UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


————————

FORM 20-F

————————

(Mark One)

¨

 REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE

 

 ACT OF 1934

OR

 

 

þ

 ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT

 

 OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019

OR

¨

 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE

 

 ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from: _____________ to _____________

OR

¨

 SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE

 

 ACT OF 1934

Date of event requiring shell company report ___________

Commission file number: 0-26046

CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Not Applicable

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

British Virgin Islands

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

Room 2205, 22/F, West Tower, Shun Tak Centre,

168-200 Connaught Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

(Address of principal executive offices)

Bonaventure Yue, Chief Financial Officer

Room 2205, 22/F, West Tower, Shun Tak Centre,

168-200 Connaught Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

bonyue@chnr.net

 (Name, telephone number, e-mail and/or facsimile number and address of company contact person)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Shares, without par value

CHNR

Nasdaq Capital Market

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

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. 24,910,916 common shares as of December 31, 2019.

 

 






 


Indicate by check mark if the issuer is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes ¨  No þ

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes ¨  No þ

Note – Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 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 þ  No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

Yes þ  No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large Accelerated Filer ¨

 

Accelerated Filer ¨

 

Non-Accelerated Filer þ

 

Emerging Growth Company ¨

 

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by checkmark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its managements assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. o

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

U.S. GAAP ¨

 

International Financial Reporting Standards as issued

 

Other ¨

 

 

By the International Accounting Standards Board þ

 

 

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

Item 17 ¨  Item 18 ¨

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ¨  No þ


† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.







 


CONVENTIONS

Unless otherwise specified, all references in this Annual Report to “U.S. Dollars,” “Dollars,” “US$,” or “$” are to United States dollars; all references to “HK$” are to Hong Kong dollars; and all references to “Renminbi,” “RMB” or “CNY” are to Chinese Yuan, which is the lawful currency of the People's Republic of China. The accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries are maintained in Hong Kong dollars or Renminbi. The financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries are prepared in Renminbi. Translations of amounts from Renminbi to U.S. Dollars, and from Hong Kong dollars to U.S. Dollars are for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise indicated, any translations from Renminbi to U.S. Dollars or from U.S. Dollars to Renminbi have been made at the single rate of exchange (the “CNY Exchange Rate”) as quoted by www.ofx.com on December 31, 2019, which was US$1.00 = CNY6.9632. Translations from Hong Kong dollars to U.S. Dollars have been made at the official pegged exchange rate of US$1.00 = HK$7.80 as of December 31, 2019, and from Hong Kong dollars to Renminbi have been made at the single rate of exchange as quoted by www.ofx.com on December 31, 2019, which was HK$1.00 = CNY0.8940. The Renminbi is not freely convertible into foreign currencies and no representation is made that the Renminbi or U.S. Dollar amounts referred to herein could have been or could be converted into U.S. Dollars or Renminbi, as the case may be, at the CNY Exchange Rate or at all.

References to “Antay Pacha” are to Planta Metalurgica Antay Pacha S.A., a company organized in Bolivia and, until December 29, 2017, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of CHNR.

References to “Bayannaoer Mining” are to Bayannaoer City Feishang Mining Company Limited, a company organized in the PRC and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yangpu Shuanghu.

References to the “BVI” are to the British Virgin Islands.

References to “China Coal” are to China Coal Mining Investment Limited, a company organized in Hong Kong and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CHNR.

References to the “Company,” “CHNR,” “we,” “us,” and “our company” are to China Natural Resources, Inc., a BVI company. Unless the context otherwise requires, references to the Company and/or CHNR include the operations of its subsidiaries.

References to “common shares” are to the common shares, without par value, of CHNR.

References to “Double Grow” are to Double Grow International Limited, a company organized in the BVI and, until December 29, 2017, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CHNR.

References to “Easy Gain” are to Easy Gain Investments Limited, a company organized in the BVI and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Double Grow.

References to “Feishang Anthracite” are to Feishang Anthracite Resources Limited (formerly known as Wealthy Year Limited), a company organized in the BVI whose ordinary shares were listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Hong Kong Stock Exchange”) on January 22, 2014; and, until January 22, 2014, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CHNR.

References to “Feishang Dayun” are to Feishang Dayun Coal Mining Limited, a company organized in Hong Kong and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pineboom.

References to “Feishang Enterprise” are to Feishang Enterprise Group Co., Ltd., a company organized in the PRC which is our affiliate and is controlled by Mr. Li Feilie, the principal beneficial owner of the Company and its former Chairman and CEO.

References to “Feishang Group” are to Feishang Group Limited, CHNR’s principal shareholder and a company organized in the BVI that is ultimately controlled by Mr. Li Feilie.

References to “Feishang Hesheng” are to Feishang Hesheng Investment Limited, a company organized in the BVI that is our affiliate and is ultimately controlled by Mr. Li Feilie.

References to “Feishang Management” are to Shenzhen Feishang Management and Consulting Co., Limited, a company organized in the PRC and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yunnan Mining.

References to “Feishang Mining” are to Feishang Mining Holdings Limited, a company organized in the BVI and, since February 3, 2006, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CHNR.



i



 


References to “Feishang Yongfu” are to Feishang Yongfu Mining Limited, a company organized in Hong Kong and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Newhold.

References to “FMH Services” are to FMH Corporate Services Inc., a company organized in Florida and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CHNR. FMH Services is currently inactive.

References to “Full Profit” are to Full Profit Investments Limited, a company organized in the BVI and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Double Grow.

References to the “Group” are to the Company and its direct and indirect subsidiaries.

References to “HK” or “Hong Kong” are to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

References to “IFRS” or “IFRSs” are to International Financial Reporting Standard/International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).

References to “Newhold” are to Newhold Investments Limited, a company organized in the BVI and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CHNR.

References to “Pineboom” are to Pineboom Investments Limited, a company organized in the BVI and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CHNR.

References to the “PRC” or “China” are to the People’s Republic of China and, solely for the purpose of this Annual Report, excluding Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan.

References to the “Related-Party Debtholders” are to the companies affiliated with Mr. Li Feilie, CHNR’s principal beneficial owner, including without limitation, Feishang Enterprise and Feishang Group.

References to “shareholders” of CHNR are to the members of the Company. “Members” under BVI law are the equivalent of “shareholders” under the laws of the several states of the United States.

References to “Silver Moon” are to Silver Moon Technologies Limited, a company organized in the BVI and an 80%-owned subsidiary of CHNR. Silver Moon is currently inactive.

References to “Sunwide” are to Sunwide Capital Limited, a company organized in the BVI and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CHNR. Sunwide is currently inactive.

References to “Wuhu Feishang” are to Wuhu Feishang Mining Development Co., Limited, a company organized in the PRC and, until March 3, 2017, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Feishang Mining.

References to “Yangpu Lianzhong” are to Yangpu Lianzhong Mining Co., Limited, a company organized in the PRC and a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Coal.

References to “Yangpu Shuanghu” are to Yangpu Shuanghu Industrial Development Co., Limited, a company organized in the PRC and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Feishang Yongfu.

References to “Yunnan Mining” are to Yunnan Feishang Mining Co., Limited, a company organized in the PRC and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yangpu Shuanghu.




ii



 


Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. For example, words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “possible,” “potential,” “continue,” “strategy,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements appear in a number of places in this Annual Report and include, without limitation, statements regarding the belief and current expectations of the Company, its directors or its officers with respect to the Company's policies regarding its business development, investments, dispositions, financings, conflicts of interest and other matters, and trends affecting the Company's financial condition or results of operations. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. Among the risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements are:

·

uncertainties regarding the governmental, economic and political circumstances in the PRC;

·

uncertainties associated with metal price volatility;

·

uncertainties concerning the viability of mining and estimates of reserves at the Companys Moruogu Tong Mine in Inner Mongolia;

·

uncertainties regarding our ability to extract reserves located at the Moruogu Tong Mine in an economically feasible manner;

·

uncertainties related to our ability to fund operations;

·

uncertainties regarding the impact of the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on: domestic PRC and global economic conditions; demand for the mineral reserves that we may locate or extract, or for the copper or that we trade; our workforce, whether due to illness or restrictions on movement; and on the price of our common shares;

·

uncertainties related to possible future increases in operating expenses, including costs of labor and materials; and

·

other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including without limitation the information set forth in Item 3.D. of this Annual Report under the heading “Risk Factors.”

With respect to forward-looking statements that include a statement of underlying assumptions or bases, the Company cautions that, while it believes such assumptions or bases to be reasonable and has formed them in good faith, assumed facts or bases almost always vary from actual results, and the differences between assumed facts or bases and actual results can be material depending on the circumstances. When, in any forward-looking statement, the Company, or its management, expresses an expectation or belief as to future results, that expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and is believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the stated expectation or belief will result or be achieved or accomplished.







iii





PART I


ITEM 1.

IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS


No disclosure is required in response to this Item.


ITEM 2.

OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE


No disclosure is required in response to this Item.


ITEM 3.

KEY INFORMATION


A.

Selected Financial Data


The selected financial information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 set forth below should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report.


The selected financial data is stated in CNY and is derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, prepared and presented in accordance with IFRS.


Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP, which has been engaged as our independent registered public accounting firm for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, has issued unqualified auditor's reports on our consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of profit or loss, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019.


The statements of profit or loss data for each of the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019 and the statements of financial position data as of December 31, 2018 and 2019 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included in Part III, “Item 18. Financial Statements” of this Annual Report. The statements of financial position data as of December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 and the statements of profit or loss data for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements that are not included in this Annual Report. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of our results in any future period.


Consolidated statements of profit or loss have been restated retrospectively for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016 due to the disposal of Wuhu Feishang and Double Grow on March 3, 2017 and December 29, 2017, respectively. Wuhu Feishang and Double Grow were the primary contributors to the Group’s exploration and mining of non-ferrous metals segment and copper smelting segment, respectively, which represented a separate major line of business with separately identifiable operations and cash flows. Accordingly, the results of Wuhu Feishang and Double Grow are classified and separately reported as “discontinued operations” in the consolidated statements of profit or loss for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017. The comparative amounts reported in the consolidated statements of profit or loss and related notes have been revised accordingly to reflect the reclassification between continuing operations and the discontinued operations. In addition, the gains recognized on the disposal of Wuhu Feishang and Double Grow are included in the results of the discontinued operations.





















1



 


 

 

 

Amounts in thousands, except share amounts and per share data

 

 

 

Year Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2015

 

2016

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019

 

 

 

CNY

 

CNY

 

CNY

 

CNY

 

CNY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

Continuing operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

12,969

 

Cost of sales

 

 

 

 

 

(12,752

)

Gross profit

 

 

 

 

 

217

 

                                                                   

  

                        

   

                        

   

                        

   

                        

   

                        

   

Loss before income tax from continuing operations

 

(3,769

)

(4,445

)

(6,179

)

(6,176

)

(5,645

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss for the year from continuing operations attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owners of the Company

 

(5,273

)

(4,445

)

(6,179

)

(6,176

)

(5,645

)

Non-controlling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5,273

)

(4,445

)

(6,179

)

(6,176

)

(5,645

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss for the year from discontinued operations attributable to:

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Owners of the Company

 

(36,176

)

(18,591

)

(23,817

)

 

 

Non-controlling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(36,176

)

(18,591

)

(23,817

)

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owners of the Company

 

(41,449

)

(23,036

)

(29,996

)

(6,176

)

(5,645

)

Non-controlling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(41,449

)

(23,036

)

(29,996

)

(6,176

)

(5,645

)

                                                                   

  

                        

   

                        

   

                        

   

                        

   

                        

   

Loss per share attributable to owners of the Company:

Basic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations

 

(0.21

)

(0.18

)

(0.25

)

(0.25

)

(0.23

)

Loss from discontinued operations

 

(1.45

)

(0.74

)

(0.95

)

 

 

  

 

(1.66

)

(0.92

)

(1.20

)

(0.25

)

(0.23

)

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations

 

(0.21

)

(0.18

)

(0.25

)

(0.25

)

(0.23

)

Loss from discontinued operations

 

(1.45

)

(0.74

)

(0.95

)

 

 

  

 

(1.66

)

(0.92

)

(1.20

)

(0.25

)

(0.23

)

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

24,910,916

 

24,910,916

 

24,910,916

 

24,910,916

 

24,910,916

 

Diluted

 

24,910,916

 

24,910,916

 

24,910,916

 

24,910,916

 

24,910,916

 






















2



 



 

 

Amounts in thousands

 

 

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2015

 

2016

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019

 

 

 

CNY

 

CNY

 

CNY

 

CNY

 

CNY

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

111,057

 

94,793

 

29,748

 

7,743

 

8,298

 

Current assets

 

57,580

 

36,242

 

29,411

 

7,468

 

7,468

 

Current liabilities

 

123,889

 

76,296

 

45,253

 

29,541

 

35,852

 

Total (deficiency in assets)/equity

 

(17,799

13,195

 

(15,505

)

(21,798

(27,554

)

(Deficiency in assets)/equity attributable to owners of the Company

 

(17,799

13,195

 

(15,505

)

(21,798

(27,554

)

Capital stock

 

312,081

 

312,081

 

312,081

 

312,081

 

312,081

 


B.

Capitalization and Indebtedness

No disclosure is required in response to this Item.

C.

Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

No disclosure is required in response to this Item.

D.

Risk Factors

Risks Relating to our Mine Exploration Activities in Inner Mongolia

An investment in our common shares involves a high degree of risk and should be considered speculative. You should carefully consider the following risks set out below and other information before investing in our common shares. If any event arising from these risks occurs, our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows could be adversely affected, the trading price of our common shares could decline and all or part of your investment may be lost.

Our operations are highly speculative due to the high-risk nature of our business, which includes the acquisition, financing, exploration, development of mineral properties and operation of mines, and the trading of copper ore. The risks and uncertainties set out below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial, may also impair our operations. If any of the risks actually occur, our business, financial condition and operating results could be adversely affected. As a result, the trading price of our common shares could decline, and investors could lose part or all of their investment.

The Wulatehouqi Moruogu Tong Mine (the “Moruogu Tong Mine”) is in the exploration stage and we may not generate revenues for the foreseeable future.

Our operating subsidiary, Bayannaoer Mining is in the exploration stage at the Moruogu Tong Mine located in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of the PRC, and, at this stage, we cannot predict whether ore can be mined on a profitable basis. During the exploration stage, the mine incurs operating expenses but does not generate revenues. We intend to fund mine exploration, construction and development through funds received pursuant to Bayannaoer Mining’s mutual cooperation agreement (the “Cooperation Agreement”) with Bayannaoer Jijincheng Mining Co., Ltd. (“Jijincheng Mining”), and loans from a related party. Jijincheng Mining is currently running the exploration program for the Moruogu Tong Mine, pursuant to the terms of the Cooperation Agreement. To date, the exploration program has indicated the presence of lead and silver, with the prospect that further surveying and exploration may indicate the presence of other ores such as copper. However, Jijincheng Mining may terminate the Cooperation Agreement if no resources are discovered in three consecutive drilling holes or in 50% of the drilling holes, in which case we may be unable to find a suitable replacement partner or source of funds. At this stage of exploratory activities, we cannot predict whether sufficient ore of acceptable quality will be found at the Moruogu Tong Mine to warrant further exploration and/or extraction.



3



 


The Moruogu Tong Mine is currently being explored under an agreement which effectively reduces our share in any future profits from mineral extraction at the mine.

On August 20, 2017, Bayannaoer Mining entered into the Cooperation Agreement with Jijincheng Mining, an unrelated third party. The Cooperation Agreement is intended to provide for financial support for the operating expenses of the Moruogu Tong Mine during the exploration stage, and the allocation of rights and responsibilities between Bayannaoer Mining and Jijincheng Mining. According to the Cooperation Agreement, Jijincheng Mining is responsible for engaging the exploration team and providing the required funding. Pursuant to the Cooperation Agreement: (i) Bayannaoer Mining contributed the existing exploration results for the Moruogu Tong Mine; (ii) Jijincheng Mining provides the necessary funds for further exploration at the mine; (iii) Bayannaoer Mining enjoys full rights to any resources already discovered and confirmed by its independent exploration works conducted prior to commencement of the cooperative exploration project; (iv) Bayannaoer Mining and Jijincheng Mining will each receive a 50% interest in any newly discovered resources from the first 10 drilling holes in the cooperative exploration project; and (v) Bayannaoer Mining and Jijincheng Mining will receive 30% and 70% interests, respectively, in any newly discovered resources from drilling works beyond the first 10 drilling holes in the cooperative exploration project. Other details of the Cooperation Agreement, including allocations and distributions upon completion of exploration works, remain to be negotiated between the parties. There is no assurance that the details of the arrangement that remain to be negotiated will be resolved in a manner satisfactory to the Company. Moreover, because the Cooperation Agreement provides us with either a half or minority interest in the resources discovered as part of the cooperative exploration project, we will not be able to enjoy the full economic benefits of the resources we discover in the Moruogu Tong Mine for the duration of the Cooperation Agreement.

Our estimates of the reserves contained in the Moruogu Tong Mine are based upon protocols not generally recognized in the United States and the various assumptions underlying our estimates may be inaccurate.

The Moruogu Tong Mine is the subject of a geological survey prepared in conformity with procedures and protocols recognized in the PRC. These procedures and protocols are different from those generally recognized in the United States. In addition, reserve estimation is an interpretive process based upon available data and various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, and the economic value of ore reserves may be adversely affected by price fluctuations in the metals markets, reduced recovery rates or a rise in production costs as a result of inflation or other technical problems arising in the course of extraction. If the assumptions upon which we conduct the reserve study prove to be inaccurate, we may reach incorrect conclusions as to the nature and extent of resources present at the Moruogu Tong Mine, and we may not be able to generate revenues in an amount that would lead to profitability or at all.

There are no assurances that we can produce minerals on a commercially viable basis.

The Company’s ability to generate revenue and profit from the Moruogu Tong Mine is expected to occur through exploration, evaluation, advancement and operation of its that property. The economic feasibility of a project depends on numerous factors, including the cost of mining and production facilities required to extract the desired minerals, the total mineral deposits that can be mined using a given facility, the proximity of the mineral deposits to refining facilities, and the market price of the minerals at the time of sale. There is no assurance that our current or future exploration programs or any acquisitions will result in the identification of deposits that can be mined profitably.

Our recently commenced copper ore trading business may not be profitable.

During 2019, Bayannaoer Mining identified opportunities to trade copper ore in the PRC. Copper ore trading involves (i) the purchase and sale of copper ore to fill a customer order and/or (ii) the purchase of copper ore for our own account, for resale.

We have only recently commenced buying and selling copper ore and there is no assurance that we will be able to do so on a profitable basis. In addition to the risks generally associated with the start-up of a new business opportunity, buying and selling copper ore will subject us to specific risks including but not limited to:

·

Limitations based on the availability of capital and attractive opportunities to purchase copper ore.

·

We are not a party to any supply agreements with copper ore suppliers and we may not be able to purchase copper ore at advantageous prices or at all.

·

Our opportunistic purchase of copper ore for our own account subjects us to the risk of declines in the market price of copper ore that we hold for resale.

·

We will compete for customers for copper ore with third parties, some of whom may have greater financial and human resources and more widespread reputations in the local community.



4



 


·

We currently only have one purchaser for our copper ore, and if we are unable to diversify our customer base and lose that customer, our ability to continue trading in copper ore will be in doubt.

Volatility in the market prices of metals may adversely affect the results of our operations.

The market prices of lead, silver and other metals have experienced significant volatility in recent years. Market prices depend upon many factors beyond our control, which include industry specific factors such as supply and demand and the level of customer inventories, as well as factors such as local and world-wide general economic conditions, and disruptions caused by unforeseen domestic or international crisis such as the global outbreak of COVID-19. The uncertainties surrounding the market prices of metals and the costs of extraction may adversely affect our ability to operate on a profitable basis.

Due to the global economic slowdown over recent years, the market prices of lead and copper have generally been declining. The price of silver has increased simply because of the investment demand for silver as a safe-haven asset. See “Item 4.B. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY – Business Overview – Lead, Silver and Copper Industry and Market” for information on the historical prices in 2019 and prior years. The recent global outbreak of COVID-19 has caused disruptions to business activities at all levels and a further slowdown in the PRC as well as global economy. Demand from downstream industries has generally been weakened and may further deteriorate, resulting in more extreme volatility and further declines in the market prices of lead, silver and copper. In the first five months of 2020, the Shanghai Futures Exchange (“SHFE”) lead price hit a high of CNY15,515 (US$2,228) per ton and a low of CNY12,620 (US$1,812) per ton, the SHFE silver price reached a high of CNY4,608 (US$662) per kilogram (“kg”) and a low of CNY2,857 (US$410) per kg, and the SHFE copper price hit a high of CNY49,610 (US$7,125) per ton and a low of CNY35,300 (US$5,070) per ton, each reflecting high volatility. There remains uncertainty on how soon economic activities in the PRC will rebound to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. Additionally, the global economy may continue to deteriorate in the future and adversely impact the PRC economy. Therefore, demand and price volatility in the commodity markets may continue for a prolonged period or further deteriorate, which may adversely affect our ability to sell minerals from the Moruogu Tong Mine or trade copper ore on a profitable basis.

The loss of key personnel could affect our business and prospects.

 The success of our copper ore trading operations depends upon the efforts and abilities of Mr. Yu Jun, the general manager of those operations, and upon his knowledge and contacts. Our copper ore trading operations, which are currently our only source of revenue, may be adversely affected if we lose Mr. Yu’s services and are not able to find an appropriate replacement with his particular skillset and experiences. In addition, we believe that our future success depends in part upon our ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel necessary for the development of our business. If one or more members of our management team or other key technical personnel become unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, and if additional key personnel cannot be hired and retained as needed, our business and prospects for growth could be adversely affected.

We will be subject to government regulations in various aspects of our exploration activities and our failure to comply with applicable government regulations could adversely affect us.

Bayannaoer Mining, our subsidiary that acquired exploration rights to the Moruogu Tong Mine, is and will continue to be subject to the regulations of various aspects of its operations by a variety of laws, rules and regulations administered by the national and local Chinese government, including laws, rules and regulations relating to: exploration activities; environmental protection; the use and preservation of dangerous substances; employment practices; as well as land use laws and a variety of local business laws and rules. Our failure to comply with applicable laws, rules, and regulations could adversely affect our operations and subject us to fines and other penalties including suspension or termination of our business permits.

We do not have binding agreements with customers to purchase any future output of metals.

While we believe there is a robust market for lead, silver and other metals not only in China but also in other countries (although our operations are currently limited to the PRC), we do not currently have any commitments from any customers to purchase our future output of metals. As a result, we may not be able to sell any metals that we are able to successfully extract at prices that are acceptable to us or at all.



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Risks Relating to Our Financial Condition

We have incurred losses from operations for each of the preceding three fiscal years and there is no assurance that we will generate profits in the future.

For the three years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, we incurred operating losses from continuing operations of CNY6.18 million, CNY6.18 million and CNY5.65 million (US$0.81 million), respectively. Our operating losses mainly represented administrative expenses such as legal and professional fees, as well as exploration expenses in the Moruogu Tong Mine. Our profitability is dependent upon many factors, including our ability to fund our exploration and operating expenses, produce metal outputs, and sell our production outputs to third parties. Other factors, such as uncertainty over the demand and market price for lead, silver and other metals, are outside of our control. There is no assurance that we will be successful in our efforts to achieve profitability.

We currently generate revenues from operations that are insufficient to cover our operating expenses; we will have to fund operating expenses until we are able to generate sufficient revenue to pay them.

We do not currently generate revenues from operations in amounts large enough to cover our operating expenses. We will continue to incur operating expenses in connection with our ore trading and exploratory activities, and we intend to fund those expenses with the proceeds of loans from our Related-Party Debtholders, if available, payments pursuant to the Cooperation Agreement and, to the extent deemed necessary, bank borrowings. There is no assurance that we will be able to secure amounts sufficient to fund our operating expenses until such time as we are able to generate revenues sufficient to pay those expenses.

Any failure to maintain effective internal controls could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and the market price of our shares.

The SEC, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (“SOX”), adopted rules requiring most public companies to include a management report on such company’s internal control over financial reporting in its annual report, which contains management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting. In addition, if we become an accelerated or large accelerated filer, as defined in the SEC’s rules, we will be required to provide an annual attestation from an independent registered public accounting firm must report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019 was effective. However, we cannot assure you that our management will not identify material weaknesses in the future or our independent public registered accounting firm will not identify material if it assesses our internal control over financial reporting in the future. In addition, because of the inherent limitations of any internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. As a result, if we fail to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting or should we be unable to prevent or detect material misstatements due to error or fraud on a timely basis, investors could lose confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which in turn could harm our business and results of operations, negatively impact the market price of our shares, and harm our reputation. Furthermore, we have incurred and expect to continue to incur considerable costs and to use significant management time and other resources in an effort to comply with Section 404 and other requirements of the SOX.

Risks Relating to PRC Operations

Our current business operations are conducted in the PRC; our executive officers, directors and principal shareholder, our auditors and our bank accounts are located in the PRC; and many of our subsidiaries are organized and funded in the PRC. As we are subject to the laws, rules, regulations and customs of the PRC, investors should consider the following risk factors.

Investors should consider the ongoing development of laws and regulations in the PRC relating to our business and investments therein prior to investing in our company, which may develop in a manner adverse to your interests.

Since 1979, the PRC government has been making efforts to promote reforms of its economic system. These reforms have brought about marked economic growth and social progress, and the economy of China has shifted from a planned economy to a market-oriented economy. Our PRC subsidiaries have also benefited from the economic reforms implemented by the PRC government and the related economic policies and measures. However, economic, legal and social policies in the PRC are not similar to those of Western governments and revisions or amendments may be made to these policies and measures from time to time, and we are not in a position to predict whether any change in the political, economic or social conditions may adversely affect our operating results, and how those changes may impact us.



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The PRC legal system is a statutory law system. Unlike the common law system, decided legal cases have little significance for guidance, and rulings by courts can only be used as references with little value as precedent. Since 1979, the PRC government has established a commercial law system, and significant progress has been made in promulgating laws and regulations relating to economic affairs, but the PRC government is still in the process of developing a comprehensive set of laws and regulations. Examples are the organization of companies and their regulation, foreign investment, commerce, taxation and trade. However, these laws and regulations are relatively new and judicial interpretations of them are limited in number. Moreover, as judicial interpretations are not binding, both the implementation and interpretation of these laws and regulations are uncertain in many areas. The activities of our subsidiaries in China are subject to PRC regulations governing PRC companies. The interpretation of PRC laws may also be subject to policy changes reflecting domestic political changes, and new laws, changes to existing laws and the pre-emption of local regulations by national laws may adversely affect foreign investors.

We face the risk that changes in the policies of the PRC government could have a significant impact upon the business we may be able to conduct in the PRC and the profitability of such business.

The PRC’s economy is in a transition from a planned economy to a market-oriented economy subject to five-year and annual plans adopted by the government that set national economic development goals. The policies of the PRC government can have significant effects on the economic conditions of the PRC. During this transition, we believe that the PRC will generally continue to strengthen its economic and trading relationships with foreign countries and business development in the PRC will follow market forces. While we believe that this trend will continue, we cannot assure you that this will be the case, and this process has recently experienced headwinds due to international tariff disputes. A change in policies by the PRC government could adversely affect our interests through, among other factors: changes in laws, regulations or the interpretation thereof, confiscatory taxation, restrictions on currency conversion, imports or sources of supplies, or the expropriation or nationalization of private enterprises. Although the PRC government has been pursuing economic reform policies for more than three decades, we cannot assure you that the government will continue to pursue such policies or that such policies may not be significantly altered, especially in the event of a change in leadership, social or political disruption, or other circumstances affecting the PRC's political, economic and social life.

PRC laws and regulations governing our current business operations are sometimes vague and uncertain. Any changes in such laws and regulations may have a material and adverse effect on our business.

There are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of PRC laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, the laws and regulations governing our business, or the enforcement and performance of our arrangements with customers in the event of the imposition of statutory liens, death, bankruptcy and criminal proceedings. We and any future subsidiaries are or will be considered foreign persons or foreign-invested enterprises under PRC laws, and as a result, we are and will be required to comply with PRC laws and regulations applicable to foreign persons or foreign-invested enterprises. These laws and regulations are sometimes vague and may be subject to future changes, and their official interpretation and enforcement may involve substantial uncertainty. Exploration and mining operations in the PRC are subject to environmental laws and regulations, and the imposition of more stringent environmental regulations may affect our ability to comply with, or our costs to comply with, such regulations. Such changes, if implemented, may adversely affect our business operations and may reduce our profitability. The effectiveness of newly enacted laws, regulations or amendments may be delayed, resulting in detrimental reliance by foreign investors. New laws and regulations that affect existing and proposed future businesses may also be applied retroactively. We cannot predict what effect the interpretation of existing or new PRC laws or regulations may have on our businesses.

PRC regulation of loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency conversion may delay or prevent us from making loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries, which could materially and adversely affect our ability to fund and expand our business.

We are an offshore holding company conducting our operations in China. We may make loans to our PRC subsidiaries, or we may make additional capital contributions to our wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries in China. Any loans to our wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries in China, which are treated as foreign-invested enterprises under PRC law, are subject to PRC regulations and foreign exchange loan registration requirements. In addition, a foreign-invested PRC enterprise has limitations upon its uses of capital, including restrictions on such capital being: (i) directly or indirectly used for payments beyond the business scope of the enterprise or payments prohibited by relevant laws and regulations; (ii) directly or indirectly used for investments in securities or investments other than banks’ principal-secured products unless otherwise provided by relevant laws and regulations; (iii) used for the granting of loans to non-affiliated enterprises, except where expressly permitted in the foreign-invested PRC enterprise’s business license; and (iv) used for paying expenses related to the purchase of real estate that is not for self-use (except for foreign-invested real estate enterprises). We may also decide to finance our PRC subsidiaries by means of capital contributions, in which case the PRC subsidiary is required to register the details of the capital contribution with the local branch of the State Administration for Market Regulation and submit a report on the capital contribution via the online enterprise registration system to the Ministry of Commerce.



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In light of the various requirements imposed by PRC regulations on loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies, we cannot assure you that we will be able to complete the necessary government registrations or obtain the necessary government approvals or filings on a timely basis, if at all, with respect to future loans by us to our current PRC operating subsidiary or with respect to future capital contributions by us to our current PRC operating subsidiary. If we fail to complete such registrations or obtain such approvals, our ability to fund our PRC operations may be negatively affected, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.

Inflation in the PRC, or a slowing PRC economy, could negatively affect our profitability and growth.

While the PRC economy has experienced rapid growth, such growth has been uneven among various sectors of the economy and in different geographical areas of the country. Rapid economic growth can lead to growth in the money supply and rising inflation. If prices for our products rise at a rate that is insufficient to compensate for the rise in the costs of supplies, it may have an adverse effect on our profitability. In order to control inflation in the past, the PRC government has imposed controls on bank credit, limits on loans for fixed assets and restrictions on bank lending. Such an austere policy can lead to a slowing of economic growth, and recent statistics have, indeed, suggested that China’s high annual economic growth has slowed down. In addition, the recent global outbreak of COVID-19 and the efforts to contain it have negatively impacted economic development in the PRC and around the world, causing concerns that the pandemic may lead to a potential global recession. Despite targeted fiscal and monetary stabilizing policies implemented by the PRC government, the PRC economy has experienced a significant slowdown since the outbreak of COVID-19. For further discussion of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, please refer to “– Risks Relating to our Mine Exploration Activities in Inner Mongolia – Volatility in the market prices of metals may adversely affect the results of our operations” and “– Risks Relating to the Outbreak of COVID-19.” As a result, domestic and global economic conditions may improve, and the markets we intend to serve may grow, at a lower-than-expected rate or even experience a downturn, adversely affecting our future profitability and growth.

Our PRC subsidiaries are subject to restrictions on paying dividends and making other payments to us.

We are a holding company incorporated in the BVI. As a result of our holding company structure, dividends and other distributions to our shareholders, if any, will depend primarily upon dividend payments from our subsidiaries. However, PRC regulations currently permit the payment of dividends only out of accumulated profits, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. Our subsidiaries in China are also required to set aside a portion of their after-tax profits as certain reserve funds according to PRC accounting standards and regulations. The PRC government also imposes controls on the conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies and the remittance of currencies out of China. We may experience difficulties in completing the administrative procedures necessary to obtain and remit foreign currency. Furthermore, if our subsidiaries in China incur debt in the future, the debt covenants may restrict their ability to pay dividends or make other payments. If we or our subsidiaries are unable to receive dividend from our operating company, Bayyannaoer Mining, due to contractual or other limitations on the payment of dividends, we may be unable to pay dividends or make other distributions on our common shares.

Governmental control of currency conversion may affect payment of any dividends or foreign currency denominated obligations, and the value of your investment.

The PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility of Renminbi into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of the PRC. Shortages in the availability of foreign currency may restrict our ability to remit sufficient foreign currency to pay dividends, or otherwise satisfy foreign currency denominated obligations. Under existing PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, including profit distributions, interest payments and expenditures can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval from the PRC State Administration of Foreign Exchange (“SAFE”) by complying with certain procedural requirements. However, approval from appropriate governmental authorities is required where Renminbi is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of the PRC to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of bank loans denominated in foreign currencies.

The PRC government may also at its discretion restrict access to foreign currencies for current account transactions in the future. If the foreign exchange control system prevents us from obtaining sufficient foreign currency to satisfy our currency demands, we may not be able to pay certain of our expenses as they come due.

See “Item 10.D. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION – Exchange Controls” for further details of exchange controls in the PRC.



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The fluctuation of the Renminbi may materially and adversely affect your investment.

The exchange rate of the Renminbi against the U.S. Dollar and other currencies may fluctuate and is affected by, among other things, changes in the PRC's political and economic conditions. As most of our operating expenses are denominated in Renminbi, any significant revaluation of the Renminbi may materially and adversely affect our cash flows and financial condition. Additionally, if we convert our Renminbi into U.S. Dollars, should we determine to pay dividends on our common shares or for other business purposes, depreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. Dollar would negatively affect the amount of U.S. Dollars we convert our Renminbi into. Conversely, to the extent that we need to convert U.S. Dollars we receive from an offering of our securities or otherwise into Renminbi for our operations, appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. Dollar could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and result in a charge to our income statement and a reduction in the value of these U.S. Dollar denominated assets. 

In 2019, the Renminbi depreciated against the U.S. Dollar by 1.23% over the course of the year. Since the beginning of 2020 to June 3, 2020, the exchange rate of the Renminbi against the U.S. Dollar depreciated by 2.19%.

Recent PRC SAFE regulations regarding offshore financing activities by PRC residents have undergone changes which may increase the administrative burden we face and create regulatory uncertainties that could adversely affect us, and a failure by our shareholders who are PRC residents to make any required applications and filings pursuant to such regulations may prevent us from being able to distribute profits and could expose us and our PRC resident shareholders to liability under PRC law.

In July 2014, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic Residents’ Offshore Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment Through Special Purpose Vehicles or SAFE Circular 37. SAFE Circular 37 requires PRC residents (including PRC individuals and PRC corporate entities as well as foreign individuals that are deemed PRC residents for foreign exchange administration purpose) to register with SAFE or its local branches in connection with their direct or indirect offshore investment activities. SAFE Circular 37 further requires an amendment to a SAFE registration in the event of any changes with respect to the basic information of the offshore special purpose vehicle, such as a changes in the PRC shareholders, the names of such shareholders, and the operation term of such special purpose vehicle, or any significant changes with respect to the offshore special purpose vehicle, such as an increase or decrease of capital, a share transfer or exchange, or mergers or divisions. SAFE Circular 37 is applicable to our shareholders who are PRC residents and may be applicable to any offshore acquisitions that we make in the future.

If our shareholders who are PRC residents fail to make the required SAFE registration or to update a previously filed registration, our PRC subsidiaries may be prohibited from distributing their profits or the proceeds from any capital reduction, share transfer or liquidation to us, and we may also be prohibited from making additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries. In February 2015, SAFE promulgated a Notice on Further Simplifying and Improving Foreign Exchange Administration Policy on Direct Investment, or SAFE Notice 13, effective June 2015. Under SAFE Notice 13, applications for foreign exchange registration of inbound foreign direct investments and outbound overseas direct investments, including those required under SAFE Circular 37, will be filed with qualified banks instead of SAFE. The qualified banks will directly examine the applications and accept registrations under the supervision of SAFE. To date, no registration has been filed with SAFE regarding us, and accordingly, SAFE may prohibit distributions from our PRC subsidiaries, which would prevent us from paying dividends and may adversely affect our financial condition and potentially expose us to liability under PRC law.

The auditor’s report included in this Annual Report is prepared by an auditor who is not inspected by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and, as such, our investors are deprived of the benefits of such inspection and are exposed to uncertainties.

Our auditor, the independent registered public accounting firm that issues the auditor’s report included elsewhere in this Annual Report, as an auditor of companies that are traded publicly in the U.S. and a firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), or the PCAOB, is subject to laws in the U.S. pursuant to which the PCAOB conducts regular inspections to assess its compliance with the applicable professional standards. However, our auditors are located in China, a jurisdiction where the PCAOB has been unable to conduct inspections without the approval of the Chinese authorities.

In May 2013, the PCAOB announced that it had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on Enforcement Cooperation with the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or CSRC, and the PRC Ministry of Finance, which established a cooperative framework for the production and exchange of audit documents relevant to investigations undertaken by the PCAOB in the U.S. or the CSRC or the PRC Ministry of Finance in the PRC. The PCAOB continues to be in discussions with the CSRC and the PRC Ministry of Finance to permit joint inspections in the PRC of audit firms that are registered with the PCAOB and audit Chinese companies that trade on U.S. exchanges.



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On December 7, 2018, the SEC and the PCAOB issued a joint statement highlighting continued challenges faced by U.S. regulators in their oversight of financial statement audits of U.S.-listed companies with significant operations in China. On November 4, 2019, the SEC announced that the SEC and the PCAOB had engaged in a dialogue with the “Big Four” accounting firms, which emphasized the need for effective and consistent global firm oversight of member firms, including those operating in China. On February 19, 2020, the SEC and the PCAOB further issued a joint statement on continued dialogue with the “Big Four” accounting firms on audit quality in China, highlighting that the PCAOB continues to be prevented from inspecting the audit work and practices of PCAOB-registered audit firms in China. On April 21, 2020, the SEC and the PCAOB issued a new joint statement, reminding the investors that in many emerging markets, including China, there is substantially greater risk that disclosures will be incomplete or misleading and, in the event of investor harm, there may be substantially less access to recourse, in comparison to U.S. domestic companies. The April 21, 2020 joint statement also stressed again the PCAOB’s inability to inspect audit work papers in China and the potential for resulting harm to investors. However, it remains unclear what further actions, if any, the SEC and the PCAOB will take to address the problem.

