Nevsun Resources (NSU) 6-K 26 Oct 18 2018 Q3 Nevsun Announces Third Quarter 2018 Financial Results Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Document And Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	NEVSUN RESOURCES LTD
Entity Central Index Key	919,991
Document Type	6-K
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2018
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Is Entity's Reporting Status Current?	Yes
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018

Condensed Consolidated Interim

Condensed Consolidated Interim Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 88,681	$ 124,598
Restricted cash	5,260
Accounts receivable	21,368	29,701
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	5,874	2,305
Inventories	97,017	72,261
[ifrs-full:CurrentAssets]	218,200	228,865
Non-current assets
Inventories	11,614	14,926
Other non-current assets	4,219
Mineral properties, plant and equipment	832,663	842,561
[ifrs-full:NoncurrentAssets]	848,496	857,487
Total assets	1,066,696	1,086,352
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	82,627	62,943
Dividends payable		3,022
Provision for Lower Zone commitment	108	581
[ifrs-full:CurrentLiabilities]	82,735	66,546
Non-current liabilities
Deferred income taxes	36,968	32,722
Provision for mine closure and reclamation	33,870	33,943
[ifrs-full:NoncurrentLiabilities]	70,838	66,665
Total liabilities	153,573	133,211
Equity
Share capital	704,176	702,822
Share-based payments reserve	11,204	10,432
Retained earnings	58,001	90,540
Equity attributable to Nevsun shareholders	773,381	803,794
Non-controlling interest	139,742	149,347
Total equity	913,123	953,141
Total liabilities and equity	$ 1,066,696	$ 1,086,352

Condensed Consolidated Interi_2

Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Profit or loss [abstract]
Revenues	$ 71,608	$ 71,036	$ 254,764	$ 208,774
Cost of sales
Operating expenses	(53,360)	(42,104)	(160,681)	(127,314)
Royalties	(3,916)	(3,402)	(14,361)	(13,324)
Depreciation and depletion	(16,982)	(15,937)	(61,594)	(41,856)
Impairment reversal (charges)		2,692	4,992	(67,043)
Earnings (loss) from mine operations	(2,650)	12,285	23,120	(40,763)
Exploration expenses	(4,178)	(12,223)	(13,955)	(40,545)
Administrative expenses	(13,566)	(5,551)	(28,020)	(16,220)
Finance income	242	635	872	1,350
Finance costs	(519)	(486)	(1,557)	(1,458)
Income (loss) before taxes	(20,671)	(5,340)	(19,540)	(97,636)
Income tax (expense) recovery	801	(3,049)	(9,077)	(4,082)
Net loss and comprehensive loss	(19,870)	(8,389)	(28,617)	(101,718)
Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) attributable to:
Nevsun shareholders	(18,670)	(11,564)	(32,539)	(81,001)
Non-controlling interest	(1,200)	3,175	3,922	(20,717)
Net loss and comprehensive loss	$ (19,870)	$ (8,389)	$ (28,617)	$ (101,718)
Loss per share attributable to Nevsun shareholders
Basic	$ (0.06)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.11)	$ (0.27)
Diluted	$ (0.06)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.11)	$ (0.27)

Condensed Consolidated Interi_3

Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Operating activities
Net income (loss)	$ (19,870)	$ (8,389)	$ (28,617)	$ (101,718)
Depreciation and depletion	17,085	15,961	61,917	41,894
Impairment charges (reversal)		(2,692)	(4,992)	67,043
Income tax expense (recovery)	(801)	3,049	9,077	4,082
Share based compensation	410	491	1,013	1,531
Provision for inventory obsolescence		(664)		(312)
Other	278	142	623	428
[ifrs-full:CashFlowsFromUsedInOperations]	(2,898)	7,898	39,021	12,948
Changes in non-cash operating working capital
Accounts receivable and prepaids	(5,540)	(986)	4,475	(11,250)
Inventories	(4,819)	(5,794)	(20,090)	(2,742)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	230	(3,323)	12,085	6,557
Cash generated from operating activities	(13,027)	(2,205)	35,491	5,513
Income taxes paid			(8,000)	(18,794)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(13,027)	(2,205)	27,491	(13,281)
Investing activities
Expenditures on mineral properties, plant and equipment	(31,582)	(6,279)	(50,015)	(13,362)
Changes in non-cash working capital related to investing activities	8,150	(4,914)	4,766	(2,559)
Restricted cash held in trust for construction contract	(8)		(2,250)
Net cash used in investing activities	(23,440)	(11,193)	(47,499)	(15,921)
Financing activities
Dividends paid to Nevsun shareholders		(2,742)	(2,724)	(16,067)
Distribution to non-controlling interest		(4,000)	(14,000)	(8,000)
Amounts repaid by non-controlling interest, including interest				5,000
Issuance of common shares, net of issue costs	65		815	245
Net cash used in financing activities	65	(6,742)	(15,909)	(18,822)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(36,402)	(20,140)	(35,917)	(48,024)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	125,083	171,372	124,598	199,256
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 88,681	$ 151,232	$ 88,681	$ 151,232

Condensed Consolidated Interi_4

Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Changes in Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Share Capital	Share-based payments reserve	Retained Earnings	Equity attributable to Nevsun shareholders	Non-controlling Interests	Total
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 700,133	$ 12,775	$ 183,465	$ 896,373	$ 166,086	$ 1,062,459
Balance (Shares) at Dec. 31, 2016	301,322,891
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Exercise of options	$ 245			245		245
Exercise of options (shares)	81,333
Transfer to share capital on exercise of stock options	$ 107	(107)
Stock options reclassified to cash-settled units		(1,718)	1,718
Share-based payments		1,644		1,644		1,644
Shares issued as part of dividend reinvestment program ("DRIP")	$ 2,070			2,070		2,070
Shares issued as part of dividend reinvestment program ("DRIP") (shares)	682,952
Net income (loss)			(81,001)	(81,001)	(20,717)	(101,718)
Dividends declared			(9,060)	(9,060)		(9,060)
Distribution to non-controlling interest					(8,000)	(8,000)
Spending on Lower Zone commitment					5,200	5,200
Balance at Sep. 30, 2017	$ 702,555	12,594	95,122	810,271	142,569	952,840
Balance (Shares) at Sep. 30, 2017	302,087,176
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 702,278	12,103	109,707	824,088	141,637	953,141
Balance (Shares) at Dec. 31, 2017	301,974,202
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Exercise of options	$ 815			815		815
Exercise of options (shares)	271,002
Transfer to share capital on exercise of stock options	$ 241	(241)
Share-based payments		1,013		1,013		1,013
Shares issued as part of dividend reinvestment program ("DRIP")	$ 298			298		298
Shares issued as part of dividend reinvestment program ("DRIP") (shares)	109,190
Net income (loss)			(32,539)	(32,539)	3,922	(28,617)
Distribution to non-controlling interest					(14,000)	(14,000)
Spending on Lower Zone commitment					473	473
Balance at Sep. 30, 2018	$ 704,176	$ 11,204	$ 58,001	$ 773,381	$ 139,742	$ 913,123
Balance (Shares) at Sep. 30, 2018	302,592,672

