the effects of circumstances to reported amounts in our financial statements. We have established procedures and processes to facilitate the making of such judgments in the preparation of our financial statements. See Note 2 to our audited consolidated financial statements for the impact of such accounting policies and any associated risks relating to these policies on our results of operations. Our management has identified areas of uncertainty and the variables most important in making the necessary estimates. Management has used the best information available but actual performance may differ from our management's estimates and future changes in key variables could change future reported amounts in our financial statements. |
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Property, Plant and Equipment |
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The carrying amounts of long-lived assets are reviewed whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the book value of the assets may not be recoverable. An impairment exists when the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is measured at the higher of net selling price and value in use, calculated based on discounted future pre-tax cash flows related to the asset or the cash generating unit to which the assets belong. A cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows from continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or group of assets. Estimates of future cash flows include the cash inflows from continuing use of the asset and cash outflows to prepare the asset for use that can be directly attributed, or allocated on a reasonable and consistent basis, to the asset. If applicable, estimates also include net cash flows to be received (or paid) for the disposal of the ass et at the end of its useful life. Management made a number of significant assumptions and estimates in the application of the discounted future cash flow model to forecast operating cash flows, including business prospects, market conditions, selling prices and sales volume of products, costs of production and funding sources. If there is an indication of impairment, the carrying value of such assets is written down to its recoverable amount. In addition, we determine the estimated useful lives of our property, plants and equipment based on the historical experience of the actual useful lives of property, plant and equipment of similar nature and functions. Management will increase the depreciation charge where useful lives are less than previously estimated lives, and will write-off or write-down technically obsolete or non-strategic assets that have been abandoned or sold. Results in actual transactions could differ from those estimates used to evaluate the impairment of such long-lived assets. |
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Goodwill |
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Goodwill represents the excess of purchase consideration over the fair values ascribed to the identifiable net assets of entities acquired. Until December 31, 2004, under HK GAAP, goodwill resulting from acquisitions under purchase accounting was recognized as an intangible asset and amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful economic life of not more than 20 years. In accordance with the provisions of HKFRS 3 effective from January 1, 2005, the Company has ceased amortization of goodwill. Separately recognized goodwill is tested annually for impairment and carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units for the purpose of impairment testing. The allocation is made to those cash-generating units or groups of cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the business combination in which the goodwill arose. Impairment losses on goodwill are not reversed. Under U.S. GAAP, annual amortization of this amount ceased effective from J anuary 1, 2002. Goodwill is subject to annual impairment testing and is written down if carrying value exceeds fair value. Management made a number of significant assumptions and estimates in the application of the discounted future cash flow model to forecast operating cash flows, including business prospects, market conditions, selling prices and sales volumes of products, costs of production and funding sources. Management considers both past data and all currently available information at the time the valuations of its businesses are performed. Results in actual transactions could differ from those estimates used to evaluate the impairment of goodwill. |
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U.S. GAAP Reconciliation |
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Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with HKFRS, which differs in various material respects from U.S. GAAP. See Note 37 to our audited consolidated financial statements. The summary of differences involve management's estimates and assumptions which may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and revenues and expenses. |
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Newly adopted Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards |
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The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, or HKICPA, has issued a number of new/revised Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards, or HKFRS, which are effective and mandatory for accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2007. Please refer to Note 2 (a) (i) to our audited financial statements for details. |
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New HKFRS pronouncements |
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For a detailed discussion of new accounting pronouncements, please see Note 2(a)(ii) to our audited financial statements. |
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Overview |
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We are the largest producer of alumina and primary aluminum in China. We are also the third largest producer of alumina, and also the fourth largest producer of primary aluminum in the world in terms of production volume for the year ended December 31, 2007. We are engaged primarily in alumina refining and primary aluminum smelting operations. We report our financial results according to the following business segments: |
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Sales to Chinalco and its subsidiaries, jointly-controlled entities and other related parties accounted for approximately 8.8% and 11.2% of consolidated revenue for the two years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively. For information on related party transactions, see "Item 7 - Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions - Related Party Transactions" and Note 32 to our audited consolidated financial statements. |
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Year Ended December 31, 2007 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2006 |
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(Prepared based on financial information under HKFRS) |
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Results of Operations |
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Our net profit attributable to our equity holders amounted to RMB10,244.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, representing a year-on-year decrease of RMB1,597.2 million or a decrease by 13.5% from RMB11,841.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2006. |
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Revenue |
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Our total revenue increased by RMB11,353 million from RMB64,827 million for the year 2006 to RMB76,180 million for the year 2007, representing an increase of 17.5%. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the sales of primary aluminum partially offset by decrease in the average price of primary aluminum. Our sales volume of primary aluminum to third party customers reached 3,092,600 tonnes, representing an increase of 956,700 tonnes or 44.79% from 2,135,900 tonnes of 2006. The growth was primarily attributable to the increase in the production volume of primary aluminum, as a result of the acquisition and establishment of Zunyi Aluminum and other subsidiaries and the merger with Lanzhou Aluminum. The increase in the sale of primary aluminum was also attributable to the increased efficiency in production output through technological innovation of production lines and the increase in trade sales. Our external sales volume of alumina decreased from 6,275,700 tonnes in 2006 to 6,030,900 tonnes in 200 7 primarily because of the shift of external sales of alumina to internal sales due to our acquisition. |
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Our average, external selling price of primary aluminum decreased from RMB17,463 per tonne in 2006 to RMB16,914 per tonne in 2007 due to the general market decline in demand for primary aluminum. Our external selling price of alumina also decreased from RMB3,618 per tonne in 2006 to RMB2,912 per tonne in 2007 due to the general market decline in demand for alumina. |
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Cost of Sales |
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Our total cost of sales increased by RMB13,267 million or 30.2% from RMB43,931 million in 2006 to RMB57,198 million in 2007. The increase was mainly attributable to the growth in external sales volume and the increased unit cost of sales of alumina. |
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Selling and Distribution Expenses |
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Our selling and distribution expenses increased by RMB159 million from RMB1,028 million in 2006 to RMB1,187 million in 2007, representing an increase of 15.5%, which was primarily attributable to the increase in transportation, loading/unloading and packaging expenses resulting from the growth of sales volume of primary aluminum products. |
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General and Administrative Expenses |
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General and administrative expenses increased by RMB323 million from RMB2,466 million in 2006 to RMB2,789 million in 2007, representing an increase of 13.1%. The increase was mainly attributable to the increase of approximately RMB78.0 million in tax charges other than income tax payable to the PRC tax authorities as a result of expanded business scale increase in expenses on depreciation for management equipment and administration costs by approximately RMB106.0 million and increase in losses on assets disposal. |
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Research and Development Expenses |
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Our expenditure for research and development increased by RMB112 million from RMB116 million in 2006 to RMB228 million in 2007. |
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Other Gains, Net |
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Net other gains in 2007 was RMB131 million, a decrease of RMB251 million or 65.8% from RMB382 million in 2006. This was attributable to the account of an estimated gain of RMB236 million from negative goodwill as a result of the acquisitions of subsidiaries in the year of 2006, whereas there was no such activity in 2007. |
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Operating Profit |
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As a result of the foregoing, our operating profit decreased by RMB2,759 million from RMB17,668 million in 2006 to RMB14,909 million in 2007, representing a decrease of 15.6%. Our operating profit as a percentage of sales of goods was 27.3% in 2006 and 19.6% in 2007. |
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Finance Costs, Net |
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Our net finance costs increased by RMB101 million, or 15.9% from RMB637 million in 2006 to RMB738 million in 2007. This was attributable to the increase of interest expense arising from the increase in the outstanding bank loans as well as interest rates. |
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Income Tax Expense |
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Our income tax expense decreased by RMB1,630 million, or 37.0% from RMB4,411 million in 2006 to RMB2,781 million in 2007. Of this amount, approximately RMB800 million was due to a year-on-year decrease in our profit and a decrease of an aggregate of RMB805 million due to the preferential policies on reduction and exemption of enterprise income tax for the purchase of domestically-manufactured production equipment, which resulted in decrease of income tax expense of RMB737 million as compared to 2006. In 2007, our average tax rate was 19.3%, which was lower than the average tax rate of 25.8% in 2006 and the statutory tax rate of 33.0%, primarily due to the decrease of consolidated tax rate as a result of our merger and acquisition of Lanzhou Aluminum, Baotou Aluminum, as well as the establishment of Zunyi Aluminum. The decrease was also attributable to the preferential policies that we enjoyed in 2007 in respect of the reduction and exemption of enterprise income tax for the purchase of domestically manufa ctured production equipment. |
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Minority Interest |
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Minority interest increased by RMB512 million from RMB872 million in 2006 to RMB1,384 million in 2007, primarily due to the increase in the minority interest after the acquisition of subsidiaries. |
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Profit for the Year Attributable to Equity Holders of the Company |
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As a result of the foregoing, our profit attributable to equity holders of the Company decreased by RMB1,597 million, a decrease of 13.5% from RMB11,842 million in 2006 to RMB10,245 million in 2007. |
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Year Ended December 31, 2006 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2005 |
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(Prepared based on financial information under HKFRS) |
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Results of Operations |
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Our net profit attributable to our equity holders amounted to RMB11,842 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, representing a year-on-year increase of RMB4,770 million or an increase by 67.4% from RMB7,072 million in the year ended December 31, 2005. |
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Revenue |
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Our total revenue increased by RMB24,155 million from RMB40,672 million for the year 2005 to RMB64,827 million for the year 2006, representing an increase of 59.4%. The increase was primarily due to the increase in sales volume and selling prices of our principal products, alumina and primary aluminum. Our external sales volume of primary aluminum reached 2,135,900 tonnes, representing an increase of 985,859 tonnes or 85.7% from 1,150,041 tonnes of 2005. The growth was primarily attributable to the increase of production volume of primary aluminum resulting from commencement of production of the |
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aluminum production line of Guizhou branch and the aluminum project of Shanxi-Huaze, acquisition and establishment of subsidiaries, improvement and technological renovation of other production lines and the increase in trade sales. The increase of sales volume of primary aluminum contributed to an increase of RMB13,414 million in sales. |