This lack of PCAOB inspections in China prevents the PCAOB from fully evaluating the audit and quality control procedures of our independent registered public accounting firm. As a result, we and the investors in our common shares are deprived of the benefits of such PCAOB inspections. The inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of auditors in China makes it more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of our independent registered public accounting firm’s audit procedures or quality control procedures as compared to auditors outside of China that are subject to the PCAOB inspections, which could cause investors and potential investors in our stock to lose confidence in our audit procedures and reported financial information and the quality of our financial statements.

As part of a continued regulatory focus in the U.S. on access to audit-related and other information currently protected by foreign law, in particular access to information in China, in June 2019, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced bills in both houses of the U.S. Congress, which if passed, would require the SEC to maintain a list of issuers for which the PCAOB is not able to inspect or investigate an auditor’s report issued by an independent registered public accounting firm. The proposed Ensuring Quality Information and Transparency for Abroad-Based Listings on our Exchanges (EQUITABLE) Act prescribes increased disclosure requirements for these issuers and, beginning in 2025, the delisting from U.S. national securities exchanges such as the Nasdaq Capital Market of issuers included on the SEC’s list for three consecutive years. Additionally, on May 20, 2020, the U.S. Senate approved the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, or the HFCA Act, which includes requirements similar to those in the EQUITABLE Act for the SEC to identify issuers whose audit reports are prepared by auditors that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate because of restrictions imposed by non-U.S. authorities. The HFCA Act would also require public companies on this SEC list to certify that they are not owned or controlled by a foreign government and make certain additional disclosures in their SEC filings. In addition, for issuers on the SEC list for three consecutive years, the SEC would be required to prohibit the securities of these companies from being traded on a U.S. national securities exchange, such as the Nasdaq Capital Market, or in U.S. over-the-counter markets. Both pieces of proposed legislation would require issuers on the SEC list to make certain disclosures regarding foreign ownership and the control of the issuer. In the U.S. House, the HFCA Act was introduced in 2018. Furthermore, Nasdaq has proposed changes to its rules to allow it to consider whether the auditor of a company has been inspected by the PCAOB in considering whether to allow the new or continued listing of that company. The proposed Nasdaq rule changes are subject to approval by the SEC. Enactment of either the EQUITABLE Act or HFCA Act, implementation of the proposed Nasdaq rule changes, or other efforts to increase U.S. regulatory access to audit information could cause uncertainty for affected issuers, including us; the market price of our common shares could be adversely affected, and the trading of our common shares Nasdaq Capital Market or other U.S. exchanges may be prohibited if our auditors fail to be inspected by the PCAOB for three consecutive years. It is unclear if the proposed acts of Congress or Nasdaq rule changes will be enacted. Furthermore, there have been recent media reports on deliberations within the U.S. government regarding potentially limiting or restricting China-based companies from accessing U.S. capital markets. If any such deliberations were to lead to legislation, the resulting legislation may have adverse impact on the stock performance of China-based issuers listed in the U.S.

 Proceedings instituted by the SEC against Chinese affiliates of the “Big Four” accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm, could result in our financial statements being determined to not be in compliance with the requirements of the SEC.

In December 2012, the SEC instituted administrative proceedings against PRC-based affiliates of the “Big Four” accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm, alleging that these firms had violated the U.S. securities laws and the SEC’s rules and regulations thereunder by failing to provide to the SEC the firms’ audit work papers with respect to certain PRC-based companies that are publicly traded in the U.S.

On January 22, 2014, the administrative law judge presiding over the matter rendered an initial decision that each of the firms had violated the SEC’s rules of practice by failing to produce audit papers and other documents to the SEC. The initial decision censured each of the firms and barred them from practicing before the SEC for a period of six months.



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On February 6, 2015, four China-based accounting firms each agreed to a censure and to pay a fine to the SEC to settle the dispute and avoid suspension of their ability to practice before the SEC and audit U.S.-listed companies. The settlement required the firms to follow detailed procedures and to seek to provide the SEC with access to Chinese firms’ audit documents via the CSRC. Under the terms of the settlement, the underlying proceeding against the four China-based accounting firms was deemed dismissed with prejudice four years after entry of the settlement. The four-year mark occurred on February 6, 2019. In the event that the SEC restarts the administrative proceedings, depending upon the final outcome, listed companies in the U.S. with major PRC operations may find it difficult or impossible to retain auditors with respect of their operations in the PRC, which could result in financial statements being determined to not be in compliance with the requirements of the SEC, the consequences of which include possible delisting. Moreover, any negative news about proceedings against these audit firms may cause investor uncertainty regarding PRC-based, U.S.-listed companies and the market price of our common shares may be adversely affected.

If our independent registered public accounting firm was denied, even temporarily, the ability to practice before the SEC and we were unable to timely find another registered public accounting firm to audit and issue an opinion on our financial statements, our financial statements could be determined not to be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act. Such a determination could ultimately lead to the delisting of our ordinary shares from the Nasdaq Capital Market or deregistration under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or both, which would substantially reduce or effectively terminate the trading of our common shares in the U.S.

Risks Relating to Foreign Private Issuer Status

Because our assets are located outside of the United States and all of our directors and all our officers reside outside of the United States, it may be difficult for you to enforce your rights based on the U.S. federal securities laws against us and our officers and directors or to enforce a judgment of a United States court against us or our officers and directors in the PRC.

We are a BVI company, our officers and directors are non-residents of the United States, our assets are located in the PRC, and our operations are conducted in the PRC. We do not maintain a business presence in the United States. Therefore, it may not be possible to effect service of process on such persons in the United States, and it may be difficult to enforce any judgments rendered against us or them. Moreover, there is doubt whether courts in the BVI or the PRC would enforce (a) judgments of United States courts against us, our directors or officers based on the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the Unites States or any state, or (b) in original actions brought in the BVI or the PRC, liabilities against us or any non-residents based upon the securities laws of the United States or any state.

Our status as a “foreign private issuer” results in less information being available about us than about domestic reporting companies.

We are a foreign private issuer and are not required to file as much information about us as domestic issuers are required to file. In this regard:

·

we are not required to file quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and our annual reports on Form 20-F are subject to disclosure requirement that differ from annual reports on Form 10-K;

·

we are exempt from the provisions of Regulation FD aimed at preventing issuers from making selective disclosures;

·

the SEC proxy statement and information statement rules do not apply to us; and

·

our officers, directors and principal shareholder are not required to file reports under Section 16 of the Exchange Act detailing their beneficial ownership of our shares; and they are not subject to the shortswing profit provisions under Section 16.

Since there is generally greater and more timely information available about domestic issuers than about foreign private issuers such as us, you will not be afforded the same protections or information as would be available to you if you were investing in a U.S. domestic issuer.



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Our status as a “foreign private issuer” allows us to adopt IFRS accounting principles, which are different than accounting principles under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We have adopted and presented our financial statements in accordance with IFRS accounting principles. IFRS is an internationally recognized body of accounting principles that are used by many companies outside of the United States to prepare their financial statements, and the SEC permits foreign private issuers such as the Company to prepare and file their financial statements in accordance with IFRS rather than U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). IFRS accounting principles are different from those of U.S. GAAP, and SEC rules do not require us to provide a reconciliation of IFRS accounting principles to those of U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, we suggest that readers of our financial statements familiarize themselves with the provisions of IFRS accounting principles in order to better understand the differences between these two sets of principles.

As a “foreign private issuer” we are not subject to certain requirements that other Nasdaq listed issuers are required to comply with, some of which are designed to provide information to and protect investors.

Our common shares are currently listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market and, for so long as our securities continue to be listed, we will remain subject to the rules and regulations established by Nasdaq applicable to listed companies. However, we have elected to claim certain exemptions afforded to foreign private issuers by relevant Nasdaq rules, and as a result:

·

a majority of the members on our board of directors (the “Board of Directors” or the “Board”) are not independent as defined by Nasdaq rules;

·

our independent directors do not hold regularly scheduled meetings in executive session;

·

while executive compensation is recommended by our Compensation Committee which is comprised of independent directors, the compensation of our executive officers is ultimately determined by the Board of Directors rather than an independent committee of the Board or by the independent members of the Board of Directors;

·

related party transactions are not required to be reviewed or approved by our Audit Committee or other independent body of the Board of Directors;

·

we are not required to solicit shareholder approval of stock plans, including those in which our officers or directors may participate; stock issuances that will result in a change in control; the issuance of our stock in related party transactions or other transactions in which we may issue 20% or more of our outstanding common shares; or, below market issuances of 20% or more of our outstanding shares to any person; and

·

we are not required to hold an in-person annual meeting to elect directors and transact other business customarily conducted at an annual meeting.

Due to an exemption from Nasdaq rules applicable to “foreign private issuers,” our related party transactions may not receive the type of independent review process that other Nasdaq-listed companies receive; the terms of these transactions are not negotiated at arms-length and may not be as favorable as could be obtained from unrelated parties.

We have historically engaged in a substantial number of transactions with related parties in the ordinary course of business, predominantly with our principal beneficial owner and former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and/or companies that he owns or controls. These transactions are described in greater detail elsewhere in this Annual Report. In general, Nasdaq rules require that related party transactions be reviewed by an Audit Committee or other committee comprised of independent directors. However, under Nasdaq rules applicable to foreign private issuers such as our company, we are exempt from certain Nasdaq requirements, including requirements applicable to independent director review of related party transactions. This exemption is available to us because the laws of the BVI, our home jurisdiction, do not mandate independent review of related party transactions.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, non-recurring related party transactions (i.e., related party transactions that are not in the ordinary course of business) are submitted for approval by our Board of Directors, following disclosure of the related party’s interest in the transaction, and, in all cases, Board approval has historically included the unanimous approval of our independent directors. In addition, our annual audited financial statements, including the related party transactions reported therein, are approved by our Audit Committee, which is comprised solely of independent directors. However, except to the limited extent described above, these transactions are not individually reviewed or approved solely by independent directors. While management believes that our related party transactions have been on terms at least as favorable to the Company as could be obtained from unrelated parties, there is no assurance that such is the case or will be so in the future, or that shareholders would not be better protected if we were not exempt from, or we chose to voluntarily comply with, the applicable Nasdaq rules.



12



 


Risks Relating to our Common Shares

There are a limited number of our common shares in the public float and trading in our shares is not active; therefore, our common shares tend to experience price volatility.

There are currently approximately 9,448,397 of our common shares in the public float and, in general, there has not been an active trading market for our shares. Our shares tend to trade along with other shares of public companies whose operations are based in the PRC, and, at times, in tandem with other natural resource companies. These shares tend to exhibit periods of extreme volatility and price fluctuations, even when there are no events peculiar to the Company that appear to warrant price changes. We cannot assure you that price volatility will not continue in the future or, as a result thereof, that market prices will reflect actual values of our company.

As a consequence of this lack of liquidity, the trading of relatively small quantities of shares by our shareholders may disproportionately influence the price of those shares in either direction. The share price could, for example, decline precipitously in the event that a large number of shares are sold on the market without commensurate demand. As a consequence of this enhanced risk, more risk-adverse investors may, due to the fear of losing all or most of their investment in the event of negative new or lack of progress, be more inclined to sell their shares on the market more quickly and at greater discounts than would be in the case with the stock of a seasoned issuer, negatively impacting the trading price of our common shares.

Our principal beneficial owner and his affiliates control us through their stock ownership; and their interests may differ from other shareholders.

Mr. Li Feilie, beneficial owner of a majority of our outstanding common shares, beneficially owns approximately 59% of our outstanding common shares, and as a result, Mr. Li is and will continue to be able to influence the outcome of shareholder votes on various matters, including the election of directors and extraordinary corporate transactions such as business combinations. Through his related companies, Mr. Li also provides funding to support the Company’s operating expenses and holds a substantial amount of the Company’s debt (see “Item 7.B. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS – Related Party Transactions,” below). Mr. Li’s interests may differ from those of other shareholders. Additional information relating to the beneficial ownership of our securities is contained elsewhere in this Annual Report under “Item 6.E. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES – Share Ownership.”

The rights of our shareholders are governed by BVI law, the provisions of which may not be as favorable to shareholders as under U.S. law, and our directors may take actions with which you disagree without first receiving shareholder approval.

Our directors have the power to take certain actions without shareholder approval, including the amendment of our Amended and Restated Memorandum of Association (“Memorandum”) and our Articles of Association (“Articles”) (unless such amendment varies the rights attached to shares) or an increase or reduction in our authorized capital, which would require shareholder approval under the laws of most jurisdictions in the United States. In addition, the directors of a BVI company, subject in certain cases to court approval but without shareholder approval, may, among other things, implement a reorganization, certain mergers or consolidations with a subsidiary, the sale, transfer, exchange or disposition of any assets, property, part of the business, or securities of the company, or any combination (provided the assets do not represent more than 50% of the total assets of the company and the sale is not outside of the usual or ordinary course of the company’s business), if they determine it is in the best interests of the company. Our ability to amend our Memorandum and Articles without shareholder approval could allow our directors to implement provisions to those documents that have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in our control without any further action by the shareholders, including a tender offer to purchase our common shares at a premium over then current market prices, as could the ability of our directors to issue blank check preferred stock.

The elimination of monetary liability against our directors, officers and employees under our Articles and the indemnification of our directors, officers and employees may result in substantial expenditures by us and may discourage lawsuits against our directors, officers and employees.

Our Articles contain provisions which eliminate the liability of our directors for monetary damages to us and to our stockholders to the maximum extent permitted under the corporate laws of the BVI. We may provide contractual indemnification obligations under agreements with our directors, officers and employees. These indemnification obligations could result in our incurring substantial expenditures to cover the cost of settlements or damage awards against directors, officers and employees, which we may be unable to recoup. These provisions and resultant costs may also discourage us from bringing a lawsuit against directors, officers and employees for breach of their fiduciary duties, and may similarly discourage the filing of derivative litigation by our shareholders against our directors, officers and employees even though such actions, if successful, might otherwise benefit us Company and our shareholders.



13



 


We may be classified as a passive foreign investment company, which could result in adverse United States federal income tax consequences to U.S. shareholders.

We have not made a determination whether we will or will not be a “passive foreign investment company,” or PFIC, for United States federal income tax purposes in the current tax year or in subsequent tax years.  Whether we are a PFIC is determined on a year by year basis, and we cannot assure you that we are not and we will not be a PFIC for our future tax years. A non-U.S. corporation is generally a PFIC if either (i) at least 75% of its gross income is passive income for a tax year or (ii) at least 50% of the value of its assets (based on an average of the quarterly values of the assets during a tax year) are attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income. The market value of our assets may be determined to a large extent by the market price of our common shares. If we are treated as a PFIC for any tax year during which U.S. shareholders hold common shares, certain adverse United States federal income tax consequences could apply to such U.S. holders. For further discussion of the implications of PFIC status, please refer to “Item 10.E. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION – Taxation – United States Federal Income Taxation.”

Risks Relating to the Outbreak of COVID-19

COVID-19 has disrupted our operations, and may further disrupt our operations or adversely affect our operations and financial position in the future, and may exacerbate the various other Risk Factors that we face.

The COVID-19 pandemic is currently impacting countries, communities, supply chains and markets globally. Governments and other authorities in the PRC and around the world have taken a slew of unprecedented measures intended to control the spread of COVID-19, including quarantines, restrictions on travel and public gatherings, and the temporary closure of certain businesses and facilities. The pandemic and the efforts to contain it have caused significant economic and financial disruptions around the world, including the disruption of industrial operations and global logistical and supply chains, and extreme volatility in the global financial markets.


The COVID-19 outbreak and governmental control measures imposed to contain its spread have impacted our business by restricting the movement of our employees since the beginning of the pandemic in the PRC through mid-March, when we were able to partially re-open. Moreover, some of the Company’s personnel were unable to return to work until the beginning of April because they were quarantined in Hubei Province, the critical epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak. Prior to returning to work at the Company’s office in Shenzhen, these critical employees were required to undergo an additional 14 days of quarantine according to local control measures. Accordingly, our operations have been severely disrupted by COVID-19 and efforts to contain it.


More broadly, the outbreak of COVID-19 in the PRC has resulted in travel restrictions, tightened border controls, and the shutdown of businesses, which may cause a slower recovery of the PRC economy from the impacts of large-scale quarantines.  We may experience further impacts from current or future government-enforced quarantines and market downturns related to pandemic fears, as well as on our workforce if the virus continues to spread and affects their health or freedom of movements.  COVID-19 has also affected our suppliers’ workforces, and as a result we are experiencing a slow resumption of operations and may experience delays or the inability to deliver goods on a timely basis.  In addition, one or more of our customers, partners, service providers or suppliers may experience financial distress, delays or defaults on payment, file for bankruptcy protection, or suffer disruptions in their business due to the outbreak, which adversely impact our arrangements with them. The market demand for the copper ore that we trade and the metals that we may mine have similarly been negatively impacted by COVID-19 as a result of the sharp decrease in manufacturing and other activity due to the widespread closure of businesses in the PRC and worldwide, with a commensurate impact on commodity prices. We cannot predict when demand may reach levels observed prior to COVID-19, if ever. Similarly, the impact of COVID-19 has led to extreme volatility in the capital markets, which has affected and may continue to affect the price of our common shares, and may impact our ability to access the capital or credit markets.


The extent to which the evolving COVID-19 pandemic ultimately impacts our results of operations is highly uncertain and will depend upon the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and the actions taken by governments at various levels and private businesses in an attempt to contain the spread of the virus.  Wider-spread COVID-19 in the PRC and globally could prolong the deterioration in economic conditions and could cause further decreases in demand and reduce and/or negatively impact our ability to grow our revenues.  Any decreased collectability of accounts receivable, bankruptcy of our customers or suppliers, or early termination of agreements that we have in place or may enter into due to deterioration in economic conditions could negatively impact our results of operations.  In most respects it is too early in the pandemic to be able to quantify all the ramifications, but COVID-19 will likely serve as an exacerbating factor for many of the other Risk Factors discussed above.




14



 


It is not possible to foresee all risks that may affect us. Moreover, we cannot predict whether we will successfully effectuate our current business plan. Each prospective purchaser of our common shares is encouraged to carefully analyze the risks and merits of an investment in the common shares and should take into consideration when making such analysis, among others, the Risk Factors discussed above.


ITEM 4.

INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

A.

History and Development of the Company

China Natural Resources, Inc. was incorporated in the BVI on December 14, 1993, and is a company limited by shares organized under the BVI Business Companies Act.

Exploration Activities in Inner Mongolia

The Board of Directors has determined to focus the Company’s resources on metals exploration and mining activities and other business opportunities in the PRC. We are currently exploring for lead, silver and other metals in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of the PRC.

In November 2017, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Bayannaoer Mining for a purchase price of CNY716,900. Bayannaoer Mining holds an exploration permit issued by the Land and Resources Department of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region covering the Moruogu Tong Mine, located in Wulatehouqi, Bayannaoer City, Inner Mongolia. The exploration permit evidences Bayannaoer Mining’s right to explore for minerals at the Moruogu Tong Mine. Initial results of the exploration program indicate the presence of lead and silver, with the prospect that further surveying and exploration may indicate the presence of other ores such as copper. We anticipate that our working capital and capital expenditures for our exploration activities will be funded by non-interest-bearing loans from our affiliates and funds provided pursuant to the Cooperation Agreement. See “– Metal Exploration Activities” below for more information and a discussion of developments at the Moruogu Tong Mine in 2019.

Copper Ore Trading

During 2019, Bayannaoer Mining identified opportunities to trade copper ore in the PRC.   Copper ore trading involves:

·

The purchase and sale of copper ore to fill a customer order. In this case, upon receipt of a customers request, Bayannaoer Mining personnel will search for the most competitive supplier and place a purchase order against the request of our customer. The risks we face include the failure to perform on the part of our customer and/or the inability to find saleable copper ore at a price that allows for a profit upon fulfilling the purchase order.

·

The purchase of copper ore for our own account, for resale. In this case, the opportunity may arise for us to purchase copper ore at prices we deem attractive; and we may purchase the copper ore for our own account, for resale. We assume the risk of changes in the market price of the copper ore while we hold it in inventory.

We may purchase copper ore from one of several local suppliers who deliver the ore to a warehouse facility located in Bayannaoer City, Inner Mongolia, which we rent on an as-needed basis. The scale of our trading business will be limited by the working capital requirement, business opportunity, human resource, customer and supplier connections, etc. We are currently targeting only local customers, i.e., Bayannaoer City and surrounding areas. Buying and selling copper ore is permitted by the business license held by Bayannaoer Mining and there are no additional regulations limiting its copper ore trading activities.

Buying and selling copper ore is being conducted by Bayannaoer Mining under the supervision of Mr. Yu Jun, its general manager. We anticipate that Mr. Yu’s local knowledge and business contacts will be a valuable component of the growth and success of Bayannaoer Mining’s copper ore trading. Mr. Yu became the general manager of Bayannaoer Mining in January 2015, and has served as its finance manager and chief financial officer since 2005.

We have only recently commenced buying and selling copper ore and there is no assurance that we will be able to do so on a profitable basis. In addition to the risks generally associated with the start-up of a new business opportunity, buying and selling copper ore will subject us to specific risks including but not limited to:

·

Limitations based on the availability of capital and attractive opportunities to purchase copper ore.

·

We are not a party to any supply agreements with copper ore suppliers and we may not be able to purchase copper ore at advantageous prices or at all.



15



 


·

Our opportunistic purchase of copper ore for our own account subjects us to the risk of declines in the market price of copper ore that we hold for resale.

·

We will compete for customers for copper ore with third parties, some of whom may have greater financial and human resources and more widespread reputations in the local community.

·

We currently only have one purchaser for our copper ore, and if we are unable to diversify our customer base and lose that customer, our ability to continue trading in copper ore will be in doubt.

·

Other risks identified in the section entitled Risk Factors, above, and from time to time in our filings with the SEC.

Other Matters

Since 2017, we have invested CNY4.22 million (US$0.61 million) in capital expenditures. During 2019, we invested CNY5,000 (US$718) in capital expenditures. No principal capital expenditures or divestitures are currently in progress.  

The Company’s executive offices are located at Room 2205, 22/F, West Tower, Shun Tak Centre, 168-200 Connaught Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, telephone +852 28107205. The Company does not currently maintain an agent in the United States.

The SEC maintains an internet website that contains reports, information statements and other documents that we furnish to or file with the SEC. Those documents may be viewed, downloaded and/or printed. The address of the SEC website is http://www.sec.gov.

We maintain a company website at http://www.chnr.net. The information on our website is not a part of this report.

B.

Business Overview

CHNR is principally engaged in exploration for lead, silver and other metals in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of the PRC, and in 2019 began the trading of copper ore in that region. As we have discontinued our other operations, and as our exploratory activities have yet to develop into revenue-generating mining operations, our sole revenues from continuing operations over the past three years has been the CNY12.97 million (US$1.87 million) of revenues we enjoyed in 2019 as a result of our copper ore trading activities.

On November 30, 2017, CHNR’s subsidiary Yangpu Shuanghu entered into separate agreements with Feishang Enterprise and Shenzhen Chaopeng Investment Co., Ltd. (“Shenzhen Chaopeng”), each of which is a related party and an affiliate of CHNR. Pursuant to the agreement with Feishang Enterprise (the “Feishang Enterprise Agreement”), the Company consummated its acquisition of approximately 98.32% of the issued and outstanding capital shares of Bayannaoer Mining. Pursuant to the agreement with Shenzhen Chaopeng (together with the Feishang Enterprise Agreement, the “Acquisition Agreements”), the Company consummated its acquisition of approximately 1.68% of the issued and outstanding capital shares of Bayannaoer Mining. The Acquisition Agreements are identical to each other except as to the name of seller, the amount of consideration and similar information.

The purchase price for all of the issued and outstanding capital shares of Bayannaoer Mining (the “BM Acquired Shares”) was CNY716,900, which we believe is approximately equal to the net asset value of Bayannaoer Mining as of September 30, 2017. The purchase price was paid by delivery to Feishang Enterprise and Shenzhen Chaopeng of several promissory notes of Yangpu Shuanghu in the aggregate principal amount of CNY716,900, without interest. The promissory notes were paid in December 2017.

The Acquisition Agreements contain customary representations, warranties and covenants covering such matters as ownership of the BM Acquired Shares by the sellers free and clear of all liens, charges and encumbrances and due authorization, execution and enforceability of the Acquisition Agreements, as well as covering the historical operations of Bayannaoer Mining, including without limitation, its organization, capitalization, financial condition, tax payments and compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. The Acquisition Agreements also contain indemnification provisions in favor of the Company in the event of breaches of the sellers’ representations, warranties and covenants.

Bayannaoer Mining holds an exploration permit issued by the Land and Resources Department of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region covering the Moruogu Tong Mine, located in Wulatehouqi, Bayannaoer City, Inner Mongolia. Based upon preliminary geologic surveys, it is believed that the Moruogu Tong Mine contains lead and silver, with the prospect that further surveying and exploration may indicate the presence of other ores such as copper.



16



 


Feishang Enterprise and Shenzhen Chaopeng are each beneficially owned by Mr. Li Feilie, the principal beneficial owner of the Company, and members of his family. Mr. Li is also the former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Company and currently serves as an executive officer and director of certain subsidiaries of the Company (see “Item 7.B. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS – Related Party Transactions,” below). Wong Wah On Edward, the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Company, and Bonaventure Yue, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and a Director, are each also executive officers of Feishang Enterprise and/or certain of its affiliates.

Lead, Silver and Copper Industry and Market

Lead (chemical element symbol Pb) is a supple and ductile heavy metal that is denser than most common materials. In its pure state, lead is bluish-white; lead tarnishes to a dull gray color when exposed to air. It is extensively used in construction, plumbing, batteries, bullets and shot, weights, solders, pewters, fusible alloys, white paints, leaded gasoline, and radiation shielding. Lead's properties of high density, low melting point, ductility and relative inertness to oxidation allow it to be used in a wide range of applications, of which use in lead-acid batteries is by far the most prevalent. The reactions in the battery between lead, lead dioxide, and sulfuric acid provide a reliable source of voltage. Despite having lower energy density and charge-discharge efficiency than lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries have stable electromotive force when discharging and steady working voltage, while being significantly cheaper. These properties and their ability to supply high surge currents and operate under a wide range of temperatures make them useful in the automobile industry.

Lead is an internationally traded commodity, the price of which is effectively established on commodity markets throughout the world. During 2019, world refined lead supply and demand were both weak. World lead production output increased only slightly in 2019. Meanwhile, due to the slowdown in global economic growth in 2019, demand for lead from major downstream industries, especially the lead-acid batteries industry, was not strong. Excess supply of lead ore occurred in the global market, and the import of lead ore in China surged in 2019. During the year, the price of lead continued to follow a declining trend, although a temporary rebound occurred in mid-2019. The price of lead on the SHFE hit its annual high for 2019 of CNY18,140 (US$2,605) per ton in January 2019 before it started to decline. The closing price at the end of 2019 was CNY15,050 (US$2,161) per ton, representing a decline of approximately 16% compared with the opening price at the beginning of the year.

The following table shows the world refined production and world refined usage of lead over the past five years:

 

 

2015

 

2016

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

World refined production (in thousands of tons)

 

 

10,310

 

 

10,832

 

 

11,580

 

 

11,765

 

 

11,772

 

World refined usage (in thousands of tons)

 

 

10,244

 

 

10,828

 

 

11,777

 

 

11,902

 

 

11,808

 

China’s refined production (in thousands of tons)

 

 

4,068

 

 

4,483

 

 

4,920

 

 

4,847

 

 

4,976

 

China’s refined usage (in thousands of tons)

 

 

4,076

 

 

4,447

 

 

4,995

 

 

5,006

 

 

4,916

 

London Mercantile Exchange (“LME”) average price (US$/ton)

 

 

1,783

 

 

2,015

 

 

2,531

 

 

2,021

 

 

1,927

 

SHFE average price (CNY/ton)

 

 

13,145

 

 

17,555

 

 

19,160

 

 

18,005

 

 

15,115

 

———————

Source: International Lead and Zinc Study Group, LME, SHFE, Wind Economic Database.


Silver (chemical element symbol Ag) is a soft, ductile, and malleable metal with the highest electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and reflectivity of any metal. It has a brilliant white metallic luster that can take a high polish and has similar physical and chemical properties with copper and gold. Most silver is produced as a byproduct during refining of copper, gold, lead, or zinc. Despite being more abundant than gold, silver has long been valued as a precious metal and used in currency and as an investment medium (bullion coins) alongside gold. It is also used as an industrial metal in jewelry, silverware, medicine, electronics, brazing alloys, chemical equipment, catalysis, and photography, etc.

Silver is an internationally traded commodity, the price of which is effectively established on commodity markets throughout the world. Silver was in excess supply in 2018 due to sluggish industrial demand and a slowing global economy, causing the price of silver to decline that year. During 2019, however, due to increased risks and uncertainties associated with intensified trade conflicts, investment demand for silver as a safe-haven asset dominated, causing the price of silver to increase. SHFE silver price remained relatively stable for the first half of 2019 before it started to increase and reached an annual high of CNY4,843 (US$696) per kg in September 2019. The closing price at the end of 2019 was CNY4,446 (US$638) per kg, representing an increase of approximately 21% compared with the opening price at the beginning of the year.



17



 


The following table shows the world refined production and world refined usage of silver over the past five years:

 

 

2015

 

2016

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

World production from mines (in tons)

 

 

27,406

 

 

26,147

 

 

24,873

 

 

24,252

 

 

25,492

 

World total production (in tons)

 

 

32,338

 

 

31,324

 

 

31,103

 

 

31,041

 

 

*

 

World total demand (in tons)

 

 

35,815

 

 

31,968

 

 

30,360

 

 

30,170

 

 

*

 

COMEX average price (US$/oz)

 

 

13.8

 

 

16.0

 

 

17.1

 

 

15.5

 

 

17.9

 

SHFE average price (CNY/kg)

 

 

3,294

 

 

4,102

 

 

3,885

 

 

3,674

 

 

4,432

 

———————

*: Certain data for 2019 was not available as of the date of the filing of this Annual Report.

Source: COMEX, SHFE, Wind Economic Database.


Copper (chemical element symbol Cu) is a ductile metal with excellent electric conductivity and is rather supple in its pure state and has a pinkish luster. Copper was one of the first metals used by man. It is now primarily used as a heat conductor, an electrical conductor, a building material, and a constituent of various metal alloys. Copper alloys have excellent mechanical properties and low resistivity, among which bronze and brass are the most important. Copper is also a durable metal that can be recycled many times without losing its mechanical properties. Copper’s properties of high electrical and thermal conductivity, together with good workability, allow it to be used in a wide range of applications, of which wire and cable and other electrical uses are by far the most prevalent. The primary uses of copper are in electrical and electronic products, the building and construction industry and, to a lesser extent, industrial machinery and equipment, consumer and general products and transportation.

Copper is an internationally traded commodity, the price of which is effectively established on commodity markets throughout the world. The price of copper is closely related to economic cycles and largely determined by demand and supply. Demand for copper from China and the U.S. plays a major role in global price determination. China has relatively small copper reserves but is the largest copper consuming country, so it has been reliant on copper imports. Although Inner Mongolia is rich in natural resources including some copper reserves, supply is not abundant. Since 2018, the price of copper generally went into a declining trend, as the global economy slowed down and was heavily affected by trade conflicts. During 2019, SHFE copper price was at its annual high of CNY50,810 (US$7,297) per ton in March 2019 before it started to decline, but a slight rebound occurred since September 2019. The closing price at the end of 2019 was CNY49,150 (US$7,059) per ton, representing a slight increase of approximately 2% compared with the opening price at the beginning of the year.

The following table shows the world refined production and world refined usage of copper over the past five years:

 

 

2015

 

2016

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

World refined production (in thousands of tons)

 

 

22,825

 

 

23,341

 

 

23,518

 

 

23,808

 

 

23,929

 

World refined usage (in thousands of tons)

 

 

22,849

 

 

23,441

 

 

23,701

 

 

24,221

 

 

24,326

 

China’s refined production (in thousands of tons)

 

 

7,964

 

 

8,436

 

 

8,889

 

 

9,029

 

 

9,784

 

China’s refined usage (in thousands of tons)

 

 

11,353

 

 

11,642

 

 

11,791

 

 

12,482

 

 

*

 

LME average price (US$/ton)

 

 

4,689

 

 

5,516

 

 

7,264

 

 

5,965

 

 

6,174

 

SHFE average price (CNY/ton)

 

 

36,520

 

 

45,430

 

 

55,740

 

 

48,170

 

 

49,280

 

———————

*: Certain data for 2019 was not available as of the date of the filing of this Annual Report.

Source: International Copper Study Group, LME, SHFE, Wind Economic Database.


Metal Exploration Activities

Overview of Bayannaoer Mining

Bayannaoer Mining was established in 2005 to engage in mineral exploration activities in Bayannaoer City, located in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of the PRC. The registered capital of Bayannaoer Mining is CNY59.48 million, approximately 98.32% of which was contributed by Feishang Enterprise and approximately 1.68% by Shenzhen Chaopeng.



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In 2005, Bayannaoer Mining obtained 11 exploration rights from the Land and Resources Department of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Following completion of preliminary exploration activities and evaluation, management determined to retain exploration rights solely to the Moruogu Tong Mine; and, to date, has received a series of license renewals. Total exploration expenses related to these 11 exploration rights (exclusive of capitalized expenses that have not yet fully depreciated or amortized and administrative expenses) borne by Bayannaoer Mining incurred to date amount to approximately CNY35.57 million (US$5.11 million). The current exploration permit for the Moruogu Tong Mine runs until September 2021 and covers a site area of 10.43 square kilometers.

The Moruogu Tong Mine is located in Wulatehouqi, Bayannaoer City, in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of the PRC. In 2006, Bayannaoer Mining engaged the Land and Resources Exploration and Development Institute of Inner Mongolia to carry out prospecting, including geophysical and drilling works. To date, exploration expenses of approximately CNY23.50 million (US$3.37 million), inclusive of amount paid by Jijincheng Mining, have been incurred for the Moruogu Tong Mine, which were paid for by Bayannaoer Mining with self-owned capital, loans from a related party, and funds received pursuant to its Cooperation Agreement with Jijincheng Mining of approximately CNY6.72 million (US$0.97 million).

Pursuant to the Cooperation Agreement, Jijincheng Mining is responsible for engaging the exploration team for the Moruogu Tong Mine and providing the required funding. During the field exploration process, Bayannaoer Mining did not have its own exploration equipment. The exploration equipment – drilling machines – used at the Moruogu Tong Mine was provided and operated by third party contractors until drilling work was done. Drilling machines at the mine were mainly powered by a diesel generator set, and a state power substation near the mine area. To date, the exploration program at the Moruogu Tong Mine has primarily involved the completion of mine geological surveying and mapping at 1:2000 an area of 2.73 square kilometers, which included trenching exploration works totaling 982.94 cubic meters in nine trenches and 76 drill holes for a total of 22,272.86 meters. 1,467 different samples, including basic analysis samples, chemical analysis samples, spectra samples and aqueous analysis samples, etc., have been collected thus far during the exploration program.

Initial results of the exploration program indicate the presence of lead and silver, with the prospect that further surveying and exploration may indicate the presence of other ores such as copper. During 2019, activities at the Moruogu Tong Mine included: measuring the coordinates of 15 drilling holes; measuring portions of sections of the exploration area for radioactivity; the taking of nine additional combination samples; on-site inspection; successfully applying for extension of Bayannaoer Mining’s exploration permit until at least September 2021; exploratory work in the local area; and the completion of an initial draft of the detailed geographical exploration report for submission to government authorities for review and comment. At this stage of exploratory activities, we cannot predict whether sufficient ore of acceptable quality will be found at the Moruogu Tong Mine to warrant further exploration and/or extraction.

The current exploration work stage of the Moruogu Tong Mine has been completed.  The future amount for the exploration project, including drilling expenses, site construction costs, grassland compensation fees and simple infrastructure construction costs in order to apply for a mining rights permit, is anticipated to be approximately CNY11.40 million (US$1.64 million). Bayannaoer Mining and Jijincheng Mining intend to seek other investors to play roles similar to those of Jijincheng Mining in order to proceed with the further exploration and analysis of the Moruogu Tong Mine, with an aim to apply for a mining rights permit.  This exploration project is expected to be financed by funds received pursuant to the Cooperation Agreement and/or any new or similar cooperation agreement, and loans from a related party. While the results of preliminary prospecting suggest that the Moruogu Tong Mine contains mineable quantities of lead and silver, until further exploration and analysis is completed, the Company cannot predict the nature and extent of minerals contained at the mine or the commercial viability of pursuing a plan of extraction. It is possible that further exploration and analysis will not confirm initial findings and that continued activities in furtherance of mining operations will cease.

Moruogu Tong Mine

The Moruogu Tong Mine is a concealed deposit or, an underground mine, with minimum depth of about 40 meters below ground.

The main outcrop strata in and around the mine area are the third lithological member of Agulugou Formation of Zhaertaishan Group in the middle and upper Proterozoic, followed by the quaternary Holocene strata. There is no magmatic rock in the exploration area, and Permian granodiorite is found locally. In addition, gabbro dike, diabase dike and quartz dike are found in the area. The geotectonic location of the mine area is in the north wing of the Wolf Mountain anticline, with frequent tectonic activities and multiple periods of magma intrusion. The strata of the mine area are damaged by transformation, and the fold structure is not complete. The outcrop strata in the mine area are relatively simple, which are a monoclinal structure with a northeast-to-southwest strike and a southeastern tilt.



19



 


The Moruogu Tong Mine is located in the fault bundle of the Huogeqi dome at the north wing of the Haorige Mountain syncline. Monoclinal structure predominates and the strike is north-eastern. The lead ore (mineralized) bodies are produced in the third lithological member of Agulugou Formation, where quartzite and quartz schist with strong silicification are the main host rocks. The ore bodies are distributed in an area of 3,000 meters long from east to west and 1,000 meters wide from south to north, and 14 lead ore bodies have been delineated with orebody numbers of I-1, I-2, II-1, II-2, II-3, III, IV-1, IV-2, IV-3, IV-4, IV-5, IV-6, IV-7, and V.

The Moruogu Tong Mine is mainly a lead deposit associated with silver. The ore bodies occur in certain strata, whose genetic type belongs to air-exhaled sedimentary type, with lead deposit then transformed by hydrothermal process. The ore mineral compositions mainly include galena, sphalerite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite and gangue mineral quartz, calcite, and mica, etc. The depth of oxidized zone and mixed zone in this mine area is about 15 meters below ground. The primary zone is below 15 meters underground. The lead ore bodies delineated in this deposit are all in the primary zone, and the natural type of the ore is primary lead sulfide ore. The main useful constituent of this deposit is lead, with associated useful constituent of silver, so it is classified as lead and silver deposit.

