SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 40-F
[ ] REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13(a) OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 Commission File Number: 000-51810
CORRIENTE RESOURCES INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
BRITISH COLUMBIA 1000 NOT APPLICABLE
(Province or other (Primary Standard Industrial (I.R.S. Employer
Jurisdiction of Classification Code Number) Identification
Incorporation No.)
or Organization)
520 - 800 West Pender Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6C 2V6 Canada
(604) 687-0449
(Address and telephone number of Registrants' principal executive offices)
CT Corporation System
111 Eighth Avenue
New York, New York 10011
(212) 894-8940
(Name, address (including zip code) and telephone number
including area code) of agent for service in the United States)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class Name of Exchange on which Registered
------------------- ------------------------------------
Common Shares, Par Value AMEX
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to
Section 15(d) of the Act:
None
For annual reports, indicate by check mark the information filed with this Form:
[X] Annual information form [X] Audited annual financial statements
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes
of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual
report:
74,752,393 Common Shares
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant by filing the information
contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the SEC
pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
"Exchange Act"). If "Yes" is marked, indicate the filing number assigned to the
registrant in connection with such rule.
Yes _____ 82-_____ No __X__
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required
to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for
the past 90 days.
Yes __X__ No ____
DOCUMENTS FILED UNDER COVER OF THIS FORM
----------------------------------------
Document No. 1: Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Document No. 2: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations for the year ended December 31,
2006.
Document No. 3: Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended
December 31, 2006, prepared in accordance with Canadian
generally accepted accounting principles, and reconciled to
United States generally accepted accounting principles in
accordance with Item 17 of Form 40-F.
DOCUMENT NO. 1
CORRIENTE
Resources Inc.
ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2006
March 29, 2007
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GLOSSARY OF TERMS.............................................................1
CURRENCY......................................................................3
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS....................................................3
THE COMPANY...................................................................3
THE BUSINESS OF CORRIENTE.....................................................4
CORRIENTE COPPER BELT.........................................................8
RISK FACTORS.................................................................18
DIVIDENDS....................................................................22
CAPITAL STRUCTURE............................................................22
MARKETS FOR SECURITIES.......................................................23
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.......................................................24
AUDIT COMMITTEE INFORMATION..................................................25
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR.................................................27
MATERIAL CONTRACTS...........................................................27
INTERESTS OF EXPERTS.........................................................27
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.......................................................28
SCHEDULE A...................................................................29
1
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
The following is a glossary of technical terms, which are used in this annual
information form.
anomaly/anomalous Value higher or lower than the expected; outlining a
zone of potential exploration interest but not
necessarily of commercial significance
Au Gold
chalcocite Copper sulphide, Cu2S
chalcopyrite Copper sulphide, CuFeS2
Cu Copper
development Preparation of a mineral deposit for commercial
production including installation of plant and
machinery and the construction of all related
facilities
diamond drill A type of rotary drill in which the cutting is
done by abrasion rather than percussion. The cutting
bit is set with diamonds and is attached to the end
of long hollow rods through which water is pumped to
the cutting face. The drill cuts a core of rock which
is recovered in long cylindrical sections, an inch or
more in diameter
exploration The prospecting, diamond drilling and other work
involved in searching for ore bodies
grade The weight of valuable minerals in each tonne of ore
g/t Grams per tonne
indicated mineral
resource That part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity,
grade or quality, densities, shape and physical
characteristics, can be estimated with a level of
confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate
application of technical and economic parameters, to
support mine planning and evaluation of the economic
viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on
detailed and reliable exploration and testing
information gathered through appropriate techniques
from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits,
workings and drill holes that are spaced closely
enough for geological and grade continuity to be
reasonably assumed
inferred mineral
resource That part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity
and grade can be estimated on the basis of geological
evidence and limited sampling and reasonably assumed,
but not verified, geological and grade continuity.
The estimate is based on limited information and
sampling gathered through appropriate techniques from
locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings
and drill holes. Due to the uncertainty which may
attach to Inferred Mineral Properties, it cannot be
assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral
Resource will be upgraded to an Indicated or Measured
Mineral Resource as a result of continued exploration
k-silicate alteration Alteration of rock typified by potassium-bearing
minerals
2
mineralization Rock containing an undetermined amount of minerals
or metals
mineral property A development or production property which contains
an independently-confirmed Mineral Resource
mineral reserve The economically mineable part of a Measured or
Indicated Mineral Resource demonstrated by at least a
preliminary feasibility study, which must include
adequate information on mining, processing,
metallurgical, economic and other relevant factors
that demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that
economic extraction can be justified. A Mineral
Reserve includes diluting materials and allowances
for losses that may occur when the material is mined
mineral resource A concentration or occurrence of natural, solid,
inorganic or fossilized organic material in or on the
Earth's crust in such form and quantity and of such a
grade or quantity that it has reasonable prospects
for economic extraction. The location, grade,
geological characteristics and continuity of a
Mineral Resource are known, estimated or interpreted
from specific geological evidence and knowledge.
Mineral Properties are sub-divided, in order of
increasing geological confidence, into Inferred,
Indicated and Measured categories. An Inferred
Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than
that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource. An
Indicated Mineral Resource has a higher level of
confidence than an Inferred Mineral Resource but has
a lower level of confidence than a Measured Mineral
Resource
mining concession A right to undertake mining activity for profit on
another's real property. The boundaries of the
concession area descend vertically
Mo Molybdenum
ore A natural aggregate of one or more minerals which, at
a specified time and place, may be mined, processed
and sold at a profit, or from which some part may
profitably be separated
oz/t Troy ounces per short ton
percussion drill A drill, which operates by having the drill bit fall
with force onto the rock
porphyry copper A copper deposit in which the mineralization occurs
as discrete grains and veins throughout a large
volume of rock
qualified person An individual who (a) is an engineer or geoscientist
with at least five years of experience in mineral
exploration, mine development or operation or mineral
project assessment, or any combination of those, (b)
has experience relevant to the subject matter of the
mineral project and the technical report, and (c) is
a member in good standing of a recognized
professional association of engineers and/or
geoscientists
tonne A metric tonne (2,204 pounds)
tpd Tonnes per day
3
CURRENCY
All dollar amounts referred to in this annual information form are Canadian
dollars unless otherwise indicated. The company's accounts are maintained in
Canadian dollars. The company's business activities are carried out through its
subsidiaries in the Cayman Islands and Ecuador, and are conducted in both United
States dollars and in the local currency in those jurisdictions. Unless
otherwise indicated, Canadian dollar amounts have been converted in this annual
information form at the rate of exchange for converting United States dollars
into Canadian dollars in effect at December 31, 2006 as reported by the Bank of
Canada, being 1.1654 (C$1.00 = US$0.8581).
The closing rate of exchange for converting United States dollars into Canadian
dollars on March 29, 2007 as reported by the Bank of Canada was 1.1578 (C$1.00 =
US$0.8637).
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements included in this management's Discussion and Analysis /
Annual Information Form are forward-looking statements. They include estimates
and statements that describe the company's future plans, objectives and goals,
including words to the effect that the company or management expects a stated
condition or result to occur. Wherever possible, words such as "anticipate",
"may", "will", "expect", "believe", "plan" and other similar expressions have
been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect
management's beliefs and are based on information currently available to the
company's management. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks,
uncertainties and assumptions. Although the company believes that these
statements are based on reasonable assumptions, a number of factors could cause
the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially
different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied
by such forward-looking statements. For a comprehensive review of risk factors,
please refer to the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the company's Annual
Information Form and the section entitled "Risks and Uncertainties" in the
management's Discussion and Analysis, each as filed on SEDAR. The company
disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to
reflect new events or circumstances. Readers are cautioned not to put undue
reliance on these forward-looking statements.
THE COMPANY
Name and Incorporation
Corriente Resources Inc. ("Corriente") was incorporated under the Company Act
(British Columbia) on February 16, 1983 under the name "Coronado Resources
Inc.". On December 10, 1990 Coronado Resources Inc. consolidated its share
capital on a three-for-one basis and changed its name to "Iron King Mines Inc.".
On April 23, 1992 Iron King Mines Inc. consolidated its share capital on a
three-for-one basis and changed its name to "Corriente Resources Inc.". On May
16, 1994, Corriente's authorized capital was increased to 50,000,000 common
shares without par value. On May 10, 2004, Corriente's authorized capital was
increased to 100,000,000 common shares without par value. On June 2, 2004, the
company transitioned under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia).
Corriente's principal office and its registered and records offices are located
at Suite 520, 800 West Pender Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 2V6.
Corriente also has administrative and operations offices in the Cayman Islands,
B.V.I. and in Quito, Ecuador.
During 2006, the company incorporated four new subsidiaries for the purposes of
facilitating the Mirador Project's infrastructure. Additionally, the company has
identified certain gold concession targets, which are being evaluated towards a
spin-off of these concessions to the company's shareholders - see
Tundayme/Piedra Liza Gold Exploration Targets - Proposed Spin-off (below).
Corriente and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to herein as
"Corriente" or "the company" unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise
requires.
4
THE BUSINESS OF CORRIENTE
General Development of the Business
Corriente is a Canadian natural mineral resource company that since 1992 has
been engaged, through its subsidiaries, in the acquisition, exploration and
development of mineral mineral properties, primarily in South America. Until
2003, Corriente was principally an exploration company with a goal to acquire
properties, to locate and confirm the existence of bodies of commercial ore on
them, and to sell the properties to other entities for subsequent development.
The prime commodities sought by Corriente have been copper and gold in projects
already at the advanced drilling stage. Over the past 10 years, Corriente has
actively explored a number of properties in Argentina and Ecuador. In some
cases, Corriente has taken on joint venture partners who have financed part or
all of the exploration on the properties. Since 2003, Corriente has been
pursuing the exploration and development of its mining concessions in the
Corriente Copper Belt in southeastern Ecuador, most notably the Mirador Project
which is more fully described herein.
In October 1999 and April 2000, Corriente entered into two option agreements
with BHP Billiton Plc. ("BHP Billiton") pursuant to which Corriente acquired the
option to acquire a 70% interest in a large package of mineral exploration
properties identified by BHP Billiton in the course of a five-year grassroots
exploration program in the Rio Zamora valley in southeast Ecuador. These
properties are located in a general area of southeast Ecuador known as the
Corriente Copper Belt. Over the period from January 2000 to June 2002, Corriente
completed the drilling of over 30000 metres of core within the Corriente Copper
Belt and completed scoping studies on the Panantza-San Carlos and Mirador
Projects that provided an initial assessment of several different mining
development options. In January 2002, the company gave BHP Billiton notice of
its intention to exercise the option to acquire a majority interest in the
Panantza project. This option allowed Corriente to acquire ownership of mineral
resource deposits that are below the threshold of interest of BHP Billiton.
Formal approval was granted in April 2002 for the transfer of the ownership of
the Panantza concessions to Corriente. By the end of 2002, Corriente had
repeated the process to acquire title to the San Carlos (August 2002) and
Mirador (December 2002) concessions within the Corriente Copper Belt. In each
case, BHP Billiton chose to convert its back-in rights to a 2% net smelter
royalty interest (NSR) in the Mirador, Panantza and San Carlos concessions with
the company having the option to reduce this NSR to 1% for each of these mineral
properties upon the payment of US$2 million (for each concession) to BHP
Billiton.
In December 2003, Corriente granted Lowell Mineral Exploration an option to
acquire a 100% interest in the Warintza project, Ecuador. This option was
subsequently exercised in June 2004, with Lowell Mineral Exploration swapping
its 10% interest in all of Corriente's concessions in Ecuador (including
Mirador, Panantza and San Carlos) in exchange for a 100% interest in the
Warintza project. The Warintza project includes four concessions totalling
20,000 hectares. As a result of this agreement, Corriente now controls 100% of
all of its concessions in Ecuador subject to the 2% NSR to BHP Billiton. These
concessions encompass over 60,000 hectares located within the Corriente Copper
Belt. The Belt extends over a 20 by 80-km area in southeast Ecuador and
currently contains four identified copper and copper-gold porphyry deposits
(called Mirador, Mirador Norte, Panantza and San Carlos). Six additional copper
and copper-gold exploration targets (called La Florida, San Luis, San Marcos,
San Miguel, Sutzu and Trinidad) have also been identified in the Corriente
Copper Belt to date.
For 2004 and 2005, the Corriente's activities were focused on completing
exploration programs at the company's Mirador Norte, Panantza and San Miguel
targets as well as geotechnical and development studies for the Mirador Project.
During 2006, delimiting work was focused on the mineralization of the Mirador
Norte deposit to 100m drill spacing, with a total of 6780 metres in 39 core
holes. A total of 2149 samples from this drilling were assayed and accrued to
the database with geological, geotechnical and geomechanical logging following
the company's standard QA/QC procedures and logging protocols. The program was
designed to provide geological and grade information to support a resource
estimate. Corriente engaged Mine Development Associates ("MDA") of Reno, Nevada
in August 2006 to generate a block model and provide a mineral resource estimate
for the Mirador Norte deposit, in compliance with the CIM Mineral Resource and
Mineral Reserve definitions referred to in NI 43-101. MDA was also instructed to
prepare a Technical Report for the Mirador Project to include both the Mirador
and Mirador Norte deposits.
5
The report, issued in November 2006, reports new resources for the Mirador Norte
deposit to include Indicated resources of 171Mt of 0.51% copper and 0.09 g/t
gold (containing 1.9 billion pounds of copper and 490,000 oz gold) and Inferred
resources of 45Mt at a grade of 0.51% copper and 0.07 g/t gold (containing 500
million pounds of copper and 100,000 oz gold). Both Indicated and Inferred
resources were estimated at a 0.4% copper cut-off. These results were estimated
from 68 diamond drill holes totalling over 13000 metres of coring. This deposit
is exposed at surface, but open at depth and to the south. The Qualified Person
for the disclosure on Mirador and Mirador Norte resources is Steven Ristorcelli
of MDA.
With the copper and gold mineral properties identified at Mirador Norte, the
estimated resources available for processing by the planned Mirador Project
concentrator increased by 28% to 11 billion pounds of copper.
The primary focus of current operations is the development of the Mirador
Project in Morona Santiago Province in southeast Ecuador, while exploration work
continues on the company's other Corriente Copper Belt concessions.
Mirador Project
On November 17, 2005, Corriente announced the results of a study intended to
optimize the economics of the starter project at Mirador copper-gold project
that was the subject of the base-case feasibility study released in April 2005.
The MDA optimization study, dated December 6, 2005, which incorporates the
results of 52 additional drill holes completed in the summer of 2005, led to the
calculation of an updated mineral resource model.
The optimization work includes a measured and indicated resource of 346,968,000
tonnes at an average grade of 0.62% copper, 0.2 grams/tonne gold and 1.6
grams/tonne silver (with an average cut-off grade of 0.37% copper).
Corriente is proceeding toward construction of a starter mining operation at its
Mirador Project. Mirador presents Corriente with a unique opportunity to
introduce a substantial copper growth pipeline to a market environment that is
currently plagued with supply challenges. Mirador's project economics at an
initial 25,000 tpd capacity allows Corriente to implement a scaled development
strategy. This strategy calls for a modest first-phase project that can be
financed by Corriente without major dilution to the company or the project
itself. By using our first-phase cash flows, Corriente's plan is to expand
Mirador's production to 50,000 tpd.
For 2006, deferred exploration and development expenditures made on the Mirador
Project totalled $20,417,923 (2005 - $8,412,692) reflecting the company's
activities in furthering development of these mineral properties.
Mineral Properties Entering Development
As noted above, a technical report was issued in 2006 for Mirador Norte, which
is located less than 1,000 metres from the planned Mirador Project milling
facility. Confirmation of resources at Mirador Norte (as noted above) provides
additional options for development at Mirador that includes access to
higher-grade enriched material from the shallow parts of Mirador Norte and the
flexibility of being able to shift production from one pit to another.
The Panantza prospect lies about five kms northwest of the San Carlos property.
It shares many of the geologic, alteration and mineralization features of San
Carlos. As currently defined by 29 exploration drill holes spaced mostly at
100m, the Panantza project contains an inferred resource of approximately 395
Million tonnes at a grade of 0.67% copper and 0.08 g/t gold with potential for
expansion to the south and at depth. There is a well-equipped camp with
accommodation for 40 people, mess, office and core shed at a site called Rosa de
Oro adjacent to the Rio Panantza.
San Carlos is a large copper-molybdenum mineralized porphyry system with
dimensions of about 2000 metres x 2500 metres. The mineralization has been
tested with 25 diamond drill holes at variable spacing. The current, inferred
resource estimate based on these drill holes is 657MT at 0.61% copper. There is
a fully equipped permanent camp with office, accommodation for about 60 persons,
mess and core shed in the northwest part of the San Carlos prospect area.
6
Deferred exploration expenditures on the Panantza/San Carlos properties totalled
$2,478,768 in 2006 (2005 - $160,627).
Exploration Targets
The San Miguel target is a 600 X 850m Cu-Mo soil anomaly with rock sample values
to >1% Cu, but averaging 0.3% Cu over 300m along the east edge of the anomaly.
The north and west area of the anomaly has had limited initial drilling and
returned values to 0.50% Cu over 180m in SM001, 0.42% Cu over 155m in SM08, and
0.36% Cu over 193m in SM09.
Sutzu is a 1500 X 1500m soil Cu-Mo anomaly, with the Mo anomaly open to the SW.
Semi-continuous rock sampling passing across the centre of the soil anomaly
returned lower-grade (0.2%) copper. No drilling has been done yet on this
target.
San Marcos is an 800 X 800m Cu-Mo soil anomaly with rock samples in stream cuts
across this returning up to 0.5% Cu over 170m. No drilling has been done yet on
this target. San Marcos is on strike and probably related to Sutzu
mineralization, together with which it forms one of the larger mineralized zones
in the district.
The potential size of San Luis is about 170 X 350m based on the width of
mineralized rock chip sampling and the associated soil anomaly. Continuous
detailed rock sampling along the length of the anomaly returned about 230m of
0.76% Cu. A ground IP survey was run over San Luis and the anomaly coincided in
size with the soil anomaly. No drilling has been carried out on this project.
Trinidad is a 500 X 800m soil anomaly limited to the west by the edge of soil
sampling and covering rocks. There are no rock samples from the area of the
anomaly, but within 300m samples return values up to 0.5%Cu. A pair of rock chip
samples in adjacent drainages returned >1%Cu. There is no previous drilling.
Deferred exploration expenditures for 2006 on the Exploration Targets totalled
$1,773,318 (2005 - $25,470).
For 2006, total overall deferred exploration and development expenditures made
on the company's exploration and development targets within the Corriente Copper
Belt totalled $24,670,009 (2005 - $8,598,789) reflecting the company's
activities in furthering development of these mineral properties.
Personnel
Operations
During the past 12 months, the company has been actively building up its mining
development and operations management team. In this regard, the company has
initiated an outsourced hiring and recruitment program in North and South
America.
Mr. Ken Shannon, CEO is directly overseeing the company's continuing exploration
and development activities, which are presently all situated in Ecuador.
As at December 31, 2006 the company had 117 employees, as classified below. This
represents a reduction of just over 100 employees from November 30, 2006,
virtually all of whom had worked at the Mirador Project site. This reduction
occurred at the Mirador Project site as recent political events in Ecuador
produced a decision by the company to delay its Mirador Project development
timeline - see Mineral Properties in Development - Mirador Project.
Personnel Classification Canada Ecuador Total
---------------------------- ---------- ----------- ---------
Senior management 4 20 24
Technical and Admin 5 60 65
Labor 0 28 28
---------------------------- ---------- ----------- ---------
9 108 117
7
Board of Directors
In May 2006, the company's Board of Directors elected Anthony F. Holler as
independent (non-executive) Chairman of the Board of Directors.
In June 2006, Leonard Harris retired as a member of the company's Board of
Directors.
In September 2006, the company appointed Dale C. Peniuk, C.A. to its Board of
Directors. Until early 2006, Mr. Peniuk was an assurance partner with KPMG LLP
Chartered Accountants in their Vancouver office, specializing in the mining area
and was the leader of KPMG Vancouver office's mining industry group. With the
addition of Mr. Peniuk, the company's Board of Directors is comprised of five
non-management directors and one management director. Mr. Peniuk chairs the
company's Audit Committee.
Disposition of Other Properties
In 2003, the company sold the shares of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Corriente
Argentina Inc. (Cayman) and Corriente Argentina S.A. (Argentina), including its
100% interest in the Taca-Taca property in Argentina. Pursuant to the original
and subsequently amended sale agreement, the company received a total of
US$50,000 and 400,000 equivalent shares of the purchaser. Should the Taca-Taca
property achieve commercial production, the purchaser is obligated to pay the
company a further US$1,000,000.
During the course of 2006, the company sold the balance of the shares received
for total net proceeds of $336,253.
Tundayme/Piedra Liza Gold Exploration Targets - Proposed Spin-off
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Corriente recently engaged an independent consultant to complete a review of its
Ecuador gold concession package totalling 6,600 hectares containing encouraging
gold targets that are not part of the company's foreseeable copper development
programs within the Corriente Copper Belt. Following completion of this review
and accompanying 43-101 Technical Report, the company plans to distribute
ownership of these concession rights to existing shareholders in the second
quarter of 2007.
The gold concessions include the Tundayme prospect, which is immediately
adjacent to Corriente's Mirador copper deposit land holdings and is
approximately 15 km from Aurelian Resources Inc.'s newly discovered Fruta del
Norte gold zone. The Tundayme prospect has approximately 8 km of north-south
trending structures that extend along strike to the Mirador Project. This 8 km
trend is oriented in the same direction as the Fruta del Norte mineralized trend
and parts have had preliminary prospecting and soil sampling performed by
Corriente. Further work is required to follow-up anomalous gold soil and rock
samples from that initial work. Also included is a second set of concessions
approximately 50 km southwest of Mirador called the Piedra Liza prospect. Within
the Piedra Liza prospect, four clusters of anomalous gold soil samples occur
over a 6 km trend that is on-strike and north of the Nambija area, which has
produced over three million ounces of gold by local estimates. Follow-up ground
work identified altered rock samples with maximum gold values at 1 - 4 g/t. The
Qualified Person for this disclosure is John Drobe, P.Geo, Chief Geologist for
the company.
Corriente is a copper development company and remains focused on moving its
Mirador copper-gold project into production, along with development of the large
Panantza-San Carlos copper complex in the north of the Corriente Copper Belt.
The Tundayme and Piedra Liza gold prospects are not considered core to
Corriente's copper growth plans and will be transferred to a new corporation
that will be financed separately from Corriente.
8
CORRIENTE COPPER BELT
History and Development of the Corriente Copper Belt, Ecuador
MAP OF CORRIENTE COPPER BELT GRAPHIC OMITTED
Ecuador
Ecuador is situated astride the equator on the north-western coast of South
America. Quito, in the northern part of the country, is the capital city. After
a long period of civilian-military governments, Ecuador had a democratic
government from 1979 until late 1999, when popular unrest led to a military
coup, after which the military commander appointed the previous Vice-President
as the new President. That government took office in January 2000. New elections
were held in November 2002 and a left-leaning populist President, Lucio
Gutierrez, was sworn into office in January 2003. In April 2005, Gutierrez fled
Ecuador in the face of a populist uprising and lack of support from the
military. As a result, (then) Vice-President Alfredo Palacio was sworn in as
President.
In November 2006, Rafael Correa won the Ecuador Presidential run-off election
over Alvaro Noboa but did not officially take office until January 15, 2007.
During this transition period, the administration of President Alfredo Palacio
experienced a number of indigenous protests in southeast Ecuador which
eventually resulted in the suspension of the company's exploration and
development activities (see Mineral Properties in Development - Mirador Project,
Suspension of Work) and a delay in the Mirador Project's development timeline.