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The external sales volume of alumina increased from 6,074,358 tonnes in 2005 (inclusive of trade volumes of 1,055,400 tonnes) to 6,275,700 tonnes in 2006 (inclusive of trade volumes of 1,149,400 tonnes), representing an increase of 201,342 tonnes or 3.3%. The increase was mainly attributable to the increase in output from the overall operation of the 800,000 tonnes alumina phase III production line in Shanxi, and the 700,000 tonnes alumina production line in Henan during 2006. The increase of the external sales volume of alumina contributed to an increase of RMB678 million in revenue. |
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In 2006, due to the effect of the increase in the market price of primary aluminum, our average external selling price of primary aluminum products reached RMB17,463 per tonne (excluding tax, hereinafter), representing an increase of RMB2,969 per tonne or 20.5% from RMB14,494 per tonne in 2005, which contributed to an increase of RMB5,652 million in revenue. |
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In 2006, our average external selling price of alumina products reached RMB3,618 per tonne, representing an increase of RMB250 per tonne (or 7.4%) from RMB3,368 per tonne in 2005, which contributed to an increase of RMB1,830 million in revenue. |
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In 2006, the sales of alumina chemicals and other products increased by approximately RMB1 billion from 2005. |
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Cost of Sales |
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Our total cost of sales increased by RMB16,054 million or 57.6% from RMB27,877 million in 2005 to RMB43,931 million in 2006. The increase was mainly attributable to the growth in external sales volume and the increased unit cost of sales of alumina. |
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Selling and Distribution Expenses |
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Our selling and distribution expenses increased by RMB242 million from RMB786 million in 2005 to RMB1,028 million in 2006, representing an increase of 30.8%, which was primarily attributable to the increase in transportation fee, loading fee and packing fee due to the growth of sales volume of primary aluminum. |
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General and Administrative Expenses |
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General and administrative expenses increased by RMB753 million from RMB1,713 million in 2005 to RMB2,466 million in 2006, representing an increase of 43.9%. The increase was mainly attributable to the increase in expenses of approximately RMB344 million as a result of acquisitions and the establishment of subsidiaries. The related tax charges other than income tax imposed by the PRC tax authorities, salaries and welfare expenses and traveling and entertainment expenses increased by RMB183 million, RMB127 million and RMB62 million respectively due to the expanded business. |
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Research and Development Expenses |
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Our expenditure for research and development slightly increased by RMB2 million from RMB114 million in 2005 to RMB116 million in 2006. |
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Other Gains, Net |
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Net other gains in 2006 was RMB382 million, an increase of RMB350 million or 1,093.8% from RMB32 million in 2005. This was mainly attributable to the recognition of excess of interest in fair value of net identifiable assets acquired over costs of business acquisitions completed during 2006 amounting to RMB236 million. The hedging activities on primary aluminum and receipts of government grants also contributed approximately RMB135 million increase from 2005. |
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Operating Profit |
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As a result of the foregoing, our operating profit increased by RMB7,454 million from RMB10,214 million in 2005 to RMB17,668 million in 2006, representing an increase of 73.0%. Our operating profit as a percentage of sales of goods was 25.1% in 2005 and 27.3% in 2006. |
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Finance Costs, Net |
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Our net finance costs increased by RMB279 million or 77.9% from RMB358 million in 2005 to RMB637 million in 2006. The increase was primarily attributable to the fact that interest expense began to be recorded on borrowings related to the following projects upon commencement of production: Shanxi Huaze's aluminum smelting and power project, Shanxi alumina project of 800,000 tonnes and Henan alumina project of 700,000 tonnes. This led to an increase of RMB278 million in interest expense. The increase of short-term cash investment primarily contributed to the increase in interest income while the devaluation of HK$ denominated H-share proceeds in 2006 led to an exchange loss that year. |
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Income Tax Expense |
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Our income tax expense increased by RMB1,901 million or 75.7% from RMB2,510 million in 2005 to RMB4,411 million in 2006. The increase was mainly attributable to our increased profit. In 2006, our average tax rate was 25.76%, which was slightly higher than the average tax rate of 25.40% in 2005. Our income tax rate is lower than the statutory tax rate of 33.0%. This is mainly because of the preferential tax rate of 15% for our three branches in Guizhou, Guangxi and Qinghai and for our two acquired subsidiaries Baotou Aluminum and Zunyi Aluminum Company Limited, all of which are located in the western region of the PRC to qualify for the preferential tax treatment. |
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Minority Interest |
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Minority interest increased by RMB573 million from RMB299 million in 2005 to RMB872 million in 2006, primarily due to the increase in the minority interest as a result of the acquisition of subsidiaries and establishment of joint ventures, and the increase in profits of our subsidiaries. |
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Profit for the Year Attributable to Equity Holders of the Company |
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As a result of the foregoing, our profit attributable to equity holders of the Company increased by RMB4,770 million, an increase of 67.4% from RMB7,072 million in 2005 to RMB11,842 million in 2006. |
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Discussion of Segment Operations |
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We account for our operations on a segmental basis, that is, separately accounting for the alumina and primary aluminum segments as well as the corporate and other services segment. Unless otherwise indicated, also included in these segments are other revenues derived from such activities as supplying electricity, gas, heat and water to affiliates, selling scrap and other materials, and providing services including transportation and research and development to third parties. Interest income included in net finance costs is not attributed to any segments. For additional data and information relating to our business segments and segment presentation, see Note 21 to our audited consolidated financial statements. |
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The following table sets forth (i) revenue by segment for the periods indicated, and (ii) the contribution of external sales and inter-segment sales for 2007 as a percentage of revenue for such period, both before and after elimination of inter-segment sales. |
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Year Ended December 31, 2007 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2006 |
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Alumina Segment |
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Revenue.Our total revenue of the alumina segment decreased by RMB3,139 million, representing a decrease of 8.2% from RMB38,269 million in 2006 to RMB35,130 million in 2007, mainly due to a lower selling price of alumina products. |
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Revenue from the external sales of alumina segment decreased by RMB4,784 million or 18.7% from RMB25,602 million in 2006 to RMB20,818 million in 2007, mainly due to the decrease in external sales volume and decrease in the selling price of our alumina. |
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Revenue from the sales of alumina to our smelters increased by RMB1,645 million from RMB12,667 million in 2006 to RMB14,312 million in 2007, primarily due to the increase in the total demand for alumina for increased production of primary aluminum as a result of the acquisition of aluminum production enterprises. |
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Cost of sales.The total alumina segment cost of sales in 2007 increased from RMB24,410 million in 2006 to RMB26,964 million in 2007, representing a year-on-year increase of 10.5%, primarily due to an increase in sales volume of alumina and an increase in unit costs in 2007. |
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Operating Profit. Our total operating profit of alumina segment decreased by RMB5,693 million, or 41.1% from RMB13,859 million in 2006 to RMB8,166 million in 2007. |
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Primary Aluminum Segment |
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Revenue.Our total revenue for the primary aluminum segment increased by RMB15,313 million or 39.9% from RMB38,394 million in 2006 to RMB53,707 million in 2007, mainly due to the increase in our primary aluminum sales volume resulting from increased production capacity as a result of our acquisition and establishment of aluminum enterprises and technological renovation. |
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Cost of Sales.The total primary aluminum segment cost of sales in 2007 increased from RMB33,393 million in 2006 to RMB46,285 million in 2007, representing a year-on-year increase of 38.6%, primarily due to an increase in sales volume of primary aluminum in 2007. |
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Operating Profit.The primary aluminum segment recorded an operating profit of RMB7,422 million in 2007, representing an increase of RMB2,421 million as compared with RMB5,001 million in 2006. |
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Corporate and Other Services Segment |
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Our corporate and other services segment reflected the expenses of our headquarters, research and development services and product sales of our Research Institute to external customers. This segment recorded an increase in operating loss from RMB59 million in 2006 to a loss of RMB77 million in 2007. |
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Year Ended December 31, 2006 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2005 |
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Alumina Segment |
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Revenue.Our total revenue of the alumina segment increased by RMB9,583 million, representing an increase of 33.4% from RMB28,686 million in 2005 to RMB38,269 million in 2006. |
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Revenue from the external sales of alumina segment in 2006 increased by RMB3,098 million or 13.8% from RMB22,504 million in 2005 to RMB25,602 million in 2006, mainly due to the increase in external sales volume and selling price of our alumina. |
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Revenue from the sales of alumina to our smelters rose by RMB6,485 million from RMB6,182 million in 2005 to RMB12,667 million in 2006, primarily due to the increased total demand of alumina for production which was met by our increased output of primary alumina resulting from increased production capacity. |
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Cost of sales.The total alumina segment cost of sales in 2006 increased from RMB18,402 million in 2005 to RMB24,410 million in 2006, representing a year-on-year increase of 32.7%, primarily due to an increase in sales volume of alumina and an increase in unit costs in 2006. |
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Operating Profit.Our total operating profit of alumina segment increased by RMB3,575 million, or 34.8% from RMB10,284 million in 2005 to RMB13,859 million in 2006. |
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Primary Aluminum Segment |
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Revenue.Our total revenue for the primary aluminum segment increased by RMB20,428 million or 113.7% from RMB17,966 million in 2005 to RMB38,394 million in 2006, mainly due to the increase of the Group's primary aluminum sales volume and selling price. |
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Cost of Sales.The total primary aluminum segment cost of sales in 2006 increased from RMB17,504 million in 2005 to RMB33,393 million in 2006, representing a year-on-year increase of 90.8%, primarily due to an increase in sales volume of primary aluminum and an increase in unit costs in 2006. |
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Operating Profit.The primary aluminum segment recorded an operating profit of RMB5,001 million in 2006, representing an increase of RMB4,539 million as compared with RMB462 million in 2005. |
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Corporate and Other Services Segment |
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Our corporate and other services segment reflected the expenses of our headquarters, research and development services and product sales of our Research Institute to external customers. This segment recorded a decrease in operating loss from RMB103 million in 2005 to a loss of RMB59 million in 2006. |
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Working Capital and Liabilities |
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Our primary sources of funding are cash generated by operating activities, prepayments and deposits from customers, short-term and long-term borrowings, and proceeds from equity or debt offerings. Our primary uses of funds have been production-related working capital, repayments of short-term and long-term borrowings and capital expenditures. Since 2004, we have required our customers to make deposits or |
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prepayments for purchases of alumina. As of December 31, 2007, the total amount of deposits and prepayments received amounted to RMB1,053 million. Our current assets amounted to RMB26,211 million at December 31, 2007, representing a decrease of RMB912 million as compared with RMB27,123 million at December 31, 2006. |
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As of December 31, 2007, our bank balances and cash amounted to RMB7,803 million, representing a decrease of RMB5,180 million as compared with RMB12,983 million as of December 31, 2006 mainly due to redemption of matured short-term bonds of RMB3,000 million and RMB2,000 million, respectively. |
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As of December 31, 2007, our inventories amounted to RMB13,474 million, representing an increase of RMB3,528 million as compared with RMB9,946 million as of December 31, 2006. Our days of inventory in 2007 were 74 days, representing an increase of 4 days as compared with 70 days in 2006, resulting from the increased reserve of minerals and the merger of Lanzhou Aluminum. |