The key industrial indicators of the deposit are as follows:

·

Cutoff grade: Pb0.3%;


·

Minimum industrial grade: Pb0.7%;


·

Minimum minable thickness: 1.0m;


·

Average grade of deposit: Pb 1.81%;


·

Band rejected thickness: 2m;


·

When the orebody thickness is less than the minable thickness and the grade is high, meter percentage can be used as an indicator: Pb0.70 meter percentage; and


·

Industrial grade of associated useful constituent: Ag2g/t.

Cooperation Agreement

On August 20, 2017, Bayannaoer Mining entered into the Cooperation Agreement with Jijincheng Mining, an unrelated third party. The Cooperation Agreement is intended to provide for financial support by Jijincheng Mining for the exploration and operating expenses of the Moruogu Tong Mine during the exploration stage such that Bayannaoer Mining is not required to make any further capital contribution for exploration activities, and for the allocation of rights and responsibilities between Bayannaoer Mining and Jijincheng Mining. According to the Cooperation Agreement, Jijincheng Mining is also responsible for engaging the exploration team and directing their activities. Pursuant to the Cooperation Agreement: (i) Bayannaoer Mining contributed the existing exploration results for the Moruogu Tong Mine; (ii) Jijincheng Mining provides the necessary funds for further exploration at the mine; (iii) Bayannaoer Mining enjoys full rights to any resources already discovered and confirmed by its independent exploration works conducted prior to commencement of the cooperative exploration project; (iv) Bayannaoer Mining and Jijincheng Mining will each receive a 50% interest in any newly discovered resources from the first 10 drilling holes in the cooperative exploration project; and (v) Bayannaoer Mining and Jijincheng Mining will receive 30% and 70% interests, respectively, in any newly discovered resources from drilling works beyond the first 10 drilling holes in the cooperative exploration project. Other details of the Cooperation Agreement, including allocations and distributions upon completion of exploration works, remain the subject of continuing discussion between the parties. To date, the total exploration expenses paid by Jijincheng Mining amount to approximately CNY6.72 million (US$0.97 million).

The foregoing description of the Cooperation Agreement is only a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Cooperation Agreement, a copy of which has been translated into English and incorporated by reference as Exhibit 4.6 to this Annual Report.



20



 


Geography

The following diagram shows the geography of Bayannaoer Mining’s exploration site and its surrounding areas:

[CHNR_20F001.JPG]

The Moruogu Tong Mine of Bayannaoer Mining is located in Wulatehouqi, Bayannaoer City, in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of the PRC. The mine is approximately 45 kilometers to Chaogewenduer Town and 40 kilometers to Qingshan Town. The Qingxian Road passes through the southern part of the mine and transportation is very convenient. Connectivity to water, electric and other necessary services will be addressed at the time of mine construction and development. The current exploration permit for the Moruogu Tong Mine runs from September 14, 2019 to September 13, 2021 and covers a site area of 10.43 square kilometers.



21



 


Government Regulation of Mineral Exploration Activities

Under the “Mineral Resources Law,” all mineral resources in the PRC are owned by the state. Exploration and mining rights granted by the state permit recipients to conduct exploration or mining activities in a specific mining area during the specified license period. Although Bayannaoer Mining believes its exploration licenses will continue to be renewed, as necessary, there can be no assurance that such will be the case or that Bayannaoer Mining will be able to obtain a mining license in the future and exploit the entire mineral resources of the Moruogu Tong Mine during its license period. If Bayannaoer Mining fails to renew its exploration rights upon expiry or if it cannot obtain a mining license and effectively extract the resources within the license period, the operation and performance of Bayannaoer Mining will be adversely affected.

Bayannaoer Mining’s exploration permit entitles it to undertake exploration activities in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, within the specific area covered by the license during the license period. Bayannaoer Mining is required to complete a prospecting report and a final appraisal and file with the relevant government authority before it can apply for mining rights and proceed to mine construction. A mining rights permit entitles the holder to undertake mining activities and infrastructure and ancillary work, in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, within the specific area covered by the license during the license period. Holders are required to submit a mining proposal and feasibility studies to the Land and Resources Department of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Entities seeking mining rights are also obligated to pay natural resources fees in relation to sales of metal concentrates.

The State Administration for Environmental Protection is responsible for the supervision of environmental protection in, the implementation of national standards for environmental quality and discharge of pollutants for, and the supervision of the environmental management system of the PRC. Environmental protection bureaus at the county level or above are responsible for environmental protection within their jurisdictions.

The laws and regulations governing environmental protection require each applicant to lodge environmental impact statements for a construction project with the environmental protection bureaus at the county level. These statements must be filed prior to the commencement of construction, expansion or modification of a project. The environmental protection bureaus inspect new production facilities and determine compliance with applicable environmental standards, prior to the commencement of operations.

The “Environmental Protection Law” requires all operations that may cause pollution or produce other hazards to take environmental protection measures and to establish an environmental protection responsibility system. Such system includes the adoption of effective measures to prevent and control exhaust gas, sewage, waste residues, dust or other waste materials. Entities discharging pollutants must report to and register with the Ecology and Environment Department of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

If an enterprise fails to report or register the environmental pollution caused by it, it may be subject to a warning or penalty. Enterprises which fail to restore the environment or remedy the effects of the pollution within the prescribed time are also subject to penalty or termination of their business licenses. Enterprises which have polluted and endangered the environment are responsible for remedying the danger and effects of the pollution, as well as for the payment of compensation for any losses or damages suffered as a result of such environmental pollution. A material violation of the Environmental Protection Law that causes a material loss to public and private belongings or personal injuries or death may result in criminal liabilities.

Management believes that Bayannaoer Mining is in material compliance with all applicable environmental protection requirements of the state.

Copper Trading Activities

Please see the discussion under “Item 4.A. INFORMATION OF THE COMPANY — History and Development of the Company — Copper Ore Trading” above for a description of our copper ore trading activities, which have been our sole source of revenue from continuing operations for the last three years, recording revenues of CNY12.97 million (US$1.86 million) in 2019. Our copper ore trading activities are not affected by seasonality. The business registration certificate of Bayannaoer Mining permits trading activity.   There are no other special regulations with regard to copper trading in the PRC.

Feishang Management

Feishang Management was incorporated in the PRC in October 2008. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yunnan Mining and is engaged in providing of management and consulting services to the other companies in the Group. Feishang Management currently serves as a cost center for the Group.



22



 


Inactive Subsidiaries

The following subsidiaries are not currently engaged in active operations but remain in good standing in their home jurisdictions and are poised to participate in future opportunities, should they arise:

China Coal

China Coal was incorporated in Hong Kong in January 2008. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CHNR.

Feishang Dayun

Feishang Dayun was incorporated in Hong Kong in June 2008. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pineboom.

Feishang Mining

Feishang Mining was incorporated in the BVI in September 2004. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CHNR.

Feishang Yongfu

Feishang Yongfu was incorporated in Hong Kong in June 2008. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Newhold.

FMH Services

FMH Services is a Florida company incorporated in November 2007 in connection with a proposed transaction that was not consummated. FMH Services, which is wholly-owned by CHNR, is currently dormant.

Newhold

Newhold was incorporated in the BVI in July 2008. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CHNR.

Pineboom

Pineboom was incorporated in the BVI in May 2008. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CHNR.

Silver Moon

Silver Moon is a BVI company incorporated in March 2000. Silver Moon, which is 80% owned by CHNR, and is currently dormant.

Sunwide

Sunwide was incorporated in the BVI in January 2001. Sunwide is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CHNR and is currently dormant.

Yangpu Lianzhong

Yangpu Lianzhong was incorporated in the PRC in January 2008. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Coal.

Yangpu Shuanghu

Yangpu Shuanghu was incorporated in the PRC in May 2004. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Feishang Yongfu.

Yunnan Mining

Yunnan Mining was incorporated in the PRC in June 2007. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yangpu Shuanghu.

DISCONTINUED SEGMENTS

A discussion of various segments that we have discontinued since January 1, 2017 follows. These segments did not provide any revenues during the last three fiscal years.

Exploration and Mining of Non-ferrous Metals

Metals mining operations included the exploration for, and extraction, production and sale of, non-ferrous metals. Our metal mining operations were conducted by Wuhu Feishang, a PRC company that was wholly-owned by Feishang Mining. Wuhu Feishang is principally engaged in the mining of zinc, iron, and other minerals and non-ferrous metals, and their sale in the PRC.



23



 


On February 24, 2017, Feishang Mining together with Wuhu City Feishang Industrial Development Co., Ltd. (“Wuhu Industrial,” and together with Feishang Mining, the “WH Sellers”), entered into an agreement (the “WH Purchase Agreement”) with Mr. Shen Yandi, an unrelated individual (“WH Purchaser”), pursuant to which WH Sellers sold and WH Purchaser purchased, all of WH Sellers’ right, title and interest in and to the outstanding capital stock (the “WH Equity Interests”) of Wuhu Feishang.

The CNY1.00 million purchase price for the WH Equity Interests was delivered to WH Sellers, and WH Sellers delivered the WH Equity Interests to WH Purchaser, at a closing held on March 3, 2017, following receipt of regulatory approval for transfer of the WH Equity Interests to WH Purchaser. Pursuant to the WH Purchase Agreement:


·

Wuhu Feishang remains responsible for all of its liabilities and financial obligations other than those expressly undertaken by WH Sellers.


·

WH Sellers established a joint bank account in the name of Wuhu Feishang and WH Purchaser contributed CNY3.00 million into the account as an earnest money deposit to ensure the satisfactory completion of the undertakings by the WH Purchaser under the WH Purchase Agreement. The account will also include funds to be deposited by Wuhu Feishang to fund certain of Wuhu Feishang’s on-going financial obligations under the WH Purchase Agreement. The funds in the account will be disbursed with the approval of WH Sellers, upon the attainment of milestones and in the manner described in the WH Purchase Agreement.


·

The parties allocated responsibility for certain on-going negotiations and settlements with employees and various townspeople affected by Wuhu Feishangs mining operations; as well as for certain on-going litigation.


·

WH Purchaser and Wuhu Feishang are prohibited from using the name Feishang in their operations.


·

A schedule of penalties is established to compensate a party for the other partys breach of the terms of the WH Purchase Agreement. In some cases, penalties are in addition to indemnification and/or performance obligations of a breaching party.


DISCONTINUED SEGMENT – Copper Smelting Operations

On December 23, 2016, the Company entered into an agreement with Feishang Hesheng, an affiliate of ours and a related party, and completed the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Double Grow (the “DG Acquired Shares”), its direct and indirect subsidiaries Easy Gain and Full Profit, each of which is organized under the laws of the BVI, and their operating subsidiary, Antay Pacha. Antay Pacha principally engages in copper smelting and the production of copper cathodes for sales to customers located primarily in Bolivia, Germany and the PRC.

The US$1,541,129 purchase price for the DG Acquired Shares was offset by the assignment to us of US$1,441,129 of indebtedness owed by Double Grow to Feishang Hesheng (the “Loan”). The Company paid the purchase price by delivery of its check in favor of Feishang Hesheng in the amount of US$100,000 and became the beneficiary of Double Grow’s obligation to repay the Loan.

Feishang Hesheng is beneficially owned by Mr. Li Feilie, the principal beneficial owner of the Company, and members of his family. Mr. Li is also the former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Company. Mr. Wong Wah On Edward, currently the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Company, is also the Company Secretary of Feishang Hesheng.

On December 23, 2016, Feishang Hesheng waived payment of a US$8,000,000 indebtedness owed to it by Double Grow.

On December 29, 2017, the Company and Double Grow entered into an agreement (the “DG Purchase Agreement”) with Shanghai Kangzheng Investment Management Co., Ltd. (the “DG Purchaser”), an unrelated third party, pursuant to which the Company sold all of the Company’s right, title and interest in and to the outstanding capital stock (the “DG Equity Interests”) of Double Grow and its subsidiaries to the DG Purchaser.

The DG Purchase Agreement provided for a purchase price for the the DG Equity Interests of US$2,641,129. The purchase price was paid (a) US$1,200,000 in cash, delivered in December 2017, and (b) US$1,441,129 by the DG Purchaser’s delivery of its promissory note payable, without interest, on January 28, 2018. At the time the DG Purchase Agreement was signed, the parties also executed a Deed of Assignment of Loan pursuant to which the Company assigned to the DG Purchaser its right to receive repayment of the US$1,441,129 loan from Double Grow. Following the disposition, the Company ceased its copper smelting business in Bolivia.



24



 


The Board of Directors authorized the DG Purchase Agreement following its determination to focus its resources on metals mining and other business operations in the PRC. Following disposition of the DG Equity Interests in Double Grow, CHNR’s operations consist of the exploration for lead, silver and other metals in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of the PRC, and the trading of copper ore.

C.

Organizational Structure

CHNR is a holding company directly or indirectly owning the following subsidiaries, to the extent indicated (as of June 12, 2020):

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHNR

(BVI)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

100%

 

 

 

 

100%

 

 

 

 

80%

 

 

 

 

 

100%

 

 

 

 

100%

 

 

 

 

100%

 

 

 

 

100%

 

 

 

 

FMH Services

(Florida, US)

 

Feishang Mining

(BVI)

 

Silver Moon

(BVI)

 

 

China Coal

(HK)

 

Sunwide

(BVI)

 

Newhold

(BVI)

 

Pineboom

(BVI)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

100%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

100%

 

 

 

 

100%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yangpu
Lianzhong

(PRC)

 

 

 

 

 

Feishang

Yongfu

(HK)

 

Feishang

Dayun

(HK)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

100%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yangpu
Shuanghu

(PRC)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

100%

 

 

 

 

100%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bayannaoer Mining

(PRC)

 

 

Yunnan Mining

(PRC)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

100%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feishang
Management

(PRC)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


All current operations are conducted by Bayannaoer Mining. See “Item 4.B. INFORMATION OF THE COMPANY – Metal Exploration Activities” above, and Exhibit 8 to this Annual Report for descriptions of the Company’s subsidiaries.

D.

Property, Plant and Equipment

The Company’s administrative offices and its principal subsidiaries are located in Hong Kong, Shenzhen (Guangdong Province) and Bayannaoer City (Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region) in the PRC.

On April 1, 2017, the Company signed an office sharing agreement with Anka Consultant Ltd. (“Anka”), a related party, which superseded all previously signed agreements between the parties, pursuant to which the Company shares 184 square meters of the total area of the office premises. The agreement also provides that the Company shares certain costs and expenses in connection with their use of the office, in addition to certain accounting and secretarial services and day-to-day office administration services provided by Anka.  For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, the Company paid its share of rental expenses and rates to Anka amounting to approximately CNY949,000, CNY1,036,000 and CNY1,105,000 (US$158,691), respectively.

On January 1, 2018, Feishang Management signed an office sharing agreement with Feishang Enterprise. Pursuant to the agreement, Feishang Management shared 40 square meters of the office premises, and annual rent was CNY165,600 and CNY165,600 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019, respectively.

The offices and exploration site of Bayannaoer Mining are located in Bayannaoer City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in the PRC. The property, plant and equipment of Bayannaoer Mining mainly includes vehicles, office equipment and furniture, with a total net value as of December 31, 2019 of approximately CNY0.21 million (US$0.03 million). On May 11, 2017, May 11, 2018 and May 11, 2019, Bayannaoer Mining signed annual lease agreements with private individuals pursuant to which Bayannaoer Mining leases office premises located at 10/F, Huaao Building, Shengli North Road in Bayannaoer City. The office covers an area of 274 square meters in 2017 and 2018, and 186 square meters in 2019, and annual rent was CNY82,200, CNY82,200 and CNY55,800 (US$8,014), respectively. On May 11, 2020, Bayannaoer Mining renewed this lease for an additional year.



25



 


The Moruogu Tong Mine exploration site is located in Northwestern Qingshan Town, Wulatehouqi in Bayannaoer City and covers an area of approximately 10.43 square kilometers. As is typical in the PRC, the PRC government owns all of the land on which the exploration activities are carried out. Bayannaoer Mining assumed the rights to use the land when it obtained the exploration right from the Land and Resources Department of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in 2005. We are still in the exploration stage of mining the Moruogu Tong Mine, and have not yet produced any silver, lead or copper.  To date, the exploration program has indicated the presence of lead and silver, with the prospect that further surveying and exploration may indicate the presence of other ores such as copper. For the location of the Moruogu Tong Mine, please refer to the map located in “Item 4.B. INFORMATION OF THE COMPANY — Metal Exploration Activities – Geography” above.

For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, the Company incurred capital expenditures (excluding fees for renewal of mining rights) of CNY4.21 million, CNY5,000 and CNY5,000 (US$718), respectively.

In the event we determine to pursue a mining permit and thereafter engage in mining at the Moruogu Tong Mine, we will be required, among other things, to construct and develop the mine, including roads and making provision for water and electricity at the mine site. There will be significant capital expense for these and other projects. We intend to fund those capital expenditures from the proceeds of loans from our Related-Party Debtholders, if available, payments pursuant to the Cooperation Agreement and, to the extent deemed necessary, bank borrowings.


See “Item 4.B. INFORMATION OF THE COMPANY – Business Overview – Government Regulation of Mineral Exploration Activities,” above, for a discussion of environmental laws affecting the Moruogu Tong Mine.


ITEM 4A.

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 5.

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

The following discussion and analysis of the results of operations and the Company’s financial position should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included elsewhere herein. The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB.

A.

Operating Results

Historic Overview


On December 23, 2016, CHNR acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Double Grow, its direct and indirect subsidiaries Easy Gain and Full Profit, and their operating subsidiary, Antay Pacha. Antay Pacha proposed to principally engage in the smelting of copper ore and production of copper cathodes for sale in markets including China, Germany and Bolivia. On December 29, 2017, CHNR disposed all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Double Grow and its subsidiaries and ceased its copper smelting business in Bolivia, and the associated operations are accordingly presented as discontinued operations.

On March 3, 2017, Feishang Mining disposed of its entire interest in Wuhu Feishang to Mr. Shen Yandi, an unrelated individual, for a consideration of CNY1.00 million, after concluding that current market prices for non-ferrous metals, and the related costs of extraction and processing, did not permit us to engage in profitable mining operations. As a result of the disposition of Wuhu Feishang, the Company no longer engages in the acquisition and exploitation of mining rights covering iron, zinc and other non-ferrous metals, and the associated operations are accordingly presented as discontinued operations.

As both Wuhu Feishang and Antay Pacha were disposed of during 2017, and the recently acquired Bayannaoer Mining is still in the exploration stage, the Group did not generate any revenue during the 2018 and 2017 fiscal years.

On November 30, 2017, CHNR acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Bayannaoer Mining, a PRC company established in 2005 to engage in mineral exploration activities in Bayannaoer City, in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of the PRC. Bayannaoer Mining currently holds an exploration permit issued by the Land and Resources Department of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region covering the Moruogu Tong Mine, located in Wulatehouqi, Bayannaoer City, Inner Mongolia. Based upon preliminary geologic surveys, it is believed that the Moruogu Tong Mine contains lead and silver, with the prospect that further surveying and exploration may indicate the presence of other ores such as copper. During 2019, Bayannaoer Mining identified opportunities to trade copper ore in the PRC. Copper ore trading involves (i) the purchase and sale of copper ore to fill a customer order and/or (ii) the purchase of copper ore for our own account, for resale.



26



 


The Board of Directors has determined to focus the Company’s resources on metals exploration and mining activities and other business operations in the PRC. Following the disposition of the DG Equity Interests in Double Grow, our sole operations consist of the exploration for lead, silver and other metals in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of the PRC and the trading of copper ore. The following discussion reflects only the continuing operations of the Company.

Revenues and Gross Profit

Revenue for sales of all products is recognized when control of the products is transferred to the customer upon delivery.

2019 vs 2018

Revenues increased by CNY12.97 million (US$1.86 million) for the year ended December 31, 2019 from nil for the year ended December 31, 2018. The revenues represent copper ore trading that was commenced by Bayannaoer Mining in 2019.

Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2019 was CNY0.22 million (US$0.03 million) with a gross profit margin of 1.67%. The gross profit margin level was in accordance with the nature of copper ore trading business.

2018 vs 2017

There were no revenues for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

Administrative Expenses

2019 vs 2018

Administrative expenses are mainly comprised of salaries and staff welfare expenses, depreciation expenses, travel and entertainment expenses, legal and professional fees, rental expenses, and office expenses.

Administrative expenses were CNY5.81 million (US$0.84 million) in 2019 as compared with CNY6.21 million in 2018. The decrease of administrative expenses was mainly due to the tighter control of expenses in 2019.

2018 vs 2017

Administrative expenses were CNY6.21 million in 2018 as compared with CNY6.20 million in 2017. No material fluctuation was noted for the comparative periods, as the decrease of audit fee in 2018 was offset by the inclusion of the administrative expenses of Bayannaoer Mining which was acquired in November 2017.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2017 arose from the disposal of 100% of Wuhu Feishang and Double Grow (and its subsidiaries) in 2017.

Income Tax Expenses

The Company is not subject to taxes in the United States.

Under the current laws of the BVI, dividends and capital gains arising from the Company’s investments in the BVI are not subject to income taxes and no withholding tax is imposed on payments of dividends to the Company.

The Company’s subsidiaries in the PRC are subject to a PRC enterprise income tax rate of 25% applicable to both foreign invested enterprises and domestic companies.

2019 vs 2018

There were no income tax expenses in 2019 and in 2018, due to the losses in both years.

2018 vs 2017

There were no income tax expenses in 2018 and in 2017, due to the losses in both years.



27



 


Loss for the Year

2019 vs 2018

Losses for the year decreased from CNY6.18 million in 2018 to CNY5.65 million (US$0.81 million) in 2019. The decrease in losses was mainly attributable to the decrease of administrative expenses, and gross profit derived from copper ore trading.

2018 vs 2017

Losses for the year decreased from CNY30.00 million in 2017 to CNY6.18 million in 2018. The decrease in losses was mainly attributable to the inclusion of the discontinued operations of Wuhu Feishang and Double Grow in 2017, which together amounted to CNY23.82 million.

Impact of Government Policies on the Company’s Operations

In response to the outbreak of COVID-19, the PRC government has taken a slew of unprecedented measures intended to control its spread, including quarantines, restrictions on travel and public gatherings, and temporary closure of certain businesses and facilities. These policies have significantly affected our operations by restricting the movement of our employees and slowing the resumption of exploratory activities in our Moruogu Tong Mine and of our copper trading business. Also, large-scale quarantines and travel restrictions have led to a significant slowdown in the general economy and the markets we intend to serve. There remains uncertainty on how long these impacts will last and whether they will escalate in the future. For further details of the impact on our operations of governmental policies in response to COVID-19, please refer to “Item 3.D. KEY INFORMATION – Risk Factors – Risks Relating to the Outbreak of COVID-19 – COVID-19 has disrupted our operations, and may further disrupt our operations or adversely affect our operations and financial position in the future, and may exacerbate the various other Risk Factors that we face.”

Critical Accounting Policies

Our financial statements reflect the selection and application of accounting policies which require management to make significant estimates and assumptions. We believe that the following are some of the more significant judgment areas in the application of our accounting policies that currently affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Revenue recognition


Revenue from contracts with customers. Revenue from contracts with customers is recognized when control of goods or services is transferred to the customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.


When the consideration in a contract includes a variable amount, the amount of consideration to which we will be entitled in exchange for transferring the goods or services to the customer is estimated. The variable consideration is estimated at contract inception and constrained until it is highly probable that a significant revenue reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved.


When the contract contains a financing component which provides the customer with the significant benefit of financing the transfer of goods or services to the customer for more than one year, revenue is measured at the present value of the amount receivable, discounted using the discount rate that would be reflected in a separate financing transaction between us and the customer at contract inception. When the contract contains a financing component which provides us a significant financial benefit for more than one year, revenue recognized under the contract includes the interest expense accreted on the contract liability under the effective interest method. For a contract where the period between the payment by the customer and the transfer of the promised goods or services is one year or less, the transaction price is not adjusted for the effects of a significant financing component, using the practical expedient in IFRS 15.


Trading of copper ore. We purchase copper ore from third-party suppliers and then resells to a third-party trading company. Revenue is recognized on a gross basis, and at a point in time when control of the asset is transferred to the customer, upon delivery of the copper ore to the customer.




28



 


Other income. Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis using the effective interest method by applying the rate that exactly discounts the estimated future cash receipts over the expected life of the financial instrument or a shorter period, when appropriate, to the net carrying amount of the financial asset.


Property, plant and equipment and depreciation


Property, plant and equipment comprise buildings, mining structures, mining rights, machinery and equipment, motor vehicles, exploration rights and construction in progress.


Exploration rights are capitalized and amortized over the term of the license granted to us by the authorities.


When proved and probable mineral reserves have been determined, costs incurred to develop mines are capitalized as part of the cost of the mining structures.


Buildings, mining structures, machinery and equipment, and motor vehicles are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses. Expenditures for routine repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.


Depreciation for the following items is calculated on the straight-line basis over each asset’s estimated useful life down to the estimated residual value of each asset.


Estimated useful lives are as follows:

Buildings

 

8 - 35 years

Machinery and equipment

 

3 - 15 years

Motor vehicles

 

4 - 8 years


Residual values, useful lives and the depreciation method are reviewed and, adjusted if appropriate, at each reporting date.

When properties are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and any profit or loss on disposition is recognized in the statement of profit or loss.

Construction in progress is carried at cost and is to be depreciated when placed into service over the estimated useful lives or units of production of those assets. Construction costs are capitalized as incurred. Interest is capitalized as incurred during the construction period.

Expenditure incurred after items of property, plant and equipment have been put into operation, such as repairs and maintenance, is normally charged to the statement of profit or loss in the period in which it is incurred.  In situations where the recognition criteria are satisfied, the expenditure for a major inspection is capitalized in the carrying amount of the asset as a replacement.  Where significant parts of property, plant and equipment are required to be replaced at intervals, we recognize such parts as individual assets with specific useful lives and depreciates them accordingly.

Exploration and evaluation costs

Exploration and evaluation assets include topographical and geological surveys, exploratory drilling, sampling and trenching and activities in relation to commercial and technical feasibility studies, and expenditure incurred to secure further mineralization in existing bodies and to expand the capacity of a mine. Expenditure incurred prior to acquiring legal rights to explore an area is expensed as incurred.

Once the exploration right has been acquired, exploration and evaluation expenditure is charged to the consolidated statement of profit or loss as incurred, unless a future economic benefit is more likely than not to be realized. Exploration and evaluation assets acquired in a business combination are initially recognized at fair value. They are subsequently stated at cost less accumulated impairment.

When it can be reasonably ascertained that a mining property is capable of commercial production, exploration and evaluation costs are transferred to tangible or intangible assets according to the nature of the exploration and evaluation assets. If any project is abandoned during the evaluation stage, the total expenditure thereon will be written off.



29



 


Income taxes

Income tax comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax relating to items recognized outside profit or loss is recognized outside profit or loss, either as other comprehensive income or loss, or directly in equity.

Current tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities. The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amount are those that are enacted or substantially enacted, by the end of the reporting date, taking into consideration interpretations and practices prevailing in the countries where the Group operates and generates taxable income.  

Deferred tax is provided, using the liability method, on all temporary differences at the reporting date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for all taxable temporary differences, except:

·

when the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss; and

·

in respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, where the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences, and the carryforward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses, to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences, and the carryforward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses can be utilized, except:

·

where the deferred tax assets relating to the deductible temporary differences arise from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss; and

·

in respect of deductible temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, deferred tax assets are only recognized to the extent that it is probable that the temporary differences will reverse in the foreseeable future and taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilized.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilized. Unrecognized deferred tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and are recognized to the extent that it is probable or that it has become probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.

Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset if and only if we have a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets and current tax liabilities and the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities which intend either to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis, or to realize the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously, in each future period in which significant amounts of deferred tax liabilities or assets are expected to be settled or recovered.

Impairment of non-financial assets

Where an indication of impairment exists, or when annual impairment testing for an asset is required (other than inventories and financial assets), the asset's recoverable amount is estimated. An asset's recoverable amount is the higher of the asset's or cash-generating unit's value in use and its fair value less costs of disposal, and is determined for an individual asset, unless the asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or groups of assets, in which case the recoverable amount is determined for the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

An impairment loss is recognized only if the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. An impairment loss is charged to the statement of profit or loss in the period in which it arises in those expense categories consistent with the function of the impaired asset.



30



 


An assessment is made at the end of each reporting period as to whether there is an indication that previously recognized impairment losses may no longer exist or may have decreased. If such an indication exists, the recoverable amount is estimated. A previously recognized impairment loss of an asset other than goodwill is reversed only if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount of that asset, but not to an amount higher than the carrying amount that would have been determined (net of any depreciation/amortization) had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset in prior years. A reversal of such an impairment loss is credited to the statement of profit or loss in the period in which it arises, unless the asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is accounted for in accordance with the relevant accounting policy for that revalued asset.

Changes in Accounting Policies and Disclosures

We have adopted the following new and revised IFRS for the first time for the current year's financial statements.


Amendments to IFRS 9

Prepayment Features with Negative Compensation

IFRS 16

Leases

Amendments to IAS 19

Plan Amendment, Curtailment or Settlement

Amendments to IAS 28

Long-term Interests in Associates and Joint Ventures

IFRIC 23

Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments

Amendments to IFRS 3, IFRS 11, IAS 12 and IAS 23

Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2015-2017 Cycle


Except for the amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 19 and IAS28, and Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2015-2017 Cycle, which are not relevant to the preparation of our financial statements, the nature and the impact of the new and revised IFRS are described below:


(a)

IFRS 16 replaces IAS 17 Leases, IFRIC 4 Determining whether an Arrangement contains a Lease, SIC-15 Operating Leases - Incentives and SIC-27 Evaluating the Substance of Transactions Involving the Legal Form of a Lease.


The standard sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases and requires lessees to account for all leases under a single on-balance sheet model to recognize and measure right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, except for certain recognition exemptions. Lessor accounting under IFRS 16 is substantially unchanged from IAS 17. Lessors continue to classify leases as either operating or finance leases using similar principles as in IAS 17. Therefore, IFRS 16 did not have any significant impact on leases where we are the lessor.


We have adopted IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective method with the date of initial application of January 1, 2019.  Under this method, the standard has been applied retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initial adoption recognized as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained profits at January 1, 2019, and the comparative information for 2018 was not restated and continued to be reported under IAS 17 and related interpretations.


New definition of a lease


Under IFRS 16, a contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys a right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Control is conveyed where the customer has both the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the identified asset and the right to direct the use of the identified asset. We elected to use the transition practical expedient allowing the standard to be applied only to contracts that were previously identified as leases applying IAS 17 and IFRIC 4 at the date of initial application.  Contracts that were not identified as leases under IAS 17 and IFRIC 4 were not reassessed.  Therefore, the definition of a lease under IFRS 16 has been applied only to contracts entered into or changed on or after January 1, 2019.




31



 


As a lessee – Leases previously classified as operating leases


Nature of the effect of adoption of IFRS 16


We have lease contracts for items of office buildings. As a lessee, we previously classified leases as either finance leases or operating leases based on the assessment of whether the lease transferred substantially all the rewards and risks of ownership of assets to us. Under IFRS 16, we apply a single approach to recognize and measure right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for all leases, except for two elective exemptions for leases of low-value assets (elected on a lease-by-lease basis) and leases with a lease term of 12 months or less (“short-term leases”) (elected by class of underlying asset). Instead of recognizing rental expenses under operating leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term commencing from January 1, 2019, we recognize depreciation (and impairment, if any) of the right-of-use assets and interest accrued on the outstanding lease liabilities (as finance costs).


Impacts on transition


Lease liabilities at January 1, 2019 were recognized based on the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted using the incremental borrowing rate at January 1, 2019 and included in lease liabilities. The right-of-use assets for most leases were measured at the amount of the lease liability, adjusted by the amount of any prepaid or accrued lease payments relating to the lease recognized in the statement of financial position immediately before January 1, 2019.


All these assets were assessed for any impairment based on IAS 36 on that date. We elected to present the right-of-use assets separately in the statement of financial position.


We have used the following elective practical expedients when applying IFRS 16 at January 1, 2019:


·

Applying the short-term lease exemptions to leases with a lease term that ends within 12 months at the date of initial application;

·

Using hindsight in determining the lease term where the contract contains options to extend or terminate the lease; and

·

Excluding the initial direct costs from the measurement of the right-of-use assets at the date of initial application.


The impacts arising from the adoption of IFRS 16 as of January 1, 2019 are as follows:


 

 

Increase

 

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

Increase in right-of-use assets

 

 

1,803

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in total assets

 

 

1,803

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

Increase in the non-current portion of lease liabilities

 

 

593

 

Increase in the current portion of lease liabilities

 

 

1,210

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in total liabilities

 

 

1,803

 




32



 


The lease liabilities as of January 1, 2019 reconciled to the operating lease commitments as of December 31, 2018 are as follows:


 

 

CNY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating lease commitments as of December 31, 2018

 

 

1,891

 

Weighted average incremental borrowing rate as of January 1, 2019

 

 

4.75%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discounted operating lease commitments as of January 1, 2019

 

 

1,803

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease liabilities as of January 1, 2019

 

 

1,803

 


(b)

IFRIC 23 addresses the accounting for income taxes (current and deferred) when tax treatments involve uncertainty that affects the application of IAS 12 (often referred to as “uncertain tax positions”).  The interpretation does not apply to taxes or levies outside the scope of IAS 12, nor does it specifically include requirements relating to interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax treatments.  The interpretation specifically addresses (i) whether an entity considers uncertain tax treatments separately; (ii) the assumptions an entity makes about the examination of tax treatments by taxation authorities; (iii) how an entity determines taxable profits or tax losses, tax bases, unused tax losses, unused tax credits and tax rates; and (iv) how an entity considers changes in facts and circumstances. The interpretation has had no significant impact on the Group’s financial statements.


Issued but not yet effective International Financial Reporting Standards

We have not applied the following new and revised IFRS, that have been issued but are not yet effective, in these financial statements:


Amendments to IFRS 3

Definition of a Business 1

Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7

Interest Rate Benchmark Reform 1

Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28

Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture 4

IFRS 17

Insurance Contracts 2

Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8

Definition of Material 1

Amendments to IAS 1

Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current 3

Amendment to IFRS 16

Covid-19-Related Rent Concessions 4

———————

1

Effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020

2

Effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2021

3

Effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022

4

No mandatory effective date yet determined but available for adoption


Further information about those IFRS that are expected to be applicable to us is below.


Amendments to IFRS 3 clarify and provide additional guidance on the definition of a business. The amendments clarify that for an integrated set of activities and assets to be considered a business, it must include, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create output. A business can exist without including all of the inputs and processes needed to create outputs. The amendments remove the assessment of whether market participants are capable of acquiring the business and continue to produce outputs. Instead, the focus is on whether acquired inputs and acquired substantive processes together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs. The amendments have also narrowed the definition of outputs to focus on goods or services provided to customers, investment income or other income from ordinary activities. Furthermore, the amendments provide guidance to assess whether an acquired process is substantive and introduce an optional fair value concentration test to permit a simplified assessment of whether an acquired set of activities and assets is not a business. We adopted the amendments prospectively from January 1, 2020. Since the amendments apply prospectively to transactions or other events that occur on or after the date of first application, we were not affected by these amendments on the date of transition.




33



 


Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7 address the effects of interbank offered rate reform on financial reporting.  The amendments provide temporary reliefs which enable hedge accounting to continue during the period of uncertainty before the replacement of an existing interest rate benchmark.  In addition, the amendments require companies to provide additional information to investors about their hedging relationships which are directly affected by these uncertainties. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020. Early application is permitted. The amendments are not expected to have any significant impact on our financial statements.


Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28 address an inconsistency between the requirements in IFRS 10 and in IAS 28 in dealing with the sale or contribution of assets between an investor and its associate or joint venture. The amendments require a full recognition of a gain or loss when the sale or contribution of assets between an investor and its associate or joint venture constitutes a business. For a transaction involving assets that do not constitute a business, a gain or loss resulting from the transaction is recognized in the investor’s profit or loss only to the extent of the unrelated investor’s interest in that associate or joint venture. The amendments are to be applied prospectively. The previous mandatory effective date of amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28 was removed by the IASB in December 2015 and a new mandatory effective date will be determined after the completion of a broader review of accounting for associates and joint ventures.  However, the amendments are available for adoption now.


Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8 provide a new definition of material.  The new definition states that information is material if omitting, misstating or obscuring it could reasonably be expected to influence decisions that the primary users of general purpose financial statements make on the basis of those financial statements.  The amendments clarify that materiality will depend on the nature or magnitude of information.  A misstatement of information is material if it could reasonably be expected to influence decisions made by the primary users. We adopted the amendments prospectively from January 1, 2020.  The amendments are not expected to have any significant impact on our financial statements.


Amendments to IAS 1 issued in January 2020 amended the definition of current liabilities and non-current liabilities. The entity’s right to defer settlement of a liability for at least twelve months after the reporting period and the definition of settlement are considered when making the classification of a liability. The amendment clarifies that classification of a liability is unaffected by the likelihood that the entity will exercise its right to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the reporting period. We expect to adopt the amendments retrospectively from January 1, 2022. The amendments are not expected to have any significant impact on our financial statements.


The amendment to IFRS 16 provides relief to lessees from applying the IFRS 16 guidance on lease modification accounting for rent concessions arising as a direct consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Group expects to adopt the amendment from January 1, 2020. The amendment is not expected to have any significant impact on the Group’s financial statements.


B.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s primary liquidity needs are to fund operating expenses, capital expenditures and acquisitions. To date, the Company has financed its working capital requirements and capital expenditures through internally generated cash in prior years, non-interest-bearing loans from the Related-Party Debtholders, and funds provided pursuant to the Cooperation Agreement. Currently, our working capital is sufficient for the Company’s present requirements for the next 12 months. In view of the disposition of our metals mining and copper smelting operations, and since the Moruogu Tong Mine is in the pre-revenue exploration stage, it can be expected that the availability of internally generated funds to sustain operations will decrease until the commencement of commercial production at the Moruogu Tong Mine or a dramatic increase occurs in the amount of revenues that we generate trading copper ore. We will continue to incur operating expenses prior to the commencement of revenue-producing activities at the Moruogu Tong Mine and expect those expenses to continue to be funded through internally generated cash reserves from prior years, non-interest-bearing loans from related parties, and funds provided pursuant to the Cooperation Agreement. As of December 31, 2019, CHNR owed an aggregate of CNY12.17 million (US$1.75 million) to the Related-Party Debtholders, which debt has an indefinite maturity and does not bear interest.


In order to improve the Group’s liquidity and cash flows to sustain the Group as a going concern, the directors of the Company have undertaken certain measures to improve the cash flows of the Group, which include but are not limited to obtaining letters from Feishang Group and Feishang Enterprise, entities controlled by Mr. Li Feilie, the principal beneficial shareholder of the Company, which state that Feishang Group and Feishang Enterprise will provide continuous financial support to the Group in relation to the going concern of its operations, including not recalling any amounts due to them until the Group is in a position to settle the amounts due without having a detrimental impact on the financial resources of the Group, and that Feishang Enterprise will pay debts on behalf of the Group when needed.




