UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 40-F

 

Registration statement pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

or

Annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

6

 

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017

 

Commission File Number  001-35286

Franco-Nevada Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canada

 

1040

 

Not Applicable

(Province or Other Jurisdiction of

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Incorporation or Organization)

 

Classification

 

Identification No.)

 

 

Code)

 

 

199 Bay Street, Suite 2000

P.O. Box 285

Commerce Court Postal Station

Toronto, Ontario M5L 1G9

Canada

(416) 306-6300

(Address and telephone number of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

DL Services, Inc.

Columbia Center

701 Fifth Avenue, Suite 6100

Seattle, Washington 98104-7043

(206) 903-8800

(Name, address (including zip code) and telephone number (including
area code) of agent for service in the United States)

 

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

 

 

 

 

Title of Each Class:

 

Name of Each Exchange On Which Registered:

Common Shares

 

New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:  None

For annual reports, indicate by check mark the information filed with this form:

 

 

 

☒ Annual Information Form

 

☒ Audited Annual Financial Statements

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the registrant’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report:  185,930,331

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant:  (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports); and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   ☒   Yes   ☐   No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).   ☒   Yes   ☐   No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

           Emerging growth company   ☐ 

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark 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.   ☐

 

 

 

 


 

 

EXPLANATORY NOTE

 

Franco-Nevada Corporation (the “Registrant” or the “Company”) is a Canadian issuer that is permitted, under the multijurisdictional disclosure system adopted in the United States, to prepare its Annual Report pursuant to Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), in accordance with disclosure requirements in effect in Canada that differ from those of the United States. The Registrant is a “foreign private issuer” as defined in Rule 3b-4 under the Exchange Act and in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Equity securities of the Registrant are accordingly exempt from Sections 14(a), 14(b), 14(c), 14(f) and 16 of the Exchange Act pursuant to Rule 3a12-3.

 

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Annual Report on Form 40-F and the exhibits hereto (this “Annual Report”) contain certain “forward looking information” and “forward looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, respectively, which may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to future events or future performance, management’s expectations regarding the Registrant’s growth, results of operations, estimated future revenues, carrying value of assets, future dividends and requirements for additional capital, mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates, production estimates, production costs and revenue, future demand for and prices of commodities, expected mining sequences, business prospects and opportunities. In addition, statements (including data in tables) relating to reserves and resources and gold equivalent ounces are forward looking statements, as they involve implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, and no assurance can be given that the estimates and assumptions are accurate and that such reserves and resources and gold equivalent ounces (“GEOs”) will be realized. Such forward looking statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. Often, but not always, forward looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans,” “expects,” “is expected,” “budgets,” “scheduled,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” “predicts,” “projects,” “intends,” “targets,” “aims,” “anticipates” or “believes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved.

 

Forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Registrant to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward looking statements. A number of factors could cause actual events or results to differ materially from any forward looking statement, including, without limitation: fluctuations in the prices of the primary commodities that drive royalty and stream revenue (gold, platinum group metals, copper, nickel, uranium, silver, iron-ore and oil and gas); fluctuations in the value of the Canadian and Australian dollar, Mexican peso and any other currency in which revenue is generated, relative to the U.S. dollar; changes in national and local government legislation, including permitting and licensing regimes and taxation policies and the enforcement thereof; regulatory, political or economic developments in any of the countries where properties in which the Registrant holds a royalty, stream or other interest are located or through which they are held; risks related to the operators of the properties in which the Registrant holds a royalty, stream or other interest, including changes in the ownership and control of such operators; influence of macroeconomic developments; business opportunities that become available to, or are pursued by the Registrant; reduced access to debt and equity capital; litigation; title, permit or license disputes related to interests on any of the properties in which the Registrant holds a royalty, stream or other interest; whether or not the Registrant is determined to have “passive foreign investment company” (“PFIC”) status as defined in Section 1297 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; potential changes in Canadian tax treatment of offshore streams; excessive cost escalation as well as development, permitting, infrastructure, operating or technical difficulties on any of the properties in which the Registrant holds a royalty, stream or other interest; actual mineral content may differ from the reserves and resources contained in technical reports; rate and timing of production differences from resource estimates, other technical reports and mine plans; risks and hazards associated with the business of development and mining on any of the properties in which the Registrant holds a royalty, stream or other interest, including, but not limited to, unusual or unexpected geological and metallurgical conditions, slope failures or cave-ins, flooding and other natural disasters, terrorism, civil unrest or an outbreak of contagious disease; and the integration of acquired assets.  The forward looking statements contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report are based upon assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including, without limitation: the ongoing operation of the properties in which the Registrant holds a royalty, stream or other interest by the owners or operators of such properties in a manner consistent with past practice; the accuracy of public statements and disclosures made by the owners or

2


 

operators of such underlying properties; no material adverse change in the market price of the commodities that underlie the asset portfolio; the Registrant’s ongoing income and assets relating to determination of its PFIC status; no material changes to existing tax treatment; no adverse development in respect of any significant property in which the Registrant holds a royalty, stream or other interest; the accuracy of publicly disclosed expectations for the development of underlying properties that are not yet in production; integration of acquired assets; and the absence of any other factors that could cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. However, there can be no assurance that forward looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements and investors are cautioned that forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. The Registrant cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward looking statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.  For additional information with respect to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, please refer to the “Risk Factors” section of the 2017 AIF (as defined below) filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Annual Report.