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Our net accounts receivable amounted to RMB2,976 million, representing an increase of RMB694 million as compared with RMB2,282 million as of December 31, 2006. Of the accounts receivable, notes receivable increased from RMB1,735 million as of December 31, 2006 to RMB2,404 million, while trade receivables increased by RMB24 million from RMB548 million as of December 31, 2006 to RMB572 million. The revenue rate of trade receivables remained relatively unchanged at approximately 5. |
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As of December 31, 2007, our current liabilities amounted to RMB18,832 million, representing a decrease of RMB4,840 million as compared with RMB23,672 million at the end of 2006. Of the current liabilities, the total short-term loans decreased by RMB532 million to RMB3,115 million in 2007 from RMB3,647 million in 2006; short-term bonds amounted to RMB3,051 million, representing a decrease of RMB1,934 million as compared to the corresponding period in 2006; and accounts payable increased by RMB382 million while current income taxes payables and other current liabilities decreased by RMB1,223 million and RMB825 million, respectively. |
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In March 2007, we obtained Board approval to issue short-term bonds in the principal amount of not more than RMB5 billion and with a maturity period of one year, which was then approved by our shareholders at the Annual General Meeting held on May 18, 2007. On June 15, 2007, we issued domestic short-term bonds in the total principal amount of RMB3 billion to supplement our working capital. We have paid off the matured bonds on June 17, 2008. |
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A resolution relating to the issue of long-term corporate bonds by us in a principal amount not exceeding RMB5.0 billion was approved at our Special General Meeting held on February 27, 2007. On March 19, 2007, we received the requisite approvals and on June 13, 2007, we issued long-term corporate bonds with maturity of ten years in the principal amount of RMB2 billion. The bonds bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.50% per annum. The proceeds raised from the bonds issuance will be used mainly for renovation or expansion of our alumina and aluminum production facilities. |
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As a result of the foregoing, our net current assets amounted to RMB7,379 million as of December 31, 2007. This represented an increase of RMB3,928 million as compared to the net current assets of RMB3,451 million as of December 31, 2006. |
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As of December 31, 2007, our current ratio (current assets/current liabilities) was 1.39, representing an increase of 0.24 as compared to 1.15 as of December 31, 2006. Our quick ratio ((current assets - inventories)/current liabilities) was 0.68, representing a decrease of 0.05 as compared to 0.73 in 2006. |
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Our gearing ratio (net debts/total capital as defined in Note 3(c) to our audited consolidated financial statements) remained relatively stable at approximately 29.99% as of December 31, 2007 (2006: 28.34%). |
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Our ability to obtain additional external financing in the future and the cost of such financing are subject to a variety of uncertainties, including: |
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As of December 31, 2007, except for a long-term of approximately 736 million Japanese yen (or equivalent of RMB47.19 million) and a short-term loan of approximately US$12 million (or equivalent of RMB85.8 million), all the other borrowings were denominated in RMB. Please also refer to Item 11 for details of interest rate structure disclosure of the borrowings above. |
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We had total bank balances and cash as of December 31, 2007 of RMB7,803 million, equivalent to US$1,070 million. Additionally, we have a history of strong earnings and of generating significant cash inflows from our continuous operating activities (cash generated from operating activities amounted to approximately RMB10,177 million, equivalent to US$1,395 million for the year ended December 31, 2007). Our Directors are of the view that we will continue to be able to meet our borrowing payment obligations as they fall due from working capital generated from our operating activities. Additionally, our Directors do not foresee any events that may have an impact on our satisfaction of such obligations. |
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As of December 31, 2007, we had secured loans of RMB526 million (including short-term loans) and we, on a stand-alone basis, provided guarantees in respect of RMB2,087 million of long-term loans for our subsidiaries. |
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As of December 31, 2007, Chinalco guaranteed RMB300 million of our bank loans. The guarantees by Chinalco and its subsidiaries to various banks in respect of banking facilities and loans granted to third parties as of December 31, 2000 remained with Chinalco after our reorganization. |
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As of December 31, 2007, we had total banking facilities of RMB49,764 million. Out of the total banking facilities granted, amounts totaling RMB16,246 million have been utilized as of December 31, 2007. Approximately RMB31,000 million in bank facilities are subject to renewals in 2008. We believe that we will be able to renew these facilities when they expire. |
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In addition, as of December 31, 2007, we had credit facilities through our primary aluminum futures agent at the LME amounting to RMB387 million, in which RMB6 million has been utilized. The futures agent has the right to adjust the related credit facilities. |
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Foreign Exchange |
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We conduct our business primarily in Renminbi, which is also our functional and reporting currency. We convert a portion of our Renminbi revenue into other currencies to meet foreign currency financial obligations and to pay for imported equipment and materials. Under current foreign currency regulations in China, to meet these needs, we are permitted to convert Renminbi into the necessary foreign currencies at authorized banks based on a presentation of the relevant contracts. We may also borrow foreign currency loans from such banks for these purposes. To the extent that we need to obtain foreign currency funding for capital projects as defined under foreign exchange regulations, we would be required to obtain approval from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. Transactions in foreign exchange are translated at exchange rates prevailing at the transaction dates. Monetary assets and liabilities expressed in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are translated at exchange rates prevailing a t the balance sheet date. Exchange differences arising in these cases are recognized as income or expense in the income statement. |
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Renminbi is not a freely convertible currency. The restrictions on foreign exchange imposed by the PRC government may result in material differences between future exchange rate and current exchange rate or historical exchange rate. The changes in the exchange rate of Renminbi will impact our ability to carry out operations relating to foreign exchange. Those changes will also impact our ability to pay dividends in HK dollars and to pay dividends of American Depository Shares in U.S. dollars. We believe that we are able to obtain sufficient foreign exchange to implement the above-mentioned obligations. In addition, our foreign currency denominated short-term bank deposits amounted to RMB309.2 million, of which RMB41.1 million was denominated in U.S. dollars, RMB107.4 million was denominated in Australian dollars and RMB128.3 million was denominated in HK dollars. Most of our sales are domestic and, as such, we have a limited amount of foreign currency denominated accounts receivable. See "Item 11 - Quanti tative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk - Foreign Exchange Rate Risk". Our sources of foreign exchange include the H Shares placement, borrowings and funds converted from Renminbi. We do not anticipate that we will incur significant additional foreign currency debts in the near future. |
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We have been, and will continue to be, affected by changes in exchange rates in connection with our ability to meet our foreign currency obligations and will be affected by such changes in connection with our ability to pay dividends on H Shares in HK dollars and on ADSs in U.S. dollars. As of December 31, 2007, we maintained bank balances of US$5.6 million, HK$137.0 million, 16.8 million Australian dollars and 3.0 million euros or the equivalent of approximately RMB309.2 million for purposes of satisfying our foreign currency obligations and paying dividends to our overseas shareholders. We believe that we have obtained or will be able to obtain sufficient foreign exchange to continue to satisfy these obligations. We do not engage in any financial contract or other arrangement to hedge our currency exposure. |
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Impact of Appreciation of Renminbi |
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We believe that, given that the price of domestic alumina is determined by referring to the price of imported alumina, the appreciation of Renminbi will affect prices of the domestic spot market of alumina. |
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However, the appreciation of Renminbi will not have a significant impact on our operations because our import and export volume and foreign currency loans were minimal in 2007. From the perspective of production costs, the appreciation of Renminbi will, to some extent, decrease our competitiveness in the international market. |
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Inflation |
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According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, China experienced inflation of 0.7% in 2001, deflation of 0.8% in 2002, inflation of 1.2%, 3.9%, 1.8%, 1.3% and 4.8% in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively. As a result, inflation in the PRC has not had a significant impact on our operating performances in recent years. |
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Trend Information |
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In 2007, China's GDP growth rate reached 11.4%. China's economy is expected to continue its strong growth in 2008, with increasingly important contribution from industrial growth. We expect the national demand for alumina and primary aluminum to grow in line with the nation's continuous economic growth. The development of the Chinese economy is expected to further support market prices of primary aluminum and alumina. |
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However, we will continue to face challenges in 2008, such as: |
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Executive Directors |
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Xiao Yaqing,aged 49, is the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, the Chairman of the Nomination Committee of the Board and is also the President of Aluminum Corporation of China. He has been employed by the Company since 2004. Mr. Xiao graduated from Central South University of Industry in 1982 majoring in pressure processing and holds a doctorate degree from Central South University of Industry. Mr. Xiao is a professor-grade senior engineer. Having engaged in such fields as metallic material research, production and corporate management, and capital operation for a long time, Mr. Xiao has outstanding achievement as well as extensive practical experience and eminent operating competence. He formerly served as an engineer, department head, deputy chief engineer and chief engineer of Northeast Light Alloy Fabrication Plant. He had also served as General Manager of Northeast Light Alloy Corporation Limited, the plant manager of Southwest Aluminum Fabrication Plant, Chairman and General Manager of Southwest Aluminum (Group) Co., Ltd. and Deputy President of Aluminum Corporation of China. |
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Luo Jianchuan,aged 45, is an Executive Director and President of the Company as well as the Chairman of Development Planning Committee of the Board. He has been employed by the Company since 2001. Mr. Luo graduated from Kunming University of Science and Technology in 1985 majoring in mining, holds a doctorate degree from Central South University of Industry and is a senior engineer. He has participated in nonferrous metal trading and corporate management for a long period of time, and thus has extensive professional experience and strong management skill in those fields. Mr. Luo formerly served as an engineer of the Lead and Zinc Bureau of China Non-ferrous Metals Industry Corporation, Manager of Haikou Nanxin Industry & Commerce Corporation, Assistant to General Manager of Jinpeng Mining Development Corporation, Deputy General Manager and General Manager of Beijing Xinquan Tech-trading Corporation, Assistant to General Manager of China Non- Ferrous Metals Industry Trading Group Corporation, D eputy Chief of the Trading Division of China Copper, Lead & Zinc Group Corporation, General Manager of China Aluminum International Trading Corporation Limited, General Manager of the Operations and Sales Division, Vice President and Senior Vice President of the Company. |
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Chen Jihua, aged 40, is an Executive Director, Vice President and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Mr. Chen has been employed by the Company since 2001. He holds a Master's degree from Central University of Finance and Economics. He has engaged in corporate and financial management for a long time and accumulated extensive and professional experience. He formerly served as Executive Manager of the International Finance Department of China Chengxin Securities Appraisal Company Limited, Financial Controller of Red Bull Vitamin Beverages Company Limited, Regional (China) Financial Controller of Saudi Arabia ALJ (China) Limited, Financial Controller of Jitong Network Communications Company Limited, the Assistant to the President of Aluminum Corporation of China and General Manager of the Company's Finance Department. |
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Liu Xiangmin, aged 46, is an Executive Director and Vice President of the Company and has been employed by the Company since 2001. Mr. Liu graduated from Central South University of Industry in 1982, majoring in non-ferrous metal science and holds a doctorate degree in Central South University of Industry. He is a professor-grade senior engineer and has participated in non-ferrous metal metallurgy and corporate management for a long term and accumulated extensive and professional experience. Mr. Liu previously served as Deputy Head and Head of the Alumina branch of Zhongzhou Aluminum Plant, Deputy Head of Zhongzhou Aluminum Plant, and General Manager of Zhongzhou branch of the Company. |
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Non-Executive Directors |
