Polymet Mining (PLM) 40-F 30 Mar 20 2019 FY Annual report (Canada) Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019shares
Document And Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	POLYMET MINING CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000866028
Document Type	40-F
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Is Entity's Reporting Status Current?	Yes
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	1,005,230,259
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current
Cash	$ 7,401	$ 13,857
Amounts receivable	472	796
Prepaid expenses	1,039	1,161
Total current assets	8,912	15,814
Non-Current
Restricted deposits	11,449	10,286
Amounts receivable and other assets	2,442	1,796
Mineral Property, Plant and Equipment	410,132	433,548
Intangibles	24,380	24,185
Total assets	457,315	485,629
Current
Accounts payable and accruals	4,533	3,925
Lease liabilities	60	88
Convertible debt		56,984
Non-convertible debt		178,483
Environmental rehabilitation provision	1,276	1,693
Total Current Liabilities	5,869	241,173
Non-Current
Lease liabilities	556
Promissory note	15,501
Environmental rehabilitation provision	51,249	59,414
Total Liabilities	73,175	300,587
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Share Capital	526,884	272,420
Equity Reserves	64,648	62,111
Deficit	(207,392)	(149,489)
Total Shareholders' Equity	384,140	185,042
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$ 457,315	$ 485,629

Consolidated Statements of Loss

Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
General and Administrative Expenses
Salaries, directors' fees and related benefits	$ 2,933	$ 2,547
Share-based compensation	1,558	1,742
Professional fees	1,444	634
Regulatory fees	230	197
Investor and public relations	1,003	1,174
Office and administration	580	646
Depreciation	122	130
Total General and Administration Expenses	7,870	7,070
Other Expenses (Income)
Finance costs - net	1,532	2,381
Loss/(gain) on foreign exchange	12	(3)
Loss on debenture modification	2,004	4,109
Loss on land exchange		553
Gain on disposal of property, plant & equipment	(383)
(Gain)/loss on financial asset fair value	(264)	971
Asset impairment	47,168
Other income	(36)	(38)
Total Other Expenses	50,033	7,973
Loss for the Period	57,903	15,043
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss:
Total Comprehensive Loss for the Period - Net of Tax	$ 57,903	$ 15,043
Basic and Diluted Loss per Share	$ 0.09	$ 0.05
Weighted Average Number of Shares - basis and diluted	672,091,052	320,495,981

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Shares Capital [Member]	Equity Reserves [Member]	Deficit [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 270,667	$ 60,295	$ (134,446)	$ 196,516
Balance share at Dec. 31, 2017	319,303,098
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Total comprehensive loss for the period			(15,043)	(15,043)
Debenture refinancing warrants		2,331		2,331
Payment of land purchase options	$ 123			123
Payment of land purchase options, shares	128,750
Exercise of share options	$ 218	(67)		$ 151
Exercise of share options, shares	225,000			815,500
Exercise of warrants	$ 683	(92)		$ 591
Exercise of warrants, shares	590,500
Vesting of restricted shares and RSU's	$ 624	(624)
Vesting of restricted shares and RSU's, shares	843,413
Share-based compensation	$ 105	1,787		1,892
Share-based compensation, shares	99,308
Bonus share cost amortization (forfeiture)		(1,519)		(1,519)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 272,420	62,111	(149,489)	185,042
Balance share at Dec. 31, 2018	321,190,069
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Total comprehensive loss for the period			(57,903)	(57,903)
Rights offering net of issuance costs	$ 253,047			253,047
Rights offering net of issuance costs, shares	682,813,838
Debenture refinancing warrants		1,564		1,564
Payment of land purchase options	$ 46			46
Payment of land purchase options, shares	78,750
Exercise of share options	$ 572	(298)		274
Exercise of share options, shares	400,171
Vesting of restricted shares and RSU's	$ 715	(715)
Vesting of restricted shares and RSU's, shares	644,510
Share-based compensation	$ 84	1,986		2,070
Share-based compensation, shares	102,921
Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 526,884	$ 64,648	$ (207,392)	$ 384,140
Balance share at Dec. 31, 2019	1,005,230,259

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Operating Activities
Loss for the period	$ (57,903)	$ (15,043)
Items not involving cash:
Depreciation	122	130
Interest expense	160
Environmental rehabilitation provision accretion	2,072	1,796
Share-based compensation	1,558	1,742
Unrealized loss on foreign exchange	16	7
Loss on debentures modification	2,004	4,109
Loss on land exchange		553
Gain on disposal of property, plant & equipment	(383)
(Gain)/loss on financial instrument fair value	(264)	971
Asset impairment	47,168
Changes in non-cash working capital:
Restricted deposits	(1,163)
Amounts receivable and other assets	442	(384)
Prepaid expenses	122	(350)
Accounts payable and accruals	1,577	667
Net cash used in operating activities	(4,472)	(5,802)
Financing Activities
Share issuance proceeds	21,839	742
Share issuance costs	(11,953)
Debenture funding, net of costs	15,000	69,723
Debenture repayment	(6,882)
Cash settled RSU's	(232)	(377)
Net cash provided by financing activities	17,772	70,088
Investing Activities
Property, plant and equipment purchases	(20,795)	(26,437)
Intangible purchases	(195)	(21,055)
Property, plant and equipment disposal proceeds	1,250
Land exchange proceeds		425
Restricted deposits		(10,286)
Net cash used in investing activities	(19,740)	(57,353)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash	(6,440)	6,933
Effect of foreign exchange on Cash	(16)	(7)
Cash - Beginning of period	13,857	6,931
Cash - End of period	7,401	13,857
Supplemental information - non-cash investing and financing
Accounts payable and accruals	(712)	(390)
Debt accretion and capitalized interest	14,751	20,560
Share-based compensation	497	460
Bonus share amortization		25
Bonus share forfeiture		(1,544)
Fair value of shares issued for land options	46	123
Share issuance proceeds	243,435
Debenture repayment	$ (243,435)

Nature of Business and Liquidit

Nature of Business and Liquidity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Nature of Business and Liquidity [Abstract]
Nature of Business and Liquidity	1. Nature of Business and Liquidity PolyMet Mining Corp. was incorporated in British Columbia, Canada on March 4, 1981 under the name Fleck Resources Ltd. and changed its name to PolyMet Mining Corp. on June 10, 1998. Through its 100%-owned subsidiary, Poly Met Mining, Inc. (“PolyMet US” and, together with PolyMet Mining Corp., “PolyMet” or the “Company”), the Company is engaged in the exploration and development of natural resource properties. The corporate address and records office of the Company are located at 100 King Street West, Suite 5700, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5X 1C7, and 700 West Georgia, 25 th British Columbia, Canada, V7Y 1B3, respectively. The executive office of PolyMet US is located at 444 Cedar Street, Suite 2060, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States of America, 55101. The Company has a majority shareholder relationship with Glencore AG, a wholly owned subsidiary of Glencore plc (together “Glencore”), as a result of Glencore’s ownership of 71.6% of the Company’s issued shares. The Company’s primary mineral property is the NorthMet Project (“NorthMet” or “Project”), a polymetallic project in northeastern Minnesota, United States of America, which comprises the NorthMet copper-nickel-precious metals ore body and the Erie Plant, a processing facility located approximately six miles from the ore body. PolyMet received its Permit to Mine from the State of Minnesota on November 1, 2018, a crucial permit for construction and operation of the Project. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (“MDNR”) also issued all other permits for which the Company had applied including dam safety, water appropriations, endangered and threatened species takings, and public waters work permits, along with Wetlands Conservation Act approval. In addition, PolyMet received air and water permits from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (“MPCA”) on December 18, 2018. Further, PolyMet received the federal Record of Decision and Section 404 Wetlands Permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on March 21, 2019, which was the last key permit or approval needed to construct and operate the Project. Legal challenges were filed in the Minnesota Court of Appeals contesting various aspects of the MDNR and MPCA decisions. PolyMet is a co-respondent in all suits. In June 2019, the Court of Appeals transferred the challenge to the MPCA water quality permit to the Ramsey County District Court for the limited purpose of an evidentiary hearing. The water quality permit is temporarily stayed pending the outcome of that hearing. In January 2020, the Court of Appeals remanded the MDNR Permit to Mine and dam safety permits to the MDNR for a contested case hearing. The Company, MDNR, and several other groups have petitioned the Minnesota Supreme Court to review that decision. The Company cited several reasons for the appeal, including (i) the Court of Appeals’ ruling conflicts with both the relevant statute and the Supreme Court’s precedent; and (ii) that agencies should not be required to hold a contested case hearing when there is no reasonable basis for such a hearing to help them make a decision. PolyMet cannot act on the remanded permits until the Supreme Court rules or a contested case hearing occurs. In March 2020, the Minnesota Supreme Court granted review of the Court of Appeals ruling on the NorthMet Permit to Mine and dam safety permits. In March 2020, the Court of Appeals remanded the air permit to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to provide more information and the Company is evaluating all legal options. The realization of the Company’s investment in NorthMet and other assets is dependent upon various factors, including the existence of economically recoverable mineral reserves, the ability to obtain and maintain permits necessary to construct and operate NorthMet, the ability to obtain financing necessary to complete the development of NorthMet, and to conduct future profitable operations or alternatively, disposal of the investment on an advantageous basis. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities in the normal course of operations. Liquidity risk is the risk the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they become due and arises through the excess of financial obligations over financial assets due at any point in time. As at December 31, 2019, the Company had cash of $7.401 million and working capital of $3.043 million. Subsequent to year end, the Company agreed to issue unsecured convertible debentures to Glencore in four tranches during 2020 with a total minimum principal amount of $20.0 million and total maximum principal amount of $30.0 million, the amount of each tranche to be determined jointly by the Company and Glencore. The first tranche in the amount of $7.0 million was issued on March 18, 2020 (see Note 16). Management believes financing will continue to be available allowing the Company to complete development of the Project and to conduct future profitable operations. Management’s belief is based upon the underlying value of the Project, progress on obtaining and maintain permits, ongoing discussions with potential financiers and the majority shareholder relationship with Glencore. While in the past the Company has been successful in closing financing agreements, there can be no assurance it will be able to do so again. In late December 2019, a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was identified originating in China, subsequently spread worldwide and on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared it was a pandemic. The continued spread of COVID-19 globally, prolonged restrictive measures put in place to help control the outbreak of COVID-19 or other adverse public health developments could adversely affect global economies and financial markets. These affects could result in volatility or an economic downturn having adverse effects on the future demand and prices for metals the Company will produce and on the Company’s ability to raise sufficient funds to finance ongoing development of the Project. The extent to which COVID-19 impacts the Company’s business, including the market for its securities, the ability to raise capital and valuation of non-financial assets including mineral property, plant and equipment and intangibles, will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time.