Since President Correa's January 15, 2007 inauguration, his administration has
focused primarily on exacting electoral and governmental reforms, which would
result in the creation of a Constitutional Assembly and eventual re-writing of
the Ecuador Constitution. These reforms are being met with substantial
opposition from Congress.
While management believes that the current political climate in Ecuador will
stabilize, there can be no certainty that this will be the case in the near
future. Presently, management believes that the company's Ecuador operations
will not be affected in the long-term and that any disruption to its Mirador
Project or other activities will be resolved.
Under Ecuador's general tax code, mining companies, including foreign
corporations, are taxed at a fixed rate of 25% of net profits. There are
currently no restrictions or withholding taxes on the repatriation of capital,
dividends or profits.
Mineral rights in Ecuador are acquired by mining concessions, title to which is
universally valid and has exclusive rights equivalent to owning real property.
Title to a mining concession is defensible against third parties, may be
mortgaged, may be transferred by public deed and may be inherited. Holders of
mining concessions are obliged to undertake environmental studies and formulate
plans to minimize environmental damage resulting from their activities.
9
A mining concession may be obtained for a maximum area of 5,000 hectares and for
a maximum term of 30 years, renewable for an additional 30 years. There is no
limitation on the number of mining concessions a person or company may hold.
Holders of mining concessions are required to pay annual fees and, once a
property is in production, to file annual audit reports, in order to keep the
concession in good standing. Title to a mining concession confers on the holder
the right to explore, exploit, process, smelt, refine and trade all the mineral
substances (except oil, gas and radioactive substances) lying within the
perimeter of the concession as well as the right to use the surface of the land
(subject to easements or arrangements with the land owner) and available water.
Location, Size and Access
The Corriente Copper Belt is located in the valley of the Rio Zamora in the
Pangui region, Morona Santiago province, in southeast Ecuador, adjacent to the
border with Peru. The area, centred about 340 kms south of Quito and 70 kms
southeast of the city of Cuenca, consists of a total of 25 exploration
concessions covering about 606 square kms. Access to the area is by road from
the city of Cuenca, a regional centre with scheduled air service of less than
one hour's duration from the capital city of Quito. Alternatively, local air
travel is possible to the town of Gualaquiza, which is within the Corriente
Copper Belt. Road access from Cuenca to the village of Santiago de Panantza is
via the towns of Gualaceo, Indanza and San Juan Bosco, mostly by
reasonable-quality unsealed roads. The road distance is about 150 kms or about
four hours' travel. There is road access from Quito to Cuenca for the transport
of samples or heavy equipment. Road access to the Panantza concessions was
completed during 2001. The Mirador Project is accessed by a one-hour flight from
Quito to Loja and then by road approximately 180 kms to the project site (about
five hours driving time). The remaining concessions are accessed by mule track
or by helicopter. Travel within the concessions is primarily by foot on jungle
trails.
Acquisition of Mineral Properties
Corriente entered into an option agreement dated October 15, 1999 ("JV1"), as
amended, with two subsidiaries of BHP Billiton, pursuant to which Corriente was
granted the option to acquire a 70% interest in certain mineral exploration
properties covering approximately 880 square kms in the Rio Zamora area on which
BHP Billiton had conducted a five-year grassroots exploration program, during
the course of which it had discovered a number of porphyry copper deposit
clusters. The JV1 agreement currently includes 16 concessions covering a total
of 57,660 hectares. The company has completed the required work program,
expended the required exploration funds and issued to BHP Billiton all the
securities required under the terms of this agreement. Corriente subsequently
entered into a further agreement dated April 6, 2000 ("JV2"), as amended, with
two subsidiaries of BHP Billiton, pursuant to which Corriente was granted the
option to acquire a 70% interest in certain mineral exploration properties in
the southern part of the Corriente Copper Belt, known as the Mirador property,
representing the balance of the copper targets identified by BHP Billiton in the
course of its exploration program in the Rio Zamora area. On signing of the
option agreement, the Mirador property consisted of eight exploration
concessions covering a total area of 22,880 hectares. Corriente has completed
the required work program, expended the required exploration funds, and issued
the securities required to be issued under the terms of this agreement.
Corriente is the operator of the properties covered by both agreements during
the option period. Corriente engaged Lowell Mineral Exploration Limitada Chile
(Lowell) to manage the exploration and development activities on the optioned
properties from 2000 to 2002. As compensation for the management services
rendered by Lowell to Corriente in connection with the optioned properties,
Corriente granted to Lowell the right to obtain 10% of Corriente's interest in
any properties covered by the two BHP Billiton joint ventures. In December 2003,
Corriente granted Lowell an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Warintza
project, Ecuador. This option was subsequently exercised in June 2003, with
Lowell swapping its 10% interest in all of Corriente's concessions in Ecuador
(including Mirador, Mirador Norte, Panantza and San Carlos) in exchange for a
100% interest in the Warintza project. The Warintza project included four
concessions totaling 20,000 hectares.
10
Exploration History
Regional exploration was initiated in southeastern Ecuador by Gencor, a
predecessor company of BHP Billiton, in mid-1994. In early 1995, six porphyry
copper targets in the area were identified.
In 1996, the San Carlos property was recognized as a large porphyry copper
system, leading to the drilling of eight holes at the Kutucus skarn prospect and
five holes at the San Carlos prospect in mid-1997. The San Carlos drilling
intersected significant copper mineralization. Based on 25 core drill holes
aggregating 6,185 meters on the San Carlos project, a potential resource of over
one billion tonnes of low-grade primary copper mineralization (0.4% Cu) or 400
million tonnes at 0.7% Cu at a 0.5% cut-off in the Inferred Mineral Resource
category was estimated. The company believes that there is potential for surface
oxide copper mineralization as indicated by hole SC-07 (0-60 metres, vertical
hole) assaying 0.7% Cu (in oxide) and hole SC-17 (6 - 93 metres, -60 degree
hole) assaying 0.77% Cu (in oxide).
In total, BHP Billiton drilled 11 scout holes totaling 2,900 metres on the
Panantza property. The drilling at Panantza was insufficient to define an
inferred resource but has identified a significant exploration potential. For
example, good surface oxide potential is shown by hole PA-03 (0-27 metres,
vertical hole) of 1.3% Cu (in oxide) and hole PA-09 (0-60 metres -57 degree
holes) of 1.15% Cu (in oxide).
The Warintza property was recognized as a large copper and molybdenum soil
anomaly with a classic porphyry copper alteration signature in early 1999. Chip
sampling carried out later that year by BHP Billiton outlined significant drill
targets of copper mineralization with surface grades up to 1% copper.
The area of Mirador was recognized as a significant anomalous area during the
original reconnaissance geological and geochemical surveys completed in November
- - December 1994. These surveys, which included 315 pan concentrates of stream
sediments, defined an area roughly 50 sq kms in extent which gave anomalous
values in Cu, Mo, Au, zinc and silver. At the time however, BHP Billiton was
forced by border conflicts between Ecuador and Peru to concentrate its efforts
in the north part of the Corriente Copper Belt. After a peace treaty ending the
border conflict was signed by Peru and Ecuador in July 1999, BHP Billiton
completed detailed follow-up surveys to better define the anomalous areas of the
Mirador property. A total of 746 soil samples were collected along ridges and
219 rock chips were taken from outcrops found in drainages traversing the
anomalous zones. This work, along with geological and alteration mapping,
defined the Mirador (previously known as Wawayme) zone and the Chancho and
Chancho Norte zones.
From 1994 through 1999, BHP Billiton spent approximately US$12 million on
exploration of the Corriente Copper Belt.
Geology and Mineralization
Ecuador can be divided into three regions: the Coastal Plain, the Andean
Cordillera and the Oriente or eastern Amazon basin. The Andean Cordillera
comprises two parallel sub-ranges: the Cordillera Real and the Western
Cordillera, which are separated by a high plateau, the Interandean Valley. The
Corriente Copper Belt is located in the southeast portion of the Cordillera
Real. Referred to as the sub-Andean zone, it straddles the border between
Ecuador and Peru.
The Cordillera Real comprises metamorphic rocks and intrusives, with ages
ranging from Precambrian to Cretaceous. Metamorphic rocks attain grades up to
greenschist and amphibolite facies.
During early Jurassic time, this area of Ecuador-Peru was the site of a basin
where calcareous and clastic sediments were deposited as well as tuffs and lavas
of andesitic to basaltic composition. At some stage during the Jurassic period,
three large batholiths were emplaced along a rough N-NE axis: from north to
south, the Rosa Florida along the Colombian border, the Abitagua, and the
Zamora, which borders Peru. These batholiths are interpreted to be part of an
island-arc sequence.
11
The Zamora Batholith is a composite, undeformed body of lower to mid Jurassic
age which has a north-south extent of roughly 200 kms and is up to 50 kms wide.
Three ages of magmatism corresponding to the Jurassic, Cretaceous, and Tertiary
are thought to have occurred in the region of the Zamora Batholith. The Zamora
Batholith contains phases or coeval bodies which vary in composition from
hornblende quartz diorite and tonalite, to granodiorite and monzogranite.
Various subvolcanic bodies of andesite and dacite are associated with the Zamora
Batholith. The porphyry copper mineralized systems are all hosted by intrusives,
breccias and subvolcanic bodies which intrude and are closely related in age to
the Zamora Batholith. To the west of the Batholith is the thrusted metamorphic
belt of the Cordillera Real, with contemporaneous volcanic and sedimentary rocks
to the east.
The mineral deposits encountered in the Corriente Copper Belt display many of
the characteristics of calcalkaline type porphyry copper systems. Sulfides
occurring principally in the form of pyrite and chalcopyrite are widely
distributed in low concentrations through large volumes of rock. The porphyry
deposits in the Corriente Copper Belt appear to be of Middle Jurassic age. The
San Carlos deposit has been dated at 154 million years.
San Carlos and the other seven porphyry copper prospects identified in southeast
Ecuador are centered on multiphase monzogranite to granodiorite porphyry stocks
within the Zamora Batholith with associated K-silicate alteration and
principally chalcopyrite mineralization. Intermediate argillic and less
widespread sericitic alteration overprints the K-silicate alteration, but does
so erratically.
Exploration Activities
Corriente started work on the Corriente Copper Belt in December 1999 with
preparations to drill the first of the untested porphyry targets at Warintza.
Between January and April 2000, 2378 metres were drilled at Warintza in a series
of 16 holes. Drill results from the Warintza project, released on May 2, 2000,
confirmed the presence of a high-grade (>1% Copper) supergene blanket and the
local presence of high grade (>1% Copper) primary sulphide mineralization. A
number of holes had grades greater than 1% copper with a best intersection of 82
metres at 1.37% copper in hole 1. The secondary copper mineralization appears to
average approximately 40 metres thick and occurs at a depth generally between 50
to 100 metres.
The company then moved on to scout drilling at the Mirador property. Between May
and August 2000, 5654 metres were drilled in a series of 32 holes to test the
Mirador system. The best assay interval was in hole 35 with 263 metres of 0.98%
copper equivalent. Mirador appears to be a conventional porphyry copper-gold
system with classic high-level alteration features such as abundant
silicification and brecciation.
In October and November 2000, Corriente drilled 17 holes totalling 5262 metres
to test the Panantza project, located in the central part of the Corriente
Copper Belt, close to the San Carlos property. Interpretation indicates that
Panantza has a well-developed high-grade core (approximately 300 metres by 300
metres and extending below the deepest hole at 448 metres) surrounded by a much
larger area of intermediate-grade mineralization. Drill holes within the
high-grade core show relatively consistent strong copper numbers such as in hole
PA-12 with 300 metres of 1% copper equivalent and hole PA-17 which intersected
64 metres of 1.31% copper equivalent followed by 384 metres of 0.83% copper
equivalent. All of the holes drilled within the high-grade core were stopped in
mineralization because of depth limitations of the drilling equipment and remain
open at depth. Results from the exploration work accomplished during 2001
clearly confirmed the change in status of the Corriente Copper Belt from purely
an exploration play to that of both exploration and development. Over 12000
metres of drilling were completed during 2001 and two separate scoping studies
analysed the economics of resource development at the Panantza/San Carlos and
Mirador Projects.
The Ecuador work program during 2002 saw the completion of 10 holes totalling
2738 metres of core on the Mirador target. Metallurgical testwork carried out
by an independent company was completed during the year using samples from
the Mirador, Panantza and Warintza deposits. The testwork established that
the copper mineralization responds well to conventional processing techniques
with excellent recoveries of copper and, in the case of Mirador, of gold as
well. Independent resource calculations for Panantza indicated an inferred
resource of 148 million tonnes of 0.82% copper and 0.1 g/t gold and, for
Mirador, 182 million tonnes of 0.76% copper and 0.22 g/t gold. The drilling
program at Mirador established the
12
general margins of the deposit and provided additional evidence that the
mineralization continues at depth beyond Corriente's deepest drilling.
During 2003, the Ecuador work program completed drilling on seven holes
totalling 2113 metres of core on the Mirador target. Such activities were
dependent upon the availability of cash resources and requirements of the BHP
Billiton joint venture agreements.
The company's 2004 exploration program completed drilling on 25, 9 and 10 holes
totalling 5812, 1207 and 1853 metres of core on the Mirador Norte, Panantza and
San Miguel targets, respectively. Results were received from drilling at the
Mirador Norte property, which is a copper deposit located approximately 3 km
north of the Mirador copper-gold project. Drilling result highlights include 31
metres of 1.15% copper and 99 metres of 0.98% copper (including 24 metres of
1.56% copper). The main focus of the drilling at Mirador Norte was to identify
higher grade, near surface zones, usually related to secondary enrichment of
copper. The high-grade zones could provide an opportunity to enhance the
economics of operations at the nearby Mirador Project, which has been the
subject of several resource and feasibility studies.
For 2005, drilling was limited to the Mirador Project mine area for geotechnical
and development study purposes.
In 2006, an additional 25 holes totalling 8400 metres were completed. Results
include hole PA039 with 17 metres of 1.31% copper in a secondary copper horizon
overlying 399 metres of 0.66% copper, hole PA041 with 443 metres of 0.60%
copper, and hole PA052 with 276 metres of 0.77% copper. One purpose of this
drilling was to define the southern edge of Panantza's mineralization. However,
rather than delineate the edge of the Panantza deposit, the most recent results
indicate the Panantza mineralization extends farther south than previously
recognized. The southernmost holes drilled, PA033 and PA034, were both
terminated in copper mineralization averaging over 0.8% Cu at the hole bottoms,
at approximately 330 metres and 342 metres deep respectively. The Panantza drill
plan has now been expanded to complete additional holes to follow this
mineralization to the south.
In addition, the deepest holes from this round of drilling (such as PA051)
indicate mineralization extends more than 200 metres deeper than previous
drilling in the southwest portion of the deposit and mineralization remains open
for further extension at depth. The deposit is also still open to the south and
west.
San Carlos is a large copper-molybdenum mineralized porphyry system with
dimensions of about 2000 metres x 2500 metres. The mineralization has been
tested with 25 diamond drill holes at variable spacing. The current inferred
resource estimate based on these drill holes is 657 million tonnes at 0.61%
copper, calculated at a 0.4% copper cut-off.
The company feels that Panantza-San Carlos concessions represent a rare
opportunity to capitalize on six years of community work, project engineering
and management development that has been built around the nearby Mirador
Project. This body of knowledge will significantly assist in the project
development process and at the same time allow the company to take economic
advantage of infrastructure that is being put in place for the Mirador mine.
Mineral Properties in Development
Mirador Project
Initial flow sheet development completed during the first quarter of 2003 on
metallurgical composites established that the mill flow sheet for Mirador will
be a conventional copper-gold porphyry circuit. This will use relatively coarse
primary SAG (semi-autogenous grinding) and ball mill grinding to 140 microns
followed by copper rougher flotation, concentrate regrind to 25 microns, and
cleaner flotation and dewatering. Mineralogy was studied by G&T Metallurgical
Services in Kamloops, British Columbia to support the grind parameter selection.
Variability mapping test-work completed during the second quarter of 2003
confirmed that the ore is quite simple and responds well to the flow sheet and
simple reagent scheme selected. Over 45 variability samples were tested
mineralogically and metallurgically. Copper is hosted dominantly as primary
chalcopyrite, with minor amounts of secondary copper mineralization, occurring
mainly as a shallow zero to 20-metre thick chalcocite blanket overlying the
primary sulphide ore. Pyrite occurs widely throughout
13
the deposit, but at relatively low levels, and the pyrite to chalcopyrite ratio,
at about 3:1, is in the lowest quartile of the industry. The pyrite is also
coarse, averaging 98 microns, resulting in a relatively clean concentrate with a
30% copper grade. Additional minerals in the concentrate include predominantly
quartz, feldspars and micas (total 95%) with minor clay and carbonate (total
3%).
Grindability tests were conducted on intervals of core from individual drill
holes during the test programme. These included Bond Work Index tests, J-K drop
weight and SMC tests (an abbreviated form of JK test), and Minnovex SPI (SAG
Power Index) tests. All tests were conducted at Lakefield, except the latter,
which were conducted at Minnovex on samples provided by SGS Lakefield Research.
Tests indicated an average Bond ball mill work index of 14.5kWh/tonne, and rank
the ore hardness as average to moderately low relative to other copper porphyry
ores in Lakefield's industry database and with moderately low variability.
In late 2003 and early 2004, a total of about 3,000 kg of split diamond drill
core was collected from 20 drill holes and shipped to SGS Lakefield Research in
Lakefield, Ontario, for metallurgical testing. In addition, two whole-core
metallurgical holes were drilled and collected specifically for comminution test
work.
In October 2003, the company awarded a feasibility study for the Mirador Project
to the internationally respected engineering firm AMEC Americas Limited
("AMEC"). Pursuant to the AMEC Technical Services Agreement, the feasibility
study addressed geotechnical, infrastructure (including processing, site
development and support facilities), and financial analyses for the building of
a 20,000 tpd mine and milling facility at the Mirador site. This initial
capacity target was later modified to 25,000 tpd. Mineral resource estimates
were also included which have since been revised by MDA - see Optimization Study
below.
In August 2004, the company announced the results of independent metallurgical
studies managed by AMEC. The metallurgical test work was carried out by SGS
Lakefield Research Ltd. under the direction of AMEC staff. Lakefield also
provided samples to Minnovex and G&T Metallurgical Services to conduct
grindability test-work, and mineralogical and flotation quality control
test-work, respectively. The results were as follows:
o Concentrates produced are predicted to average 30% copper at a
recovery rate of 90%
o There are no deleterious elements in the concentrate
o The ore hardness is average to moderately low
Optimization Study
In November 2005, Corriente announced the results of an ongoing optimization
study completed by MDA for the starter project at the Mirador copper-gold
deposit in Ecuador. A copy of MDA's report dated December 6, 2005 and entitled
"Update on Copper, Gold and Silver Resources and Pit Optimizations - Mirador
Project, Ecuador" is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The main change in the
new work was the incorporation of the results of 52 new drill holes which were
completed during the summer of 2005 and led to the calculation of a new resource
model. The optimization work was based on a Lerchs-Grossmann pit optimization
completed by MDA and included a measured and indicated resource of 346,968,000
tonnes at an average grade of 0.62% copper, 0.2 g/t gold and 1.6 g/t silver
(with an average cut-off grade of 0.37% Cu). For the purposes of the
optimization study, all of the elements of the feasibility study completed in
April 2005 were retained (except for reduced pre-stripping associated with the
new pit optimizations). Approximately 491 Million tonnes (Mt) of waste rock will
be removed over the mine life, resulting in an average strip ratio of about
1.4:1. The initial starter pit will have a 0.53:1 strip ratio containing 101.5
Mt of ore at 0.67% Cu, 0.21 g/t gold and 1.8 g/t silver. The mine plan was based
on a contract mining company providing ore to a conventional copper concentrator
at a rate of 25,000 tonnes per day (9,125 Million tonnes per annum).
The opportunity to increase investment returns with an expanded project capacity
is the object of an add-on optimization study to look at throughput rates from
50,000 to 75,000 tonnes per day (or two to three times the size of the base
case). This follow-up study, which was designed to maximize shareholder value
for Mirador, was focused on converting a significant portion of the current
inferred mineral properties to indicated status so that they can be included in
the new study (Note: inferred resources are excluded from feasibility study
economic analyses).
14
Optimization Study Highlights
- -----------------------------
o The project is forecast to annually produce approximately 131 Million
pounds of copper, 32,000 ounces of gold and 398,000 ounces of silver,
during the first five years of production.
o The mine model indicates a 38 year mine life at a throughput of 25,000
tonnes per day.
o At a long-term copper price of US$1.10/lb, the study indicates a Pre-Tax
Internal Rate of Return (IRR) for the project of 22.6% and a Net Present
Value (NPV) of US$224 Million at an 8% discount rate. The Investment
Stability Agreement with the Government of Ecuador will determine the
final tax regime for the project, so after-tax numbers are not being
presented here.
o The capital cost for the project was revised to US$195 Million
(reflecting reduced pre-strip with the new mine plan).
Tabulation of the revised project resources at Mirador using a cut-off of
0.40%Cu is set out in the table below. This work was carried out by MDA under
the direction of Steve Ristorcelli, P.Geo., C.P.G., an independent Qualified
Person as defined by NI 43-101. The resource estimate is based on 142 drill
holes totaling 36284 metres of core.
Revised Mirador Resources
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cu Cut-off Grade of 0.40%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class Tonnes Cu Cu (%) Au (oz) Au (g/t) Ag (oz) Ag (g/t)
(000's) lbs (000's)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Measured 52,610 753,000 0.65 360,000 0.21 2,770,000 1.6
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indicated 385,060 5,134,000 0.60 2,380,000 0.19 18,760,000 1.5
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inferred 235,400 2,708,000 0.52 1,250,000 0.17 9,900,000 1.3
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Previous Resources from September 2004 Disclosure
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indicated 310,000 0.65 0.20
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inferred 315,000 0.56 0.17
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Resource classifications conform to CIM standards on Mineral Properties and
Reserves referred to in National Instrument 43-101. Mineral resources that are
not reserves do not demonstrate economic viability. Measured and Indicated
Mineral Properties are that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and
grade can be estimated with a level of confidence sufficient to allow the
application of technical and economic parameters to support mine planning and
evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. An Inferred Mineral
Resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade can be
estimated on the basis of geological evidence and limited sampling that can be
reasonably assumed, but not verified.
As an indication of the growth potential of the project, the company prepared an
internal cash flow projection for an overall mine plan that allows for an
expansion to a capacity of 50,000 tonnes per day with construction underway in
year five. This expansion would require a twinning of the concentrator, use the
same infrastructure layout, and the same pit model and geological resources used
in the starter project feasibility study. This overall mine plan is projected to
generate a 24% pre-tax IRR and an NPV of $US 349 Million at an 8% discount rate
using a copper price of $US 1.10/lb. The capital cost of the expansion is
estimated to be approximately $US 100 million. Costing for the expansion cash
flow was done by factoring and the results will be amended in the next few
months as the proposed costs will undergo a detailed engineering review.
With the upgrade in Mirador's measured and indicated resources, the economics of
the 25,000 tonnes per day base case have improved and provide reasonable
justification to expand the Mirador Project to 50,000 tonnes per day. At this
milling rate, Mirador mine would have with a 20 year mine life. With the results
of the optimization study showing a robust project, Corriente is continuing to
move forward with development of the 25,000 tonnes per day starter project at
Mirador.
15
Updated Technical Report
In December 2005, the company engaged MDA to prepare a technical report in
compliance with National Instrument 43-101 to update the technical disclosure on
the Mirador Project by incorporating the additional drill results obtained in
the summer of 2005 and other information obtained through further work on the
property. A copy of MDA's report dated May 18, 2006 and entitled "Technical
Report Update on the Copper, Gold and Silver Resource and Pit Optimizations -
Mirador Project, Ecuador" is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Following below is a 3D representation of the company's current view of the
Mirador mine site when it is completed for the planned Stage 1 or 25,000 tonnes
per day capacity. For Stage 2 or 50,000 tonnes per day capacity, additional
tailings management facilities and access would be required.