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Shi Chungui,aged 68, is a Non-executive Director of the Company and a member of the Expert Advisory Committee of China Cinda Asset Management Corporation. He has been employed by the Company since 2005. He graduated from Northeast University of Finance and Economics and majoring in accounting in 1964. Mr. Shi is a senior economist with extensive experience in finance, government and corporate management. Mr. Shi was previously Head of Commerce Bureau of Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province, the Standing Deputy Mayor of Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province, President of Hebei Branch of China Construction Bank, President of Beijing Branch of China Construction Bank, Deputy President of the Head Office of China Construction Bank and Deputy President of China Cinda Asset Management Corporation. |
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Independent Non-Executive Directors |
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Kang Yi, aged 68, is an Independent Non-Executive Director and the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee of the Company. Mr. Kang has served as an Independent Non-Executive Director of the Company since 2004. Mr. Kang graduated from Central South University of Industry in 1965 majoring in the metallurgy of non-ferrous metals. He is a professor-grade senior engineer and has engaged in corporate management and civil service for a long term. Mr. Kang has extensive experience and is currently Chairman of the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association. He is also a member of the China Association for Science and Technology, Chairman of Non-ferrous Metals Society of China and an Independent Non-Executive Director of Jiangxi Copper Company Limited. Mr. Kang once served as factory manager of Qingtongxia Aluminum Plant, Head of the Economic Committee of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Deputy General Manager of China Non-ferrous Metals Industry Corporation, Deputy Head of the State Non-ferrous Metals Indus try Bureau and a member of the previous session of National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference ("CPPCC"). |
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Zhang Zhuoyuan,aged 74, is an Independent Non-Executive Director of the Company. He is a member of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and a researcher of Institute of Economics. Mr. Zhang graduated from the Faculty of Economics of Zhongnan University of Economics and has achieved extensive and professional accomplishment in such aspects as political economy, price theory and marketing. Mr. Zhang had consecutively served as the director and researcher of the Institute of Finance, Trade and Economics of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the chief editor of "Finance & Trade Economics" and a tutor of doctorate students, director, researcher and tutor of doctorate students of the Institute of Industrial Economics of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, director, researcher and tutor of doctorate students of the Institute of Economics of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. He is the chief editor of Economics Research Journal. Mr. Zhang is also a member of the Ninth and Tenth Sessions of CPPCC, deputy director of China Association of Pricing, China Society of Urban Economy and Chinese Society for Urban Studies, director of Chinese Society for Cost Studies and Secretary-General of Foundation of Sun Ye Fang Economics and Science. Mr. Zhang is also currently an Independent Director of Jiangnan Securities Co.Ltd. |
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Wang Mengkui,aged 70, was elected as an Independent Nonexecutive Director of the Company on May 9, 2008. Mr. Wang is an economist. He graduated from School of Economics, Beijing University. He is a professor and doctor advisor of Beijing University. He has engaged in long-term on economic theory analysis and economic policy and he is experienced in economic theory and practice. He had served in the magazine "Red Flag" and First Ministry of Machine Building Industry and served as a vice head and researcher of the economic team of the research office of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, the governing member of the State Development and Planning Commission, the executive vice director of economic research centre of the State Development and Planning Commission, the vice director and director of the Development Research Center of the State Council. He also served as a member of the tenth Standing Committee of NPC, the vice director of Financial and Economic Affairs Committee of NPC. He has participated in the drafting of many important documents of China's government, and took charge of various important research topics such as national economic and social development and economic system reform. He has many publications in economics and other areas. |
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Zhu Demiao,aged 44, was elected as an Independent Nonexecutive Director of the Company on May 9 2008. Zhu Demiao is the managing director of Oaktree Capital (Hong Kong) Ltd. He graduated from the University of Chicago GSB with a MBA degree, and obtained a master's degree in economics from the Research Institute for Fiscal Science, Ministry of Finance, PRC and obtained a bachelor's degree in economics from Hebei Geological Institute. Mr. Zhu is a PRC Certified Public Accountant. He has extensive experience in finance and international capital market. He had participated in financing, auditing and consultation project in several multinational companies as well as merger and acquisition project of large scale enterprises. Mr. Zhu served as the managing director, member of executive committee of Asia-pacific region and chairman of operation committee of great China region of JP Morgan Chase & Co. and served as the head of China business in equity capital market department and the investment bank d epartment of Credit Suisse First Boston. He also worked in the investment analysis department of the FMC Corporation in Chicago, and served in the Ministry of Finance, PRC. |
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Supervisors |
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Our supervisors are elected to represent our employees and shareholders and serve a term of three years or until the election of their respective successors. Mr. Luo Tao and Mr. Ou Xiaowu resigned as Chairman of the Supervisory Committee and Supervisor of the Company, respectively, with effect from August 23, 2006, and Mr. Ao Hong and Mr. Zhang Zhankui were appointed as Chairman of the Supervisory Committee and Supervisor respectively at the Extraordinary General Meeting on October 13, 2006. On May 18, 2007, Mr. Ao Hong, Mr. Yuanli and Mr. Zhang Zhankui were elected to renew their terms of office. |
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The supervisors convened two meetings in 2007. The table and discussion below set forth certain information concerning our supervisors. |
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Ding Haiyan,aged 50, is Vice President of the Company and has been employed by the Company since 2001. Graduating from Capital University of Economics and Business in 1982 majoring in Labor Economics, Mr. Ding holds a Master's degree in Economics and is a senior economist with extensive experience in labor, wages, insurance, merger and acquisition of enterprises and capital operation. He once served as Head of Labor Wage Division of the Human Resource Department and Deputy Director of the Bureau of Labor and Insurance of China Nonferrous Metals Industry Corporation, the Deputy Director-General of the Enterprise Reform Department of the State Bureau of Non-ferrous Metals Industry as well as Head Manager of the Department of Asset Operation, Deputy Head of the Listing Office and Assistant to President of Aluminum Corporation of China, and was an Executive Director and the Secretary of the Board of the Company. |
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Jiang Yinggang,aged 45, is Vice President of the Company and General Manager of Qinghai branch of the Company. Grauduating in 1983 from Central South University of Industry majoring in the metallurgy of non-ferrous metals, Mr. Jiang holds a Master's degree in metallurgy engineering of non-ferrous metals and is a professor-grade senior engineer. He has participated in production operation and corporate management of production enterprises for a long period of time and has extensive professional experience. He has served as Deputy Head and Head of Corporate Management Department of Qinghai Aluminum Plant, Head of Qinghai Aluminum Smelter, Deputy General Manager and General Manager of Qinghai Aluminum Company Limited, and General Manager of Qinghai branch of the Company. |
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Liu Qiang,aged 44, is Secretary to the Board and has been employed by the Company since 2001. Ms. Liu holds a Master's degree in English literature and is a deputy senior translator. She studied finance and business administration at the University of International Business and Economics, Beijing for one year. Ms. Liu has extensive experience in the import and export of non-ferrous metals and analysis of the aluminum market. She once served in the finance department of Hong Kong Oriental Xiyuan (Holdings) Company Limited. Ms. Liu formerly served as Manager of the finance department of the Australian branch of China National Non-Ferrous Metals Import and Export Corporation; a senior market analyst for the Aluminum Industry in China National Non-Ferrous Metals Trading Group and China National Metals and Minerals Import and Export Corporation as well as Deputy Manager of the Import and Export Division of China Aluminum International Trading Co., Ltd. |
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Audit Committee |
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On May 9, 2008, Mr. Poon Yiu Kin, Samuel, former Chairman of the audit committee, resigned from the position of Independent Non-Executive Director and Mr. Wang Mengkui and Mr. Zhu Demiao were elected as new Independent Non-Executive Directors. Currently, our audit committee consists of four Independent Non-Executive Directors, namely, Mr. Wang Mengkui, Mr. Zhu Demiao, Mr. Kang Yi and Mr. Zhang Zhuoyuan. Mr. Zhu Demiao is Chairman of the audit committee. Our audit committee satisfies the requirements of Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act and NYSE Rule 303A.06 relating to audit committees, including the requirements relating to independence of the audit committee members. The primary duties of our audit committee as set out in the committee charter are to review our annual and interim financial reports, review and approve the selection of and remuneration paid to our independent auditors, approve audit and audit-related services, approve related party transactions, supervise our internal financial reporting pro cess, including our internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures, supervise our internal and external auditors, and review management policies. The audit committee convened four meetings in 2007. |
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Remuneration Committee |
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We established a Remuneration and Nomination Committee under the Board. At the first meeting of the Third Session of the Board held on May 18, 2007, Remuneration and Nomination Committee was divided into two committees, namely Remuneration Committee and Nomination Committee. On May 9, 2008, Mr. Poon Yiu Kin, Samuel, resigned from the position of independent non-executive director and Mr. Wang, Mengkui and Mr. Zhu, Demiao were elected as new members of the remuneration committee. Currently, our remuneration committee consists of one Executive Director, namely Mr. Chen Jihua and two Independent Non-Executive Directors, Mr. Kang Yi, and Mr. Zhang Zhuoyuan. Mr. Kang Yi serves as the Chairman of the Committee. |
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Committee members' responsibilities as set out in the committee charter include reviewing compensation policies and performance appraisals with respect to the Directors and senior management, reviewing the regulations of assessment of achievement and performance of Executive Directors and senior managers. In 2007, Remuneration Committee convened one meeting, mainly focusing on the withdrawal of discretionary bonus of the Company's Directors, Supervisors and Senior Management, and the proposal in relation to liability insurance of the Company's Directors, Supervisors and Senior Management. |
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Nomination Committee |
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We established a Remuneration and Nomination Committee under the Board. At the first meeting of the Third Session of the Board held on May 18, 2007, Remuneration and Nomination Committee was divided into two committees, namely Remuneration Committee and Nomination Committee. On May 9, 2008, Mr. Poon Yiu Kin, Samuel, resigned from the position of Independent Non-Executive Director. Currently, the nomination committee consists of two Executive Directors, namely Mr. Xiao Yaqing and Mr. Luo Jianchuan and two Independent Non-executive Directors, Mr. Kang Yi, and Mr. Zhang Zhuoyuan. Mr. Xiao Yaqing serves as the Chairman of the Committee. |
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Committee members' responsibilities as set out in the committee charter include reviewing and |
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recommending selection of Independent Directors and members of the committees under the Board of Directors, approving the terms of Directors service contracts, and the appointment and removal of senior executives. In 2007, the Committee convened two meetings, mainly focusing on nomination of candidates for the Chief Executive Officer, President and Secretary of the Board of our Company and other members of the Board. |
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We follow our home country practice in relation to the composition of our nomination committee in reliance on the exemption provided under NYSE Corporate Governance Rule 303A.00 available to foreign private issuers. Our home country practice does not require us to establish a nomination committee which must be composed entirely of independent directors. |
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Planning and Development Committee |
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We have established a strategic planning and development committee which consists of Executive Directors, Mr. Luo Jianchuan, Mr. Liu Xiangmin, Mr. Ding Haiyan, Mr. Yu Xin Xing and Mr. Xie Hong. Mr. Luo Jianchuan was Chairman of the Committee. In accordance with the committee charter, the committee reviews and assesses our strategic plans for development, fiscal budgeting, investment, business operations and annual rates of return on investments. |
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Disclosure Committee |
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Our disclosure committee consists of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and other senior management members. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer serve as the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the committee, respectively. The committee implements our disclosure controls and procedures and reviews information disclosed to ensure accurate, open and timely disclosure. All discloseable information (including annual and interim results) shall be subject to the approval of the Company's Disclosure Committee with the Chief Executive Officer as its Chairman. For the purpose of discloseable financial statements and the relevant information, the Chief Financial Officer shall confirm that the Company's results and financial position have been reflected on a true and fair basis under relevant accounting principles and requirements. |