Reporting Entity And Basis Of P

Reporting Entity And Basis Of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Reporting Entity And Basis Of Presentation	1. Reporting entity and basis of presentation a Reporting Entity Nevsun Resources Ltd. (“Nevsun” or “the Company”) is a mid-tier base metals company. The Company is incorporated and domiciled in Canada. These condensed consolidated interim financial statements (“interim financial statements”) of the Company as at and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company’s two principal assets are its ownership interest in the Timok project, a copper-gold development project in Serbia (“Timok Project”), and its 60% owned Bisha Mine in Eritrea (owned via an Eritrean-registered corporation, Bisha Mining Share Company (“BMSC”)). The Company owns a 100% interest in the Upper Zone of the Timok Project and currently owns a 60.4% interest in the Lower Zone of the Timok Project with Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (“Freeport”) owning the remaining interest in the Lower Zone, which represents a non-controlling interest. Nevsun’s 40% partner in the Bisha Mine is the State-owned Eritrean National Mining Corporation (“ENAMCO”), which also represents a non-controlling interest. On September 14, 2018, Zijin Mining Group Company Limited (“Zijin”) commenced a take-over bid to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Nevsun for CAD $6.00 per share in cash (the “Offer”). Zijin and the Company entered into a pre-acquisition agreement dated September 4, 2018 (the “Pre-Acquisition Agreement”) pursuant to which Zijin agreed to make the Offer and the Company’s Board of Directors agreed to endorse and recommend the Offer to the Company’s shareholders, all subject to the conditions set for in the Pre-Acquisition Agreement and which are described in Zijin’s take-over bid circular and the Company’s directors’ circular, both dated September 14, 2018 (the “Circulars”). The Offer is valued at CAD $1.86 billion ($1.41 billion) and is not subject to any financing conditions. The Offer is subject to certain specified conditions being satisfied, or where permitted, waived at the expiry time or such earlier or later time during which the Company’s issued and outstanding shares may be deposited under the Offer, excluding the mandatory 10-day extension period or any extension thereafter, which include: (i) there having been validly deposited under the Offer, and not withdrawn 50% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares together with certain shareholder rights plan rights, which is a non-waivable condition; (ii) there having been validly deposited under the Offer and not withdrawn 66 2/3 b Statement of compliance These interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting. They do not include all of the information required for a complete set of IFRS financial statements. However, selected explanatory notes are included to explain events and transactions that are significant to an understanding of the changes in the Company’s financial position and performance since the last annual consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended December 31, 2017. These interim financial statements were authorized for issue by the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors on October 24, 2018. c Significant accounting policies These interim financial statements follow the same accounting policies and methods of application as the Company’s most recent annual financial statements, except as outlined below. Accordingly, they should be read in conjunction with the Company’s most recent annual financial statements. i. IFRS 9 – Financial Instruments Effective January 1, 2018, the Company has adopted IFRS 9 – Financial Instruments The implementation of the new standard has not had a material impact on the measurement of the Company’s reported financial results; however additional disclosures have been provided. Under IFRS 9, the Company’s accounting policy for financial instruments is as follows: Financial assets The Company initially recognizes financial assets on the trade date, which is the date that the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. The Company derecognizes a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or it transfers the rights to receive the contractual cash flows in a transaction in which substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset are transferred. Any interest in such transferred financial assets that is created or retained by the Company is recognized as a separate asset or liability. The Company classifies all of its financial assets, except trade receivables, as subsequently measured at amortized cost. Trade receivables are derivatives and are measured at fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”; see note 1(c)(ii)). All financial assets that do not meet the criteria to be recognized as subsequently measured at amortized cost or subsequently measured at fair value through other comprehensive income are classified as FVTPL. i. IFRS 9 – Financial Instruments (continued) Financial liabilities The Company measures all of its financial liabilities as subsequently measured at amortized cost. Financial liabilities are recognized initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred and are subsequently measured at amortized cost. Any difference between the amounts originally received, net of transaction costs, and the redemption value is recognized in profit and loss over the period to maturity using the effective interest method. ii. IFRS 15 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers Effective January 1, 2018, the Company has adopted IFRS 15 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers The implementation of the new standard has not had a material impact on the Company’s reported financial results, however additional disclosures have been provided (see note 6). Under IFRS 15, the Company’s accounting policy is as follows: Revenue is recognized by the Company when the following conditions have both been met: the Company has the present right to payment for the transferred asset, and the customer has obtained control of the asset. Because sales are completed in the form of executed sales contracts whereby final prices are determined by quoted market prices on a date subsequent to the date of sale, revenue is recorded on a provisional basis based on current market prices on the date control is transferred to the customer. Each period end, prior to final settlement, adjustments are made to the provisional sale price based on movements in quoted forward market prices up to the date of final price determination. This variable pricing adjustment mechanism constitutes a derivative financial instrument and is accounted for at fair value through profit or loss in accordance with IFRS 9 – Financial Instruments, with changes in fair value recorded as an adjustment to revenue. Any variances in the measurements of final metal concentrate weight and/or metal content are also recognized as adjustments to revenue. Revenue is presented net of treatment and refining charges and penalties. The Company includes proceeds from the sale of by-products in revenue. iii. Voluntary change in accounting policy – Exploration and evaluation expenditures Effective December 31, 2017, the Company implemented a voluntary change in accounting policy with respect to exploration and evaluation expenditures. As such, certain prior period amounts within these interim financial statements have been restated in accordance with the new policy. Refer to note 12 for additional disclosure regarding the effects of change. d Use of judgements and estimates In preparing these interim financial statements, management has made judgements and estimates that affect the application of the Company’s accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expense. Actual amounts incurred by the Company may differ from these values. The significant judgements made by management in applying the Company’s accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those that applied to the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended December 31, 2017. e Changes in accounting standards IFRS 16 – Leases On January 1, 2019, the Company will adopt IFRS 16 – Leases, replacing IAS 17 – Leases. The new standard aims to bring most leases into which a lessee has entered on-balance sheet and provides new guidelines under which a lessee must evaluate and measure a contract that contains a lease. The Company continues to evaluate the financial impact the new standard will have on its financial results and is currently reviewing its agreements under the requirements of the new standard. The Company expects adoption of the new standard to result in an increase in assets and liabilities on the balance sheet, a corresponding increase in depreciation and interest expense and a decrease in operating expenses. Further updates will be provided in the Company’s annual 2018 financial statements. While the Company does expect the new standard to have an impact on its financial statements, it cannot yet conclude whether this impact will be material.

Supplemental Cash Information

Supplemental Cash Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Supplemental Cash Information	2. Supplemental cash information September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Cash $ 88,627 $ 59,504 Cash equivalents 54 65,094 Restricted cash 5,260 - Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 93,941 $ 124,598 The Company maintains virtually all cash and cash equivalents in USD currency. Cash equivalents consist of short-term deposits that are accessible with 30 days’ notice. Of the Company’s restricted cash, $3,010 was held in trust related to the Canaccord settlement (note 11) and $2,250 supports a bank guarantee, which will be redeemed in December 2018, in connection with a construction contract at the Timok Project. Supplementary information for the statements of cash flows is as follows: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Non-cash investing and financing transactions Shares issued as part of DRIP $ - $ 277 $ 298 $ 2,070 Closure and reclamation increase (decrease) in mineral properties, plant and equipment 820 196 (1,630) (609) Depreciation added to (relieved from) inventory (1,290) (2,981) (101) (1,038) Depreciation included in inventory impairment charge (reversal) - (145) - 6,202

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Inventories	3. Inventories September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Materials and supplies $ 68,113 $ 52,230 Work-in-progress 19,830 20,592 Finished goods – concentrates 20,688 14,365 Total inventories $ 108,631 $ 87,187 Less: non-current portion of ore in stockpiles (11,614) (14,926) Inventory recorded as a current asset $ 97,017 $ 72,261 The non-current portion of ore in stockpiles as at September 30, 2018 consisted of primary ore (zinc-only) of $9,775 and supergene ore of $1,839 (December 31, 2017 – $13,087 and $1,839, respectively). Depreciation of $6,269 is included in work-in-progress and finished goods inventories at September 30, 2018 (December 31, 2017 – $6,370). All inventories are located at the Bisha Mine.