34



 


See “Item 5.F. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS – Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations,” below, for a summary of our contractual obligations for future cash payments as of December 31, 2019.

Revenue and expenses of our PRC subsidiaries are denominated in Renminbi. We pay our corporate expenses in either Hong Kong dollars or U.S. Dollars. Conversion of Renminbi is strictly regulated by the Chinese Government. Under PRC foreign exchange rules and regulations, payment of routine transactions under current accounts, including trade and service transactions and payment of dividends, may be made in foreign currencies without prior approval from the SAFE but are subject to procedural requirements. Strict foreign exchange control continues to apply to capital account transactions, such as direct investments and capital contributions. These transactions must be approved by the SAFE. See “Item 3.D. – KEY INFORMATION – Risk Factors,” and “Item 10.D. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION – Exchange Controls” for a further discussion of exchange controls in the PRC.

As of December 31, 2019, the breakdown of cash (in thousands) held in different currencies are as follows:


Currency and Amount

 

CNY Equivalent

 

US$ Equivalent

CNY1,894

 

 

1,894

 

 

 

272

 

HK$1,469

 

 

1,313

 

 

 

189

 

US$34

 

 

237

 

 

 

34

 

Total

 

 

3,444

 

 

 

495

 

The Company expects to maintain a balanced portfolio of foreign currencies in order to meet its cash obligations in different currencies for its expenses, capital expenditures and acquisitions. Management does not anticipate the payment of dividends or any similar profit distribution from the Company’s PRC subsidiaries in the foreseeable future.

The following table sets forth the Company’s cash flows for each of the three years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019 including cash flows from discontinued operations:

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019

 

 

CNY'000

 

CNY'000

 

CNY'000

 

Cash and cash equivalent at beginning of year

19,228

 

 

18,878

 

 

6,793

 

Net cash used in operating activities

(14,746

)

 

(7,527

)

 

(3,333

)

Net cash from/(used in) investing activities

2,868

 

 

9,372

 

 

(5)

 

Net cash from/(used in) financing activities

12,630

 

 

(13,813

)

 

(24

)

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

752

 

 

(11,968

)

 

(3,362

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

(1,102

)

 

(117

)

 

13

 

Cash and cash equivalent at end of year

18,878

 

 

6,793

 

 

3,444

 


The following table sets forth the Company’s financial condition and liquidity at the dates indicated:


 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019

 

Current ratio

0.65

x

 

0.25

x

 

0.21

x

Working capital (CNY'000)

(15,842

)

 

(22,073

)

 

(28,384

)

Leverage ratio

 

 

 

 

 


2019 vs 2018

Net cash used in operating activities was CNY3.33 million (US$0.48 million) in 2019 and CNY7.53 million in 2018. The decrease of cash outflow was mainly attributable to lower professional service fees in 2019.

Net cash used in investing activities was CNY5,000 (US$718) in 2019, as compared to net cash inflow of CNY9.37 million in 2018. The cash inflows in 2018 were primarily comprised of the consideration received for the disposal of Double Grow.

Net cash flows used in financing activities was CNY24,000 (US$3,447) in 2019, as compared to net cash outflow of CNY13.81 million in 2018. The net cash flows of financing activities were primarily comprised of the net advances and repayments with related parties, and payment of lease liabilities.




35



 


2018 vs 2017

Net cash used in operating activities was CNY7.53 million in 2018 and CNY14.75 million in 2017. The decrease of cash outflow was mainly attributable to the losses from discontinued operations in 2017.

Net cash received in investing activities was CNY9.37 million in 2018, as compared to net cash inflow of CNY2.87 million in 2017. The cash inflows in 2018 were primarily comprised of the consideration received for the disposal of Double Grow.

Net cash flows used in financing activities was CNY13.81 million in 2018, as compared to net cash inflow of CNY12.63 million in 2017. The net cash flows of financing activities were primarily comprised of the net advances and repayments with related parties.

Our liquidity, including our working capital, is affected by many factors including:

·

Funding of our on-going metal exploration activities through internally generated funds;

·

Our ability to secure bank financing as and when required, on acceptable terms;

·

Our difficulty in accessing U.S. capital markets to fund PRC operations; and

·

A lack of development of U.S. trading markets for our securities, which has hampered our ability to use our securities as currency to fund acquisitions, business combinations and similar transactions.


See “Item 5.F. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS – Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations,” below, for a tabular payment schedule of capital commitments of the Company.

Except as disclosed above, there have been no significant changes in the Company’s financial condition and liquidity during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019. The Company believes that bank borrowings, payments pursuant to the Cooperation Agreement and/or borrowings from its Related-Party Debtholders, if available, will be sufficient to satisfy anticipated working capital needs for at least the next 12 months. However, we continue to evaluate expansion and growth prospects as they are presented to us from time to time and will continue to do so in the ordinary course.

In the event we determine to pursue a mining permit and thereafter engage in mining at the Moruogu Tong Mine, we will be required, among other things, for mine construction and development, including to build roads and make provision for water and electricity at the mine site. There will be significant capital expense for these and other projects. We intend to fund those capital expenditures from the proceeds of loans from our Related-Party Debtholders, if available, payments pursuant to the Cooperation Agreement and, to the extent deemed necessary, bank borrowings.

C.

Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, Etc.

The Company did not incur any significant amounts on company-sponsored research and development activities during each of the last three fiscal years.

D.

Trend Information

The recent COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to contain it have caused significant economic and financial disruptions around the world. Our business operations, including the exploration activities at the Moruogu Tong Mine and the trading of copper ore, have been severely and adversely affected due to travel restrictions and temporary restraints on our operations, as well as a slowdown in the general economy and volatile commodity demand and prices. For further details on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, please refer to “Item 3.D. KEY INFORMATION – Risk Factors – Risks Relating to our Mine Exploration Activities in Inner Mongolia – Volatility in the market prices of metals may adversely affect the results of our operations,” “Item 3.D. KEY INFORMATION – Risk Factors – Risks Relating to the Outbreak of COVID-19 – COVID-19 has disrupted our operations, and may further disrupt our operations or adversely affect our operations and financial position in the future, and may exacerbate the various other Risk Factors that we face” and “Item 5.A. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS – Operating Results – Impact of Government Policies on the Company’s Operations.”

As a result of the major uncertainties caused by the outbreak of COVID-19, our reported financial results may not necessarily be indicative of our future prospects and results of operations.

Other than the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic discussed above, the Company does not believe that there have been any other recent known trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events that are reasonably likely to have a material effect of the Company’s net revenues, income from continuing operations, profitability, liquidity or capital resources, or that would cause reported financial information not necessarily to be indicative of future operating results or financial condition.



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E.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Under SEC regulations, we are required to disclose our off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors. An off-balance sheet arrangement means a transaction, agreement or contractual arrangement to which any entity that is not consolidated with us is a party, under which we have:

·

Obligations under certain guarantee contracts;

·

A retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity or similar arrangement that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to that entity for such assets;

·

Any obligation under a derivative instrument that is both indexed to our stock and classified in stockholder’s equity, or not reflected, in our statement of financial position; and

·

Any obligation arising out of a material variable interest held by us in an unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support to us, or engages in leasing, hedging or research and development services with us.

As of December 31, 2019, the Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.


F.

Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations and commercial commitments for the periods indicated as of December 31, 2019:


 

 

Payment due by period

 

 

 

Total

 

Within 1 year

 

1 to 2 years

 

2 to 5 years

 

Thereafter

 

 

 

CNY'000

 

CNY'000

 

CNY'000

 

CNY'000

 

CNY'000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease liabilities, including current portion

 

812

 

812

 

 

 

 

 

 

812

 

812

 

 

 

 


Under the Cooperation Agreement, Jijincheng Mining, rather than the company, is the party to any contracts relating to exploratory work.


G.

Safe Harbor

The safe harbor provided in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, or the statutory safe harbors, applies to forward-looking information provided pursuant to Item 5.F. above. For our cautionary statement on the use of forward-looking statements in this Annual Report, see “Forward-Looking Statements” on page iii of this Annual Report.



37



 


ITEM 6.

DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

A.

Directors and Senior Management

Executive Officers and Directors

The following table identifies the current directors and executive officers of the Company, and sets forth their ages and positions with the Company:

Name

 

Age

 

Position

 

 

 

 

 

Wong Wah On Edward

 

56

 

Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer

Tam Cheuk Ho

 

57

 

Director

Yue Ming Wai Bonaventure

 

52

 

Director, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary

Lam Kwan Sing

 

50

 

Non-employee Director

Ng Kin Sing

 

57

 

Non-employee Director

Yip Wing Hang

 

53

 

Non-employee Director

Li Feilie

 

54

 

Director of Subsidiaries


Mr. Wong Wah On Edward was appointed as a director in April 2015, and as Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer in August 2016. Mr. Wong has served as the director of Feishang Anthracite since February 2013. He served as a director of the Company from January 1999 to January 2014, as its financial controller from December 2004 to January 2008, as its secretary from February 1999 to January 2014, and as its chief financial officer from January 2008 to January 2014. Mr. Wong is a co-owner and has been principally employed as a director of Anka, a privately-held company, since April 2008. Mr. Wong has also served as an independent non-executive director of Quali-Smart Holdings Limited, a company listed in Hong Kong since September 2015. He received a professional diploma in Company Secretaryship and Administration from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He is a fellow member of both the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, and an associate member of the Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries. He is also a certified public accountant (practicing) in Hong Kong.


Mr. Tam Cheuk Ho was appointed as a director in April 2015. Mr. Tam has served as the director of Feishang Anthracite since February 2013. He served as a director of the Company from December 1993 to December 1994 and from December 1997 to January 2014. He was also the chief financial officer and executive vice president of the Company, from December 2004 to January 2008, and from January 2008 to January 2014, respectively. Mr. Tam is also a director and co-owner of Anka. He is a fellow member of both the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. He is also a certified public accountant (practicing) in Hong Kong. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Mr. Yue Ming Wai Bonaventure was appointed as a director in August 2016, and as Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary in April 2015. Mr. Yue has been the chief financial officer and the company secretary of Feishang Anthracite since January 2014, and as executive director of Feishang Anthracite since May 2015. He has been principally employed by Shenzhen Chixin Xinxi Consulting Co. Ltd., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Feishang Anthracite, as its general manager since October 2013. He served as the financial controller of the Company from April 2008 to January 2014. He has also been appointed as an independent non-executive director of A. Plus Group Holdings Limited, a company listed in Hong Kong, since March 2016, and as an independent non-executive director of Palace Banquet Holdings Limited, a company listed in Hong Kong, since January 2019. Mr. Yue graduated from Hong Kong Baptist University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and was awarded a Master of Science degree in accounting and finance from the University of Manchester. He is a fellow member of the Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries, the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales. Mr. Yue is also a member of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand, and a member certified in Enterprise and Intangible Valuations of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Mr. Lam Kwan Sing has been a non-employee director and a member of CHNR’s Audit Committee and nominating and governance committee since December 2004, and a member of its Compensation Committee since November 2007. Mr. Lam has been an independent non-executive director of Summit Ascent Holdings Limited, a Hong Kong listed company, since June 2019. From November 2016 to present, Mr. Lam has been the chief executive officer and executive director of SFund International Holdings Ltd., a Hong Kong listed company. He is also an independent non-executive director of Hao Tian Development Group Limited, a Hong Kong listed company, since August 2012. From August 2010 to August 2017, Mr. Lam was the executive director of China Smarter Energy Group Holdings Limited, a Hong Kong listed company, where he is responsible for corporate development. Mr. Lam was the executive director and chief executive officer of Enterprise Development Holdings Limited, a Hong Kong listed company, from February 2012 to May 2015 and from May 2013 to May 2015, respectively. Mr. Lam holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy from the City University of Hong Kong.



38



 


Mr. Ng Kin Sing has been a non-employee director and a member of CHNR’s Audit Committee and Nominating and Governance Committee since December 2004, and a member of its Compensation Committee since November 2007. From March 2012 to present, Mr. Ng has been the director of Sky Innovation Limited, a private investment company. Mr. Ng holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Mr. Yip Wing Hang has been a non-employee director and a member of CHNR’s Audit Committee and Nominating and Governance Committee since June 2006, and a member of its compensation committee since November 2007. From January 2018 to present, Mr. Yip has been the senior director of Winsome Asset Management Ltd., where he is responsible for managing high-net-worth clients’ assets on discretionary basis. Mr. Yip has served as adjunct associate professor at the Institute of China Business, the University of Hong Kong SPACE since 2013. From October 2010 to December 2017, Mr. Yip was the marketing director of Athena Financial Services Limited where he was responsible for the sale and distribution of financial products. Mr. Yip holds a Master’s degree in Sustainability from University of Cambridge and a Master’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the Lancaster University, United Kingdom. He is also a Chartered Banker in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Li Feilie served as a director, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of CHNR from February 2006 to August 2016. He currently serves as director of Feishang Mining, Newhold, Pineboom, China Coal, Feishang Dayun, Feishang Yongfu and FMH Services, each of which is a subsidiary of CHNR. While Mr. Li is not an officer or director of the Company, he ultimately controls the Company through his services as an officer and/or director of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries, his beneficial ownership of the Company’s shares, his ability to elect the Board of Directors and his direct ownership of a substantial amount of Company debt. In addition to his directorships, Mr. Li provides strategic guidance relating to the various businesses in which he and his controlled companies invest. Through his related companies, Mr. Li also provides funding to support the Company’s operating expenses and indirectly holds a substantial amount of the Company’s debt (see “Item 7.B. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS – Related Party Transactions,” below). He served as a director of Feishang Anthracite from January 2010 to July 2016, its Chairman from December 2013 to July 2016, and its Chief Executive Officer from December 2013 to March 2016. Mr. Li has been the chairman of Feishang Enterprise, Wuhu Industrial and Wuhu Feishang Port Co., Ltd., companies beneficially owned by him, since June 2000, from December 2001 to July 2011 and since October 2002, respectively. Mr. Li graduated from Peking University with a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Economics.

Key Employees


The following table identifies the senior management of Bayannaoer Mining, and their ages and positions:


Name

 

Age

 

Position

 

 

 

 

 

Yu Jun

 

52

 

General Manager of Bayannaoer Mining

Yao Yangli

 

55

 

Deputy Chief Engineer of Bayannaoer Mining


Mr. Yu Jun was appointed as general manager of Bayannaoer Mining in January 2015. He has served as finance manager and chief financial officer of Bayannaoer Mining since 2005. Mr. Yu has over 25 years of experience in corporate finance. Prior to joining Bayannaoer Mining, he served the positions of finance manager and financial controller of several companies including subsidiary companies of Sichuan University. Mr. Yu graduated from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China in 1989 and was awarded a Bachelor’s degree from Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in 2004.

Mr. Yao Yangli was appointed as deputy chief engineer of Bayannaoer Mining in charge of exploration work in April 2012. Mr. Yao has almost 30 years of experience in mineral exploration. Prior to joining Bayannaoer Mining, he served as chief geological prospecting engineer, exploration project leader and chief engineer in several companies. Mr. Yao has been appointed as distinguished geologist consultant for the Land and Resources Department of Bayannaoer Municipal Government since 2012. Mr. Yao graduated from Guilin College of Geology (now known as Guilin University of Technology) with a Bachelor’s degree in 1988 and holds a senior engineer accreditation.

Family Relationships


There are no family relationships between any of the individuals identified above. There are no arrangements or understandings between major shareholders, customers, suppliers or others pursuant to which any of the individuals identified above was selected as a director or member of senior management, other than the fact that each was elected by Mr. Li Feilie.




39



 


B.

Compensation


Executive Compensation


The following table sets forth the amount of compensation that was paid, earned and/or accrued and awards made under the Company’s equity compensation plan during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, to each of the individuals identified in “Item 6.A. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES – Directors and Senior Management,” above.


Name

 

Compensation

(US$)

 

 

Number of
options

to purchase

common shares

 

 

Exercise price

(US$/share)

 

 

Expiration

date

 

Directors and Executive Officers

    

                         

  

  

                         

  

  

                         

  

  

                         

 

Li Feilie1

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wong Wah On Edward2

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tam Cheuk Ho2

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yue Ming Wai Bonaventure

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lam Kwan Sing

 

 

15,385

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ng Kin Sing

 

 

15,385

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yip Wing Hang

 

 

15,385

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Key Employees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yu Jun

 

 

11,130

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yao Yangli

 

 

32,910

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

———————

1

Mr. Li serves as director of certain subsidiaries of the Company. The amount does not include payments under an office sharing agreement pursuant to which Feishang Enterprise, a company controlled by Mr. Li, provides our subsidiary Feishang Management with certain shared office space (see “Item 7.B. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS – Related Party Transactions – Commercial Transactions with Related Companies,” below).

2

The amounts do not include payments to Anka under an office sharing agreement pursuant to which Anka provides certain accounting, administrative and secretarial services to the Company (see “Item 7.B. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS – Related Party Transactions – Commercial Transactions with Related Companies,” below). Anka is jointly owned by Wong Wah On Edward and Tam Cheuk Ho.

On April 2, 2015, we entered into service agreements with each of Mr. Yue Ming Wai Bonaventure (our Chief Financial Officer and a director), Mr. Tam Cheuk Ho (a director) and Mr. Wong Wah On Edward (our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President). Each of the agreements is for an initial term of one year and, thereafter, continues unless and until terminated by a party on not less than one months’ notice. Each of the agreements also provides for the payment to the individual of an annual fee of US$1.00, plus such equity awards as may from time to time be determined by our Compensation Committee.

 On March 7, 2019, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Yu Jun for his services as general manager of Bayannaoer Mining for a term of one year expiring on March 6, 2020. The agreement was renewed on March 7, 2020 with the same initial terms. For his services, Mr. Yu receives a basic salary at the rate of US$718 per month, and is eligible for a bonus.

On April 23, 2019, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Yao Yangli for his services as deputy chief engineer for a term of one year expiring on April 22, 2020. The agreement was renewed on April 23, 2020 with the same initial terms. For his services, Mr. Yao receives a basic salary at the rate of US$2,106 per month, and is eligible for a bonus.

There are no current contracts, agreements or understandings to increase the annual cash compensation payable to any of our executive officers or directors. For each of the three years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, no increases in cash compensation were determined by the Compensation Committee under the service agreements, and we paid or accrued nil, nil and nil, respectively, for cash compensation to our executive officers for their services as such.

The Company has no other employment contracts with any of its executive officers or directors and maintains no retirement, fringe benefit or similar plans for the benefit of its executive officers or directors. The Company may, however, enter into employment contracts with its officers and key employees, adopt various benefit plans and begin paying compensation to its officers and directors as it deems appropriate to attract and retain the services of such persons. The Company and its subsidiaries have not set aside or accrued any amounts to provide pension, retirement or similar benefits to the Company’s directors.




40



 


Non-Employee Director Compensation

We pay our independent directors a monthly directors’ fee equal to HK$10,000. We do not otherwise pay fees to directors for their attendance at meetings of the Board of Directors or of committees; however, we may adopt a policy of making such payments in the future. We reimburse out-of-pocket expenses incurred by directors in attending Board and committee meetings. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, no long-term incentive plans or pension plans were in effect with respect to any of the Company’s executive officers or directors.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table sets forth information relating to our outstanding stock option plans as of December 31, 2019:

Plan Category

 

Number of
securities to be

issued upon exercise of

outstanding options,
warrants

and rights

(a)

 

Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,

warrants and rights

 

Number of
securities remaining
available for future

issuance under equity

compensation

plans (excluding
securities reflected
in column (a))

 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2014 Equity Compensation Plan

 

 

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

4,982,183

 

 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

 

 

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

4,982,183

 

 


Stock Option Plan

The 2014 Equity Compensation Plan (the “2014 Plan”) was authorized by our Board of Directors on June 20, 2014 and was ratified and approved by members on July 21, 2014.

The purposes of the 2014 Plan are to:

·

Encourage ownership of our common stock by our officers, directors, employees and advisors;

·

Provide additional inventive for them to promote our success and our business; and

·

Encourage them to remain in our employ by providing them with the opportunity to benefit from any appreciation of our common shares.

The 2014 Plan is administered by the Board of Directors or a committee designated by the Board (the “Plan Committee”). The 2014 Plan allows the Board or Plan Committee to grant various incentive equity awards not limited to stock options. The Company has reserved a number of common shares equal to 20% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company, from time to time, for issuance pursuant to options granted (“Plan Options”) or for restricted stock awarded (“Stock Grants”) under the 2014 Plan. Stock appreciation rights may be granted as a means of allowing participants to pay the exercise price of Plan Options. Stock Grants may be made upon such terms and conditions as the Board or Plan Committee determines. Stock Grants may include deferred stock awards under which receipt of Stock Grants is deferred, with vesting to occur upon such terms and conditions as the Board or Plan Committee determines.

The Board or Plan Committee may determine, from time to time, those of our officers, directors, employees and consultants to whom Stock Grants and Plan Options will be granted, the terms and provisions of the respective Stock Grants and Plan Options, the dates such Plan Options will become exercisable, the number of shares subject to each Plan Option, the purchase price of such shares and the form of payment of such purchase price. Plan Options and Stock Grants will be awarded based upon the fair market value of our common shares at the time of the award. All questions relating to the administration of the 2014 Plan, and the interpretation of the provisions thereof are to be resolved at the sole discretion of the Board or Plan Committee.

A total of 4,982,183 common shares have been reserved for issuance under the 2014 Plan. No awards have yet been made under the 2014 Plan. The 2014 Plan terminates on June 19, 2024.




41



 


C.

Board Practices

As provided by our Memorandum and Articles each director is to hold office for a three-year term expiring immediately following the annual meeting of shareholders held three years following the annual meeting at which he or she was elected.

At the annual meeting of shareholders in 2019, Messrs. Wong Wah On Edward and Tam Cheuk Ho were elected to serve as Class III directors until immediately following the annual meeting to be held in 2022 and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified. Messrs. Yue Ming Wai Bonaventure and Ng Kin Sing serve as Class I directors until immediately following the annual meeting to be held in 2020 and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified. Messrs. Lam Kwan Sing and Yip Wing Hang serve as Class II directors until immediately following the annual meeting to be held in 2021 and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified.

Messrs. Lam Kwan Sing, Yip Wing Hang and Ng Kin Sing are each “independent” directors as such term is used in applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and in Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5605(a)(2). We are not required to maintain a Board of Directors consisting of a majority of independent directors based upon an exemption from Nasdaq requirements applicable to foreign private issuers whose home jurisdiction does not require the board of directors to consist of a majority of independent directors.

Our officers are elected annually at the meeting of the Board of Directors following each annual meeting of shareholders, and hold office until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified, subject to their earlier death, resignation or removal, and the terms of applicable employment agreements.

Please see “Item 6.B. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES – Compensation – Executive Compensation,” above, for information regarding directors’ service contracts.

Audit Committee

Our Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee that operates pursuant to a written charter. Our Audit Committee, whose members currently consists of Yip Wing Hang, Lam Kwan Sing and Ng Kin Sing, is principally responsible for ensuring the accuracy and effectiveness of the annual audit of the financial statements. The duties of the Audit Committee include, but are not limited to:

·

Appointing and supervising our independent registered public accounting firm;

·

Assessing the organization and scope of the company’s interim audit function;

·

Reviewing the scope of audits to be conducted, as well as the results thereof;

·

Approving audit and non-audit services provided to us by our independent registered public accounting firm; and

·

Overseeing our financial reporting activities, including our internal controls and procedures and the accounting standards and principles applied.

Each member of the Audit Committee is an independent director, as such term is used in applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and in Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5605(a)(2).

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee; Shareholder Nominees for Director

Our Board of Directors has established a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee that operates pursuant to a written charter. The current members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are Ng Kin Sing, Lam Kwan Sing and Yip Wing Hang. Each member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is an independent director, as such term is used in Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5605(a)(2).

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for providing oversight on a broad range of issues surrounding the composition and operation of our Board of Directors. In particular, the responsibilities of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee include:

·

Identifying individuals qualified to become members of the Board of Directors;

·

Determining the slate of nominees to be recommended for election to the Board of Directors;

·

Reviewing corporate governance principles applicable to us, including recommending corporate governance principles to the Board of Directors and administering our Code of Ethics;

·

Assuring that at least one Audit Committee member is an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of regulatory requirements; and



42



 


·

Carrying out such other duties and responsibilities as may be determined by the Board of Directors.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is required to meet at least once annually, and more frequently if the committee deems it to be appropriate. The committee may delegate authority to one or more members of the committee, provided that any decisions made pursuant to such delegated authority are presented to the full committee at its next scheduled meeting. Discussions pertaining to the nomination of directors are required to be held in executive session.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider candidates for directors proposed by shareholders, although no formal procedures for submitting the names of candidates for inclusion on management’s slate of director nominees have been adopted. Until otherwise determined by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, a member who wishes to submit the name of a candidate to be considered for inclusion on management’s slate of nominees at the next annual meeting of shareholders must notify our Corporate Secretary, in writing, no later than June 30 of the year in question of its desire to submit the name of a director nominee for consideration. The written notice must include information about each proposed nominee, including name, age, business address, principal occupation, telephone number, shares beneficially owned and a statement describing why inclusion of the candidate would be in our best interests. The notice must also include the proposing member’s name and address, as well as the number of shares beneficially owned. A statement from the candidate must also be furnished, indicating the candidate’s desire and ability to serve as a director. Adherence to these procedures is a prerequisite to the Board’s consideration of the shareholder’s candidate. Once a candidate has been identified, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews the individual’s experience and background, and may discuss the proposed nominee with the source of the recommendation. If the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believes it to be appropriate, committee members may meet with the proposed nominee before making a final determination whether to include the proposed nominee as a member of management’s slate of director nominees to be submitted for election to the Board.

Compensation Committee

Our Board of Directors has established a Compensation Committee that operates pursuant to a written charter. The current members of the Compensation Committee are Ng Kin Sing, Lam Kwan Sing and Yip Wing Hang. Each member of the Compensation Committee is an independent director, as such term is used in Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5605(a)(2).

The Compensation Committee is responsible for:

·

Formulating corporate goals and objectives relevant to compensation payable to the CEO and other executive officers;

·

Evaluating the performance of the CEO and other executive officers in light of these goals and objectives;

·

Recommending to the Board for its adoption and approval, compensation payable to the CEO and other executive officers, including (a) annual base salary level, (b) annual incentive opportunity level, (c) long-term incentive opportunity level, (d) employment agreements, severance arrangements, and change in control agreement/provisions, in each case as, when and if appropriate, and (e) any special or supplemental benefits;

·

Administering and supervising the Company’s incentive compensation plans, including equity compensation plans;

·

Recommending to the Board for its adoption and approval, awards to be made under the Company’s incentive compensation plans, including equity compensation plans; and

·

Generally supporting the Board of Directors in carrying out its overall responsibilities relating to executive compensation.

The Compensation Committee is required to meet at least once annually, and more frequently if the committee deems it to be appropriate. The committee may delegate authority to one or more members of the committee; provided, that any decisions made pursuant to such delegated authority are promptly communicated to all other committee members. The committee’s current compensation decisions are reflective of our current financial position.

Nasdaq Requirements

Our common shares are currently listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market and, for so long as our securities continue to be listed, we will remain subject to the rules and regulations established by Nasdaq Stock Market as being applicable to listed companies. Nasdaq has adopted, and from time to time adopts, amendments to its Marketplace Rule 5600 that impose various corporate governance requirements on issuers of listed securities. Section (a)(3) of Marketplace Rule 5615 provides that foreign private issuers such as our company are required to comply with certain specific requirements of Marketplace Rule 5600, but, as to the balance of Marketplace Rule 5600, foreign private issuers are not required to comply if the laws of their home jurisdiction do not otherwise mandate compliance with the same or substantially similar requirement.



43



 


We currently comply with the applicable specifically mandated provisions of Marketplace Rule 5600. In addition, we have elected to voluntarily comply with certain other provisions of Marketplace Rule 5600, notwithstanding that our home jurisdiction does not mandate compliance with the same or substantially similar requirements; although we may in the future determine to cease voluntary compliance with those provisions of Marketplace Rule 5600 that are not mandatory. However, we have elected not to comply with the following provisions of Marketplace Rule 5600, since the laws of the BVI do not require compliance with the same or substantially similar requirements:

·

A majority of our directors are not independent as defined by Nasdaq rules (rather, one-half of the members of our Board of Directors are independent);

·

Our independent directors do not hold regularly scheduled meetings in executive session (rather, all Board members may attend all meetings of the Board of Directors);

·

The compensation of our executive officers is recommended but not determined by an independent committee of the Board or by the independent members of the Board of Directors; and our CEO is not prevented from being present in the deliberations concerning his compensation;

·

Related party transactions are not required to be reviewed and we are not required to solicit member approval of stock plans, including: those in which our officers or directors may participate; stock issuances that will result in a change in control; the issuance of our stock in related party acquisitions or other acquisitions in which we may issue 20% or more of our outstanding shares; or, below market issuances of 20% or more of our outstanding shares to any person; and

·

We are not required to hold an in-person annual meeting to elect directors and transact other business customarily conducted at an annual meeting (rather, we complete these actions by written consent of holders of a majority of our voting securities).

We may in the future determine to voluntarily comply with one or more of the foregoing provisions of Marketplace Rule 5600.

D.

Employees

As of the date of this Annual Report, we employed a total of 10 employees on a full-time basis consisting of (a) six employees engaged in metal exploration segment, and (b) four executive and administrative employees in the corporate segment. The Company believes that its relations with employees are generally good.

The following table sets out the number of employees as of December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, including their principal category of activity and geographic location.

 

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

2017

2018

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hong Kong

 

Accounting, administration and management

 

3

3

2

 

 

 

 

 

3

3

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The PRC

 

Accounting, administration and management (Shenzhen)

 

2

2

2

 

 

 

Accounting, administration and management (Bayannaoer)

 

5

5

4

 

 

 

Cashier

 

1

1

1

 

 

 

Mining exploration

 

2

1

1

 

 

 

 

 

10

9

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

13

12

10

 



44



 


E.

Share Ownership

The following table sets forth, as of June 12, 2020, the share ownership of the Company’s common shares by each of individuals disclosed in response to Item 6.B. of this Annual Report.

As of June 12, 2020, there were 24,910,916 common shares issued and outstanding. Unless otherwise indicated, each person has sole investment and voting power with respect to all shares shown as beneficially owned. The term “beneficial owner” of securities refers to any person who, even if not the record owner of the securities, has or shares the underlying benefits of ownership. These benefits include the power to direct the voting or the disposition of the securities or to receive the economic benefit of ownership of the securities. A person also is considered to be the “beneficial owner” of securities that the person has the right to acquire within 60 days by option or other agreement. Beneficial owners include persons who hold their securities through one or more trustees, brokers, agents, legal representatives or other intermediaries, or through companies in which they have a “controlling interest,” which means the direct or indirect power to direct the management and policies of the entity. The Company’s directors and executive officers do not have different voting rights than other shareholders of the Company.

Name of Beneficial Owner

 

Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership

 

Percent of Class

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Li Feilie

 

 

14,780,593

(1)

 

 

59.33%

 

 

Wong Wah On Edward

 

 

400,000

 

 

 

  1.61%

 

 

Tam Cheuk Ho

 

 

281,926

 

 

 

  1.13%

 

 

Yue Ming Wai Bonaventure

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lam Kwan Sing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ng Kin Sing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yip Wing Hang

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yu Jun

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yao Yangli

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Officers and directors as a group (8 persons)

 

 

15,462,519

 

 

 

62.07%

 

 

———————

(1)

Mr. Li is not an officer or director of CHNR but is an officer and/or director of certain of our subsidiaries, and ultimately controls the Company through his beneficial ownership of our shares, his ability to elect the Board of Directors and his ownership of a substantial amount of Company debt. Consists of (a) 14,480,593 outstanding common shares held in the name of Feishang Group, a BVI corporation that is wholly-owned by Mr. Li, and (b) 300,000 outstanding common shares held by Mr. Li.


Please refer to the discussion of our equity compensation plan and securities authorized for issuance thereunder under “Item 6.B. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES – Compensation – Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans,” above.



45



 


ITEM 7.

MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

A.

Major Shareholders

Major Shareholders

The following table sets forth, as of June 12, 2020, to the knowledge of management, the share ownership of each person who is the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding common shares.

As of June 12, 2020, there were 24,910,916 common shares issued and outstanding. Mr. Li has sole investment and voting power with respect to all shares shown as beneficially owned. The term “beneficial owner” of securities refers to any person who, even if not the record owner of the securities, has or shares the underlying benefits of ownership. These benefits include the power to direct the voting or the disposition of the securities or to receive the economic benefit of ownership of the securities. A person also is considered to be the “beneficial owner” of securities that the person has the right to acquire within 60 days by option or other agreement. Beneficial owners include persons who hold their securities through one or more trustees, brokers, agents, legal representatives or other intermediaries, or through companies in which they have a “controlling interest,” which means the direct or indirect power to direct the management and policies of the entity. The Company’s major shareholder does not have different voting rights than other shareholders of the Company.


Name of Beneficial Owner

 

Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership

 

Percent of Class

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Li Feilie

 

 

14,780,593

(1)

 

 

59.33%

 

 

———————

(1)

Consists of (a) 14,480,593 outstanding common shares held in the name of Feishang Group, a BVI corporation that is wholly-owned by Mr. Li, and (b) 300,000 outstanding common shares held by Mr. Li.

Significant Changes in Ownership

There have been no significant changes in the percentage of ownership held by the major shareholder during the past three years.

Geographic Breakdown of Shareholders

Based upon a review of our shareholder records as of December 31, 2019, on that date our common shares were held of record by approximately 174 persons, 150 of whom, holding approximately 28.9% of our outstanding common shares on that date, were located in the United States (host country). Shares registered in the name(s) of intermediaries were assumed to be held by residents of the same country in which the intermediary was located.

Control

To our knowledge (a) there are no arrangements the operation of which may, at a subsequent date, result in a change in control of the Company and (b) except as otherwise disclosed in this Annual Report, we are not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by any other corporation, by any foreign government or by any other natural or legal person, severally or jointly.

B.

Related Party Transactions

As discussed above, we have received letters from Feishang Group and Feishang Enterprise, entities controlled by Mr. Li Feilie, the principal beneficial shareholder of the Company, both dated May 29, 2020, which state that Feishang Group and Feishang Enterprise will provide continuous financial support (in the form of interest-free loans) to us in relation to the going concern of our operations, including not recalling any amounts due to them until we are in a position to settle the amounts due without having a detrimental impact on our financial resources, and that Feishang Enterprise will pay debts on our behalf when needed.  As far as the Company understands, there is no limitations on the amount or provision or the duration of support from Feishang Group or Feishang Enterprise.



46



 


Commercial Transactions with Related Companies

Commercial transactions with related companies are summarized as follows:

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

Period Ended May 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019

 

2020

 

 

 

CNY’000

 

CNY’000

 

CNY’000

 

CNY’000

 

 

  

                             

    

                             

    

                             

    

                             

  

CHNR's share of office rental, rates and others to Anka (1)

 

1,316

 

1,442

 

1,506

 

644

 

Sales of equipment to Wuhu Industrial (2)

 

1,056

 

 

 

 

Purchase of raw ore from Empressa Minera Jacha Uru S.A. (“Jacha Uru”) (3)

 

240

 

 

 

 

Feishang Management's share of office rental to Feishang Enterprise (4)

 

 

166

 

166

 

69

 

———————

(1)

On April 1, 2017, the Company signed an office sharing agreement with Anka which superseded all previously signed agreements between the parties, pursuant to which the Company shares 184 square meters of the total area of the office premises. The agreement also provides that the Company shares certain costs and expenses in connection with their use of the office, in addition to some of certain accounting and secretarial services and day-to-day office administration services provided by Anka. In 2018, Anka’s lease with the unrelated landlord was extended for two years, from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2020. Anka is currently negotiating with the unrelated landlord for a renewal.


(2)

On February 22, 2017, Wuhu Feishang signed an agreement with Wuhu Industrial, controlled by Mr. Li Feilie, to dispose of certain equipment with the carrying amount of CNY1.06 million. The disposal gain was CNY0.05 million.


(3)

In 2017, Antay Pacha purchased copper ore from Jacha Uru, a copper mine located in Bolivia and controlled by Feishang Hesheng.


(4)

On January 1, 2018, Feishang Management signed an office sharing agreement with Feishang Enterprise, a related party and an affiliate of ours controlled by Mr. Li Feilie. Pursuant to the agreement, Feishang Management shares 40 square meters of the office premises.


Balances with Related Parties

 

 

As of December 31,

 

As of May 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019

 

2020

 

 

 

CNY’000

 

CNY’000

 

CNY’000

 

CNY’000

 

Payables to related parties (1)

  

                             

    

                             

    

                             

    

                             

  

Feishang Enterprise (2)

 

3,719

 

4,041

 

5,077

 

5,507

 

Feishang Hesheng (3)

 

10,028

 

 

 

 

Feishang Group (4)

 

11,573

 

6,973

 

7,097

 

7,816

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease liabilities to related parties

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feishang Enterprise

 

 

 

287

 

289

 

Anka (5)

 

 

 

516

 

91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

———————

(1)

Feishang Enterprise, Feishang Group and Feishang Hesheng are entities controlled by Mr. Li Feilie, who is the principal beneficial owner of the Company.

(2)

Payable to Feishang Enterprise by Feishang Management for the net amount of loans from Feishang Enterprise. The balance is unsecured and interest-free. The balance is repayable when the Group is in a position to settle the amounts due without having a detrimental impact on the financial resources of the Group.

(3)

Payable to Feishang Hesheng for the acquisition of Double Grow as well as the assumption of indebtedness due to Feishang Hesheng by Double Grow. The balance is unsecured and interest-free. The balance as of December 31, 2017 was repaid during 2018.

(4)

Payable to Feishang Group for the acquisition of Feishang Anthracite. The balance is unsecured and interest-free. The balance is repayable when the Group is in a position to settle the amounts due without having a detrimental impact on the financial resources of the Group.

(5)

Anka is jointly owned by Wong Wah On Edward and Tam Cheuk Ho, who are officers of the Company.



47



 


C.

Interests of Experts and Counsel

No disclosure is required in response to this Item.

ITEM 8.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

A.

Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

The Company's consolidated financial statements filed as part of this Annual Report are included herewith as Appendix A and are incorporated herein by reference.

There are no legal or arbitration proceedings (including governmental proceedings pending or known to be contemplated), including those relating to bankruptcy, receivership or similar proceedings and those involving any third party, which may have, or have had in the recent past, significant effects on the Company’s financial position or profitability. Moreover, there are no material proceedings in which any director, any member of senior management, or any of our affiliates is either a party adverse to us or our subsidiaries or has a material interest adverse to us or our subsidiaries.