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Compensation |
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Directors', Supervisors' and Senior Officers' Compensation |
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The aggregate amount of cash compensation paid by us to our Directors (not including our Independent Directors), Supervisors and senior management in 2007 for services performed as Directors, Supervisors and officers or employees of our Company was approximately RMB7.1 million. The aggregate amount of cash compensation paid by us to our Supervisors and senior management in 2007 was approximately RMB0.6 million and RMB1.8 million, respectively. Our Executive Directors and Supervisors who are employees also receive compensation in the form of housing allowances, other allowances and benefits, as well as our contribution to the pension plans. Directors and Supervisors who are not employed by us receive fees for their services. We have entered into three-year service contracts with all of our Directors and Supervisors. None of these service contracts provides benefits to our Directors upon termination. |
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Details of the emoluments paid to the Company's Directors during the reporting period are as follows: |
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We are not aware of any arrangement that may at a subsequent date result in a change of control of Chalco. |
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On May 9, 2006, we placed 644,100,000 H Shares in the share capital of our Company at a price of HK$7.25 per H Share ("Placing Shares"). The Placing Shares comprise (i) 600,000,000 new H Shares to be allotted and issued by the Company and (ii) 44,100,000 H Shares to be converted from the same number of existing State-owned domestic shares that are to be allocated from Chinalco to the National Social Security Fund Council (the "NSSF") of the PRC, in reliance upon Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933. The Placing Shares represent approximately 5.83% of then issued share capital of our Company and approximately 5.53% of then issued share capital of our Company as enlarged by the issuance of the new H Shares. The Placing shares were listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on May 19, 2006. |
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On April 30, 2007, dealings in the A Shares on the Shanghai Stock Exchange commenced. We initially offered 1,236,731,739 A Shares in exchange for the existing issued shares of Shandong Aluminum and Lanzhou Aluminum, other than those held by us. Our total share capital increased to 12,886.6 million shares from 11,649.9 million shares. |
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On December 28, 2007, we offered 637,880,000 A Shares in exchange for the existing issued shares of Baotou Aluminum, resulting in the total share capital of the Company increasing by 637,880,000 shares to 13,524,487,892 shares. |
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To the best of our knowledge, as of December 31, 2007, none of the outstanding H Shares was held by United States holders of record, and all of the outstanding ADSs were held by 96 United States holders of record. There were no non-PRC holders holding A Shares of record. Our ADS ratio changed from one (1) ADS representing one hundred (100) H Shares to one (1) ADS representing twenty-five (25) H Shares. The ratio change is effected with respect to |
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the holders of ADSs of record on October 6, 2006. The new ADSs have been distributed to the holders of ADSs on October 11, 2006. |
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As an owner of at least 30% of our issued and outstanding shares, the parent company is deemed a controlling shareholder and therefore may not exercise its voting rights relating to our shares with respect to various matters in a manner prejudicial to the interests of our other shareholders. See "Item 10. Additional Information - Memorandum and Articles of Association". In accordance with our Articles of Association, each share of our capital stock has one vote and the shares of the same class have the same rights. Other than the restrictions noted in the first sentence of this paragraph, the voting rights of our major holders of domestic shares are identical to those of any other holders of our domestic shares, and the voting rights of our major holders of H Shares are identical to those of our other holders of H Shares. Holders of domestic shares and H Shares are deemed to be shareholders of different classes for some matters, which may affect their respective interests. Holders of H Shares and domestic shares are entitled to the same voting rights. |
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Related Party Transactions |
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Connected Transactions under Hong Kong Listing Rules |
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Under the HKSE Listing Rules, transactions between connected persons and us constitute connected transactions and such transactions are normally subject to reporting, announcement and/or shareholders' approval unless otherwise waived by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Under the HKSE Listing Rules, Chinalco, Guangxi Baise, Guizhou Development and Shanxi Zhangze, are considered our connected persons. According to certain waivers granted by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on December 22, 2003, our Independent Non-executive Directors must review and certify annually that the contracts entered into between our connected persons and us are based on normal commercial terms that are fair and reasonable. Commencing on June 7, 2004, our Audit Committee pre-approves related-party transactions in accordance with the NYSE Listing Rules. The following transactions are exempted from the strict compliance of the requirements under the Listing Rules in relation to connected transactions, subject to certain conditions as stated in the waiver letter issued by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. |
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Although connected transactions are not synonymous with related party transactions, the concepts are sufficiently similar that the following description of our connected transactions would satisfy the disclosure requirements under U.S. securities laws. See the table below for a list of the amounts paid under such transactions for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007. |
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We have the following ongoing connected transactions with our connected persons. |
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Comprehensive Social Welfare and Logistics Agreement |
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Chinalco provides certain social welfare and logistics services on a continuing basis to us. To regulate our relationship with Chinalco in this regard, we have entered into the Comprehensive Social and Logistics Services Agreement with Chinalco on November 5, 2001 for the provision of social welfare and logistics services. |
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On October 12, 2007 our shareholders approved the revision of the annual limits for the amount of connected transactions, mainly due to an expected increase of costs and charges for Chinalco to provide cement, coal, transportation and other related products and services. Such costs and charges are expected to continue to increase in line with the increase in the market prices and the growth of PRC economy. Further, with the expansion in the Company's production capabilities, the use of the products and services provided by Chinalco is expected to increase accordingly. |
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General Agreement on Mutual Provision of Production Supplies and Ancillary Services |
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Chinalco retained certain non-core assets and businesses relating to ancillary production supplies and services which include assets and businesses for, among other things, (a) the supply of various raw materials required in the course of production of alumina and primary aluminum; (b) the provision of transportation and loading services; and (c) the provision of production supporting service, which continue to provide ancillary production supplies and services to us on an ongoing basis. |
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The domestic supply of coal, electricity, fuel and logistics services in 2005 and 2006 was in short supply, the situation remains the same in 2007 and is expected to continue into the future, causing the relevant costs of the production supplies and services of Chinalco to continue to increase. |
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In addition, following the completion of several of our newly built alumina facilities, the upgrading of certain of our alumina productions, and the completion of several domestic mergers and acquisitions by us, our production capacity of smelting and alumina is expected to experience significant increases, and the need for the production supplies and ancillary services provided by Chinalco will accordingly increase significantly. |
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Chinalco also retained all its assets and businesses relating to aluminum fabrication (except for aluminum fabrication capacity of Shandong Aluminum). It purchases its supply of primary aluminum as well as other alumina products from us. On the other hand, Chinalco transferred to us (a) operating assets and businesses for the production of alumina, primary aluminum, scrap materials, coal and pitch, and (b) assets and businesses for provision of ancillary production supplies and services which include, among other things, the supply of electricity, gas, heat and water, spare parts and the provision of repair and maintenance services. Such assets and businesses continue to provide ancillary production supplies and services to Chinalco. |
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As the subsidiaries of Chinalco has continued to increase, including companies such as Ruimin Aluminum Strap Company Limited and Lanzhou Liancheng Aluminum Industrial Company Limited, the need for these subsidiaries to purchase our products has also increased accordingly and hence, larger quantities of alumina are being purchased from us. On October 12, 2007 our shareholders approved the revision of the annual limits of the transactions under the Mutual Supply Agreement with Chinalco for the three financial years ending December 31, 2009 in order to cater for the increased volume and value of mutual supply transactions with Chinalco and its associates. |
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The revision of annual limits are primarily due to (a) the mergers and acquisition by Chinalco of several large-scale aluminum production plants during 2006 and early 2007 which led to increased amount and volume of purchases of alumina by Chinalco and its relevant associates from us; (b) Chalco International Trading directly purchasing primary aluminum from Chinalco and its relevant associates instead of acting as an agent for such purchases as previously arranged. |
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Mineral Supply Agreement |
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Chinalco retained certain assets and businesses relating to several small bauxite mines and limestone quarries in respect of which the mining rights have not been transferred to us. Chinalco continues to provide bauxite and limestone to us on an ongoing basis. Chinalco also purchases bauxite and limestone from other mines and re-sells them to us. |
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To formalize the relationship between Chinalco and us in these respects, we entered into a Mineral Supply Agreement with Chinalco on November 5, 2001. |
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Two of our new alumina production facilities commenced production in 2007, which increased the demand for bauxite and limestone. We expect the costs and volume of purchase of these minerals by us to continue to increase in the coming two financial years ending December 31, 2009. |
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Provision of Engineering, Construction and Supervisory Services Agreement |
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Chinalco has retained all its operating assets and liabilities relating to metallurgical construction and construction supervisory services and Luoyang Research Institute for Non-ferrous Metals Processing, which specializes in engineering design. The other operating assets and liabilities relating to engineering design services have been transferred to us. |
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Chinalco has provided and is expected to continue to provide metallurgical design, construction and supervisory services to us and we have provided and are expected to continue to provide various research and development services relating to engineering design to Chinalco. |
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We have entered into a Provision of Engineering, Construction and Supervisory Services Agreement with Chinalco dated November 5, 2001, relating to the provision of such engineering design, construction and supervisory services, which was renewed on December 26, 2006. |
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Land Use Rights Leasing Agreement |
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Chinalco has leased to us all the 445 pieces or parcels of land for the purposes of all aspects of our operations and businesses. On November 5, 2001, we entered into the Land Use Rights Leasing Agreement with Chinalco for the leasing of these 445 parcels of land covering an aggregate area of approximately 58.22 million square meters, which are located in six provinces in the PRC. The annual rent payable to Chinalco is approximately RMB239.1 million. |
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As a result of the adjustment in the standard land price and land use tax made by relevant local authorities in 2004, Chinalco was required to pay an extra tax amount of RMB66.0 million in 2004. On January 11, 2005, after arm's length negotiations between Chinalco and us, we agreed to bear the annual tax increment beginning from January 1, 2004, pursuant to which our payment of the rental for land use right increased from RMB173.0 million to RMB239.1 million. We had applied and recommended to the HKSE for the amendment of maximum amount of annual land use right payable by us be adjusted from RMB200.0 million to RMB250.0 million. |
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Due to the adjustment of land tax in Zhongzhou branch and Shanxi branch, and at the request of Chinalco, we have agreed to bear the increase in land tax of approximately RMB44.9 million of these two branch factories of the Company. The relevant land use rights were leased to us pursuant to the Land Use Right Leasing Agreement between our Company and Chinalco dated November 5, 2001. Payment by us of the increased land tax for Chinalco is expected to exceed the annual limit of this category of continuing connected transactions of RMB250 million in 2006. Therefore, we revised the annual cap for the Land Use Right Leasing Agreement for the year ending December 31, 2006 to RMB290 million. |