Mineral properties, plant and e

Mineral properties, plant and equipment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Mineral properties, plant and equipment	4. Mineral properties, plant and equipment The Company’s properties are located in Serbia, Eritrea and Macedonia. The principal property in Serbia is the Brestovac – Metovnica exploration license which hosts the Timok Project. The Company also holds as part of the Timok Project three additional exploration licenses. The Company holds eight additional exploration licenses in the Bor region of Serbia that form the Tilva Joint Venture with Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration Ltd. (“Rio Tinto”). All exploration expenditures on these eight exploration licenses are funded by Rio Tinto. The Company also holds eleven additional 100%-owned exploration licenses in Serbia. The properties in Eritrea consist of two mining licenses, Bisha and Harena, and two exploration licenses, Tabakin and New Mogoraib. All properties are subject to a mining agreement with the Government of Eritrea. The Bisha mining license was granted in 2008 for an initial period of 20 years and the Harena mining license was granted in 2012 for 10 years. Both licenses can be extended if required. The Tabakin exploration license was granted in 2016 for 10 years before land relinquishment requirements begin. The New Mogoraib license, also granted in 2016, is valid for three years with no relinquishments, followed by two one-year renewals with a 25% annual area reduction after year three. Properties in Macedonia include one exploration permit and seven pending exploration permits. Costs classified as mineral properties represent historic acquisition costs and exploration, evaluation and development costs at Bisha and Harena, incurred subsequent to the declaration of the initial reserves on those exploration licenses. As at September 30, 2018, the Company had commitments to purchase and unsettled obligations for property, plant and equipment of $8,764 (December 31, 2017 – $1,782). Nine months ended September 30, 2018 Exploration and evaluation Construction- in-progress Mineral properties Plant and equipment Total Cost December 31, 2017 $ 548,900 $ 8,310 $ 36,440 $ 512,874 $ 1,106,524 Additions 21,785 5,945 2,114 20,453 50,297 Disposals - - - (719) (719) Change in reclamation obligation - - - (1,630) (1,630) Reversal of impairment - - - 13,179 13,179 Transfers - (9,334) - 9,334 - September 30, 2018 $ 570,685 $ 4,921 $ 38,554 $ 553,491 $ 1,167,651 Accumulated depreciation December 31, 2017 $ - $ - $ 20,142 $ 243,821 $ 263,963 Charge for the period - - 3,205 60,334 63,539 Disposals - - - (701) (701) Reversal of impairment - - - 8,187 8,187 September 30, 2018 - - 23,347 311,641 334,988 Net book value September 30, 2018 $ 570,685 $ 4,921 $ 15,207 $ 241,850 $ 832,663 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 (Restated – note 12) Exploration and evaluation Construction- in-progress Mineral properties Plant and equipment Total Cost December 31, 2016 $ 547,331 $ 308 $ 33,865 $ 535,970 $ 1,117,474 Additions 501 6,137 1,778 4,929 13,345 Transfers to inventory - - - (5,296) (5,296) Change in reclamation obligation - - - (609) (609) Impairment charge - - - (29,621) (29,621) September 30, 2017 $ 547,832 $ 6,445 $ 35,643 $ 505,373 $ 1,095,293 Accumulated depreciation December 31, 2016 $ - $ - $ 17,079 $ 205,425 $ 222,504 Charge for the period - - 2,189 40,416 42,605 Impairment charge - - - (18,703) (18,703) September 30, 2017 - - 19,268 227,138 246,406 Net book value September 30, 2017 $ 547,832 $ 6,445 $ 16,375 $ 278,235 $ 848,887

Share capital and reserves

Share capital and reserves	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Share capital and reserves	5. Share capital and reserves a. Stock options The three months ended September 30, 2018 included $410 (three months ended September 30, 2017 – $491) in share-based payment costs related to stock options, all of which are presented in administrative expenses. The nine months ended September 30, 2018 included $1,013 (nine months ended September 30, 2017 – $1,644) in share-based payment costs related to stock options, all of which are presented in administrative expenses. Number of options Weighted average exercise price (CAD) Outstanding, December 31, 2017 9,364,433 $ 3.47 Granted 570,000 3.10 Exercised (271,002) 3.92 Forfeited or expired (2,506,198) 3.76 Outstanding, September 30, 2018 7,157,233 $ 3.33 The weighted average share price of the Company on the dates options were exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, was CAD $4.45. The weighted average price of options exercisable at the end of the period was CAD $3.73. b. Earnings (loss) per share The calculation of earnings per share is based on the following data: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) Net loss attributable to Nevsun shareholders $ (18,670) $ (11,564) $ (32,539) $ (81,001) Effect of dilutive securities - - - - Diluted net loss attributable to Nevsun shareholders $ (18,670) $ (11,564) $ (32,539) $ (81,001) Weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the purpose of basic loss per share (000s) 302,589 302,075 302,423 301,943 Dilutive options and stock appreciation rights - - - - Weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the purpose of diluted loss per share (000s) 302,589 302,075 302,423 301,943 Loss per share Basic $ (0.06) $ (0.04) $ (0.11) $ (0.27) Diluted (0.06) (0.04) (0.11) (0.27) c. Dividends The Company announced in January 2018 that it would be suspending declarations of dividends, and as such no dividends were declared by the Company during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company declared three dividends of $0.01 per share for total declarations of $9,060.

Revenues

Revenues	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Revenue	6. Revenues Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Zinc concentrate sales $ 50,192 $ 59,778 $ 208,344 $ 169,860 Zinc concentrate mark-to-market adjustments (4,799) 2,450 (19,670) (74) Zinc concentrate by-product sales 148 316 1,855 7,640 Zinc concentrate treatment charges (1,291) (2,863) (3,686) (10,445) Total revenue from zinc concentrate contracts 44,250 59,681 186,843 166,981 Copper concentrate sales 26,250 9,479 63,759 29,216 Copper concentrate mark-to-market adjustments (1,464) (227) (2,170) 459 Copper concentrate by-product sales 5,890 2.447 14,652 8,311 Copper concentrate treatment and refining charges (3,318) (1,605) (8,320) (4,908) Total revenue from copper concentrate contracts 27,358 10,094 67,921 33,078 Other - 1,261 - 8,715 $ 71,608 $ 71,036 $ 254,764 $ 208,774 Mark-to-market adjustments on sales of zinc and copper concentrates consist of provisional and final pricing adjustments, as well as physical quantity adjustments, made prior to the finalization of the sales contract. Other revenue in 2017 consists of stockpiled gold and silver bearing ore shipped directly to buyers. The Company’s sales contracts are provisionally priced with provisional pricing periods lasting typically one to four months with provisional pricing adjustments recorded to revenue as market prices vary. The Company’s products are transferred to its customers as at a point in time. As at September 30, 2018, a 10% change to the underlying metals prices would result in a change in revenue and accounts receivable of $8,996, based on the total quantities of metals in sales contracts for which the provisional pricing periods were not yet closed.

Exploration Expense

Exploration Expense	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Exploration Expense	7. Exploration Expense For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company incurred the following exploration expenses: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) BMSC $ 1,082 $ 1,859 $ 4,313 $ 7,421 Timok – Brownfield exploration 2,279 5,250 6,899 18,974 Timok – Lower Zone 34 4,517 1,218 13,212 Other properties 783 597 1,525 938 $ 4,178 $ 12,223 $ 13,955 $ 40,545

Financial instruments

Financial instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Financial instruments and risk management	8. Financial instruments Zinc and copper concentrates sales receivables of $4,313 and amounts refundable of $2,235 (December 31, 2017 – receivables of $16,556) are carried at fair value as the receivables and amounts refundable are derivatives due to the provisional pricing of these sales contracts. The receivables and amounts refundable are measured using quoted forward market prices that correspond to the settlement date of the provisional pricing period for the estimated metals contained within the zinc and copper concentrates or direct shipment sales. There were no changes to the method of fair value measurement during the period. Except for the Company’s zinc and copper concentrate trade receivables and amounts refundable, the fair values of the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities approximate their carrying amounts in the condensed consolidated interim balance sheet.