The Company has not paid any dividends with respect to its common shares and has no present plan to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. The Company intends to retain its earnings to support the development of its business. Any dividends paid in the future by the Company will be paid at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will be dependent upon distributions, if any, made by its subsidiaries, and on the Company’s results of operations, its financial condition and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors. In accordance with the relevant PRC regulations and the Articles of Association of companies incorporated in the PRC, appropriations of net income of wholly-owned foreign enterprises and Sino-foreign joint venture companies as reflected in their statutory financial statements are to be allocated to either (i) each of the general reserve, the enterprise expansion reserve and the staff bonus and welfare reserve, respectively, or (ii) the statutory reserve, as determined by the resolution of the Board of Directors annually.

B.

Significant Changes

Except as otherwise described in this Annual Report, there have been no significant changes that have occurred since the date of the annual financial statements included in this Annual Report.


ITEM 9.

THE OFFER AND LISTING

A.

Offer and Listing Details

The principal United States market for our common shares, our only class of outstanding equity securities, is the Nasdaq Stock Market. Our common shares are traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “CHNR.” We are not aware of any principal market for any of our securities outside of the United States.

B.

Plan of Distribution

No disclosure is required in response to this Item.

C.

Markets

Our common shares have been listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market since November 22, 2004, under the symbol “CHNR.” From August 7, 1995 until November 22, 2004, our common stock was listed on the Nasdaq Small Cap market under the symbol “CHRB.”

D.

Selling Shareholders

No disclosure is required in response to this Item.

E.

Dilution

No disclosure is required in response to this Item.

F.

Expenses of the Issue

No disclosure is required in response to this Item.



48



 


ITEM 10.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A.

Share Capital

No disclosure is required in response to this Item.

B.

Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association

The information contained in our Registration Statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-233852), declared effective by the SEC on November 20, 2020, under the heading “Our Charter and Certain Provisions of BVI Law” is hereby incorporated by reference.

C.

Material Contracts

Other than contracts entered into the ordinary course of business, during the two preceding fiscal years the Company has not entered into any material contracts. The Company is a beneficiary from the letters from Feishang Group and Feishang Enterprise regarding the provision of financial support to the Company, executed on May 29, 2020.


D.

Exchange Controls

There are no material BVI laws, decrees, regulations or other pieces of legislation that impose foreign exchange controls on us or that affect our payment of dividends, interest or other payments to non-resident holders of our shares. BVI law and our Memorandum and Articles impose no limitations on the right of non-resident or foreign owners to hold or vote our common shares. However, we operate through subsidiaries located in the PRC, and the payment of dividends by PRC companies is subject to certain restrictions imposed under PRC law.

The principal regulations governing foreign currency exchange in China are the Foreign Exchange Administration Regulations, most recently amended in August 2008. Under the PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, such as profit distributions and trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval from SAFE by complying with certain procedural requirements. By contrast, approval from or registration with appropriate government authorities is required where RMB is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of foreign currency-denominated loans.

In August 2008, SAFE issued the Circular on the Relevant Operating Issues Concerning the Improvement of the Administration of the Payment and Settlement of Foreign Currency Capital of Foreign-Invested Enterprises, or SAFE Circular 142, regulating the conversion by a foreign-invested enterprise of foreign currency-registered capital into RMB by restricting how the converted RMB may be used. SAFE Circular 142 provides that the RMB capital converted from the foreign currency registered capital of a foreign-invested enterprise may only be used for purposes within the business scope approved by the applicable government authority and may not be used for equity investments within the PRC. SAFE also strengthened its oversight of the flow and use of RMB capital converted from foreign currency registered capital of foreign-invested enterprises. The use of such RMB capital may not be changed without SAFE’s approval, and such RMB capital may not in any case be used to repay RMB loans if the proceeds of such loans have not been used. In March 2015, SAFE issued SAFE Circular 19, which took effect and replaced SAFE Circular 142 from June 1, 2015. Although SAFE Circular 19 allows for the use of RMB converted from foreign currency-denominated capital for equity investments in the PRC, restrictions continue to apply as to foreign-invested enterprises’ use of the converted RMB for purposes beyond their business scope, for entrusted loans or for inter-company RMB loans.

In November 2012, SAFE promulgated the Circular of Further Improving and Adjusting Foreign Exchange Administration Policies on Foreign Direct Investment, which substantially amends and simplifies the current foreign exchange procedure. Pursuant to this circular, the opening of various special purpose foreign exchange accounts, the reinvestment of lawful income derived by foreign investors in the PRC (e.g. profits, the proceeds of a sale of equity, a capital reduction, liquidation or the early repatriation of an investment), and purchase and remittance of foreign exchange as a result of such lawful income in a foreign-invested enterprise no longer requires SAFE approval, and multiple capital accounts for the same entity may be opened in different provinces, which was not possible before. In addition, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Printing and Distributing the Provisions on Foreign Exchange Administration over Domestic Direct Investment by Foreign Investors and the Supporting Documents in May 2013, which specifies that the administration by SAFE or its local branches over direct investment by foreign investors in the PRC shall be conducted by way of registration and banks shall process foreign exchange business relating to direct investment in the PRC based on the registration information provided by SAFE and its branches.



49



 


In February 2015, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Further Simplifying and Improving Policies for Foreign Exchange Administration for Direct Investment, or SAFE Circular 13, which took effect on June 1, 2015. SAFE Circular 13 delegates the authority to enforce the foreign exchange registration in connection with the inbound and outbound direct investment under relevant SAFE rules to certain banks and therefore further simplifies the foreign exchange registration procedures for inbound and outbound direct investment.

In October 2019, SAFE issued the Circular on Further Promoting the Facilitation of Cross Border Trade and Investment, pursuant to which all foreign-invested enterprises can make domestic equity investments with their capital funds in accordance with related law.

In addition, our wholly-owned subsidiaries are required to allocate portions of their after-tax profits to their enterprise expansion funds and staff welfare and bonus funds at the discretion of their boards of directors. Allocations to these statutory reserves and funds can only be used for specific purposes and are not transferable to us in the forms of loans, advances or cash dividends.

E.

Taxation

The following is a general summary of certain material U.S. federal income applicable to a U.S. Holder (as defined below), BVI tax consequences of an investment in our common shares, and PRC tax considerations.   

United States Federal Income Taxation

The following discussion addresses only the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. Holder who holds common shares as a capital asset (generally, property held for investment). This summary is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be a complete analysis or listing of all potential U.S. federal income tax considerations that may apply to a U.S. Holder as a result of the ownership and disposition of common shares. In addition, this summary does not take into account the individual facts and circumstances of any particular U.S. Holder that may affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such U.S. Holder, including specific tax consequences to a U.S. Holder under an applicable tax treaty. Accordingly, this summary is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal or U.S. federal income tax advice with respect to any particular U.S. Holder. In addition, this summary does not address the U.S. federal alternative minimum tax applicable to non-corporate holders, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. Medicare contribution, U.S. state and local, or non-U.S. tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership or disposition of common shares, except to the extent described below under “British Virgin Islands Income Taxation” and “PRC Income Taxation.” Except as specifically set forth below, this summary does not discuss applicable tax reporting requirements. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding all U.S. federal, U.S. state and local and non-U.S. tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of common shares.

No opinion from U.S. legal counsel or ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) has been requested, or will be obtained, regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership or disposition of common shares. This summary is not binding on the IRS, and the IRS is not precluded from taking a position that is different from, and contrary to, any position taken in this summary. In addition, because the authorities upon which this summary is based are subject to various interpretations, the IRS and the U.S. courts could disagree with one or more of the positions taken in this summary.

Scope of This Disclosure

Authorities. This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Treasury Regulations (whether final, temporary, or proposed), published rulings of the IRS, published administrative positions of the IRS, and U.S. court decisions that are applicable and, in each case, as in effect and available, as of the date hereof. Any of the authorities on which this summary is based could be changed in a material and adverse manner at any time, and any such change could be applied on a retroactive or prospective basis which could affect the U.S. federal income tax considerations described in this summary. This summary does not discuss the potential effects, whether adverse or beneficial, of any proposed legislation that, if enacted, could be applied on a retroactive or prospective basis.

U.S. Holders. For purposes of this summary, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of common shares that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

·

An individual who is a U.S. citizen or resident;

·

A corporation (or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the U.S., any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

·

An estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or



50



 


·

A trust that (a) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the U.S. and the control of one or more U.S. persons for all substantial decisions or (b) has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

Non-U.S. Holders. For purposes of this summary, a “non-U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of common shares that is not a partnership (or other “pass-through” entity) for U.S. federal income tax purposes and is not a U.S. Holder. This summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to non-U.S. Holders arising from the ownership or disposition of common shares.

Accordingly, a non-U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding all U.S. federal, U.S. state and local, and non-U.S. tax consequences (including the potential application of and operation of any income tax treaties) relating to the purchase, ownership or disposition of common shares.

U.S. Holders Subject to Special U.S. Federal Income Tax Rules Not Addressed

This summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax considerations of ownership or disposition of common shares by U.S. Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including, but not limited to, the following: (a) tax-exempt organizations, qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts, or other tax-deferred accounts; (b) financial institutions, underwriters, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts, or regulated investment companies; (c) broker-dealers, dealers, or traders in securities or currencies that elect to apply a “mark-to-market” accounting method; (d) U.S. Holders that have a “functional currency” other than the U.S. Dollar; (e) U.S. Holders that own common shares as part of a straddle, hedging transaction, conversion transaction, constructive sale, or other arrangement involving more than one position; (f) U.S. Holders that acquire common shares in connection with the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation for services; (g) U.S. Holders that hold common shares other than as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment purposes); (h) U.S. Holders that own directly, indirectly, or by attribution, 10% or more, by voting power or value, of the outstanding stock of the Company; (i) U.S. Holders subject to Section 451(b) of the Code; and (j) U.S. expatriates or former long-term residents of the U.S. U.S. Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including U.S. Holders described immediately above, should consult their own tax advisors regarding all U.S. federal, U.S. state and local, and non-U.S. tax consequences (including the potential application and operation of any income tax treaties) relating to the acquisition, ownership, or disposition of common shares.

If an entity or arrangement that is classified as a partnership (or other “pass-through” entity) for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds common shares, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such partnership and the partners (or other owners) of such partnership of the ownership, or disposition of the common shares generally will depend on the activities of the partnership and the status of such partners (or other owners). This summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences for any such partner or partnership (or other “pass-through” entity or its owners). Owners of entities and arrangements that are classified as partnerships (or other “pass-through” entities) for U.S. federal income tax purposes should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership or disposition of common shares.

Taxation of Dividends

The gross amount of a distribution paid on our common shares out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) generally will be taxable to you as foreign source dividend income and generally will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction allowed to corporate shareholders under U.S. federal income tax law. To the extent that a distribution exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits, such distribution will be treated as a nontaxable return of capital to the extent of your basis in our common shares with respect to which such distribution is made, and thereafter as a capital gain.

We do not expect to maintain calculations of our earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles. You therefore should expect that distributions generally will be treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Subject to certain exceptions for short-term and hedged positions, the U.S. Dollar amount of dividends received by certain non-corporate taxpayers, including individuals, will be subject to taxation at the preferential rates applicable to long-term capital gains if the dividends are "qualified dividends." Dividends paid on common shares will be treated as qualified dividends if (i) the common shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States and (ii) the Company was not, in the year prior to the year in which the dividend was paid, and is not, in the year in which the dividend is paid, a PFIC, as discussed below.

The common shares are listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market and will qualify as readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States so long as they are so listed.



51



 


Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Shares

Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, upon the sale or other taxable disposition of common shares, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize a capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash plus the fair market value of any property received and such U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the common shares sold or otherwise disposed of. Such capital gain or loss will generally be a long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of the sale or other taxable disposition, the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the common shares is more than one year. Preferential tax rates apply to long-term capital gains of noncorporate U.S. Holders. Deductions for capital losses are subject to significant limitations under the Code. A U.S. Holder’s tax basis in common shares generally will be such U.S. Holder’s U.S. Dollar cost for such common shares.

PFIC Status of the Company

The Company has not performed an analysis of whether or not it will be deemed a PFIC for its current taxable year. If the Company is or becomes a PFIC, the foregoing description of the U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares will be different. The U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of common shares if the Company is or becomes a PFIC are described below under the heading “Tax Consequences if the Company is a PFIC.”

A non-U.S. corporation is a PFIC for each tax year in which (i) 75% or more of its gross income is passive income (as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) (the “income test”) or (ii) 50% or more (by value) of its assets (based on an average of the quarterly values of the assets during such tax year) either produce or are held for the production of passive income (the “asset test”). For purposes of the PFIC provisions, “gross income” generally includes sales revenues less cost of goods sold, plus income from investments and from incidental or other operations or sources, and “passive income” generally includes dividends, interest, certain rents and royalties, certain gains from commodities or securities transactions and the excess of gains over losses from the disposition of certain assets which product passive income. If a non-U.S. corporation owns at least 25% (by value) of the stock of another corporation, the non-U.S. corporation is treated, for purposes of the income test and asset test, as owning its proportionate share of the assets of the other corporation and as receiving directly its proportionate share of the other corporation’s income.

Under certain attribution and indirect ownership rules, if the Company is a PFIC, U.S. Holders will generally be deemed to own their proportionate share of the Company’s direct or indirect equity interest in any company that is also a PFIC (a “Subsidiary PFIC”), and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on their proportionate share of (a) any “excess distributions,” as described below, on the stock of a Subsidiary PFIC and (b) a disposition or deemed disposition of the stock of a Subsidiary PFIC by the Company or another Subsidiary PFIC, both as if such U.S. Holders directly held the shares of such Subsidiary PFIC. In addition, U.S. Holders may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any indirect gain realized on the stock of a Subsidiary PFIC on the sale or disposition of common shares. Accordingly, U.S. Holders should be aware that they could be subject to tax even if no distributions are received and no redemptions or other dispositions of the Company’s common shares are made.

The determination of PFIC status is inherently factual, is subject to a number of uncertainties, and can be determined only annually at the close of the tax year in question. Additionally, the analysis depends, in part, on the application of complex U.S. federal income tax rules, which are subject to differing interpretations. There can be no assurance that the Company will or will not be determined to be a PFIC for the current tax year or any prior or future tax year, and no opinion of legal counsel or ruling from the IRS concerning the status of the Company as a PFIC has been obtained or will be requested. U.S. Holders should consult their own U.S. tax advisors regarding the PFIC status of the Company.

Tax Consequences if the Company is a PFIC

If the Company is a PFIC for any tax year during which a U.S. Holder holds common shares, special rules may increase such U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability with respect to the ownership and disposition of such common shares. If the Company is a PFIC for any tax year during which a U.S. Holder owns common shares, the Company will be treated as a PFIC with respect to such U.S. Holder for that tax year and for all subsequent tax years, regardless of whether the Company meets the income test or the asset test for such subsequent tax years, unless the U.S. Holder makes a “deemed sale” election with respect to the common shares. If the election is made, the U.S. Holder will be deemed to sell the common shares it holds at their fair market value on the last day of the last taxable year in which the Company qualified as a PFIC, and any gain recognized from such deemed sale would be taxed under the PFIC excess distribution regime. After the deemed sale election, the U.S. Holder’s common shares would not be treated as shares of a PFIC unless the Company subsequently becomes a PFIC. U.S. Holders should consult their own U.S. tax advisors regarding the availability and desirability of a deemed sale election.



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Under the default PFIC rules:

·

Any gain realized on the sale or other disposition (including dispositions and certain other events that would not otherwise be treated as taxable events) of common shares (including an indirect disposition of the stock of any Subsidiary PFIC) and any “excess distribution” (defined as a distribution to the extent it (together with all other distributions received in the relevant tax year) exceeds 125% of the average annual distribution received during the shorter of the preceding three years or the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the common shares) received on common shares or with respect to the stock of a Subsidiary PFIC will be allocated ratably to each day of such U.S. Holder’s holding period for the common shares;

·

The amount allocated to the current tax year and any year prior to the first year in which the Company was a PFIC will be taxed as ordinary income in the current year;

·

The amount allocated to each of the other tax years (the “Prior PFIC Years”) will be subject to tax at the highest ordinary income tax rate in effect for the applicable class of taxpayer for that year; and

·

An interest charge will be imposed with respect to the resulting tax attributable to each Prior PFIC Year.

A U.S. Holder that makes a timely and effective “mark-to-market” election under Section 1296 of the Code (a “Mark-to-Market Election”) or a timely and effective election to treat the Company and each Subsidiary PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” (a “QEF”) under Section 1295 of the Code (a “QEF Election”) may generally mitigate or avoid the default PFIC rules described above with respect to common shares.  U.S. Holders should be aware that there can be no assurance that the Company has satisfied or will satisfy the recordkeeping requirements that apply to a QEF or that the Company has supplied or will supply U.S. Holders with information such U.S. Holders require to report under the QEF rules in the event that the Company is a PFIC for any tax year.

A timely and effective QEF Election requires a U.S. Holder to include currently in gross income each year its pro rata share of the Company’s ordinary earnings and net capital gains, regardless of whether such earnings and gains are actually distributed. Thus, a U.S. Holder could have a tax liability with respect to such ordinary earnings or gains without a corresponding receipt of cash from the Company. If the Company is a QEF with respect to a U.S. Holder, the U.S. Holder’s basis in the common shares will be increased to reflect the amount of the taxed but undistributed income. Distributions of income that had previously been taxed will result in a corresponding reduction of basis in the common shares and will not be taxed again as a distribution to a U.S. Holder. Taxable gains on the disposition of common shares by a U.S. Holder that has made a timely and effective QEF Election are generally capital gains. A U.S. Holder must make a QEF Election for the Company and each Subsidiary PFIC if it wishes to have this treatment. To make a QEF Election, a U.S. Holder will need to have an annual information statement from the Company setting forth the ordinary earnings and net capital gains for the year and the Company may not provide this statement, in which case a QEF Election cannot be made. In general, a U.S. Holder must make a QEF Election on or before the due date for filing its income tax return for the first year to which the QEF Election will apply. Under applicable Treasury Regulations, a U.S. Holder will be permitted to make retroactive elections in particular, but limited, circumstances, including if it had a reasonable belief that the Company was not a PFIC and did not file a protective election. If a U.S. Holder owns PFIC stock indirectly through another PFIC, separate QEF Elections must be made for the PFIC in which the U.S. Holder is a direct shareholder and the Subsidiary PFIC for the QEF rules to apply to both PFICs.

Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the availability and desirability of, and procedure for, making a timely and effective QEF Election (including a “pedigreed” QEF election where necessary) for the Company and any Subsidiary PFIC.

Alternatively, a Mark-to-Market Election may be made with respect to “marketable stock” in a PFIC if such stock is “regularly traded” on a “qualified exchange or other market” (within the meaning of the Code and the applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations). A class of stock that is traded on one or more qualified exchanges or other markets is considered to be “regularly traded” for any calendar year during which such class of stock is traded in other than de minimis quantities on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter. If the common shares are considered to be “regularly traded” within this meaning, then a U.S. Holder generally will be eligible to make a Mark-to-Market Election with respect to its common shares. However, there is no assurance that the common shares will remain “regularly traded” for this purpose. A Mark-to-Market Election may not be made with respect to the stock of any Subsidiary PFIC. Hence, a Mark-to-Market Election will not be effective to eliminate the application of the default PFIC rules, described above, with respect to deemed dispositions of Subsidiary PFIC stock, or excess distributions with respect to a Subsidiary PFIC.



53



 


A U.S. Holder that makes a timely and effective Mark-to-Market Election with respect to common shares generally will be required to recognize ordinary income in each tax year in which the Company is a PFIC in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of such shares as of the close of such taxable year over the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in such shares as of the close of such taxable year. A U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the common shares generally will be increased by the amount of ordinary income recognized with respect to such shares. If the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the common shares as of the close of a tax year exceeds the fair market value of such shares as of the close of such taxable year, the U.S. Holder generally will recognize an ordinary loss, but only to the extent of net mark-to-market income recognized with respect to such shares for all prior taxable years. A U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in its common shares generally will be decreased by the amount of ordinary loss recognized with respect to such shares. Any gain recognized upon a disposition of the common shares generally will be treated as ordinary income, and any loss recognized upon a disposition generally will be treated as an ordinary loss to the extent of net mark-to-market income recognized for all prior taxable years. Any loss recognized in excess thereof will be taxed as a capital loss. Capital losses are subject to significant limitations under the Code. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the availability and desirability of, and procedure for, making a timely and effective Mark-to-Market Election with respect to the common shares.

Receipt of Foreign Currency

The amount of any distribution or proceeds paid in any currency other U.S. Dollars to a U.S. Holder in connection with the ownership of common shares, or on the sale or other taxable disposition of common shares will be included in the gross income of a U.S. Holder as translated into U.S. Dollars calculated by reference to the exchange rate prevailing on the date of actual or constructive receipt of the payment, regardless of whether the currency is converted into U.S. Dollars at that time. If the currency received is not converted into U.S. Dollars on the date of receipt, a U.S. Holder will have a basis in the currency equal to its U.S. Dollar value on the date of receipt. Any U.S. Holder who receives payment in non-U.S. currency and engages in a subsequent conversion or other disposition of the currency may have a foreign currency exchange gain or loss that would generally be treated as ordinary income or loss, and generally will be U.S. source income or loss for foreign tax credit purposes. Different rules apply to U.S. Holders who use the accrual method with respect to foreign currency.

Each U.S. Holder should consult its own U.S. tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of receiving, owning, and disposing of non-U.S. currency.

Information Reporting; Backup Withholding

Under U.S. federal income tax law, certain categories of U.S. Holders must file information returns with respect to their investment in, or involvement in, a non-U.S. corporation. For example, U.S. return disclosure obligations (and related penalties) are imposed on individuals who are U.S. Holders that hold certain specified foreign financial assets in excess of certain threshold amounts. The definition of “specified foreign financial assets” includes not only financial accounts maintained in non-U.S. financial institutions, but also, if held for investment and not in an account maintained by certain financial institutions, any stock or security issued by a non-U.S. person, any financial instrument or contract that has an issuer or counterparty other than a U.S. person and any interest in a non-U.S. entity. A U.S. Holder may be subject to these reporting requirements unless such U.S. Holder’s common shares are held in an account at certain financial institutions. Penalties for failure to file certain of these information returns are substantial. U.S. Holders should consult with their own tax advisors regarding the requirements of filing information returns on IRS Form 8938, and, if applicable, filing obligations relating to the PFIC rules, including possible reporting on an IRS Form 8621.

A holder of common shares may be subject to information reporting and “backup withholding,” currently at the rate of 24%, with respect to (a) distributions paid on our common shares and (b) proceeds arising from the sale or other taxable disposition of common shares, in each case if the distribution or proceeds are paid by a paying agent, broker or other intermediary in the United States or by a U.S. broker or certain United States-related brokers to the holder outside the United States. Backup withholding may be avoided by the holder of common shares if such holder:

·

is a corporation or comes within other exempt categories; or

·

provides a correct taxpayer identification number, certifies that such holder is not subject to backup withholding and otherwise complies with the backup withholding rules.

In addition, holders of common shares who are not U.S. persons are generally exempt from backup withholding, although they may be required to comply with certification and identification procedures in order to prove their exemption.



54



 


Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a holder will be refunded or credited against the holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided that amount withheld is claimed as federal taxes withheld on the holder’s U.S. federal income tax return relating to the year in which the backup withholding occurred. A holder who is not otherwise required to file a U.S. income tax return must generally file a claim for refund or, in the case of non-U.S. holders, an income tax return in order to claim refunds of withheld amounts.

The discussion of reporting requirements set forth above is not intended to constitute an exhaustive description of all reporting requirements that may apply to a U.S. Holder. A failure to satisfy certain reporting requirements may result in an extension of the time period during which the IRS can assess a tax, and, under certain circumstances, such an extension may apply to assessments of amounts unrelated to any unsatisfied reporting requirement. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the information reporting and backup withholding rules.

THE ABOVE SUMMARY IS NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE A COMPLETE ANALYSIS OF ALL U.S. TAX CONSIDERATIONS APPLICABLE TO U.S. HOLDERS WITH RESPECT TO THE OWNERSHIP, EXERCISE OR DISPOSITION OF COMMON SHARES. U.S. HOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE TAX CONSIDERATIONS APPLICABLE TO THEM IN THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.

British Virgin Islands Taxation

This summary has been prepared based upon management’s understanding of applicable tax consequences, but has not been reviewed by counsel or other experts in U.S. or BVI taxation. This summary does not address all possible tax consequences relating to an investment in our common shares and does not purport to deal with the tax consequences applicable to all categories of investors, some of which, such as dealers in securities, insurance companies and tax-exempt entities, may be subject to special rules. In particular, the discussion does not address the tax of non-BVI tax laws, except to the extent described above under “United Stated Federal Income Taxation.” Accordingly, each prospective investor should consult its own tax advisor regarding the particular tax consequences to it of an investment in the common shares. The discussion below is based upon laws and relevant interpretations in effect as of the date of this Annual Report, all of which are subject to change. Under the BVI Business Companies Act (as amended) as currently in effect, companies incorporated or registered under the BVI Business Companies Act are exempt from income and corporate tax. In addition, the BVI currently does not levy capital gains tax on companies incorporated or registered under the Business Companies Act.

A holder of our common shares who is not a resident of BVI is exempt from BVI income tax on dividends paid with respect to the common shares and any capital gains realized with respect to any common shares. In addition, the common shares are not subject to transfer taxes, stamp duties or similar charges for so long as we do not hold an interest in real estate in the BVI.

There are no estate, gift or inheritance taxes levied by the BVI on companies incorporated or registered under the BVI Business Companies Act.

There is no income tax treaty or convention currently in effect between the United States and the BVI that is applicable to any payments made by or to a company incorporated or registered under the BVI Business Companies Act.

PRC Taxation

If the PRC tax authorities determine that we are a “resident enterprise” for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, a withholding tax of 10% may be imposed by us on any dividends that non-PRC resident holders of our common shares receive from us and on gains realized on their sale or other disposition of common shares, if such income is considered as income derived from within the PRC.

F.

Dividends and Paying Agents

No disclosure is required in response to this Item.

G.

Statement by Experts

No disclosure is required in response to this Item.

H.

Documents on Display

The documents concerning the Company that are referred to in this Annual Report may be inspected at the Company’s principal executive offices at Room 2205, 22/F, West Tower, Shun Tak Centre, 168-200 Connaught Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong. Certain documents described in response to Item 19. of this Annual Report are filed with this Annual Report and others are incorporated by reference to documents previously filed by the Company with the SEC. The documents that are filed herewith or incorporated by reference can be viewed on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.



55



 


I.

Subsidiary Information

See Exhibit 8 to this Annual Report for further information about our subsidiaries.

ITEM 11.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Foreign currency exchange rate risk

Revenue and expenses of our PRC subsidiaries are denominated in Renminbi. The administrative expenses of the Company’s head office in Hong Kong are denominated either in United States dollars or Hong Kong dollars. As the reporting currency of the Company’s consolidated financial statements is the Renminbi, the Company has market risk with respect to currency fluctuation between Hong Kong dollars and United States dollars to Renminbi and translation difference may arise on consolidation. The Company may also suffer an exchange loss when it converts Renminbi to other currencies, such as Hong Kong dollars or United States dollars. If market conditions allow, the Company endeavors to match the currency used in operating/investing activities with that used in financing activities. We have not engaged any foreign currency contracts to hedge our potential foreign currency exchange exposure, if any.

Interest rate risk

Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. We are not currently exposed to interest rate risk as we do not have any outstanding interest-bearing financial instruments.

Commodity price risk

We were not exposed to commodity price risk as of December 31, 2019, as we did not have any copper ore in inventory on that date.


ITEM 12.

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

No disclosure is required in response to this Item.







56





PART II

ITEM 13.

DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

There are no defaults, dividend arrearages and delinquencies or other information required to be disclosed in response to this Item.

ITEM 14.

MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

There have been no modifications to the rights of security holders and there is no other information to disclose in response to this Item.

ITEM 15.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act. As of December 31, 2019, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures.

In designing and evaluating its disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the disclosure controls and procedures are met. Additionally, in designing disclosure controls and procedures, management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible disclosure controls and procedures. The design of any disclosure controls and procedures also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.

Based upon that evaluation and subsequent evaluations conducted in connection with the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our periodic reports filed under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and regulations.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. The Exchange Act defines internal control over financial reporting as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the Company’s Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS issued by the IASB and includes those policies and procedures that:

·

Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;

·

Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS issued by IASB, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and

·

Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.



57



 


All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019. In making this assessment, we used the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organization of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). Based on our evaluation and the COSO criteria, we determined that, as of December 31, 2019, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS.


Since the Company is not an accelerated filer, the auditor’s attestation report pursuant to SOX Section 404(b) is not required in this Annual Report.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal year 2019 and that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 16.

[Reserved]

ITEM 16A.

AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

In general, an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of Item 16A. of Form 20-F, is an individual member of the Audit Committee who:

·

understands generally accepted accounting principles and financial statements;

·

is able to assess the general application of such principles in connection with accounting for estimates, accruals and reserves;

·

has experience preparing, auditing, analyzing or evaluating financial statements comparable to the breadth and complexity to our financial statements, or experience actively supervising one or more persons engaging in such activities;

·

understands internal controls over financial reporting; and

·

understands audit committee functions.

An “audit committee financial expert” may acquire the foregoing attributes through:

·

education and experience as a principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller, public accountant, auditor or person serving similar functions;

·

experience actively supervising a principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller, public accountant, auditor or person serving similar functions; experience overseeing or assessing the performance of companies or public accounts with respect to the preparation, auditing or evaluation of financial statements; or

·

other relevant experience.

Our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Yip Wing Hang and Mr. Lam Kwan Sing is each an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of Item 16 of Form 20-F of Regulation S-K. Each of our “audit committee financial experts” is independent as that term is used in Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5605(a)(2).

Item 16B.

CODE OF ETHICS

A Code of Ethics is a written standard designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote:

·

honest and ethical conduct,

·

full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in regulatory filings and public statements,

·

compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations,

·

the prompt reporting violation of the code, and



58



 


·

accountability for adherence to the Code of Ethics.

We have adopted a Code of Ethics that is applicable to all of our employees, and also contains provisions that apply only to our Chief Executive Officer, principal financial and accounting officers and persons performing similar functions. A copy of our Code of Ethics is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to this Annual Report.

ITEM 16C.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The following table shows the fees that we paid for audit and other services provided by Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, for fiscal years 2018 and 2019.

 

Fiscal Year 2018

 

Fiscal Year 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audit Fees

 

US$145,381

 

 

US$143,612

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

 

 

US$7,000

 

Tax Fees

 

 

 

 

All Other Fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

US$145,381

 

 

US$150,612

 

 

Audit Fees —This category includes the audit of our annual financial statements and services that are normally provided by the independent auditors in connection with engagements for those fiscal years.

Audit-Related Fees —This category includes the review of the Company’s shelf registration statement on Form F-3.

The Audit Committee has adopted a procedure for pre-approval of all fees charged by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. Under the procedure, the Audit Committee approves the engagement letter with respect to audit, tax and review services. Other fees are subject to pre-approval by the entire Audit Committee, or, in the period between meetings, by a designated member of the Audit Committee. Any such approval by the designated member is disclosed to the entire Audit Committee at the next meeting. All the audit fees paid to Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP with respect to fiscal years 2018 and 2019 were approved by the Audit Committee.

ITEM 16D.

EXEMPTION FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

There have been no exemptions from listing standards required to be disclosed in response to this Item.

ITEM 16E.

PURCHASE OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

There have been no purchases of equity securities required to be disclosed in response to this Item.

ITEM 16F.

CHANGES IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT

No disclosure is required in response to this Item.

ITEM 16G.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Our common shares are currently listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market and, for so long as our securities continue to be listed, we will remain subject to the rules and regulations established by the Nasdaq Stock Market that apply to listed companies. Nasdaq rules include various corporate governance requirements applicable to listed securities. While all Nasdaq-listed companies are subject to certain of these corporate governance requirements, foreign private issuers such as our company are exempt from other corporate governance requirements if the laws of their home jurisdiction do not otherwise require compliance. Since our home jurisdiction does not mandate compliance with some of these Nasdaq rules, we have opted out of compliance with them. A more detailed description of the Nasdaq requirements that we are not subject to is contained elsewhere in this Annual Report under “Item 6.C. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES – Board Practices – Nasdaq Requirements.”

ITEM 16H.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.



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PART III

ITEM 17.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

We have elected to provide financial statements pursuant to Item 18.

ITEM 18.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following financial statements are filed as a part of this Form 20-F in Appendix A hereto:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, together with the consolidated financial statements for the Company and subsidiaries, including:

a.

Consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31, 2018 and 2019

b.

Consolidated statements of profit or loss for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019

c.

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019

d.

Consolidated statements of changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019

e.

Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019

f.

Notes to consolidated financial statements

ITEM 19.

EXHIBITS

The following Exhibits are filed as part of this Form 20-F. Certain exhibits have been previously filed with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act, as amended (Commission File Number 000-26046).

Exhibit No.

 

Exhibit Description

 

 

 

1.1

 

Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Registrant (included as Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 6-K filed January 30, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference).

2.1

 

Description of China Natural Resources, Inc.’s Securities Registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Amended (filed herewith).

4.1

 

2014 Equity Compensation Plan (included as Annex A of Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 6-K furnished August 13, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference).

4.2

 

Service Agreement dated as of April 2, 2015 by and between the Company and Tam Cheuk Ho (included as Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 6-K furnished April 6, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference).

4.3

 

Service Agreement dated as of April 2, 2015 by and between the Company and Wong Wah On Edward (included as Exhibit 99.2 to the Current Report on Form 6-K furnished April 6, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference).

4.4

 

Service Agreement dated as of April 2, 2015 by and between the Company and Yue Ming Wai Bonaventure (included as Exhibit 99.3 to the Current Report on Form 6-K furnished April 6, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference).

4.5

 

License Agreement dated April 1, 2017 by and between Anka Consultants Limited and China Natural Resources, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 4.15 to the Annual Report on Form 20-F filed June 19, 2017, and incorporated herein by reference).

4.6

 

Inner Mongolia Wulatehouqi Moruogu Tong Mine Cooperation Agreement on Mineral Exploration dated August 20, 2017 by and between Bayannaoer City Feishang Mining Company Limited and Bayannaoer Jijincheng Mining Co., Ltd. (included as Exhibit 4.25 to the Annual Report on Form 20-F filed April 30, 2018, and incorporated herein by reference).

4.7

 

Confirmation of Financial Support to China Natural Resources, Inc., dated May 29, 2020, from Feishang Group Limited (filed herewith).

4.8

 

Confirmation of Financial Support to China Natural Resources, Inc., dated May 29, 2020, from Feishang Enterprise Group Co., Ltd. (filed herewith).

8

 

Subsidiaries of the Registrant (filed herewith).

11

 

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (filed as Exhibit 14 to Annual Report on Form 10-KSB filed March 30, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference).

12.1

 

CEO Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

12.2

 

CFO Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

13.1

 

CEO Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).

13.2

 

CFO Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).

 

 

 



60



 





Exhibit No.

 

Exhibit Description

 

 

 

15.1

 

Consent of Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP to incorporation of audit report dated June 12, 2020 into registration statement on Form F-3 (SEC File No. 333-233852) (filed herewith).

15.2

 

Press Release dated June 12, 2020 (filed herewith).

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document.

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.






61



 


SIGNATURES

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this Annual Report on its behalf.

 

CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

 

 

 

 

Date: June 12, 2020

By:

/s/ WONG WAH ON EDWARD

 

 

 

Wong Wah On Edward, CEO

 






62



 


APPENDIX A


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms, together with the consolidated financial statements for the Company and subsidiaries, including:

a.

Consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31, 2018 and 2019

b.

Consolidated statements of profit or loss for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019

c.

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019

d.

Consolidated statements of changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019

e.

Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019

f.

Notes to consolidated financial statements













 


CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Pages

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

F-2

 

 

Consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31, 2018 and 2019

F-3

 

 

Consolidated statements of profit or loss for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019

F-4

 

 

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019

F-5

 

 

Consolidated statements of changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019

F-6

 

 

Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019

F-7 – F-8

 

 

Notes to consolidated financial statements

F-9 – F-55






F-1



 


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of China Natural Resources, Inc.


Opinion on the Financial Statements


We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of China Natural Resources, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2018 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of profit or loss, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2018 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.


Adoption of New Accounting Standards


As disclosed in Note 2.2 (a) to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method for accounting for leases using a modified retrospective approach for the year ended December 31, 2019.


Basis for Opinion


These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.


We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.


Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.





/s/ Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2015.