Basis of Preparation

Basis of Preparation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Basis of Preparation [Abstract]
Basis of Preparation	2. Basis of Preparation a) Statement of Compliance The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on March 27, 2020. b) Basis of Consolidation and Preparation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly‑owned subsidiary. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost basis, except for those assets and liabilities that are measured at revalued amounts or fair values at the end of each reporting period. All dollar amounts presented are in United States (“U.S.”) dollars unless otherwise specified. c) Change in Accounting Policies On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the following new accounting standards that were previously issued by the IASB. Certain other new standards and interpretations have been issued and were effective as of January 1, 2018 and January 1, 2019 but did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements and are therefore not discussed below. The accounting policies discussed below reflect the Company’s adoption of IFRS 9 - Financial Instruments, effective January 1, 2018, and IFRS 16 - Leases, which had an effective date of January 1, 2019 but for which the company early adopted as of January 1, 2018. IFRS 9 – Financial Instruments IFRS 9 addresses the classification, measurement and recognition of financial assets and financial liabilities. This standard replaces parts of IAS 39 - Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. The Company adopted IFRS 9 effective January 1, 2018 on a retrospective basis without restating prior period comparatives. IFRS 9 requires financial assets to be classified into the following measurement categories: fair value through profit and loss, fair value through other comprehensive income, and those measured at amortized cost. The determination is made at initial recognition. At transition, the amounts receivable previously classified as available-for-sale and measured at fair value through other comprehensive income was re-classified as fair value through profit or loss with changes in fair value recognized in the statement of loss instead of through other comprehensive loss. Adoption resulted in re-classification of $0.210 million to the opening deficit from accumulated other comprehensive loss for cumulative gains on the amounts receivable. For financial liabilities, the standard retains most of the IAS 39 requirements, except as it relates to modifications of liabilities. Under IAS 39, when an entity modified a financial liability, it would decide whether this modification was significant enough to constitute an extinguishment. If the modification was considered an extinguishment of the initial debt, the new modified debt was recorded at fair value and a gain/loss recognized in the statement of loss for the difference between the carrying amount of the old debt and the fair value of the new debt. This extinguishment accounting remains the same under IFRS 9. However, accounting differs where the change is not significant enough to be an extinguishment. Under IAS 39, modifications would not lead to an immediate income charge, whereas, under IFRS 9, the cash flows under the modified debt are discounted using the original effective interest rate of the instrument with an immediate charge to income. Adoption of IFRS 9 resulted in a $2.159 million adjustment to increase the opening deficit as at January 1, 2018 and increase the carrying value of convertible and non-convertible debt to reflect accounting for prior year modifications under the new standard (see Notes 8 and 9). IFRS 16 – Leases IFRS 16 replaces IAS 17 – Leases. The new standard requires capitalization of certain leases by the lessee and results in accounting treatment similar to finance leases under IAS 17 - Leases. Exemptions for leases of very low value or short duration leases are applicable. The new standard results in an increase in lease assets and liabilities for the lessee. Under the new standard the treatment of all lease expenses is aligned in the statement of loss and comprehensive loss with depreciation, and an interest expense component recognized for each lease, in line with finance lease accounting under IAS 17 - Leases. The Company early adopted IFRS 16 effective January 1, 2018 on a modified retrospective basis without restating prior period comparatives. As a result, the Company recorded a $0.211 million lease asset and corresponding lease liability for the one qualifying office lease that will be recognized over the remaining term. The Company’s other leases (see Note 3) are leases to explore mining rights, which are excluded from IFRS 16’s scope. The following table summarizes the impact of adopting IFRS 9 - Financial Instruments and IFRS 16 - Leases: Consolidated Balance Sheet Impact Dec 31, 2017 IFRS 9 IFRS 16 Jan 1, 2018 Mineral Property, Plant and Equipment $ 395,205 $ - $ 211 $ 395,416 Accounts Payable and Accruals 3,630 - 211 3,841 Convertible Debt 49,067 1,346 - 50,413 Non-Convertible Debt 92,268 813 - 93,081 Equity Reserves 60,505 (210 ) - 60,295 Deficit $ (132,497 ) $ (1,949 ) $ - $ (134,446 ) d) Critical Accounting Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. This requires management to make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as at the date of the financial statements. Critical accounting estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are as follows: Determination of mineral reserves Reserves are estimates of the amount of product that can be economically and legally extracted from the Company’s property. In order to estimate reserves, estimates are required about a range of geological, technical and economic factors, including quantities, production techniques, production costs, capital costs, transport costs, metal prices and exchange rates. Estimating the quantity of reserves requires the size, shape and depth of deposits to be determined by analyzing geological data. This process may require complex and difficult geological judgments to interpret the data. In addition, management will form a view of forecast prices for its products, based on current and long-term historical average price trends. Changes in the proven and probable reserve estimates may impact the carrying value of property, plant and equipment, rehabilitation provisions, deferred tax amounts and depreciation, depletion and amortization. Provision for Environmental Rehabilitation Costs Provisions for environmental rehabilitation costs associated with mineral property, plant and equipment, are recognized when the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation that can be estimated reliably, and it is probable an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. Provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax risk-free rate reflecting current market assessments of the time value of money. The Company’s estimates of its environmental rehabilitation liabilities could be affected by changes in regulations, changes in the extent of environmental rehabilitation required, changes in the means of rehabilitation, changes in the extent of responsibility for the financial liability, changes in operating plans, or changes in cost estimates. Operations of the Company may in the future be affected from time to time in varying degrees by changes in environmental regulations, including those for future removal and site restoration costs. The likelihood of new regulations and overall effect upon the Company may vary greatly and are not predictable. The provision for environmental rehabilitation obligations represents management’s best estimate of the present value of the future cash outflows required to settle the liability (see Note 6). e) Critical Accounting Judgments The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting judgments. This requires management to make judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as at the date of the financial statements. Critical accounting judgments used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are as follows: Impairment of non-financial assets The Company considers both external and internal sources of information in assessing whether there are any indications of impairment. External sources of information include changes in the market, economic, and legal environment in which the Company operates that are not within its control and affect the recoverable amount. Internal sources of information include indications of economic performance of the asset. Going concern assumptions The Company must assess its ability to continue as a going concern and prepare financial statements on a going concern basis unless it either intends to liquidate or cease trading or has no realistic alternative but to do so. In assessing whether the going concern assumption is appropriate, the Company takes into account all available information about the future, which is at least, but is not limited to, twelve months from the end of the reporting period. f) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Cash and Restricted Deposits Cash include amounts held in banks and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Restricted deposits are held in a trust account and invested in highly liquid investments with a major financial institution as security and collateral for reclamation activities. Financial Assets All financial assets are initially recorded at fair value and designated upon inception as one of the following categories: fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”) or amortized cost. Financial assets classified as FVTPL are measured at fair value with gains and losses recognized through profit and loss. Financial assets classified as amortized cost are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method less any allowance for impairment. The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortized cost of a financial asset and allocating interest income over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that discounts estimated future cash flows through the expected life of the financial asset, or, where appropriate, a shorter period. Loss allowances are recognized for Expected Credit Losses (“ECL”) for amounts receivable and other assets not measured at FVTPL. Loss allowances for amounts receivable and other assets are measured at an amount equal to lifetime ECL. ECL is a probability-weighted estimate and measured as the present value of all cash shortfalls including the impact of forward looking information. The loss allowance is presented as a deduction to amounts receivable and other assets. Transaction costs associated with FVTPL financial assets are expensed as incurred, while transaction costs associated with amortized cost financial assets are included in the initial carrying amount of the asset (see Note 15). Mineral Property Exploration costs are incurred to discover mineral resources. Evaluation costs are incurred to assess the technical feasibility and commercial viability of the resources found. Exploration and evaluation costs incurred prior to receipt of a feasibility study or Definitive Feasibility Study (“DFS”) confirming the technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting the mineral resource are expensed as incurred. Development costs incurred subsequent to a DFS and mineral property acquisition costs are capitalized until the property is placed into production, sold, allowed to lapse or abandoned. Development costs are capitalized to the extent they are necessary to bring the property to commercial production and are directly attributable to an area of interest or capable of being reasonably allocated to an area of interest. NorthMet entered the development stage effective October 1, 2006 following receipt of the DFS. Upon commencement of production, related mineral property acquisition and development costs will be amortized on a unit of production basis over the estimated proven and probable mineral reserves not to exceed the assets’ useful lives. Plant and Equipment Plant and equipment are recorded at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and if applicable, accumulated impairment losses. Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognized as a separate asset, as appropriate, if it is probable that the future economic benefits of the expenditure will flow to the Company and its cost can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of a replaced part is derecognized. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the statement of loss and comprehensive loss during the period in which they are incurred. Depreciation of plant and equipment is calculated using the cost of the asset, less its residual value, over the estimated useful life of the asset on a unit of production or straight-line basis, as appropriate. Leases The Company recognizes a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability, plus any initial direct costs incurred and an estimate of costs to dismantle and remove the underlying asset or to restore the underlying asset or the site on which it is located, less any lease incentives received. The right-of-use asset is subsequently depreciated using the straight-line method from the commencement date to the earlier of the end of the useful life of the right-of-use asset or the end of the lease term. The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments, discounted using the incremental borrowing rate. Intangibles Intangibles include wetland credits and software. Acquisition costs are capitalized until the asset is used, sold, or abandoned. Wetland credits are used to offset and mitigate wetlands disturbed during construction and operation of the Project. As such, costs will be transferred to Mineral Property, Plant and Equipment once placed into service and amortized on a unit of production basis over the estimated proven and probable mineral reserves not to exceed the assets’ useful lives. Software is amortized over the useful life once placed into service. Financial Liabilities All financial liabilities are initially recorded at fair value and designated upon inception as FVTPL or other financial liabilities. Financial liabilities classified as FVTPL are initially recognized at fair value with directly attributable transaction costs expensed as incurred. At the end of each reporting period, financial liabilities at FVTPL are measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized directly in profit or loss in the period in which they arise. Financial liabilities classified as other financial liabilities are initially recognized at fair value less directly attributable transaction costs and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method which calculates the amortized cost of a financial liability and allocates interest expense over the expected life of the financial liability. Exchanges of instruments and modifications to debt are assessed using quantitative and qualitative factors to consider whether the exchange or modification constitutes an extinguishment of the original financial liability and establishment of a new financial liability. In the case of extinguishment, any fees or costs incurred are recognized in profit or loss in the period in which they arise. Where the terms in an exchange or modification are not assessed to be substantially different, a modification gain or loss is recognized at an amount equal to the difference between the modified cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate and the carrying value of the debt. The carrying value of the debt is adjusted for this modification gain or loss, directly attributable transaction costs, and any cash paid to or received from the debt holder (see Note 15). Borrowing costs Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset are capitalized as part of the cost of that asset until such time as the asset is substantially complete and ready for its intended use or sale. Where funds have been borrowed specifically to finance an asset, the amount capitalized is the actual borrowing costs incurred. Where the funds used to finance an asset form part of general borrowings, the amount capitalized is calculated using a weighted average of rates applicable to relevant borrowings of the Company during the period. Other borrowing costs not directly attributable to a qualifying asset are expensed in the year incurred. Classification in the cash flow statement is in accordance with the classification of the underlying asset to which those payments were capitalized. Share‑Based Compensation All share-based compensation awards made to directors, employees and non-employees are measured and recognized using a fair value based method. For directors and employees, or those providing services similar to employees, the fair value of options is determined using the Black-Scholes pricing model. The fair value of the bonus shares, restricted shares, and restricted share units expected to be settled in shares is amortized over the vesting period. For awards expected to be settled in cash, the change in market value and corresponding liability is adjusted to fair value at each reporting period. The award is accrued and charged over the vesting period either to operations or mineral property, plant and equipment, with the offsetting credit to equity reserves for equity settled awards or liabilities for cash settled awards. If and when share options are ultimately exercised or bonus shares, restricted shares, and restricted share units vest, the applicable amounts are transferred to share capital or removed from liabilities. Certain awards vest upon achievement of non-market performance conditions. On a quarterly basis, management assesses the probability of achieving those performance conditions using the best available information and estimates the appropriate vesting period. When the Company amends the terms of share options, the incremental change in the fair value of the options due to the amendment, as determined using the Black-Scholes pricing model, is recognized over the vesting period in the statement of loss or capitalized as appropriate. Share Purchase Warrants The Company issues share purchase warrants in connection with certain financing transactions. The fair value of the warrants, as determined using the Black-Scholes pricing model or fair value of goods or services received, is credited to equity reserves. The recorded value of share purchase warrants is transferred to share capital upon exercise. Foreign Currency Translation The U.S. dollar is the functional currency of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary. Amounts in the consolidated financial statements are expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated. Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates at the date of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities of the Company’s operations denominated in a currency other than the U.S. dollar are translated using exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date. Revenue and expense items are translated at the exchange rates in effect at the date of the underlying transaction. Exchange differences are recognized in net loss in the year in which they arise. Loss Per Share Loss per share is computed by dividing the loss for the year by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Basic and diluted loss per share for each year presented are the same due to the effect of potential issuances of shares under warrant or share option agreements being, in total, anti-dilutive. Income Taxes and Deferred Taxes The income tax expense or benefit for the year consists of current and deferred. Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable profit or loss for the year. Current tax is calculated using tax rates and laws that were enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date in each of the jurisdictions and includes any adjustments for taxes payable or recovery in respect of prior periods. Taxable profit or loss differs from profit or loss as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss because of items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years, and items that are never taxable or deductible. Deferred tax is recognized on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax basis used in the computation of taxable profit. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognized for all taxable temporary differences not eligible for offset. Deferred tax assets are generally recognized for all deductible temporary differences, loss carry forwards and tax credit carry forwards to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which they can be utilized. To the extent that the Company does not consider it to be probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences, loss carry forwards, and tax credit carry forwards can be utilized, a deferred tax asset is not recognized.

Mineral Property Agreements

Mineral Property Agreements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of mineral property agreements [Abstract]
Mineral Property Agreements	3. Mineral Property Agreements NorthMet, Minnesota, U.S.A. Pursuant to an agreement dated January 4, 1989, subsequently amended and assigned, the Company leases certain mineral property rights in St. Louis County, Minnesota from RGGS Land & Minerals Ltd., L.P. Provided the Company continues to make annual lease payments, the lease period continues until June 12, 2048 with an option to extend the lease for up to five additional ten-year periods on the same terms and further extend as long as there are commercial mining operations. All lease payments have been paid to date with the next annual payment of $0.175 million due in January 2021. Pursuant to an agreement dated December 1, 2008, the Company leases certain mineral property rights in St. Louis County, Minnesota from LMC Minerals. Provided the Company continues to make annual lease payments, the lease period continues until December 1, 2028 with an option to extend the lease for up to four additional five-year periods on the same terms. All lease payments have been paid to date with the next annual payment of $0.030 million due in November 2020. The lease payments are considered advance royalty payments and will be deducted from future production royalties payable to the lessor, which range from 3% to 5% based on the net smelter return per ton received by the Company. The Company’s recovery of $3.186 million in advance royalty payments to RGGS Land & Minerals Ltd., L.P. is subject to the lessor receiving an amount not less than the amount of the annual lease payment due for that year. The Company’s recovery of $0.249 million in advance royalty payments to LMC Minerals is subject to the lessor receiving an amount not less than the amount of the annual lease payment due for that year.

Mineral Property, Plant and Equ

Mineral Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Mineral Property, Plant and Equipment	4. Mineral Property, Plant and Equipment Details of the Mineral Property, Plant and Equipment are as follows: Net Book Value Mineral Property Plant and Equipment Total Balance at December 31, 2018 433,347 201 433,548 Additions 33,956 746 34,702 Disposals (867 ) - (867 ) Changes to environmental rehabilitation provision (Note 6) (9,912 ) - (9,912 ) Asset Impairment (47,168 ) - (47,168 ) Amortization and Depreciation - (171 ) (171 ) Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 409,356 $ 776 $ 410,132 Gross carrying value 456,524 1,931 458,455 Accumulated depreciation and impairment (47,168 ) (1,155 ) (48,323 ) Net Book Value Mineral Property Plant and Equipment Total Balance at January 1, 2018 $ 395,115 $ 301 $ 395,416 Additions 41,710 87 41,797 Changes to environmental rehabilitation provision (Note 6) (3,478 ) - (3,478 ) Amortization and Depreciation - (187 ) (187 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 433,347 201 433,548 Gross carrying value 433,347 1,365 434,712 Accumulated depreciation and impairment - (1,164 ) (1,164 ) Mineral Property December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Mineral property acquisition and interest costs $ 79,625 $ 112,002 Mine plan and development 51,388 48,383 Environmental 142,814 133,638 Consulting and wages 58,610 55,076 Reclamation and remediation (Note 6) 46,899 56,811 Site activities 29,942 26,488 Mine equipment 78 949 Total $ 409,356 $ 433,347 In November 2005, the Company acquired from Cliffs Erie LLC, a subsidiary of Cleveland Cliffs Inc. (together “Cliffs”) large parts of the Erie Plant, a processing facility located approximately six miles from the ore body. In December 2006, the Company acquired from Cliffs additional property and associated rights sufficient to provide it with a railroad connection linking the mine development site and the Erie Plant. The transaction also included a railcar fleet, locomotive fueling and maintenance facilities, water rights and pipelines, administrative offices on site and an additional 6,000 acres of land to the east and west of the existing tailings storage facilities. The consideration paid for the Erie Plant and associated infrastructure was $18.9 million in cash and 9,200,547 shares at a fair market value of $13.953 million. As part of the consideration, the Company indemnified Cliffs for reclamation and remediation obligations of the acquired property (see Note 6). During 2019, the Company capitalized development costs of $19.205 million (2018 - $21.150 million) necessary to bring the Project to commercial production. In addition, borrowing costs directly attributable to the Project were capitalized in the amount of $14.751 million (2018 - $20.560 million). As Project assets are not in use or capable of operating in a manner intended by management, no depreciation or amortization of these assets has been recorded to December 31, 2019. The Company regularly assesses whether there are indicators of asset impairment. During the fourth quarter of 2019, indicators were identified including updates to the Project and developments related to ongoing legal challenges which potentially affect the timing of the Project and resulted in an asset impairment in the amount of $47.168 million. The recoverable amounts of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets were measured based on FVLCD, determined by assessing future expected cash flows based on future business plans, both underpinned and supported by life of mine plans. The valuation assessment uses the most recent reserve and resource estimates, relevant cost assumptions and market forecasts of commodity prices discounted using an operation specific weighted average cost of capital rate of 8.2%. The valuation is sensitive to price of copper (assumptions between $2.81 and $2.97 per pound were used), nickel (assumptions between $6.95 and $7.53 per pound were used) and palladium (assumptions between $1,139 and $1,489 per ounce were used) and a change in the pricing outlook may result in additional review of the Project. The determination of FVLCD used Level 3 valuation techniques.