Segment information

Segment information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Segment information	9. Segment information Results of operating segments are reviewed by the Company’s chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segments and assess their performance. The Company conducts its business in two principal operating segments: the development project in Europe (Timok Project, plus other assets) and the mining operations in Africa (BMSC). For segmented reporting purposes, the Company’s reportable operating segments are comprised of Europe, Africa, and all other business activities and operating segments that are not reportable (North America). The principal products of the Company’s mining operations in Africa are zinc and copper concentrates, containing by-products of gold and silver. Cash and cash equivalents of $84,957 are held in banks outside of Africa at September 30, 2018 (December 31, 2017 – $116,099). Information related to the reportable operating segments is as follows: Total Assets September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Europe $ 542,935 $ 501,700 Africa 455,121 472,411 North America 68,640 112,241 Total $ 1,066,696 $ 1,086,352 Total liabilities September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Europe $ 10,512 $ 6,244 Africa 125,300 117,394 North America 17,761 9,573 Total $ 153,573 $ 133,211 Revenues Cost of sales Net income (loss) attributable to Nevsun shareholders Three months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) Europe $ - $ - $ - $ - $ (2,683) $ (10,422) Africa 71,608 71,036 74,258 61,443 (1,801) 4,762 North America - - - - (14,186) (5,904) Total $ 71,608 $ 71,036 $ 74,258 $ 61,443 $ (18,670) $ (11,564) Revenues Cost of sales Net income (loss) attributable to Nevsun shareholders Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) Europe $ - $ - $ - $ - $ (9,839) $ (33,397) Africa 254,764 208,774 236,636 182,494 5,883 (31,074) North America - - - - (28,583) (16,530) Total $ 254,764 $ 208,774 $ 236,636 $ 182,494 $ (32,539) $ (81,001)

Interest in subsidiary

Interest in subsidiary	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Interest in subsidiary	10. Interest in subsidiary The following table presents the financial position of the Company’s 60% owned subsidiary, Bisha Mining Share Company (“BMSC”), as at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The information is presented on a 100% basis. As at September 30, 2018, BMSC holds cash and cash equivalents of $23,051 (December 31, 2017 – $22,128). September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Current assets $ 143,078 $ 123,174 Non-current assets 312,043 349,237 Current liabilities (55,282) (50,731) Non-current liabilities (70,018) (66,663) Net assets $ 329,821 $ 355,017 Net assets attributable to non-controlling interest $ 131,930 $ 142,008 The following table presents the financial results of BMSC for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) Revenues $ 71,608 $ 71,036 $ 254,764 $ 208,774 Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) (3,001) 7,936 9,805 (51,791) Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest (1,200) 3,175 3,922 (20,717) The following table presents the summary cash flow information of BMSC for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) Net cash provided by operating activities $ 4,596 $ 19,050 $ 64,049 $ 40,662 Net cash used in investing activities (17,218) (8,758) (28,126) (14,059) Net cash used in financing activities - (10,000) (35,000) (20,000) Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents $ (12,622) $ 292 $ 923 $ 6,603 The following table presents the financial position of the Company’s subsidiary, Rakita Exploration doo (“Rakita”), which holds the Timok Project, as at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The information is presented on a 100% basis. September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Current assets $ 5,175 $ 2,954 Non-current assets 536,803 510,341 Current liabilities (9,524) (6,487) Non-current liabilities (83,570) (51,555) Net assets 448,884 455,253 Net assets attributable to non-controlling interest $ 7,812 $ 7,339 The following table presents the financial results of Rakita for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) Net loss and comprehensive loss $ (3,202) $ (9,957) $ (8,790) $ (32,369) Net loss and comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest (4) (4,517) (473) (13,212) The following table presents the summary cash flow information of Rakita for the three and nine months ended Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) Net cash used in operating activities $ (3,568) $ (9,718) $ (11,518) $ (32,130) Net cash used in investing activities (6,014) (1,161) (17,955) (3,131) Net cash provided by financing activities 6,234 9,600 31,195 30,000 Decrease in cash and cash equivalents $ (3,348) $ (1,279) $ 1,722 $ (5,261)

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Commitments and Contingencies	11. Commitments and contingencies a. Legal claims The Company is involved in various claims, litigation and other matters in the ordinary course and conduct of business. Some of these pending matters will take a number of years to resolve. 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. As a result, no contingent liabilities have been recorded in these interim financial statements. b. Contractual dispute with Canaccord Canaccord Genuity Corp. (“Canaccord”) was an advisor to Reservoir Minerals Inc. (“Reservoir”) in connection with the Company’s transaction (the “Transaction”) to acquire Reservoir and all of its assets, including the Timok Project. In early April 2016, Canaccord and Reservoir entered into an advisory agreement regarding a potential acquisition of control of Reservoir (the “April Advisory Agreement”). In September 2016, Canaccord filed a Notice of Claim in the British Columbia Supreme Court regarding the fees under the April Advisory Agreement. The claim was heard in the British Columbia Supreme Court (“the Court”) on January 25 and 26, 2018. On April 27, 2018, the Court released its judgment concluding that the Transaction Fee under the April Advisory Agreement should total CAD$9,942. The decision was subsequently appealed by Canaccord and cross-appealed by Reservoir in May 2018. At September 30, 2018, the Company has an additional CAD$3,896 ($3,010) placed in trust representing the Transaction Fee of CAD$9,942 per the Court’s judgement less fees previously paid to Canaccord of CAD$6,047. The amount in trust has been classified as restricted cash. c. Environmental bond As at September 30, 2018, the Company has arranged for the issuance of an environmental performance bond for the Bisha Mine for $65,000 (December 31, 2017 – $40,000) at a cost of 1% per annum. The environmental performance bond is in favour of the Eritrean Ministry of Energy and Mines and is renewable April 15, 2019.

Change in accounting policy

Change in accounting policy	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Change in accounting policy	12. Change in accounting policy During 2017, the Company conducted a review of its accounting policy with respect to exploration and evaluation expenditures. As a result of this review, management voluntarily changed the accounting policy effective December 31, 2017, and all such expenditures are now expensed until proven and probable mineral reserves have been declared, and the Company believes that further work will add economic value to those reserves. This change was conducted in order to enhance the relevance and reliability of the information available to the users of the Company’s financial statements. The change in accounting policy was made in accordance with IFRS 6, Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral Resources Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors As at September 30, 2017, the following adjustments were recorded to the consolidated balance sheet: As at September 30, 2017 As previously reported Adjustment Restated Exploration and evaluation $ 640,228 $ (92,396) $ 547,832 Mineral properties, net book value 35,075 (18,700) 16,375 Plant and equipment, net book value 277,637 598 278,235 Net decrease in assets (110,498) Deferred income taxes $ (58,193) $ 24,562 $ (33,631) Net decrease in liabilities (85,936) Non-controlling interest $ (158,599) $ 16,030 $ (142,569) Net decrease in equity $ (69,906) For the three months ended September 30, 2017, the following adjustments were recorded to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income: For the three months ended September 30, 2017 As previously reported Adjustment Restated Depreciation and depletion $ (15,987) $ 50 $ (15,937) Exploration expenses - (12,223) (12,223) Income tax expense (3,736) 687 (3,049) Decrease in net income $ (11,486) Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) attributable to: Nevsun shareholders $ (527) $ (11,037) $ (11,564) Non-controlling interest 3,624 (449) 3,175 Weighted average shares outstanding (thousands) Basic 302,075 - 302,075 Diluted 302,075 - 302,075 Loss per share attributable to Nevsun shareholders Basic $ (0.00) $ (0.04) $ (0.04) Diluted (0.00) (0.04) (0.04) For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the following adjustments were recorded to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income: For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 As previously reported Adjustment Restated Depreciation and depletion $ (42,239) $ 383 $ (41,856) Exploration expenses - (40,545) (40,545) Income taxes (6,756) 2,674 (4,082) Decrease in net income $ (37,488) Net loss and comprehensive income loss attributable to: Nevsun shareholders $ (45,259) $ (35,742) $ (81,001) Non-controlling interest (18,971) (1,746) (20,717) Weighted average shares outstanding (thousands) Basic 301,943 - 301,943 Diluted 301,943 - 301,943 Loss per share attributable to Nevsun shareholders Basic $ (0.15) $ (0.12) $ (0.27) Diluted (0.15) (0.12) (0.27) For the three months ended September 30, 2017, the following adjustments were recorded to the consolidated statement of cash flows: For the three months ended September 30, 2017 As previously reported Adjustment Restated Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 10,018 $ (12,223) $ (2,205) Net cash used in investing activities (23,416) 12,223 (11,193) Net change in cash and cash equivalents $ - For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the following adjustments were recorded to the consolidated statement of cash flows: For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 As previously reported Adjustment Restated Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 27,264 $ (40,545) $ (13,281) Net cash used in investing activities (56,466) 40,545 (15,921) Net change in cash and cash equivalents $ -