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On August 20, 2007, based on an appraisal report dated April 30, 2007 prepared by China Enterprise Appraisal Company Limited, an independent valuer qualified in the PRC, the total annual rental of the land use rights of the land leased by Chinalco to us was increased to RMB620.0 million commencing from January 1, 2007. The appraisal of the prevailing market rent was made pursuant to a provision for rental adjustment in the Land Use Right Leasing Agreement. Under the Listing Rules of the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Listing Rules, the aforesaid revision of annual rental was not required to be approved by the Independent Directors of the Company. |
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On February 25, 2008, Chinalco and we entered into a supplemental agreement, pursuant to which the total annual rental of the land use rights in connection with the land leased by Chinalco to us was further increased from RMB620.0 million to RMB1 billion for each of the two years ending 31 December 2009 (the "Supplemental Agreement"). We revised annual cap of the exempt continuing connected transaction (i.e. RMB1 billion) on March 6, 2008. |
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The revised annual renewal for the two financial years ending December 31, 2009 resulted from (i) the increase in the PRC land use rights tax pursuant to the relevant PRC laws and regulations; (ii) the increase in the total area of leased land in relation to the mergers and acquisitions that took place in 2007; and (iii) the increase in the total number of plots of land leased by our subsidiaries in 2007. We made announcement regarding details of this revisions on March 6, 2008. |
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The revised annual cap of this exempt continuing connected transaction (i.e. RMB1 billion) also provides ample contingency to accommodate the possible fluctuations resulting in any changes in market conditions given the increasing volatility of rentals of the properties in the PRC and our possible future acquisitions of assets from Chinalco as part of its business development plan. |
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The transactions under the Supplemental Agreement constitute continuing connected transactions of us under the Listing Rules. The revised annual rental of RMB1 billion is less than 2.5% of the applicable percentage ratio under the Listing Rules. The rental revision is required to be disclosed by way of announcement but is not required to be approved by the independent shareholders of the Company. |
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Buildings Leasing Agreement |
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At the Special General Meetings of the Company held on February 27, 2007, it was approved to aggregate the rental payable to Chinalco under the Buildings Leasing Agreement dated November 5, 2001 with the rent payable under the Head Office Leasing Agreement to China Aluminum Development Company Limited under one category of continuing connected transactions and apply for an aggregate annual limit of RMB100 million for each of the three years ending December 31, 2009. |
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Chinalco transferred to us, among other operating assets, ownership of the buildings and properties for the operation of our core businesses, with Chinalco retaining the buildings and properties for its remaining operations. We leased to Chinalco and Chinalco leased to us a number of buildings and properties for ancillary uses, which include buildings and properties mainly for offices, dormitory, canteen and storage purposes. The buildings and properties we lease to Chinalco comprise 59 buildings with an aggregate gross floor area of 62,819 square meters. In turn, the buildings and properties Chinalco leases to us for ancillary uses comprise 100 buildings with an aggregate gross area of 273,637 square meters. We entered into the Buildings Leasing Agreement on November 5, 2001 with Chinalco, regarding the terms and conditions for the lease of these buildings and properties. |
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At the time of the 2003 Waiver Renewal, the annual limit for the Buildings Leasing Agreement was set at RMB12 million, being the estimated total amount of rent payable by us to Chinalco in respect of approximately 100 buildings leased by us from Chinalco pursuant to the Buildings Leasing Agreement dated November 5, 2001. Due to the steady growth of the PRC economy, we expect the aggregate amount of rental payable by us to Chinalco to increase during the next three years. On March 28, 2005, we entered into a tenancy agreement with China Aluminum Development Company Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chinalco, in respect of the office premises at 12th to 16th floors and 18th to 31st floors of No. 62 North Xizhimen Street, Hai Dian District, Beijing, PRC with an aggregate gross floor area of 30,160.81 square meters for a term of three years. The annual rent amounts to RMB61.6 million, determined according to the prevailing market rate. The eight months' period from February 15, 2005 to October 14, 2005 du ring renovation was rent free. |
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Due to the recent increase in rent of office premises in Beijing, we, at the request of China Aluminum Development Company Limited, has agreed to make prepayment of the annual rent and property management fees of the leased premises for the remaining two years of the tenancy. The prepayment amounted to RMB145,314,782. Considering the rapid and steady economic growth in the PRC during the past three years and the general trend of rental increase during the same years, the Directors propose an annual cap of RMB100 million for the three years ending December 31, 2009. During 2006, we made a prepayment of RMB74 million per year for the next two years to Chinalco in respect of the head office rental and property management fees. |
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Aluminum Ingots and Alumina Supply Agreement |
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Our Directors propose to aggregate the annual limits of the supply of aluminum ingots and alumina to Guangxi Nonferrous Metal under the Aluminum Ingots and Alumina Supply Agreement dated November 5, 2001 with the annual limits of Alumina Supply Agreement with Guangxi Baise under one category of continuing connected transactions and to apply an aggregate annual limit of RMB450 million for each of the two years ending December 31, 2009. |
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In addition, Guangxi Baise, which is a subsidiary of Guangxi Investments will enter into the Baise Agreement with us for the supply of alumina to Guangxi Baise. As Guangxi Baise is a 48% subsidiary of Guangxi Investments, it is therefore an associate of Guangxi Investments and a connected person of us. The Baise Agreement between the Company and Guangxi Baise has a term from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2009. Under the agreement, Guangxi Baise shall purchase from us a total of 270,000 tonnes of alumina, of which 70,000 tonnes shall be delivered by us to Guangxi Baise for the year ending December 31, 2007 and 100,000 tonnes shall be delivered for each of the two years ending December 31, 2009. |
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Aluminum Ingots Agency Agreement |
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Guizhou Development has been and is expected to continue to be our agent for the distribution and sale of our aluminum ingots and related products for a commission. Such transactions between Guizhou Development and us are connected transactions within the meaning of the Listing Rules. |
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To regulate the relationship between Guizhou Development and ourselves in this respect, we entered into an agency agreement relating to the sale of aluminum ingots with Guizhou Development as our agent on November 5, 2001. |
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Agreement on Management of Electricity Generators |
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On January 15, 2003, we entered into a joint venture agreement with Shanxi Zhangze Electricity Company Limited ("Shanxi Zhangze") for the establishment of a joint venture company named as Shanxi Huaze. We hold 60% equity interest in Shanxi Huaze and Shanxi Zhangze holds the remaining 40%. Under the Listing Rules, Shanxi Zhangze is a substantial shareholder of Shanxi Huaze, one of our subsidiaries, and therefore a connected person of us. |
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On December 4, 2007, Shanxi Huaze entered into a management agreement (the "Management Agreement") with Shanxi Zhangze for the management of No. 3 and No. 4 generating units of Shanxi Huaze by Shanxi Zhangze at a fixed management fee per Kilowatt hour. Pursuant to the Management Agreement, Shanxi Zhangze is responsible for the management of the two electricity generators and is responsible for all liabilities arising from any accidents within its responsibility for the fuel costs and fixed costs, including but not limited to payment of water fee, raw materials, salaries, maintenance and taxes etc. of the two electricity generators; and Shanxi Zhangze was to manage the two electricity generators in accordance with the terms of the management specified in the management agreement. It is estimated that the annual management fee payable to Shanxi Zhangze under the Management Agreement will be approximately RMB13 million. The contracting arrangement with initial estimation of RMB800 million is no longer applic able to such transactions. The transaction was announced on December 4, 2007. |
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Share Exchange with Shandong Aluminum and Lanzhou Aluminum in April 2007 |
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According to the merger agreement entered into between Lanzhou Aluminum and our Company on December 28, 2006, we merged with Lanzhou Aluminum by way of share exchange, which included an exchange of non-tradable Lanzhou Shares by the issue of new A Shares of our Company to Lanzhou Aluminum Factory, a shareholder of Lanzhou Aluminum. As all the equity interest of Lanzhou Aluminum Factory had been transferred to Chinalco at nil consideration, Lanzhou Aluminum Factory hence became a related party of our Company. As such, the transaction stated above constituted a connected transaction under the Listing Rules of Hong Kong. The transaction was approved by the independent shareholders of our Company at the special general meeting held on February 27, 2007. On April 24, 2007, our Company completed the share exchange with Lanzhou Aluminum Factory. |
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Share Exchange with Baotou Aluminum in December 2007 |
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According to the share exchange agreement entered into between our Company and Baotou Aluminum on July 20, 2007, we merged with Baotou Aluminum by way of share exchange, including exchanging non-tradable Baotou Shares by issuance of new A Shares of our Company to Baotou Aluminum (Group), the shareholder of Baotou Aluminum. The aforesaid transaction was approved by independent shareholders of our Company at the special general meeting held on October 20, 2007. On December 28, 2007, we completed the share exchange with Baotou Aluminum. |
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Equity transfer Agreement on November 23, 2007 |
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Chinalco transferred its 49% equity interests in Hewan Power Plant through an open tender process conducted through China Beijing Equity Exchange. Such stake started trading on the Equity Exchange China Beijing Exchange on October 26, 2007. Based on the open tender result, such equity was transferred to us at the consideration of RMB497 million. On November 23, 2007, we entered into an equity transfer agreement, prior to which, we and Chinalco respectively held 51% and 49% equity interest in Hewan Power Plant. Subsequent to the equity transfer, Chinalco ceased to hold any equity of Hewan Power Plant, and Hewan Power Plant became our wholly-owned subsidiary. |
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We provide the following additional information on material related party transactions during the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007: |
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Our objects and purposes |
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Our Articles of Association as amended from time to time are filed with the Hong Kong Companies Registrar. Our business scope can be found in Article 13 of our Articles of Association, as amended at the Annual General Meeting held on May 9, 2008, which includes exploration and mining of bauxite and limestone mines; production and sales of bauxite and magnesite products, smelted products and processed products; production and sale of carbon products, relevant non-ferrous metal products, water, electricity, industrial oxygen and nitrogen; production, sales, loading, unloading and transportation of autoclaved fly ash brick; exploration design, construction and installation; manufacture, installation and maintenance of mechanical equipment, spare parts, non-standard equipment; repair of automobiles and engineering machinery, manufacture and sale of automobile of special process; road transportation for cargo; installation, repair, inspection and sales of telecommunication and test instruments; automatic measu rement control, network, software system design and installation debugging; operation of office automation and instruments; relevant technological development and technical service. |
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Directors' power to vote on matters in which he or she has an interest |
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Under Article 169, a Director shall not vote in any resolution of the Board of Directors for approving any contract, transaction or arrangement in which such Director or any of his associates (as defined in the applicable rules governing the listing of securities amended from time to time) is materially interested, and shall not be either counted into the quorum of the meeting. Unless the interested director has disclosed his or her interest to the Board of Directors in accordance with the Article 169 and the contract, transaction or arrangement has been approved by the Board of Directors at a meeting in which the interested Director is not counted in the quorum and has refrained from voting, a contract, transaction or arrangement in which such Director is materially interested is voidable at the instance of our Company except as against a bona fide party thereto acting without notice of the breach of duty by such Director. |
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Borrowing powers |
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Subject to compliance with applicable laws and regulations of the PRC, we have the power to raise and borrow money which power includes (without limitation) the issuance of debentures and the charging or mortgaging of part or whole of our business or properties and other rights permitted. The Articles of Association do not contain any specific provision in respect of the manner in which borrowing powers may be exercised by the Directors nor do they contain any specific provision in respect of the manner in which such powers may be varies, other than (a) provisions which give the Directors the power to formulate proposals for the issuance of debentures by us; (b) Article 86(2) provides that the issuance of bond must be approved by the shareholders in a general meeting by way of a special resolution; and (c) Article 108(4) provides that the Directors have the power to formulate our annual final financial budgets and final accounts which shall be passed by over half of the Directors. |