MAP OF MIRADOR PROJECT MINE SITE GRAPHIC OMITTED
Environmental Impact Assessment
On May 4, 2006, Corriente announced that the Mirador Project's Environmental
Impact Assessment ("EIA") was approved by the Ministry of Energy and Mining
("MEM") of Ecuador.
The EIA covered both the environmental aspects of proposed mining operations in
Mirador and community and social plans associated with the same project. During
the lengthy preparation of the EIA, the company worked closely with the MEM to
ensure that the report met all required government guidelines and regulations.
The Mirador EIA is one of the most comprehensive documents on social and
environmental issues ever submitted to the MEM in Ecuador for a mining project.
The submission of the EIA and subsequent approval followed an extensive
consultation process with local communities, which was carried out in late
November and early December 2005.
As a requirement of the MEM's approval of the EIA, the company was required to
post US $3,019,539 ($3,518,971) in favour of the MEM as a security deposit
against the company's obligations under the EIA. The required security deposit
amount will be reviewed on an annual basis by the MEM and will be adjusted as
the project progresses to completion.
In September 2006, the company filed an amendment to the EIA to allow for mill,
tailings and dump location changes to the original mine plan. Public
consultations were successful and the company expects to receive approval of the
amended EIA in the first half of 2007.
16
For the company to receive a mine operating permit for the Mirador Project,
approvals for the amended EIA and construction and operating-related permit
applications must be received from the MEM and other Ecuador governmental
authorities during the course of development of the Mirador mine, prior to the
beginning of mine operations.
Environmental sampling and monitoring work at Mirador and at Mirador Norte
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
The hydrological monitoring program at Mirador commenced in 2004 and currently
includes 28 surface sampling points from the local drainages, 12 subsurface
sampling points and the main discharge river of Tundayme. The Mirador Norte
water sampling program began in 2005 and shares several of the same drainages as
Mirador such as the Quimi and Wawayme River. An expanded surface and subsurface
water monitoring program for Mirador Norte is currently under design.
On-site engineering and construction
- ------------------------------------
The permanent camp engineering is continuing to identify the final camp
configuration and layout. Due to the remoteness of the mine, it is expected to
house the majority of the work force in a permanent camp. The camp is currently
being sized for 220 bedrooms, eating facilities for 300 people per meal plus
recreational and medical areas.
Power Alternatives
- ------------------
The company is currently evaluating several viable alternatives for the Mirador
Project power supply. The estimated demand for the Mirador Project is 30 MW. The
options under consideration include the following:
1. Connect to an existing hydroelectric plant that is located near the
Mirador Project site. With planned expansions, this hydroelectric plant
complex will have a capacity of 59 MW.
2. Develop a potential 56 MW (preliminary evaluation) hydroelectric
project located approximately 15 km from the Mirador Project site.
3. Develop potential 30 MW hydroelectric projects located 70 km from the
Mirador Project site.
4. Connect directly to the Ecuador electrical grid. The company is
considering two options for the connection.
5. Install an onsite thermal power generation plant.
The above options are being evaluated for economic feasibility, stability,
reliability, constructability, and maintainability. The company is confident
that it can secure a reliable power supply for the Mirador Project's phase one
needs and also for future expansion with several additional hydroelectric
options near the Mirador site.
Engineering and Procurement
In March 2006, the company's wholly owned subsidiary, Ecuacorriente S.A. signed
a Letter of Award with SNC-Lavalin Chile S.A. ("SNC-Chile"), a member of the
SNC-Lavalin Group of Companies of Canada ("SNC-Lavalin"), for full Engineering
and Procurement Services for the start-up and expansion of the Mirador Project.
SNC-Chile's experienced engineering group has extensive mine design and
construction experience in South America, while overall, SNC-Lavalin is one of
the leading groups of engineering and construction companies in the world.
Additionally, Ecuacorriente S.A. engaged SNC-Lavalin Engineers & Constructors,
Inc. ("SNC-Canada") to prepare an updated feasibility study for the Mirador
Project, which will incorporate the results of work done by SNC-Chile, the
company and/or its consultants. This feasibility study is expected to be
completed in the second quarter of 2007, pending the results of various
optimization work being available.
Suspension of Work
In September 2006, Corriente's Board of Directors reviewed the development
status of the Mirador Project and approved the placement of orders for long
lead-time equipment for the project. This equipment included the main components
of the grinding circuit such as the SAG and ball mills. The company was working
on a timeline that had an estimated completion date of the Mirador Project and
start of production during the 4th Quarter of 2008. These items were on the
critical path to meet that deadline.
17
In November 2006, a series of protests began that were held in the
Morona-Santiago and Zamora-Chinchipe provinces against resource development in
general.
After a number of ineffective negotiating sessions were held with the
protesters, the federal government asked the company to temporarily suspend its
Mirador Project activities to aid in the negotiating process. In order to secure
the safety and security of local communities and supporters, Corriente agreed to
temporarily halt its field project work.
On January 25, 2007, the company announced that there would be a delay in the
start of production at Mirador from late 2008 to approximately mid-2009. This
delay is largely due to adjustments to long lead-time equipment deliveries as a
result of the decision to move off of the previous accelerated Mirador Project
development plan. This plan was based on having key permits and government
agreements completed by January 2007. Since these agreements are still being
processed and the company is restricted from resuming planned development
activities at Mirador, the Directors elected to minimize the company's Mirador
Project obligations.
This decision also resulted in the termination clauses of certain agreements
with suppliers of key long lead-time components to the Mirador project to be
invoked, for which charges for work incurred of $2,951,000 ($US2,532,000) have
been accrued at December 31, 2006. Subsequently, the company was able to sell
these partially completed assets to third parties in 2007 for net proceeds of
$2,775,000 ($US2,382,000), for which it is awaiting receipt.
Engineering, project planning and procurement timelines for the Mirador Project
are currently being adjusted, pending resolution of the protests and other
factors including acceptance of the company's amended EIA, receipt of the mine
development permit and completion of an investment contract.
Community Relations
The company has designed and implemented its community relations ("CR") plans
after identifying the local communities most impacted by the future mining
activities and their respective needs. The company's CR plans focus on the
critical needs of the communities and are regularly reviewed to ensure
appropriateness and effectiveness.
The company continues to be committed to local communities in all aspects of its
mining and economic development activities. In 2006, the company had active
initiatives and provided financial resources in the areas of education,
employment, health, building assistance, environmental preservation, and
cultural and economic development programs.
Personnel
Beginning in the second quarter of 2006, the company began hiring key management
and technical staff for its Ecuador operating group, focused on the development
and operations of the company's Mirador copper-gold project.
Since that time, the company has been able to virtually complete the hiring of
its senior management staff in Ecuador, all of whom are focused on the
development and operations of the company's Mirador copper-gold project.
Management is very pleased with the high level of experienced technical and
management expertise that have been attracted to the Mirador Project.
In connection with the Mirador Project timeline extension referenced above, on
February 23, 2007, the company implemented a restructuring of its Ecuador
operations to reduce the number of its employees while still maintaining a core
group of technical and professional staff. The company expects to record a
severance expense of approximately $743,000 ($US 631,000) for the quarter ended
March 31, 2007 as a result of this restructuring.
18
RISK FACTORS
Companies operating in the mining industry face many and varied kinds of risks.
While risk management cannot eliminate the impact of all potential risks, the
company strives to manage such risks to the extent possible and practical.
Following are the risk factors which the company's management believes are most
important in the context of the company's business. It should be noted that this
list is not exhaustive and that other risk factors may apply. An investment in
the company may not be suitable for all investors.
Foreign Country and Political Risk
The mineral properties on which the company is actively pursuing its exploration
and development activities are all located in Ecuador, South America. As a
result, the company is subject to certain risks, including currency fluctuations
and possible political or economic instability in Ecuador, which may result in
the impairment or loss of mineral concessions or other mineral rights. In recent
history, Ecuador has undergone numerous political changes at the presidential
and congressional levels. Also, mineral exploration and mining activities may be
affected in varying degrees by political instability and government regulations
relating to the mining industry. Any changes in regulations or shifts in
political attitudes are beyond the control of the company and may adversely
affect its business. Exploration may be affected in varying degrees by
government regulations with respect to restrictions on future exploitation and
production, price controls, export controls, foreign exchange controls, income
taxes, expropriation of property, environmental legislation and mine and/or site
safety.
In November 2006, Rafael Correa won the Ecuador Presidential run-off election
over Alvara Noboa but did not officially take office until January 15, 2007.
During this transition period, the administration of President Alfredo Palacio
experienced a number of indigenous protests in southeast Ecuador which
eventually resulted in the suspension of the company's exploration and
development activities (see Mirador Project - Suspension of Work) and a delay in
the Mirador Project's development timeline. Since President Correa's January 15,
2007 inauguration, his administration has focused primarily on exacting
electoral and governmental reforms, which would result in the creation of a
Constitutional Assembly and eventual re-writing of the Ecuador Constitution.
These reforms are being met with substantial opposition from Congress.
While management believes that the current political climate in Ecuador will
stabilize, there can be no certainty that this will be the case in the near
future. Presently, management believes that the company's Ecuador operations
will not be affected in the long-term and that any disruption to its Mirador
Project or other activities will be resolved.
To mitigate such risk, the company funds its Ecuador operations on an as-needed
basis and works closely with federal and territorial governments and community
groups. The company does not presently maintain political risk insurance for its
foreign exploration and development projects.
Exploration and Mining Risks
The business of exploring for minerals and mining involves a high degree of
risk. Due in some cases to factors that cannot be foreseen, only a small
proportion of the properties that are explored are ultimately developed into
producing mines. There is no assurance that the company's mineral exploration
activities will result in any discoveries of new bodies of commercial ore. At
present, only the company's Mirador Project property has proven or probable
reserves while any planned exploration programs for the company's other
properties are exploratory searches for proven or probable reserves. The mining
areas presently being assessed by the company may not contain economically
recoverable volumes of minerals or metals.
19
The operations of the company may be disrupted by a variety of risks and hazards
which are beyond the control of the company, including labour disruptions, the
inability to obtain suitable or adequate machinery, equipment or labour and
other risks involved in the conduct of exploration programs. Once economically
recoverable volumes of minerals are found, substantial expenditures are required
to establish reserves through drilling, to develop metallurgical processes, to
develop the mining and processing facilities and infrastructure at any site
chosen for mining. Although substantial benefits may be derived from the
discovery of a major mineralized deposit, no assurance can be given that
minerals will be discovered in sufficient quantities or have sufficient grade to
justify commercial operations or that funds required for development can be
obtained on a timely basis. The economics of developing copper, gold and other
mineral properties is affected by many factors including the cost of operations,
variations of the grade of ore mined, fluctuations in the price of minerals
produced, costs of processing equipment and such other factors as government
regulations, including regulations relating to environmental protection. In
addition, the grade of mineralization ultimately mined may differ from that
indicated by drilling results and such differences could be material. Depending
on the price of copper or other minerals produced, which have fluctuated widely
in the past, the company may determine that it is impractical to commence or
continue commercial production.
An additional project risk includes the current high demand for major components
and resources utilized in a mine's construction and operation, including
equipment, parts and qualified employees. These same conditions may also
adversely impact the mine's construction schedule if an inordinate demand on
metals causes shortages or cost increases.
Surface Rights and Access
Although the company acquires the rights to some or all of the minerals in the
ground subject to the tenures that it acquires, or has a right to acquire, in
most cases it does not thereby acquire any rights to, or ownership of, the
surface to the areas covered by its mineral tenures. In such cases, applicable
mining laws usually provide for rights of access to the surface for the purpose
of carrying on mining activities, however, the enforcement of such rights can be
costly and time consuming. In areas where there are no existing surface rights
holders, this does not usually cause a problem, as there are no impediments to
surface access. However, in areas where there are local populations or land
owners, it is necessary, as a practical matter, to negotiate surface access.
There can be no guarantee that, despite having the legal right to access the
surface and carry on mining activities, the company will be able to negotiate a
satisfactory agreement with any such existing landowners/occupiers for such
access, and therefore it may be unable to carry out mining activities. In
addition, in circumstances where such access is denied, or no agreement can be
reached, the company may need to rely on the assistance of local officials or
the courts in such jurisdiction.
Estimates of Mineral Properties and Production Risks
The Mineral Resource estimates disclosed by the company are estimates only, and
no assurance can be given that any proven or probable reserves will be
discovered or that any particular level of recovery of minerals will in fact be
realized or that an identified reserve or resource will ever qualify as a
commercially mineable (or viable) deposit which can be legally and economically
exploited. In addition, the grade of mineralization which may ultimately be
mined may differ from that indicated by drilling results and such differences
could be material. Production can be affected by such factors as permitting
regulations and requirements, weather, earthquakes, fire, environmental factors,
unforeseen technical difficulties, unusual or unexpected geological formations
and work interruptions. Consequently, the company's estimated Mineral Properties
should not be interpreted as assurances or evidence of commercial viability or
potential or of the profitability of any future operations.
20
Financing Risks
The company has limited financial resources, has no source of operating cash and
cash equivalents flow and has no assurance that additional funding will be
available to it for further exploration and development of its projects. Further
exploration and development of one or more of the company's properties will be
dependent upon the company's ability to obtain financing through joint
venturing, equity or debt financing or other means, and although the company has
been successful in the past in obtaining financing through the sale of equity
securities, there can be no assurance that the company will be able to obtain
adequate financing in the future or that the terms of such financing will be
favourable. Failure to obtain such additional financing could result in delay or
indefinite postponement of further exploration and development of its projects.
Additional funds raised by the company through the issuance of equity or
convertible debt securities will cause the company's current stockholders to
experience dilution. Such securities may grant rights, preferences or privileges
senior to those of the company's common stockholders.
The company does not have any contractual restrictions on its ability to incur
debt and expects to incur significant amounts of indebtedness to finance
development of its Mirador mine project. Any such indebtedness could contain
covenants which would restrict the company's operations.
Limited Experience with Development-Stage Mining Operations
The company has no previous experience in placing mineral properties into
production and its ability to do so will be dependent upon using the services of
appropriately experienced personnel or entering into agreements with other major
resource companies or contractors that can provide such expertise. There can be
no assurance that the company will have available to it the necessary expertise
when and if it places its mineral properties into production.
Base Metals Prices
The principal activity of the company is the exploration and development of
copper-gold mineral properties. The mineral exploration and development industry
in general is intensely competitive and there is no assurance that, even if
commercial quantities of proven and probable reserves are discovered, a
profitable market may exist for the sale of the same. Factors beyond the control
of the company may affect the marketability of any substances discovered. Base
metals prices have fluctuated widely, particularly in recent years. The feasible
development of such properties is highly dependent upon the price of copper and,
to a lesser extent, gold. A sustained and substantial decline in commodity
copper prices could result in the write-down, termination of exploration and
development work or loss of its interests in identified mineral properties.
Competition
The company competes with many companies that have substantially greater
financial and technical resources for the acquisition of mineral properties and
mining and processing equipment, the securing of engineering services and the
recruitment and retention of qualified employees and consultants.
Environmental and other Regulatory Requirements
The activities of the company are subject to environmental regulations
promulgated by government agencies from time to time. Environmental legislation
generally provides for restrictions and prohibitions on spills, releases or
emissions of various substances produced in association with certain mining
industry operations, such as seepage from tailings disposal areas, which would
result in environmental pollution. A breach of such legislation may result in
imposition of fines and penalties. In addition, certain types of operations
require the submission and approval of environmental impact assessments.
Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner which means stricter
standards, and enforcement, fines and penalties for non-compliance are more
stringent. Environmental assessments of proposed projects carry a heightened
degree of responsibility for companies and directors, officers and employees.
The cost of compliance with changes in governmental regulations has a potential
to reduce the profitability of operations.
21
Companies engaged in exploration and development activities generally experience
increased costs and delays as a result of the need to comply with applicable
laws, regulations and permits. There can be no assurance that all permits which
the company may require for exploration and development of its properties will
be obtainable on reasonable terms or on a timely basis, or that such laws and
regulations would not have an adverse effect on any project that the company may
undertake.
The company believes it is in substantial compliance with all material laws and
regulations which currently apply to its activities. However, there may be
unforeseen environmental liabilities resulting from exploration and/or mining
activities and these may be costly to remedy. Failure to comply with applicable
laws, regulations, and permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions
thereunder, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities
causing operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures
requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment, or
remedial actions. Parties engaged in exploration operations may be required to
compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of the exploration
activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for
violations of applicable laws or regulations and, in particular, environmental
laws.
Amendments to current laws, regulations and permits governing operations and
activities of exploration companies, or more stringent implementation thereof,
could have a material adverse impact on the company and cause increases in
expenditures and costs or require abandonment or delays in developing new mining
properties.
Corriente's policy is to abide by the regulations and requirements of Ecuador
and the company's EIA.
Uninsured or Uninsurable Risks
The company may become subject to liability for pollution or hazards against
which it cannot insure against or which it may elect not to insure where premium
costs are disproportionate to the company's perception of the relevant risks.
The payment of such insurance premiums and of such liabilities would reduce the
funds available for exploration, development and production activities.
Title Matters
Title to and the area of mining concessions may be disputed. Although the
company has taken steps to verify the title to mineral properties in which it
has an interest in accordance with industry standards for the current stage of
exploration of such properties, these procedures do not guarantee the company's
title. Property title may be subject to unregistered prior agreements or
transfers and title may be affected by undetected defects or the rights of
indigenous peoples.
Repatriation of Earnings
Currently there are no restrictions on the repatriation from Ecuador of earnings
to foreign entities. However, there can be no assurance that restrictions on
repatriation of earnings from Ecuador will not be imposed in the future.
Dependence on Key Personnel
The company's development to date has largely depended on, and in the future
will continue to depend on, the efforts of key management, project management
and operations personnel. Loss of any of these people could have a material
adverse effect on the company and its business. The company has not obtained and
does not intend to obtain key-person insurance in respect of any directors or
other of its employees.
Share Price Fluctuations
In recent years, the securities markets have experienced a high level of price
and volume volatility, and the market price of securities of many companies,
particularly those considered development-stage companies such as the company,
have experienced wide fluctuations in price which have not necessarily been
related to the underlying asset values or prospects of such companies. Price
fluctuations will continue to occur in the future.
22
No Dividends
The company has no history of earnings from operations and, due to the nature of
its business, there can be no assurance that the company will ever be
profitable. Investors cannot expect to receive a dividend on their investment in
the company in the foreseeable future, if ever. Investors should not expect to
receive any return on their investment in the company's securities other than
possible capital gains.
Currency Risk
The company's expenditures are predominantly in U.S. dollars and any future
equity raised is expected to be predominantly in Canadian dollars. The company
conducts the majority of its business in Ecuador, which uses the U.S. dollar as
its primary economic currency. As such, the company is subject to risk due to
fluctuations in the exchange rates for the U.S. and Canadian dollar. The company
does not enter into derivative financial instruments to mitigate its exposure to
foreign currency risk. A breakdown by currency of the company's cash and cash
equivalents, net of overdrafts at December 31 was as follows:
2006 2005 2004
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canadian dollar $ 125,063,312 $ 32,349,744 $ 12,366,062
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. dollar US$ 1,756,794 US$ 78,200 US$ 196,976
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31 closing
exchange rate
(Cdn$ to US$) 1.1654 1.1630 1.2020
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIVIDENDS
The company has not paid any dividends on its common shares since its
incorporation. The company has no present intention of paying dividends on its
common shares, as it anticipates that all available funds will be invested to
finance the growth of its business.
CAPITAL STRUCTURE
The company's authorized capital consists of 100,000,000 common shares without
par value. Each holder of common shares is entitled to receive notice of and to
attend any meetings of the shareholders of the company and is entitled to one
vote in respect of each common share held at such time. Each holder of common
shares is entitled to receive dividends, if any, as and when declared by our
Board of Directors. Holders of common shares are entitled to participate equally
in any distribution of our net assets upon liquidation, dissolution or
winding-up. There are no pre-emptive, retraction, surrender, redemption,
repurchase for cancellation or conversion rights attaching to the common shares.
23
MARKETS FOR SECURITIES
The company's common shares are listed and posted for trading on the Toronto
Stock Exchange under the symbol CTQ, the American Stock Exchange under the
symbol ETQ and on the Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin stock exchanges in Germany,
under the symbol CRB. The WKN number is 871 464 and the ISIN number is
CA22027E1025.
The Toronto Stock Exchange reported the following price ranges and volumes
traded in respect of the company's shares in each month of the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2006:
==============================================================================
Month High Low Volume
January 2006 $5.25 $4.12 3,031,415
February 2006 $5.47 $4.75 2,975,453
March 2006 $5.13 $4.10 1,905,710
April 2006 $7.74 $4.87 5,604,454
May 2006 $7.48 $4.79 7,999,728
June 2006 $5.71 $4.21 4,298,519
July 2006 $5.16 $4.26 1,941,680
August 2006 $5.50 $4.56 3,172,962
September 2006 $5.76 $4.25 2,714,997
October 2006 $5.25 $4.06 3,066,038
November 2006 $6.08 $4.73 8,514,084
December 2006 $5.55 $4.02 4,091,130
==============================================================================
24
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The names and municipalities of residence, offices held with the company and
principal occupations of the directors and officers of the company, as of the
date of this Annual Information Form, are as follows:
Listing of Directors and Officers
Name, Municipality of Residence and Director Since Principal Occupation
- ----------------------------------- -------------- During Previous Five Years
Position with the company --------------------------
- -------------------------
KENNETH R. SHANNON January 8, 1992 Chief Executive Officer of the company; geologist
Surrey, British Columbia and mining consultant
Chief Executive Officer and Director
THOMAS E. MILNER N/A President of the company since September 2005; Chief
Williams Lake, British Columbia Operating Officer (1994 - 2005) and Director of
President Taseko Mines Ltd. (2004 - 2005)
DANIEL A. CARRIERE N/A Senior Vice-President of the company, January 2004
Vancouver, British Columbia to present; President, Carriere Financial Services
Senior Vice-President (private consulting company), 1990 to December 2003
DARRYL F. JONES N/A Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary of
Surrey, British Columbia the company, January 2004 to present; President,
Corporate Secretary and Chief Excape, Inc. (private U.S. holding company), August
Financial Officer 2002 to December 2004; Vice-President Finance & CFO,
Excape, Inc., March 1999 to July 2002
RICHARD P. CLARK(1) (2) (3) July 30, 1996 President, Red Back Mining Inc., June 2000 to present
North Vancouver, British Columbia
Director
DAVID G. UNRUH (1) (2) (3*) January 4, 2006 Non-executive Vice Chair of both Westcoast Energy
West Vancouver, British Columbia Inc. and Union Gas Limited, April 2003 to June 2005;
Director Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Duke
Energy Gas Transmission Corporation, March 2002 to
April 2003; Senior Vice President, Law and Corporate
Secretary, Westcoast Energy Inc., 1993 to March 2002
ANTHONY F. HOLLER (2*) (3) September 10, 2003 Non-executive Chairman of the company since May
Vancouver, British Columbia 2006; Chief Executive Officer and Director of ID
Chairman and Director Biomedical Corporation, 1988 to December 2005
G. ROSS MCDONALD (3) January 7, 2004 Chartered accountant, former Chief Financial Officer
North Vancouver, British Columbia of the company, 1997 to January 2004
Director
DALE C. PENIUK (1*) September 8, 2006 Chartered accountant, Assurance Partner from 1996 to
West Vancouver, British Columbia March 2006, KPMG LLP Chartered Accountants
Director
(1) Members of the Audit Committee
(2) Members of the Compensation Committee
(3) Members of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
* Committee Chair
All of the above directors stand for election at each annual general meeting of
the company. The present term of office of each of the directors will expire at
the company's annual general meeting in May 2007.