Supplemental Cash Information (

Supplemental Cash Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Supplemental cash information	September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Cash $ 88,627 $ 59,504 Cash equivalents 54 65,094 Restricted cash 5,260 - Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 93,941 $ 124,598
Supplementary Information For The Statements Of Cash Flows	Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Non-cash investing and financing transactions Shares issued as part of DRIP $ - $ 277 $ 298 $ 2,070 Closure and reclamation increase (decrease) in mineral properties, plant and equipment 820 196 (1,630) (609) Depreciation added to (relieved from) inventory (1,290) (2,981) (101) (1,038) Depreciation included in inventory impairment charge (reversal) - (145) - 6,202

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Inventories	September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Materials and supplies $ 68,113 $ 52,230 Work-in-progress 19,830 20,592 Finished goods – concentrates 20,688 14,365 Total inventories $ 108,631 $ 87,187 Less: non-current portion of ore in stockpiles (9,909) (14,926) Inventory recorded as a current asset $ 98,722 $ 72,261

Mineral properties, plant and_2

Mineral properties, plant and equipment (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Mineral properties, plant and equipment	Nine months ended September 30, 2018 Exploration and evaluation Construction- in-progress Mineral properties Plant and equipment Total Cost December 31, 2017 $ 548,900 $ 8,310 $ 36,440 $ 512,874 $ 1,106,524 Additions 21,785 5,945 2,114 20,453 50,297 Disposals - - - (719) (719) Change in reclamation obligation - - - (1,630) (1,630) Reversal of impairment - - - 13,179 13,179 Transfers - (9,334) - 9,334 - September 30, 2018 $ 570,685 $ 4,921 $ 38,554 $ 553,491 $ 1,167,651 Accumulated depreciation December 31, 2017 $ - $ - $ 20,142 $ 243,821 $ 263,963 Charge for the period - - 3,205 60,334 63,539 Disposals - - - (701) (701) Reversal of impairment - - - 8,187 8,187 September 30, 2018 - - 23,347 311,641 334,988 Net book value September 30, 2018 $ 570,685 $ 4,921 $ 15,207 $ 241,850 $ 832,663 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 (Restated – note 12) Exploration and evaluation Construction- in-progress Mineral properties Plant and equipment Total Cost December 31, 2016 $ 547,331 $ 308 $ 33,865 $ 535,970 $ 1,117,474 Additions 501 6,137 1,778 4,929 13,345 Transfers to inventory - - - (5,296) (5,296) Change in reclamation obligation - - - (609) (609) Impairment charge - - - (29,621) (29,621) September 30, 2017 $ 547,832 $ 6,445 $ 35,643 $ 505,373 $ 1,095,293 Accumulated depreciation December 31, 2016 $ - $ - $ 17,079 $ 205,425 $ 222,504 Charge for the period - - 2,189 40,416 42,605 Impairment charge - - - (18,703) (18,703) September 30, 2017 - - 19,268 227,138 246,406 Net book value September 30, 2017 $ 547,832 $ 6,445 $ 16,375 $ 278,235 $ 848,887

Share capital and reserves (Tab

Share capital and reserves (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Stock Options - Number/Weighted Average Exercise Price	Number of options Weighted average exercise price (CAD) Outstanding, December 31, 2017 9,364,433 $ 3.47 Granted 570,000 3.10 Exercised (271,002) 3.92 Forfeited or expired (2,506,198) 3.76 Outstanding, September 30, 2018 7,157,233 $ 3.33
Earnings Per Share	Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) Net loss attributable to Nevsun shareholders $ (18,670) $ (11,564) $ (32,539) $ (81,001) Effect of dilutive securities - - - - Diluted net loss attributable to Nevsun shareholders $ (18,670) $ (11,564) $ (32,539) $ (81,001) Weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the purpose of basic loss per share (000s) 302,589 302,075 302,423 301,943 Dilutive options and stock appreciation rights - - - - Weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the purpose of diluted loss per share (000s) 302,589 302,075 302,423 301,943 Loss per share Basic $ (0.06) $ (0.04) $ (0.11) $ (0.27) Diluted (0.06) (0.04) (0.11) (0.27)

Revenues (Tables)

Revenues (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Revenues	Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Zinc concentrate sales $ 50,192 $ 59,778 $ 208,344 $ 169,860 Zinc concentrate mark-to-market adjustments (4,799) 2,450 (19,670) (74) Zinc concentrate by-product sales 148 316 1,855 7,640 Zinc concentrate treatment charges (1,291) (2,863) (3,686) (10,445) Total revenue from zinc concentrate contracts 44,250 59,681 186,843 166,981 Copper concentrate sales 26,250 9,479 63,759 29,216 Copper concentrate mark-to-market adjustments (1,464) (227) (2,170) 459 Copper concentrate by-product sales 5,890 2.447 14,652 8,311 Copper concentrate treatment and refining charges (3,318) (1,605) (8,320) (4,908) Total revenue from copper concentrate contracts 27,358 10,094 67,921 33,078 Other - 1,261 - 8,715 $ 71,608 $ 71,036 $ 254,764 $ 208,774

Exploration Expense (Tables)

Exploration Expense (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Exploration Expense	Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) BMSC $ 1,082 $ 1,859 $ 4,313 $ 7,421 Timok – Brownfield exploration 2,279 5,250 6,899 18,974 Timok – Lower Zone 34 4,517 1,218 13,212 Other properties 783 597 1,525 938 $ 4,178 $ 12,223 $ 13,955 $ 40,545

Segment information (Tables)

Segment information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Financial Position [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Segment Information by Geographical Area	Total Assets September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Europe $ 542,935 $ 501,700 Africa 455,121 472,411 North America 68,640 112,241 Total $ 1,066,696 $ 1,086,352 Total liabilities September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Europe $ 10,512 $ 6,244 Africa 125,300 117,394 North America 17,761 9,573 Total $ 153,573 $ 133,211
Income Statement [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Segment Information by Geographical Area	Revenues Cost of sales Net income (loss) attributable to Nevsun shareholders Three months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) Europe $ - $ - $ - $ - $ (2,683) $ (10,422) Africa 71,608 71,036 74,258 61,443 (1,801) 4,762 North America - - - - (14,186) (5,904) Total $ 71,608 $ 71,036 $ 74,258 $ 61,443 $ (18,670) $ (11,564) Revenues Cost of sales Net income (loss) attributable to Nevsun shareholders Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) Europe $ - $ - $ - $ - $ (9,839) $ (33,397) Africa 254,764 208,774 236,636 182,494 5,883 (31,074) North America - - - - (28,583) (16,530) Total $ 254,764 $ 208,774 $ 236,636 $ 182,494 $ (32,539) $ (81,001)

Interest in subsidiary (Tables)