Beijing, the People’s Republic of China


June 12, 2020








F-2



 


CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands)


 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

 

Notes

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

US$

 

ASSETS

  

                    

  

  

                    

  

  

                    

  

  

                    

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

4

 

 

 

275

 

 

 

214

 

 

 

31

 

Right-of-use assets

 

5(a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

616

 

 

 

88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

275

 

 

 

830

 

 

 

119

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepayments

 

 

 

 

 

 39

 

 

 

29

 

 

 

4

 

Trade receivables

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,956

 

 

 

568

 

Other receivables

 

7

 

 

 

 636

 

 

 

39

 

 

 

6

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

6,793

 

 

 

3,444

 

 

 

495

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

7,468

 

 

 

7,468

 

 

 

1,073

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

7,743

 

 

 

8,298

 

 

 

1,192

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade payables

 

8

 

 

 

100

 

 

    

3,896

 

 

 

560

 

Other payables and accrued liabilities

 

9

 

 

 

1,639

 

 

 

2,161

 

 

 

311

 

Taxes payable

 

 

 

 

 

16,788

 

 

 

16,818

 

 

 

2,415

 

Lease liabilities

 

5(b)/16(b)

 

 

 

 

 

 

803

 

 

 

115

 

Due to a related company

 

16(b)

 

 

 

4,041

 

 

 

5,077

 

 

 

729

 

Due to the Shareholder

 

16(b)

 

 

 

6,973

 

 

 

7,097

 

 

 

1,019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES AND TOTAL LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

29,541

 

 

 

35,852

 

 

 

5,149

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEFICIENCY IN ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issued capital

 

17

 

 

 

312,081

 

 

 

312,081

 

 

 

44,819

 

Other capital reserves

 

17

 

 

 

692,518

 

 

 

692,518

 

 

 

99,454

 

Accumulated losses

 

 

 

 

 

(1,022,639

)

 

 

(1,028,284

)

 

 

(147,674

)

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

(3,758

)

 

 

(3,869

)

 

 

(556

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEFICIENCY IN ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

(21,798

)

 

 

(27,554

)

 

 

(3,957

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

7,743

 

 

 

8,298

 

 

 

1,192

 


 



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


F-3



 


CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PROFIT OR LOSS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)


 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

 

Notes

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

US$

 

 

  

                    

  

  

                    

  

  

                    

  

  

                    

  

  

                    

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONTINUING OPERATIONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,969

 

 

1,863

 

Cost of sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(12,752

)

 

(1,831

)

Gross profit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

217

 

 

32

 

Selling and distribution expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2

)

 

 

Administrative expenses

 

 

 

 

 

(6,204

)

 

 

(6,207

)

 

 

(5,814

)

 

 

(835

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING LOSS

 

 

 

 

 

(6,204

)

 

 

(6,207

)

 

 

(5,599

)

 

 

(803

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance costs

 

11

 

 

 

(14

)

 

 

5

 

 

 

(62

)

 

 

(9

)

Interest income

 

11

 

 

 

39

 

 

 

26

 

 

 

16

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAX FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

 

11

 

 

 

(6,179

)

 

 

(6,176

)

 

 

(5,645

)

 

 

(810

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

 

13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOSS FOR THE YEAR FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

 

 

 

 

 

(6,179

)

 

 

(6,176

)

 

 

(5,645

)

 

 

(810

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss for the year from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

3

 

 

 

(23,817

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOSS FOR THE YEAR

 

 

 

 

 

(29,996

)

 

 

(6,176

)

 

 

(5,645

)

 

 

(810

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATTRIBUTABLE TO:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owners of the Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From continuing operations

 

 

 

 

 

(6,179

)

 

 

(6,176

)

 

 

(5,645

)

 

 

(810

)

From discontinued operations

 

3

 

 

 

(23,817

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(29,996

)

 

 

(6,176

)

 

 

(5,645

)

 

 

(810

)

Non-controlling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From continuing operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(29,996

)

 

 

(6,176

)

 

 

(5,645

)

 

 

(810

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOSS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE COMPANY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- For loss from continuing operations

 

14

 

 

 

(0.25

)

 

 

(0.25

)

 

 

(0.23

)

 

 

(0.03

)

- For loss from discontinued operations

 

14

 

 

 

(0.95

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Net loss per share

 

 

 

 

 

(1.20

)

 

 

(0.25

)

 

 

(0.23

)

 

 

(0.03

)





The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


F-4



 


CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands)


 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

US$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOSS FOR THE YEAR

 

 

(29,996

)

 

 

(6,176

)

 

 

(5,645

)

 

 

(810

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income/(loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income/(loss) to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Reclassification adjustments for a foreign operation disposed during the year

 

 

3,280

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

 

(1,984

)

 

 

(117

)

 

 

(111

)

 

 

(16

)

Total other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year, net of tax

 

 

1,296

 

 

 

(117

)

 

 

(111

)

 

 

(16

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE LOSS FOR THE YEAR

 

 

(28,700

)

 

 

(6,293

)

 

 

(5,756

)

 

 

(826

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owners of the Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From continuing operations

 

 

(5,758

)

 

 

(6,293

)

 

 

(5,756

)

 

 

(826

)

From discontinued operations

 

 

(22,942

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(28,700

)

 

 

(6,293

)

 

 

(5,756

)

 

 

(826

)

Non-controlling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From continuing operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(28,700

)

 

 

(6,293

)

 

 

(5,756

)

 

 

(826

)







The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


F-5



 


CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

Attributable to Owners of the Company

 

 

 

Issued
capital

(Note 17)

 

 

Other capital
reserves

 

 

Reserves

 

 

Accumulated losses

 

 

Other

comprehensive
(loss)/income

 

 

Total

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

  

                           

   

  

                           

  

  

                           

  

  

                           

  

  

                           

  

  

                           

  

AT JANUARY 1, 2017

 

 

312,081

 

 

 

692,518

 

 

 

63,180

 

 

 

(1,049,647

)

 

 

(4,937

)

 

 

13,195

 

Loss for the year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(29,996

)

 

 

 

 

 

(29,996

)

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,296

 

 

 

1,296

 

Total comprehensive (loss)/income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(29,996

)

 

 

1,296

 

 

 

(28,700

)

Disposal of discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(63,180

)

 

 

63,180

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AT DECEMBER 31, 2017

 

 

312,081

 

 

 

692,518

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,016,463

)

 

 

(3,641

)

 

 

(15,505

)

Loss for the year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6,176

)

 

 

 

 

 

(6,176

)

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(117

)

 

 

(117

)

Total comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6,176

)

 

 

(117

)

 

 

(6,293

)

AT DECEMBER 31, 2018

 

 

312,081

 

 

 

692,518

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,022,639

)

 

 

(3,758

)

 

 

(21,798

)

Loss for the year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5,645

)

 

 

 

 

 

(5,645

)

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(111

)

 

 

(111

)

Total comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5,645

)

 

 

(111

)

 

 

(5,756

)

AT DECEMBER 31, 2019

 

 

312,081

 

 

 

692,518

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,028,284

)

 

 

(3,869

)

 

 

(27,554

)

AT DECEMBER 31, 2019 (US$)

 

 

44,819

 

 

 

99,454

 

 

 

 

 

 

(147,674

)

 

 

(556

)

 

 

(3,957

)





The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


F-6



 


CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

US$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

                    

  

  

                    

  

  

                    

  

  

                    

  

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss for the year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From continuing operations

 

 

(6,179

)

 

 

(6,176

)

 

 

(5,645

)

 

 

(810

)

From discontinued operations

 

 

(23,817

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments for:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

 

 

1,748

 

 

 

67

 

 

 

66

 

 

 

9

 

Depreciation of right-of-use assets (Note 11)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,187

 

 

 

171

 

Finance costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

60

 

 

 

9

 

Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment

 

 

(45

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accretion expenses

 

 

60

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations

 

 

15,571

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in working capital:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rehabilitation fund

 

 

(11

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade receivables

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,956

)

 

 

(568

)

Inventories

 

 

(746

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepayments

 

 

(354

)

 

 

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

1

 

Other receivables

 

 

(10,376

)

 

 

(12

)

 

 

597

 

 

 

86

 

Trade payables

 

 

(1,426

)

 

 

(115

)

 

 

3,796

 

 

 

545

 

Other payables and accrued liabilities

 

 

10,727

 

 

 

(1,287

)

 

 

522

 

 

 

75

 

Taxes payable

 

 

102

 

 

 

(4

)

 

 

30

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash flows used in operating activities

 

 

(14,746

)

 

 

(7,527

)

 

 

(3,333

)

 

 

(478

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from disposal of subsidiaries

 

 

7,983

 

 

 

9,377

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash flows from acquisition of subsidiaries

 

 

(86

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

 

 

(5,029

)

 

 

(5

)

 

 

(5

)

 

 

(1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash flows from/(used in) investing activities

 

 

2,868

 

 

 

9,372

 

 

 

(5

)

 

 

(1

)


continued/…



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


F-7



 


CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands)


 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

US$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

  

                    

  

  

                    

  

  

                    

  

  

                    

  

Repayments to the Shareholder

 

 

 

 

 

(4,600

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repayments to related companies

 

 

(2,385

)

 

 

(11,392

)

 

 

(5,704

)

 

 

(819

)

Advances from a related company

 

 

15,015

 

 

 

2,179

 

 

 

6,740

 

 

 

968

 

Payment of the principal portion of lease liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,000

)

 

 

(144

)

Interest paid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(60

)

 

 

(9

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash flows from/(used in) financing activities

 

 

12,630

 

 

 

(13,813

)

 

 

(24

)

 

 

(4

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

 

752

 

 

 

(11,968

)

 

 

(3,362

)

 

 

(483

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET FOREIGN EXCHANGE DIFFERENCE

 

 

(1,102

)

 

 

(117

)

 

 

13

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR

 

 

19,228

 

 

 

18,878

 

 

 

6,793

 

 

 

976

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR

 

 

18,878

 

 

 

6,793

 

 

 

3,444

 

 

 

495

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplementary disclosures of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash receipt of interest

 

 

48

 

 

 

26

 

 

 

16

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


F-8



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



1.

ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES


China Natural Resources, Inc. (“CHNR” or the “Company”) is a British Virgin Islands (“BVI”) holding company incorporated in 1993. The address of the principal executive office is Room 2205, 22/F, West Tower, Shun Tak Centre, 168-200 Connaught Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong. The Company does not conduct any substantive operations on its own and conducts its primary business operations through its subsidiaries (collectively with CHNR, the “Group”). A list of the Company's subsidiaries is included in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements.


CHNR's principal shareholder is Feishang Group Limited (“Feishang Group” or the “Shareholder”), a BVI corporation. Mr. Li Feilie is the beneficial owner of Feishang Group. In the opinion of the directors of the Company, the ultimate parent of CHNR is Laitan Investment Limited, a BVI corporation.


The consolidated financial statements of the Group for the year ended December 31, 2019 were authorized for issuance in accordance with a resolution of the directors on June 12, 2020.


As of December 31, 2018 and 2019, the Company and its subsidiaries had net current liabilities of CNY22.07 million and CNY28.38 million (US$4.08 million), respectively, and total assets less current liabilities of negative CNY21.80 million and CNY27.55 million (US$3.96 million), respectively.


2.1

BASIS OF PREPARATION


The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).


The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis. The consolidated financial statements are presented in Chinese Yuan (“CNY”) and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand, except when otherwise indicated. US$ indicates U.S. dollars.


Basis of consolidation


The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2019.


A subsidiary is an entity (including a structured entity), directly or indirectly, controlled by the Company. Control is achieved when the Group is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee (i.e., existing rights that give the Group the current ability to direct the relevant activities of the investee).


When the Company has, directly or indirectly, less than a majority of the voting or similar right of an investee, the Group considers all relevant facts and circumstances in assessing whether it has power over an investee, including:


(a)

 the contractual arrangement with the other vote holders of the investee;

(b)

 rights arising from other contractual arrangements; and

(c)

 the Group’s voting rights and potential voting rights.





F-9



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



2.1

BASIS OF PREPARATION (CONTINUED)


The financial statements of the subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting period as the Company, using consistent accounting policies. The results of subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which the Group obtains control, and continue to be consolidated until the date that such control ceases. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in full.


Profit or loss and each component of other comprehensive income are attributed to owners of the Company and to the non-controlling interests, even if this results in the non-controlling interests having a deficit balance. All intra-group assets and liabilities, equity, income, expenses and cash flows relating to transactions between members of the Group are eliminated in full on consolidation.


The Group reassesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to one or more of the three elements of control above. A change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary, without a loss of control, is accounted for as an equity transaction.


If the Group loses control over a subsidiary, it derecognizes (i) the assets (including goodwill) and liabilities of the subsidiary, (ii) the carrying amount of any non-controlling interest and (iii) the cumulative translation differences recorded in equity; and recognizes (i) the fair value of the consideration received, (ii) the fair value of any investment retained and (iii) any resulting surplus or deficit in profit or loss. The Group’s share of components previously recognized in other comprehensive income is reclassified to profit or loss or retained earnings, as appropriate, on the same basis as would be required if the Group had directly disposed of the related assets or liabilities.


Going concern


As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Group had net current liabilities of CNY28.38 million (US$4.08 million) and CNY22.07 million, and shareholders’ deficiency in assets of CNY27.55 million (US$3.96 million) and CNY21.80 million, respectively. In view of these circumstances, the directors have given consideration to the future liquidity and performance of the Group and its available sources of financing in assessing whether the Group will have sufficient financial resources to continue as a going concern. The Group has obtained letters from each of Feishang Group and Feishang Enterprise Group Company Limited (“Feishang Enterprise”), entities controlled by Mr. Li Feilie, the principal beneficial shareholder of the Company, which state that Feishang Group and Feishang Enterprise would provide continuous financial support to the Group in relation to the going concern of its operations, and will not recall any amounts due to them until the Group has sufficient liquidity to finance its operations. Feishang Enterprise’s letter also states that it will pay debts on behalf of the Group when needed. Accordingly, in the opinion of the directors, it is appropriate for the consolidated financial statements to be prepared on a going concern basis.




F-10



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



2.2

CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND DISCLOSURES


The Group has adopted the following new and revised IFRSs for the first time for the current year's financial statements.


Amendments to IFRS 9

Prepayment Features with Negative Compensation

IFRS 16

Leases

Amendments to IAS 19

Plan Amendment, Curtailment or Settlement

Amendments to IAS 28

Long-term Interests in Associates and Joint Ventures

IFRIC 23

Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments

Amendments to IFRS 3, IFRS 11, IAS 12 and IAS 23

Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2015-2017 Cycle


Except for the amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 19 and IAS 28, and Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2015-2017 Cycle, which are not relevant to the preparation of the Group’s financial statements, the nature and the impact of the new and revised IFRSs are described below:


(a)

IFRS 16 replaces IAS 17 Leases, IFRIC 4 Determining whether an Arrangement contains a Lease, SIC-15 Operating Leases - Incentives and SIC-27 Evaluating the Substance of Transactions Involving the Legal Form of a Lease. The standard sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases and requires lessees to account for all leases under a single on-balance sheet model to recognize and measure right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, except for certain recognition exemptions. Lessor accounting under IFRS 16 is substantially unchanged from IAS 17. Lessors continue to classify leases as either operating or finance leases using similar principles as in IAS 17. Therefore, IFRS 16 did not have any significant impact on leases where the Group is the lessor.


The Group has adopted IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective method with the date of initial application of January 1, 2019.  Under this method, the standard has been applied retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initial adoption recognized as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained profits at January 1, 2019, and the comparative information for 2018 was not restated and continued to be reported under IAS 17 and related interpretations.


New definition of a lease


Under IFRS 16, a contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys a right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Control is conveyed where the customer has both the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the identified asset and the right to direct the use of the identified asset. The Group elected to use the transition practical expedient allowing the standard to be applied only to contracts that were previously identified as leases applying IAS 17 and IFRIC 4 at the date of initial application.  Contracts that were not identified as leases under IAS 17 and IFRIC 4 were not reassessed.  Therefore, the definition of a lease under IFRS 16 has been applied only to contracts entered into or changed on or after January 1, 2019.



F-11



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)




2.2

CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND DISCLOSURES (CONTINUED)


(a)

(Continued)


As a lessee – Leases previously classified as operating leases


Nature of the effect of adoption of IFRS 16


The Group has lease contracts for items of office buildings. As a lessee, the Group previously classified leases as either finance leases or operating leases based on the assessment of whether the lease transferred substantially all the rewards and risks of ownership of assets to the Group. Under IFRS 16, the Group applies a single approach to recognize and measure right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for all leases, except for two elective exemptions for leases of low-value assets (elected on a lease-by-lease basis) and leases with a lease term of 12 months or less (“short-term leases”) (elected by class of underlying asset).  Instead of recognizing rental expenses under operating leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term commencing from January 1, 2019, the Group recognizes depreciation (and impairment, if any) of the right-of-use assets and interest accrued on the outstanding lease liabilities (as finance costs).


Impacts on transition


Lease liabilities at January 1, 2019 were recognized based on the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted using the incremental borrowing rate at January 1, 2019 and included in lease liabilities. The right-of-use assets for most leases were measured at the amount of the lease liability, adjusted by the amount of any prepaid or accrued lease payments relating to the lease recognized in the statement of financial position immediately before January 1, 2019.


All these assets were assessed for any impairment based on IAS 36 on that date. The Group elected to present the right-of-use assets separately in the statement of financial position.


The Group has used the following elective practical expedients when applying IFRS 16 at January 1, 2019:


·

Applying the short-term lease exemptions to leases with a lease term that ends within 12 months at the date of initial application;

·

Using hindsight in determining the lease term where the contract contains options to extend or terminate the lease; and

·

Excluding the initial direct costs from the measurement of the right-of-use assets at the date of initial application.










F-12



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



2.2

CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND DISCLOSURES (CONTINUED)


(a)

(Continued)


The impacts arising from the adoption of IFRS 16 as of January 1, 2019 are as follows:


 

 

Increase

 

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

Increase in right-of-use assets

 

 

1,803

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in total assets

 

 

1,803

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

Increase in the non-current portion of lease liabilities

 

 

593

 

Increase in the current portion of lease liabilities

 

 

1,210

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in total liabilities

 

 

1,803

 


The lease liabilities as of January 1, 2019 reconciled to the operating lease commitments as of December 31, 2018 are as follows:


 

 

CNY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating lease commitments as of December 31, 2018

 

 

1,891

 

Weighted average incremental borrowing rate as of January 1, 2019

 

 

4.75%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discounted operating lease commitments as of January 1, 2019

 

 

1,803

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease liabilities as of January 1, 2019

 

 

1,803

 


(b)

IFRIC 23 addresses the accounting for income taxes (current and deferred) when tax treatments involve uncertainty that affects the application of IAS 12 (often referred to as “uncertain tax positions”).  The interpretation does not apply to taxes or levies outside the scope of IAS 12, nor does it specifically include requirements relating to interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax treatments.  The interpretation specifically addresses (i) whether an entity considers uncertain tax treatments separately; (ii) the assumptions an entity makes about the examination of tax treatments by taxation authorities; (iii) how an entity determines taxable profits or tax losses, tax bases, unused tax losses, unused tax credits and tax rates; and (iv) how an entity considers changes in facts and circumstances. The interpretation has had no significant impact on the Group’s financial statements.





F-13



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



2.3

ISSUED BUT NOT YET EFFECTIVE INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS


The Group has not applied the following new and revised IFRSs, that have been issued but are not yet effective, in these financial statements:


Amendments to IFRS 3

Definition of a Business 1

Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7

Interest Rate Benchmark Reform 1

Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28

Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture 4

IFRS 17

Insurance Contracts 2

Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8

Definition of Material 1

Amendments to IAS 1

Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current 3

Amendment to IFRS 16

Covid-19-Related Rent Concessions 4

———————

1

Effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020

2

Effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2021

3

Effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022

4

No mandatory effective date yet determined but available for adoption


Further information about those IFRSs that are expected to be applicable to the Group is described below.


Amendments to IFRS 3 clarify and provide additional guidance on the definition of a business. The amendments clarify that for an integrated set of activities and assets to be considered a business, it must include, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create output. A business can exist without including all of the inputs and processes needed to create outputs. The amendments remove the assessment of whether market participants are capable of acquiring the business and continue to produce outputs. Instead, the focus is on whether acquired inputs and acquired substantive processes together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs. The amendments have also narrowed the definition of outputs to focus on goods or services provided to customers, investment income or other income from ordinary activities. Furthermore, the amendments provide guidance to assess whether an acquired process is substantive and introduce an optional fair value concentration test to permit a simplified assessment of whether an acquired set of activities and assets is not a business. The Group expects to adopt the amendments prospectively from January 1, 2020. Since the amendments apply prospectively to transactions or other events that occur on or after the date of first application, the Group will not be affected by these amendments on the date of transition.


Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7 address the effects of interbank offered rate reform on financial reporting. The amendments provide temporary reliefs which enable hedge accounting to continue during the period of uncertainty before the replacement of an existing interest rate benchmark. In addition, the amendments require companies to provide additional information to investors about their hedging relationships which are directly affected by these uncertainties. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020. Early application is permitted. The amendments are not expected to have any significant impact on the Group’s financial statements.



F-14



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



2.3

ISSUED BUT NOT YET EFFECTIVE INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS (CONTINUED)


Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28 address an inconsistency between the requirements in IFRS 10 and in IAS 28 in dealing with the sale or contribution of assets between an investor and its associate or joint venture. The amendments require a full recognition of a gain or loss when the sale or contribution of assets between an investor and its associate or joint venture constitutes a business. For a transaction involving assets that do not constitute a business, a gain or loss resulting from the transaction is recognized in the investor’s profit or loss only to the extent of the unrelated investor’s interest in that associate or joint venture. The amendments are to be applied prospectively. The previous mandatory effective date of amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28 was removed by the IASB in December 2015 and a new mandatory effective date will be determined after the completion of a broader review of accounting for associates and joint ventures.  However, the amendments are available for adoption now.


Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8 provide a new definition of material.  The new definition states that information is material if omitting, misstating or obscuring it could reasonably be expected to influence decisions that the primary users of general purpose financial statements make on the basis of those financial statements.  The amendments clarify that materiality will depend on the nature or magnitude of information.  A misstatement of information is material if it could reasonably be expected to influence decisions made by the primary users. The Group expects to adopt the amendments prospectively from January 1, 2020.  The amendments are not expected to have any significant impact on the Group’s financial statements.


Amendments to IAS 1 issued in January 2020 amend the criteria for determining whether to classify a liability as current or non-current. The entity’s right to defer settlement of a liability for at least twelve months after the reporting period and the definition of settlement are considered when making the classification of a liability. The amendments clarify that classification of a liability is unaffected by the likelihood that the entity will exercise its right to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the reporting period. The Group expects to adopt the amendments retrospectively from January 1, 2022. The amendments are not expected to have any significant impact on the Group’s financial statements.


The amendment to IFRS 16 provides relief to lessees from applying the IFRS 16 guidance on lease modification accounting for rent concessions arising as a direct consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Group expects to adopt the amendment from January 1, 2020. The amendment is not expected to have any significant impact on the Group’s financial statements.






F-15



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



2.4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES


(a)

Business combinations


Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The consideration transferred is measured at the acquisition date fair value which is the sum of the acquisition date fair values of assets transferred by the Group, liabilities assumed by the Group to the former owner of the acquiree and the equity interests issued by the Group in exchange for control of the acquiree. For each business combination, the Group elects whether to measure the non-controlling interests in the acquiree that are present ownership interests and entitle their holders to a proportionate share of net assets in the event of liquidation at fair value or at the proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. All other components of non-controlling interests are measured at fair value. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.


When the Group acquires a business, it assesses the financial assets and liabilities assumed for appropriate classification and designation in accordance with the contractual terms, economic circumstances and pertinent conditions as of the acquisition date. This includes the separation of embedded derivatives in host contracts of the acquiree.


If the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition date fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree is remeasured to fair value at the acquisition date through the consolidated statement of profit or loss.


Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the acquirer is recognized at fair value at the acquisition date. Contingent consideration classified as an asset or liability is measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in profit or loss. If the contingent consideration is not within the scope of IAS 39, it is measured in accordance with the appropriate IFRSs. Contingent consideration that is classified as equity is not remeasured and subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity.


Goodwill is initially measured at cost, being the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred, the amount recognized for non-controlling interests and any fair value of the Group’s previously held equity interests in the acquiree over the identifiable net assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If the sum of this consideration and other items is lower than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is, after reassessment, recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss as a gain on bargain purchase.


After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired. The Group performs its annual impairment test of goodwill as of December 31. For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to each of the Group’s cash-generating units, or groups of cash-generating units, that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the Group are assigned to those units or groups of units.


Impairment is determined by assessing the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit (group of cash-generating units) to which the goodwill relates. Where the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit (group of cash-generating units) is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized. An impairment loss recognized for goodwill is not reversed in a subsequent period.


Where goodwill has been allocated to a cash-generating unit (or group of cash-generating units) and part of the operation within that unit is disposed of, the goodwill associated with the operation disposed of is included in the carrying amount of the operation when determining the gain or loss on the disposal. Goodwill disposed of in these circumstances is measured based on the relative value of the operation disposed of and the portion of the cash-generating unit retained.



F-16



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



2.4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)


(b)

Related parties


A party is considered to be related to the Group if:


(1)

the party is a person or a close member of that person’s family and that person


(i)

has control or joint control over the Group;

(ii)

has significant influence over the Group; or

(iii)

is a member of the key management personnel of the Group or of a parent of the Group;


or


(2)

the party is an entity where any of the following conditions applies:


(i)

the entity and the Group are members of the same group;

(ii)

one entity is an associate or joint venture of the other entity (or of a parent, subsidiary or fellow subsidiary of the other entity);

(iii)

the entity and the Group are joint ventures of the same third party;

(iv)

one entity is a joint venture of a third entity and the other entity is an associate of the third entity;

(v)

the entity is a post-employment benefit plan for the benefit of employees of either the Group or an entity related to the Group;

(vi)

the entity is controlled or jointly controlled by a person identified in (1);

(vii)

a person identified in (1)(i) has significant influence over the entity or is a member of the key management personnel of the entity (or of a parent of the entity); and

(viii)

the entity, or any member of a group of which it is a part, provides key management personnel services to the Group or to the parent of the Group.




F-17



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



2.4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)


(c)

Property, plant and equipment and depreciation


Property, plant and equipment are comprised of buildings, mining structures, mining rights, machinery and equipment, motor vehicles, exploration rights and construction in progress.


Exploration rights are capitalized and amortized over the term of the license granted to the Group by the authorities.


When proved and probable mineral reserves have been determined, costs incurred to develop mines are capitalized as part of the cost of the mining structures.


Buildings, mining structures, machinery and equipment, and motor vehicles are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses. Expenditures for routine repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.


Depreciation for the following items is calculated on the straight-line basis over each asset’s estimated useful life down to the estimated residual value of each asset.


Estimated useful lives are as follows:


Buildings

 

8 - 35 years

Machinery and equipment

 

3 - 15 years

Motor vehicles

 

4 - 8 years


Residual values, useful lives and the depreciation method are reviewed and, adjusted if appropriate, at each reporting date.


When properties are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and any profit or loss on disposition is recognized in the statement of profit or loss.


Construction in progress is carried at cost and is to be depreciated when placed into service over the estimated useful lives or units of production of those assets. Construction costs are capitalized as incurred. Interest is capitalized as incurred during the construction period.


Expenditure incurred after items of property, plant and equipment have been put into operation, such as repairs and maintenance, is normally charged to the statement of profit or loss in the period in which it is incurred.  In situations where the recognition criteria are satisfied, the expenditure for a major inspection is capitalized in the carrying amount of the asset as a replacement.  Where significant parts of property, plant and equipment are required to be replaced at intervals, the Group recognizes such parts as individual assets with specific useful lives and depreciates them accordingly.




F-18



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



2.4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)


(d)

Fair value measurement


Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value measurement is based on the presumption that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability takes place either in the principal market for the asset or liability, or in the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. The principal or the most advantageous market must be accessible by the Group. The fair value of an asset or a liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, assuming that market participants act in their economic best interest.


A fair value measurement of a non-financial asset takes into account a market participant’s ability to generate economic benefits by using the asset in its highest and best use or by selling it to another market participant that would use the asset in its highest and best use.


The Group uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are available to measure fair value, maximizing the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs.


All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the financial statements are categorized within the fair value hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:


 

Level 1

based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

 

Level 2

based on valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is observable, either directly or indirectly

 

Level 3

based on valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is unobservable


For assets and liabilities that are recognized in the financial statements on a recurring basis, the Group determines whether transfers have occurred between levels in the hierarchy by reassessing categorization (based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of each reporting period.


(e)

Exploration and evaluation costs


Exploration and evaluation assets include topographical and geological surveys, exploratory drilling, sampling and trenching and activities in relation to commercial and technical feasibility studies, and expenditure incurred to secure further mineralization in existing bodies and to expand the capacity of a mine. Expenditure incurred prior to acquiring legal rights to explore an area is expensed as incurred.


Once the exploration right to explore has been acquired, exploration and evaluation expenditure is charged to the consolidated statement of profit or loss as incurred, unless a future economic benefit is more likely than not to be realized. Exploration and evaluation assets acquired in a business combination are initially recognized at fair value. They are subsequently stated at cost less accumulated impairment.


When it can be reasonably ascertained that a mining property is capable of commercial production, exploration and evaluation costs are transferred to tangible or intangible assets according to the nature of the exploration and evaluation assets. If any project is abandoned during the evaluation stage, the total expenditure thereon will be written off.




F-19



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



2.4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)


(f)

Impairment of non-financial assets


Where an indication of impairment exists, or when annual impairment testing for an asset is required (other than inventories and financial assets), the asset's recoverable amount is estimated. An asset's recoverable amount is the higher of the asset's or cash-generating unit's value in use and its fair value less costs of disposal, and is determined for an individual asset, unless the asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or groups of assets, in which case the recoverable amount is determined for the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.


An impairment loss is recognized only if the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. An impairment loss is charged to the statement of profit or loss in the period in which it arises in those expense categories consistent with the function of the impaired asset.


An assessment is made at the end of each reporting period as to whether there is an indication that previously recognized impairment losses may no longer exist or may have decreased. If such an indication exists, the recoverable amount is estimated. A previously recognized impairment loss of an asset other than goodwill is reversed only if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount of that asset, but not to an amount higher than the carrying amount that would have been determined (net of any depreciation/amortization) had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset in prior years. A reversal of such an impairment loss is credited to the statement of profit or loss in the period in which it arises, unless the asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is accounted for in accordance with the relevant accounting policy for that revalued asset.


(g)

Investments and other financial assets


The Group’s financial assets within the scope of IFRS 9 are all classified as financial assets at amortized cost. All financial assets are recognized initially at fair value plus transaction costs that are attributable to the acquisition of the financial assets.


Initial recognition and measurement

Financial assets are classified, at initial recognition, as subsequently measured at amortized cost, fair value through other comprehensive income, and fair value through profit or loss.


The classification of financial assets at initial recognition depends on the financial asset’s contractual cash flow characteristics and the Group’s business model for managing them.  With the exception of trade receivables that do not contain a significant financing component or for which the Group has applied the practical expedient of not adjusting the effect of a significant financing component, the Group initially measures a financial asset at its fair value, plus in the case of a financial asset not at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs. Trade receivables that do not contain a significant financing component or for which the Group has applied the practical expedient are measured at the transaction price determined under IFRS 15 in accordance with the policies set out in Note 2.4(o) “Revenue recognition” below.  


In order for a financial asset to be classified and measured at amortized cost or fair value through other comprehensive income, it needs to give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest (“SPPI”) on the principal amount outstanding.  Financial assets with cash flows that are not SPPI are classified and measured at fair value through profit or loss, irrespective of the business model.




F-20



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



2.4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)


(g)

Investments and other financial assets (continued)


The Group’s business model for managing financial assets refers to how it manages its financial assets in order to generate cash flows. The business model determines whether cash flows will result from collecting contractual cash flows, selling the financial assets, or both. Financial assets classified and measured at amortised cost are held within a business model with the objective to hold financial assets in order to collect contractual cash flows, while financial assets classified and measured at fair value through other comprehensive income are held within a business model with the objective of both holding to collect contractual cash flows and selling. Financial assets which are not held within the aforementioned business models are classified and measured at fair value through profit or loss.


All regular way purchases and sales of financial assets are recognized on the trade date, that is, the date that the Group commits to purchase or sell the asset. Regular way purchases or sales are purchases or sales of financial assets that require delivery of assets within the period generally established by regulation or convention in the marketplace.


Subsequent measurement

The subsequent measurement of financial assets depends on their classification as follows:


Financial assets at amortized cost (debt instruments)

Financial assets at amortized cost are subsequently measured using the effective interest method and are subject to impairment. Gains and losses are recognized in the statement of profit or loss when the asset is derecognized, modified or impaired.  


(h)

Derecognition of financial assets


A financial asset (or, where applicable, a part of a financial asset or part of a group of similar financial assets) is primarily derecognized (i.e., removed from the Group’s consolidated statement of financial position) when:


 

·

the rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired; or

 

·

the Group has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from the asset or has assumed an obligation to pay the received cash flows in full without material delay to a third party under a “pass-through” arrangement; and either (a) the Group has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, or (b) the Group has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, but has transferred control of the asset.


When the Group has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from an asset or has entered into a pass-through arrangement, it evaluates if, and to what extent, it has retained the risk and rewards of ownership of the asset. When it has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset nor transferred control of the asset, the Group continues to recognize the transferred asset to the extent of the Group's continuing involvement. In that case, the Group also recognizes an associated liability. The transferred asset and the associated liability are measured on a basis that reflects the rights and obligations that the Group has retained.


Continuing involvement that takes the form of a guarantee over the transferred asset is measured at the lower of the original carrying amount of the asset and the maximum amount of consideration that the Group could be required to repay.






F-21



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



2.4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)


(i)

Impairment of financial assets


The Group recognizes an allowance for expected credit losses (“ECLs”) for all debt instruments not held at fair value through profit or loss. ECLs are based on the difference between the contractual cash flows due in accordance with the contract and all the cash flows that the Group expects to receive, discounted at an approximation of the original effective interest rate. The expected cash flows will include cash flows from the sale of collateral held or other credit enhancements that are integral to the contractual terms.


ECLs are recognized in two stages. For credit exposures for which there has not been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, ECLs are provided for credit losses that result from default events that are possible within the next 12 months (a 12-month ECL). For those credit exposures for which there has been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, a loss allowance is required for credit losses expected over the remaining life of the exposure, irrespective of the timing of the default (a lifetime ECL).  


At each reporting date, the Group assesses whether the credit risk on a financial instrument has increased significantly since initial recognition. When making the assessment, the Group compares the risk of a default occurring on the financial instrument as of the reporting date with the risk of a default occurring on the financial instrument as of the date of initial recognition and considers reasonable and supportable information that is available without undue cost or effort, including historical and forward-looking information.  


The Group considers a financial asset in default when contractual payments are 90 days past due. However, in certain cases, the Group may also consider a financial asset to be in default when internal or external information indicates that the Group is unlikely to receive the outstanding contractual amounts in full before taking into account any credit enhancements held by the Group. A financial asset is written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovering the contractual cash flows.  


Financial assets at amortized cost are subject to impairment under the general approach and they are classified within the following stages for measurement of ECLs except for trade receivables which apply the simplified approach as detailed below:


 

Stage 1

Financial instruments for which credit risk has not increased significantly since initial recognition and for which the loss allowance is measured at an amount equal to 12-month ECLs

 

Stage 2

Financial instruments for which credit risk has increased significantly since initial recognition but that are not credit-impaired financial assets and for which the loss allowance is measured at an amount equal to lifetime ECLs

 

Stage 3

Financial assets that are credit-impaired at the reporting date (but that are not purchased or originated credit-impaired) and for which the loss allowance is measured at an amount equal to lifetime ECLs





F-22



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



2.4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)


(j)

Financial liabilities


Initial recognition and measurement

Financial liabilities are classified, at initial recognition, as financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, loans and borrowings, payables, or as derivatives designated as hedging instruments in an effective hedge, as appropriate.


All financial liabilities are recognized initially at fair value and, in the case of loans and borrowings and payables, net of directly attributable transaction costs.


The Group’s financial liabilities include trade payables, and financial liabilities included in other payables and accrued liabilities.


Subsequent measurement

The subsequent measurement of financial liabilities depends on their classification as follows:


Financial liabilities at amortized cost (loans and borrowings)

After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortized cost, using the effective interest rate method unless the effect of discounting would be immaterial, in which case they are stated at cost. Gains and losses are recognized in the statement of profit or loss when the liabilities are derecognized as well as through the effective interest rate amortization process.


Amortized cost is calculated by taking into account any discount or premium on acquisition and fees or costs that are an integral part of the effective interest rate. The effective interest rate amortization is included in finance costs in the statement of profit or loss.


Derecognition of financial liabilities

A financial liability is derecognized when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled, or expires.


When an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as a derecognition of the original liability and a recognition of a new liability, and the difference between the respective carrying amounts is recognized in the statement of profit or loss.


(k)

Offsetting of financial instruments


Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported in the statement of financial position if there is a currently enforceable legal right to offset the recognized amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, or to realize the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously.


(l)

Cash and cash equivalents


For the purpose of the consolidated statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and demand deposits, and short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash, are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value, and have a short-term maturity of generally within three months when acquired, less bank overdrafts which are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the Group’s cash management.


For the purpose of the consolidated statement of financial position, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and at banks, including term deposits, and assets similar in nature to cash, which are not restricted as to use.




F-23



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



2.4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)


(m)

Employee benefits


Pension obligations


The Group contributes on a monthly basis to various defined contribution retirement benefit plans administered by the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) government. The relevant government agencies undertake to assume the retirement benefit obligation payable to all existing and future retired employees under these plans and the Group has no further obligation for post-retirement benefits beyond the contributions made. Further information is set out in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.


Housing funds


All full-time employees of the Group are entitled to participate in various government-sponsored housing funds. The Group contributes on a monthly basis to these funds based on certain percentages of the salaries of the employees. The Group's liability in respect of these funds is limited to the contributions payable in each year.


(n)

Borrowing costs


Borrowing costs consist of interest and other costs that an entity incurs in connection with the borrowing of funds. Borrowing costs directly relating to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset that necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale are capitalized as part of the cost of the respective asset. The capitalization of such borrowing costs ceases when the asset is substantially ready for their intended use or sale. All other borrowing costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.


(o)

Revenue recognition


Revenue from contracts with customers

Revenue from contracts with customers is recognized when control of goods or services is transferred to the customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.


When the consideration in a contract includes a variable amount, the amount of consideration to which the Group will be entitled in exchange for transferring the goods or services to the customer is estimated. The variable consideration is estimated at contract inception and constrained until it is highly probable that a significant revenue reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved.


When the contract contains a financing component which provides the customer with the significant benefit of financing the transfer of goods or services to the customer for more than one year, revenue is measured at the present value of the amount receivable, discounted using the discount rate that would be reflected in a separate financing transaction between the Group and the customer at contract inception. When the contract contains a financing component which provides the Group with a significant financial benefit for more than one year, revenue recognized under the contract includes the interest expense accreted on the contract liability under the effective interest method. For a contract where the period between the payment by the customer and the transfer of the promised goods or services is one year or less, the transaction price is not adjusted for the effects of a significant financing component, using the practical expedient in IFRS 15.


Trading of copper ore

The Group purchases copper ore from third-party suppliers and then resells to a third-party trading company. Revenue is recognized on a gross basis, and at a point in time when control of the asset is transferred to the customer, upon delivery of the copper ore to the customer.



F-24



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



2.4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)


(o)

Revenue recognition (continued)


Other income

Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis using the effective interest method by applying the rate that exactly discounts the estimated future cash receipts over the expected life of the financial instrument or a shorter period, when appropriate, to the net carrying amount of the financial asset.   


(p)

Government grants


Government grants are recognized at their fair value where there is reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and all attaching conditions will be complied with. When the grant relates to an expense item, it is recognized as income on a systematic basis over the period in which the costs, for which it is intended to compensate, are expensed.


Where the grant relates to an asset, the fair value is credited to a deferred income account and is released to the consolidated statement of profit or loss over the expected useful life of the relevant asset by equal annual installments or deducted from the carrying amount of the asset and released to the consolidated statement of profit or loss by way of a reduced depreciation charge.


(q)

Income taxes


Income tax comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax relating to items recognized outside profit or loss is recognized outside profit or loss, either as other comprehensive income or loss, or directly in equity.


Current tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities. The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amount are those that are enacted or substantially enacted, by the end of the reporting date, taking into consideration interpretations and practices prevailing in the countries where the Group operates and generates taxable income.


Deferred tax is provided, using the liability method, on all temporary differences at the reporting date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes.


Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for all taxable temporary differences, except:


·

when the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss; and


·

in respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, where the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.


Deferred tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences, and the carryforward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses, to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences, and the carryforward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses can be utilized, except:


·

where the deferred tax assets relating to the deductible temporary differences arise from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss; and


·

in respect of deductible temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, deferred tax assets are only recognized to the extent that it is probable that the temporary differences will reverse in the foreseeable future and taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilized.