Intangibles

Intangibles	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [abstract]
Intangibles	5. Intangibles Details of the Intangibles are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Intangibles – beginning of period $ 24,185 $ 3,130 Additions 195 21,055 Intangibles – end of period $ 24,380 $ 24,185 In October 2017, the Company entered into an agreement with EIP Credit Co., LLC to reserve wetland mitigation bank credits the Company can use for the Project for a minimum of five years in exchange for an initial down payment applicable to the purchase price, contractual transfer of certain lands, and annual option payments not applicable to the purchase price. Annual option payments of $0.250 million are expensed as incurred whereas option exercise payments will be recorded to Intangibles and transferred to Mineral Property, Plant and Equipment once placed into service. During 2018, the Company exercised part of its rights and purchased wetland mitigation bank credits, which resulted in a $21.055 million addition to Intangibles. During 2019, the Company recorded $0.195 million related to software costs (2018 - $nil).

Environmental Rehabilitation Pr

Environmental Rehabilitation Provision	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of Environmental Rehabilitation Provision [Abstract]
Environmental Rehabilitation Provision	6. Environmental Rehabilitation Provision Details of the Environmental Rehabilitation Provision are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Environmental Rehabilitation Provision – beginning of period $ 61,107 $ 65,402 Change in estimate (9,912 ) (3,478 ) Liabilities discharged (742 ) (2,613 ) Accretion expense 2,072 1,796 Environmental Rehabilitation Provision – end of period 52,525 61,107 Less current portion (1,276 ) (1,693 ) Non-current portion $ 51,249 $ 59,414 Federal, state and local laws and regulations concerning environmental protection affect the Company’s assets. As part of the consideration for the asset acquisitions from Cliffs (see Note 4), the Company indemnified Cliffs for reclamation and remediation obligations of the acquired property. The Company’s provisions are based upon existing laws and regulations. It is not currently possible to estimate the impact on operating results, if any, of future legislative or regulatory developments. The Company’s best estimate of the environmental rehabilitation provision as at December 31, 2019 was $52.525 million (December 31, 2018 - $61.107 million) based on estimated cash flows required to settle this obligation in present day costs of $70.480 million (December 31, 2018 - $71.146 million), a projected inflation rate of 2.2% (December 31, 2018 – 2.0%), a market risk-free nominal interest rate (“discount rate”) of 4.0% (December 31, 2018 – 3.13%) and expenditures expected to occur over a period of approximately 30 years. During 2019, the Company changed its estimate for determining the discount rate in order to better reflect the expected rates over the period of future cash flows. This change in estimate resulted in a $9.9 million decrease to the environmental rehabilitation provision during 2019 and was accounted for prospectively as a change in accounting estimate in accordance with IAS 8, Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates, and Errors. The carrying value of the provision is sensitive to the estimates and assumptions used in its measurement. If the discount rate had been 1% lower than management’s estimate, the liability would have increased by $8.3 million as at December 31, 2019 and conversely, if the discount rate had been 1% higher than management’s estimate, the liability would have decreased by $6.6 million as at December 31, 2019. On November 1, 2018, the Company received the Permit to Mine for the Project and certain other permits from the MDNR which included a schedule for financial assurance obligations, including required cash contributions to a trust fund. The Company has satisfied its current financial assurance obligations primarily by establishing and contributing $10.0 million in restricted deposits to a trust fund (December 31, 2019 - $11.198 million) and providing $65.0 million in surety bonds and letters of credit, with the MDNR as the beneficiary in each case. Financial assurance obligations are reviewed annually based on the Company’s planned reclamation activities, with the total assurance and related financial instruments adjusted accordingly. After the start of construction, the Company may terminate these financial instruments, partially or in full, only upon fulfilling site reclamation requirements and receiving approval from the MDNR. Future required cash contributions to the trust fund are $2.0 million per year beginning in the first year of mining operations and continue until the eighth year after which annual contributions will be prorated based on the expected reclamation obligation at the end of mining. In addition, the Company provided Cliffs with a $13.4 million letter of credit to satisfy requirements under the asset acquisition agreements and related obligations.

Glencore Financing

Glencore Financing	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of Glencore Financing [Abstract]
Glencore Financing	7. Glencore Financing Since October 2008, the Company and Glencore have entered into a series of financing agreements comprising: • Equity – $25.0 million placement of common shares in 2009; $30.0 million placement of common shares in 2010; $20.0 million placement of common shares in 2011; $20.960 million purchase of common shares in 2013; $10.583 million purchase of common shares in the 2016 Private Placement; and a $243.435 million purchase of common shares in the 2019 Rights Offering (see Note 10); • Convertible debt (“Glencore Convertible Debt”) – $25.0 million initial principal secured convertible debentures drawn in 2008 and 2009 and up to $30 million initial principal unsecured convertible debentures drawn and to be drawn in 2020 (see Note 16). The convertible debt balance was fully repaid with proceeds from the 2019 Rights Offering; • Non-convertible debt (“Glencore Non-Convertible Debt”) – $30.0 million initial principal secured debentures drawn in 2015; $11.0 million initial principal secured debenture drawn in 2016; $14.0 million initial principal secured debentures drawn in 2016; $20.0 million initial principal secured debentures drawn in 2017 and 2018; and $80.0 million initial principal secured debenture drawn in 2018 with the final tranche in the amount of $15.0 million cancelled by the Company. The non-convertible balance was fully repaid with proceeds from the 2019 Rights Offering; and • Promissory note – agreement comprising $15.0 million initial principal note drawn in August 2019. 2018 Agreement On March 23, 2018, the Company amended its financing arrangement with Glencore. The maturity date of the Convertible Debt and the Non-Convertible Debt was extended to the earlier of (i) March 31, 2019 or (ii) the availability of at least $100 million of debt or equity financing or (iii) when the Company elects to repay the debt early and demonstrates that such repayment is prudent. The interest rate was reduced from twelve month US dollar LIBOR plus 15.0% to twelve month US dollar LIBOR plus 10.0% effective April 1, 2018. The convertibility of the Convertible Debt was extended to March 31, 2019 and 6,458,001 purchase warrants were reissued with an expiration date of March 31, 2019 and an exercise price of $0.8231 per share, both of which were approved by the NYSE American and TSX. All other terms of the financing arrangement remained unchanged. In addition, the Company agreed to issue to Glencore secured debentures with a total principal amount of up to $80 million at the Company’s option. The debentures bear interest at twelve month US dollar LIBOR plus 10.0% and if issued, are due on the earlier of (i) March 31, 2019 or (ii) the availability of at least $100 million of debt or equity financing or (iii) when the Company elects to repay the debt early and demonstrates that such repayment is prudent, on which date all principal and interest accrued to such date will be due and payable. The Tranche P Debenture in the amount of $20.0 million was issued on May 7, 2018. The Tranche Q Debenture in the amount of $15.0 million and Tranche T Debenture in the amount of $10 million were issued on October 25, 2018. The Tranche S Debenture in the amount of $20.0 million was issued on December 18, 2018. Under the extension agreement and repayment plan agreed to subsequent to December 31, 2018, the commitment to issue Tranche R in the amount of $15.0 million was cancelled. The March 2018 transaction was accounted for as a modification of the existing debentures with a $4.109 million modification loss consisting of the following: • $3.142 million to increase the convertible debt carrying value to the revised cash flows discounted using the original effective interest rate of 6.7%; • $1.452 million to reduce the non-convertible debt carrying value to the revised cash flows discounted using the original effective interest rate of 14.9%; • $2.331 million to recognize fair value of the purchase warrants issued; and • $0.088 million to recognize transaction costs which were allocated on a pro rata basis to the Glencore Non-Convertible Debt and Glencore Convertible Debt. 2019 Agreements On March 22, 2019, the Company entered into an extension agreement with Glencore with respect to the secured convertible and non-convertible debt set to mature on March 31, 2019. Glencore agreed to extend the maturity date of the debt to June 30, 2019 to provide the Company time to complete a rights offering, fully backstopped by Glencore, to raise sufficient funds to repay all outstanding debt. In connection with the extension agreement, the Company issued 6,458,001 purchase warrants to Glencore with an expiration date of March 31, 2024 and an exercise price of $0.7368 which was approved by the NYSE American and TSX. In addition, the Company agreed to extend the expiration date of the convertible debt exchange warrant to the earlier of March 31, 2020 or the date on which the convertible debt is fully repaid, which occurred on June 28, 2019 (see Notes 8 and 9). The March 2019 transaction was accounted for as a modification of the existing debentures with a $2.014 million modification loss consisting of the following: • $0.810 million to increase the convertible debt carrying value to the revised cash flows discounted using the original effective interest rate of 7.3%; • $0.360 million to reduce the non-convertible debt carrying value to the revised cash flows discounted using the original effective interest rate of 14.3%; and • $1.564 million to equity reserves to recognize the fair value of the purchase warrants issued. On June 28, 2019, Glencore purchased 430,521,941 common shares under its standby commitment under the Rights Offering in addition to the 196,726,042 common shares purchased under its rights (see Note 10). Proceeds of the Rights Offering were used to repay the convertible debt (see Note 8) and non-convertible debt (see Note 9) resulting in a gain on convertible debt repayment of $0.018 million and loss on non-convertible debt repayment of $0.008 million. On August 7, 2019, the Company issued to Glencore a promissory note in the amount of $15.0 million with proceeds to be used for general corporate purposes. The promissory note bears interest at three month U.S. dollar LIBOR plus 6.0% and is payable on the earlier of (i) December 31, 2021 or (ii) the availability of at least $100 million of debt or equity financing, on which date all principal and interest accrued to such date will be due and payable. Since inception, $0.501 million of interest was capitalized to the principal amount of the promissory note. Borrowing costs of $0.341 million were eligible for capitalization and these costs were capitalized during 2019.

Convertible Debt

Convertible Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Convertible Debt	8. Convertible Debt Details of the Convertible Debt are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Convertible Debt – beginning of period $ 56,984 $ 49,067 Transition to IFRS 9 (Note 2) - 1,346 Convertible Debt – adjusted beginning of period 56,984 50,413 Change due to modification (Note 7) 792 3,142 Accretion and capitalized interest 2,105 3,429 Repayment (59,881 ) - Convertible Debt – end of period - 56,984 Less current portion - (56,984 ) Non-current portion $ - $ - Since October 2008, the Company issued $25.0 million of secured convertible debentures to Glencore. The Company provided security on these debentures covering all of the assets of PolyMet. These debentures bore interest at the twelve month U.S. dollar LIBOR plus 4.0% through July 31, 2015, twelve month U.S. dollar LIBOR plus 8.0% through December 31, 2015, twelve month U.S. dollar LIBOR plus 15.0% beginning January 1, 2016, and twelve month U.S. dollar LIBOR plus 10.0% beginning April 1, 2018. Interest was compounded quarterly and payable in cash or by increasing the principal amount of the debentures, at the option of Glencore. Since inception, $34.881 million of interest was capitalized to the principal amount of the debenture. All borrowing costs were eligible for capitalization and $2.105 million was capitalized during 2019. Upon closing of the Rights Offering, these debentures were fully repaid on June 28, 2019 (see Note 10). Subsequent to December 31, 2019, the Company agreed to issue unsecured convertible debentures to Glencore in four tranches during 2020 with a total minimum principal amount of $20.0 million and total maximum principal amount of $30.0 million, the amount of each tranche to be determined jointly by the Company and Glencore. The debentures are due on the earlier of March 31, 2023 or upon US$100 million of project financing. Interest will accrue on the unsecured debentures at 4% per annum on the balance drawn and the principal amount of the debentures is convertible into common shares of the Company at a conversion price equal to $0.2223. The first tranche in the amount of $7.0 million was issued on March 18, 2020 (see Note 16).

Non-Convertible Debt

Non-Convertible Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of Non-Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Non-Convertible Debt	9. Non-Convertible Debt Details of the Non-Convertible Debt are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Non-Convertible Debt – beginning of period $ 178,483 $ 92,268 Transition to IFRS 9 (Note 2) - 813 Non-Convertible Debt – adjusted beginning of period 178,483 93,081 Change due to modification (Note 7) (352 ) (1,452 ) Accretion and capitalized interest 12,305 17,131 Funding, net of costs - 69,723 Repayment (190,436 ) - Total Non-Convertible Debt - 178,483 Less current portion - (178,483 ) Non-current portion $ - $ - Since January 2015, the Company has issued $140.0 million of secured non-convertible debentures to Glencore. The Company has provided security on these debentures covering all of the assets of PolyMet. These debentures bore interest at twelve month U.S. dollar LIBOR plus 8.0% through December 31, 2015, twelve month U.S. dollar LIBOR plus 15.0% beginning January 1, 2016, and twelve month U.S. dollar LIBOR plus 10.0% beginning April 1, 2018. Interest was compounded quarterly and payable in cash or by increasing the principal amount of the debentures, at the option of Glencore. Since inception, $50.436 million of interest was capitalized to the principal amount of the debenture. All borrowing costs were eligible for capitalization and $12.305 million was capitalized during 2019. Upon closing of the Rights Offering, these debentures were fully repaid on June 28, 2019 (see Note 10).