Interest in subsidiary (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Interest In Subsidiary	10. Interest in subsidiary The following table presents the financial position of the Company’s 60% owned subsidiary, Bisha Mining Share Company (“BMSC”), as at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The information is presented on a 100% basis. As at September 30, 2018, BMSC holds cash and cash equivalents of $23,051 (December 31, 2017 – $22,128). September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Current assets $ 143,078 $ 123,174 Non-current assets 312,043 349,237 Current liabilities (55,282) (50,731) Non-current liabilities (70,018) (66,663) Net assets $ 329,821 $ 355,017 Net assets attributable to non-controlling interest $ 131,930 $ 142,008 The following table presents the financial results of BMSC for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) Revenues $ 71,608 $ 71,036 $ 254,764 $ 208,774 Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) (3,001) 7,936 9,805 (51,791) Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest (1,200) 3,175 3,922 (20,717) The following table presents the summary cash flow information of BMSC for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) Net cash provided by operating activities $ 4,596 $ 19,050 $ 64,049 $ 40,662 Net cash used in investing activities (17,218) (8,758) (28,126) (14,059) Net cash used in financing activities - (10,000) (35,000) (20,000) Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents $ (12,622) $ 292 $ 923 $ 6,603 The following table presents the financial position of the Company’s subsidiary, Rakita Exploration doo (“Rakita”), which holds the Timok Project, as at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The information is presented on a 100% basis. September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Current assets $ 5,175 $ 2,954 Non-current assets 536,803 510,341 Current liabilities (9,524) (6,487) Non-current liabilities (83,570) (51,555) Net assets 448,884 455,253 Net assets attributable to non-controlling interest $ 7,812 $ 7,339 The following table presents the financial results of Rakita for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) Net loss and comprehensive loss $ (3,202) $ (9,957) $ (8,790) $ (32,369) Net loss and comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest (4) (4,517) (473) (13,212) The following table presents the summary cash flow information of Rakita for the three and nine months ended Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) Net cash used in operating activities $ (3,568) $ (9,718) $ (11,518) $ (32,130) Net cash used in investing activities (6,014) (1,161) (17,955) (3,131) Net cash provided by financing activities 6,234 9,600 31,195 30,000 Decrease in cash and cash equivalents $ (3,348) $ (1,279) $ 1,722 $ (5,261)
BMSC [Member] | Financial Position [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Interest In Subsidiary	September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Current assets $ 140,564 $ 123,174 Non-current assets 314,557 349,237 Current liabilities (55,282) (50,731) Non-current liabilities (70,018) (66,663) Net assets $ 329,821 $ 355,017 Net assets attributable to non-controlling interest $ 131,930 $ 142,008
BMSC [Member] | Financial Results [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Interest In Subsidiary	Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) Revenues $ 71,608 $ 71,036 $ 254,764 $ 208,774 Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) (3,001) 7,936 9,805 (51,791) Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest (1,200) 3,175 3,922 (20,717)
BMSC [Member] | Cash Flows [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Interest In Subsidiary	Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) Net cash provided by operating activities $ 4,596 $ 19,050 $ 68,507 $ 40,662 Net cash used in investing activities (17,218) (8,758) (32,584) (14,059) Net cash used in financing activities - (10,000) (35,000) (20,000) Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents $ (12,622) $ 292 $ 923 $ 6,603
Rakita [Member] | Financial Position [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Interest In Subsidiary	September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Current assets $ 9,394 $ 2,954 Non-current assets 532,584 510,341 Current liabilities (9,524) (6,487) Non-current liabilities (83,570) (51,555) Net assets 448,884 455,253 Net assets attributable to non-controlling interest $ 7,812 $ 7,339
Rakita [Member] | Financial Results [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Interest In Subsidiary	Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) Net loss and comprehensive loss $ (3,202) $ (9,957) $ (8,790) $ (32,369) Net loss and comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest (4) (4,517) (473) (13,212)
Rakita [Member] | Cash Flows [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Interest In Subsidiary	Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) 2018 2017 (Restated – note 12) Net cash used in operating activities $ (3,568) $ (9,718) $ (11,518) $ (32,130) Net cash used in investing activities (6,014) (1,161) (17,955) (3,131) Net cash provided by financing activities 6,234 9,600 31,195 30,000 Decrease in cash and cash equivalents $ (3,348) $ (1,279) $ 1,722 $ (5,261)

Change in accounting policy (Ta

Change in accounting policy (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Adjustments to Financial Position	As at September 30, 2017 As previously reported Adjustment Restated Exploration and evaluation $ 640,228 $ (92,396) $ 547,832 Mineral properties, net book value 35,075 (18,700) 16,375 Plant and equipment, net book value 277,637 598 278,235 Net decrease in assets (110,498) Deferred income taxes $ (58,193) $ 24,562 $ (33,631) Net decrease in liabilities (85,936) Non-controlling interest $ (158,599) $ 16,030 $ (142,569) Net decrease in equity $ (69,906)
Adjustments to Financial Results	For the three months ended September 30, 2017 As previously reported Adjustment Restated Depreciation and depletion $ (15,987) $ 50 $ (15,937) Exploration expenses - (12,223) (12,223) Income tax expense (3,736) 687 (3,049) Decrease in net income $ (11,486) Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) attributable to: Nevsun shareholders $ (527) $ (11,037) $ (11,564) Non-controlling interest 3,624 (449) 3,175 Weighted average shares outstanding (thousands) Basic 302,075 - 302,075 Diluted 302,075 - 302,075 Loss per share attributable to Nevsun shareholders Basic $ (0.00) $ (0.04) $ (0.04) Diluted (0.00) (0.04) (0.04)
Adjustments to Cash Flows	For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 As previously reported Adjustment Restated Depreciation and depletion $ (42,239) $ 383 $ (41,856) Exploration expenses - (40,545) (40,545) Income taxes (6,756) 2,674 (4,082) Decrease in net income $ (37,488) Net loss and comprehensive income loss attributable to: Nevsun shareholders $ (45,259) $ (35,742) $ (81,001) Non-controlling interest (18,971) (1,746) (20,717) Weighted average shares outstanding (thousands) Basic 301,943 - 301,943 Diluted 301,943 - 301,943 Loss per share attributable to Nevsun shareholders Basic $ (0.15) $ (0.12) $ (0.27) Diluted (0.15) (0.12) (0.27) For the three months ended September 30, 2017, the following adjustments were recorded to the consolidated statement of cash flows: For the three months ended September 30, 2017 As previously reported Adjustment Restated Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 10,018 $ (12,223) $ (2,205) Net cash used in investing activities (23,416) 12,223 (11,193) Net change in cash and cash equivalents $ - For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the following adjustments were recorded to the consolidated statement of cash flows: For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 As previously reported Adjustment Restated Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 27,264 $ (40,545) $ (13,281) Net cash used in investing activities (56,466) 40,545 (15,921) Net change in cash and cash equivalents $ -

Supplemental cash information_2

Supplemental cash information (Detail) - Supplemental Cash Information - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$ 5,260
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	88,681	$ 125,083	124,598	$ 151,232	$ 171,372	$ 199,256
Other assets [member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Cash	88,627		59,504
Cash equivalents	54		65,094
Restricted cash	5,260
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$ 93,941		$ 124,598

Supplemental cash information_3

Supplemental cash information (Detail) - Supplementary Information For The Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Non-cash investing and financing transactions
Shares issued as part of DRIP		$ 277	$ 298	$ 2,070
Closure and reclamation increase (decrease) in mineral properties, plant and equipment	820	196	(1,630)	(609)
Depreciation added to (relieved from) inventory	(1,290)	(2,981)	(101)	(1,038)
Depreciation included in inventory impairment charge (reversal)		$ (145)		$ 6,202

Inventories (Detail) - Inventor

Inventories (Detail) - Inventories - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Materials and supplies	$ 68,113	$ 52,230
Work-in-progress	19,830	20,592
Finished goods - concentrates	20,688	14,365
Total inventories	108,631	87,187
Less: non-current portion of ore in stockpiles	(11,614)	(14,926)
Inventory recorded as a current asset	$ 97,017	$ 72,261

