| BASIS OF PREPARATION [Text Block] | 2. BASIS OF PREPARATION 2.1 Statement of compliance These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. These consolidated financial statements were authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on February 23, 2023. 2.2 Basis of measurement, judgment and estimation These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis except those measured at fair value through profit or loss, fair value through other comprehensive income. These consolidated financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars, which is the Company's functional currency. Foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities are translated into Canadian dollars at the closing exchange rate as at the balance sheet date. Foreign currency non-monetary assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses are translated into Canadian dollars at the prevailing rate of exchange on the dates of the transactions. Any gains and losses are included in profit and loss. The Company's US subsidiary measures the items in its financial statements using the US dollar as its functional currency. The assets and liabilities of the US subsidiary are translated into Canadian dollars using the period end exchange rate. The income and expenses are translated into Canadian dollars at the weighted average exchange rates to the period end reporting date. Any gains and losses on translation are included in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"). All financial information presented in Canadian dollars has been rounded to the nearest thousand, unless otherwise noted. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected. In the process of applying the Company's accounting policies, significant areas where judgment is required include the determination of a joint arrangement, determining the timing of transfer of control of inventory for revenue recognition, reserve and resource estimates, functional currency, determination of the accounting treatment of the advance payment under the silver purchase and sale agreement reported as deferred revenue (Note 18), provisions for environmental rehabilitation, determination of business or asset acquisition treatment, and recovery of other deferred tax assets. Significant areas of estimation include reserve and resource estimation; asset valuations and the measurement of impairment charges or reversals; valuation of inventories; plant and equipment lives; tax provisions; provisions for environmental rehabilitation, including determination of appropriate discount rates; valuation of financial instruments and derivatives; capitalized stripping costs and share-based compensation. Key estimates and assumptions made by management with respect to these areas have been disclosed in the notes to these consolidated financial statements as appropriate.
The accuracy of reserve and resource estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data and the assumptions made and judgment used in the engineering and geological interpretation and may be subject to revision based on various factors. Changes in reserve and resource estimates may impact the carrying value of property, plant and equipment; the calculation of depreciation expense; the capitalization of stripping costs incurred during production; and the timing of cash flows related to the provision for environmental rehabilitation. Changes in forecast prices of commodities, exchange rates, production costs and recovery rates may change the economic status of reserves and resources. Forecast prices of commodities, exchange rates, production costs and recovery rates, and discount rates assumptions, either individually or collectively, may impact the carrying value of derivative financial instruments, provisions for environmental rehabilitation, inventories, property, plant and equipment, and intangibles, as well as the measurement of impairment charges or reversals. 2.3 Basis of consolidation The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Company and controlled entities as at December 31, 2022. Control is achieved when the Company is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee. The Company reassesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to one or more of the three elements of control. Consolidation of a subsidiary begins when the Company obtains control over the subsidiary and ceases when the Company loses control of the subsidiary. Assets, liabilities, income and expenses of a subsidiary acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) from the date the Company gains control until the date the Company ceases to control the subsidiary. When necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring their accounting policies into line with the Company's accounting policies. All intercompany transactions between the subsidiaries of the Company are eliminated in full on consolidation. The Company applies the acquisition method in accounting for business combinations. The consideration transferred by the Company to obtain control of a subsidiary is calculated as the sum of the acquisition-date fair values of assets transferred, liabilities incurred and the equity interests issued by the Company, which includes the fair value of any asset or liability arising from a contingent consideration arrangement. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred. The Company recognizes identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination regardless of whether they have been previously recognized in the acquiree's financial statements prior to the acquisition. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are generally measured at their acquisition-date fair values. Goodwill is stated after separate recognition of identifiable intangible assets. It is calculated as the excess of the sum of a) fair value of consideration transferred, b) the recognized amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and c) acquisition-date fair value of any existing equity interest in the acquiree, over the acquisition-date fair values of identifiable net assets. If the fair values of identifiable net assets exceed the sum calculated above, the excess amount would be recognized in profit or loss immediately. 2.4 Significant Accounting Policies
(a) Revenue recognition Under IFRS 15, Revenue Contracts with Customers
Under the terms of the Company's concentrate sales contracts, the final sales amount is based on final assay results and quoted market prices which may be in a period subsequent to the date of sale. Revenues for these sales, net of treatment and refining charges are recorded when the customer obtains control of the concentrate, based on an estimate of metal contained using initial assay results and forward market prices for the expected date that final sales prices will be fixed. The period between provisional pricing and final settlement can be up to four months. This settlement receivable is recorded at fair value each reporting period by reference to forward market prices until the date of final pricing, with the changes in fair value recorded as an adjustment to revenue.