25
Shareholdings of Directors and Officers
To the knowledge of the company, as of the date hereof, all directors and senior
officers of the company, as a group, beneficially own, directly or indirectly,
or exercise control or direction over, 9,038,141 common shares, or approximately
12.1 % of the company's issued and outstanding shares.
Corporate Cease Trade Orders or Bankruptcies
To the knowledge of the company, no director or officer of the company or
shareholder holding a sufficient number or securities of the company to affect
materially the control of the company is, or within the 10 years prior to the
date hereof has been, a director or officer of any other issuer that, while that
person was acting in that capacity: (i) was the subject of a cease trade order
or similar order, or an order that denied the other issuer access to any
exemptions under Canadian securities legislation, for a period of more than 30
consecutive days, (ii) became bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation
relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any
proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors or had a receiver,
receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets.
Penalties or Sanctions
To the knowledge of the company, no director or officer of the company or
shareholder holding a sufficient number or securities of the company to affect
materially the control of the company has been subject to any penalties or
sanctions imposed by a court relating to Canadian securities legislation or by a
Canadian securities regulatory authority or has entered into a settlement
agreement with a Canadian securities authority, or has had any other penalties
or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body that would likely be
considered important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision.
Personal Bankruptcies
To the knowledge of the company, no director or officer of the company or
shareholder holding a sufficient number or securities of the company to affect
materially the control of the company, or a personal holding company of any such
person, has, during the 10 years prior to the date hereof, become bankrupt, made
a proposal under any legislation relating to a bankruptcy or insolvency, or was
subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with
creditors, or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold such
person's assets.
AUDIT COMMITTEE INFORMATION
Charter of the Audit Committee
The mandate of Corriente's audit committee is attached as Schedule A to this
Annual Information Form.
Composition of the Audit Committee
The audit committee presently consists of Dale C. Peniuk (Chair), Richard P.
Clark, and David G. Unruh.
The board of directors of Corriente has determined, in accordance with
Multilateral Instrument 52-110 - Audit Committees of the Canadian Securities
Administrators ("MI 52-110"), that each member of the audit committee is both
financially literate and independent.
26
Relevant Education and Experience
The education and experience of each member of the audit committee that is
relevant to the performance of his responsibilities as an audit committee member
is described below:
Dale C. Peniuk Until March 2006, Mr. Peniuk was an assurance partner with
KPMG's Vancouver office specializing in the mining area and
the leader of KPMG's Vancouver office mining industry group.
He was the lead audit engagement partner for a number of
KPMG's Vancouver mining company clients. In addition to his
expertise with Canadian GAAP and reporting standards, he has
significant experience dealing with US GAAP and
International Financial Reporting Standards. He also has
been actively involved in the corporate finance area for his
clients, including assistance with financings, due diligence
on potential merger and acquisition opportunities and
divestiture transactions. Mr. Peniuk is a member in good
standing of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of BC.
Richard Clark Mr. Clark is the President and Chief Executive Officer of
Red Back Mining Inc., the shares of which are listed on the
Toronto Stock Exchange. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree
and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of British
Columbia and practiced mining and securities law in
Vancouver from 1987 to 1993 before leaving the practice of
law to become actively involved in the management of mineral
exploration and development companies.
David Unruh Mr. Unruh earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1966 and a
Bachelor of Laws in 1970 from the University of Manitoba.
Mr. Unruh joined Westcoast Energy Inc. as Senior Vice
President, Law and Corporate Secretary in 1993 and continued
in that role until March 14, 2002. From March 15, 2002 until
his retirement on April 1, 2003, he was Senior Vice
President and General Counsel for Duke Energy Gas
Transmission's North American operations following which
from April 1, 2003 to June 30, 2005 he became non-executive
Vice Chair of both Westcoast Energy Inc. and Union Gas
Limited. He is a Director of Westcoast Energy Inc., Union
Gas Limited, Ontario Power Generation Inc., Pacific Northern
Gas Ltd., Canada Line Rapid Transit Inc. and The Wawanesa
Mutual Insurance Company.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The audit committee must pre-approve all non-audit services to be provided to
the company by its external auditors. The audit committee may delegate that
authority to any member of the committee, provided that a report on any such
pre-approval is made to the committee at its next scheduled meeting.
27
External Auditor Service Fees
The following table sets forth, by category, the fees billed by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Corriente's auditors, for the years ended December
31, 2006 and 2005:
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee Category Fees Billed
2006 2005
Audit fees (1) $ 77,831 $ 38,994
Audit-related fees (2) 124,809 89,788
Tax fees (3) 60,192 -
All other fees (4) - 980
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $ 262,832 $ 129,762
====================================================================
(1) The aggregate fees billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the company's
Independent Registered Chartered Accountant, for the fiscal years ended December
31, 2006 and 2005 for professional services rendered by PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP for the audit of the company's annual financial statements or services that
are normally provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in connection with statutory
and regulatory filings or engagements for such years were $77,831 and $38,994,
respectively.
(2) The aggregate fees billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for the fiscal years
ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 for assurance and related services rendered by
it that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the
company's financial statements and are not reported above as audit fees were
$124,809 and $89,788, respectively. Professional services provided in 2006
included review services and issue of comfort letters relating to the company's
December 2005 and May 2006 short-form prospectuses, meetings and discussions
regarding US registration and review of interim financial statements for both
the short-form prospectuses and US registration, and internal controls and
related compliance efforts.
(3) The aggregate fees billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for the fiscal years
ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 for professional services rendered by it for
tax compliance, tax advice, tax planning and other services were $60,192 and
$Nil, respectively. No tax services were provided during 2005.
(4) The aggregate fees billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for the fiscal years
ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 for products and services provided by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, other than the services reported in the preceding
three paragraphs, were $Nil and $980, respectively.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The transfer agent and registrar for the company's shares is Computershare Trust
Company through its offices located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Toronto,
Ontario and Denver, Colorado.
MATERIAL CONTRACTS
There are no contracts that may be considered material to the company, other
than contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, that have been
entered into by the company in the past fiscal year or that have been entered
into by the company in a previous fiscal year and are still in effect.
INTERESTS OF EXPERTS
The auditors of the company are PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered
Accountants, of Vancouver, British Columbia. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
Chartered Accountants, report that they are independent of the company in
accordance with the rule of professional conduct in British Columbia, Canada.
28
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information, including directors' and officers' remuneration and
indebtedness, principal holders of the company's securities, securities
authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans and interests of
insiders in material transactions, if applicable, is contained in the company's
information circular in connection with the company's upcoming annual general
meeting to be held May 24, 2007, a copy of which will be filed on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com in April 2007.
Additional financial information is available in the company's audited financial
statements and accompanying management's discussion and analysis for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2006, a copy of which has been filed on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com. For copies of documents, please contact the company at 520 - 800
West Pender Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 2V6, telephone (604)
687-0449, fax (604) 687-0827.
29
SCHEDULE A
AUDIT COMMITTEE MANDATE
The Board has established an Audit Committee (the "Committee") to assist the
Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities regarding the integrity of
the company's accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, disclosure
controls, and legal and regulatory compliance.
1. Membership
1.1 The Committee will have a minimum of three members, including the Chair
of the Committee. The Board will appoint and remove the members of the
Committee by a majority vote. The members will sit on the Committee at
the pleasure of the Board.
1.2 The Board will appoint the Chair of the Committee from the Committee's
members by a majority vote. The Chair of the Committee will hold such
position at the pleasure of the Board.
1.3 Each member of the Committee will be a director of the company who
has been determined by the Board:
(a) to be independent of management and of any direct or indirect
material business or other relationship with the company that
could interfere with his or her exercise of independent
judgment or his or her ability to act in the best interests of
the company; and
(b) to satisfy all the tests for independence (or available
exemptions) under applicable laws and rules binding on the
company from time to time, including the applicable rules of
any stock exchange on which the company's shares are listed.
1.4 All members of the Committee will be financially literate, meaning that
each of them will have the ability to read and understand fundamental
financial statements, including a balance sheet, income statement and
cash flow statement, that present a breadth and level of complexity of
accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and
complexity of the issues that could reasonably be expected to be raised
by the company's financial statements.
1.5 Notwithstanding section 1.4, a director who is not financially literate
may be appointed to the Committee provided that he or she becomes
financially literate within a reasonable period of time following his
or her appointment.
1.6 At least one member of the Committee shall be an "audit committee
financial expert" within the meaning of applicable rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
2. Meeting
2.1 The Committee will meet at least once each quarter and otherwise as
necessary. Any member of the Committee may call meetings of the
Committee.
2.2 All directors of the company, including management directors, may
attend meetings of the Committee, provided that no director may vote at
such meetings or be counted as part of the quorum if he or she is not a
member of the Committee.
2.3 Notwithstanding section 2.2, the Committee will, as part of each
regularly scheduled meeting or as deemed appropriate by the Committee,
hold an in-camera session with the external auditors without management
or management directors present. The Committee may hold other in-camera
sessions with such members of management present as the Committee deems
appropriate.
30
2.4 The Corporate Secretary or his or her nominee will act as Secretary to
the Committee, and will keep minutes of all meetings of the Committee,
including all resolutions passed by the Committee.
2.5 The Committee will report to the Board on its meetings and each member
of the Board will have access to the minutes of the Committee's
meetings.
2.6 The Chair of the Committee will ensure that the external auditors of
the company receive notice of every meeting of the Committee. The
external auditors may request that a meeting of the Committee be called
by notifying the Chair of the Committee of such request.
2.7 The quorum necessary for the transaction of business at Committee
meetings will be a majority of the members of the Committee. A quorum,
once established, is maintained even if members of the Committee leave
the meeting prior to its conclusion.
3. Duties
The Board hereby delegates to the Committee the following duties to be performed
by the Committee on behalf of and for the Board:
Financial Reporting
3.1 Prior to public disclosure, the Committee will review and recommend to
the Board for approval:
(a) the annual audited consolidated financial statements of the company
and accompanying management's discussion and analysis;
(b) the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements of the
company and accompanying management's discussion and analysis;
(c) earnings press releases and earnings guidance, if any;
(d) the company's Annual Information Form and Annual Report on Form
20-F or 40-F;
(e) any management circular issued by the company; and
(f) any prospectus or registration statement filed by the company.
3.2 In its review of the financial statements, the Committee will focus on:
(a) the quality and appropriateness of accounting and reporting
practices and principles and any changes thereto;
(b) major estimates or judgments, including alternative treatments of
financial information discussed by management and the external
auditors, the results of such discussions and the treatments
preferred by the external auditors;
(c) material financial risks;
(d) material transactions;
(e) material adjustments;
(f) material compliance with loan agreements;
(g) material off-balance sheet transactions and structures;
(h) related-party transactions;
(i) compliance with accounting standards;
(j) compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; and
(k) disagreements with management.
3.3 The Committee will satisfy itself that adequate procedures are in place
for the review of the company's public disclosure of financial
information extracted or derived from the company's financial
statements, other than the public disclosure referred to in section 0,
and will periodically assess the adequacy of those procedures.
31
External Auditors
3.4 The external auditors will report directly to the Committee.
The Committee will:
(a) select the external auditors to be recommended to shareholders
for approval, for the purpose of preparing or issuing an
auditor's report or performing other audit, review or attest
services for the company and approve all audit engagement fees
and terms, taking care to ensure that in the opinion of the
Committee, the audit fees charged by the external auditors
with respect to the audit are appropriate in relation to the
work required to support an audit opinion, without regard to
fees that are paid or payable or might be paid to the external
auditors for other services;
(b) oversee the work of the external auditors and review and
approve the annual audit plan of the external auditors,
including the scope of the audit to be performed. The
Committee will discuss with the external auditors and
management the adequacy and effectiveness of the disclosure
controls and internal controls of the company and elicit
recommendations for the improvement of such controls or
particular areas where new or more detailed controls or
procedures are desirable. Particular emphasis will be given to
the adequacy of internal controls to prevent or detect any
payments, transactions or procedures that might be deemed
illegal or otherwise improper;
(c) meet regularly with the external auditors without management
present and ask the external auditors to report any
significant disagreements with management regarding financial
reporting, the resolution of such disagreements and any
restrictions imposed by management on the scope and extent of
the audit examinations conducted by the external auditors;
(d) pre-approve all audit, audit-related and permitted non-audit
services to be provided to the company or any of its
subsidiaries by the external auditors, in accordance with
applicable securities laws;
(e) annually review the qualifications, expertise and resources
and the overall performance of the external audit team and, if
necessary, terminate the external auditors or cause the
rotation of the audit partner in charge of the engagement;
(f) at least annually, obtain and review a report by the external
auditors describing the audit firm's internal quality-control
procedures, any material issues raised by the most recent
internal quality control review or peer review of the firm, or
by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or
professional authorities within the preceding five years
respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the
firm and any steps taken to deal with such issues, and all
relationships between the external auditors and the company;
(g) annually assess and confirm the independence of the external
auditors and require the external auditors to deliver a report
to the Committee regarding its independence, such report to
include disclosure regarding all engagements (and fees related
thereto) by the company and relationships which may affect the
objectivity or independence of the external auditors;
(h) actively engage in a dialogue with the external auditors with
respect to any disclosed relationships or services that may
impact the objectivity and independence of the external
auditor and for taking appropriate action for overseeing the
independence of the external auditor;
(i) review post-audit management letters containing
recommendations of the external auditors, and management's
response to such letters;
(j) review reports of the external auditors; and
(k) pre-approve the hiring of employees and former employees of
current and former auditors.
32
Notwithstanding section 3.4(d) above, the Committee may delegate the
pre-approval of audit, audit-related and non-audit services to any one member of
the Committee, provided that a report on any such pre-approval is made to the
Committee at the Committee's first scheduled meeting following the pre-approval.
Whistleblower, Ethics and Internal Controls Complaint Procedures
3.5 The Committee will ensure that the company has in place adequate
procedures for:
(a) the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by
the company regarding accounting, internal accounting
controls, or auditing matters; and
(b) the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the
company of concerns regarding questionable accounting or
auditing matters.
Accounting and Financial management
3.6 The Committee will review:
(a) with management and the external auditors, the company's
significant accounting policies and practices, including any
changes from preceding years and any proposed changes for
future years;
(b) with management and the external auditors, emerging accounting
issues and their potential impact on the company's financial
reporting;
(c) significant judgments, assumptions and estimates made by
management in preparing financial statements;
(d) the evaluation by management of the adequacy and effectiveness
of the company's disclosure controls and internal controls for
financial reporting;
(e) the evaluation by the external auditors of management's
internal control systems, management's responses to any
identified deficiencies or weaknesses, and any special audit
steps adopted in light of material deficiencies or weaknesses;
(f) all alternative treatments of financial information discussed
by the external auditors and management, the results of such
discussions, and the treatments preferred by the external
auditors;
(g) the effect of off-balance sheet transactions or structures on
the financial statements;
(h) any errors or omissions in, and any required restatement of,
the financial statements for preceding years;
(i) all significant tax issues;
(j) all material contingent liabilities and related-party
transactions;
(k) management's approach to safeguarding corporate assets and
information systems, the adequacy of staffing of key financial
functions, and plans for improvements; and
(l) internal interim and post-implementation reviews of major
capital projects.
33
Legal/Regulatory Matters and Ethics
3.7 The Committee will review:
(a) with management, the external auditors and legal counsel, any
litigation, claim or other contingency, including any tax
assessment, that could have a material effect upon the
financial position or operating results of the company;
(b) annually, management's relationships with regulators, and the
accuracy and timeliness of filings with regulatory
authorities;
(c) annually, the ethics policy, management's approach to business
ethics and corporate conduct and the program used by
management to monitor compliance with the policy; and
(d) review and approve all related party transactions with any
director, executive officer, holder of 5% or more of the
company's voting securities or any family member of the
foregoing persons.
Risk Management
3.8 The Committee will:
(a) consider management reports on the insurance coverage of the
company;
(b) consider management reports on financial risk management,
including derivative exposure and policies;
(c) review other risk management matters as from time to time the
Committee may consider suitable or the Board may specifically
direct.
Other
3.9 The Committee will review:
(a) the expenses of the Chief Executive Officer;
(b) the proposed disclosure concerning the Committee to be
included in the company's Annual Information Form or any
management information circular;
(c) the disclosure policy of the company; and
(d) at least once annually, the adequacy of these Terms of
Reference and the Committee's performance, and report its
evaluation and any recommendations for change to the Corporate
Governance Committee.
3.10 The Committee will oversee management's evaluation of design and
effectiveness of:
(a) disclosure controls and procedures; and
(b) internal controls over financial reporting.
3.11 The Committee will also have such other duties and responsibilities
as are delegated to it from time to time by the Board.
34
4. Matters For Which The Committee Is Not Responsible
The Committee is not responsible for those matters which are the responsibility
of management or the external auditors including, without limitation:
(a) planning and conducting the external audit;
(b) ensuring that the financial statements of the company have
been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles;
(c) ensuring that the financial statements of the company and the
other financial information of the company contained in
regulatory filings and other public disclosure of the company
fairly present in all material respects the financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
company;
(d) ensuring the adequacy of the internal control over financial
reporting structure and the financial risk management systems
of the company; and
(e) ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
5. Authority
The Committee, in fulfilling its mandate, will have the authority to:
(a) engage and set compensation for independent counsel and other
advisers;
(b) communicate directly with the Chief Financial Officer, the
external auditors, and the company's counsel;
(c) delegate tasks to Committee members or subcommittees of the
Committee; and
(d) obtain from the company appropriate funding as determined by
the Committee to carry out its duties, including: for the
payment of compensation of the company's external auditors for
the purpose of issuing an audit report or performing other
audit services; compensation of counsel and other advisors;
and other administrative expenses of the Committee.
This mandate supersedes and replaces all prior terms of reference pertaining to
the Committee and was adopted by a resolution of the Board effective March 29,
2007.
/s/ Darryl F. Jones
____________________
Darryl F. Jones
Corporate Secretary
DOCUMENT NO. 2
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
(Expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted)
March 29, 2007
Management's Discussion and Analysis supplements, but does not form part of, the
audited consolidated financial statements of Corriente Resources Inc.
("Corriente" or "the company") and the notes thereto for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2006. Consequently, the following discussion and analysis of the
financial condition and results of operations for Corriente should be read in
conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the years
ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 and related notes thereto, which have
been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting
principles ("Canadian GAAP"), consistently applied. All dollar amounts
referenced, unless otherwise indicated, are expressed in Canadian dollars.
Additional information regarding the company, including its Annual Information
Form, can be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements included in this Management's Discussion and Analysis
("MD&A") are forward-looking statements. They include estimates and statements
that describe the company's future plans, objectives, goals and expectations,
including words to the effect that the company or management expects a stated
condition or result to occur. Wherever possible, words such as "anticipate",
"may", "will", "expect", "believe", "plan" and other similar expressions have
been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect
management's beliefs and are based on information currently available to the
company's management. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks,
uncertainties and assumptions. Although the company believes that these
statements are based on reasonable assumptions, a number of factors could cause
the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially
different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied
by such forward-looking statements. For a comprehensive review of risk factors,
please refer to the section entitled "Risk Factors" in both the company's Annual
Information Form and this MD&A, each as filed on SEDAR. The company disclaims
any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new
events or circumstances. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on
these forward-looking statements.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors
All references to mineral reserves and resources contained in this MD&A are
determined in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"),
Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, an instrument made under Canadian
securities regulations. While the terms "mineral resource", "measured mineral
resource", "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource" are
recognized and required by Canadian regulations, they are not defined or
recognized by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). As such,
information contained in this MD&A concerning descriptions of mineralization and
resources, as determined in accordance with Canadian standards, may not be
comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the
reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC. "Indicated mineral resource"
and "inferred mineral resource" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their
existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It
cannot be assumed that all or any part of the mineral resources in these
categories will ever be upgraded to a higher category of resource.
Page 1 of 20
Corporate Governance
Management of the company is responsible for the preparation and presentation of
the audited annual consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and the
accompanying MD&A and other information contained therein. Additionally, it is
management's responsibility to ensure the company complies with the laws and
regulations applicable to its activities.
The company's management is accountable to the Board of Directors ("Directors"),
each member of which is elected annually by the shareholders of the company. The
Directors are responsible for reviewing and approving the audited annual
consolidated financial statements and the MD&A. Responsibility for the review
and approval of the company's quarterly unaudited interim consolidated financial
statements and MD&A is delegated by the Directors to the Audit Committee, which
is composed of three directors, all of whom are independent of management.
Additionally, the Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and non-audit services
provided by the company's auditors.
The auditors are appointed annually by the shareholders to conduct an audit of
the company's annual consolidated financial statements in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards in Canada. The auditors have complete
access to the Audit Committee to discuss audit, financial reporting and other
related matters resulting from the annual audit as well as to assist the members
of the Audit Committee in discharging their corporate governance
responsibilities.
Corriente's corporate governance policies are described on the company's website
(www.corriente.com) and in its Information Circular prepared for the May 2006
Annual General Meeting of shareholders, which is available for review on SEDAR.
The disclosure statement included therein was prepared by the company's
Corporate Governance Committee and approved by the Directors. An updated version
of that material will be included in the Information Circular for the company's
May 2007 Annual General Meeting and be available for review on SEDAR in April
2007.
Disclosure Controls
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls
and procedures and internal control over financial reporting for the company.
Corriente has daily, weekly, monthly and annually-applied procedures that, when
considered in the aggregate and in conjunction with current internal controls,
are considered to be effective disclosure controls. In addition, Corriente has
created a Corporate Disclosure Committee, comprised of the Chief Executive
Officer, Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer. This Committee
supplements these periodic processes.
Disclosure controls and procedures have been developed to ensure that material
information relating to Corriente and its subsidiaries is made known to
management by others within those entities, particularly within a period in
which a disclosure report is being prepared. These involve:
o identification of continuous disclosure requirements under securities laws,
rules and policies applicable to Corriente.
o identification of the individuals responsible for preparing reportable
information and individuals, whether internal or external, responsible for
reviewing reports or portions of reports to verify disclosure made with
respect to their areas of responsibility or expertise.
o establishment of timetables for the preparation and adequate review of
reportable information.
Page 2 of 20
o procedures for obtaining "sign-off" on disclosure of reportable information
and receipt of written consents from experts whose reports are included or
referred to in any disclosure.
o procedures for the identification and timely reporting to the Committee of
information which may constitute material information or which may
constitute a material change to previously disclosed material information,
including the identification of individuals who are likely to learn first
about events outside the control of Corriente that may give rise to
material information.
o procedures for the identification and reporting to the Audit Committee of
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in Corriente's internal controls.
o ensuring the procedures are followed with respect to the release of each
disclosure made in writing and for the review of any disclosure made
orally.
o ongoing evaluation of Corriente's disclosure controls and procedures.
Corriente and its subsidiaries are relatively small in size and operate in a
very integrated management environment. That is, senior management is in
constant contact with many of Corriente's staff, suppliers, regulators and the
like on an ongoing and detailed basis. This allows one or more of senior
management to be in a position where they will be aware of material events or
information. While senior management may not be aware of all things at all
times, it believes that the probability of a material event or material
information being missed or not disclosed on a timely basis is very small.
The notes to Corriente's annual consolidated financial statements include a
reconciliation to United States generally accepted accounting principles ("US
GAAP"). During the preparation of the 2006 Canadian to US GAAP reconciliation
for mineral exploration costs, the company determined that an error occurred in
the 2005 reconciliation. Consequently, the company restated its 2005 US GAAP
financial results to correct this error, with the result that 2005 mineral
exploration costs expensed under U.S. GAAP totalling $2,741,988 should have been
shown as $8,598,789. This restatement resulted in a basic and diluted loss per
share for U.S. GAAP purposes of $0.26 for 2005 and not $0.13 as disclosed in the
2005 financial statements. As a result of this restatement, management has
determined that its disclosure controls and procedures were not fully operating
effectively in the prior year.
Based upon its evaluation, management has determined that as at December 31,
2006, the company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective and
provided reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting
and the preparation of its annual filings for external purposes in accordance
with Canadian and US GAAP.
Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
Management has designed, established and is maintaining a system of internal
controls over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance that the
financial information prepared by the company for external purposes is reliable
and has been recorded, processed and reported in an accurate and timely manner
in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.
No change in the company's internal control over financial reporting has
occurred during the company's most recent interim period that has materially
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company's internal
controls over financial reporting.
Page 3 of 20
General Corporate
Corriente is a Canadian-based junior resource company engaged in the exploration
and development of copper-gold mineral properties located primarily in the Rio
Zamora copper porphyry district (known as the "Corriente Copper Belt"), in
Ecuador. Under various agreements signed with certain subsidiaries of BHP
Billiton Plc ("BHP Billiton"), the company has earned a 100% interest in certain
mineral property concessions in the Corriente Copper Belt, the most advanced of
which is the Mirador Project. This required the issue of shares to BHP Billiton
and the expenditure of exploration funds under the terms of these agreements.
Additionally, these concessions are subject to a 2% Net Smelter Royalty ("NSR")
payable to BHP Billiton, although the company has the right to reduce the NSR to
1% for the Mirador, Panantza and San Carlos mineral properties upon the payment
of US$2 million to BHP Billiton for each such property.
Corriente controls a 100% interest in over 60,000 hectares located within the
Corriente Copper Belt (the "Belt"). The company has identified four copper and
copper-gold porphyry deposits in the Belt: Mirador; Mirador Norte; Panantza; and
San Carlos. Corriente is currently moving towards construction of a starter
project at its Mirador/Mirador Norte copper-gold project (the "Mirador
Project"). Management believes that the Mirador Project is one of the few new,
sizeable copper projects in the world available for production by 2010.
Exploration activities are planned or ongoing for Panantza and San Carlos and
six additional copper and copper-gold exploration targets that have been
identified in the Belt to date.
The company's executive head office is located in Vancouver, Canada while its
Ecuador operations are run from its Ecuador operations' office located in Quito,
Ecuador. The company has camp locations at the company's major projects. With
the exception of short-term operational requirements for its Ecuador operations,
funds have been maintained and controlled in Vancouver, both in Canadian and
U.S. dollars. In addition to its core staff located in Vancouver and Quito, the
company engages consultants as necessary, to provide geological, mine
development and construction consulting, design, engineering and other services.
Overhead costs and efficiencies in Ecuador continue to compare favourably with
other South American exploration areas.
The company's shares began trading on the American Stock Exchange on April 6,
2006. As a result, the company now trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (under
the symbol CTQ) and the American Stock Exchange (under the symbol ETQ).
Board of Directors
Leonard Harris retired from the company's Board of Directors on June 21, 2006.
In September 2006, the company appointed Dale C. Peniuk, C.A. to its Board of
Directors. Until early 2006, Mr. Peniuk was an assurance partner with KPMG LLP
Chartered Accountants in their Vancouver office, specializing in the mining
area, and was the leader of KPMG Vancouver office's mining industry group. He
was the lead audit engagement partner for a number of KPMG Vancouver's mining
company clients, including several companies with advanced development projects,
producing mines and smelter/refinery operations in North and South America.
Mr. Peniuk has been a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of
British Columbia's Public Company Technical Forum since 2000 and is currently
the Chair of that committee. Mr. Peniuk currently provides financial consulting
services to the mining industry and serves as a director of one other public
company.
With the addition of Mr. Peniuk, the company's Board of Directors is composed of
five non-management directors and one management director. Mr. Peniuk chairs the
company's Audit Committee.
Page 4 of 20
Corporate Structure
During 2006, the company incorporated four new subsidiaries for the purposes of
facilitating the Mirador Project's infrastructure. Additionally, the company has
identified certain gold concession targets, which are being evaluated towards a
spin-off of these concessions to the company's shareholders - see
Tundayme/Piedra Liza Gold Exploration Targets - Proposed Spin-off (below).
Incentive Stock Option Plan
At its May 25, 2006 Annual General Meeting, the company sought and obtained
approval to amend the company's Incentive Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") to
change the number of shares that may be reserved for grant under the Plan to a
rolling maximum of 10% of the number of common shares actually outstanding
immediately prior to the grant of any particular option. This amendment was also
approved by the Toronto Stock Exchange.
The following summarizes the stock options granted in 2006:
------------------------ ---------------------- ---------- --------------------------- ---------------
Date of grant Date of expiry Exercise Recipients Granted
Price
------------------------ ---------------------- ---------- --------------------------- ---------------
January 23, 2006 January 23, 2009 $ 4.50 Director 25,000
February 6, 2006 February 6, 2011 5.25 Head office personnel 400,000
May 22, 2006 May 22, 2011 5.50 Subsidiary personnel 60,000
June 1, 2006 June 1, 2011 5.35 Directors 125,000
June 1, 2006 June 1, 2011 5.35 Subsidiary personnel 85,000
August 31, 2006 August 31, 2011 5.37 Head office personnel 100,000
September 13, 2006 September 13, 2011 5.10 Directors 75,000
September 29, 2006 September 29, 2011 4.70 Subsidiary personnel 345,000
December 18, 2006 December 18, 2011 4.59 Subsidiary personnel 150,000
December 18, 2006 December 18, 2011 4.59 Head office personnel 10,000
------------------------ ---------------------- ---------- --------------------------- ---------------
Granted in 2006 1,375,000
======================== ====================== ========== =========================== ===============
The following is a summary of stock option transactions during 2006:
--------------------------------------------------------- --------------------- ----------------------
Number of shares Weighted average
exercise price
Balance at December 31, 2005 2,855,000 $1.89
Granted in 2006 1,375,000 5.05
Exercised in 2006 (1,770,000) 1.33
Terminated in 2006 (25,000) 5.35
--------------------------------------------------------- --------------------- ----------------------
Balance at December 31, 2006 2,435,000 $4.05
========================================================= ===================== ======================
Effective February 1, 2006 the company's Board of Directors revised certain
stock option policies to include expiry dates five years from the date of grant
and the following vesting provisions:
o Options granted to executive officers, directors and other head office
personnel vest on the basis of 1/16th of the total each quarter (from
grant date), with such vesting being accelerated based on a change in
control of Corriente and/or the attainment of clearly identified
milestones, as determined by the company's Board of Directors.
o Options granted to Corriente subsidiary personnel vest on a cumulative
basis of 50% of the total granted after 12 months from the grant date,
75% of the total granted after 18 months from the grant date and 100%
of the total granted after 24 months from grant date, with such vesting
being accelerated based on a change in control of Corriente, as
determined by the company's Board of Directors.
Page 5 of 20
Of the 1,375,000 options granted during 2006, 123,436 had vested, 1,226,564 had
not yet vested and 25,000 were terminated as of December 31, 2006. As at
December 31, 2006, 1,208,436 of the company's 2,435,000 outstanding stock
options had vested in accordance with the above-referenced vesting provisions.
Outstanding Share Data
The company's authorized capital consists of 100,000,000 common shares without
par value. As at March 28, 2007, there are issued and outstanding 74,752,393
common shares, and options to purchase an aggregate of 2,550,000 common shares,
of which 1,219,997 had vested in accordance with the above-referenced vesting
provisions.
Mirador Project
Exploration at Mirador in 2006 focused on delimiting the mineralization of the
Mirador Norte deposit to 100m drill spacing, with a total of 6780 metres in 39
core holes. A total of 2,149 samples from this drilling were assayed and accrued
to the database with geological, geotechnical and geomechanical logging
following the company's standard quality assurance / quality control procedures
and logging protocols. The program was designed to provide geological and grade
information to support a resource estimate.
Corriente engaged Mine Development Associates ("MDA") of Reno, Nevada in August
2006 to generate a block model and provide a mineral resource estimate for the
Mirador Norte deposit, in compliance with the CIM Mineral Resource and Mineral
Reserve definitions referred to in NI 43-101. MDA's Technical Report, issued in
November 2006, reported new resources for the Mirador Norte deposit to include
Indicated resources of 171Mt of 0.51% copper and 0.09 g/t gold (containing 1.9
billion pounds of copper and 490,000 oz gold) and Inferred resources of 45Mt at
a grade of 0.51% copper and 0.07 g/t gold (containing 500 million pounds of
copper and 100,000 oz gold). Both Indicated and Inferred resources were
estimated at a 0.4% copper cut-off. These results were estimated from 68 diamond
drill holes totalling over 13,000 metres of coring. This deposit is exposed at
surface, but open at depth and to the south. The Qualified Person for the
disclosure on Mirador and Mirador Norte resources is Steven Ristorcelli of MDA.
With the copper and gold mineral resources identified at Mirador Norte, the
estimated resources available for processing by the planned Mirador Project
concentrator increased by 28% to 11 billion pounds of copper.
Mirador Norte is located less than 1,000 metres from the planned Mirador Project
milling facility. Confirmation of resources at Mirador Norte provides additional
options for Mirador development that includes access to higher-grade enriched
material from the shallow parts of Mirador Norte and the flexibility of being
able to shift production from one pit to another.
Going forward, various combined mine planning options are being evaluated to
maximize the economic returns using a common milling facility from resources
that have been identified at Mirador and Mirador Norte. A program of
metallurgical testing is already underway to confirm the company's expectation
that the Mirador Norte mineralization will behave in a similar fashion to
Mirador and can be processed using the same mill circuit.
Environmental sampling and monitoring work at Mirador and at Mirador Norte
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
The hydrological monitoring program at Mirador commenced in 2004 and currently
includes 28 surface sampling points from the local drainages, 12 subsurface
sampling points and the main discharge river of Tundayme. The Mirador Norte
water sampling program began in 2005 and shares several of the same drainages as
Mirador such as the Quimi and Wawayme River. An expanded surface and subsurface
water monitoring program for Mirador Norte is currently under design.
Page 6 of 20
On-site engineering and construction
- ------------------------------------
The permanent camp engineering is continuing to identify the final camp
configuration and layout. Due to the remoteness of the mine, it is expected to
house the majority of the work force in a permanent camp. The camp is currently
being sized for 220 bedrooms, eating facilities for 300 people per meal plus
recreational and medical areas.
Power Alternatives
- ------------------
The company is currently evaluating several viable alternatives for the Mirador
Project power supply. The estimated demand for the Mirador Project is 30 MW. The
options under consideration include the following:
1. Connect to an existing hydroelectric plant that is located near the
Mirador Project site. With planned expansions, this hydroelectric plant
complex will have a capacity of 59 MW.
2. Develop a potential 56 MW (preliminary evaluation) hydroelectric
project located approximately 15 km from the Mirador Project site.
3. Develop potential 30 MW hydroelectric projects located 70 km from the
Mirador Project site.
4. Connect directly to the Ecuador electrical grid. The company is
considering two options for the connection.
5. Install an onsite thermal power generation plant.
The above options are being evaluated for economic feasibility, stability,
reliability, constructability, and maintainability. The company is confident
that it can secure a reliable power supply for the Mirador Project's phase one
needs and also for future expansion with several additional hydroelectric
options near the Mirador site.
Engineering and Procurement
- ---------------------------
In March 2006, the company's wholly owned subsidiary, Ecuacorriente S.A. signed
a Letter of Award with SNC-Lavalin Chile S.A. ("SNC-Chile"), a member of the
SNC-Lavalin Group of Companies of Canada ("SNC-Lavalin"), for full Engineering
and Procurement Services for the start-up and expansion of the Mirador Project.
SNC-Chile's experienced engineering group has extensive mine design and
construction experience in South America, while overall, SNC-Lavalin is one of
the leading groups of engineering and construction companies in the world.
Additionally, Ecuacorriente S.A. engaged SNC-Lavalin Engineers & Constructors,
Inc. ("SNC-Canada") to prepare detailed engineering for the Mirador Project,
which will incorporate the results of work done by SNC-Chile, the company and/or
its consultants.
Environment Impact Assessment ("EIA")
- -------------------------------------
On May 4, 2006, Corriente announced that the Mirador Project's EIA was approved
by the Ministry of Energy and Mining ("MEM") of Ecuador.
The EIA covered both the environmental aspects of proposed mining operations in
Mirador and community and social plans associated with the same project. During
the lengthy preparation of the EIA, the company worked closely with the MEM to
ensure that the report met all required government guidelines and regulations.
The Mirador EIA is one of the most comprehensive documents on social and
environmental issues ever submitted to the MEM in Ecuador for a mining project.
The submission of the EIA and subsequent approval followed an extensive
consultation process with local communities, which was carried out in late
November and early December 2005.
Page 7 of 20
As a requirement of the MEM's approval of the EIA, the company was required to
post US $3,019,539 ($3,518,971) in favour of the MEM as a security deposit
against the company's obligations under the EIA. The required security deposit
amount will be reviewed on an annual basis by the MEM and will be adjusted as
the project progresses to completion.
In September 2006, the company filed an amendment to the EIA to allow for mill,
tailings and dump location changes to the original mine plan. Public
consultations were successful and the company expects to receive approval of the
amended EIA in the first half of 2007.
For the company to receive a mine operating permit for the Mirador Project,
approvals for the amended EIA and construction and operating-related permit
applications must be received from the MEM and other Ecuador governmental
authorities during the course of development of the Mirador mine, prior to the
beginning of mine operations.
Suspension of Work
- ------------------
In September 2006, Corriente's Board of Directors reviewed the development
status of the Mirador Project and approved the placement of orders for long
lead-time equipment for the project. This equipment included the main components
of the grinding circuit such as the SAG and ball mills. The company was working
on a timeline that had an estimated completion date of the Mirador Project and
start of production during the fourth quarter of 2008. These items were on the
critical path to meet that deadline.
In November 2006, a series of protests began that were held in the
Morona-Santiago and Zamora-Chinchipe provinces against resource development in
general. After a number of ineffective negotiating sessions were held with the
protesters, the federal government asked the company to temporarily suspend its
Mirador Project activities to aid in the negotiating process. In order to secure
the safety and security of local communities and supporters, Corriente agreed to
temporarily halt its field project work.
On January 25, 2007, the company announced that there would be a delay in the
start of production at Mirador from late 2008 to approximately mid-2009. This
delay is largely due to adjustments to long lead-time equipment deliveries as a
result of the decision to move off of the previous accelerated Mirador Project
development plan. This plan was based on having key permits and government
agreements completed by January 2007. Since these agreements are still being
processed and the company is restricted from resuming planned development
activities at Mirador, the Board of Directors elected to minimize the company's
Mirador Project obligations.
This decision also resulted in the termination clauses of certain agreements
with suppliers of key long lead-time components to the Mirador project to be
invoked, for which charges for work incurred of $2,951,000 ($US2,532,000) have
been accrued at December 31, 2006. Subsequently, the company was able to sell
these partially completed assets to third parties in 2007 for net proceeds of
$2,776,000 ($US2,382,000), for which it is awaiting receipt.
Engineering, project planning and procurement timelines for the Mirador Project
are currently being adjusted, pending resolution of the protests and other
factors including acceptance of the company's amended EIA, receipt of the mine
development permit and completion of an investment contract.
Page 8 of 20
Community Relations
- -------------------
The company has designed and implemented its community relations ("CR") plans
after identifying the local communities most impacted by the company's future
mining activities and their respective needs. The company's CR plans focus on
the critical needs of the communities and are regularly reviewed to ensure
appropriateness and effectiveness.
The company continues to be committed to local communities in all aspects of its
mining and economic development activities. In 2006, the company had active
initiatives and provided financial resources in the areas of education,
employment, health, building assistance, environmental preservation, and
cultural and economic development programs.
Personnel
- ---------
Beginning in the second quarter of 2006, the company began hiring key management
and technical staff for its Ecuador operating group, focused on the development
and operations of the company's Mirador copper-gold project. Management is very
pleased with the high level of experienced technical and management expertise
that have been attracted to the Mirador Project.
In connection with the Mirador Project timeline extension referenced above, on
February 23, 2007, the company implemented a restructuring of its Ecuador
operations to reduce the number of its employees while still maintaining a core
group of technical and professional staff. The company expects to record a
severance expense of approximately $743,000 ($US 631,000) for the quarter ended
March 31, 2007 as a result of this restructuring.
Exploration
Panantza-San Carlos
- -------------------
Corriente is currently about halfway through the first phase of 16000 metres of
drilling on the Panantza project. This is the start of a planned two-year
program to complete a feasibility study at Panantza and San Carlos, which is
designed to incorporate the Panantza and San Carlos concessions into a single
large copper development opportunity with aggregate inferred resources of 1.05
billion tonnes at a grade of 0.63% copper. As the two mineralized centres are
only four kilometres apart, the plan will be to provide a single processing
facility for both open pits with concentrator mill throughputs of up to 150,000
tonnes/day.
Previous inferred resources at Panantza, using a 0.4% copper cut-off, total
approximately 395 million tonnes grading 0.67% copper containing 5.8 billion
pounds of copper. Inferred resources at San Carlos total approximately 657
million tonnes grading 0.61% copper and containing 8.8 billion pounds of copper.
The new drilling will attempt to expand the resources and convert inferred
resources to the indicated category.
Panantza, which is located in southeast Ecuador approximately 40 km north of our
Mirador Project, was last drilled in 2001. Results from the previous drilling at
Panantza included holes PA013 with 299 metres of 0.76% copper, hole PA012 with
269 metres of 0.97% copper, and PA017 with 64 metres of 1.29% secondary copper
at the surface followed by 383m of 0.75% copper.
In 2006, an additional 25 holes totalling 8400 metres were completed. Results
include hole PA039 with 17 metres of 1.31% copper in a secondary copper horizon
overlying 399 metres of 0.66% copper, hole PA041 with 443 metres of 0.60%
copper, and hole PA052 with 276 metres of 0.77% copper.
Page 9 of 20
One purpose of this drilling was to define the southern edge of Panantza's
mineralization. However, rather than delineate the edge of the Panantza deposit,
the most recent results indicate the Panantza mineralization extends farther
south than previously recognized. The southernmost holes drilled, PA033 and
PA034, were both terminated in copper mineralization averaging over 0.8% Cu at
the hole bottoms, at approximately 330 metres and 342 metres deep respectively.
The Panantza drill plan has now been expanded to complete additional holes to
follow this mineralization to the south.
In addition, the deepest holes from this round of drilling (such as PA051)
indicate mineralization extends more than 200 metres deeper than previous
drilling in the southwest portion of the deposit and mineralization remains open
for further extension at depth. The deposit is also still open to the south and
west.
San Carlos is a large copper-molybdenum mineralized porphyry system with
dimensions of about 2000 metres x 2500 metres. The mineralization has been
tested with 25 diamond drill holes at variable spacing. The current inferred
resource estimate based on these drill holes is 657 million tonnes at 0.61%
copper, calculated at a 0.4% copper cut-off.
The Qualified Person for this disclosure is John Drobe, P. Geo, Chief Geologist
for the company.
The company feels that the Panantza-San Carlos concessions represent a rare
opportunity to capitalize on six years of community work, project engineering
and management development that has been built around the nearby Mirador
Project. This body of knowledge will significantly assist in the project
development process and at the same time allow the company to take economic
advantage of infrastructure that is being put in place for the Mirador mine.
Tundayme/Piedra Liza Gold Exploration Targets - Proposed Spin-off
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Corriente recently engaged an independent consultant to complete a review of its
Ecuador gold concession package totalling 6,600 hectares containing encouraging
gold targets that are not part of the company's foreseeable copper development
programs within the Corriente Copper Belt. Following completion of this review
and accompanying 43-101 Technical Report, the company plans to distribute
ownership of these concession rights to existing shareholders in the second
quarter of 2007.
The gold concessions include the Tundayme prospect, which is immediately
adjacent to Corriente's Mirador copper deposit land holdings and is
approximately 15 km from Aurelian Resources Inc.'s newly discovered Fruta del
Norte gold zone. The Tundayme prospect has approximately 8 km of north-south
trending structures that extend along strike to the Mirador Project. This 8 km
trend is oriented in the same direction as the Fruta del Norte mineralized trend
and parts have had preliminary prospecting and soil sampling performed by
Corriente. Further work is required to follow-up anomalous gold soil and rock
samples from that initial work. Also included is a second set of concessions
approximately 50 km southwest of Mirador called the Piedra Liza prospect. Within
the Piedra Liza prospect, four clusters of anomalous gold soil samples occur
over a 6 km trend that is on-strike and north of the Nambija area, which has
produced over three million ounces of gold by local estimates. Follow-up ground
work identified altered rock samples with maximum gold values at 1 - 4 g/t. The
Qualified Person for this disclosure is John Drobe, P.Geo, Chief Geologist for
the company.
Corriente is a copper development company and remains focused on moving its
Mirador copper-gold project into production, along with development of the large
Panantza-San Carlos copper complex in the north of the Corriente Copper Belt.
The Tundayme and Piedra Liza gold prospects are not considered core to
Corriente's copper growth plans and will be transferred to a new corporation
that will be financed separately from Corriente.
Page 10 of 20
Financial Results of Operations
All of the financial information referenced below is expressed in Canadian
dollars and has been prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP, applied on a
consistent basis.
-------------------------------------------------
Financial Data for Last Three Fiscal Years
-------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year ended Dec 31-06 Dec 31-05 Dec 31-04
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total revenues (000's) $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss (income) before extraordinary items (000's) $ (1,403) $ 3,344 $ 714
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss (income) (000's) $ (1,403) $ 3,344 $ 714
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic and diluted loss (income) per share $ (0.02) $ 0.07 $ 0.02
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents (000's) $ 127,110 $ 32,441 $ 12,603
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets (000's) $ 195,997 $ 67,100 $ 40,502
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total long-term financial liabilities (000's) $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total shareholders' equity (000's) $ 188,737 $ 66,124 $ 39,755
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash dividends declared per share $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The company's operations during the year ended December 31, 2006 produced income
of $1,403,028 or $0.02 per share (basic and diluted) compared to a loss of
$3,344,139 or $0.07 per share for 2005 and $714,062 or $0.02 per share for 2004.
In years of loss, basic and diluted loss per share are the same because the
effect of potential issuances of shares under options and warrants would be
anti-dilutive. As the company has not owned any revenue-producing mineral
properties, no mining revenues have been recorded to date. The income in 2006
was due to the interest income earned on the company's cash and cash equivalents
balances. Interest income increased significantly to $3,994,855 in 2006 from
$209,422 in 2005 and $382,237 in 2004, due to much higher cash and cash
equivalents balances invested and generally higher interest rates. The company
also realized a gain of $336,253 (2005 - loss of $96,877; 2004 - gain of
$199,323) on securities sold in 2006, which had been received as proceeds from
the sale of previously-written off assets to third parties in prior years.
Deferred mineral property development and acquisition charges on the company's
Mirador Project and exploration target projects within the Corriente Copper Belt
totalled $27,043,105 for 2006 versus $8,985,744 during 2005 and $8,662,891 for
2004, reflecting the company's significant work in furthering development of the
Mirador starter mine. As in recent years, all exploration work in 2006 was
contained to the company's Corriente Copper Belt mineral properties.
Total administration expenses increased for 2006 to $2,949,131 from $2,639,979
in 2005 and $1,778,010 in 2004. The increase in 2006 is primarily due to an
overall increase in activity. Legal and accounting fees increased to $536,589
(2005 - $149,214; 2004 - $82,459) due to work related to the company's April
2006 successful listing on the American Stock Exchange and preliminary work
throughout the year regarding compliance with upcoming regulatory requirements.
Management fees, wages and benefits, which includes non-cash stock-based
compensation expense, decreased to $1,458,749 (2005 - $1,811,185; 2004 -
$1,146,396). Excluding non-cash stock-based compensation expense, management
fees, wages and benefits increased to $891,015 (2005 - $586,911; 2004 -
$436,972) due to an increase in management salaries and directors fees as a
result of an annual review of senior management compensation performed by the
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, and also a higher number of
support staff. Regulatory fees increased significantly to $192,625 (2005 -
$56,071; 2004 - $26,735) due to increased stock exchange sustaining fees based
on the company's higher market capitalization and also the fact that the company
is trading on an additional major stock exchange. Travel increased to $124,156
(2005 - $91,378; 2004 - $74,053) due to increased out-of-town shareholder
presentations and more corporate development activities. Office and related
expenses increased to $234,463 (2005 - $172,617; 2004 - $157,157) mainly due to
the outsourcing of information technology support and higher insurance costs.