Mineral properties, plant and_3

Mineral properties, plant and equipment (Detail) - Mineral properties, plant and equipment - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Exploration and Evaluation [Member]
Cost
Mineral properties, plant and equipment, Beginning	$ 548,900	$ 547,331
Additions	21,785	501
Disposals
Transfers to inventory
Change in reclamation obligation
Impairment Charge
Reversal of impairment
Transfers
Mineral properties, plant and equipment, End	570,685	547,832
Accumulated depreciation
Accumulated depreciation, Beginning
Charge for the period
Disposals
Impairment Charge
Reversal of impairment
Accumulated depreciation, End
Net book value	570,685	547,832
Construction-in-progress [Member]
Cost
Mineral properties, plant and equipment, Beginning	8,310	308
Additions	5,945	6,137
Disposals
Transfers to inventory
Change in reclamation obligation
Impairment Charge
Reversal of impairment
Transfers	(9,334)
Mineral properties, plant and equipment, End	4,921	6,445
Accumulated depreciation
Accumulated depreciation, Beginning
Charge for the period
Disposals
Impairment Charge
Reversal of impairment
Accumulated depreciation, End
Net book value	4,921	6,445
Mineral Properties [Member]
Cost
Mineral properties, plant and equipment, Beginning	36,440	33,865
Additions	2,114	1,778
Disposals
Transfers to inventory
Change in reclamation obligation
Impairment Charge
Reversal of impairment
Transfers
Mineral properties, plant and equipment, End	38,554	35,643
Accumulated depreciation
Accumulated depreciation, Beginning	20,142	17,079
Charge for the period	3,205	2,189
Disposals
Impairment Charge
Reversal of impairment
Accumulated depreciation, End	23,347	19,268
Net book value	15,207	16,375
Plant and Equipment [Member]
Cost
Mineral properties, plant and equipment, Beginning	512,874	535,970
Additions	20,453	4,929
Disposals	(719)
Transfers to inventory		(5,296)
Change in reclamation obligation	(1,630)	(609)
Impairment Charge		(29,621)
Reversal of impairment	13,179
Transfers	9,334
Mineral properties, plant and equipment, End	553,491	505,373
Accumulated depreciation
Accumulated depreciation, Beginning	243,821	205,425
Charge for the period	60,334	40,416
Disposals	(701)
Impairment Charge		(18,703)
Reversal of impairment	8,187
Accumulated depreciation, End	311,641	227,138
Net book value	241,850	278,235
Total [Member]
Cost
Mineral properties, plant and equipment, Beginning	1,106,524	1,117,474
Additions	50,297	13,345
Disposals	(719)
Transfers to inventory		(5,296)
Change in reclamation obligation	(1,630)	(609)
Impairment Charge		(29,621)
Reversal of impairment	13,179
Transfers
Mineral properties, plant and equipment, End	1,167,651	1,095,293
Accumulated depreciation
Accumulated depreciation, Beginning	263,963	222,504
Charge for the period	63,539	42,605
Disposals	(701)
Impairment Charge		(18,703)
Reversal of impairment	8,187
Accumulated depreciation, End	334,988	246,406
Net book value	$ 832,663	$ 848,887

Share capital and reserves (Det

Share capital and reserves (Detail) - Stock Options - Number/Weighted Average Exercise Price	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)shares
Notes to Financial Statements
Options Outstanding, December 31, 2017 | shares	9,364,433
Granted | shares	570,000
Exercised | shares	(271,002)
Forfeited or expired | shares	(2,506,198)
Options Outstanding, September 30, 2018 | shares	7,157,233
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding, Beginning | $	$ 3.47
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted | $	3.1
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised | $	3.92
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited or expired | $	3.76
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding, End | $	$ 3.33

Share capital and reserves (D_2

Share capital and reserves (Detail) - Earnings per share - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Net loss attributable to Nevsun shareholders	$ (18,670)	$ (11,564)	$ (32,539)	$ (81,001)
Effect of dilutive securities:
Diluted net loss attributable to Nevsun shareholders	$ (18,670)	$ (11,564)	$ (32,539)	$ (81,001)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the purpose of basic loss per share (000s)	302,589	302,075	302,423	301,943
Dilutive options and stock appreciation rights
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the purpose of diluted loss per share (000s)	302,589	302,075	302,423	301,943
Loss per share
Basic	$ (0.06)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.11)	$ (0.27)
Diluted	$ (0.06)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.11)	$ (0.27)

Revenues (Detail) - Revenues

Revenues (Detail) - Revenues - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Zinc concentrate sales	$ 50,192	$ 59,778	$ 208,344	$ 169,860
Zinc concentrate mark-to-market adjustments	(4,799)	2,450	(19,670)	(74)
Zinc concentrate by-product sales	148	316	1,855	7,640
Zinc concentrate treatment charges	(1,291)	(2,863)	(3,686)	(10,445)
Total revenue from zinc concentrate contracts	44,250	59,681	186,843	166,981
Copper concentrate sales	26,250	9,479	63,759	29,216
Copper concentrate mark-to-market adjustments	(1,464)	(227)	(2,170)	459
Copper concentrate by-product sales	5,890	2,447	14,652	8,311
Copper concentrate treatment and refining charges	(3,318)	(1,605)	(8,320)	(4,908)
Total revenue from copper concentrate contracts	27,358	10,094	67,921	33,078
Other		1,261		8,715
Revenues	$ 71,608	$ 71,036	$ 254,764	$ 208,774

Exploration Expense (Detail) -

Exploration Expense (Detail) - Exploration Expense - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Exploration expense	$ (4,178)	$ (12,223)	$ (13,955)	$ (40,545)
BMSC [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Exploration expense	1,082		4,313
BMSC [Member] | Restated [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Exploration expense		1,859		7,421
Timok - Upper Zone [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Exploration expense	2,279		6,899
Timok - Lower Zone [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Exploration expense	34		1,218
Timok - Lower Zone [Member] | Restated [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Exploration expense		4,517		13,212
Other properties [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Exploration expense	783		1,525
Other properties [Member] | Restated [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Exploration expense		597		938
Total [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Exploration expense	$ 4,178		$ 13,955
Total [Member] | Restated [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Exploration expense		12,223		40,545
Timok - Brownfield exploration [Member] | Restated [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Exploration expense		$ 5,250		$ 18,974

Segment information (Detail) -

Segment information (Detail) - Financial Position - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 1,066,696	$ 1,086,352
Total liabilities	153,573	133,211
Europe [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Total assets	542,935	501,700
Total liabilities	10,512	6,244
Africa [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Total assets	455,121	472,411
Total liabilities	125,300	117,394
North America [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Total assets	68,640	112,241
Total liabilities	17,761	9,573
Total [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Total assets	1,066,696	1,086,352
Total liabilities	$ 153,573	$ 133,211

Segment information (Detail) _2

Segment information (Detail) - Financial Results - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 71,608	$ 71,036	$ 254,764	$ 208,774
Net income (loss) attributable to Nevsun shareholders	(18,670)	(11,564)	(32,539)	(81,001)
Europe [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Revenues
Cost of Sales
Net income (loss) attributable to Nevsun shareholders	(2,683)	(10,422)	(9,839)	(33,397)
Africa [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Revenues	71,608	71,036	254,764	208,774
Cost of Sales	74,258	61,443	236,636	182,494
Net income (loss) attributable to Nevsun shareholders	(1,801)	4,762	5,883	(31,074)
North America [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Revenues
Cost of Sales
Net income (loss) attributable to Nevsun shareholders	(14,186)	(5,904)	(28,583)	(16,530)
Total [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Revenues	71,608	71,036	254,764	208,774
Cost of Sales	74,258	61,443	236,636	182,494
Net income (loss) attributable to Nevsun shareholders	$ (18,670)	$ (11,564)	$ (32,539)	$ (81,001)

Interest in subsidiary (Detail)

Interest in subsidiary (Detail) - BMSC Financial Position - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Current assets	$ 218,200	$ 228,865
Non-current assets	848,496	857,487
Current liabilities	82,735	66,546
Non-current liabilities	70,838	66,665
Net assets attributable to non-controlling interest	139,742	149,347
BMSC [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Current assets	143,078	123,174
Non-current assets	312,043	349,237
Current liabilities	(55,282)	(50,731)
Non-current liabilities	(70,018)	(66,663)
Net assets	329,821	355,017
Net assets attributable to non-controlling interest	$ 131,930	$ 142,008

Interest in subsidiary (Detai_2

Interest in subsidiary (Detail) - BMSC Financial Results - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 71,608	$ 71,036	$ 254,764	$ 208,774
Net income (loss)	(19,870)	(8,389)	(28,617)	(101,718)
Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest	(1,200)	3,175	3,922	(20,717)
BMSC [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Revenues	71,608	71,036	254,764	208,774
Net income (loss)	(3,001)	7,936	9,805	(51,791)
Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest	$ (1,200)	$ 3,175	$ 3,922	$ (20,717)