(b) Cash and equivalents Cash and equivalents consist of cash and highly-liquid investments having terms of three months or less from the date of acquisition and that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash. Cash and equivalents exclude cash subject to restrictions.
(c) Financial instruments Financial assets and liabilities are recognized on the balance sheet when the Company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. The classification of financial instruments dictates how these assets and liabilities are measured subsequently in the Company's consolidated financial statements. A financial asset is classified as measured at fair value and subsequently at either: amortized cost; Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income (FVOCI); or Fair Value through Profit or Loss (FVPL). The classification of financial assets under IFRS 9 is generally based on the business model in which a financial asset is managed and its contractual cash flow characteristics. A financial asset is measured at amortized cost if: (i) it is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets to collect contractual cash flows; and (ii) its contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding; and (iii) it is not designated as FVPL. This category of financial assets is subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, and reduced by impairment losses. Interest income, foreign exchange gains and losses and impairment are recognized in profit or loss. Any gain or loss on derecognition is recognized in profit or loss. On initial recognition of an equity investment that is not held for trading, the Company may irrevocably elect to present subsequent changes in the investment's fair value in OCI. This election is made on an investment-by-investment basis. Equity investments measured at FVOCI are subsequently measured at fair value. Dividends are recognized as income in profit or loss unless the dividend clearly represents a recovery of part of the cost of the investment. Other net gains and losses are recognized in OCI and are never reclassified to profit or loss. All financial assets not classified as measured at amortized cost or FVOCI as described above are measured at FVPL. This includes all derivative financial assets. On initial recognition, the Company may irrevocably designate a financial asset as FVPL if doing so significantly reduces an accounting mismatch that would otherwise arise. Financial assets classified as FVPL are subsequently measured at fair value, with net gains and losses, including any interest or dividend income, recognized in profit or loss. Financial assets at amortized cost Financial assets at amortized cost are financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. Subsequent to initial recognition, these financial assets are recorded at amortized cost using the effective interest method, except for short-term receivables when the recognition of interest would be immaterial. Accounts receivable are assessed for evidence of impairment at each reporting date, with any impairment recognized in earnings for the period. Financial assets in this category include cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivables.
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) Marketable securities, investment in subscription receipts and reclamation deposits are designated as FVOCI and recorded at fair value. All financial assets not classified as measured at amortized cost or FVOCI are measured at fair value through profit or loss (FVPL). Derivative financial instruments that are not designated and effective as hedging instruments are classified as FVPL. Financial instruments classified as FVPL are stated at fair value with any changes in fair value recognized in earnings for the period. Financial assets in this category include derivative financial instruments that the Company acquires to manage exposure to commodity price fluctuations. These instruments are non-hedge derivative instruments. Financial liabilities Financial liabilities are initially recorded at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The Company has accounted for accounts payable and accrued liabilities and long-term debt under this method. Fair value measurement Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy establishes three levels to classify the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value, by reference to the reliability of the inputs used to estimate the fair values. Level 1 - quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 - inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e., as prices) or indirectly (i.e., derived from prices); and Level 3 - inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).
(d) Exploration and evaluation and development costs Exploration and evaluation expenditures relate to the initial search for a mineral deposit and the subsequent evaluation to determine the economic potential of the mineral deposit. The exploration and evaluation stage commences when the Company obtains the legal right or license to begin exploration. Exploration and evaluation expenditures are recognized in earnings in the period in which they are incurred. Capitalization of development costs as mineral property, plant and equipment commences once the technical feasibility and commercial viability of the extraction of mineral reserve and resources associated with the Company's evaluation properties are established and management has made a decision to proceed with development.
(e) Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined on a weighted average basis and includes direct labour and materials; non-capitalized stripping costs; depreciation and amortization; freight; and overhead costs. Net realizable value is determined with reference to relevant market prices, less applicable variable selling costs and estimated remaining costs of completion to bring the inventories into saleable form.
Ore stockpiles represent stockpiled ore that have not yet completed the production process, and are not yet in a saleable form. Finished goods inventories represent metals in saleable form that have not yet been sold. Materials and supplies inventories represent consumables used in the production process, as well as spare parts and other maintenance supplies that are not classified as capital items. The quantity of recoverable metal in stockpiled ore and in the processing circuits is an estimate which is based on the tons of ore added and removed, expected grade and recovery. The quantity of recoverable metal in concentrate is an estimate using initial assay results.