Share Capital

Share Capital	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of classes of share capital [abstract]
Share Capital	10. Share Capital a) Issuances for Cash and Land Acquisition On May 24, 2019, the Company filed a prospectus for an offering of rights to holders of common shares of the Company to raise up to $265.0 million in gross proceeds (“Rights Offering”). Every shareholder received one right ("Right") for each common share owned on June 3, 2019, the Record Date, and each Right entitled the holder to acquire 2.119069 new common shares of the Company at $0.3881 per share. This offering of Rights expired on June 26, 2019. Under the terms of a Standby Purchase Agreement, Glencore agreed to purchase any common shares not subscribed for by holders of Rights, subject to certain conditions. Because the Rights Offering was not fully subscribed, Glencore purchased 430,521,941 common shares under its standby commitment in addition to the 196,726,042 common shares purchased under Glencore’s Rights resulting in Glencore owning 71.6% of the Company’s issued shares. Upon closing of the Rights Offering on June 28, 2019, the Company issued a total of 682,813,838 common shares for gross proceeds of $265.0 million. Expenses and fees relating to the Rights Offering were $11.953 million, including a $7.690 million standby commitment fee paid to Glencore, and reduced the gross proceeds recorded as share capital. Closing of the Rights Offering triggered customary anti-dilution provisions for outstanding warrants, share options, and unissued restricted share units. Proceeds of the Rights Offering were used to repay the convertible debt of $59.881 million owed to Glencore and non-convertible debt of $190.436 million owed to Glencore (see Notes 8 and 9). The Company and Glencore agreed to net settle Glencore’s Rights Offering subscription amount of $243.435 million against the debt amounts owed. During 2019, the Company issued 400,171 shares (2018 – 225,000 shares) pursuant to the exercise of share options for proceeds of $0.274 million (2018 - $0.151 million). During 2019, the Company issued nil shares (2018 – 590,500 shares) pursuant to the exercise of warrants for proceeds of $nil (2018 - $0.591 million). During 2019, the Company issued 78,750 shares (2018 – 128,750 shares) to maintain land purchase options with the shares valued at $0.046 million (2018 - $0.123 million). b) Share-Based Compensation The Omnibus Share Compensation Plan (“Omnibus Plan”) was created to align the interests of the Company’s employees, directors, officers and consultants with those of shareholders. Effective May 25, 2007, the Company adopted the Omnibus Plan, which was approved by the Company’s shareholders on June 27, 2007, modified and further ratified and reconfirmed by the Company’s shareholders most recently on June 27, 2018. The Omnibus Plan restricts the award of share options, restricted shares, restricted share units, and other share-based awards to 10% of the common shares issued and outstanding on the grant date, excluding 2,500,000 common shares underlying options pursuant to an exemption approved by the Toronto Stock Exchange. During 2019, the Company recorded $2.055 million for share-based compensation (2018 - $2.202 million) with $1.558 million expensed to share-based compensation (2018 - $1.742 million) and $0.497 million capitalized to mineral property, plant and equipment (2018 - $0.460 million). The offsetting entries were to equity reserves for $1.986 million (2018 - $1.787 million), share capital for $0.084 million (2018 - $0.105) and payables for a reduction of $0.015 million (2018 - $0.310 million). Total share-based compensation during 2019 comprised of $1.171 million for share options (2018 - $0.803 million), $0.800 million for restricted shares and restricted share units (2018 - $1.294 million), and $0.084 million for issuance of unrestricted shares (2018 - $0.105 million). Exercise of share options and warrants and vesting of restricted share units during 2019 resulted in $1.013 million being transferred from equity reserves to share capital (2018 - $0.783 million). c) Share Options Share options granted may not exceed a term of ten years and are forfeited if the grantee ceases to be an eligible person under the Omnibus Plan. Details of the share options are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Number of Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Number of Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding – beginning of period 22,692,002 $ 0.91 21,659,002 $ 0.98 Granted 3,625,000 0.81 2,503,000 0.91 Exercised (625,000 ) 0.71 (225,000 ) 0.67 Expired (1,626,002 ) 1.01 (1,245,000 ) 2.06 Anti-dilution price adjustment - (0.12 ) - - Outstanding – end of period 24,066,000 $ 0.77 22,692,002 $ 0.91 Effective June 28, 2019, the Company reduced the exercise price of all options that were outstanding prior to the Rights Offering, to reflect the dilutive effect of the common shares that were issued in connection with the Rights Offering. The adjustment did not impact the financial statements. The weighted average share price when share options were exercised during 2019 was $0.78 (2018 - $1.00). During 2019, there were 240,000 share options net settled with 15,171 shares upon exercise (2018 – nil). The fair value of share options granted were estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Risk-free interest rate 2.52 % 2.33% to 2.58% Expected dividend yield - - Expected forfeiture rate - - Expected volatility 54.56 % 56.07% to 61.80% Expected life in years 2.50 2.50 to 5.00 Weighted average fair value of each option $0.29 $0.34 to $0.61 The expected volatility reflects the Company’s expectation that historical volatility over a period similar to the life of the option is indicative of future trends, which may or may not necessarily be the actual outcome. Details of the share options outstanding as at December 31, 2019 are as follows: Range of Exercise Prices Number of options outstanding Number of options exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Life 0.52 to 0.69 10,294,000 9,994,000 $ 0.63 2.24 0.70 to 0.86 9,717,000 9,018,000 0.77 3.79 0.87 to 1.30 2,945,000 2,945,000 0.92 2.01 1.31 to 1.63 1,050,000 1,050,000 1.56 1.16 1.64 to 2.66 60,000 - 2.66 0.02 24,066,000 23,007,000 $ 0.77 2.79 As at December 31, 2019 all outstanding share options had vested and were exercisable, with the exception of 1,059,000, which are scheduled to vest upon completion of specific targets or dates (June 2020 – 300,000; Production – 699,000; Other – 60,000). The outstanding share options have expiry periods between 0.01 and 8.18 years and are expected to be settled in shares upon exercise. d) Restricted Shares and Restricted Share Units Restricted shares and restricted share units granted are forfeited if the grantee ceases to be an eligible person under the Omnibus Plan. Details of the restricted shares and restricted share units are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Outstanding - beginning of period 3,347,907 3,281,030 Issued 1,725,869 1,227,004 Vested (1,049,364 ) (1,160,127 ) Anti-dilution quantity adjustment 624,452 - Outstanding - end of period 4,648,864 3,347,907 Effective June 28, 2019, the Company increased the number of common shares issuable for all restricted share units outstanding prior to the Rights Offering, to reflect the dilutive effect of the common shares that were issued in connection with the Rights Offering. The adjustment did not impact the financial statements. During 2019, the Company issued 1,725,869 restricted share units (2018 – 1,227,004), which had a fair value of $1.355 million (2018 - $1.135 million) to be expensed and capitalized over the vesting periods. During 2019, there were 95,500 restricted shares (2018 – nil) settled upon vesting in shares, 644,510 restricted share units (2018 - 843,413) settled upon vesting with shares, and 309,354 restricted share units (2018 – 316,714) settled upon vesting with cash for $0.232 million (2018 – $0.377 million). As at December 31, 2019, outstanding restricted shares and restricted share units were scheduled to vest upon completion of specific targets (Construction Finance – 865,575; Production – 459,272; March 2020 – 707,649; June 2020 – 126,130; January 2021 – 1,545,837; and Other – 93,750). The remaining 850,651 outstanding restricted shares and restricted share units have vested but share delivery is deferred until retirement, termination, or death. The Company expects 972,576 outstanding restricted share units will be settled in cash and the remainder will be settled in shares as allowed under the Omnibus Plan. e) Bonus Shares The bonus share incentive plan was established for the Company’s directors and key employees and was approved by the disinterested shareholders at the Company’s shareholders’ meeting held in May 2004. The Company has authorized 3,640,000 bonus shares for the achievement of Milestone 4 representing commencement of commercial production at NorthMet. At the Company’s Annual General Meeting of shareholders held in June 2008, the disinterested shareholders approved issuance of these shares upon achievement of Milestone 4. Regulatory approval is also required prior to issuance of these shares. Details of the bonus shares are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Allocated Authorized & Unissued Allocated Authorized & Unissued Outstanding – beginning of period 2,700,000 3,640,000 3,150,000 3,640,000 Forfeited - - (450,000 ) - Outstanding – end of period 2,700,000 3,640,000 2,700,000 3,640,000 The fair value of these unissued bonus shares was being amortized until the estimated date of issuance and has now been fully amortized. During 2019, the Company recorded $nil for amortization related to Milestone 4 bonus shares (2018 – $0.025 million) which was capitalized to Mineral Property, Plant and Equipment. During 2018, the Company also reversed $1.544 million of previously capitalized fair value related to the forfeiture of 450,000 bonus shares by a former director of the Company. f) Share Purchase Warrants Details of the share purchase warrants are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Number of Purchase Warrants Weighted Average Exercise Price Number of Purchase Warrants Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding – beginning of period 27,189,713 $ 0.95 21,322,212 $ 0.99 Issued (Note 7) 6,458,001 0.74 6,458,001 0.82 Anti-dilution price adjustment - (0.12 ) - - Anti-dilution quantity adjustment 4,189,466 - - - Exercised - - (590,500 ) 1.00 Expiration (Note 7) (6,458,001 ) 0.82 - - Outstanding – end of period 31,379,179 $ 0.80 27,189,713 $ 0.95 The outstanding share purchase warrants have expiry periods between 1.80 years and 4.25 years, subject to acceleration in certain circumstances. Effective June 28, 2019, the Company increased the number of common shares issuable and reduced the exercise price of all warrants that were outstanding prior to the Rights Offering, to reflect the dilutive effect of the common shares that were issued in connection with the Rights Offering. The adjustment did not impact the financial statements. The fair value of share purchase warrants granted were estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Risk-free interest rate 2.18 % 2.05 % Expected dividend yield - - Expected forfeiture rate - - Expected volatility 52.59 % 54.54 % Expected life in years 3.00 1.02 Weighted average fair value of each warrant $ 0.24 $ 0.36

Finance Costs - Net

Finance Costs - Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of Finance Costs - Net [Abstract]
Finance Costs - Net	11. Finance Costs - Net Details of net finance costs are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Debt accretion and capitalized interest: Promissory note (Note 7) $ 501 $ - Convertible debt (Note 8) 2,105 3,429 Non-convertible debt (Note 9) 12,305 17,131 Environmental rehabilitation accretion (Note 6) 2,072 1,796 Other finance costs 681 858 Less: amounts capitalized on qualifying assets (14,751 ) (20,560 ) Finance costs 2,913 2,654 Cash interest income (218 ) (237 ) Restricted deposits income (1,163 ) (36 ) Finance income (1,381 ) (273 ) Finance costs - net $ 1,532 $ 2,381

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Related party transactions [abstract]
Related Party Transactions	12. Related Party Transactions The Company conducted transactions with senior management, directors and persons or companies related to these individuals, and paid or accrued amounts, as follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Salaries and other short-term benefits $ 2,247 $ 1,956 Other long-term benefits 47 44 Share-based payment (1) 1,917 1,680 Total $ 4,211 $ 3,680 (1) Agreements with senior management contain severance provisions for termination without cause or in the event of a change in control. Other than the President and CEO, no other PolyMet director has an agreement providing for benefits upon termination. As a result of Glencore’s 71.6% ownership and majority shareholder relationship, Glencore is also a related party. In addition to the transactions described in Notes 7, 8, 9 and 10, the Company has entered into a Technical Services Agreement with Glencore whereby the Company reimburses Glencore for Project technical support costs requested under an agreed scope of work, primarily in detailed project design and mineral processing. During 2019, the Company recorded $0.474 million (2018 - $0.070 million) for services under this agreement.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Major components of tax expense (income) [abstract]
Income Taxes	13. Income Taxes a) Effective tax rate The effective tax rate differs from the cumulative Canadian federal and provincial income tax rate due to the following: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Loss for the year before taxes $ (57,903 ) $ (15,043 ) Combined statutory tax rate 27.0 % 27.0 % Expected tax recovery (15,634 ) (4,062 ) Difference in foreign tax rates (914 ) (91 ) Non-deductible items 541 1,538 Change in unrecognized deferred tax and other items 16,007 2,615 Income Tax Expense / (Recovery) $ - $ - b) Deferred income tax assets and liabilities Deferred income tax assets and liabilities have been recognized in respect of the following items: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Non-capital loss carry forward assets $ 16,994 $ 29,353 Mineral property acquisition, exploration and development costs (16,994 ) (29,353 ) Net deferred income tax liabilities $ - $ - Deferred income tax assets have not yet been recognized in respect of the following items: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Non-capital loss carry forward assets $ 41,104 $ 25,437 Capital loss carry forward assets 360 360 Intercompany receivable assets 2,690 2,109 Other assets 4,288 1,125 Unrecognized deferred income tax assets $ 48,442 $ 29,031 As at December 31, 2019, the Company has Canadian non-capital loss carry forwards of approximately $53.8 million (December 31, 2018 - $47.6 million), which expire between 2026 and 2039. The Company also has US federal non-capital loss carry forwards of approximately $152.3 million (December 31, 2018 - $146.7 million), of which approximately $134.9 million were generated prior to 2018 and expire between 2020 and 2037. The remaining $17.4 million were generated in tax years since 2018 and do not expire. The Company’s US state non-capital loss carry forwards expire between 2020 and 2034. Further, US net operating loss carry forwards may be subject to an annual limitation in the event of a 50% or greater change of ownership within a 3 year period as defined under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company is not recognizing these deferred tax assets because they relate to entities with a history of losses and there is not convincing evidence that future taxable income will enable timely offset.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	14. Commitments and Contingencies In the normal course of business, the Company enters into contracts that give rise to firm commitments for future minimum payments. In addition to items described elsewhere in these financial statements, the following table summarizes the Company's contractual obligations as at December 31, 2019: Contractual Obligations Carrying Value Contractual Cash flows Less than 1 year 1 – 3 years 3 – 5 years More than 5 years Accounts payable and accruals $ 4,533 $ 4,533 $ 4,533 $ - $ - $ - Lease liability 616 766 107 293 302 64 Promissory note (Note 7) 15,501 16,196 - 16,196 - - Firm commitments - 455 83 284 88 - Total $ 20,650 $ 21,950 $ 4,723 $ 16,773 $ 390 $ 64 The Company is involved in various claims, litigation and other matters arising in the ordinary course and conduct of business. While it is not possible to determine the ultimate outcome of such actions at this time, and inherent uncertainties exist in predicting such outcomes, it is the Company's belief that the ultimate resolution of such actions is not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position or results of operations. The assessment of contingencies inherently involves the exercise of significant judgment and estimates of the outcome of future events. As a result of the assessment, no significant contingent liabilities have been recorded in these consolidated financial statements.