F-25



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



2.4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)


(q)

Income taxes (continued)


The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilized. Unrecognized deferred tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and are recognized to the extent that it is probable or that it has become probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be recovered.


Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.


Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset if and only if the Group has a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets and current tax liabilities and the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities which intend either to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis, or to realize the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously, in each future period in which significant amounts of deferred tax liabilities or assets are expected to be settled or recovered.


(r)

Foreign currencies


The functional currency of substantially all the operations of the Group is the CNY, the national currency of the PRC. Transactions denominated in currencies other than the CNY recorded by the entities of the Group are initially recorded using their respective functional currency rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in other currencies have been translated into CNY at the functional currency rates of exchange prevailing at the end of the reporting period. The resulting exchange gains or losses are credited or charged to the consolidated statement of profit or loss. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date of the initial transactions.


The consolidated financial statements of certain overseas subsidiary operations with a functional currency other than the CNY have been translated into CNY. The assets and liabilities of these entities have been translated using the exchange rates prevailing at the reporting date and their consolidated statements of profit or loss have been translated using the weighted average exchange rate for the year. Resulting translation adjustments are reported as a separate component of other comprehensive income.


On disposal of a foreign operation, the deferred cumulative amount recognized in equity relating to that particular foreign operation is recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss.


(s)

Convenience translation


The consolidated financial statements are stated in CNY. The translation of amounts from CNY into US$ is supplementary information and is included solely for the convenience of the readers and has been made at the rate of exchange quoted by www.ofx.com on December 31, 2019 of US$1.00 = CNY6.9632. No representation is made that the CNY amounts could have been, or could be, converted into US$ at that rate on December 31, 2019 or at any other date.




F-26



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



2.4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)


(t)

Provisions


A provision is recognized when a present obligation (legal or constructive) has arisen as a result of a past event and it is probable that a future outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, provided that a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.


When the effect of discounting is material, the amount recognized for a provision is the present value at the end of the reporting period of the future expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation. The increase in the discounted present value amount arising from the passage of time is included in finance costs in the consolidated statement of profit or loss.


(u)

Leases


(i)

Applicable from January 1, 2019


The Group assesses at contract inception whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration.


Group as a lessee

The Group applies a single recognition and measurement approach for all leases, except for short-term leases and leases of low-value assets. The Group recognizes lease liabilities for obligations to make lease payments and right-of-use assets representing the right to use the underlying assets.


At inception or on reassessment of a contract that contains a lease component and a non-lease component, the Group adopts the practical expedient not to separate the non-lease component and to account for the lease component and the associated non-lease component (e.g., property management services for leases of properties) as a single lease component.


(1)

Right-of-use assets  

Right-of-use assets are recognized at the commencement date of the lease (that is, the date the underlying asset is available for use). Right-of-use assets are measured at cost, less any accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses, and adjusted for any remeasurement of lease liabilities. The cost of right-of-use assets includes the amount of lease liabilities recognized, initial direct costs incurred, and lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received. Right-of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease terms and the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:


Buildings

 

1 - 5 years


If ownership of the leased asset transfers to the Group by the end of the lease term or the cost reflects the exercise of a purchase option, depreciation is calculated using the estimated useful life of the asset.


(2)

Lease liabilities

Lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date of the lease at the present value of lease payments to be made over the lease term. The lease payments include fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments) less any lease incentives receivable, variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, and amounts expected to be paid under residual value guarantees. The lease payments also include the exercise price of a purchase option reasonably certain to be exercised by the Group and payments of penalties for termination of a lease, if the lease term reflects the Group exercising the option to terminate. The variable lease payments that do not depend on an index or a rate are recognized as an expense in the period in which the event or condition that triggers the payment occurs.



F-27



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



2.4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)


(u)

Leases (continued)


(i)

Applicable from January 1, 2019 (continued)


(2)

Lease liabilities (continued)


In calculating the present value of lease payments, the Group uses its incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date because the interest rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable. After the commencement date, the amount of lease liabilities is increased to reflect the accretion of interest and reduced for the lease payments made.  In addition, the carrying amount of lease liabilities is remeasured if there is a modification, a change in the lease term, a change in lease payments (e.g., a change to future lease payments resulting from a change in an index or rate) or a change in assessment of an option to purchase the underlying asset.


(3)

Short-term leases and leases of low-value assets

The Group applies the short-term lease recognition exemption to its short-term leases of machinery and equipment (that is those leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less from the commencement date and do not contain a purchase option).  


Lease payments on short-term leases and leases of low-value assets are recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.


(ii)

Applicable before January 1, 2019


Leases that transfer substantially all the rewards and risks of ownership of assets to the Group, other than legal title, are accounted for as finance leases. At the inception of a finance lease, the cost of the leased asset is capitalized at the lower of its fair value of the present value of the minimum lease payments and recorded together with the obligation, excluding the interest element, to reflect the purchase and financing. Assets held under capitalized finance leases are included in property, plant and equipment, and depreciated over the shorter of the lease terms and the estimated useful lives of the assets. The finance costs of such leases are charged to the consolidated statement of profit or loss so as to provide a constant periodic rate of charge over the lease terms.


Leases where substantially all the rewards and risks of ownership of assets remain with the lessor are accounted for as operating leases. Where the Group is the lessee, rentals payable under operating leases net of any incentives received from the lessor are charged to the consolidated statement of profit or loss on the straight-line basis over the lease terms.


Prepaid land lease payments under operating leases are initially stated at cost and subsequently recognized on the straight-line basis over the lease terms.


(v)

Dividends


Final dividends are recognized as a liability when they are approved by the directors in a general meeting.


Interim dividends are simultaneously proposed and declared, because the Company's memorandum and articles of association grant the directors the authority to declare interim dividends. Consequently, interim dividends are recognized immediately as a liability when they are proposed and declared.





F-28



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



2.5

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES


The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRSs requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Uncertainty about these assumptions and estimates could result in outcomes that require a material adjustment to the carrying amount of the asset or liability affected in future periods.

Judgements

In the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies, management has made the following judgements, apart from those involving estimations, which have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the financial statements.


Principal versus agent consideration


The Group purchases copper ore from third-party suppliers which it then resells to a third-party trading company. The Group determined that it has control of the goods before the goods are transferred to the customer, and it has the ability to direct the use of the copper ore or obtain benefits from the copper ore. The Group determined that it is a principal in the transactions since it has exposure to the significant risks and rewards associated with the sale of the goods. Thus, the revenue arrangements should be recognized at the gross amount.


In addition, the Group concluded that it transfers inventory, at a point in time, upon the collection by the customer of the copper ore.


3.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS


On February 24, 2017, Feishang Mining Holdings Limited (“Feishang Mining”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CHNR, and Wuhu City Feishang Industrial Development Co., Ltd. (“Wuhu Industrial”), as nominee for Feishang Mining (collectively referred to as the “Sellers”), entered into an agreement with Shen Yandi, an unrelated individual (the “Purchaser”), pursuant to which the Sellers sold and the Purchaser purchased, all of the Sellers’ rights, title and interests in and to the outstanding capital stock of Wuhu Feishang Mining Development Co., Limited (“Wuhu Feishang”), which had been previously included in the Group’s non-ferrous metals segment, for cash consideration of CNY1.00 million (US$0.15 million). The disposal was completed on March 3, 2017.


On December 29, 2017, CHNR sold all of CHNR’s rights, title and interests in and to the outstanding capital stock (the “Equity Interests”) of Double Grow International Limited (“Double Grow”) and its subsidiaries (including Planta Metalurgica Antay Pacha S.A., “Antay Pacha”) to Shanghai Kangzheng Investment Management Co., Ltd., an unrelated third party. The purchase price for the Equity Interests was CNY17.19 million (US$2.50 million), including the payment of CNY9.38 million (US$1.36 million) in indebtedness of Double Grow to CHNR, which was recognized in other receivables and received on January 26, 2018, and a cash consideration of CNY7.81 million (US$1.14 million). The disposal was completed on December 29, 2017.


Wuhu Feishang and Double Grow were the primary contributors to the Group’s exploration and mining-non-ferrous metals segment and copper smelting segment, respectively, which represented separate major lines of business with separately identifiable operations and cash flows. Accordingly, the results of Wuhu Feishang and Double Grow are classified and separately reported as "discontinued operations" in the consolidated statement of profit or loss for the year ended December 31, 2017. In addition, the gains or losses recognized on the disposal of Wuhu Feishang and Double Grow were included in the results of the discontinued operations. With Wuhu Feishang and Double Grow being classified as discontinued operations, the exploration and mining-non-ferrous metals segment and copper smelting segment businesses are no longer included in the note for operating segment information.





F-29



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



3.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)


(a)

Discontinued operation of Wuhu Feishang


The results of Wuhu Feishang are presented below:


 

 

 

 

 

For the period from January 1, 2017 to
March 3,

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Administrative expenses

 

 

 

 

 

(991

)

Losses arising from temporary suspension of production

 

 

 

 

 

(641

)

Other operating income

 

 

 

 

 

61

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING LOSS

 

 

 

 

 

(1,571

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance costs

 

 

 

 

 

(30

)

Interest income

 

 

 

 

 

9

 

Non-operating income, net

 

 

 

 

 

230

 

LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAX

 

 

 

 

 

(1,362

)

LOSS FOR THE PERIOD FROM WUHU FEISHANG

 

 

 

 

 

(1,362

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain on disposal of Wuhu Feishang

 

 

 

 

 

12,340

 

PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD FROM WUHU FEISHANG

 

 

 

 

 

10,978

 





F-30



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



3.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)


(a)

Discontinued operation of Wuhu Feishang (continued)


The details of the net assets of Wuhu Feishang as of March 3, 2017 are as follows:


 

 

 

 

 

March 3,

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

CNY

 

Net assets disposed of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,613

 

Rehabilitation fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,983

 

Inventories

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,644

 

Prepayments

 

 

 

 

 

 

73

 

Other receivables

 

 

 

 

 

 

47

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

 

18

 

Trade payables

 

 

 

 

 

 

(30

)

Other payables and accrued liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

(13,303

)

Taxes payable

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5,316

)

Due to related companies

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5,117

)

Asset retirement obligations

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,952

)

Net assets disposed of

 

 

 

 

 

 

(11,340

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain on disposal of Wuhu Feishang

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,340

 

Consideration

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Satisfied by:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash received

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,000

 


The net cash flows incurred by Wuhu Feishang, excluding the cash consideration received from the disposal of Wuhu Feishang, are as follows:


 

 

 

 

 

For the period from January 1, 2017 to March 3,

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,727

)

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

60

 

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,793

 

Net cash outflows

 

 

 

 

 

 

(874

)






F-31



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



3.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)


(a)

Discontinued operation of Wuhu Feishang (continued)


An analysis of the cash flows of cash and cash equivalents in respect of the disposal of Wuhu Feishang is as follows:


 

 

 

 

 

March 3,

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash consideration received

 

 

 

 

 

1,000

 

Less: Cash and cash equivalents disposed of

 

 

 

 

 

(18

)

Net cash inflows from the disposal of Double Grow

 

 

 

 

 

982

 


(b)

Discontinued operation of Double Grow


The results of Double Grow are presented below:


 

 

 

 

 

For the period from January 1, 2017 to December 29,

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Administrative expenses

 

 

 

 

 

(5,966

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING LOSS

 

 

 

 

 

(5,966

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance costs

 

 

 

 

 

(78

)

Non-operating expenses, net

 

 

 

 

 

(840

)

LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAX

 

 

 

 

 

(6,884

)

LOSS FOR THE PERIOD FROM DOUBLE GROW

 

 

 

 

 

(6,884

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss on disposal of Double Grow

 

 

 

 

 

(27,911

)

LOSS FOR THE PERIOD FROM DOUBLE GROW

 

 

 

 

 

(34,795

)




F-32



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



3.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)


(b)

Discontinued operation of Double Grow (continued)


The details of the net assets of Double Grow as of December 29, 2017 are as follows:


 

 

 

 

 

December 29,
2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

CNY

 

Net assets disposed of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

45,442

 

Intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

 

Inventories

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,659

 

Trade receivables

 

 

 

 

 

 

340

 

Prepayments

 

 

 

 

 

 

572

 

Other receivables

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,962

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

 

807

 

Trade payables

 

 

 

 

 

 

(786

)

Other payables and accrued liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,561

)

Taxes payable

 

 

 

 

 

 

(621

)

Due to related companies

 

 

 

 

 

 

(21,994

)

Asset retirement obligations

 

 

 

 

 

 

(386

)

Net assets disposed of

 

 

 

 

 

 

32,439

 

Exchange fluctuation reserve

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,280

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

35,719

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss on disposal of Double Grow

 

 

 

 

 

 

(27,911

)

Consideration

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,808

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Satisfied by:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash received

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,808

 


The net cash flows incurred by Double Grow, excluding the cash consideration received from the disposal of Double Grow, are as follows:


 

 

 

 

 

For the period from January 1, 2017 to December 29,

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5,796

)

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5,823

)

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,173

 

Net foreign exchange difference

 

 

 

 

 

 

(100

)

Net cash outflows

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,546

)






F-33



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



3.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)


(b)

Discontinued operation of Double Grow (continued)


An analysis of the cash flows of cash and cash equivalents in respect of the disposal of Double Grow is as follows:


 

 

 

 

 

For the period from January 1, 2017 to December 29,

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash consideration received

 

 

 

 

 

7,808

 

Less: Cash and cash equivalents disposed of

 

 

 

 

 

(807

)

Net cash inflows from the disposal of Double Grow

 

 

 

 

 

7,001

 


The results of the above discontinued operations are presented below:


 

 

 

 

 

For the period from January 1, 2017 to December 29,

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss per share from the discontinued operations (Presented in CNY per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

 

 

 

(0.95

)

Diluted

 

 

 

 

 

(0.95

)


The calculations of basic and diluted loss per share from the discontinued operations are based on:


 

 

 

 

 

 

For the period from January 1, 2017 to December 29,

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss attributable to owners of the Company from the discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

 

(23,817

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares in issue during the period used in the loss per share calculations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic (Note 14)

 

 

 

 

 

24,910,916

 

Diluted (Note 14)

 

 

 

 

 

24,910,916

 



F-34



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



4.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT


 

 

Buildings

 

 

Machinery and equipment

 

 

Motor vehicles

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

 

CNY

 

Cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At January 1, 2018

 

 

43

 

 

 

839

 

 

 

279

 

 

 

1,161

 

Additions

 

 

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

 

Exchange adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

45

 

 

 

 

 

 

45

 

At December 31, 2018

 

 

43

 

 

 

889

 

 

 

279

 

 

 

1,211

 

Additions

 

 

3

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

 

Exchange adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

14

 

 

 

 

 

 

14

 

At December 31, 2019

 

 

46

 

 

 

905

 

 

 

279

 

 

 

1,230

 

At December 31, 2019 (US$)

 

 

7

 

 

 

130

 

 

 

40

 

 

 

177

 


Accumulated depreciation and amortization and impairment losses

At January 1, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

(820

)

 

 

(4

)

 

 

(824

)

Depreciation charge

 

 

(3

)

 

 

(5

)

 

 

(59

)

 

 

(67

)

Exchange adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

(45

)

 

 

 

 

 

(45

)

At December 31, 2018

 

 

(3

)

 

 

(870

)

 

 

(63

)

 

 

(936

)

Depreciation charge

 

 

(3

)

 

 

(5

)

 

 

(58

)

 

 

(66

)

Exchange adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

(14

)

 

 

 

 

 

(14

)

At December 31, 2019

 

 

(6

)

 

 

(889

)

 

 

(121

)

 

 

(1,016

)

At December 31, 2019 (US$)

 

 

(1

)

 

 

(128

)

 

 

(17

)

 

 

(146

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net carrying amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At December 31, 2018

 

 

40

 

 

 

19

 

 

 

216

 

 

 

275

 

At December 31, 2019

 

 

40

 

 

 

16

 

 

 

158

 

 

 

214

 

At December 31, 2019 (US$)

 

 

6

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

23

 

 

 

31

 


There was no impairment loss on property, plant and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019.




F-35



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



5.

LEASES


(a)

Right-of-use assets


The carrying amounts of the Group’s right-of-use assets with lease periods of two to three years and the movements during the year are as follows:


 

 

Buildings

 

 

Total

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

 

US$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of January 1, 2019

 

 

1,803

 

 

 

1,803

 

 

 

259

 

Depreciation charge

 

 

(1,187

)

 

 

(1,187

)

 

 

(171

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2019

 

 

616

 

 

 

616

 

 

 

88

 


(b)

Lease liabilities


 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

 

Lease liabilities

 

 

Lease liabilities

 

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

 

US$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carrying amount at January 1, 2019

 

 

1,803

 

 

 

259

 

Accretion of interest recognized during the year

 

 

60

 

 

 

9

 

Payments

 

 

(1,060

)

 

 

(153

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carrying amount at December 31, 2019

 

 

803

 

 

 

115

 

Analyzed into:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion

 

 

803

 

 

 

115

 

Non-current portion

 

 

 

 

 

 


(c)

The amounts recognized in profit or loss in relation to leases are as follows:


 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

 

US$

 

Interest on lease liabilities

 

 

60

 

 

 

9

 

Depreciation charge of right-of-use assets (Note 11)

 

 

1,187

 

 

 

171

 

Expense relating to short-term leases (included in selling and distribution expenses and administrative expenses) (Note 11)

 

 

46

 

 

 

7

 

Total amount recognized in profit or loss

 

 

1,293

 

 

 

187

 









F-36



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



6.

TRADE RECEIVABLES

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

US$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade receivables

 

 

 

 

 

3,956

 

 

 

568

 

Less: Provision for impairment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,956

 

 

 

568

 


A credit period of up to three months is granted to the customer. Trade receivables are non-interest-bearing.


An aging analysis of the trade receivables as of the end of the year, based on the invoice date and net of loss allowance, is as follows:


 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

US$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Within 3 months

 

 

 

 

 

3,956

 

 

 

568

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,956

 

 

 

568

 


An impairment analysis is performed on trade receivables at each reporting date and expected credit losses are estimated by applying a loss rate approach with reference to the historical credit records of the Group’s customers. The loss rate is adjusted to reflect the current conditions and forecasts of future economic conditions, as appropriate. According to historical experience, all of the proceeds have been received within their due date, and therefore, management considers the probability of default is minimal as of December 31, 2019.


7.

OTHER RECEIVABLES

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

US$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Withholding social insurance

 

 

6

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

1

 

Input value-added tax

 

 

 597

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Staff advances

 

 

13

 

 

 

13

 

 

 

2

 

Deposit

 

 

20

 

 

 

20

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

636

 

 

 

39

 

 

 

6

 


For the financial assets included above, an impairment analysis is performed at each reporting date by considering the probability of default by applying a loss rate with reference to the historical loss record of the Group. The loss rate is adjusted to reflect the current conditions and forecasts of future economic conditions, as appropriate. For staff advances and deposits, management considers the probability of default to be minimal. The financial assets included in the above balances relate to receivables for which there was no recent history of default or expectation of future losses and no impairment was provided for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019.




F-37



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



8.

TRADE PAYABLES


The aging analysis of trade payables as of December 31, 2018 and 2019 is as follows:


 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

US$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Within 1 year

 

 

 

 

 

3,796

 

 

546

 

1 to 2 years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Over 2 years

 

 

100

 

 

 

100

 

 

14

 

 

 

 

100

 

 

 

3,896

 

 

560

 


The trade payables are non-interest-bearing and are normally settled within six months.


9.

OTHER PAYABLES AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES


 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

US$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contract deposit

 

 

102

 

 

 

102

 

 

 

15

 

Social security payable (a)

 

 

102

 

 

 

104

 

 

 

15

 

Payroll payable

 

 

442

 

 

 

433

 

 

 

62

 

Welfare payable

 

 

14

 

 

 

24

 

 

 

3

 

Accrued expenses

 

 

964

 

 

 

1,484

 

 

 

214

 

Others

 

 

15

 

 

 

14

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

1,639

 

 

 

2,161

 

 

 

311

 

———————

(a)

The social security payable represents amounts payable to the PRC government-managed retirement insurance, medical insurance, etc.




F-38



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



10.

REVENUE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS


Revenue from continuing operations represents the following:


 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

US$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue from contracts with a customer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,969

 

 

 

1,863

 


(a)

Disaggregated revenue information


 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

US$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Type of goods

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sale of copper ore

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,969

 

 

 

1,863

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Geographic market

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mainland China

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,969

 

 

 

1,863

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Timing of revenue recognition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goods transferred at a point in time

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,969

 

 

 

1,863

 


All revenue was generated from the exploration and mining segment (Note 20).


No revenue was recognized in the current reporting period that was included in the contract liabilities at the beginning of the reporting period and recognized from performance obligations satisfied in previous periods.


(b)

Performance obligations


Information about the Group’s performance obligations is summarized below:


Trading of copper ore


The performance obligation is satisfied upon delivery of the copper ore and payment is generally due within 3 months from delivery.




F-39



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



11.

LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAX FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS


The Group's loss before tax from continuing operations is arrived at after charging/(crediting):


 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

US$

 

Crediting:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income on bank deposits

 

 

39

 

 

 

26

 

 

 

16

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charging:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,752

 

 

 

1,831

 

Finance costs*

 

 

14

 

 

 

(5

)

 

 

62

 

 

 

9

 

Auditors' remuneration:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Audit fee

 

 

2,000

 

 

 

1,000

 

 

 

1,000

 

 

 

144

 

- Audit related fee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

48

 

 

 

7

 

Sub-total

 

 

2,000

 

 

 

1,000

 

 

 

1,048

 

 

 

151

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employee benefit expenses (Note 12)

 

 

697

 

 

 

1,878

 

 

 

1,733

 

 

 

250

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Property, plant and equipment (Note 4)

 

 

8

 

 

 

67

 

 

 

66

 

 

 

9

 

- Right-of-use assets (Note 5(c))

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,187

 

 

 

171

 

Lease payments not included in the measurement of lease liabilities (Note 5(c))

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

46

 

 

 

7

 

Operating lease rental:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Office properties

 

 

747

 

 

 

1,189

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

———————

*

Finance costs from continuing operations mainly represented bank charges, foreign currency exchange differences and interest on lease liabilities. The amounts of bank charges were CNY1.00, CNY6.00 and CNY2.00 (US$0.29), the foreign currency exchange differences amounted to CNY13.00, negative CNY11.00 and nil, and interest on lease liabilities amounted to nil, nil and CNY60.00 (US$8.62) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively.


12.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS


The Group’s employee benefits from continuing operations comprise the following:


 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

US$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wages, salaries and allowances

 

 

566

 

 

 

1,513

 

 

 

1,460

 

 

 

210

 

Housing funds (a)

 

 

33

 

 

 

67

 

 

 

38

 

 

 

6

 

Contribution to pension plans (a)

 

 

79

 

 

 

76

 

 

 

166

 

 

 

24

 

Welfare and other expenses

 

 

19

 

 

 

222

 

 

 

69

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

 

697

 

 

 

1,878

 

 

 

1,733

 

 

 

250

 

———————

(a)

According to the PRC state regulations, the employees of the Group's subsidiaries which operate in Mainland China are required to participate in a central pension scheme operated by the local municipal government and government-sponsored housing funds. These subsidiaries are required to contribute a certain percentage of their payroll costs for those qualified urban employees to the central pension scheme as well as the housing funds.



F-40



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



13.

INCOME TAX EXPENSE


The Company is incorporated in the BVI and conducts its primary business operations through its subsidiaries in the PRC. It also has intermediate holding companies in the BVI and Hong Kong. Under the current laws of the BVI, the Company and its subsidiaries incorporated in the BVI are not subject to tax on income or capital gains. The Hong Kong Profits Tax rate is 16.50%. The Company's Hong Kong subsidiaries have both Hong Kong-sourced and non-Hong Kong-sourced income. The latter is not subject to Hong Kong Profits Tax and the related expenses are non-tax-deductible. For the Hong Kong-sourced income, no provision for Hong Kong Profits Tax was made as such operations sustained tax losses during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Furthermore, there are no withholding taxes in Hong Kong on the remittance of dividends.


China


Under the Law of the PRC on corporate income tax and the Implementation Regulation of the Corporate Income Tax Law (collectively, the “CIT Law”) collectively, the tax rate applicable for PRC group entities is 25%.


Under the prevailing CIT Law and its relevant regulations, any dividends paid by the Company’s PRC subsidiaries from their earnings derived after January 1, 2008 to the Company’s Hong Kong subsidiaries are subject to PRC dividend withholding tax of 5% or 10%, depending on the applicability of the Sino-Hong Kong tax treaty.


Bolivia


The Company’s subsidiary in Bolivia before December 29, 2017 was subject to Bolivian enterprise income tax at a rate of 25% applicable to both foreign investment enterprises and domestic companies.


Loss before income tax consists of:

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

US$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRC

 

 

(1,071

)

 

 

(2,321

)

 

 

(1,775

)

 

 

(254

)

BVI

 

 

(5,064

)

 

 

(3,805

)

 

 

(3,824

)

 

 

(549

)

Hong Kong

 

 

(44

)

 

 

(50

)

 

 

(46

)

 

 

(7

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total loss before income tax for the year from continuing operations

 

 

(6,179

)

 

 

(6,176

)

 

 

(5,645

)

 

 

(810

)

Total loss before income tax for the year from discontinued operations

 

 

(23,817

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(29,996

)

 

 

(6,176

)

 

 

(5,645

)

 

 

(810

)




F-41



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



13.

INCOME TAX EXPENSE (CONTINUED)


A reconciliation of the income taxes computed at the PRC and Bolivian statutory tax rate of 25% to the actual income tax expense/(benefit) is as follows:

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

US$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss before income tax for the year from continuing operations

 

 

(6,179

)

 

 

(6,176

)

 

 

(5,645

)

 

 

(810

)

Loss before income tax for the year from discontinued operations

 

 

(23,817

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(29,996

)

 

 

(6,176

)

 

 

(5,645

)

 

 

(810

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax at the statutory tax rate

 

 

25%

 

 

 

25%

 

 

 

25%

 

 

 

25%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Computed income tax benefit

 

 

(7,499

)

 

 

(1,544

)

 

 

(1,411

)

 

 

(203

)

Effect of different tax rates for the Company and overseas subsidiaries

 

 

1,269

 

 

 

955

 

 

 

965

 

 

 

139

 

Tax losses not recognized

 

 

6,230

 

 

 

588

 

 

 

444

 

 

 

64

 

Non-deductible expenses

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense from continuing operations at the effective rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense from discontinued operations at the effective rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


As of December 31, 2018 and 2019, the Group did not recognize deferred tax assets.


The total amounts of unused tax losses for which no deferred tax assets were recognized amounted to CNY6.74 million and CNY7.41 million (US$1.06 million) as of December 31, 2018 and 2019, respectively. As of December 31, 2019, unused tax losses of CNY1.10 million (US$0.16 million), CNY1.17 million (US$0.17 million), CNY1.07 million (US$0.15 million), CNY2.32 million (US$0.33 million) and CNY1.75 million (US$0.25 million), if unused, will expire by the end of 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, respectively.




F-42



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



14.

LOSS PER SHARE


Basic and diluted loss per share for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019 are calculated as follows:

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

US$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss for the year:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From continuing operations

 

 

(6,179

)

 

 

(6,176

)

 

 

(5,645

)

 

 

(810

)

From discontinued operations

 

 

(23,817

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted

 

 

24,910,916

 

 

 

24,910,916

 

 

 

24,910,916

 

 

 

24,910,916

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From continuing operations

 

 

(0.25

)

 

 

(0.25

)

 

 

(0.23

)

 

 

(0.03

)

From discontinued operations

 

 

(0.95

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss per share

 

 

(1.20

)

 

 

(0.25

)

 

 

(0.23

)

 

 

(0.03

)


The Company did not have any potential diluted shares throughout the years presented above. Accordingly, the diluted loss per share amounts are the same as the basic loss per share amounts.


15.

DIVIDEND


No dividend was paid or declared by the Company for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019.




F-43



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



16.

RELATED PARTY BALANCES AND TRANSACTIONS


The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and the subsidiaries listed in the following table:

 

 

 

 

Place of
incorporation /

registration and
operations

 

Nominal value
of issued
common /
registered
share capital
(CNY)

 

Percentage

of equity
attributable to
the Company

 

Principal

activities

 

 

Name

 

 

 

 

Direct

 

Indirect

 

 

 

China Coal Mining Investment Limited

 

 

Hong Kong

 

 

100

 

 

Investment holding

 

 

FMH Corporate Services Inc.

 

 

United States

 

 

100

 

 

Dormant

 

 

Feishang Dayun Coal Mining Limited

 

 

Hong Kong

 

 

 

100

 

Investment holding

 

 

Feishang Mining Holdings Limited

 

 

BVI

 

 

100

 

 

Investment holding

 

 

Feishang Yongfu Mining Limited

 

 

Hong Kong

 

 

 

100

 

Investment holding

 

 

Newhold Investments Limited

 

 

BVI

 

 

100

 

 

Investment holding

 

 

Pineboom Investments Limited

 

 

BVI

 

 

100

 

 

Investment holding

 

 

Shenzhen Feishang Management and Consulting Co., Limited (“Feishang Management”)

 

 

PRC/Mainland China

 

10,000

 

 

100

 

Provision of management and consulting services to other companies in the Group

 

 

Silver Moon Technologies Limited

 

 

BVI

 

1

 

80

 

 

Dormant

 

 

Sunwide Capital Limited

 

 

BVI

 

 

100

 

 

Dormant

 

 

Yangpu Lianzhong Mining Co., Limited

 

 

PRC/Mainland China

 

115,008

 

 

100

 

Investment holding

 

 

Yangpu Shuanghu Industrial Development Co., Limited

 

 

PRC/Mainland China

 

1,000

 

 

100

 

Investment holding

 

 

Yunnan Feishang Mining Co., Limited

 

 

PRC/Mainland China

 

50,000

 

 

100

 

Investment holding

 

 

Bayannaoer City Feishang Mining Company Limited

 

 

PRC/Mainland China

 

59,480

 

 

100

 

Exploration and development of lead mine

 


In addition to the transactions detailed elsewhere in the consolidated financial statements, the Group had the following transactions and balances with related parties:

(a)

Commercial transactions with related parties

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

US$

 

 

Notes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHNR's share of office rental, rates and others to Anka Consultants Limited (“Anka”)

i

 

1,316

 

 

 

1,442

 

 

 

1,506

 

 

 

216

 

Sales of equipment to Wuhu Industrial

ii

 

1,056

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of raw ore from Empressa Minera Jacha Uru S.A. (“Jacha Uru”)

iii

 

240

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feishang Management’s share of office rental to Feishang Enterprise

iv

 

 

 

 

166

 

 

 

166

 

 

 

24

 




F-44



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



16.

RELATED PARTY BALANCES AND TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)


(a)

Commercial transactions with related parties (continued)

(i)

On April 1, 2017, the Company signed an office sharing agreement with Anka, a private Hong Kong company that is owned by two directors of the Company, which superseded all previously signed agreements between the parties, pursuant to which the Company shares 184 square meters of the total area of the office premises. The agreement also provides that the Company shares certain costs and expenses in connection with their use of the office, in addition to some of the accounting and secretarial services and day-to-day office administration services provided by Anka. In 2018, Anka’s lease with the unrelated landlord was extended for two years, from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2020.


(ii)

On February 22, 2017, Wuhu Feishang signed an agreement with Wuhu Industrial, controlled by Mr. Li Feilie, to dispose of certain equipment with the carrying amount of CNY1.06 million (US$0.15 million). The disposal gain was CNY0.05 million (US$0.01 million).


(iii)

In 2017, Antay Pacha purchased copper ore from Jacha Uru, a copper mine located in Bolivia and controlled by Feishang Hesheng.


(iv)

On January 1, 2018, Feishang Management signed an office sharing agreement with Feishang Enterprise. Pursuant to the agreement, Feishang Management shared 40 square meters of the office premises.


(b)

Balances with related parties

The Company’s balances with related companies are unsecured and non-interest-bearing. Feishang Enterprise and the Shareholder have provided letters stating their continuous financial support to the Group and that they will not recall any amounts due to them until the Group has sufficient liquidity to finance its operations. The balances are summarized as follows:

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

US$

 

 

Notes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payable to a related company:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feishang Enterprise

i

 

4,041

 

 

 

5,077

 

 

 

729

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payable to the Shareholder:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feishang Group

ii

 

6,973

 

 

 

7,097

 

 

 

1,019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease liabilities to related companies:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feishang Enterprise

 

 

 

 

 

287

 

 

 

41

 

Anka

 

 

 

 

 

516

 

 

 

74

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

803

 

 

 

115

 

Feishang Enterprise and Feishang Group are controlled by Mr. Li Feilie, who is the beneficial shareholder of the Company.






F-45



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



16.

RELATED PARTY BALANCES AND TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)


(b)

Balances with related parties (continued)

(i)

Payable to Feishang Enterprise by Feishang Management represented the net amount of loans from Feishang Enterprise. The balance is unsecured and interest-free. The balance is repayable when the Group is in a position to settle the amounts due without having a detrimental impact on the financial resources of the Group.


(ii)

Payable to Feishang Group represented the acquisition of Feishang Anthracite Resources Limited. The balance is unsecured and interest-free. The balance is repayable when the Group is in a position to settle the amounts due without having a detrimental impact on the financial resources of the Group.


(c)

Compensation of key management personnel of the Group


 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

US$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wages, salaries and allowances

 

 

264

 

 

 

580

 

 

 

629

 

 

 

90

 

Housing subsidies

 

 

2

 

 

 

16

 

 

 

16

 

 

 

2

 

Contribution to pension plans

 

 

29

 

 

 

75

 

 

 

75

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

 

295

 

 

 

671

 

 

 

720

 

 

 

103

 


The amounts disclosed in the table are the amounts recognized as expenses during the years related to key management personnel.


17.

EQUITY


(a)

Issued capital

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

US$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Authorized:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     10,000,000 preferred shares, no par

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     200,000,000 common shares, no par

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issued and fully paid:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24,910,916 (2017 and 2018: 24,910,916) common shares, no par

 

 

312,081

 

 

 

312,081

 

 

 

312,081

 

 

 

44,819

 


(b)

Other capital reserves


Other capital reserves of the Group are mainly for equity-settled share-based compensation, the exercise of stock options, the exercise of warrants, and deemed contribution from the Shareholder of the Company and a related party.






F-46



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



17.

EQUITY (CONTINUED)


(c)

Dividend restrictions and reserves


Due to the Group's structure, the payment of dividends is subject to numerous controls imposed under PRC law, including foreign exchange control on the conversion of the local currency into United States dollars and other currencies.


In accordance with the relevant PRC regulations, appropriations of net income as reflected in its PRC statutory financial statements are to be allocated to each of the general reserve and enterprise expansion reserve, respectively, as determined by the resolution of the Board of Directors annually. No amounts were appropriated to the general reserve and enterprise expansion reserve for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019.


18.

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES


The financial instruments of the Group primarily include cash, trade receivables, certain other current assets, trade payables, other payables and certain accrued liabilities, lease liabilities, amounts due from and due to related parties, and an amount due to the Shareholder.


The Group is exposed to credit risk, foreign currency risk, business and economic risk and liquidity risk. The Group has not used any derivatives and other instruments for hedging purposes. The Group does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. The Group reviews and agrees policies for managing each of these risks and they are summarized below.


(a)

Credit risk


Maximum exposure and year-end staging


The tables below show the credit quality and the maximum exposure to credit risk based on the Group's credit policy, which is mainly based on past due information unless other information is available without undue cost or effort, and year-end staging classification as of December 31, 2018 and 2019. The amounts presented are gross carrying amounts for financial assets.


December 31, 2018

 

12-month ECLs

 

 

Lifetime ECLs

 

 

Simplified

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stage 1

 

 

Stage 2

 

 

Stage 3

 

 

approach

 

 

Total

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

Financial assets included in other receivables

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Normal*

 

 

33

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

33

 

- Doubtful*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Not yet past due

 

 

6,793

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,793

 

Total

 

 

6,826

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,826

 








F-47



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



18.

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES (CONTINUED)


(a)

Credit risk (continued)


December 31, 2019

 

12-month ECLs

 

 

Lifetime ECLs

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stage 1

 

 

Stage 2

 

 

Stage 3

 

 

Total

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade receivables

 

 

3,956

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,956

 

Financial assets included in other receivables

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Normal*

 

 

33

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

33

 

- Doubtful*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Not yet past due

 

 

3,444

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,444

 

Total

 

 

7,433

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,433

 


December 31, 2019

 

12-month ECLs

 

 

Lifetime ECLs

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stage 1

 

 

Stage 2

 

 

Stage 3

 

 

Total

 

 

 

US$

 

 

US$

 

 

US$

 

 

US$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade receivables

 

 

568

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

568

 

Financial assets included in other receivables

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Normal*

 

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

 

- Doubtful*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Not yet past due

 

 

495

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

495

 

Total

 

 

1,068

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,068

 

———————

*

The credit quality of the financial assets included in other receivables is considered to be “normal” when they are not past due and there is no information indicating that the financial assets had a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition. Otherwise, the credit quality of the financial assets is considered to be “doubtful.”


Cash and cash equivalents


The Group maintains its cash and cash equivalents primarily with various PRC state-owned banks and Hong Kong based financial institutions, which management believes are of high credit quality. The Group performs periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of those financial institutions.


Trade receivables


The Group trades only with recognized and creditworthy third parties.


The Group sells copper ore to one customer in Mainland China. Trade receivables are typically unsecured and are mainly derived from revenue earned from the customer in Mainland China. The risk with respect to trade receivables is mitigated by credit evaluations that the Group performs on its customer and its ongoing monitoring of outstanding balances. The Group provides impairment for trade receivables primarily based on the age of the balances and factors surrounding the customer’s creditworthiness. No provision for impairment of trade receivables was made during the year ended December 31, 2019, since all the trade receivables were within the credit period.




F-48



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



18.

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES (CONTINUED)


(b)

Foreign currency risk


The CNY is not freely convertible into foreign currencies. The State Administration for Foreign Exchange, under the authority of the People's Bank of China, controls the conversion of the CNY into foreign currencies. The value of the CNY is subject to changes in PRC government policies and to international economic and political developments affecting the supply and demand in the China Foreign Exchange Trading System market. All foreign exchange transactions continue to take place either through the People's Bank of China or other banks authorized to buy and sell foreign currencies at the exchange rates quoted by the People's Bank of China.


(c)

Business and economic risk


The Group's operations may be adversely affected by significant political, economic and social uncertainties in the PRC. Although the PRC government has been pursuing economic reform policies for more than 30 years, no assurance can be given that the PRC government will continue to pursue such policies or that such policies may not be significantly altered, especially in the event of a change in leadership, social or political disruption or unforeseen circumstances affecting the political, economic and social conditions in the PRC. There is also no guarantee that the PRC government's pursuit of economic reforms will be consistent or effective.