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Age limit for retirement |
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There is no provision pertaining to the retirement of Directors pursuant to an age limit requirement in our Articles of Association. |
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Directors' qualifying shares |
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Under Article 103, the Directors are not required to hold any qualifying shares. |
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Dividend rights |
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Article 54(1) provides that holders of our common shares have the right to receive dividends and distribution of profits in other forms, in proportion to the number of shares held. Under Article 48, when we convoke a general shareholders' meeting, allocate dividends, liquidates or perform other activities that require the verification of equity rights, the board of directors or the general meeting convener must specify a date as the equity rights determination date. The shareholders registered in the shareholder roster after closing as at the equity rights determination date are the Company's shareholders entitled to appropriate rights and interests. |
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Voting rights |
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Article 54(2) provides that holders of our ordinary shares have the right to lawfully request, convene, chair, attend in person or appoint a proxy to attend and vote at general meetings of shareholders in respect of the number of shares held. |
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Rights to share profits |
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Article 60(7) provides that a plan for profit distribution and a plan for making up for losses formulated by the Board of Directors in accordance with Article 108(6) must be approved by way of the shareholders' general meeting. |
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Rights to share surplus in the event of liquidation |
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Article 54(6) provides that the shareholders have the right to participate in the distribution of our surplus assets in proportion to the number of shares held in the event of the termination or liquidation of us. |
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Redemption provisions; sinking fund provisions and liability to further capital calls |
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Article 29 provides that we may repurchase issued shares in accordance with the procedures provided in the Articles of Association and with the approvals from the relevant governing authorities of PRC under the following circumstances: (1) cancellation of shares for the purpose of reducing our capital; (2) amalgamation with other company which owns our shares; (3) granting bonus shares to our employees; (4)shareholders disagreeing with our general meeting's resolution on merger or division and requiring us to acquire the shares in their possession; (5) other purposes permitted by law and administrative regulations. |
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No securities issued by us are (a) redeemable, (b) entitled to a sinking fund or (c) subject to liability for further capital calls. |
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Actions necessary to change the rights of holders of our shares or holders of a class of shares |
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Under Article 86(5), revision of any rights of class shareholders, e.g., rights to dividends, share profits or surplus in the event of liquidation or voting rights, requires a special resolution of the shareholders' general meeting. Under Article 79, a special resolution must be passed by votes representing more than two-thirds of the voting rights represented by the shareholders (including proxies) present at the meeting. |
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The rights attached to any class of shares may be varied or abrogated only with the sanction of a special resolution passed at the shareholders' general meeting and by holders of shares of the affected class passed at a separate general meeting of the class convened in accordance with the Article 97 to Article 101 respectively. The circumstances which are deemed to be a variation or abrogation of the class rights are set forth under Article 96. Except for the circumstances under Article 88 (1), (9) and (10), shareholders of the affected class, whether or not otherwise having the right to vote at shareholders' general meetings, have the right to vote at class meetings but Interested Shareholders (as defined under Article 97) are not entitled to vote at class meetings. |
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Resolutions of a class meeting shall be passed by two-thirds or more of the shares with voting rights held by the class shareholders who, according to Article 97, are entitled to vote at that class meeting. Written notice must be given to all shareholders who are registered as holders of that class in the register of shareholders 45 days before the date of the class meeting. Such notice must contain the matters to be considered at such meeting, the date and the place of meeting. Those shareholders of the class who intend to attend send the written reply to us 20 days before the class meeting. |
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The proceedings of a class meetings shall be conducted as nearly as possible as that of a shareholders' general meetings. The provisions in the Articles of Association relating to the proceedings of a shareholders' general meetings shall apply to class meetings. |
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The special procedures for approval by a class of shareholders do not apply where we issue, upon the approval by special resolution of shareholders in general meeting, either separately or concurrently once every 12 months, not more than 20% of each of our existing issued Domestic-Invested Shares and Overseas-Listed Foreign-Invested Shares (as defined under Article 18). |
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Provisions discriminating against any existing or prospective shareholder as a result of owning a substantial number of shares |
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Chinalco, as our controlling shareholder, shall not exercise its voting rights in a manner prejudicial to the interest of all or some part of the shareholders when making decision on the following matters: |
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Limitations on the rights to own securities |
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Under Article 18, the shares issued to domestic investors and denominated in Renminbi are Domestic-Invested Shares whereas the shares issued to overseas investors and denominated in foreign currency are Foreign-Invested Shares. Under Article 17, our Domestic-Invested Shares can be held only by PRC shareholders and our Foreign-Invested Shares, such as H shares and ADSs can be held only by foreign shareholders and other shareholders from regions of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. |
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Provisions having an effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control |
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Under Article 111, in making decisions in respect of market development, merger and acquisition, and investment in a new field, where the consideration to be paid or the assets to be acquired exceed 10% of our total assets, the Board of Directors is required to engage relevant professional consultants to provide professional opinions, which shall serve as the key reference for the decision making of the Board of Directors concerning projects of any investment, merger or acquisition. |
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Under Article 86(3), division, merger, dissolution and liquidation of us and material acquisitions and disposals by us must be approved by a special resolution at the shareholders' general meeting. |
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There are no provisions pertaining to the ownership threshold above which shareholder ownership must be disclosed under the Articles of Association. |
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Conditions governing changes in registered capital |
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Under Article 108(7), any proposal for the increase or decrease of our registered capital must be formulated by the Board of Directors. Article 86(1) further provides that any increase or reduction in share capital requires adoption of a special resolution at a shareholders' general meeting. |
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Material Contracts |
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On March 12, 2007, we entered into a sponsorship agreement with CITIC Securities Co., Ltd. and China Galaxy Securities Co., Ltd. in relation to the merger with Shandong Aluminum Industry Co., Ltd. and Lanzhou Aluminum Co., Ltd. through share exchange and public issue of our A Shares. Please see "Item 4 - Information on the Company - the A Shares Offering" and "Item 19 - Exhibit 4.2". |
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On December 28, 2006, we entered into a merger agreement with Shandong Aluminum Industry Co., Ltd. to consummate the merger with Shandong Aluminum Industry Co., Ltd through share exchange. Please see "Item 4 - Information on the Company - the A Shares Offering" and "Item 19 - Exhibit 4.3". |
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On December 28, 2006, we entered into a merger agreement with Lanzhou Aluminum Co., Ltd. to consummate the merger with Lanzhou Aluminum Co., Ltd through share exchange. Please see "Item 4 - Information on the Company - the A Shares Offering" and "Item 19 - Exhibit 4.4". |
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On July 20, 2007, we entered into a merger agreement with Baotou Aluminum Co., Ltd. to consummate the acquisition of Baotou Aluminum Co., Ltd through share exchange. Please see "Item 4 - Information on the Company - the A Shares Offering" and "Item 19 - Exhibit 4.5". |
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On May 21, 2008, we entered into an acquisition agreement with Aluminum Corporation of China ("Chinalco") and China Nonferrous Metals Processing Technology Co., Ltd. ("China Nonferrous Metals"). Please see "Item 4 - Information on the Company - Recent domestic development" and "Item 19 - Exhibit 4.6" |
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Exchange Controls |
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The existing foreign exchange regulations have significantly reduced government foreign exchange controls for transactions under the current account, including trade and service related foreign exchange transactions and payment of dividends. We may undertake current account foreign exchange transactions without prior |
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approval from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange by producing commercial documents evidencing such transactions, provided that they are processed through Chinese banks licensed to engage in foreign exchange transactions. The PRC government has stated publicly that it intends to make the Renminbi freely convertible in the future. However, we cannot predict whether the PRC government will continue its existing foreign exchange policy and when the PRC government will allow free conversion of Renminbi to foreign currency. |
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Foreign exchange transactions under the capital account, including principal payments in respect of foreign currency-denominated obligations, continue to be subject to significant foreign exchange controls and require the approval of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. These limitations could affect our ability to obtain foreign exchange through debt or equity financing, or to obtain foreign exchange for capital expenditures. |
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Since 1994, the conversion of Renminbi into Hong Kong and United States dollars has been based on rates set by the People's Bank of China, which are set daily based on the previous day's PRC interbank foreign exchange market rate and current exchange rates on the world financial markets. From 1994 to July 20, 2005, the official exchange rate for the conversion of Renminbi to U.S. dollars was generally stable. On July 21, 2005, the PRC government introduced a managed floating exchange rate system to allow the value of the Renminbi to fluctuate within a regulated band based on market supply and demand and by reference to a basket of currencies. On the same day, the value of the Renminbi appreciated by 2.0% against the U.S. dollar. Since then, the PRC government has made, and may in the future make, further adjustments to the exchange rate system. The PBOC announces the closing price of a foreign currency traded against the Renminbi in the inter-bank foreign exchange market after the closing of the market on each working day, and makes it the central parity for the trading against the Renminbi on the following working day. Fluctuations in exchange rates may adversely affect the value, translated or converted into US dollars or Hong Kong dollars, of our net assets, earnings and any declared dividends. We cannot give any assurance that any future movements in the exchange rate of the Renminbi against the US dollar and other foreign currencies will not adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. |
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Taxation |
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China Taxation |
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The following discussion summarizes the material PRC tax provisions relating to the ownership and disposition of H Shares or ADSs purchased in connection with the global offering and held by the investor as capital assets. |
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Dividends Paid to Individual Investors |
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According to the PRC Individual Income Tax Law, as amended, dividends paid by Chinese companies to a domestic individual are ordinarily subject to a PRC withholding tax levied at a flat rate of 20%. For a foreign individual who is not a resident of China, the receipt of dividends from a company in China is normally subject to a withholding tax of 20% unless specifically exempted by the tax authority of the State Council or reduced by an applicable tax treaty. However, on July 21, 1993, the PRC State Administration of Taxation issued the Notice Concerning the Taxation of Gains on Transfer and Dividends from Shares (Equities) Received by Foreign Investment Enterprises, Foreign Enterprises and Foreign Individuals (the "Tax Notice"). Under the Tax Notice, dividends paid by a Chinese company to foreign individuals with respect to shares listed on an overseas stock exchange, or Overseas Shares, including the H Shares and ADSs, are temporarily exempt from a PRC withholding tax. However, if the Tax Notice is with drawn, we will withhold such taxes as required by law. |