Financial Instruments and Risk

Financial Instruments and Risk Management	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [abstract]
Financial Instruments and Risk Management	15. Financial Instruments and Risk Management The carrying values of each classification of financial instrument as at December 31, 2019 are: Amortized Cost Fair value through profit or loss Total carrying value Financial assets Cash $ 7,401 $ - $ 7,401 Restricted deposits 809 10,640 11,449 Amounts receivable and other assets 738 2,176 2,914 Total financial assets 8,948 12,816 21,764 Financial liabilities Accounts payable and accruals 4,408 125 4,533 Promissory note 15,501 - 15,501 Lease liabilities 616 - 616 Total financial liabilities $ 20,525 $ 125 $ 20,650 The carrying values of each classification of financial instrument as at December 31, 2018 are: Amortized Cost Fair value through profit or loss Total carrying value Financial assets Cash $ 13,857 $ - $ 13,857 Restricted deposits 10,286 - 10,286 Amounts receivable 680 1,912 2,592 Total financial assets 24,823 1,912 26,735 Financial liabilities Accounts payable and accruals 3,642 371 4,013 Convertible debt 56,984 - 56,984 Non-convertible debt 178,483 - 178,483 Total financial liabilities $ 239,109 $ 371 $ 239,480 Fair Value Measurements The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below: Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 – Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data. Financial instruments measured at fair value subsequent to recognition include the restricted deposits (see Note 6) which are measured at fair value through profit or loss using Level 1 inputs resulting in a carrying value of $10.640 million (December 31, 2018 - $nil), the amounts receivable measured at fair value through profit or loss using Level 3 inputs resulting in a carrying value of $2.176 million (December 31, 2018 - $1.912 million) and accruals representing expected payments to settle restricted share units measured at fair value through profit or loss using Level 2 inputs resulting in a carrying value of $0.125 million (December 31, 2018 - $0.371 million). The fair values of other financial assets and other financial liabilities approximate their carrying amounts due to their short-term nature. Risks Arising from Financial Instruments and Risk Management The Company’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including currency and interest rate), credit risk, and liquidity risk. Reflecting the current stage of development of the Company’s Project, the overall risk management program focuses on facilitating the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern and seeks to minimize potential adverse effects on the Company’s ability to execute its business plan. Risk management is the responsibility of executive management. Material risks are identified and monitored and are discussed with the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors. Currency Risk The Company incurs expenditures in Canada and the United States. The functional and reporting currency of the Company and its subsidiary is the U.S. dollar. Foreign exchange risk arises because the amount of Canadian dollar cash, amounts receivable, or accounts payable and accruals will vary in U.S. dollar terms due to changes in exchange rates. As the majority of the Company’s expenditures are in U.S. dollars, the Company has kept a significant portion of its cash in U.S. dollars. The Company has not hedged its exposure to currency fluctuations as the exposure to currency risk is currently insignificant. Interest Rate Risk Interest rate risk arises from interest paid on floating rate debt and interest received on cash and liquid short-term deposits. The Company has not hedged any of its interest rate risk. The Company currently capitalizes to qualifying assets the majority of interest charges, and therefore the risk exposure is primarily on cash interest payable and net earnings in relation to the subsequent depreciation of capitalized interest charges. The Company was exposed to interest rate risk through the following assets and liabilities: December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Cash and restricted deposits $ 18,850 $ 24,143 Convertible debt - 56,984 Non-convertible debt - 178,483 Promissory Note $ 15,501 $ - Based on the above net exposures, as at December 31, 2019, a 1% change in interest rates would have impacted the Company’s loss by approximately $0.189 million and carrying value of the promissory note by approximately $0.155 million. Credit Risk Credit risk arises on cash and restricted deposits held with banks and financial institutions, as well as credit exposure on outstanding amounts receivable and other assets. The maximum exposure to credit risk is equal to the carrying value of the financial assets of $21.764 million. The Company’s cash and restricted deposits are primarily held through large Canadian and United States financial institutions. Liquidity Risk Liquidity risk is the risk the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they become due and arises through the excess of financial obligations over available financial assets due at any point in time. The Company’s objective in managing liquidity risk is to maintain sufficient readily available reserves in order to meet its liquidity requirements at any point in time and is achieved by maintaining sufficient cash. See additional discussion in Note 1. The Company’s capital management objective is to safeguard the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to pursue the development of its mineral property. In the management of capital, the Company includes the components of shareholders’ equity, convertible debt and non-convertible debt. The Company manages the capital structure and makes adjustments to it depending on economic conditions and the rate of anticipated expenditures. To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may attempt to issue new shares, issue new debt, acquire or dispose of assets. The Company has no externally imposed capital requirements. In order to assist in management of its capital requirements, the Company prepares budgets that are updated as necessary depending on various factors. The budgets are approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. Although the Company expects to have the necessary resources to carry out its plans and operations through December 31, 2020, it does not currently have sufficient capital to complete the development of the Project and generate future profitable operations and is in discussions to arrange sufficient capital to meet these requirements. The Company’s objective is to identify the source or sources from which it will obtain the capital required to complete the Project and manage liquidity risk (see Note 1).

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of non-adjusting events after reporting period [abstract]
Subsequent Events	16. Subsequent Events On March 17, 2020, the Company agreed to issue unsecured convertible debentures to Glencore in four tranches during 2020 with a total minimum principal amount of $20.0 million and total maximum principal amount of $30.0 million, the amount of each tranche to be determined jointly by the Company and Glencore. The debentures are due on the earlier of March 31, 2023 or upon US$100 million of project financing. Interest will accrue on the unsecured debentures at 4% per annum on the balance drawn and the principal amount of the debentures is convertible into common shares of the Company at a conversion price equal to $0.2223. The first tranche in the amount of $7.0 million was issued on March 18, 2020.

Basis of Preparation (Policies)

Basis of Preparation (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Basis of Preparation [Abstract]
Statement of Compliance	a) Statement of Compliance The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on March 27, 2020.
Basis of Consolidation and Preparation	b) Basis of Consolidation and Preparation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly‑owned subsidiary. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost basis, except for those assets and liabilities that are measured at revalued amounts or fair values at the end of each reporting period. All dollar amounts presented are in United States (“U.S.”) dollars unless otherwise specified.
Change in Accounting Policies	c) Change in Accounting Policies On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the following new accounting standards that were previously issued by the IASB. Certain other new standards and interpretations have been issued and were effective as of January 1, 2018 and January 1, 2019 but did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements and are therefore not discussed below. The accounting policies discussed below reflect the Company’s adoption of IFRS 9 - Financial Instruments, effective January 1, 2018, and IFRS 16 - Leases, which had an effective date of January 1, 2019 but for which the company early adopted as of January 1, 2018. IFRS 9 – Financial Instruments IFRS 9 addresses the classification, measurement and recognition of financial assets and financial liabilities. This standard replaces parts of IAS 39 - Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. The Company adopted IFRS 9 effective January 1, 2018 on a retrospective basis without restating prior period comparatives. IFRS 9 requires financial assets to be classified into the following measurement categories: fair value through profit and loss, fair value through other comprehensive income, and those measured at amortized cost. The determination is made at initial recognition. At transition, the amounts receivable previously classified as available-for-sale and measured at fair value through other comprehensive income was re-classified as fair value through profit or loss with changes in fair value recognized in the statement of loss instead of through other comprehensive loss. Adoption resulted in re-classification of $0.210 million to the opening deficit from accumulated other comprehensive loss for cumulative gains on the amounts receivable. For financial liabilities, the standard retains most of the IAS 39 requirements, except as it relates to modifications of liabilities. Under IAS 39, when an entity modified a financial liability, it would decide whether this modification was significant enough to constitute an extinguishment. If the modification was considered an extinguishment of the initial debt, the new modified debt was recorded at fair value and a gain/loss recognized in the statement of loss for the difference between the carrying amount of the old debt and the fair value of the new debt. This extinguishment accounting remains the same under IFRS 9. However, accounting differs where the change is not significant enough to be an extinguishment. Under IAS 39, modifications would not lead to an immediate income charge, whereas, under IFRS 9, the cash flows under the modified debt are discounted using the original effective interest rate of the instrument with an immediate charge to income. Adoption of IFRS 9 resulted in a $2.159 million adjustment to increase the opening deficit as at January 1, 2018 and increase the carrying value of convertible and non-convertible debt to reflect accounting for prior year modifications under the new standard (see Notes 8 and 9). IFRS 16 – Leases IFRS 16 replaces IAS 17 – Leases. The new standard requires capitalization of certain leases by the lessee and results in accounting treatment similar to finance leases under IAS 17 - Leases. Exemptions for leases of very low value or short duration leases are applicable. The new standard results in an increase in lease assets and liabilities for the lessee. Under the new standard the treatment of all lease expenses is aligned in the statement of loss and comprehensive loss with depreciation, and an interest expense component recognized for each lease, in line with finance lease accounting under IAS 17 - Leases. The Company early adopted IFRS 16 effective January 1, 2018 on a modified retrospective basis without restating prior period comparatives. As a result, the Company recorded a $0.211 million lease asset and corresponding lease liability for the one qualifying office lease that will be recognized over the remaining term. The Company’s other leases (see Note 3) are leases to explore mining rights, which are excluded from IFRS 16’s scope. The following table summarizes the impact of adopting IFRS 9 - Financial Instruments and IFRS 16 - Leases: Consolidated Balance Sheet Impact Dec 31, 2017 IFRS 9 IFRS 16 Jan 1, 2018 Mineral Property, Plant and Equipment $ 395,205 $ - $ 211 $ 395,416 Accounts Payable and Accruals 3,630 - 211 3,841 Convertible Debt 49,067 1,346 - 50,413 Non-Convertible Debt 92,268 813 - 93,081 Equity Reserves 60,505 (210 ) - 60,295 Deficit $ (132,497 ) $ (1,949 ) $ - $ (134,446 )
Critical Accounting Estimates	d) Critical Accounting Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. This requires management to make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as at the date of the financial statements. Critical accounting estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are as follows: Determination of mineral reserves Reserves are estimates of the amount of product that can be economically and legally extracted from the Company’s property. In order to estimate reserves, estimates are required about a range of geological, technical and economic factors, including quantities, production techniques, production costs, capital costs, transport costs, metal prices and exchange rates. Estimating the quantity of reserves requires the size, shape and depth of deposits to be determined by analyzing geological data. This process may require complex and difficult geological judgments to interpret the data. In addition, management will form a view of forecast prices for its products, based on current and long-term historical average price trends. Changes in the proven and probable reserve estimates may impact the carrying value of property, plant and equipment, rehabilitation provisions, deferred tax amounts and depreciation, depletion and amortization. Provision for Environmental Rehabilitation Costs Provisions for environmental rehabilitation costs associated with mineral property, plant and equipment, are recognized when the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation that can be estimated reliably, and it is probable an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. Provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax risk-free rate reflecting current market assessments of the time value of money. The Company’s estimates of its environmental rehabilitation liabilities could be affected by changes in regulations, changes in the extent of environmental rehabilitation required, changes in the means of rehabilitation, changes in the extent of responsibility for the financial liability, changes in operating plans, or changes in cost estimates. Operations of the Company may in the future be affected from time to time in varying degrees by changes in environmental regulations, including those for future removal and site restoration costs. The likelihood of new regulations and overall effect upon the Company may vary greatly and are not predictable. The provision for environmental rehabilitation obligations represents management’s best estimate of the present value of the future cash outflows required to settle the liability (see Note 6).
Critical Accounting Judgments	e) Critical Accounting Judgments The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting judgments. This requires management to make judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as at the date of the financial statements. Critical accounting judgments used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are as follows: Impairment of non-financial assets The Company considers both external and internal sources of information in assessing whether there are any indications of impairment. External sources of information include changes in the market, economic, and legal environment in which the Company operates that are not within its control and affect the recoverable amount. Internal sources of information include indications of economic performance of the asset. Going concern assumptions The Company must assess its ability to continue as a going concern and prepare financial statements on a going concern basis unless it either intends to liquidate or cease trading or has no realistic alternative but to do so. In assessing whether the going concern assumption is appropriate, the Company takes into account all available information about the future, which is at least, but is not limited to, twelve months from the end of the reporting period.
Cash and Restricted Deposits	Cash and Restricted Deposits Cash include amounts held in banks and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Restricted deposits are held in a trust account and invested in highly liquid investments with a major financial institution as security and collateral for reclamation activities.
Financial Assets	Financial Assets All financial assets are initially recorded at fair value and designated upon inception as one of the following categories: fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”) or amortized cost. Financial assets classified as FVTPL are measured at fair value with gains and losses recognized through profit and loss. Financial assets classified as amortized cost are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method less any allowance for impairment. The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortized cost of a financial asset and allocating interest income over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that discounts estimated future cash flows through the expected life of the financial asset, or, where appropriate, a shorter period. Loss allowances are recognized for Expected Credit Losses (“ECL”) for amounts receivable and other assets not measured at FVTPL. Loss allowances for amounts receivable and other assets are measured at an amount equal to lifetime ECL. ECL is a probability-weighted estimate and measured as the present value of all cash shortfalls including the impact of forward looking information. The loss allowance is presented as a deduction to amounts receivable and other assets. Transaction costs associated with FVTPL financial assets are expensed as incurred, while transaction costs associated with amortized cost financial assets are included in the initial carrying amount of the asset (see Note 15).
Mineral Property	Mineral Property Exploration costs are incurred to discover mineral resources. Evaluation costs are incurred to assess the technical feasibility and commercial viability of the resources found. Exploration and evaluation costs incurred prior to receipt of a feasibility study or Definitive Feasibility Study (“DFS”) confirming the technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting the mineral resource are expensed as incurred. Development costs incurred subsequent to a DFS and mineral property acquisition costs are capitalized until the property is placed into production, sold, allowed to lapse or abandoned. Development costs are capitalized to the extent they are necessary to bring the property to commercial production and are directly attributable to an area of interest or capable of being reasonably allocated to an area of interest. NorthMet entered the development stage effective October 1, 2006 following receipt of the DFS. Upon commencement of production, related mineral property acquisition and development costs will be amortized on a unit of production basis over the estimated proven and probable mineral reserves not to exceed the assets’ useful lives.
Plant and Equipment	Plant and Equipment Plant and equipment are recorded at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and if applicable, accumulated impairment losses. Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognized as a separate asset, as appropriate, if it is probable that the future economic benefits of the expenditure will flow to the Company and its cost can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of a replaced part is derecognized. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the statement of loss and comprehensive loss during the period in which they are incurred. Depreciation of plant and equipment is calculated using the cost of the asset, less its residual value, over the estimated useful life of the asset on a unit of production or straight-line basis, as appropriate.
Leases	Leases The Company recognizes a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability, plus any initial direct costs incurred and an estimate of costs to dismantle and remove the underlying asset or to restore the underlying asset or the site on which it is located, less any lease incentives received. The right-of-use asset is subsequently depreciated using the straight-line method from the commencement date to the earlier of the end of the useful life of the right-of-use asset or the end of the lease term. The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments, discounted using the incremental borrowing rate.
Intangibles	Intangibles Intangibles include wetland credits and software. Acquisition costs are capitalized until the asset is used, sold, or abandoned. Wetland credits are used to offset and mitigate wetlands disturbed during construction and operation of the Project. As such, costs will be transferred to Mineral Property, Plant and Equipment once placed into service and amortized on a unit of production basis over the estimated proven and probable mineral reserves not to exceed the assets’ useful lives. Software is amortized over the useful life once placed into service.
Financial Liabilities	Financial Liabilities All financial liabilities are initially recorded at fair value and designated upon inception as FVTPL or other financial liabilities. Financial liabilities classified as FVTPL are initially recognized at fair value with directly attributable transaction costs expensed as incurred. At the end of each reporting period, financial liabilities at FVTPL are measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized directly in profit or loss in the period in which they arise. Financial liabilities classified as other financial liabilities are initially recognized at fair value less directly attributable transaction costs and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method which calculates the amortized cost of a financial liability and allocates interest expense over the expected life of the financial liability. Exchanges of instruments and modifications to debt are assessed using quantitative and qualitative factors to consider whether the exchange or modification constitutes an extinguishment of the original financial liability and establishment of a new financial liability. In the case of extinguishment, any fees or costs incurred are recognized in profit or loss in the period in which they arise. Where the terms in an exchange or modification are not assessed to be substantially different, a modification gain or loss is recognized at an amount equal to the difference between the modified cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate and the carrying value of the debt. The carrying value of the debt is adjusted for this modification gain or loss, directly attributable transaction costs, and any cash paid to or received from the debt holder (see Note 15).
Borrowing costs	Borrowing costs Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset are capitalized as part of the cost of that asset until such time as the asset is substantially complete and ready for its intended use or sale. Where funds have been borrowed specifically to finance an asset, the amount capitalized is the actual borrowing costs incurred. Where the funds used to finance an asset form part of general borrowings, the amount capitalized is calculated using a weighted average of rates applicable to relevant borrowings of the Company during the period. Other borrowing costs not directly attributable to a qualifying asset are expensed in the year incurred. Classification in the cash flow statement is in accordance with the classification of the underlying asset to which those payments were capitalized.
Share-Based Compensation	Share‑Based Compensation All share-based compensation awards made to directors, employees and non-employees are measured and recognized using a fair value based method. For directors and employees, or those providing services similar to employees, the fair value of options is determined using the Black-Scholes pricing model. The fair value of the bonus shares, restricted shares, and restricted share units expected to be settled in shares is amortized over the vesting period. For awards expected to be settled in cash, the change in market value and corresponding liability is adjusted to fair value at each reporting period. The award is accrued and charged over the vesting period either to operations or mineral property, plant and equipment, with the offsetting credit to equity reserves for equity settled awards or liabilities for cash settled awards. If and when share options are ultimately exercised or bonus shares, restricted shares, and restricted share units vest, the applicable amounts are transferred to share capital or removed from liabilities. Certain awards vest upon achievement of non-market performance conditions. On a quarterly basis, management assesses the probability of achieving those performance conditions using the best available information and estimates the appropriate vesting period. When the Company amends the terms of share options, the incremental change in the fair value of the options due to the amendment, as determined using the Black-Scholes pricing model, is recognized over the vesting period in the statement of loss or capitalized as appropriate.
Share Purchase Warrants	Share Purchase Warrants The Company issues share purchase warrants in connection with certain financing transactions. The fair value of the warrants, as determined using the Black-Scholes pricing model or fair value of goods or services received, is credited to equity reserves. The recorded value of share purchase warrants is transferred to share capital upon exercise.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation The U.S. dollar is the functional currency of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary. Amounts in the consolidated financial statements are expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated. Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates at the date of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities of the Company’s operations denominated in a currency other than the U.S. dollar are translated using exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date. Revenue and expense items are translated at the exchange rates in effect at the date of the underlying transaction. Exchange differences are recognized in net loss in the year in which they arise.
Loss Per Share	Loss Per Share Loss per share is computed by dividing the loss for the year by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Basic and diluted loss per share for each year presented are the same due to the effect of potential issuances of shares under warrant or share option agreements being, in total, anti-dilutive.
Income Taxes and Deferred Taxes	Income Taxes and Deferred Taxes The income tax expense or benefit for the year consists of current and deferred. Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable profit or loss for the year. Current tax is calculated using tax rates and laws that were enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date in each of the jurisdictions and includes any adjustments for taxes payable or recovery in respect of prior periods. Taxable profit or loss differs from profit or loss as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss because of items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years, and items that are never taxable or deductible. Deferred tax is recognized on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax basis used in the computation of taxable profit. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognized for all taxable temporary differences not eligible for offset. Deferred tax assets are generally recognized for all deductible temporary differences, loss carry forwards and tax credit carry forwards to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which they can be utilized. To the extent that the Company does not consider it to be probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences, loss carry forwards, and tax credit carry forwards can be utilized, a deferred tax asset is not recognized.