Interest in subsidiary (Detai_3

Interest in subsidiary (Detail) - BMSC Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$ (13,027)	$ (2,205)	$ 27,491	$ (13,281)
Net cash used in investing activities	(23,440)	(11,193)	(47,499)	(15,921)
Net cash used in financing activities	65	(6,742)	(15,909)	(18,822)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(36,402)	(20,140)	(35,917)	(48,024)
BMSC [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	4,596	19,050	64,049	40,662
Net cash used in investing activities	(17,218)	(8,758)	(28,126)	(14,059)
Net cash used in financing activities		(10,000)	(35,000)	(20,000)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	$ (12,622)	$ 292	$ 923	$ 6,603

Interest in subsidiary (Detai_4

Interest in subsidiary (Detail) - Rakita Financial Position - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Current assets	$ 218,200	$ 228,865
Non-current assets	848,496	857,487
Current liabilities	82,735	66,546
Non-current liabilities	70,838	66,665
Net assets attributable to non-controlling interest	139,742	149,347
Rakita [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Current assets	5,175	2,954
Non-current assets	536,803	510,341
Current liabilities	(9,524)	(6,487)
Non-current liabilities	(83,570)	(51,555)
Net assets	448,884	455,253
Net assets attributable to non-controlling interest	$ 7,812	$ 7,339

Interest in subsidiary (Detai_5

Interest in subsidiary (Detail) - Rakita Financial Results - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Net loss and comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest	$ (1,200)	$ 3,175	$ 3,922	$ (20,717)
Rakita [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Net loss and comprehensive loss	(3,202)	(9,957)	(8,790)	(32,369)
Net loss and comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest	$ (4)	$ (4,517)	$ (473)	$ (13,212)

Interest in subsidiary (Detai_6

Interest in subsidiary (Detail) - Rakita Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Net cash used in operating activities	$ (13,027)	$ (2,205)	$ 27,491	$ (13,281)
Net cash used in investing activities	(23,440)	(11,193)	(47,499)	(15,921)
Net cash provided by financing activities	65	(6,742)	(15,909)	(18,822)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(36,402)	(20,140)	(35,917)	(48,024)
Rakita [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Net cash used in operating activities	(3,568)	(9,718)	(11,518)	(32,130)
Net cash used in investing activities	(6,014)	(1,161)	(17,955)	(3,131)
Net cash provided by financing activities	6,234	9,600	31,195	30,000
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	$ (3,348)	$ (1,279)	$ 1,722	$ (5,261)

Change in accounting policy (De

Change in accounting policy (Detail) - Adjustments to Financial Position $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Previously Reported [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Exploration and evaluation	$ 640,228
Mineral properties, net book value	35,075
Plant and equipment, net book value	277,637
Deferred income taxes	(58,193)
Non-controlling interest	(158,599)
Adjustment [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Exploration and evaluation	(92,396)
Mineral properties, net book value	(18,700)
Plant and equipment, net book value	598
Net decrease in assets	(110,498)
Deferred income taxes	24,562
Net decrease in liabilities	(85,936)
Non-controlling interest	16,030
Net decrease in equity	(69,906)
Restated [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Exploration and evaluation	547,832
Mineral properties, net book value	16,375
Plant and equipment, net book value	278,235
Deferred income taxes	(33,631)
Non-controlling interest	$ (142,569)

Change in accounting policy (_2

Change in accounting policy (Detail) - Adjustments to Financial Results - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Depreciation and depletion	$ 16,982	$ 15,937	$ 61,594	$ 41,856
Exploration expenses	(4,178)	(12,223)	(13,955)	(40,545)
Income taxes	(801)	3,049	9,077	4,082
Net loss and comprehensive loss attributable to:
Nevsun shareholders	(18,670)	(11,564)	(32,539)	(81,001)
Non-controlling interest	$ (1,200)	$ 3,175	$ 3,922	$ (20,717)
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Nevsun shareholders
Basic	$ (0.06)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.11)	$ (0.27)
Diluted	$ (0.06)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.11)	$ (0.27)
Previously Reported [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Depreciation and depletion		$ (15,987)		$ (42,239)
Exploration expenses
Income taxes		(3,736)		(6,756)
Net loss and comprehensive loss attributable to:
Nevsun shareholders		(527)		(45,259)
Non-controlling interest		$ 3,624		$ (18,971)
Weighted average shares outstanding (thousands)
Basic		302,075		301,943
Diluted		302,075		301,943
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Nevsun shareholders
Basic		$ 0		$ (0.15)
Diluted		$ 0		$ (0.15)
Adjustment [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Depreciation and depletion		$ 50		$ 383
Exploration expenses		(12,223)		(40,545)
Income taxes		687		2,674
Decrease in net income		(11,486)		(37,488)
Net loss and comprehensive loss attributable to:
Nevsun shareholders		(11,037)		(35,742)
Non-controlling interest		$ (449)		$ (1,746)
Weighted average shares outstanding (thousands)
Basic
Diluted
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Nevsun shareholders
Basic		$ (0.04)		$ (0.12)
Diluted		$ (0.04)		$ (0.12)
Restated [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Depreciation and depletion		$ (15,937)		$ (41,856)
Exploration expenses		(12,223)		(40,545)
Income taxes		(3,049)		(4,082)
Net loss and comprehensive loss attributable to:
Nevsun shareholders		(11,564)		(81,001)
Non-controlling interest		$ 3,175		$ (20,717)
Weighted average shares outstanding (thousands)
Basic		302,075		301,943
Diluted		302,075		301,943
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Nevsun shareholders
Basic		$ (0.04)		$ (0.27)
Diluted		$ (0.04)		$ (0.27)

Change in accounting policy (_3

Change in accounting policy (Detail) - Adjustments to Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	$ (13,027)	$ (2,205)	$ 27,491	$ (13,281)
Net cash used in investing activities	(23,440)	(11,193)	(47,499)	(15,921)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	$ (36,402)	(20,140)	$ (35,917)	(48,024)
Previously Reported [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities		10,018		27,264
Net cash used in investing activities		(23,416)		(56,466)
Adjustment [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities		(12,223)		(40,545)
Net cash used in investing activities		12,223		40,545
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
Restated [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities		(2,205)		(13,281)
Net cash used in investing activities		$ (11,193)		$ (15,921)

Supplemental Cash Information_4

Supplemental Cash Information (Details Narrative) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$ 5,260
Settlement [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash	3,010
Bank Guarantee [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$ 2,250

Inventories (Details Narrative)

Inventories (Details Narrative) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Non-current portion - primary ore (zinc-only)	$ 9,775	$ 13,087
Non-current portion - supergene ore	1,839	1,839
Depreciation (included work-in-progress and finished goods inventories )	6,269	6,370
Commitments To Purchase And Unsettled Obligations For Property	$ 6,269	$ 1,782

Mineral properties, plant and_4

Mineral properties, plant and equipment (Details Narrative) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Commitments To Purchase And Unsettled Obligations For Property, Plant And Equipment	$ 8,764	$ 1,782

Share capital and reserves (D_3

Share capital and reserves (Details Narrative) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Administrative expenses	$ 13,566,000	$ 5,551,000	$ 28,020,000	$ 16,220,000
Weighted Average Share Price Exercised			4,450
Weighted Average Price Of Options Exercisable at End Of Period	3.73		$ 3.73
Dividends, per share				$ 0.01
Dividends Declared		9,060,000		$ 9,060,000
share-based payment costs related to stock options [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Administrative expenses	$ 410,000	$ 491,000	$ 1,013,000	$ 1,644,000

Financial instruments (Details

Financial instruments (Details Narrative) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Zinc and copper concentrates sales receivables	$ 4,313	$ 16,556
Zinc and copper concentrates sales refundable	$ 2,235

Segment information (Details Na

Segment information (Details Narrative) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 88,681	$ 125,083	$ 124,598	$ 151,232	$ 171,372	$ 199,256
located outside of Africa [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 84,957		$ 116,099

Interest in subsidiary (Details

Interest in subsidiary (Details Narrative) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 88,681	$ 151,232	$ 125,083	$ 124,598	$ 171,372	$ 199,256
BMSC [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Ownership in Subsidiary	60.00%	60.00%
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 23,051			$ 22,128
Rakita [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Ownership in Subsidiary	100.00%	100.00%