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In a letter dated July 26, 1994 to the former State Commission for Restructuring the Economic System, the former State Council Securities Committee and the CSRC, the PRC State Administration of Taxation restated the exemption. In the event that the letter is withdrawn, a 20% tax may be withheld on dividends paid to non-PRC individual holders of H Shares or ADSs, subject to reduction by an applicable tax treaty between China and the country where such holders reside. To date, the relevant tax authorities have not collected withholding tax from dividend payments on such shares exempted under the Tax Notice. |
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Dividends Paid to Non-PRC Enterprises |
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According to the new PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation rules, which became effective on January 1, 2008, dividends derived from the revenues accumulated from January 1, 2008 and are paid by Chinese companies to non-resident enterprises, which are established under the laws of non-PRC jurisdictions and have no establishment or residence in China or whose dividends from China do not relate to their establishment or residence in China, are ordinarily subject to a Chinese withholding tax levied at a flat rate of 10% unless exempted or reduced pursuant to an applicable double-taxation treaty or other exemptions. Dividends paid by PRC companies to resident enterprises, including enterprises established under the laws of non-PRC jurisdictions but whose "de facto management body" is located in the PRC, are not subject to any PRC withholding tax, unless the dividends are derived from the publicly traded shares which have been held continuously by the resident enterprises for less than twelve mon ths. Before the effectiveness of the new PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation rules, a foreign enterprise with no permanent establishment in China receiving dividends paid with respect to a Chinese company's Overseas Shares will temporarily not be subject to the 10% withholding tax according to the Tax Notice. However, the effectiveness of such exemption granted by the Tax Notice becomes uncertain in light of the provisions under the new PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation rules. If the withholding tax becomes applicable in the future, the rate could be reduced under an applicable double-taxation treaty. |
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1. | DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
1.1 | DEFINITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
1.2 | INTERPRETATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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2. | THE MERGER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
2.1 | THE MERGER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
2.2 | COMPLETION DATE OF THE MERGER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
2.3 | DIRECTORS, SUPERVISORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT OF THE SUBSISTING COMPANY. |
2.4 | FURTHER ACTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
2.5 | GENERAL MEETINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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3. | CONSIDERATION OF THE MERGER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
3.1 | SHARE EXCHANGE . . . . . . . . . . |
3.2 | CASH ALTERNATIVE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
3.3 | DISSENTING SHARES IN CHALCO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
3.4 | SHARE REGISTER:NO FURTHER SHARE OWNERSHIP . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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4. | REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SHANDONG ALUMINUM . . . . . . . . . |
4.1 | ORGANIZATION; QUALIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
4.2 | SUBSIDIARIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
4.3 | SHARE CAPITAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
4.4 | AUTHORIZATION; VALIDITY OF AGREEMENT; COMPANY ACTION |
4.5 | APPROVALS OF THE MERGER BY THE BOARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
4.6 | CONSENTS AND APPROVALS; NO VIOLATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . |
4.7 | CSRC AND SSE DOCUMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
4.8 | ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
4.9 | LITIGATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
4.10 | EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
4.11 | TAX MATTERS; GOVERNMENT BENEFITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
4.12 | TITLE TO PROPERTIES; ENCUMBRANCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
4.13 | MANUFACTURE FACTORY AND EQUIPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . |
4.14 | LEASES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
4.15 | ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
4.16 | COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
4.17 | INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
4.18 | INSURANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
4.19 | NO CONDEMNATION OR EXPROPRIATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
4.20 | CONSENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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5. | REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF FEITIAN . . . . . . . . . . |
5.1 | ORGANIZATION; QUALIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
5.2 | AUTHORIZATION; VALIDITY OF AGREEMENT; COMPANY action |
5.3 | APPROVALS OF THE MERGER BY THE BOARD REGARDING MERGER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
5.4 | CONSENTS AND APPROVALS; NO VIOLATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . |
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6. | COVENANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
6.1 | INTERIM OPERATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
6.2 | ACCESS; CONFIDENTIALITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
6.3 | REASONABLE BEST EFFORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
6.4 | PUBLICITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
6.5 | DIRECTORS' AND OFFICERS' INSURANCE AND INDEMNIFICATION |
6.6 | NOTICE AND ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE CREDITORS . . . . . . |
6.7 | CHALCO'S COVENANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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7. | CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
7.1 | CONDITIONS TO EACH PARTY'S OBLIGATION TO EFFECT THE MERGER |
7.2 | CONDITIONS TO FEITIAN'S OBLIGATIONS TO EFFECT THE MERGER |
7.3 | CONDITIONS TO SHANDONG ALUMINUM'S OBLIGATIONS TO EFFECT THE MERGER . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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8. | TERMINATION OF THE MERGER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
8.1 | TERMINATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
8.2 | EFFECT OF TERMINATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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9. | MISCELLANEOUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
9.1 | TAXES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
9.2 | AMENDMENT AND MODIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
9.3 | NON-SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES . . |
9.4 | NOTICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
9.5 | COUNTERPARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
9.6 | ENTIRE AGREEMENT; NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES . . . . |
9.7 | SEVERABILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
9.8 | GOVERNING LAW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
9.9 | FORCE MAJEURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
9.10 | TIME OF ESSENCE |
9.11 | EXTENSION; WAIVER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
9.12 | ASSIGNMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
9.13 | LANGUAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
9.14 | HEAD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
9.15 | SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES |
9.16 | EFFECTING THE AGREEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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| | | | | polychlorinated biphenyls, radon and lead or lead-based paints and materials. |
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| | | "Intellectual Property" | | all of the following: Trademarks, Patents, Copyrights, trade secrets and Licenses. |
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| | | "Copy Right" | | PRC and foreign registered and unregistered copyrights (including, but not limited to, those in computer software and databases), rights of publicity and all registrations and applications to register the same. |
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| | | "Trademark" | | PRC and foreign registered and unregistered trademarks, service marks, logos, trade names, corporate names and all registrations and applications to register the same. |
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| | | "Patent" | | issued PRC and foreign patents and pending patent applications, patent disclosures, and any and all divisions, continuations, continuations-in-part, reissues, re-examinations, and extension thereof. |
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| | | "License" | | all licenses and agreements pursuant to which Lanzhou Aluminum has acquired rights in or to any Trademarks, Patents, or Copyrights, or licenses and agreements pursuant to which Lanzhou Aluminum has licensed or transferred the right to use any of the foregoing. |
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| | | "Principle Business Factories" | | all the manufacture factories completely owned, controlled or invested by Lanzhou Aluminum which are engaged in its principle business such as mining, smelting, production and processing. . |
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| | | "Tax" or "Taxation" | | all taxes, charges, fees, duties, levies, penalties or other assessments imposed by any national, provincial, local or applicable foreign governmental authority, including, but not limited to, income, gross receipts, excise, property, sales, gain, use, license, custom duty, unemployment, capital stock, transfer, franchise, payroll, withholding, |
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| | | | | direct or indirect control, or with whom is under the same control directly or indirectly. |
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| | | Formal Property | | any property of which special procedures are stipulated by laws for its property rights or rights related to such property, including but not limited to lands, buildings, vehicles and ships, trademarks, patents, etc. |
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| | | Principal Operations | | operations under the business scope set out in the existing valid Corporate Business License. |
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| | | Intellectual Property | | the collective designation for patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, layout design, industrial design, and other intellectual or exclusive rights, including (i) all rights obtained through any permission or other arrangements for the aforesaid contents , (ii) all rights or causes of action arising from infringing upon or abusing the aforesaid any right (past, now, or in future), and (iii) all rights for application or registration of the aforesaid any rights. |
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| | | Indebt | | any person�s any direct or indirect obligation, debt, responsibility, expenses, costs, right claims, losses, compensation, defects, warranty or endorsement, whether being conditional or unconditional, occurred or not occurred yet, due or not yet due, and paid or to be paid, or whether performed or submitted. |
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| | | Normal Operations | | the normal operation of a party and/or its related parties under its control in line with the past normal practices. |
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| | | Applicable Laws | | For the purpose of any person, the laws, regulations, decisions, orders or other regulatory documents issued by competent government authorities, binding upon such person or its property. |
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| | | Force Majeure | | incidents beyond the control of both parties hereto, unforeseeable, inevitable, or unable to overcome, causing one party hereto to fail to perform the Agreement wholly or partially. Such incidents include but not limited to earthquake, typhoon, flood, fire, |
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28. | Earnings per share |
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| The calculation of basic earnings per share was based on the consolidated profit attributable to equity holders of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2007 of RMB10,245 million (2006: RMB11,842 million; 2005: RMB7,072 million) and the weighted average number of 12,510,719,765 shares (2006: 11,439,465,194 shares; 2005: 11,049,876,153 shares) in issue during the year. |
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| As there are no dilutive securities, there was no difference between basic and diluted earnings per share. |
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29. | Dividends |
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| A 2006 final dividend of RMB0.115 (2005: RMB0.214) per ordinary share, totaling approximately RMB1,482 million (2005: RMB2,365 million) was declared and approved in the shareholders' meetings. The 2006 and 2005 final dividends were fully paid before July 30, 2007 and May 31, 2006, respectively. |
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| A 2007 interim dividend of RMB0.137 (2006 interim: RMB0.188) per ordinary share, totaling approximately RMB1,765 million (2006: RMB2,190 million) and a 2006 special dividend of RMB0.013 per ordinary share totaling approximately RMB168 million was declared and approved by the shareholders on October 12, 2007. As of December 31, 2007, RMB1,912 million has been paid. |
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| On March 17, 2008, the Board of Directors proposed a cash dividend of RMB0.053 per ordinary share, totaling approximately RMB717 million. This proposal was approved by the shareholders at the annual general meeting on May 9, 2008. These financial statements do not reflect these dividends payable, which will be accounted for in shareholders' equity as an appropriation of retained earnings for the year ending December 31, 2008. |
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30. | Litigation and contingent liabilities |
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| As of December 31, 2007, Fushun Aluminum, a subsidiary of the Company was named in the claims by various banks for its joint and several liabilities amounting to approximately RMB681 million (2006: RMB971 million) for the repayments of loans due from a third party. Fushun Aluminum was acquired by the Company from the third party in 2006. |
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| The Directors, after obtaining independent legal advice, are of the opinion that as the acquisition was conducted on fair principle and the consideration was set close to the asset value of the assets acquired, no contingency provision for such claims is necessary as of December 31, 2007 (2006: Nil). |
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31. | Commitments |
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