Basis of Preparation (Tables)

Basis of Preparation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Basis of Preparation [Abstract]
Schedule of Impact of Adopting Financial Instruments	The following table summarizes the impact of adopting IFRS 9 - Financial Instruments and IFRS 16 - Leases: Consolidated Balance Sheet Impact Dec 31, 2017 IFRS 9 IFRS 16 Jan 1, 2018 Mineral Property, Plant and Equipment $ 395,205 $ - $ 211 $ 395,416 Accounts Payable and Accruals 3,630 - 211 3,841 Convertible Debt 49,067 1,346 - 50,413 Non-Convertible Debt 92,268 813 - 93,081 Equity Reserves 60,505 (210 ) - 60,295 Deficit $ (132,497 ) $ (1,949 ) $ - $ (134,446 )

Mineral Property, Plant and E_2

Mineral Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Schedule of Mineral Property, Plant, and Equipment	Details of the Mineral Property, Plant and Equipment are as follows: Net Book Value Mineral Property Plant and Equipment Total Balance at December 31, 2018 433,347 201 433,548 Additions 33,956 746 34,702 Disposals (867 ) - (867 ) Changes to environmental rehabilitation provision (Note 6) (9,912 ) - (9,912 ) Asset Impairment (47,168 ) - (47,168 ) Amortization and Depreciation - (171 ) (171 ) Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 409,356 $ 776 $ 410,132 Gross carrying value 456,524 1,931 458,455 Accumulated depreciation and impairment (47,168 ) (1,155 ) (48,323 ) Net Book Value Mineral Property Plant and Equipment Total Balance at January 1, 2018 $ 395,115 $ 301 $ 395,416 Additions 41,710 87 41,797 Changes to environmental rehabilitation provision (Note 6) (3,478 ) - (3,478 ) Amortization and Depreciation - (187 ) (187 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 433,347 201 433,548 Gross carrying value 433,347 1,365 434,712 Accumulated depreciation and impairment - (1,164 ) (1,164 ) Mineral Property December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Mineral property acquisition and interest costs $ 79,625 $ 112,002 Mine plan and development 51,388 48,383 Environmental 142,814 133,638 Consulting and wages 58,610 55,076 Reclamation and remediation (Note 6) 46,899 56,811 Site activities 29,942 26,488 Mine equipment 78 949 Total $ 409,356 $ 433,347

Intangibles (Tables)

Intangibles (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [abstract]
Schedule of Intangibles Assets	Details of the Intangibles are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Intangibles – beginning of period $ 24,185 $ 3,130 Additions 195 21,055 Intangibles – end of period $ 24,380 $ 24,185

Environmental Rehabilitation _2

Environmental Rehabilitation Provision (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of Environmental Rehabilitation Provision [Abstract]
Schedule of Environmental Rehabilitation Provision	Details of the Environmental Rehabilitation Provision are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Environmental Rehabilitation Provision – beginning of period $ 61,107 $ 65,402 Change in estimate (9,912 ) (3,478 ) Liabilities discharged (742 ) (2,613 ) Accretion expense 2,072 1,796 Environmental Rehabilitation Provision – end of period 52,525 61,107 Less current portion (1,276 ) (1,693 ) Non-current portion $ 51,249 $ 59,414

Convertible Debt (Tables)

Convertible Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Schedule of Convertible Debt	Details of the Convertible Debt are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Convertible Debt – beginning of period $ 56,984 $ 49,067 Transition to IFRS 9 (Note 2) - 1,346 Convertible Debt – adjusted beginning of period 56,984 50,413 Change due to modification (Note 7) 792 3,142 Accretion and capitalized interest 2,105 3,429 Repayment (59,881 ) - Convertible Debt – end of period - 56,984 Less current portion - (56,984 ) Non-current portion $ - $ -

Non Convertible Debt (Tables)

Non Convertible Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of Non-Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Schedule of Non Convertible Debt	Details of the Non-Convertible Debt are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Non-Convertible Debt – beginning of period $ 178,483 $ 92,268 Transition to IFRS 9 (Note 2) - 813 Non-Convertible Debt – adjusted beginning of period 178,483 93,081 Change due to modification (Note 7) (352 ) (1,452 ) Accretion and capitalized interest 12,305 17,131 Funding, net of costs - 69,723 Repayment (190,436 ) - Total Non-Convertible Debt - 178,483 Less current portion - (178,483 ) Non-current portion $ - $ -

Share Capital (Tables)

Share Capital (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Schedule of Stock Options Activities	Details of the share options are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Number of Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Number of Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding – beginning of period 22,692,002 $ 0.91 21,659,002 $ 0.98 Granted 3,625,000 0.81 2,503,000 0.91 Exercised (625,000 ) 0.71 (225,000 ) 0.67 Expired (1,626,002 ) 1.01 (1,245,000 ) 2.06 Anti-dilution price adjustment - (0.12 ) - - Outstanding – end of period 24,066,000 $ 0.77 22,692,002 $ 0.91
Schedule of Fair Value of Options Granted Using Black-scholes Option Pricing Model	The fair value of share options granted were estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Risk-free interest rate 2.52 % 2.33% to 2.58% Expected dividend yield - - Expected forfeiture rate - - Expected volatility 54.56 % 56.07% to 61.80% Expected life in years 2.50 2.50 to 5.00 Weighted average fair value of each option $0.29 $0.34 to $0.61
Schedule of Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable	Details of the share options outstanding as at December 31, 2019 are as follows: Range of Exercise Prices Number of options outstanding Number of options exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Life 0.52 to 0.69 10,294,000 9,994,000 $ 0.63 2.24 0.70 to 0.86 9,717,000 9,018,000 0.77 3.79 0.87 to 1.30 2,945,000 2,945,000 0.92 2.01 1.31 to 1.63 1,050,000 1,050,000 1.56 1.16 1.64 to 2.66 60,000 - 2.66 0.02 24,066,000 23,007,000 $ 0.77 2.79
Schedule of Bonus Share	Details of the bonus shares are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Allocated Authorized & Unissued Allocated Authorized & Unissued Outstanding – beginning of period 2,700,000 3,640,000 3,150,000 3,640,000 Forfeited - - (450,000 ) - Outstanding – end of period 2,700,000 3,640,000 2,700,000 3,640,000
Warrant [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Schedule of Stock Options Activities	Details of the share purchase warrants are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Number of Purchase Warrants Weighted Average Exercise Price Number of Purchase Warrants Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding – beginning of period 27,189,713 $ 0.95 21,322,212 $ 0.99 Issued (Note 7) 6,458,001 0.74 6,458,001 0.82 Anti-dilution price adjustment - (0.12 ) - - Anti-dilution quantity adjustment 4,189,466 - - - Exercised - - (590,500 ) 1.00 Expiration (Note 7) (6,458,001 ) 0.82 - - Outstanding – end of period 31,379,179 $ 0.80 27,189,713 $ 0.95
Schedule of Fair Value of Options Granted Using Black-scholes Option Pricing Model	The fair value of share purchase warrants granted were estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Risk-free interest rate 2.18 % 2.05 % Expected dividend yield - - Expected forfeiture rate - - Expected volatility 52.59 % 54.54 % Expected life in years 3.00 1.02 Weighted average fair value of each warrant $ 0.24 $ 0.36
Restricted Share Unit (RSU) [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Schedule of Stock Options Activities	Details of the restricted shares and restricted share units are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Outstanding - beginning of period 3,347,907 3,281,030 Issued 1,725,869 1,227,004 Vested (1,049,364 ) (1,160,127 ) Anti-dilution quantity adjustment 624,452 - Outstanding - end of period 4,648,864 3,347,907

Finance Costs - Net (Tables)

Finance Costs - Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of Finance Costs - Net [Abstract]
Schedule of Finance Costs Net	Details of net finance costs are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Debt accretion and capitalized interest: Promissory note (Note 7) $ 501 $ - Convertible debt (Note 8) 2,105 3,429 Non-convertible debt (Note 9) 12,305 17,131 Environmental rehabilitation accretion (Note 6) 2,072 1,796 Other finance costs 681 858 Less: amounts capitalized on qualifying assets (14,751 ) (20,560 ) Finance costs 2,913 2,654 Cash interest income (218 ) (237 ) Restricted deposits income (1,163 ) (36 ) Finance income (1,381 ) (273 ) Finance costs - net $ 1,532 $ 2,381

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Related party transactions [abstract]
Schedule of Key Management Personnel Compensation	The Company conducted transactions with senior management, directors and persons or companies related to these individuals, and paid or accrued amounts, as follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Salaries and other short-term benefits $ 2,247 $ 1,956 Other long-term benefits 47 44 Share-based payment (1) 1,917 1,680 Total $ 4,211 $ 3,680 (1)

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Major components of tax expense (income) [abstract]
Schedule of Reconciliation of Effective Income Tax Rate	The effective tax rate differs from the cumulative Canadian federal and provincial income tax rate due to the following: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Loss for the year before taxes $ (57,903 ) $ (15,043 ) Combined statutory tax rate 27.0 % 27.0 % Expected tax recovery (15,634 ) (4,062 ) Difference in foreign tax rates (914 ) (91 ) Non-deductible items 541 1,538 Change in unrecognized deferred tax and other items 16,007 2,615 Income Tax Expense / (Recovery) $ - $ -
Schedule of Components of Deferred Tax Assets	Deferred income tax assets and liabilities have been recognized in respect of the following items: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Non-capital loss carry forward assets $ 16,994 $ 29,353 Mineral property acquisition, exploration and development costs (16,994 ) (29,353 ) Net deferred income tax liabilities $ - $ -
Schedule of Unrecognized Deductible Temporary Differences and Unused Tax Losses	Deferred income tax assets have not yet been recognized in respect of the following items: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Non-capital loss carry forward assets $ 41,104 $ 25,437 Capital loss carry forward assets 360 360 Intercompany receivable assets 2,690 2,109 Other assets 4,288 1,125 Unrecognized deferred income tax assets $ 48,442 $ 29,031

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Schedule of Contractual Obligations	The following table summarizes the Company's contractual obligations as at December 31, 2019: Contractual Obligations Carrying Value Contractual Cash flows Less than 1 year 1 – 3 years 3 – 5 years More than 5 years Accounts payable and accruals $ 4,533 $ 4,533 $ 4,533 $ - $ - $ - Lease liability 616 766 107 293 302 64 Promissory note (Note 7) 15,501 16,196 - 16,196 - - Firm commitments - 455 83 284 88 - Total $ 20,650 $ 21,950 $ 4,723 $ 16,773 $ 390 $ 64

Financial Instruments and Ris_2

Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [abstract]
Schedule of Financial Instrument	The carrying values of each classification of financial instrument as at December 31, 2019 are: Amortized Cost Fair value through profit or loss Total carrying value Financial assets Cash $ 7,401 $ - $ 7,401 Restricted deposits 809 10,640 11,449 Amounts receivable and other assets 738 2,176 2,914 Total financial assets 8,948 12,816 21,764 Financial liabilities Accounts payable and accruals 4,408 125 4,533 Promissory note 15,501 - 15,501 Lease liabilities 616 - 616 Total financial liabilities $ 20,525 $ 125 $ 20,650 The carrying values of each classification of financial instrument as at December 31, 2018 are: Amortized Cost Fair value through profit or loss Total carrying value Financial assets Cash $ 13,857 $ - $ 13,857 Restricted deposits 10,286 - 10,286 Amounts receivable 680 1,912 2,592 Total financial assets 24,823 1,912 26,735 Financial liabilities Accounts payable and accruals 3,642 371 4,013 Convertible debt 56,984 - 56,984 Non-convertible debt 178,483 - 178,483 Total financial liabilities $ 239,109 $ 371 $ 239,480
Schedule of Interest Rate Risk	The Company was exposed to interest rate risk through the following assets and liabilities: December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Cash and restricted deposits $ 18,850 $ 24,143 Convertible debt - 56,984 Non-convertible debt - 178,483 Promissory Note $ 15,501 $ -

Nature of Business and Liquid_2

Nature of Business and Liquidity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 27, 2020	Mar. 18, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Cash			$ 7,401	$ 13,857
Secured convertible debt				56,984	$ 49,067
Secured non-convertible debt				$ 178,483
Glencore [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Cash			7,401
Working capital deficiency			$ 3,043
Percentage of ownership			71.60%
Glencore [Member] | Events after reporting period [Member] | Bottom of range [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Unsecured convertible debentures	$ 20,000	$ 20,000
Glencore [Member] | Events after reporting period [Member] | Top of range [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Unsecured convertible debentures	$ 30,000	$ 30,000