Page 11 of 20
Included in management fees, wages and benefits was non-cash stock-based
compensation expense of $567,734 for 2006, $1,224,274 for 2005 and $709,424 for
2004, for which an equivalent amount was added to shareholders' equity. These
amounts reflected the fair value of stock options vested as calculated using the
Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Data for Last Eight Quarters
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Dec-06 Sep-06 Jun-06 Mar-06 Dec-05 Sep-05 Jun-05 Mar-05
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total revenues (000's) $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss (earnings) (000's) $ (886) $ (478) $ (227) $ 188 $ 3,272 $ 1,404 $ 378 $ (1,710)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss (earnings) per $ (0.01) $ (0.01) $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.07 $ 0.03 $ 0.01 $ (0.04)
share
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As the company has not had any revenue-producing mineral properties, no mining
revenues have been recorded to date. The significant income generated in the
last seven months of 2006 was due to higher cash and cash equivalents balances
(due to receipt of funds pursuant to the public offering financing that closed
in May 2006) invested and generally higher interest rates. In the second quarter
of 2006, the company realized a gain on the receipt and sale of shares received
from prior years' asset sales. In the fourth quarter of 2005, the company's
significant loss was mainly due to the write-down of previously deferred power
project costs and in the first quarter of 2005, the company's significant income
was due to the gain recorded on the receipt of shares on assets previously
written off.
In recent years, the company's losses generally reflected the impact and timing
of the recording of non-cash stock-based compensation expenses attributable to
the Black Scholes Option Pricing Model calculation of the fair value of stock
options vested, offset by interest income earned from cash and cash equivalents
on hand.
Related Party Transactions
Included in management fees, wages and benefits expense, mineral property
expenditures and corporate development and shareholder expenses are expenditures
of $Nil (2005 - $48,599; 2004 - $124,194), $Nil (2005 - $60,500; 2004 - $ Nil)
and $Nil (2005 - $Nil; 2004 - $66,667), respectively, for the year ended
December 31, 2006 in respect of administrative and technical services provided
by companies affiliated with employed officers. Included in legal and accounting
are fees of $2,600 (2005 - $ 710; 2004 - $ Nil) for the year ended December 31,
2006 in respect of tax services provided by a firm employing a director of the
company.
Fourth Quarter
During the fourth quarter of 2006, the company's cash and cash equivalents
balance decreased by $7,557,868, predominantly due to development and
exploration costs in Ecuador. Additionally, the company recorded income in the
fourth quarter of 2006 of $885,340, which was due primarily to the earning of
$1,506,888 in interest income. Offsetting this was legal and accounting fees in
the fourth quarter totalling $222,518, reflecting preliminary work regarding
compliance with upcoming regulatory requirements and an increase in estimated
audit fees for the current year. Corporate development and shareholder expenses
totalled $153,195 because of increased investor relations activities.
Page 12 of 20
Subsequent Events
Subsequent to December 31, 2006 the company granted 290,000 options to certain
employees at a price of $4.10.
On January 25, 2007, the company announced that it was extending the Mirador
Project development timeline as key permits and government agreements had not
been received consistent with the accelerated project plan. This decision also
resulted in the termination clauses of certain agreements with suppliers of key
long lead-time components to the Mirador project to be invoked, for which
charges for work incurred of of $2,951,000 ($US2,532,000) have been accrued at
December 31, 2006. Subsequently, the company was able to sell these partially
completed assets to third parties in 2007 for net proceeds of $2,776,000
($US2,382,000), for which it is awaiting receipt..
In connection with this timeline extension, on February 23, 2007, the company
implemented a restructuring of its Ecuador operations to reduce the number of
its employees while still maintaining a core group of technical and professional
staff. The company expects to record a severance expense of approximately
$743,000 ($US 631,000) for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 as a result of this
restructuring.
Accounting Estimates, Policies and Standards
As a new Canadian accounting standard is released, the Chief Financial Officer
undertakes a review and evaluation to determine if it is applicable. If there is
any uncertainty in its applicability, Corriente solicits the input of its
professional advisors and Audit Committee. If the new standard is applicable to
Corriente, it is then analyzed and summarized in a manner that effectively
documents and evaluates the impact on Corriente, and to determine the immediate
action, if any, Corriente would need to undertake in order to comply with the
new standard. Quarterly, the documented standards are reviewed, and updated as
required, to ensure that a standard is still applicable, and that Corriente
remains in compliance.
The details of the company's significant accounting policies are presented in
note 2 of the company's audited consolidated financial statements, which can be
found on SEDAR. The following policies are considered by management to be
essential to understanding the processes and reasoning that go into the
preparation of the company's financial statements and the uncertainties that
could have a bearing on its financial results.
Mineral Properties
The company capitalizes all costs related to investments in mineral property
interests on a property-by-property basis. Such costs include mineral property
acquisition costs, exploration and development expenditures. Costs are deferred
until such time as the extent of mineralization has been determined and mineral
property interests are either developed, the property sold, abandoned, the
company's mineral rights allowed to lapse or written down to fair value if the
properties are impaired.
The amounts shown for acquisition costs and deferred exploration expenditures
represent costs incurred to date and do not necessarily reflect present or
future values.
These costs are depleted over the useful lives of the properties upon
commencement of commercial production or written down to fair value if the
properties are abandoned, become impaired or the claims allowed to lapse.
Page 13 of 20
Asset impairment
When events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of
the related mineral properties, plant and equipment may not be recoverable,
management of the company reviews and evaluates the carrying value of each
mineral property for impairment. If the total estimated future cash flows on an
undiscounted basis are less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment
loss is measured and assets are written down to fair value which is normally the
discounted value of future cash flows. Where estimates of future net cash flows
are not available and where other conditions suggest impairment, management
assesses whether carrying value can be recovered by considering alternative
methods of determining fair value. When it is determined that a mineral property
is impaired, it is written down to its estimated fair value in accordance with
the CICA Handbook Section 3063 "Impairment of Long-Lived Assets".
Stock-based Compensation
Management is required to make significant estimates about future volatility and
the period in which stock options will be exercised. The selection of the
estimated volatility figure, and the estimate of the period in which an option
will be exercised can have a significant impact on the costs recognized for
stock based compensation. The estimates concerning volatility are made with
reference to historical volatility, which is not necessarily an accurate
indicator of volatility which will be experienced in the future. Management
assumes that stock options will remain unexercised until near their expiry date
because historical experience supports this assumption. However, the exercise of
options may occur at times different than those estimated, or options may expire
unexercised. For options which vest over future periods, management makes an
estimate of the percentage of options which are expected to be forfeited prior
to vesting based on historical experience, which may not be an accurate
indicator of future results. No adjustment is made for actual experience, except
for options which vest at specific dates over time, where management updates its
estimate of the number of unexercised options which are expected to vest in the
future. Such fair value is estimated using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing
Model, the assumptions of which can be found in note 6 (c) of the company's
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Environmental protection practices
The company is subject to the laws and regulations relating to environmental
matters in all jurisdictions in which it operates, including provisions relating
to property reclamation, discharge of hazardous material and other matters. The
company may also be held liable should environmental problems be discovered that
were caused by former owners and operators of its properties and properties in
which it has previously had an interest.
The company conducts its mineral exploration and development activities in
compliance with applicable environmental protection legislation. The company is
not aware of any existing environmental problems related to any of its current
or former properties that may result in material liability to the company.
Page 14 of 20
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company's
performance, financial position or cash and cash equivalents flows that either
excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the
most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Working capital calculations
or changes are not measures of financial performance (nor do they have
standardized meanings) under either Canadian GAAP or US GAAP. In evaluating
these measures, readers should consider that the methodology applied in
calculating such measures may differ among companies and analysts.
Working capital (defined as current assets minus current liabilities) as at
December 31, 2006 was $120,064,518, compared to $31,621,262 at December 31, 2005
and $12,505,593 at December 31, 2004. The increases for 2006 and 2005 are
primarily due to public offerings completed on May 25, 2006 that raised net
proceeds of $117,662,735 and on December 29, 2005 that raised net proceeds of
$27,853,364.
The main cash and cash equivalents flows applied to investing activities during
the year ended December 31 2006 were for mineral property expenditures mainly
associated with the development of the planned Mirador mine of $21,553,066 (2005
- - $8,642,746; 2004 - $8,452,935), a security deposit of US$3,019,539
($3,518,971) with the Ministry of Energy and Mining of Ecuador for the Mirador
Project EIA, payments to acquire property, plant and equipment of $1,882,845
(2005 - $154,859; 2004 - $213,820) and expenditures on the Sabanilla Power
Project of $Nil (2005 - $1,034,449; 2004 - $1,704,662). Proceeds from sales of
marketable securities resulted in additional cash proceeds of $336,253 (2005 -
$2,339,123; 2004 - $529,323).
As at December 31, 2006, the company had 74,752,393 (fully diluted - 77,187,393)
common shares issued and outstanding versus 53,751,393 (fully diluted -
56,606,393) and 45,421,393 (fully diluted - 49,055,141) for 2005 and 2004,
respectively. There was one public offering in 2006 of 19,231,000 common shares
that raised $125,001,500 before issue costs of $7,338,765 and one public
offering in 2005 of 7,605,000 common shares that raised $30,039,750 before issue
costs of $2,186,386. There were no share offerings in 2004.
Also contributing to the increase in working capital was cash and cash
equivalents received from the exercise of stock options. In 2006, 1,770,000
(2005 - 475,000; 2004 - 315,000) stock options were exercised, generating
proceeds of $2,354,950 (2005 - $435,250; 2004 - $304,350).
There were no share purchase warrants outstanding or exercised in 2006, but in
2005, 250,000 (2004 - 3,500,098) warrants were exercised, for proceeds of
$200,000 (2004 - $3,928,512).
Subsequent to December 31, 2006, the company granted 290,000 options to head
office personnel at an exercise price of $4.10 per share. To date, no other
share or security issues have occurred subsequent to December 31, 2006.
Historically, the company's capital requirements have been met by equity
subscriptions. While the company's current working capital is considered
sufficient to fund the company's administrative overhead for the next several
years, substantial capital is required to complete the company's Mirador Project
and other Corriente Copper Belt resource development. Actual funding
requirements may vary from those planned due to a number of factors, including
the progress of exploration and project development activity and foreign
exchange fluctuations.
Page 15 of 20
Risk Factors
Companies operating in the mining industry face many and varied kinds of risks.
While risk management cannot eliminate the impact of all potential risks, the
company strives to manage such risks to the extent possible and practical.
Following are the risk factors which the company's management believes are most
important in the context of the company's business. It should be noted that this
list is not exhaustive and that other risk factors may apply. An investment in
the company may not be suitable for all investors.
Foreign Country and Political Risk
The mineral properties on which the company is actively pursuing its exploration
and development activities are all located in Ecuador, South America. As a
result, the company is subject to certain risks, including currency fluctuations
and possible political or economic instability in Ecuador, which may result in
the impairment or loss of mineral concessions or other mineral rights. In recent
history, Ecuador has undergone numerous political changes at the presidential
and congressional levels. Also, mineral exploration and mining activities may be
affected in varying degrees by political instability and government regulations
relating to the mining industry. Any changes in regulations or shifts in
political attitudes are beyond the control of the company and may adversely
affect its business. Exploration may be affected in varying degrees by
government regulations with respect to restrictions on future exploitation and
production, price controls, export controls, foreign exchange controls, income
taxes, expropriation of property, environmental legislation and mine and/or site
safety.
In November 2006, Rafael Correa won the Ecuador Presidential run-off election
over Alvara Noboa but did not officially take office until January 15, 2007.
During this transition period, the administration of President Alfredo Palacio
experienced a number of indigenous protests in southeast Ecuador which
eventually resulted in the suspension of the company's exploration and
development activities (see Mirador Project - Suspension of Work) and a delay in
the Mirador Project's development timeline.
Since President Correa's January 15, 2007 inauguration, his administration has
focused primarily on exacting electoral and governmental reforms, which would
result in the creation of a Constitutional Assembly and eventual re-writing of
the Ecuador Constitution. These reforms are being met with substantial
opposition from Congress.
While management believes that the current political climate in Ecuador will
stabilize, there can be no certainty that this will be the case in the near
future. Presently, management believes that the company's Ecuador operations
will not be affected in the long-term and that any disruption to its Mirador
Project will be resolved.
To mitigate such risk, the company funds its Ecuador operations on an as-needed
basis and works closely with federal and territorial governments and community
groups. The company does not presently maintain political risk insurance for its
foreign exploration and development projects.
Exploration and Mining Risks
The business of exploring for minerals and mining involves a high degree of
risk. Due in some cases to factors that cannot be foreseen, only a small
proportion of the properties that are explored are ultimately developed into
producing mines. There is no assurance that the company's mineral exploration
activities will result in any discoveries of new bodies of commercial ore. At
present, only the company's Mirador Project property has proven or probable
reserves while any planned exploration programs for the company's other
properties are exploratory searches for proven or probable reserves. The mining
areas presently being assessed by the company may not contain economically
recoverable volumes of minerals or metals.
Page 16 of 20
The operations of the company may be disrupted by a variety of risks and hazards
which are beyond the control of the company, including labour disruptions, the
inability to obtain suitable or adequate machinery, equipment or labour and
other risks involved in the conduct of exploration programs. Once economically
recoverable volumes of minerals are found, substantial expenditures are required
to establish reserves through drilling, to develop metallurgical processes, to
develop the mining and processing facilities and infrastructure at any site
chosen for mining. Although substantial benefits may be derived from the
discovery of a major mineralized deposit, no assurance can be given that
minerals will be discovered in sufficient quantities or have sufficient grade to
justify commercial operations or that funds required for development can be
obtained on a timely basis. The economics of developing copper, gold and other
mineral properties is affected by many factors including the cost of operations,
variations of the grade of ore mined, fluctuations in the price of minerals
produced, costs of processing equipment and such other factors as government
regulations, including regulations relating to environmental protection. In
addition, the grade of mineralization ultimately mined may differ from that
indicated by drilling results and such differences could be material. Depending
on the price of copper or other minerals produced, which have fluctuated widely
in the past, the company may determine that it is impractical to commence or
continue commercial production.
An additional project risk includes the current high demand for major components
and resources utilized in a mine's construction and operation, including
equipment, parts and qualified employees. These same conditions may also
adversely impact the mine's construction schedule if an inordinate demand on
metals causes shortages or cost increases.
Surface Rights and Access
Although the company acquires the rights to some or all of the minerals in the
ground subject to the tenures that it acquires, or has a right to acquire, in
most cases it does not thereby acquire any rights to, or ownership of, the
surface to the areas covered by its mineral tenures. In such cases, applicable
mining laws usually provide for rights of access to the surface for the purpose
of carrying on mining activities, however, the enforcement of such rights can be
costly and time consuming. In areas where there are no existing surface rights
holders, this does not usually cause a problem, as there are no impediments to
surface access. However, in areas where there are local populations or land
owners, it is necessary, as a practical matter, to negotiate surface access.
There can be no guarantee that, despite having the legal right to access the
surface and carry on mining activities, the company will be able to negotiate a
satisfactory agreement with any such existing landowners/occupiers for such
access, and therefore it may be unable to carry out mining activities. In
addition, in circumstances where such access is denied, or no agreement can be
reached, the company may need to rely on the assistance of local officials or
the courts in such jurisdiction.
Estimates of Mineral Resources and Production Risks
The Mineral Resource estimates disclosed by the company are estimates only, and
no assurance can be given that any proven or probable reserves will be
discovered or that any particular level of recovery of minerals will in fact be
realized or that an identified reserve or resource will ever qualify as a
commercially mineable (or viable) deposit which can be legally and economically
exploited. In addition, the grade of mineralization which may ultimately be
mined may differ from that indicated by drilling results and such differences
could be material. Production can be affected by such factors as permitting
regulations and requirements, weather, earthquakes, fire, environmental factors,
unforeseen technical difficulties, unusual or unexpected geological formations
and work interruptions. Consequently, the company's
Page 17 of 20
estimated Mineral Resources should not be interpreted as assurances or evidence
of commercial viability or potential or of the profitability of any future
operations.
Financing Risks
The company has limited financial resources, has no source of operating cash and
cash equivalents flow and has no assurance that additional funding will be
available to it for further exploration and development of its projects. Further
exploration and development of one or more of the company's properties will be
dependent upon the company's ability to obtain financing through joint
venturing, equity or debt financing or other means, and although the company has
been successful in the past in obtaining financing through the sale of equity
securities, there can be no assurance that the company will be able to obtain
adequate financing in the future or that the terms of such financing will be
favourable. Failure to obtain such additional financing could result in delay or
indefinite postponement of further exploration and development of its projects.
Additional funds raised by the company through the issuance of equity or
convertible debt securities will cause the company's current stockholders to
experience dilution. Such securities may grant rights, preferences or privileges
senior to those of the company's common stockholders.
The company does not have any contractual restrictions on its ability to incur
debt and expects to incur significant amounts of indebtedness to finance
development of its Mirador mine project. Any such indebtedness could contain
covenants which would restrict the company's operations.
Limited Experience with Development-Stage Mining Operations
The company has no previous experience in placing mineral properties into
production and its ability to do so will be dependent upon using the services of
appropriately experienced personnel or entering into agreements with other major
resource companies or contractors that can provide such expertise. There can be
no assurance that the company will have available to it the necessary expertise
when and if it places its mineral properties into production.
Base Metals Prices
The principal activity of the company is the exploration and development of
copper-gold mineral properties. The mineral exploration and development industry
in general is intensely competitive and there is no assurance that, even if
commercial quantities of proven and probable reserves are discovered, a
profitable market may exist for the sale of the same. Factors beyond the control
of the company may affect the marketability of any substances discovered. Base
metals prices have fluctuated widely, particularly in recent years. The feasible
development of such properties is highly dependent upon the price of copper and,
to a lesser extent, gold. A sustained and substantial decline in commodity
copper prices could result in the write-down, termination of exploration and
development work or loss of its interests in identified mineral properties.
Competition
The company competes with many companies that have substantially greater
financial and technical resources for the acquisition of mineral properties and
mining and processing equipment, the securing of engineering services and the
recruitment and retention of qualified employees and consultants.
Page 18 of 20
Environmental and other Regulatory Requirements
The activities of the company are subject to environmental regulations
promulgated by government agencies from time to time. Environmental legislation
generally provides for restrictions and prohibitions on spills, releases or
emissions of various substances produced in association with certain mining
industry operations, such as seepage from tailings disposal areas, which would
result in environmental pollution. A breach of such legislation may result in
imposition of fines and penalties. In addition, certain types of operations
require the submission and approval of environmental impact assessments.
Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner which means stricter
standards, and enforcement, fines and penalties for non-compliance are more
stringent. Environmental assessments of proposed projects carry a heightened
degree of responsibility for companies and directors, officers and employees.
The cost of compliance with changes in governmental regulations has a potential
to reduce the profitability of operations.
Companies engaged in exploration and development activities generally experience
increased costs and delays as a result of the need to comply with applicable
laws, regulations and permits. There can be no assurance that all permits which
the company may require for exploration and development of its properties will
be obtainable on reasonable terms or on a timely basis, or that such laws and
regulations would not have an adverse effect on any project that the company may
undertake.
The company believes it is in substantial compliance with all material laws and
regulations which currently apply to its activities. However, there may be
unforeseen environmental liabilities resulting from exploration and/or mining
activities and these may be costly to remedy. Failure to comply with applicable
laws, regulations, and permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions
thereunder, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities
causing operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures
requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment, or
remedial actions. Parties engaged in exploration operations may be required to
compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of the exploration
activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for
violations of applicable laws or regulations and, in particular, environmental
laws.
Amendments to current laws, regulations and permits governing operations and
activities of exploration companies, or more stringent implementation thereof,
could have a material adverse impact on the company and cause increases in
expenditures and costs or require abandonment or delays in developing new mining
properties.
Corriente's policy is to abide by the regulations and requirements of Ecuador
and the company's EIA.
Uninsured or Uninsurable Risks
The company may become subject to liability for pollution or hazards against
which it cannot insure against or which it may elect not to insure where premium
costs are disproportionate to the company's perception of the relevant risks.
The payment of such insurance premiums and of such liabilities would reduce the
funds available for exploration, development and production activities.
Title Matters
Title to and the area of mining concessions may be disputed. Although the
company has taken steps to verify the title to mineral properties in which it
has an interest in accordance with industry standards for the current stage of
exploration of such properties, these procedures do not guarantee the company's
title. Property title may be subject to unregistered prior agreements or
transfers and title may be affected by undetected defects or the rights of
indigenous peoples.
Page 19 of 20
Repatriation of Earnings
Currently there are no restrictions on the repatriation from Ecuador of earnings
to foreign entities. However, there can be no assurance that restrictions on
repatriation of earnings from Ecuador will not be imposed in the future.
Dependence on Key Personnel
The company's development to date has largely depended on, and in the future
will continue to depend on, the efforts of key management, project management
and operations personnel. Loss of any of these people could have a material
adverse effect on the company and its business. The company has not obtained and
does not intend to obtain key-person insurance in respect of any directors or
other of its employees.
Share Price Fluctuations
In recent years, the securities markets have experienced a high level of price
and volume volatility, and the market price of securities of many companies,
particularly those considered development-stage companies such as the company,
have experienced wide fluctuations in price which have not necessarily been
related to the underlying asset values or prospects of such companies. Price
fluctuations will continue to occur in the future.
No Dividends
The company has no history of earnings from operations and, due to the nature of
its business, there can be no assurance that the company will ever be
profitable. Investors cannot expect to receive a dividend on their investment in
the company in the foreseeable future, if ever. Investors should not expect to
receive any return on their investment in the company's securities other than
possible capital gains.
Currency Risk
The company's expenditures are predominantly in U.S. dollars and any future
equity raised is expected to be predominantly in Canadian dollars. The company
conducts the majority of its business in Ecuador, which uses the U.S. dollar as
its primary economic currency. As such, the company is subject to risk due to
fluctuations in the exchange rates for the U.S. and Canadian dollar. The company
does not enter into derivative financial instruments to mitigate its exposure to
foreign currency risk. A breakdown by currency of the company's cash and cash
equivalents, net of overdrafts at year-end was as follows:
2006 2005 2004
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canadian dollar $ 125,063,312 $ 32,349,744 $ 12,366,062
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. dollar US$ 1,756,794 US$ 78,200 US$ 196,976
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31 closing
exchange rate
(Cdn$ to US$) 1.1654 1.1630 1.2020
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 20 of 20
DOCUMENT NO. 3
CORRIENTE RESOURCES INC.
(A Development Stage Enterprise)
Consolidated Financial Statements
AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2006 AND 2005 AND FOR THE
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006, 2005 AND 2004
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Shareholders of Corriente Resources Inc.
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Corriente Resources Inc. as
at December 31, 2006 and 2005 and the consolidated statements of changes in its
shareholders' equity, loss and deficit and cash flows for each year in the three
year period ended December 31, 2006. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain
reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements, after the restatement
of the U.S. GAAP reconciliation described in note 13, present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the company as at December 31, 2006
and 2005 and the results of its operations, changes in its shareholders' equity
and its cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December
31, 2006 in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, BC
March 30, 2007
Comments by Auditors for U.S. Readers on Canada - U.S. Reporting Difference
In the United States, reporting standards for auditors require the addition of
an explanatory paragraph (following the opinion paragraph) when there is a
change in accounting principles that has a material effect on the comparability
of the company's financial statements, such as a restatement as described in
note 13 to the financial statements. Our report to the shareholders dated March
XX, 2007, is expressed in accordance with Canadian reporting standards which do
not require a reference to such a change in accounting principles or a
restatement in the auditors' report when they are properly accounted for and
adequately disclosed in the financial statements.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, B.C.