(d)

Liquidity risk


The Group manages its liquidity risk by regularly monitoring its liquidity requirements and its compliance with debt covenants to ensure that it maintains sufficient cash and cash equivalents, and adequate time deposits to meet its liquidity requirements in the short and long term.


The table below summarizes the maturity profile of the Group's financial liabilities based on contractual undiscounted payments:


December 31, 2018

 

On demand

 

 

Less than
1 year

 

 

1 to 5 years

 

 

More than
5 years

 

 

Total

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade payables

 

 

 

100

 

 

 

 

 

 

100

 

Other payables and accrued liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

1,081

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,081

 

Due to a related company

 

 

 

 

 

4,041

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,041

 

Due to the Shareholder

 

 

 

 

 

6,973

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,973

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,195

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,195

 


December 31, 2019

 

On demand

 

 

Less than
1 year

 

 

1 to 5 years

 

 

More than
5 years

 

 

Total

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade payables

 

 

 

 

 

3,896

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,896

 

Other payables and accrued liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

1,600

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,600

 

Due to a related company

 

 

 

 

 

5,077

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,077

 

Due to the Shareholder

 

 

 

 

 

7,097

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,097

 

Lease liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

812

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

812

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18,482

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18,482

 






F-49



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



18.

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES (CONTINUED)


(d)

Liquidity risk (continued)


December 31, 2019

 

On demand

 

 

Less than
1 year

 

 

1 to 5 years

 

 

More than
5 years

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

US$

 

 

 

US$

 

 

 

US$

 

 

 

US$

 

 

 

US$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade payables

 

 

 

 

 

560

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

560

 

Other payables and accrued liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

231

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

231

 

Due to a related company

 

 

 

 

 

729

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

729

 

Due to the Shareholder

 

 

 

 

 

1,019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,019

 

Lease liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

117

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

117

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,656

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,656

 


(e)

Capital management


The Group monitors capital on the basis of the debt to capital ratio (gearing ratio), which is calculated as interest-bearing debt divided by total capital. Interest-bearing debt mainly includes lease liabilities. Capital includes total equity and interest-bearing debt. The gearing ratio was minus 3.0% as of December 31, 2019 (2018: Nil).


19.

COMMITMENTS


(a)

Operating lease commitments as of December 31, 2018


The Group had commitments for future minimum lease payments under a non-cancellable operating lease in respect of the rented premises which fall due as follows:


 

 

December 31, 2018

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Within the first year

 

 

1,245

 

After one year but not more than five years

 

 

 646

 

 

 

 

1,891

 


(b)

Capital commitments


There was no capital commitment as of December 31, 2018 and 2019.







F-50



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



20.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

Prior to the disposal of Wuhu Feishang and Double Grow (Note 3) and the acquisition of Bayannaoer Mining, the Group operated in operating segments: exploration and mining-non-ferrous metals and copper smelting. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had one operating segment: exploration and mining. The accounting policies for the segment are as described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The Group evaluates performance based on operating earnings of the respective business units. The segment analysis below is provided for the Group's continuing operations, and does not include any amount for discontinued operations, namely the exploration and mining-non-ferrous metals and copper smelting.

Management monitors the results of the Group's operating segments separately for the purpose of making decisions about resource allocation and performance assessment. Segment performance is evaluated based on reportable segment profit/loss, which is a measure of adjusted profit/loss before tax from continuing operations. The adjusted profit/loss before tax from continuing operations is measured consistently with the Group's profit/loss before tax from continuing operations except head office and corporate expenses are excluded from such measurement.

As disclosed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the Group disposed its equity interests in Wuhu Feishang and Double Grow in the exploration and mining-non-ferrous metals segment and the copper smelting segment on March 3, 2017 and December 29, 2017, respectively. Accordingly, the exploration and mining-non-ferrous metals segment and the copper smelting segment have been classified as discontinued operations and were excluded from the segment information for the year ended December 31, 2017.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, the segment results were as follows:


 

 

CNY

 

 

 

Exploration and mining

 

 

Corporate activities

 

 

Total

 

From continuing operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

(5

)

 

 

(3

)

 

 

(8

)

Operating loss

 

 

(258

)

 

 

(5,946

)

 

 

(6,204

)

Interest income

 

 

1

 

 

 

38

 

 

 

39

 

Finance costs

 

 

 

 

 

(14

)

 

 

(14

)

Loss for the year from continuing operations

 

 

(257

)

 

 

(5,922

)

 

 

(6,179

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

 

705

 

 

 

29,043

 

 

 

29,748

 

Total liabilities

 

 

509

 

 

 

44,744

 

 

 

45,253

 


For the year ended December 31, 2018, the segment results were as follows:


 

 

CNY

 

 

 

Exploration and mining

 

 

Corporate activities

 

 

Total

 

From continuing operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

 

 

(63

)

 

 

(4

)

 

 

(67

)

Operating loss

 

 

(1,523

)

 

 

(4,684

)

 

 

(6,207

)

Interest income

 

 

1

 

 

 

25

 

 

 

26

 

Finance costs

 

 

(1

)

 

 

6

 

 

 

5

 

Loss for the year from continuing operations

 

 

(1,523

)

 

 

(4,653

)

 

 

(6,176

)

Capital expenditure

 

 

 

 

 

(5

)

 

 

(5

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

 

527

 

 

 

7,216

 

 

 

7,743

 

Total liabilities

 

 

1,854

 

 

 

27,687

 

 

 

29,541

 




F-51



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



20.

SEGMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED)


For the year ended December 31, 2019, the segment results were as follows:


 

 

CNY

 

 

 

Exploration and mining

 

 

Corporate activities

 

 

Total

 

From continuing operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers

 

 

12,969

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,969

 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

 

 

(62

)

 

 

(4

)

 

 

(66

)

Depreciation of right-of-use assets

 

 

(34

)

 

 

(1,153

)

 

 

(1,187

)

Operating loss

 

 

(963

)

 

 

(4,636

)

 

 

(5,599

)

Interest income

 

 

1

 

 

 

15

 

 

 

16

 

Finance costs

 

 

(2

)

 

 

(60

)

 

 

(62

)

Loss for the year from continuing operations

 

 

(964

)

 

 

(4,681

)

 

 

(5,645

)

Capital expenditure

 

 

 

 

 

(5

)

 

 

(5

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

 

4,268

 

 

 

4,030

 

 

 

8,298

 

Total liabilities

 

 

6,560

 

 

 

29,292

 

 

 

35,852

 

  

 

 

US$

 

 

 

Exploration and mining

 

 

Corporate activities

 

 

Total

 

From continuing operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers

 

 

1,863

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,863

 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

 

 

(8

)

 

 

(1

)

 

 

(9

)

Depreciation of right-of-use assets

 

 

(5

)

 

 

(166

)

 

 

(171

)

Operating loss

 

 

(138

)

 

 

(665

)

 

 

(803

)

Interest income

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

2

 

Finance costs

 

 

 

 

 

(9

)

 

 

(9

)

Loss for the year from continuing operations

 

 

(138

)

 

 

(672

)

 

 

(810

)

Capital expenditure

 

 

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

(1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

 

613

 

 

 

579

 

 

 

1,192

 

Total liabilities

 

 

942

 

 

 

4,207

 

 

 

5,149

 

 

The reconciliation of loss for the year from continuing operations to net loss is as follows:


 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

 

US$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss for the year from continuing operations

 

 

(6,179

)

 

 

(6,176

)

 

 

(5,645

)

 

 

(810

)

Loss for the year from discontinued operations

 

 

(23,817

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 

(29,996

)

 

 

(6,176

)

 

 

(5,645

)

 

 

(810

)









F-52



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



21.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


(a)

Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities


Year ended December 31, 2018

 

Due to related companies

 

 

Due to the Shareholder

 

 

Lease liabilities

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At January 1, 2018

 

 

13,747

 

 

 

11,573

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,320

 

Changes from financing cash flows

 

 

(9,213

)

 

 

(4,600

)

 

 

 

 

 

(13,813

)

Changes from operating activities

 

 

(493

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(493

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At December 31, 2018

 

 

4,041

 

 

 

6,973

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,014

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2019

 

Due to a related company

 

 

Due to the Shareholder

 

 

Lease liabilities

 

 

Total

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At January 1, 2019

 

 

4,041

 

 

 

6,973

 

 

 

1,803

 

 

 

12,817

 

Changes from financing cash flows

 

 

1,036

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,060

)

 

 

(24

)

Foreign exchange movement

 

 

 

 

 

124

 

 

 

 

 

 

124

 

Interest expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

60

 

 

 

60

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At December 31, 2019

 

 

5,077

 

 

 

7,097

 

 

 

803

 

 

 

12,977

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2019

 

Due to a related company

 

 

Due to the Shareholder

 

 

Lease liabilities

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

US$

 

 

 

US$

 

 

 

US$

 

 

 

US$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At January 1, 2019

 

 

580

 

 

 

1,001

 

 

 

259

 

 

 

1,840

 

Changes from financing cash flows

 

 

149

 

 

 

 

 

 

(153

)

 

 

(4

)

Foreign exchange movement

 

 

 

 

 

18

 

 

 

 

 

 

18

 

Interest expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At December 31, 2019

 

 

729

 

 

 

1,019

 

 

 

115

 

 

 

1,863

 

 

(b)

Total cash outflow for leases


 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

 

US$

 

Within operating activities

 

 

(46

)

 

 

(7

)

Within financing activities

 

 

(1,060

)

 

 

(153

)

 

 

 

(1,106

)

 

 

(160

)




F-53



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



22.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS


Since January 2020, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has continued to spread throughout China and to countries across the world, resulting in increased travel restrictions, border controls and the shutdown of businesses, which may cause a slower recovery of the Chinese economy. In accordance with the epidemic control measures imposed by the local government, the Company remained closed until it partially re-opened in mid-March. The market demand for the copper ore that we trade and the metals that we may mine have similarly been negatively impacted by COVID-19 due to the sharp decrease in manufacturing and other activities due to the widespread closure of businesses in China and worldwide, with a commensurate impact on commodity prices. It is presently unknown to what extent the Company’s operations will be affected, and for what period of time. The Group will continue to closely monitor the development of the COVID-19 situation, and assess and react proactively to address any impact on the financial position and operating results of the Group.


23.

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COMPANY


The following is the condensed financial information of the Company on a non-consolidated basis:

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

US$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments in subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts due from subsidiaries

 

 

13,925

 

 

 

15,816

 

 

 

2,272

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

4,122

 

 

 

811

 

 

 

116

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

18,047

 

 

 

16,627

 

 

 

2,388

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

 

 18,047

 

 

 

16,627

 

 

 

2,388

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other payables and accrued liabilities

 

 

943

 

 

 

1,462

 

 

 

210

 

Due to the Shareholder

 

 

6,973

 

 

 

7,097

 

 

 

1,019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

7,916

 

 

 

8,559

 

 

 

1,229

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

 

 

7,916

 

 

 

8,559

 

 

 

1,229

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issued capital

 

 

290,179

 

 

 

290,179

 

 

 

41,673

 

Other capital reserves

 

 

823,581

 

 

 

823,581

 

 

 

118,276

 

Accumulated losses

 

 

(1,091,633

)

 

 

(1,095,446

)

 

 

(157,319

)

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

(11,996

)

 

 

(10,246

)

 

 

(1,471

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL EQUITY

 

 

10,131

 

 

 

8,068

 

 

 

1,159

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

 

18,047

 

 

 

16,627

 

 

 

2,388

 



F-54



CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



23.

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COMPANY (CONTINUED)


CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF PROFIT OR LOSS


 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

US$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Administrative expenses

 

 

(5,055

)

 

 

(3,794

)

 

 

(3,814

)

 

 

(548

)

Gain on disposal of a subsidiary

 

 

7,114

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

Profit/(loss) before income tax

 

 

2,059

 

 

 

(3,794

)

 

 

(3,813

)

 

 

(548

)

Profit/(loss) for the year

 

 

2,059

 

 

 

(3,794

)

 

 

(3,813

)

 

 

(548

)


CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

CNY

 

 

US$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash flows used in operating activities

 

 

(3,647

)

 

 

(5,200

)

 

 

(3,294

)

 

 

(473

)

Net cash flows from/(used in) investing activities

 

 

7,808

 

 

 

10,243

 

 

 

(21

)

 

 

(3

)

Net cash flows used in financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

(15,811

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN CASH

 

 

4,161

 

 

 

(10,768

)

 

 

(3,315

)

 

 

(476

)

CASH AT BEGINNING OF THE YEAR

 

 

10,678

 

 

 

13,912

 

 

 

4,122

 

 

 

591

 

Net foreign exchange differences

 

 

(927

)

 

 

978

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

1

 

CASH AT END OF THE YEAR

 

 

13,912

 

 

 

4,122

 

 

 

811

 

 

 

116

 


The above financial statements have been provided pursuant to the requirements of Rule 12-04(a) and 4-08(e)(3) of Regulation S-X, which require condensed financial information as to the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of a parent company as of the same dates and for the same periods for which audited consolidated financial statements have been presented when the restricted net assets of the consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries and the parent's equity in the undistributed earnings of 50 percent or less owned persons, accounted for by the equity method, together exceed 25 percent of the consolidated net assets as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year. As of December 31, 2019, CNY13.70 million (US$1.97 million) of the restricted capital and reserves were not available for distribution, and therefore, the condensed financial information of the Company has been presented for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

In the parent-company-only financial statements, the Company's investments in subsidiaries are stated at cost. The parent-company-only financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements.

The Company does not have any significant commitments or long-term obligations as of any of the years presented, except for those disclosed in the consolidated financial statements.

During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, no cash dividends were declared and paid by the Company.





F-55


Exhibit 2.1


DESCRIPTION OF CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.’S SECURITIES

REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

References in this exhibit to “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company” are to China Natural Resources, Inc., and do not include our subsidiaries.

As of June 12, 2020, the only security registered by us under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is our common shares, no par value.

The following descriptions of our common shares and the relevant provisions of our Amended and Restated Memorandum of Association (“Memorandum”) and our Articles of Association (“Articles of Association”) are summaries and are qualified by reference to our Memorandum and Articles of Association that are filed as exhibits to the Annual Report on Form 20-F to which this is filed as an exhibit. The following also summarizes certain applicable provisions of the BVI Business Companies Act, as amended (the “BVI Act”) of the British Virgin Islands (“BVI”), and that summary is qualified by reference to the BVI Act. Under our Memorandum and Articles of Association and under the BVI Act, the term for holders of our equity securities is “members,” but we use the term “shareholders” herein for the convenience of readers.

General


We are currently authorized to issue up to 210,000,000 shares, divided into two classes consisting of (a) 200,000,000 common shares, without par value (“common shares”), and (b) 10,000,000 preferred shares, without par value (“preferred shares”). Our shares may only be issued as registered shares. BVI law and our Memorandum and Articles of Association impose no limitations on the right of non-resident or foreign owners to hold or vote our common shares.


Common shares


Dividend Rights


Subject to the dividend rights of the holders of preferred shares, if any, holders of common shares participate in dividends on a proportionate basis, as may be declared by our board of directors.  Our board of directors may authorize a distribution by our Company if they are satisfied, on reasonable grounds, that immediately after the distribution (i) the value of our Company's assets will exceed our liabilities, and (ii) our Company will be able to pay our debts as they fall due.


Liquidation Rights


Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our Company, after payments due to creditors and holders of our outstanding preferred shares, if any, our remaining assets, if any, will be divided proportionately on a per share basis among the holders of our common shares.


Voting Rights

Each common share has one vote. Resolutions of our shareholders voted upon at any meeting of our shareholders may be passed by the affirmative vote of (i) a simple majority of the votes of shares entitled to vote thereon which are present at the meeting and which are voted and not abstained, or (ii) a simple majority of the votes of each class or series of shares which are present at the meeting and entitled to vote thereon as a class or series and which are voted and not abstained and of a simple majority of the votes of the remaining shares entitled to vote thereon which are present at the meeting and which are voted and not abstained. Holders of our shares do not have cumulative voting rights. This means that the holders of a majority of the votes which are cast at any shareholder meeting can pass a resolution of shareholders, including a resolution to appoint directors. In that event, the holders




 


of the remaining shares will not be able to appoint any directors. Our Memorandum and Articles of Association provide that, except in limited circumstances, one or more shareholders present in person or by proxy entitled to exercise at least 50% of the voting rights of the shares of each class or series of shares entitled to vote as a class or series thereon, and the same proportion of the votes of the remaining shares entitled to vote thereon, constitute a quorum to transact business at a meeting of shareholders. Any action that may be taken by our shareholders at a meeting of shareholders may also be taken by a resolution of shareholders consented to in writing, provided that such written resolution is consented to by (i) an absolute majority of the votes of shares entitled to vote thereon, or (ii) an absolute majority of the votes of each class or series of shares entitled to vote thereon as a class or series and of an absolute majority of the votes of the remaining shares entitled to vote thereon.

Redemption Rights


Shares may be issued on the terms that they are redeemable or, at the option of our Company, liable to be redeemed, on such terms and in such manner as our directors before or at the time of the issue of such shares may determine. Our Company may purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any of our own shares for such consideration as our directors consider fit, in such manner as may be determined by our directors (and subject to the written consent of all the shareholders whose shares are to be purchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired), and such shares may, at the direction of our directors, be cancelled or held as treasury shares; provided, however, that our Company may not purchase, redeem or acquire any of our shares unless, immediately following the purchase, redemption or acquisition (a) the value of our Company’s assets exceeds our liabilities and (b) our Company is able to pay our debts as they fall due.


Preemptive Rights


Our common shares have no preemptive, subscription or conversion rights.


Listing


Our common shares are listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “CHNR.”


Transfer Agent and Registrar


The transfer agent for our common shares is Pacific Stock Transfer Company, 6725 Via Austi Parkway, Suite 300, Las Vegas NV 89119.


Certain Anti-Takeover Effects


General.   There are no provisions of our Memorandum and Articles of Association that would have an effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in our control and that would operate only with respect to a merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring involving us. However, certain provisions of our Memorandum and Articles of Association and the BVI Act could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing an acquisition of control of us by means of a tender offer, a proxy fight, open market purchases or otherwise in a transaction not approved by our board of directors. The provisions described below may reduce our vulnerability to an unsolicited proposal for the restructuring or sale of all or substantially all of our assets or an unsolicited takeover attempt which is unfair to our shareholders.


Our board of directors has no present intention to introduce additional measures that might have an anti-takeover effect; however, our board of directors expressly reserves the right to introduce these measures in the future.


Staggered board of directors. The BVI Act does not contain statutory provisions that prohibit staggered board arrangements for a BVI company and our Memorandum and Articles of Association provide for a staggered board, with three classes of directors each holding three year terms.




2



 


Blank Check Preferred. Under our Memorandum and Articles of Association, our board of directors is able to issue preferred shares with such designations, powers, preferences and rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions as shall be fixed by our directors at the time of issuance, without the prior approval of our shareholders.


Special Meetings. If our shareholders want us to hold a meeting of our shareholders, they may requisition the directors to hold one upon the written request of shareholders entitled to exercise at least 30% of the voting rights in respect of the matter for which the meeting is requested. Under the BVI Act, we may not increase the required percentage to call a meeting above 30%.


Subject to our Memorandum and Articles of Association, a meeting of shareholders of the Company will be called by not less than seven days’ written notice. However, the inadvertent failure of the convener or conveners of a meeting of shareholders to give notice of the meeting to a shareholder, or the fact that a shareholder has not received the notice, does not invalidate the meeting.

A meeting may be called by shorter notice than that mentioned above, and under our Articles of Association such meeting will be valid, if shareholders holding at least 90% of the total voting rights on all the matters to be considered at the meeting have waived notice of the meeting and, for this purpose, the presence of a shareholder at the meeting shall be deemed to constitute a waiver on the part of that shareholder in relation to all the shares which that shareholder holds (unless such shareholder objects in writing before the meeting proceeds to business).

Mergers and similar arrangements. Under the BVI Act, two or more companies may merge or consolidate in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions. A merger means the merging of two or more constituent companies into one of the constituent companies, and a consolidation means the consolidating of two or more constituent companies into a new company. In order to merge or consolidate, the directors of each constituent company must approve a written plan of merger or consolidation specifying certain required information, which written plan of merger or consolidation must be authorized by a resolution of our shareholders (which resolution may be passed either at a duly convened and constituted meeting of our shareholders by the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the votes of those shareholders who vote at the meeting, or by a written resolution consented to by shareholders who hold an absolute majority of votes of shares entitled to vote thereon).

 

The plan of merger or consolidation must also be authorized by a resolution of the outstanding shares of every class of shares that are entitled to vote on the merger or consolidation as a class if our Memorandum or our Articles so provide, or if the plan of merger or consolidation contains any provision which, if proposed as an amendment to our Memorandum and Articles of Association, would entitle the class to vote on the proposed amendment as a class. As currently drafted, our Memorandum and Articles of Association do not contain provisions which grant such rights to any class of our shareholders.  In any event, all shareholders must be given a copy of the plan of merger or consolidation irrespective of whether they are entitled to vote at the meeting or consent to the written resolution to approve the plan of merger or consolidation.

 

Key Differences in Corporate Laws


The applicable provisions of BVI corporate law differ from corporate laws generally applicable in the United States in certain material respects. Set forth below is a summary of certain differences between the provisions of BVI law applicable to us and corporate laws generally in effect in the United States. Moreover, corporate laws among the various states in the United States may be different from each other and, therefore, BVI law may be similar to certain state corporate laws but different from others. This summary is not intended to be a complete discussion of these differences and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual laws in effect under United States and BVI laws.

 

Fiduciary Duties and Shareholder Litigation. Under the laws of most jurisdictions in the United States, majority and controlling shareholders generally have certain fiduciary responsibilities to the minority shareholders. Shareholder action must be taken in good faith and actions by controlling shareholders which are obviously unreasonable may be declared null and void. BVI law protecting the interests of minority shareholders may not be as



3



 


protective in all circumstances as the law protecting minority shareholders under most jurisdictions in the United States.


The BVI Act sets out the fiduciary duties of directors by stating that “a director of a company, in exercising his or her powers and performing his or her duties, shall act honestly and in good faith and in what the director believes to be in the best interests of the company.” This statutory provision essentially imports the appropriate principles of English common law (prior to the enactment of the Companies Act 2006 of the United Kingdom), which have been substantially confirmed by decisions of the courts of the BVI.


In practical terms, these fiduciary duties translate into the following:


 

(a)

Bona Fides: The directors must act bona fide in what they consider is in the best interests of the company.

 

(b)

Proper Purpose: The directors must exercise the powers that are vested in them for the purpose for which they were conferred and not for a collateral purpose.

 

(c)

Unfettered Discretion: Since the powers of the directors are to be exercised by them in trust for the company, they should not improperly fetter the exercise of future discretion.

 

(d)

Conflict of Duty and Interest: Directors must not place themselves in a position in which there is a conflict between their duty to the Company and their personal interests. This means that, strictly speaking, a director should not participate in a decision in circumstances where he has a potential conflict. That is, he should declare his interest and abstain. The BVI Act provides that a director “shall, forthwith after becoming aware of the fact that he or she is interested in a transaction entered into or to be entered into by the company, disclose the interest to the board of the company.” Our Memorandum and Articles of Association allow our directors who are interested in a particular transaction to vote on matters relating to the transaction, attend meetings of directors at which matters relating to the transaction are considered and be included for the purposes of determining the quorum, sign documents on behalf of our Company, and do any other thing in his or her capacity as a director, which relates to the transaction.


In addition to the above fiduciary duties, each director also owes a duty of care, diligence and skill to the company. In exercising powers or performing duties as a director, each director is required to exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonable director would exercise in the same circumstances, taking into account, without limitation, the nature of the company, the nature of the decision, and the position of the director and the nature of the responsibilities undertaken by him or her.


The duties of a director are owed to the company and not to individual shareholders. In the ordinary course, the “interest of the company” may be equated to the interests of the company's shareholders. Once, however, a company is insolvent or is “doubtfully solvent” the directors must, when discharging their duties, consider the creditors' interests.


Under BVI law, our shareholders do not owe any fiduciary duties to our Company or to our minority shareholders. Accordingly, our shareholders may exercise their powers as shareholders, including the exercise of voting rights in respect of their shares, in such manner as they think fit, subject only to very limited equitable constraints.


In principle, our Company will normally be the proper plaintiff to sue for a breach of duty or any other wrong done to us as a company. However, under the BVI Act, a member may bring a derivative action in the name of the company in certain circumstances. A BVI court may, on the application of a shareholder of a company, grant leave to that shareholder to (a) bring proceedings in the name and on behalf of that company, or (b) intervene in proceedings to which the company is a party for the purpose of continuing, defending or discontinuing the proceedings on behalf of the company. In determining whether to grant leave, a BVI court must take the following matters into account:


 

(a)

whether the member is acting in good faith;

 

(b)

whether the derivative action is in the interests of the company taking account of the views of the company's directors on commercial matters;



4



 





 

(c)

whether the proceedings are likely to succeed;

 

(d)

the costs of the proceedings in relation to the relief likely to be obtained; and

 

(e)

whether an alternative remedy to the derivative claim is available.


While BVI law does permit a shareholder of a BVI company to bring a derivative action in the name of the company, that is, in the name of, and for the benefit of, our Company, and to sue a company and its directors for his benefit and for the benefit of others similarly situated, the circumstances in which any such action may be brought, and the procedures and defenses that may be available in respect of any such action, may result in the rights of shareholders of a BVI company being more limited than those of shareholders of a company organized in the United States.


Powers of Directors. Our directors have the power to take certain actions without shareholder approval, including the powers to amend our Memorandum or Articles of Association (except that our directors cannot make any such amendment (a) to restrict the rights or powers of our members to amend the Memorandum or the Articles, (b) to change the percentage of our members required to pass a resolution to amend our Memorandum or the Articles of Association, or (c) in circumstances where the Memorandum or the Articles of Association cannot be amended by our members), and to increase or decrease the maximum number of shares that we are authorized to issue, which would require shareholder approval under the laws of most jurisdictions in the United States. In addition, the directors of a BVI company, subject in certain cases to court approval but without shareholder approval, may, among other things, implement a reorganization (other than statutory mergers or consolidations, and schemes of arrangement, all of which require shareholder authorization), the sale, transfer, exchange or disposition of any assets, property, part of the business, or securities of the company, or any combination, if they determine it is in the best interests of the company. In most jurisdictions in the United States, shareholder approval is required in order to amend most provisions of the certificate or articles of incorporation. Our ability to amend our Memorandum and Articles of Association without shareholder approval could have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in our control without any further action by the shareholders, including a tender offer to purchase our common shares at a premium over then current market prices. However, our directors must exercise the powers that are vested in them for the purpose for which they were conferred and not for a collateral purpose.


Liability of Directors. In most jurisdictions in the United States, directors owe a fiduciary duty to the corporation and its shareholders, including a duty of care, under which directors must properly apprise themselves of all reasonably available information, and a duty of loyalty, under which they must protect the interests of the corporation and refrain from conduct that injures the corporation or its shareholders or that deprives the corporation or its shareholders of any profit or advantage. Many United States jurisdictions have enacted various statutory provisions which permit the monetary liability of directors to be eliminated or limited.


Under BVI law, the liability of a director to the BVI company is primarily limited to cases where the director has acted in breach of his fiduciary duties (such as not acting honestly and in good faith and with a view to the best interests of the company) or his duties of care, skill and diligence, or has not exercised his powers for a proper purpose. Under our Memorandum and Articles of Association, we shall indemnify all or our directors and officers, together with every former director and former officer, against any liability, action, proceeding, claim, demand, costs, damages or expenses, including legal expenses, whatsoever which they or any of them may incur as a result of any act or failure to act in carrying out their functions other than such liability (if any) that they may incur by reason of their own actual fraud or willful default. No director or officer shall be liable to our Company for any loss or damage incurred by us as a result (whether direct or indirect) of the carrying out of their functions unless that liability arises through the actual fraud or willful default of such director or officer.


Qualifications of Directors. Unlike most corporate laws in the United States, directors of a BVI company may be companies. Moreover, any director of a BVI company may (subject to the company's memorandum and articles of association) appoint a person (who may or may not be another director) to be his alternate to exercise the appointing director’s powers, and to carry out the appointing director’s responsibilities, in relation to the taking of decisions by the directors in the absence of the appointing director (including to attend meetings and vote in the place and stead of the appointing director). An alternate director has the same rights as the appointing director in relation to any directors' meeting and any written resolution circulated for written consent. Any exercise by the alternate director of the appointing director's powers in relation to the taking of decisions by the directors, is as effective as if the powers were exercised by the appointing director. An alternate director is liable for his or her own



5



 


acts and omissions as an alternate director and an alternate director is subject to the same fiduciary duties and the same duties of care, diligence and skill as other directors, when acting as such.


Control Share Statutes and Changes in Control. Certain states in the United States have adopted corporate laws that limit the ability of a significant shareholder of a corporation to vote its shares in favor of approving transactions in which the significant shareholder has an interest. Some states also limit transactions between a corporation and a significant shareholder. In general, BVI law does not impose similar restrictions on interested or affiliated party transactions.


Amendment of Organizational Documents. The ability of the board of directors to amend our Memorandum and Articles of Association without shareholder approval, as well as the exercise of its power to designate the rights and preferences of preferred shares, could operate to delay, defer or prevent a change in control of our Company, including with respect to a merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring. In most jurisdictions in the United States, shareholder approval is required in order to amend most provisions of the certificate or articles of incorporation.




6


Exhibit 4.7


FEISHANG GROUP LIMITED





May 29, 2020


China Natural Resources, Inc

Room 2205, 22/F, West Tower

Shun Tak Centre

168-200 Connaught Road Central,

Sheung Wan, Hong Kong


Dear Sirs,


Confirmation of Financial Support to China Natural Resources, Inc.

On behalf of Feishang Group Limited, we hereby confirm that we will extend continuous financial support to China Natural Resources, Inc. and its subsidiaries, in relation to the going concern of their operations and will not recall any amounts due to us until they have sufficient liquidity to finance its operations.





Yours faithfully,


/s/ LI Feilie

LI Feilie

Sole Director

Feishang Group Limited






Exhibit 4.8


FEISHANG ENTERPRISE GROUP COMPANY LIMITED




May 29, 2020


China Natural Resources, Inc

Room 2205, 22/F, West Tower

Shun Tak Centre

168-200 Connaught Road Central,

Sheung Wan, Hong Kong


Dear Sirs,


Confirmation of Financial Support to China Natural Resources, Inc.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Feishang Enterprise Group Company Limited, we hereby confirm that we will extend full financial support to China Natural Resources, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“CHNR Group”), in relation to the going concern of their operations and will not recall any amounts due to us until they have sufficient liquidity to finance its operations, and Feishang Enterprise will pay debts on behalf of CHNR Group when needed.




Yours faithfully,


/s/ LI Feilie

LI Feilie

Chairman

Feishang Enterprise Group Limited






Exhibit 8


Subsidiaries of the Registrant


Name

Jurisdiction of Incorporation

Percentage Ownership

(Direct Parent)

 

 

 

Bayannaoer City Feishang Mining Company Limited

People’s Republic of China

100% (held by Yangpu Shuanghu Industrial Development Co., Limited)

China Coal Mining Investment Limited

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

100% (held by Registrant)

Feishang Dayun Coal Mining Limited

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

100% (held by Pineboom Investments Limited)

Feishang Mining Holdings Limited

British Virgin Islands

100% (held by Registrant)

Feishang Yongfu Mining Limited

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

100% (held by Newhold Investments Limited)

FMH Corporate Services Inc.

Florida, the United States

100% (held by Registrant)

Newhold Investments Limited

British Virgin Islands

100% (held by Registrant)

Pineboom Investments Limited

British Virgin Islands

100% (held by Registrant)

Shenzhen Feishang Management and Consulting Co., Limited

People’s Republic of China

100% (held by Yunnan Feishang Mining Co., Limited)

Silver Moon Technologies Limited

British Virgin Islands

80% (held by Registrant)

Sunwide Capital Limited

British Virgin Islands

100% (held by Registrant)

Yangpu Lianzhong Mining Co., Limited

People’s Republic of China

100% (held by China Coal Mining Investment Limited)

Yangpu Shuanghu Industrial Development Co., Limited

People’s Republic of China

100% (held by Feishang Yongfu Mining Limited)

Yunnan Feishang Mining Co., Limited

People’s Republic of China

100% (held by Yangpu Shuanghu Industrial Development Co., Limited)




 


Exhibit 12.1


CERTIFICATION

I, Wong Wah On Edward, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of China Natural Resources, Inc.;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.

The company's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.

The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.


Date: June 12, 2020

/s/ Wong Wah On Edward

Wong Wah On Edward

Chief Executive Officer




 


Exhibit 12.2


CERTIFICATION

I, Yue Ming Wai Bonaventure, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of China Natural Resources, Inc.;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.

The company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s  internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s  internal control over financial reporting; and

5.

The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the  company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.


Date: June 12, 2020

/s/ Yue Ming Wai Bonaventure

Yue Ming Wai Bonaventure

Chief Financial Officer




 


Exhibit 13.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


In connection with the Annual Report on Form 20-F of China Natural Resources, Inc. (the "Company") for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Wong Wah On Edward, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.


/s/ Wong Wah On Edward

Wong Wah On Edward

Chief Executive Officer

June 12, 2020






 


Exhibit 13.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


In connection with the Annual Report on Form 20-F of China Natural Resources, Inc. (the "Company") on for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Yue Ming Wai Bonaventure, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.


/s/ Yue Ming Wai Bonaventure

Yue Ming Wai Bonaventure

Chief Financial Officer

June 12, 2020





 


Exhibit 15.1









Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm



We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form F-3 No. 333-233852) of China Natural Resources, Inc. and in the related Prospectus of our report dated June 12, 2020, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of China Natural Resources, Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form 20-F) for the year ended December 31, 2019.





/s/ Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP

Beijing, The People’s Republic of China


June 12, 2020




 


Exhibit 15.2


CONTACT

Yue Ming Wai Bonaventure, Chief Financial Officer

011-852-2810-7205 or bonyue@chnr.net


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. ANNOUNCES

2019 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


HONG KONG, June 12, 2020 – CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. (NASDAQ: CHNR) (the “Company”), a company based in the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”), today announced its results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 as follows.


CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PROFIT OR LOSS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2018 AND 2019

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)


 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019

 

2019

 

 

 

 

CNY

 

CNY

 

CNY

 

US$

 

 

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

CONTINUING OPERATIONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,969

 

1,863

 

Cost of sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(12,752

)

(1,831

)

Gross profit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

217

 

32

 

Selling and distribution expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2

)

 

Administrative expenses

 

 

 

(6,204

)

 

(6,207

)

 

(5,814

)

(835

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING LOSS

 

 

 

(6,204

)

 

(6,207

)

 

(5,599

)

(803

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance costs

 

 

 

(14

)

 

5

 

 

(62

)

(9

)

Interest income

 

 

 

39

 

 

26

 

 

16

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAX FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

 

 

 

(6,179

)

 

(6,176

)

 

(5,645

)

(810

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOSS FOR THE YEAR FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

 

 

 

(6,179

)

 

(6,176

)

 

(5,645

)

(810

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss for the year from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

 

(23,817

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOSS FOR THE YEAR

 

 

 

(29,996

)

 

(6,176

)

 

(5,645

)

(810

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATTRIBUTABLE TO:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owners of the Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  From continuing operations

 

 

 

(6,179

)

 

(6,176

)

 

(5,645

)

(810

)

  From discontinued operations

 

 

 

(23,817

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(29,996

)

 

(6,176

)

 

(5,645

)

(810

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-controlling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  From continuing operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  From discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(29,996

)

 

(6,176

)

 

(5,645

)

(810

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOSS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE COMPANY:

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- For loss from continuing operations

 

 

 

(0.25

)

 

(0.25

)

 

(0.23

)

(0.03

)

- For loss from discontinued operations

 

 

 

(0.95

)

 

 

 

 

 

- Net loss per share

 

 

 

(1.20

)

 

(0.25

)

 

(0.23

)

(0.03

)

 

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  







 


The consolidated statements of profits or loss of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019 have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). The consolidated statements of profits or loss have been derived from and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019 contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the Commission on June 12, 2020.


Mr. Wong Wah On Edward, the Company's Chairman, commented on the results: “During 2019, we undertook additional exploration activities and sample analysis at the Moruogu Tong Mine located in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in the People’s Republic of China (the ‘PRC’) and completed the initial draft of the detailed geographical exploration report for submission to government authorities for review and comment.  During 2019, we also commenced our copper ore trading activities, which we propose to pursue as market opportunities arise.  The outbreak of COVID-19 has severely disrupted our operations. Governmental control measures imposed to contain its spread have impacted our business by restricting the movement of our employees since the beginning of the pandemic in the PRC through mid-March, when we were able to partially re-open. COVID-19 has also affected our suppliers’ workforces, and as a result we are experiencing a slow resumption of operations and may experience delays or the inability to deliver goods on a timely basis. The market demand for the copper ore that we trade and the metals that we may mine have similarly been negatively impacted by COVID-19 as a result of the sharp decrease in manufacturing and other activity due to the widespread closure of businesses in the PRC and worldwide. The impact by COVID-19 on the economic conditions and business activities may also affect our ability to explore new businesses opportunities to contribute to revenues and enhance shareholder values.”


For the convenience of the reader, amounts in Chinese Yuan (“CNY”) have been translated into United States dollars (“US$”) at the rate of US$1.00=CNY6.9632 as quoted by www.ofx.com on December 31, 2019.  The CNY is not freely convertible into foreign currencies and no representation is made that the CNY amounts could have been, or could be, converted into US$ at that rate, or at all.


About China Natural Resources:

China Natural Resources, Inc., a British Virgin Islands company limited by shares, through its operating subsidiaries in the People’s Republic of China, is currently engaged in (a) the acquisition and exploitation of mining rights in Inner Mongolia, including exploring for lead, silver and other nonferrous metal; and (b) copper ore trading in the PRC.


Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws.  These statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the intent, belief and current expectations of the Company, its directors or its officers with respect to the Company's policies regarding the impact of the novel coronavirus 2019 (“COVID-19”) on the Company’s operations, those of its suppliers, the resumption of demand for the metal that the Company may mine or copper ore that it may trade, as well as on general economic conditions and the ability of the Company to explore new business opportunities. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. Among the risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ from its forward-looking statements are: uncertainties regarding the governmental, economic and political circumstances in the People’s Republic of China; uncertainties associated with metal price volatility; uncertainties related to the Company’s ability to fund operations; uncertainties relating to possible future increases in operating expenses, including costs of labor and materials; uncertainties regarding the impact of COVID-19 pandemic; and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. When, in any forward-looking statement, the Company, or its management, expresses an expectation or belief as to future results, that expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and is believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the stated expectation or belief will result or be achieved or accomplished. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.