Basis of Preparation (Narrative

Basis of Preparation (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Basis of Preparation [Abstract]
Re-classification deficit from accumlated other comprehensive loss	$ 210
Increase opening deficit and increase carrying value of convertible and non-convertible debt	2,159
Adjustment in lease assests	$ 211

Basis of Preparation (Schedule

Basis of Preparation (Schedule of Impact of Adopting Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 02, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of expected impact of initial application of new standards or interpretations [line items]
Mineral Property, Plant and Equipment	$ 410,132	$ 433,548	$ 395,416	$ 395,205
Accounts Payable and Accruals			3,841	3,630
Convertible Debt		56,984	50,413	49,067
Non-Convertible Debt		178,483	93,081	92,268
Equity Reserves	64,648	62,111	60,295	60,505
Deficit	$ (207,392)	$ (149,489)	$ (134,446)	(132,497)
IFRS 9 [Member]
Disclosure of expected impact of initial application of new standards or interpretations [line items]
Mineral Property, Plant and Equipment
Accounts Payable and Accruals
Convertible Debt				1,346
Non-Convertible Debt				813
Equity Reserves				(210)
Deficit				(1,949)
IFRS 16 [Member]
Disclosure of expected impact of initial application of new standards or interpretations [line items]
Mineral Property, Plant and Equipment				211
Accounts Payable and Accruals				211
Convertible Debt
Non-Convertible Debt
Equity Reserves
Deficit

Mineral Property Agreements (Na

Mineral Property Agreements (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
More than 5 years [Member]
Disclosure of acquired receivables [line items]
Minimum annual lease payments	$ 30
RGGS Land & Minerals Ltd., L.P. [Member]
Disclosure of acquired receivables [line items]
Annual lease payments	$ 175
Paid Through	Jan. 31, 2021
Recovery of advance royalty payments	$ 3,186
LMC Minerals [Member]
Disclosure of acquired receivables [line items]
Recovery of advance royalty payments	$ 249
Bottom of range [Member]
Disclosure of acquired receivables [line items]
Percentage of future production royalties payable	3.00%
Top of range [Member]
Disclosure of acquired receivables [line items]
Percentage of future production royalties payable	5.00%

Mineral Property, Plant and E_3

Mineral Property, Plant and Equipment (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Asset impairment	$ 47,168
Weighted average cost of capital rate	8.20%
Erie Plant [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Amount paid for acquisition in associated infrastructure			$ 18,900
Fair market value shares			$ 13,953
Shares issued for acquisition			9,200,547
Borrowing costs		$ 14,751	$ 20,560
Development costs		$ 19,205	$ 21,150
Copper [Member] | Bottom of range [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Assumptions of sensitive price	$ 2.81
Copper [Member] | Top of range [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Assumptions of sensitive price	2.97
Nickel [Member] | Bottom of range [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Assumptions of sensitive price	6.95
Nickel [Member] | Top of range [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Assumptions of sensitive price	7.53
Palladium [Member] | Bottom of range [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Assumptions of sensitive price	1,139
Palladium [Member] | Top of range [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Assumptions of sensitive price	$ 1,489

Mineral Property, Plant and E_4

Mineral Property, Plant and Equipment (Schedule of Mineral Property, Plant, and Equipment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Beginning Balance	$ 433,548	$ 395,205
Additions	34,702	41,797
Disposals	(867)
Changes to environmental rehabilitation provision (Note 6)	(9,912)	(3,478)
Asset Impairment	(47,168)
Amortization and Depreciation	(171)	(187)
Ending Balance	410,132	433,548
Gross Carrying Value [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Beginning Balance	434,712
Additions
Ending Balance	458,455	434,712
Accumulated depreciation and impairment [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Beginning Balance	(1,164)
Additions
Ending Balance	(48,323)	(1,164)
Mineral Property [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Beginning Balance	433,347	395,115
Additions	33,956	41,710
Disposals	(867)
Changes to environmental rehabilitation provision (Note 6)	(9,912)	(3,478)
Asset Impairment	(47,168)
Amortization and Depreciation
Ending Balance	409,356	433,347
Mineral Property [Member] | Gross Carrying Value [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Beginning Balance	433,347
Ending Balance	456,524	433,347
Mineral Property [Member] | Accumulated depreciation and impairment [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Beginning Balance
Additions
Ending Balance	(47,168)
Plant and Equipment [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Beginning Balance	201	301
Additions	746	87
Disposals
Changes to environmental rehabilitation provision (Note 6)
Asset Impairment
Amortization and Depreciation	(171)	(187)
Ending Balance	776	201
Plant and Equipment [Member] | Gross Carrying Value [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Beginning Balance	1,365
Ending Balance	1,931	1,365
Plant and Equipment [Member] | Accumulated depreciation and impairment [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Beginning Balance	(1,164)
Additions
Ending Balance	$ (1,155)	$ (1,164)

Mineral Property, Plant and E_5

Mineral Property, Plant and Equipment (Schedule of Mineral Property) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 02, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Total	$ 410,132	$ 433,548	$ 395,416	$ 395,205
Mineral Property [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Mineral property acquisition and interest costs	79,625	112,002
Mine plan and development	51,388	48,383
Environmental	142,814	133,638
Consulting and wages	58,610	55,076
Reclamation and remediation (Note 6)	46,899	56,811
Site activities	29,942	26,488
Mine equipment	78	949
Total	$ 409,356	$ 433,347		$ 395,115

Intangibles (Narrative) (Detail

Intangibles (Narrative) (Details) - EIP Option on Intangible [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Annual option payments	$ 250
Increase in intangible		$ 21,055
Computer Software [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Software costs		$ 195

Intangibles (Schedule of Intang

Intangibles (Schedule of Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [abstract]
Balance at beginning year	$ 24,185	$ 3,130
Additions	195	21,055
Balance at end of year	$ 24,380	$ 24,185

Environmental Rehabilitation _3

Environmental Rehabilitation Provision (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Estimated environmental rehabilitation provision		$ 52,525	$ 61,107
Estimated cash flows at present day cost		$ 70,480	$ 71,146
Projected inflation rate		2.20%	2.00%
Market risk-free interest rate		4.00%	3.13%
Restricted cash deposits	$ 10,000	$ 11,198	$ 10,286
Letter of credit	65,000
Change in estimated decrease in Environmental Rehabilitation Provision		9,900
Estimated liability Increase if 1% lower discount rate		8,300
Estimated liability decrease if 1% higher discount rate		$ 6,600
Acquisition Agreement [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Letter of credit	13,400
Future contribution to trust fund through 1 to 8 mine year	$ 2,000

Environmental Rehabilitation _4

Environmental Rehabilitation Provision (Schedule of Environmental Rehabilitation Provision) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of Environmental Rehabilitation Provision [Abstract]
Environmental Rehabilitation Provision - beginning of period	$ 61,107	$ 65,402
Change in estimate	(9,912)	(3,478)
Liabilities discharged	(742)	(2,613)
Accretion expense	2,072	1,796
Environmental Rehabilitation Provision - end of period	52,525	61,107
Less current portion	(1,276)	(1,693)
Non-current portion	$ 51,249	$ 59,414

Glencore Financing (Details)

Glencore Financing (Details) - USD ($)

Aug. 07, 2019

May 07, 2018

Apr. 01, 2018

Apr. 01, 2018

Mar. 23, 2018

Jan. 02, 2016

Jun. 28, 2019

Mar. 31, 2019

Mar. 22, 2019

Dec. 18, 2018

Oct. 25, 2018

Dec. 31, 2015

Jul. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2019

Mar. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2020

Aug. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2017

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2008

Statement Line Items [Line Items]

Investments in associates

$ 20,960,000

$ 20,000,000

$ 30,000,000

$ 25,000,000

Principal secured debentures amount

$ 80,000,000

$ 80,000,000

Warrant exercise price

$ 0.8231

Exercise of warrants

6,458,001

Interest rate basis

LIBOR plus 10.0%

LIBOR plus 10.0%

Availability of debt or equity financing

$ 100,000,000

$ 100,000,000

Fair value of warrants

$ 2,014,000

$ 4,109,000

$ 1,564,000

Transaction costs for financing

$ 88,000

Glencore [Member]

Statement Line Items [Line Items]

Common share issued

430,521,941

682,813,838

Warrant exercise price

$ 0.7368

Exercise of warrants

6,458,001

Proceeds from common share

$ 265,000,000

Gain on convertible debt repayment

$ 18,000

Loss on non-convertible debt repayment

$ 8,000

Glencore Convertible Debt [Member]

Statement Line Items [Line Items]

Principal secured debentures amount

$ 30,000,000

Glencore Convertible Debt [Member]

Statement Line Items [Line Items]

Principal secured debentures amount

25,000,000

$ 25,000,000

$ 25,000,000

Interest rate basis

LIBOR plus 10.0%

LIBOR plus 15.0%

LIBOR plus 8.0%

LIBOR plus 4.0%

Glencore Non-Convertible Debt [Member]

Statement Line Items [Line Items]

Principal secured debentures amount

$ 30,000,000

$ 20,000,000

$ 20,000,000

$ 11,000,000

Interest rate basis

LIBOR plus 10.0%

LIBOR plus 15.0%

LIBOR plus 8.0%

Borrowings costs capitalised

12,305,000

Promissory Note [Member]

Statement Line Items [Line Items]

Principal secured debentures amount

$ 15,000,000

Promissory Note [Member] | Glencore [Member]

Statement Line Items [Line Items]

Principal secured debentures amount

$ 15,000,000

Interest rate basis

LIBOR plus 6.0%

Availability of debt or equity financing

$ 100,000,000

Interest capitalized to principal amount

501,000

Borrowings costs capitalised

$ 341,000

Private Placement [Member]

Statement Line Items [Line Items]

Investments in associates

10,583,000

Rights Offering [Member]

Statement Line Items [Line Items]

Investments in associates

243,435,000

Rights Offering [Member] | Glencore [Member]

Statement Line Items [Line Items]

Common share issued

196,726,042

Tranche One [Member]

Statement Line Items [Line Items]

Fair value of warrants

2,331,000

Convertible debt carrying value

$ 810,000

$ 3,142,000

Interest rate

7.30%

6.70%

Tranche One [Member] | Glencore Non-Convertible Debt [Member]

Statement Line Items [Line Items]

Principal secured debentures amount

$ 80,000,000

$ 14,000,000

Tranche Two [Member]

Statement Line Items [Line Items]

Convertible debt carrying value

$ 360,000

$ 1,452,000

Interest rate

14.30%

14.90%

Tranche Two [Member] | Glencore Non-Convertible Debt [Member]

Statement Line Items [Line Items]

Principal secured debentures amount

$ 15,000,000

Tranche P Debenture [Member]

Statement Line Items [Line Items]

Proceeds from debentures

$ 20,000,000

Tranche Q Debenture [Member]

Statement Line Items [Line Items]

Proceeds from debentures

$ 15,000,000

Tranche T Debenture [Member]

Statement Line Items [Line Items]

Proceeds from debentures

$ 10,000,000

Tranche S Debenture [Member]

Statement Line Items [Line Items]

Proceeds from debentures

$ 20,000,000

Tranche R Debenture [Member]

Statement Line Items [Line Items]

Proceeds from debentures

$ 15,000,000

Convertible Debt (Narrative) (D

Convertible Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands

Apr. 01, 2018

Apr. 01, 2018

Jan. 02, 2016

Mar. 27, 2020

Mar. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2015

Jul. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Mar. 18, 2020

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2008

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Principal secured debentures amount

$ 80,000

Interest rate basis

LIBOR plus 10.0%

LIBOR plus 10.0%

Proceeds received

$ 15,000

$ 69,723

Glencore Convertible Debt [Member]

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Principal secured debentures amount

25,000

$ 25,000

$ 25,000

Interest rate basis

LIBOR plus 10.0%

LIBOR plus 15.0%

LIBOR plus 8.0%

LIBOR plus 4.0%

Interest costs capitalized

$ 34,881

Glencore [Member]

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Principal secured debentures amount

$ 140,000

Glencore [Member] | Events after reporting period [Member]

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Maturity date

Mar. 31, 2023

Project financing threshold amount

$ 100,000

Interest rate

4.00%

Conversion price

$ 0.2223

Proceeds received

$ 7,000

Glencore [Member] | Events after reporting period [Member] | Bottom of range [Member]

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Unsecured convertible debentures

20,000

$ 20,000

Glencore [Member] | Events after reporting period [Member] | Top of range [Member]

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Unsecured convertible debentures

$ 30,000

$ 30,000

Convertible Debt (Schedule of C

Convertible Debt (Schedule of Convertible Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 02, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Convertible Debt - beginning of period	$ 56,984	$ 49,067
Transition to IFRS 9		1,346
Convertible Debt - adjusted beginning of period	56,984	50,413
Change due to modification (Note 7)	792	3,142
Accretion and capitalized interest	2,105	3,429
Repayment	(59,881)
Convertible Debt - end of period		56,984
Less current portion		(56,984)	$ (50,413)	$ (49,067)
Non-current portion

Non-Convertible Debt (Narrative

Non-Convertible Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2018	Apr. 01, 2018	Mar. 23, 2018	Jan. 02, 2016	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Warrant exercise price					$ 0.8231
Exercise of warrants					6,458,001
Principal secured debentures amount					$ 80,000
Interest rate basis		LIBOR plus 10.0%			LIBOR plus 10.0%
Availability of debt or equity financing			$ 100,000		$ 100,000
Glencore [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal secured debentures amount						$ 140,000
Glencore Non-Convertible Debt [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal secured debentures amount						$ 30,000		$ 20,000	$ 20,000	$ 11,000
Interest rate basis	LIBOR plus 10.0%			LIBOR plus 15.0%		LIBOR plus 8.0%
Interest costs capitalized							$ 50,436
Borrowing costs capitalised							$ 12,305

Non-Convertible Debt (Schedule

Non-Convertible Debt (Schedule of Non Convertible Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 02, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Accretion and capitalized interest	$ 2,105	$ 3,429
Total Non-Convertible Debt		178,483
Less current portion		(178,483)	$ (93,081)	$ (92,268)
Non-current portion
Glencore [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Non Convertible Debt - beginning of period	178,483	92,268
Transition to IFRS 9		813
Non-Convertible Debt - adjusted beginning of period	178,483	93,081
Change due to modification	(352)	(1,452)
Accretion and capitalized interest	12,305	17,131
Funding, net of costs		69,723
Repayment	$ (190,436)