March 30, 2007
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CORRIENTE RESOURCES INC.
(a development stage enterprise)
Consolidated Balance Sheets
AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2006 AND 2005
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
2006 2005
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 127,110,679 $ 32,440,690
Prepayments and other current assets 213,856 156,816
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
127,324,535 32,597,506
Mineral properties (note 3) 61,249,060 34,205,955
Plant and equipment (note 4) 2,490,457 265,617
Other assets (note 5) 4,933,384 30,930
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 195,997,436 $ 67,100,008
===================================================================================================
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Accounts payable relating to mineral properties $ 6,448,508 $ 386,546
Accounts payable relating to plant and equipment 547,638 -
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 263,871 589,698
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7,260,017 976,244
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholders' Equity
Share capital (note 6 (b)) 233,552,783 112,367,655
Options (note 6 (c)) 2,584,710 2,622,248
Contributed surplus 993,697 930,660
Deficit (48,393,771) (49,796,799)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
188,737,419 66,123,764
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 195,997,436 $ 67,100,008
===================================================================================================
Commitments - note 3
Subsequent events - note 15
Approved by the Board of Directors
_______________________________ Director _______________________________ Director
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CORRIENTE RESOURCES INC.
(a development stage enterprise)
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006, 2005 AND 2004
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
Common Shares Estimated Fair Value
--------------------- ---------------------
Share Total
Share Purchase Contributed Shareholders'
Number Capital Options Warrants Surplus Deficit Equity
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since inception:
Common shares issued for cash, 31,919,872 68,953,436 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 68,953,436
net of issue costs
Common shares issued for cash
pursuant to exercise of warrants 2,239,946 2,380,513 - - - - 2,380,513
Common shares issued for cash
pursuant to exercise of options 575,000 463,250 - - - - 463,250
Common shares issued for mineral
property interests 6,871,477 6,787,054 - - - - 6,787,054
Fair value of warrants issued - - - 597,506 676,407 - 1,273,913
Fair value of options exercised - 286,608 (286,608) - - - -
Fair value of warrants exercised - 170,326 - (170,326) - - -
Fair value of warrants expired - - - (254,253) 254,253 - -
Stock based compensation expense
on unexercised vested options - - 1,407,222 - - - 1,407,222
Losses since inception - - - - - (45,738,598) (45,738,598)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 2003 41,606,295 79,041,187 1,120,614 172,927 930,660 (45,738,598) 35,526,790
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common shares issued for cash
pursuant to exercise of warrants 3,500,098 3,928,512 - - - - 3,928,512
Common shares issued for cash
pursuant to exercise of options 315,000 304,350 - - - - 304,350
Fair value of options exercised - 174,876 (174,876) - - - -
(note 6 (c))
Fair value of warrants exercised - 76,472 - (76,472) - - -
Stock based compensation expense
on unexercised vested options - - 709,424 - - - 709,424
(note 6 (c))
Loss for the year ended December - - - - - (714,062) (714,062)
31, 2004
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 2004 45,421,393 83,525,397 1,655,163 96,455 930,660 (46,452,660) 39,755,015
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common shares issued for cash
pursuant to private placements, 7,605,000 27,853,364 - - - - 27,853,364
net of issue costs
Common shares issued for cash
pursuant to exercise of options 475,000 435,250 - - - - 435,250
Common shares issued for cash
pursuant to exercise of warrants 250,000 200,000 - - - - 200,000
Fair value of options exercised - 257,189 (257,189) - - - -
(note 6 (c))
Fair value of warrants exercised - 96,455 - (96,455) - - -
Stock based compensation expense
on unexercised vested options - - 1,224,274 - - - 1,224,274
(note 6 (c))
Loss for the year ended December - - - - - (3,344,139) (3,344,139)
31, 2005
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 2005 53,751,393 112,367,655 2,622,248 - 930,660 (49,796,799) 66,123,764
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common shares issued for cash
pursuant to private placements,
net of issue costs 19,231,000 117,662,735 - - - - 117,662,735
Common shares issued for cash
pursuant to exercise of options 1,770,000 2,354,950 - - - - 2,354,950
Fair value of options exercised
(note 6 (c)) - 1,167,443 (1,167,443) - - - -
Fair value of options terminated
(note 6 (c)) - - (63,037) - 63,037 - -
Stock based compensation expense
on unexercised vested options
(note 6 (c)) - - 1,192,942 - - - 1,192,942
Income for the year ended
December 31, 2006 - - - - - 1,403,028 1,403,028
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 2006 74,752,393 233,552,78 $2,584,710 $ - $ 993,697 $ (48,393,77)$188,737,419
===============================================================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CORRIENTE RESOURCES INC.
(a development stage enterprise)
Consolidated Statements of Loss and Deficit
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006, 2005 AND 2004
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
2006 2005 2004 For the
period from
inception
(February
16, 1983)to
December
31, 2006
unaudited
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADMINISTRATION
Management fees, wages, benefits & stock-based
compensation $ 1,458,749 1,811,185 $ 1,146,396 $ 8,641,226
Legal and accounting 536,589 149,214 82,459 2,352,708
Corporate development and shareholder expenses 349,643 344,218 276,906 2,516,603
Office and related 234,463 172,617 157,157 2,709,574
Regulatory fees 192,625 56,071 26,735 555,175
Travel 124,156 91,378 74,053 870,551
Other 52,906 15,296 14,304 346,649
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,949,131 2,639,979 1,778,010 17,992,486
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER EXPENSES (INCOME)
Interest income (3,994,855) (209,422) (382,237) (7,392,021)
Loss (gain) on sale of marketable securities (note 1) (336,253) 96,877 (199,323) (1,125,312)
Foreign exchange loss (gain) (58,667) 9,379 58,219 (23,290)
General exploration 37,616 38,535 8,393 4,222,915
Write-down of deferred power project costs - 2,739,111 - 2,739,111
Gain on sale of assets - (1,970,320) (549,000) (4,417,284)
Other (note 12) - - - 36,397,166
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4,352,159) 704,160 (1,063,948) 30,401,285
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LOSS (INCOME) FOR THE PERIOD (1,403,028) 3,344,139 714,062 48,393,771
DEFICIT - BEGINNING OF PERIOD 49,796,799 46,452,660 45,738,598 -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEFICIT - END OF PERIOD $ 48,393,771 $ 49,796,799 $ 46,452,660 48,393,771
=========================================================================================================================
LOSS (EARNINGS) PER SHARE
Basic $ (0.02) $ 0.07 $ 0.02
========================================================================================================
Diluted $ (0.02) $ 0.07 $ 0.02
========================================================================================================
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING
Basic 66,603,215 45,825,859 44,594,782
========================================================================================================
Diluted 66,603,215 46,431,960 46,193,268
========================================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CORRIENTE RESOURCES INC.
(a development stage enterprise)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006, 2005 AND 2004
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
2006 2005 2004 For the
period from
inception
(February
16, 1983)to
December
31, 2006
unaudited
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from (applied to) operating activities
Income (loss) for the period $ 1,403,028 $ (3,344,139) $ (714,062) $ (48,393,771)
Items not affecting cash
Stock-based compensation 567,734 1,224,274 709,424 3,908,655
Depreciation 19,291 15,296 14,304 260,065
Write-down of deferred power project costs - 2,739,111 - 2,739,111
Gain on sale of assets - (1,882,000) (549,000) (3,254,486)
Loss (gain) on sale of marketable securities (336,253) 96,877 (199,323) (1,461,565)
Other (note 12) - - - 36,910,450
Changes in non-cash working capital
Prepayments and other current assets (57,040) (61,483) 139,155 (142,053)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (325,827) 54,244 123,532 (1,326,671)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,270,933 (1,157,820) (475,970) (10,760,265)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from (applied to) investing activities
Mineral property costs, net of accounts payable (21,553,066) (8,642,746) (8,452,935) (80,507,485)
Other assets - EIA deposit (3,518,971) - - (3,518,971)
Payments to acquire plant and equipment,
net of account payable (1,882,845) (154,859) (213,820) (3,925,199)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities 336,253 2,339,123 529,323 4,578,451
Deferred power project costs - (1,034,449) (1,704,662) (2,739,111)
Deposit - - - (50,528)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(26,618,629) (7,492,931) (9,842,094) (86,162,843)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of share capital,
net of issue costs 120,017,685 28,488,614 4,232,86 225,718,373
Repayment of long-term debt - - - (1,684,586)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
120,017,685 28,488,614 4,232,862 224,033,787
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 94,669,989 19,837,863 (6,085,202) 127,110,679
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period 32,440,690 12,602,827 18,688,029 -
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period $ 127,110,679 $ 32,440,690 $ 12,602,827 127,110,679
===========================================================================================================================
Supplemental cash flow information (Note 10)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CORRIENTE RESOURCES INC.
Supplemental cash flow information (note 10)
Corriente Resources Inc.
(a development stage enterprise)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 and 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
1 Nature of operations
Corriente Resources Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, "Corriente"
or "the company") are engaged in the exploration and development of
mineral properties in Ecuador, South America. The company considers itself
to be a development stage company.
The business of mining and exploring for minerals involves a high degree
of risk and there can be no assurance that current exploration and
development programs will result in profitable mining operations. The
recoverability of amounts shown for mineral properties is dependent upon
the discovery of economically recoverable reserves, receipt of necessary
permits and regulatory approvals, the ability of the company to obtain
financing to complete their development and future profitable operations
or sale of the properties. The investment in and expenditures on mineral
properties comprise a significant portion of the company's assets.
2 Significant accounting policies
Basis of presentation
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles in Canada, which as
described in note 13, differ in certain respects from accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company,
its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned and any variable interest
entities ("VIEs") where the company is the primary beneficiary. The
company has determined that it does not have any VIEs as at December 31,
2006 and 2005. All significant inter-company balances have been
eliminated.
Mineral properties
The company capitalizes all costs related to investments in mineral
property interests on a property-by-property basis. Such costs include
mineral property acquisition costs, exploration and development
expenditures. Costs are deferred until such time as the extent of
mineralization has been determined and mineral property interests are
either developed, the property sold, abandoned, the company's mineral
rights allowed to lapse or written down to fair value if the properties
are impaired.
The amounts shown for acquisition costs and deferred exploration
expenditures represent costs incurred to date and do not necessarily
reflect present or future values.
These costs are depleted over the useful lives of the properties upon
commencement of commercial production or written down to fair value if the
properties are abandoned, become impaired or the claims allowed to lapse.
CORRIENTE RESOURCES INC.
Supplemental cash flow information (note 10)
Corriente Resources Inc.
(a development stage enterprise)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 and 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
Asset impairment
When events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts
of the related mineral properties, plant and equipment may not be
recoverable, management of the company reviews and evaluates the carrying
value of each asset for impairment. If the total estimated future cash
flows on an undiscounted basis are less than the carrying amount of the
asset, an impairment loss is measured and assets are written down to fair
value which is normally the discounted value of future cash flows. Where
estimates of future net cash flows are not available and where other
conditions suggest impairment, management assesses whether carrying value
can be recovered by considering alternative methods of determining fair
value. When it is determined that an asset is impaired, it is written down
to its estimated fair value in accordance with the CICA Handbook Section
3063 "Impairment of Long-Lived Assets".
Plant and equipment
Depreciation of plant and equipment is provided on a declining-balance
basis over their estimated useful lives at annual rates of between 20% and
30%, commencing when the related asset is available for use.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on deposit with banks, net of
overdrafts, and highly liquid short-term interest bearing investments with
a term to maturity at the date of purchase of 90 days or less from the
date of acquisition.
Marketable securities
Marketable securities are carried at the lower of cost and quoted market
value.
Foreign currency translation
The company's subsidiaries are considered integrated foreign operations
and are translated using the temporal method. Monetary items are
translated at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date;
non-monetary items are translated at historical exchange rates; revenue
and expense items are translated at the average rate of exchange for the
period, except for depreciation, which is translated at the same rate as
the assets to which they relate. Translation gains and losses are
reflected in the company's reported income or loss for the period.
Income taxes
Income taxes are calculated using the asset and liability method.
Temporary differences arising from the difference between the tax basis of
an asset or liability and its carrying amount on the balance sheet are
used to calculate future income tax liabilities or assets. Future income
tax assets and liabilities are measured using tax rates and laws that are
expected to apply when the temporary differences are expected to reverse.
Assets are recognized only to the extent it is more likely than not that
they will be realized. A valuation allowance is provided against future
income tax assets to the extent it is considered not likely that the
future income tax assets will be realized.
CORRIENTE RESOURCES INC.
Supplemental cash flow information (note 10)
Corriente Resources Inc.
(a development stage enterprise)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 and 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
Earnings/loss per share
Earnings or loss per share are presented for basic and diluted loss
(income). Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income or loss
by the weighted average number of outstanding common shares for the year.
The computation of diluted earnings per share reflects the dilutive effect
of the exercise of stock options and warrants outstanding as at year-end
using the treasury stock method. In years of loss, basic and diluted loss
per share are the same because the effect of potential issuances of shares
under options and warrants would be anti-dilutive.
Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions which affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities
and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the
financial statements and revenues and expenses for the period reported.
Significant estimates that involve highly subjective assumptions by
management include the company's estimate of stock-based compensation
expense and its assessment of possible impairment of its mineral
properties. Actual results could differ from those reported.
Stock-based compensation plan
The company has a stock-based compensation plan as described in note 6
(c).
The company applies the fair value method of accounting for all stock
options granted. Under this method, stock-based compensation on options
granted to employees, directors and consultants is recorded as an expense
or a charge to mineral properties in the period the options are vested,
ranging from terms of up to 48 months, based on the estimated fair value
at the measurement date using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model.
Asset retirement obligations
The company accounts for asset retirement obligations ("ARO") by
recognizing the fair value of a liability for an ARO in the period in
which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made.
The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the
carrying amount of the long-lived asset. The company has determined that
it has no material ARO's at December 31, 2006 and 2005.
Comparative figures
Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the
presentation adopted in the current period.
CORRIENTE RESOURCES INC.
Supplemental cash flow information (note 10)
Corriente Resources Inc.
(a development stage enterprise)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 and 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
3 Mineral properties
Corriente Copper Belt, Ecuador
Under various agreements signed and completed with certain Ecuadorian
subsidiaries of BHP Billiton Plc ("BHP Billiton"), the company has earned
a 100% interest in BHP Billiton's mineral properties located in the Rio
Zamora copper porphyry district (Corriente Copper Belt) in Ecuador. This
required the issue of shares to BHP Billiton and the expenditure of
exploration funds under the terms of these agreements. Additionally, these
mineral properties are subject to a 2% Net Smelter Royalty ("NSR") payable
to BHP Billiton, though the company has options to reduce the NSR to 1%
for the Mirador/Mirador Norte, Panantza and San Carlos mineral properties
upon the payment of US$2 million to BHP Billiton for each such option
exercised.
Following is a summary of the company's deferred mineral property
expenditures.
Corriente Copper Belt Mirador/ Panantza/ San Other Total
Mirador Carlos (1)
Norte
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance December 31, 2003 $ 9,950,077 $ 2,603,113 $ 4,004,130 $ 16,557,320
Property acquisition 493,112 5,309 - 498,421
Deferred exploration and development
costs, net of accounting for exchange of
mineral property interests 9,441,051 935,674 (2,212,255) 8,164,470
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance December 31, 2004 19,884,240 3,544,096 1,791,875 25,220,211
Property acquisition 386,955 - - 386,955
Deferred exploration and development costs 8,412,692 160,627 25,470 8,598,789
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance December 31, 2005 28,683,887 3,704,723 1,817,345 34,205,955
Property acquisition 2,313,836 59,260 - 2,373,096
Deferred exploration and development costs 20,417,923 2,478,768 1,773,318 24,670,009
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance December 31, 2006 $ 51,415,646 $ 6,242,751 $ 3,590,663 $ 61,249,060
===========================================================================================================================
(1) - comprised of the La Florida, San Luis, San Marcos, San Miguel,
Sutzu, Trinidad and Dolorosa copper and copper-gold and Tundayme/Piedra
Liza gold exploration targets in the Corriente Copper Belt.
4
CORRIENTE RESOURCES INC.
Supplemental cash flow information (note 10)
Corriente Resources Inc.
(a development stage enterprise)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 and 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
Mineral Property Titles
Although the company has taken steps to verify the title to mineral
properties it has acquired, these procedures do not guarantee that the
titles are without defects. Property title may be subject to unregistered
prior agreements, transfers or claims of ownership by third parties.
Other
In 2003, the company sold the shares of its wholly-owned subsidiaries,
Corriente Argentina Inc. (Cayman) and Corriente Argentina S.A.
(Argentina), including its 100% interest in the Taca-Taca property in
Argentina. Pursuant to the original and subsequently amended sale
agreement, the company received a total of US$50,000 and 400,000
equivalent shares of the purchaser. Should the Taca-Taca property achieve
commercial production, the purchaser is obligated to pay the company a
further US$1,000,000.
During the course of 2004 to 2006, the company sold the shares received
(note 11).
4 Plant and equipment
2006 2005
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated Accumulated
Cost Depreciation Net Cost Depreciation Net
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Construction barge $ 1,401,529 $ - $ 1,401,529 $ - $ - $ -
Computer equipment 792,580 262,782 529,798 218,291 161,620 56,671
Vehicles 290,950 69,634 221,316 201,965 50,796 151,169
Office furniture and
equipment 253,473 74,519 178,954 71,742 57,638 14,104
Communications equipment 117,471 18,853 98,618 18,284 9,272 9,012
Field equipment 88,041 27,799 60,242 57,326 22,665 34,661
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 2,944,044 $ 453,587 $ 2,490,457 $ 567,608 $ 301,991 $ 265,617
============================================================================================================================
5 Other assets
The following table summarizes information about other assets as at
December 31, 2006:
2006 2005
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EIA security deposit $ 3,518,971 $ -
Advances on mineral property expenditures 1,414,413 30,930
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 4,933,384 $ 30,930
===============================================================================
As a requirement of the Ministry of Energy and Mining ("MEM") of Ecuador
to approve the Mirador project's Environmental Impact Assessment ("EIA"),
the company was required to post US$3,019,539 ($3,518,971) in favour of
the MEM as a security deposit against the company's obligations under the
EIA.
Advances on mineral property expenditures include payments to contractors
and suppliers made pursuant to supply agreements prior to the contracted
goods and services being provided.
5
CORRIENTE RESOURCES INC.
Supplemental cash flow information (note 10)
Corriente Resources Inc.
(a development stage enterprise)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 and 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
6 Share capital
a) Authorized
100,000,000 common shares without par value
b) Issued
See Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity.
On December 29, 2005, the company completed a public offering of
7,605,000 common shares at $3.95 per share pursuant to a short form
prospectus dated December 19, 2005 to raise gross proceeds of
$30,039,750 before issue costs of $2,186,386.
On May 25, 2006, the company completed a public offering of
19,231,000 common shares at $6.50 per share pursuant to a short form
prospectus dated May 18, 2006 to raise gross proceeds of $125,001,500
before issue costs of $7,338,765.
c) Stock options
The company has in place an incentive stock option plan dated
November 1996, last amended April 18, 2006 (the "Option Plan") for
directors, officers, employees, and consultants to the company and
its subsidiaries. The Option Plan provides that the directors of the
company may grant options to purchase common shares on terms that the
directors may determine, within the limitations of the Option Plan.
The number of common shares available for the grant of options under
the Option Plan and all other share compensation arrangements of the
company is set at a rolling maximum number that shall not be greater
than 10% of the company's current outstanding share capital at any
given time. The exercise price of each option cannot be lower than
the closing market price of the shares on the trading day immediately
prior to the date of grant of the option. As at December 31, 2006,
options to purchase a total of 2,435,000 shares were outstanding,
1,208,436 of which were vested.
For the year ended December 31, 2006, the estimated fair value of the
granted options which vested during the year totalled $1,192,942
(2005 - $1,224,274; 2004 - $709,424), of which $567,734 (2005 -
$1,224,274; 2004 - $709,424) is included in management fees, wages,
benefits & stock-based compensation and $625,208 (2005 - $Nil; 2004 -
$ Nil) is included in mineral properties. Non-cash stock-based
compensation expense for options is determined based on estimated
fair values of the options at the time of grant, the cost of which is
recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the
respective options and grants. The fair value of the stock options is
estimated using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model with the
following assumptions:
2006 2005 2004
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Risk-free interest rate 3.87-4.16% 2.95-3.19% 2.71-3.71%
Expected dividend yield - - -
Expected stock price volatility 62-67% 68-71% 67-72%
Expected option life in years 3 3 3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
6
CORRIENTE RESOURCES INC.
Supplemental cash flow information (note 10)
Corriente Resources Inc.
(a development stage enterprise)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 and 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
Option pricing models require the input of highly subjective
assumptions including expected price volatility. Changes in the
subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value
estimate, and therefore the existing models do not necessarily
provide a reliable measure of the fair value of the company's stock
options. The estimated fair value assigned to the stock options
exercised during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 was
credited to share capital and the estimated fair value assigned to
the stock options terminated during the year ended December 31, 2006
was credited to contributed surplus.
The following table summarizes information about options granted
during the twelve months ended December 31, 2006:
Expiry dates Number of Exercise Price
options $
----------------------------------------------------------------------
January 23, 2009 25,000 (3) 4.50
February 6, 2011 400,000 (1) 5.25
May 22, 2011 60,000 (2) 5.50
June 1, 2011 85,000 (2) 5.35
June 1, 2011 125,000 (1) 5.35
August 31, 2011 100,000 (1) 5.37
September 13, 2011 75,000 (1) 5.10
September 29, 2011 345,000 (2) 4.70
December 18, 2011 150,000 (2) 4.59
December 18, 2011 10,000 (1) 4.59
-------------------------------------------------
Granted during the year ended 1,375,000
December 31, 2006
-------------------------------------------------
(1) Options granted to senior management, directors and non-senior management
vest on the basis of 1/16th of the total each quarter (from grant date),
with such vesting being accelerated based on a change in control of the
company and/or the attainment of clearly identified milestones, as
determined by the company's Board of Directors.
(2) Options granted to the company's subsidiary personnel vest on a
cumulative basis of 50% of the total granted after 12 months from the grant
date, 75% of the total granted after 18 months from the grant date and 100%
of the total granted after 24 months from grant date, with such vesting
being accelerated based on a change in control of the company, as
determined by the company's Board of Directors.
(3) Fully vested on grant date.
7
CORRIENTE RESOURCES INC.
Supplemental cash flow information (note 10)
Corriente Resources Inc.
(a development stage enterprise)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 and 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
A summary of changes to stock options outstanding and exercisable is as
follows:
2006 2005 2004
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted Weighted Weighted
average average average
Number of exercise Number of exercise Number of exercise
Shares price shares price shares price
Options outstanding -
Beginning of year 2,855,000 $ 1.89 2,390,000 $ 1.46 2,190,000 $ 0.96
Granted 1,375,000 5.05 940,000 2.49 515,000 3.33
Exercised (1,770,000) 1.33 (475,000) 0.92 (315,000) 0.97
Terminated (25,000) 5.35 - - - -
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Options outstanding -
End of year 2,435,000 $ 4.05 2,855,000 $ 1.89 2,390,000 $ 1.46
=============================================================================================================================
Options outstanding and
vested - End of year 1,208,436 $ 3.05 2,855,000 $ 1.89 2,177,500 $ 1.28
=============================================================================================================================
The following table summarizes information about stock options
outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2006:
Outstanding Exercisable
--------------------------------- ---------------------------------
Number of Weighted Weighted Number of Weighted
Range of options average average options average
Year of exercise outstanding at exercise remaining exercisable at exercise
Grant prices December 31, price contractual December 31, price
$ 2006 $ life (years) 2006 $
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2004 3.16 - 3.55 350,000 3.35 0.3 350,000 3.35
2005 2.15 - 2.99 735,000 2.55 1.6 735,000 2.55
2006 4.50 - 5.50 1,350,000 5.04 4.5 123,436 5.12
---------------- ----------------
2,435,000 4.05 3.0 1,208,436 3.05
================ ================
7 Related party transactions and balances
Included in management fees, wages and benefits expense, mineral property
expenditures and corporate development and shareholder expenses are
expenditures of $Nil (2005 - $48,599; 2004 - $124,194), $Nil (2005 -
$60,500; 2004 - $ Nil) and $Nil (2005 - $Nil; 2004 - $66,667),
respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2006 in respect of
administrative and technical services provided by companies affiliated
with employed officers. Included in legal and accounting are fees of
$2,600 (2005 - $ 710; 2004 - $ Nil) for the year ended December 31, 2006
in respect of tax services provided by a firm employing a director of the
company.