(f) Property, plant and equipment Land, buildings, plant and equipment Land, buildings, plant and equipment are recorded at cost, including all expenditures incurred to prepare an asset for its intended use. Repairs and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred, except when these repairs significantly extend the life of an asset or result in an operating improvement. In these instances, the portion of these repairs relating to the betterment is capitalized as part of plant and equipment. Depreciation is based on the cost of the asset less residual value. Where an item of plant and equipment is comprised of major components with different useful lives, the components are accounted for as separate items and depreciated separately. Depreciation commences when an asset is available for use. Estimates of remaining useful lives and residual values are reviewed annually. Changes in estimates are accounted for prospectively. The depreciation rates of the major asset categories are as follows:
Land Not depreciated
Buildings Straight-line basis over 10-25 years
Plant and equipment Units-of-production basis
Mining equipment Straight-line basis over 5-20 years
Light vehicles and other mobile equipment Straight-line basis over 2-5 years
Furniture, computer and office equipment Straight-line basis over 2-3 years Mineral properties Mineral properties consist of the cost of acquiring, permitting and developing mineral properties. Once in production, mineral properties are amortized on a units-of-production basis over the component of the ore body to which the capitalized costs relate. Property acquisition costs arise either as an individual asset purchase or as part of a business combination, and may represent a combination of either proven and probable reserves, resources, or future exploration potential. When management has not made a determination that technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting a mineral resource are demonstrable, the entire amount is considered property acquisition costs and not amortized. When such property moves into development, the property acquisition cost asset is transferred to mineral properties within property, plant and equipment. Mineral property development costs include: stripping costs incurred in order to provide initial access to the ore body; stripping costs incurred during production that generate a future economic benefit by increasing the productive capacity, extending the productive life of the mine or allowing access to a mineable reserve; capitalized project development costs; and capitalized interest. Construction in progress Construction in progress includes the purchase price and any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for its intended use. Construction in progress includes advances on long-lead items. Construction in progress is not depreciated. Once the asset is complete and available for use, the costs of construction are transferred to the appropriate category of property, plant and equipment, and depreciation commences. Capitalized interest Interest is capitalized for qualifying assets. Qualifying assets are assets that require a substantial period of time to prepare for their intended use. Capitalization ceases when the asset is substantially complete or if construction is interrupted for an extended period. Where the funds used to finance a project form part of general borrowings, the amount capitalized is calculated using a weighted average of rates applicable to relevant general borrowings of the Company during the period. Leased assets The Company has adopted IFRS 16, Leases The ROU asset is initially measured based on the present value of lease payments, lease payments made at or before the commencement date, and any initial direct costs. They are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. The ROU asset is depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or the useful life of the underlying asset and is subject to testing for impairment if there is an indicator of impairment. The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted by using the rate implicit in the lease. If this rate cannot be readily determined, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate. Lease payments include fixed payments less any lease incentives, and any variable lease payments where variability depends on an index or rate. When the lease contains an extension or purchase option that the Company considers reasonably certain to be exercised, the cost of the option is included in the lease payments. ROU assets are included in property, plant, and equipment (Note 14) and the lease liability is included in debt in the consolidated balance sheet (Note 17). Impairment The carrying amounts of the Company's non-financial assets are reviewed for impairment whenever circumstances suggest that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment, if any. These assessments require the use of estimates and assumptions such as long-term commodity prices, discount rates, future capital requirements, exploration potential and operating performance. The recoverable amount of an asset or cash generating unit (CGU) is the higher of fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. Fair value is determined as the amount that would be obtained from the sale of the asset in an arm's-length transaction between knowledgeable and willing parties. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. For the purpose of impairment testing, assets that cannot be tested individually are grouped together into the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets or CGU's. If the recoverable amount of an asset or its related CGU is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset or CGU is reduced to its recoverable amount and the impairment loss is recognized in earnings for the period. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset or CGU is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but not to an amount that exceeds the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset or CGU in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognized immediately in earnings. The carrying amount of the CGU to which goodwill has been allocated is tested annually for impairment or when there is an indication that the goodwill may be impaired. Any goodwill impairment is recognized as an expense in the profit or loss. Should there be a recovery in the value of a CGU, any impairment of goodwill previously recorded is not subsequently reversed.