Share Capital (Narrative) (Deta

Share Capital (Narrative) (Details)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 24, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)sharesyr$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)shares$ / shares	Jun. 28, 2019shares	Jun. 03, 2019$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2017shares	Jun. 27, 2007shares
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Share-based compensation | $		$ 1,558,000	$ 1,742,000
Capital reserve | $			$ 1,544,000
Number of outstanding share options vested and exercisable		1,059,000
Number of options outstanding		24,066,000	22,692,002			21,659,002
Share capital | $		$ 526,884,000	$ 272,420,000
Weighted average share price | $ / shares		$ 0.78	$ 1
Number of share units settled upon vesting options		240,000
Number of shares settled with exercise shares		15,171
Glencore [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Common share issued		682,813,838		430,521,941
Proceeds from common share | $		$ 265,000,000
Expense and fees related to Rights Offering | $		11,953,000
Commitment fee | $		7,690,000
Repayment of Convertible debt | $		59,881,000
Rapyament of Non-Convertible debt | $		190,436,000
Settlement of offering Subsciption amount fom debt | $		$ 243,435,000
Percentage of shares owned	71.60%
Glencore [Member] | Rights Offering [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Common share issued				196,726,042
Rights Offering [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Common share issued					2.119069
Price per share | $ / shares					$ 0.3881
Proceeds from common share | $	$ 265,000,000
Land Purchase Options [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Common share issued		78,750	128,750
Proceeds from common share | $		$ 46,000	$ 123,000
Omnibus Plan [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Common share issued							2,500,000
Share-based compensation | $		2,055,000	2,202,000
Capital amount to property | $		497,000	460,000
Capital reserve | $		1,986,000	1,787,000
Additional paid-in capital | $		15,000	310,000
Share capital | $		$ 84,000	$ 105,000
Exercise of Share Options [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Common share issued		400,171	225,000
Proceeds from common share | $		$ 274,000	$ 151,000
Exercise of Warrant [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Common share issued			590,500
Proceeds from common share | $			$ 591,000
Share Options [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Share-based compensation | $		$ 1,171,000	803,000
Share Options [Member] | Bottom of range [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Outstanding share options expire period | yr		0.01
Share Options [Member] | Top of range [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Outstanding share options expire period | yr		8.18
Restricted Stock Unit [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Proceeds from common share | $		$ 800,000	1,294,000
Share-based compensation | $		84,000	105,000
Vesting of restricted share units | $		$ 1,013,000	$ 783,000
Number of share units settled upon vesting options		309,354	316,714
Proceeds cash from vesting options | $		$ 232,000	$ 377,000
Production [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of outstanding share options vested and exercisable		699,000
Number of options outstanding		459,272
Other [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of outstanding share options vested and exercisable		60,000
June 2020 [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of outstanding share options vested and exercisable		300,000
Restricted Share Unit (RSU) [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of outstanding share options vested and exercisable		850,651
Number of options outstanding		4,648,864	3,347,907			3,281,030
Fair value of option | $		$ 1,355,000	$ 1,135,000
Number of share units settled upon vesting options		972,576
Number of restricted shares settled upon vesting in restricted shares unit		6,444,510	843,413
Number of restricted shares settled		95,500
Construction Finance [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of options outstanding		865,575
Milestone 4 Bonus Shares [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Fair value of option | $			$ 25,000
Warrant [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of options outstanding		31,379,179	27,189,713			21,322,212
Warrant [Member] | Bottom of range [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Outstanding share options expire period		1.80
Warrant [Member] | Top of range [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Outstanding share options expire period		4.25
March 2020 [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of options outstanding		707,649
June 2020 [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of options outstanding		126,130
January 2021 [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of options outstanding		1,545,837
Other [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of options outstanding		93,750

Share Capital (Schedule of Stoc

Share Capital (Schedule of Stock Options Activities) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019shares$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2018shares$ / shares
Disclosure of classes of share capital [abstract]
Outstanding - beginning of period | shares	22,692,002	21,659,002
Granted | shares	3,625,000	2,503,000
Exercised | shares	(625,000)	(225,000)
Expired | shares	(1,626,002)	(1,245,000)
Outstanding - end of period | shares	24,066,000	22,692,002
Weighted average exercise price outstanding at December 31, 2019	$ 0.91	$ 0.98
Granted	0.81	0.91
Exercised	0.71	0.67
Expired	1.01	2.06
Anti-dilution price adjustment	(0.12)
Weighted average exercise price outstanding at December 31, 2019	$ 0.77	$ 0.91

Share Capital (Schedule of Fair

Share Capital (Schedule of Fair Value of Options Granted Using Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019yr$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2018yr$ / shares
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	2.52%
Expected dividend yield
Expected forfeiture rate
Expected volatility	54.56%
Expected life in years | yr	2.50
Weighted average fair value of each option | $ / shares	$ 0.29
Warrant [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	2.18%	2.05%
Expected dividend yield
Expected forfeiture rate
Expected volatility	52.59%	54.54%
Expected life in years | yr	3	1.02
Weighted average fair value of each option | $ / shares	$ 0.24	$ 0.36
Bottom of range [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate		2.33%
Expected volatility		56.07%
Expected life in years | yr		2.50
Weighted average fair value of each option | $ / shares		$ 0.34
Top of range [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate		2.58%
Expected volatility		61.80%
Expected life in years | yr		5
Weighted average fair value of each option | $ / shares		$ 0.61

Share Capital (Schedule of St_2

Share Capital (Schedule of Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019shares$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2018shares	Dec. 31, 2017shares
Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options [line items]
Number of options outstanding	24,066,000	22,692,002	21,659,002
Number of options Exercisable	23,007,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 0.77
Weighted Average Remaining Life	2 years 9 months 14 days
0.52 to 0.69 [Member]
Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options [line items]
Number of options outstanding	10,294,000
Number of options Exercisable	9,994,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 0.63
Weighted Average Remaining Life	2 years 2 months 27 days
0.70 to 0.86 [Member]
Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options [line items]
Number of options outstanding	9,717,000
Number of options Exercisable	9,018,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 0.77
Weighted Average Remaining Life	3 years 9 months 14 days
0.87 to 1.30 [Member]
Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options [line items]
Number of options outstanding	2,945,000
Number of options Exercisable	2,945,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 0.92
Weighted Average Remaining Life	2 years 4 days
1.31 to 1.63 [Member]
Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options [line items]
Number of options outstanding	1,050,000
Number of options Exercisable	1,050,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 1.56
Weighted Average Remaining Life	1 year 1 month 27 days
1.64 to 2.66 [Member]
Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options [line items]
Number of options outstanding	60,000
Number of options Exercisable
Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 2.66
Weighted Average Remaining Life	7 days

Share Capital (Schedule of Rest

Share Capital (Schedule of Restricted Shares And Share Purchase Warrant Activities) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019shares$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2018shares$ / shares
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Outstanding - beginning of period	22,692,002	21,659,002
Exercised	(625,000)	(225,000)
Expiration (Note 7)	(1,626,002)	(1,245,000)
Outstanding - end of period	24,066,000	22,692,002
Weighted average exercise price outstanding at December 31, 2019 | $ / shares	$ 0.91	$ 0.98
Issued | $ / shares	0.81	0.91
Anti-dilution price adjustment | $ / shares	(0.12)
Excercised | $ / shares	0.71	0.67
Expiration | $ / shares	1.01	2.06
Weighted average exercise price outstanding at December 31, 2019 | $ / shares	$ 0.77	$ 0.91
Restricted Share Unit (RSU) [Member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Outstanding - beginning of period	3,347,907	3,281,030
Issued (Note 7)	1,725,869	1,227,004
Forfeited
Vested	(1,049,364)	(1,160,127)
Anti-dilution quantity adjustment	624,452
Outstanding - end of period	4,648,864	3,347,907
Warrant [Member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Outstanding - beginning of period	27,189,713	21,322,212
Issued (Note 7)	6,458,001	6,458,001
Anti-dilution quantity adjustment	4,189,466
Exercised		(590,500)
Expiration (Note 7)	(6,458,001)
Outstanding - end of period	31,379,179	27,189,713
Weighted average exercise price outstanding at December 31, 2019 | $ / shares	$ 0.95	$ 0.99
Issued | $ / shares	0.74	0.82
Anti-dilution price adjustment | $ / shares	(0.12)
Excercised | $ / shares		1
Expiration | $ / shares	0.82
Weighted average exercise price outstanding at December 31, 2019 | $ / shares	$ 0.80	$ 0.95

Share Capital (Schedule of Bonu

Share Capital (Schedule of Bonus Share) (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Allocated Bonus Shares [Member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Outstanding share authorized	2,700,000	3,150,000
Forfeited		(450,000)
Outstanding share authorized	2,700,000	2,700,000
Unissued Bonus Shares [Member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Outstanding share authorized	3,640,000	3,640,000
Outstanding share authorized	3,640,000	3,640,000

Finance Costs - Net (Schedule o

Finance Costs - Net (Schedule of Finance Costs Net) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt accretion and capitalized interest:
Promissory note (Note 7)	$ 501
Convertible debt (Notes 8)	2,105	3,429
Non-convertible debt (Notes 9)	12,305	17,131
Environmental rehabilitation provision accretion (Note 6)	2,072	1,796
Other finance costs	681	858
Less: amounts capitalized on qualifying assets	(14,751)	(20,560)
Finance costs	2,913	2,654
Interest income:
Cash interest income	(218)	(237)
Restricted deposits income	(1,163)
Finance income	(1,381)	(273)
Finance costs - net	$ 1,532	$ 2,381

Related Party Transactions (Nar

Related Party Transactions (Narriative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Technical Services Agreement [Member]
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Services received	$ 474	$ 70

Related Party Transactions (Sch

Related Party Transactions (Schedule of Key Management Personnel Compensation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Related party transactions [abstract]
Salaries and other short-term benefits		$ 2,247	$ 1,956
Other long-term benefits		47	44
Share-based payment	[1]	1,917	1,680
Total		$ 4,211	$ 3,680
[1]	Share-based payment represents the amount capitalized or expensed during the period (see Note 10).

Income Taxes (Schedule of Recon

Income Taxes (Schedule of Reconciliation of Effective Income Tax Rate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Major components of tax expense (income) [abstract]
Loss for the year before taxes	$ (57,903)	$ (15,043)
Combined statutory tax rate	27.00%	27.00%
Expected tax recovery	$ (15,634)	$ (4,062)
Difference in foreign tax rates	(914)	(91)
Non-deductible items	541	1,538
Change in unrecognized deferred tax and other items	16,007	2,615
Income Tax Expense / (Recovery)

Income Taxes (Schedule of Compo

Income Taxes (Schedule of Components of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Net deferred income tax liabilities
Non-capital loss [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Net deferred income tax liabilities	16,994	29,353
Property and equipment [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Net deferred income tax liabilities	$ (16,994)	$ (29,353)

Income Taxes (Schedule of Unrec

Income Taxes (Schedule of Unrecognized Deferred Income Tax Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unrecognized deferred income tax assets	$ 48,442	$ 29,031
Expiry date	2020 and 2034
Loss carry forward	$ 152,300	146,700
Non-capital loss [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unrecognized deferred income tax assets	$ 41,104	25,437
Expiry date	2020 and 2037
Loss carry forward	$ 53,800	47,600
Capital loss [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unrecognized deferred income tax assets	360	360
Intercompany Receivable Assets [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unrecognized deferred income tax assets	2,690	2,109
Other Assets [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unrecognized deferred income tax assets	$ 4,288	$ 1,125

Commitments and Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Schedule of Contractual Obligations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 02, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Accounts payable and accruals	$ 4,533	$ 3,925
Lease liability	616
Convertible debt (Note 8)		56,984	$ 50,413	$ 49,067
Non-convertible debt (Note 9)		178,483	$ 93,081	$ 92,268
Total	20,650	$ 239,480
Less than 1 year [Member]
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Accounts payable and accruals	4,533
Lease liability	107
Promissory note (Note 7)
Firm commitments	83
Total	4,723
1 - 3 years [Member]
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Accounts payable and accruals
Lease liability	293
Promissory note (Note 7)	16,196
Firm commitments	284
Total	16,773
3 - 5 year [Member]
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Accounts payable and accruals
Lease liability	302
Promissory note (Note 7)
Firm commitments	88
Total	390
More than 5 years [Member]
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Accounts payable and accruals
Lease liability	64
Promissory note (Note 7)
Firm commitments
Total	64
Carrying Value [Member]
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Accounts payable and accruals	4,533
Lease liability	616
Promissory note (Note 7)	15,501
Firm commitments
Total	20,650
Contractual Cash Flow [Member]
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Accounts payable and accruals	4,533
Lease liability	766
Promissory note (Note 7)	16,196
Firm commitments	455
Total	$ 21,950

Financial Instruments and Ris_3

Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Schedule of Financial Instrument) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Nov. 01, 2018
Financial assets
Cash	$ 7,401	$ 13,857
Restricted deposits	11,198	10,286	$ 10,000
Amounts receivable and other assets	2,914	2,592
Total financial assets	21,764	26,735
Financial liabilities
Accounts payable and accruals	4,533	3,925
Promissory note	15,501
Lease liabilities	616
Convertible debt		56,984
Non-convertible debt		178,483
Total financial liabilities	20,650	239,480
Loans and Receivables [Member]
Financial assets
Cash	7,401	13,857
Restricted deposits	809	10,286
Amounts receivable and other assets	738	680
Total financial assets	8,948	24,823
Financial liabilities
Accounts payable and accruals	4,408	3,642
Promissory note	15,501
Lease liabilities	616
Convertible debt		56,984
Non-convertible debt		178,483
Total financial liabilities	20,525	239,109
Available For Sale [Member]
Financial assets
Cash
Restricted deposits	10,640
Amounts receivable and other assets	2,176	1,912
Total financial assets	12,816	1,912
Financial liabilities
Accounts payable and accruals	125	371
Promissory note
Lease liabilities
Convertible debt
Non-convertible debt
Total financial liabilities	$ 125	$ 371

Financial Instruments and Ris_4

Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Schedule of Interest Rate Risk) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Nov. 01, 2018
Disclosure of risk management strategy related to hedge accounting [line items]
Cash and restricted cash deposits	$ 11,198	$ 10,286	$ 10,000
Convertible debt		56,984
Non-convertible debt		178,483
Promissory Note	15,501
Maximum exposure to credit risk	21,764
Interest rate risk [Member]
Disclosure of risk management strategy related to hedge accounting [line items]
Cash and restricted cash deposits	18,850	24,143
Convertible debt		56,984
Non-convertible debt		178,483
Promissory Note	15,501
Net carrying value of debt	155
Foreign currency net monetary asset position	$ 189

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 18, 2020
Disclosure of non-adjusting events after reporting period [line items]
Proceeds received		$ 15,000	$ 69,723
Glencore [Member] | Events after reporting period [Member]
Disclosure of non-adjusting events after reporting period [line items]
Maturity date	Mar. 31, 2023
Project financing threshold amount	$ 100,000
Interest rate	4.00%
Conversion price	$ 0.2223
Proceeds received	$ 7,000
Glencore [Member] | Events after reporting period [Member] | Bottom of range [Member]
Disclosure of non-adjusting events after reporting period [line items]
Unsecured convertible debentures	20,000			$ 20,000
Glencore [Member] | Events after reporting period [Member] | Top of range [Member]
Disclosure of non-adjusting events after reporting period [line items]
Unsecured convertible debentures	$ 30,000			$ 30,000