At December 31, 2006, $Nil (2005 - $15,000; 2004 - $1,538) was due to
companies affiliated with employed officers.
8
CORRIENTE RESOURCES INC.
Supplemental cash flow information (note 10)
Corriente Resources Inc.
(a development stage enterprise)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 and 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
8 Income taxes
The reconciliation of income taxes attributable to continuing operations
computed at statutory rates to the income tax expense/(recovery) is as
follows:
2006 2005 2004
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
34.12% 34.12% 35.62%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income tax expense/(benefits)
computed at Canadian
statutory rates $ 478,713 $ 1,141,020) $ (254,348)
Difference in foreign tax rates (113,278) (438,922) (263,663)
Permanent differences 197,837 1,162,583 953,603
Decrease in tax rates - 207,049 -
Share issuance costs and other (704,639) (753,076) -
Recognized tax losses 141,367 - -
Change in valuation allowance - 963,386 (435,592)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ - $ - $ -
================================================================================
The significant components of the company's future income tax assets are
as follows:
2006 2005 2004
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Future income tax assets
Losses carried forward $ 2,244,769 $ 2,348,685 $ 1,798,535
Mineral properties 2,529,734 2,730,220 2,836,521
Share issuance costs 2,506,445 726,515 212,738
Plant and equipment
and other 77,842 74,705 68,945
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7,358,790 5,880,125 4,916,739
Valuation allowance (7,358,790) (5,880,125) (4,916,739)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ - $ - $ -
===============================================================================
At December 31, 2006, the company has Canadian losses for tax purposes of
approximately $6,579,040 which expire on various dates to 2015.
9 Segmented information
The company operates within a single operating segment, which is mineral
exploration. The company's mineral property interests are in Ecuador,
South America, as set out in note 3. Geographic segmentation of mineral
properties, plant and equipment and other assets is as follows:
2006 2005
---------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------
Mineral Plant and Other assets Mineral Plant and
properties equipment properties equipment
Canada $ - $ 73,142 $ - $ - $ 48,128
Ecuador 61,249,060 2,417,315 4,933,384 34,205,955 217,489
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 61,249,060 $ 2,490,457 $ 4,933,384 $ 34,205,955 $ 265,617
====================================================================================================
9
CORRIENTE RESOURCES INC.
Supplemental cash flow information (note 10)
Corriente Resources Inc.
(a development stage enterprise)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 and 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
10 Supplemental cash flow information
Cash and cash equivalents at December 31 comprise the following:
2006 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash on hand and balances
with banks, net of overdrafts $ 1,778,235 $ (16,750)
Short-term investments 125,332,444 32,457,440
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 127,110,679 $ 32,440,690
================================================================================
During the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, the company
conducted non-cash operating, investing and financing activities as
follows:
2006 2005 2004
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Depreciation included in
mineral properties $ 152,455 $ 54,658 $ 35,630
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss on disposal of plant and
equipment capitalized to
mineral properties $ 33,897 $ 86,038 $ -
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock-based compensation included
in mineral properties $ 625,208 $ - $ -
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change in other assets and accounts
payable and accrued liabilities
relating to mineral properties $ 4,678,479 $ 202,303 $ 174,327
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change (decrease) in accounts payable
and accrued liabilities
relating to plant and equipment $ 547,638 $ - $ -
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marketable securities received
from sale of subsidiary company $ - $ 1,882,000 $ 549,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11 Financial instruments
(a) Fair Values
Canadian generally accepted accounting principles require that the company
disclose information about the fair value of its financial assets and
liabilities. Fair value estimates are made at the balance sheet date,
based on relevant market information and information about the financial
instrument. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve
uncertainties in significant matters of judgment and therefore cannot be
determined with precision. The carrying amounts for cash and cash
equivalents, other current assets including the EIA security deposit,
accounts payable related to mineral properties, accounts payable relating
to plant and equipment and accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the
balance sheet approximate fair value because of the limited terms of these
instruments.
The company does not use any derivative financial instruments.
10
CORRIENTE RESOURCES INC.
Supplemental cash flow information (note 10)
Corriente Resources Inc.
(a development stage enterprise)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 and 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
(b) Currency Risk
The company's expenditures are predominantly in U.S. dollars and any
future equity raised is expected to be predominantly in Canadian dollars.
The company conducts the majority of its business in Ecuador, which uses
the U.S. dollar as its primary economic currency. As such, the company is
subject to risk due to fluctuations in the exchange rates for the U.S. and
Canadian dollar. The company does not enter into derivative financial
instruments to mitigate its exposure to foreign currency risk. A breakdown
by currency of the company's cash and cash equivalents, net of overdrafts,
at year-end was as follows:
2006 2005 2004
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canadian dollar $ 125,063,312 $ 32,349,744 $ 12,366,062
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. dollar US$ 1,756,794 US$ 78,200 US$ 196,976
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31 closing
exchange rate
(Cdn$ to US$) 1.1654 1.1630 1.1202
(c) Other
During 2006, the company sold all of its remaining marketable securities
for net proceeds of $336,253 (2005 - $2,339,123; 2004 - $529,323),
realizing a gain of $336,253 (2005 - loss of $96,877; 2004 - gain of
$199,323). As of December 31, 2006, marketable securities held by the
company had a quoted market value of $Nil (2005 - $595,000) and a carrying
value of $Nil (2005 - $Nil).
12 Supplemental information
The following table summarizes certain information from the Consolidated
Statements of Loss and Deficit:
For the period from
inception (February
16, 1983) to December
31, 2006
unaudited
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses (income)
Write-down of mineral properties $ 33,387,725
Write-down of capital assets 3,080,392
Write-down of marketable securities 374,838
Gain on sale of subsidiary (335,900)
Rental income (71,546)
Gain on settlement of debt (26,792)
Gain on disposal of capital assets (11,551)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total other expenses (income) $ 36,397,166
======================================================================
11
CORRIENTE RESOURCES INC.
Supplemental cash flow information (note 10)
Corriente Resources Inc.
(a development stage enterprise)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 and 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
The following table summarizes certain information from the Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows:
For the period from
inception (February
16, 1983) to December
31, 2006
unaudited
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Other cash flows from (applied to)
operating activities not affecting cash
Write-down of mineral properties $ 33,387,725
Write-down of capital assets 3,080,392
Write-down of marketable securities 374,838
Gain on sale of subsidiary (65,000)
Foreign exchange loss on deposit 50,528
Loss on disposal of capital assets 41,417
General exploration 40,550
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Other cash flows from (applied to)
operating activities not affecting cash $ 36,910,450
======================================================================
----------------------------------------------------------------------
13 Reconciliation to U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP")
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with Canadian GAAP which differs in certain material respects from those
principles that the company would have followed had its consolidated
financial statements been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Significant measurement differences that materially affect these
consolidated financial statements are as follows:
a) As described in note 2, Canadian GAAP allows for the deferral of
mineral exploration expenditures. Under U.S. GAAP, the company
capitalizes acquisition costs. The company expenses, as incurred,
exploration costs relating to unproven mineral properties. When
proven and probable reserves are determined for a property and a
positive feasibility study has been prepared, subsequent development
costs of the property would be capitalized.
b) Under U.S. GAAP, marketable securities are classified as either
trading or available-for-sale. Gains and losses on trading
securities are recognized currently, whether or not realized.
Securities are carried on the balance sheet at their fair value and
unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are
excluded from earnings until realized and recorded as other
comprehensive income, a separate component of shareholders' equity.
Carrying values of available-for-sale securities which are
considered impaired are written down and the charge is recognized
currently.
During the preparation of the 2006 Canadian to U.S. GAAP reconciliation
for mineral exploration costs, the company determined that an error
occurred in the 2005 reconciliation. Consequently, as referenced by (a)
below, the company has restated its 2005 U.S. GAAP financial results to
correct this error, with the result that 2005 mineral exploration costs
expensed under U.S. GAAP totalling $2,741,988 should have been shown as
$8,598,789. This restatement would have resulted in basic and diluted loss
per share, calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP, of $0.26 for 2005 and
not $0.13 as disclosed in Note 12 in the 2005 financial statements.
12
CORRIENTE RESOURCES INC.
Supplemental cash flow information (note 10)
Corriente Resources Inc.
(a development stage enterprise)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 and 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
Had the company followed U.S. GAAP, certain items in the financial
statements would have been reported as follows:
Statements of Loss and Deficit
Year ended December 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2006 2005 2004
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss (income) under Canadian GAAP $ (1,403,028) $ 3,344,139 714,062
Adjustment to reconcile to U.S. GAAP:
Mineral exploration costs expensed under U.S. GAAP (a) 24,670,009 8,598,789 8,164,470
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss under U.S. GAAP 23,266,981 11,942,928 8,878,532
Change in unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities - 41,000 31,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive loss under U.S. GAAP $ 23,266,981 $ 11,983,928 8,909,532
================================================================================================================================
Basic and diluted loss per share under U.S. GAAP $ 0.35 $ 0.26 0.20
================================================================================================================================
Weighted average number of shares outstanding $ 66,603,215 45,825,859 44,594,782
================================================================================================================================
Balance Sheets
2006 2005
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets under Canadian GAAP $ 195,997,436 $ 67,100,008
Adjustment to reconcile to U.S. GAAP:
Mineral exploration costs expensed under U.S. GAAP (a) (52,824,252) (28,154,243)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets under U.S. GAAP $ 143,173,184 $ 38,945,765
==============================================================================================================================
Shareholders' equity under Canadian GAAP $ 188,737,419 $ 66,123,764
Adjustment to reconcile to U.S. GAAP:
Mineral exploration costs expensed under U.S. GAAP (a) (52,824,252) (28,154,243)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total shareholders' equity under U.S. GAAP $ 135,913,167 $ 37,969,521
==============================================================================================================================
Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2006 2005 2004
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash from (applied to) operating activities under Canadian GAAP $ 1,270,933 $ (1,157,820) $ (475,970)
Adjustment to reconcile to U.S. GAAP:
Mineral exploration costs expensed under U.S. GAAP (a) (19,179,970) (8,255,790) (7,954,513)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash from (applied to) operating activities under U.S. GAAP $ (17,909,037) $ (9,413,610) (8,430,483)
================================================================================================================================
Cash from (applied to) investing activities under Canadian GAAP $ (26,618,629) $ (7,492,931) $ (9,842,094)
Adjustment to reconcile to U.S. GAAP:
Mineral exploration costs expensed under U.S. GAAP (a) 19,179,970 8,255,790 7,954,513
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash from (applied to) investing activities under U.S. GAAP $ (7,438,659) $ 762,859 (1,887,581)
================================================================================================================================
13
CORRIENTE RESOURCES INC.
Supplemental cash flow information (note 10)
Corriente Resources Inc.
(a development stage enterprise)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 and 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
14 Recent Accounting Pronouncements
a) Recent Canadian Accounting Pronouncements
i. In January 2005, the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants
("CICA") released new Handbook Section 3855, "Financial Instruments -
Recognition and Measurement" (CICA 3855), effective for annual and interim
periods beginning on or after October 1, 2006. CICA 3855 establishes
standards for recognizing and measuring financial assets and liabilities
and non-financial derivatives. All financial assets, except those
classified as held to maturity, and derivative financial instruments, must
be measured at fair value. All financial liabilities must be measured at
fair value when they are classified as held for trading, otherwise, they
are measured at cost. Investments available for sale will be recorded at
fair value with the unrealized gains or losses recorded through
comprehensive income. The impact will be similar to the impact on
comprehensive income for U.S. GAAP purposes.
ii.In January 2005, the CICA issued new Handbook Section 1530,
"Comprehensive Income" (CICA 1530) and Handbook Section 3251, "Equity"
(CICA 3251) effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after
October 1, 2006. CICA 1530 establishes standards for reporting and
presenting certain gains and losses normally not included in net earnings
or losses, such as unrealized gains and losses related to available for
sale securities, in a statement of comprehensive income. CICA 3251
establishes standards for the presentation of equity and changes in equity
as a result of the new requirements in CICA 1530.
The company believes there will be no material impact from the adoption of
these sections.
b) Recent U.S. Accounting Pronouncements
i. On July 13, 2006, FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for
Uncertainty in Income Taxes--an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.
Interpretation 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes
recognized in an entity's financial statements in accordance with
Statement 109 and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement
attribute for financial statement disclosure of tax positions taken or
expected to be taken on a tax return. Additionally, Interpretation 48
provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and
penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.
Interpretation 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December
15, 2006, with early adoption permitted. The company is currently
evaluating whether the adoption of Interpretation 48 will have a material
effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or
cash flows.
ii. In 2006, FASB issued Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. This
new pronouncement provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets
and liabilities. FASB believes the pronouncement also responds to
investors' requests for expanded information about the extent to which
corporations measure assets and liabilities at fair value, the information
used to measure fair value, and the effect of fair value measurements on
earnings. Statement 157 applies whenever other standards require (or
permit) assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value but does not
expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances. The standard
clarifies that for items that are not actively traded, such as certain
kinds of derivatives, fair value should reflect the price in a transaction
with a market participant, including an adjustment for risk, not just the
company's mark-to-market value. Statement 157 also requires expanded
disclosure of the effect on earnings for items measured using unobservable
data. The company is currently evaluating whether the adoption of
Statement No. 157 will have a material effect on its consolidated
financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
14
CORRIENTE RESOURCES INC.
Supplemental cash flow information (note 10)
Corriente Resources Inc.
(a development stage enterprise)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 and 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
15 Subsequent events
On January 25, 2007, the company announced that it was extending the
Mirador Project development timeline as key permits and government
agreements had not been received consistent with the accelerated project
plan. This decision also resulted in the termination clauses of certain
agreements with suppliers of key long lead-time components to the Mirador
project to be invoked, for which charges for work incurred of $2,951,000
($US2,532,000) have been accrued at December 31, 2006. Subsequently, the
company was able to sell these partially completed assets to third parties
in 2007 for net proceeds of $2,776,000 ($US2,382,000), for which it is
awaiting receipt.
In connection with this timeline extension, on February 23, 2007, the
company implemented a restructuring of its Ecuador operations to reduce
the number of its employees while still maintaining a core group of
technical and professional staff. The company expects to record a
severance expense of approximately $743,000 ($US 631,000) for the quarter
ended March 31, 2007 as a result of this restructuring.
15
CAUTIONARY NOTE TO UNITED STATES INVESTORS CONCERNING
-----------------------------------------------------
ESTIMATES OF MEASURED, INDICATED AND INFERRED MINERAL RESOURCES
---------------------------------------------------------------
All resource estimates incorporated by reference in this annual report on Form
40-F ("Annual Report") have been prepared in accordance with Canadian National
Instrument 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
Classification System. These standards differ significantly from the
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), and resource
information incorporated by reference herein may not be comparable to similar
information concerning U.S. companies.
Without limiting the foregoing, this Annual Report uses the terms "measured",
"indicated" and "inferred" resources. United States investors are advised that,
while such terms are recognized and required by Canadian securities laws, the
SEC does not recognize them. Under United States standards, mineralization may
not be classified as a "reserve" unless the determination has been made that the
mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the
time the reserve determination is made. United States investors are cautioned
not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated resources will ever
be converted into reserves. Further, "inferred resources" have a great amount of
uncertainty as to their existence and as to whether they can be mined legally or
economically. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of the "inferred
resources" will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Therefore, United States
investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of the inferred
resources exist, or that they can be mined legally or economically. Accordingly,
information concerning descriptions of mineralization and resources contained in
this Annual Report, may not be comparable to information made public by United
States companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the
SEC.
CAUTIONARY NOTE ON FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
---------------------------------------------
Certain statements included in this Annual Report and the exhibits thereto are
forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the "safe harbor"
provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. They include estimates and statements that describe the Registrant's
future plans, objectives and goals, including words to the effect that the
Registrant or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Wherever
possible, words such as "anticipate", "may", "will", "expect", "believe", "plan"
and other similar expressions have been used to identify these forward-looking
statements. These statements reflect management's beliefs and are based on
information currently available to the company's management. Forward-looking
statements involve significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although
the company believes that these statements are based on reasonable assumptions,
a number of factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements
of the company to be materially different from future results, performance or
achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. For a
comprehensive review of risk factors, please refer to the section entitled "Risk
Factors" in the Registrant's Annual Information Form and the section entitled
"Risks and Uncertainties" in the Management's Discussion and Analysis, each
included in this Annual Report on Form 40-F, as filed with the SEC. The Company
disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to
reflect new events or circumstances Readers are cautioned not to put undue
reliance on these forward-looking statements
In this annual report on Form 40-F ("Annual Report"), unless the context
otherwise requires, references to "we", "us", "our" or similar terms, as well as
references to the "Company" or the "Registrant", refer to Corriente Resources
Inc.
A. Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures are defined by the SEC as those controls and
other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be
disclosed by the Registrant in reports filed or submitted by it under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), is recorded,
processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the
SEC's rules and forms.
The notes to the Registrant's annual consolidated financial statements include a
reconciliation to United States generally accepted accounting principles ("US
GAAP"). During the preparation of the 2006 Canadian to US GAAP reconciliation
for mineral exploration costs, the company determined that an error occurred in
the 2005 reconciliation. Consequently, the company restated its 2005 US GAAP
financial results to correct this error, with the result that 2005 mineral
exploration costs expensed under U.S. GAAP totalling $2,741,988 should have been
shown as $8,598,789. This restatement resulted in a basic and diluted loss per
share for U.S. GAAP purposes of $0.26 for 2005 and not $0.13 as disclosed in the
2005 financial statements. As a result of this restatement, management has
determined that its disclosure controls and procedures were not fully operating
effectively in the prior year.
The Registrant's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have
evaluated the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of
the period covered by this Annual Report and have determined that such
disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
B. Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Since the most recent evaluation of the Registrant's internal controls, there
has not been any significant change in the Registrant's internal control over
financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
C. Notice of Pension Fund Blackout Period
The Registrant was not required by Rule 104 of Regulation BTR to send any notice
to any of its directors or executive officers during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2006.
D. Audit Committee Financial Expert
The board of directors of the Registrant has determined that the Chair of the
Audit Committee, Dale C. Peniuk, qualifies as an "audit committee financial
expert" within the meaning of General Instruction B(8)(b) of Form 40-F under the
Exchange Act and is "independent" within the meaning of applicable SEC
regulations and the listing standards of the American Stock Exchange ("AMEX").
E. Code of Ethics
The Registrant has adopted a code of ethics, entitled "Policies and Procedures
Manual - Code of Conduct", that applies to all directors, officers and
employees. The Company's code of ethics can be viewed on its website at
http://www.corriente.com/corporate/corporate_corp_governance.php.
F. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Audit Fees
The aggregate fees billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Registrant's
Independent Registered Chartered Accountants, for the fiscal years ended
December 31, 2006 and 2005 for professional services rendered by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for the audit of the Registrant's annual financial
statements or services that are normally provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for such
years were Cdn$77,831 and Cdn$38,994, respectively.
Audit-Related Fees
The aggregate fees billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for the fiscal years
ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 for assurance and related services rendered by
it that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the
Registrant's financial statements and are not reported above as audit fees were
Cdn$124,809 and Cdn$89,788, respectively. Professional services provided in 2006
included review services and issue of comfort letters relating to the
Registrant's December 2005 and May 2006 short-form prospectuses, meetings and
discussions regarding US registration, review of interim financial statements
for the short-form prospectuses and US registration, and internal controls and
related compliance efforts.
Tax Fees
The aggregate fees billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for the fiscal years
ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 for professional services rendered by it for
tax compliance, tax advice, tax planning and other services were Cdn$60,192 and
Cdn$Nil, respectively. No tax services were provided during 2005.
All Other Fees
The aggregate fees billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for the fiscal years
ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 for products and services provided by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, other than the services reported in the preceding
three paragraphs, were Cdn$Nil and Cdn$980, respectively.
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies
All audit and non-audit services performed by the Registrant's external auditor
must be pre-approved by the audit committee of the Registrant.
G. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Registrant is not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or
are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on its financial
condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of
operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is
material to investors.
H. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations
As of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, the Company had normal trade
payables only, and does not have any future contractually committed calls on its
cash.
I. Critical Accounting Policies
A discussion of the Registrant's critical accounting policies can be found in
its Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations for the year ended December 31, 2006 under the heading "Critical
Accounting Policies" filed with the SEC as Document 2 herein.
J. AMEX Exemption
In connection with the Registrant's initial application to list its common
shares on AMEX in 2006, the Registrant requested, and was granted, a waiver,
pursuant to the first paragraph of Section 110 of the AMEX Company Guide, from
the quorum requirement set forth in Section 123 of the AMEX Company Guide. The
exemption was granted on the basis that the Registrant's existing quorum
requirement complies with Canadian law and is consistent with Canadian business
practices. Under the Registrant's by-laws, the quorum requirement for the
transaction of business at a meeting of shareholders is a minimum of two persons
who are, or who represent by proxy, shareholders who, in the aggregate, hold at
least 5% of the issued shares entitled to be voted at the meeting. The
Registrant's quorum requirements are not prohibited by the requirements of the
Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and the Registrant intends to
continue to comply with the requirements of the Business Corporations Act
(British Columbia). The rules of the Toronto Stock Exchange, upon which the
common shares are also listed, do not contain a specific quorum requirement.
K. Identification of the Audit Committee
The Registrant has a separately designated standing Audit Committee. The members
of the Audit Committee are Dale C. Peniuk (Chair), Richard P. Clark and Dale G.
Unruh. Each member of the Audit Committee is "independent" within the meaning of
applicable SEC regulations and the listing standards of AMEX, and each is
financially literate and financially sophisticated.
UNDERTAKING AND CONSENT TO SERVICE OF PROCESS
A. Undertaking
The Registrant undertakes to make available, in person or by telephone,
representatives to respond to inquiries made by the SEC staff, and to furnish
promptly, when requested to do so by the SEC staff, information relating to the
securities in relation to which the obligation to file an annual report on Form
40-F arises or transactions in said securities.
B. Consent to Service of Process
The Registrant has previously filed with the SEC a Form F-X in connection with
its common shares.
EXHIBITS
The following exhibits are filed as part of this Annual Report:
Number Document
------ --------
23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
23.2 Consent of Mine Development Associates
23.3 Consent of AMEC
31.1 Certification of CEO pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2 Certification of CFO pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32 Certification of CEO and CFO pursuant to Section 906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, the Registrant
certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 40-F and has
duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereto duly authorized.
CORRIENTE RESOURCES INC.
Dated: March 30, 2007 By: /S/ DARRYL F. JONES
--------------------------------
By: Darryl F. Jones
Title: Chief Financial Officer
EXHIBIT INDEX
Number Document
------ --------
23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
23.2 Consent of Mine Development Associates
23.3 Consent of AMEC
31.1 Certification of CEO pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2 Certification of CFO pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32 Certification of CEO and CFO pursuant to Section 906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002