(g) Income taxes Income tax on the earnings for the periods presented comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognized in earnings except to the extent that it relates to items recognized directly in equity or in other comprehensive income. Income tax is calculated using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date applicable to the period of expected realization or settlement. Current tax expense is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, adjusted for amendments to tax payable with regards to previous years. Deferred tax is determined using the balance sheet liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The following temporary differences are not provided for: the initial recognition of assets or liabilities acquired (not in a business combination) that affect neither accounting nor taxable profit on acquisition; and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries, associates, and joint ventures to the extent that they are not probable to reverse in the foreseeable future. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realization or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities. A deferred tax asset is recognized only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilized. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized.
(h) Share-based compensation The fair-value method is used for the Company's share-based payment transactions. Under this method, the cost of share options and equity-settled performance share units is recorded based on their estimated fair value at the grant date, including an estimate of the forfeiture rate. The fair value of the share options and performance share units is expensed on a graded amortization basis over the vesting period of the awards, with a corresponding increase in equity. Share-based compensation expense relating to cash-settled awards, including deferred share units, is recognized based on the quoted market value of the Company's common shares on the date of grant. The related liability is re-measured to fair value each reporting period to reflect changes in the market value of the Company's common shares, with changes in fair value recorded in net profit (loss).
(i) Provisions Environmental rehabilitation The Company records the present value of estimated costs of legal and constructive obligations required to retire an asset in the period in which the obligation occurs. Environmental rehabilitation activities include facility decommissioning and dismantling; removal and treatment of waste materials, including water treatment; site and land rehabilitation, including compliance with and monitoring of environmental regulations; and related costs required to perform this work and/or operate equipment designed to reduce or eliminate environmental effects. The provision for environmental rehabilitation ("PER") is adjusted each period for new disturbances, and changes in regulatory requirements, the estimated amount of future cash flows required to discharge the liability, the timing of such cash flows and the pre-tax discount rate specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognized in earnings as a finance cost. When a PER is initially recognized, the corresponding cost is capitalized increasing the carrying amount of the related asset, and is amortized to earnings on a unit-of-production basis. Costs are only capitalized to the extent that the amount meets the definition of an asset and represents future economic benefits to the operation. Significant estimates and assumptions are made in determining the provision for environmental rehabilitation as there are a number of factors that will affect the ultimate liability. These factors include estimation of the extent and cost of rehabilitation activities; timing of future cash flows, changes in discount rates; inflation rate; and regulatory requirements. Other provisions Other provisions are recognized when the Company has a present obligation (legal or constructive) that has arisen as a result of a past event and it is probable that a future outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, provided that a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. Where the effect is material, the provision is discounted using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risk specific to the obligation. The accretion expense is included in finance expense.
(j) Finance income and expenses Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested, gains on the disposal of marketable securities, and changes in the fair value of derivatives included in cash and equivalents and marketable securities. Interest income is recognized as it accrues in earnings, using the effective interest method. Finance expenses comprise interest expense on borrowings, unwinding of the discount on provisions, the finance component on deferred revenue, losses on the disposal of marketable securities, changes in the fair value of derivatives included in cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities, and impairment losses recognized on financial assets. Borrowing costs that are not directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset are recognized in earnings using the effective interest method.
(k) Earnings (loss) per share The Company presents basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share data for its common shares, calculated by dividing the earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is determined by adjusting the earnings attributable to common shareholders and the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the effects of all dilutive potential common shares, which comprise warrants and share options granted. There is no dilution impact when the Company incurs a loss.
(l) Interests in joint arrangements IFRS defines a joint arrangement as one over which two or more parties have joint control, which is the contractually agreed sharing of control over an arrangement. This exists only when the decisions about the relevant activities (being those that significantly affect the returns of the arrangement) require the unanimous consent of the parties sharing control. A joint operation is a type of joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the assets and obligations for the liabilities, relating to the arrangement. In relation to its interests in joint operations, the Company recognizes its:
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Assets, including its share of any assets held jointly;
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Liabilities, including its share of any liabilities incurred jointly;
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Revenue from the sale of its share of the output arising from the joint operation; and
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Expenses, including its share of any expenses incurred jointly.
2.5 New accounting standards and interpretations Several new accounting standards, amendments to existing standards and interpretations have been published by the IASB. Management anticipates that all relevant pronouncements will be adopted for the first period beginning on or after the effective date of the new standard. New standards, amendments and pronouncements that became effective for the period covered by these statements have not been disclosed as they did not have a material impact on the Company's audited consolidated financial statements. |