 

The forward looking statements herein are made as of the date of this Annual Report only and the Registrant does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.  The Registrant’s forward-looking statements contained in the exhibits incorporated by reference into this Annual Report are made as of the respective dates set forth in such exhibits. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date the statements are made.  In preparing this Annual Report, the Registrant has not updated such forward-looking statements to reflect any change in circumstances or in management’s beliefs, expectations or opinions that may have occurred subsequent to the date thereof, nor does the Registrant assume any obligation to update such forward-looking statements in the future, except as required by applicable law.  For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

 

RESOURCE AND RESERVE ESTIMATES

 

The 2017 AIF has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of United States securities laws. Unless otherwise indicated, all resource and reserve estimates included in the 2017 AIF have been prepared by the owners or operators of the properties (as and to the extent indicated by them) in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) and the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Classification System. NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian securities regulatory authorities which establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. NI 43-101 permits a historical estimate made prior to the adoption of NI 43-101 that does not comply with NI 43-101 to be disclosed using the historical terminology if, among other things, the disclosure: (a) identifies the source and date of the historical estimate; (b) comments on the relevance and reliability of the historical estimate; (c) states whether the historical estimate uses categories other than those prescribed by NI 43-101; and (d) includes any more recent estimates or data available.

 

Canadian standards for reporting reserves and resources, including NI 43-101, differ significantly from the requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC” or the “Commission”), and reserve and resource information contained herein may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by U.S. companies. In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the term “resource” does not equate to the term “reserves.” Under U.S. standards, mineralization may not be classified as a “reserve” unless the determination has been made that the mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination is made. The SEC’s disclosure standards normally do not permit the inclusion of information concerning “measured mineral resources,” “indicated mineral resources” or “inferred mineral resources” or other descriptions of the amount of mineralization in mineral deposits that do not constitute “reserves” by U.S. standards in documents filed with the SEC. U.S. investors should also understand that “inferred mineral resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an “inferred mineral resource” will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimated “inferred mineral resources” may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an “inferred mineral resource” exists or is economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of “contained ounces” in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute “reserves” by SEC standards as in-place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. The requirements of NI 43-101 for identification of “reserves” are also not the same as those of the SEC, and reserves reported by the Registrant in compliance with NI 43-101 may not qualify as “reserves” under SEC standards. Accordingly, information concerning mineral deposits set forth

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herein and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein may not be comparable with information made public by companies that report in accordance with U.S. standards.

 

In addition to NI 43-101, a number of resource and reserve estimates have been prepared in accordance with the JORC Code or the SAMREC Code (as such terms are defined in NI 43-101), which differ from the requirements of NI 43-101 and U.S. securities laws. Accordingly, information concerning descriptions of the Registrant’s mineral properties set forth herein may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.  For more information, see “Reconciliation to CIM Definitions” in the 2017 AIF.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

The following documents are filed as exhibits to this Annual Report and are hereby incorporated by reference herein:

 

·

the Annual Information Form of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 (the “2017 AIF”);

 

·

the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 (the “2017 MD&A”); and

 

·

the audited consolidated financial statements of the Registrant, as at and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, including the notes thereto, together with Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and the report of our Independent Registered Public Accouting Firm thereon (the “Financial Statements”).

 

The Registrant prepares its consolidated financial statements, which are filed as Exhibit 99.3 to this Annual Report, in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”). These consolidated financial statements are subject to Standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and independence standards of the SEC. IFRS differs in some significant respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, and thus the consolidated financial statements may not be comparable to financial statements of United States companies.

 

DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

The information relating to the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures is included under the heading “Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Disclosure Controls and Procedures” in the 2017 MD&A, which is filed as Exhibit 99.2 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

 

MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

The Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting is filed in Exhibit 99.3 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

 

ATTESTATION REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The attestation report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’s on the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting is included in Exhibit 99.3 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

 

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

The information relating to changes in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting is included under the heading “Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Disclosure Controls and Procedures” in the 2017 MD&A, which is filed as Exhibit 99.2 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

 

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NOTICES PURSUANT TO REGULATION BTR

 

There were no notices required by Rule 104 of Regulation BTR that the Registrant sent during the year ended December 31, 2017 concerning any equity security subject to a blackout period under Rule 101 of Regulation BTR.

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

The Board is comprised of a majority of unrelated, independent directors in accordance with the requirements of Sections 303A.01 and 303A.02 of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual (the “NYSE Manual”). The composition of the Board, including the independence of the Chairman, ensures that the Board has in place appropriate structures and procedures to ensure that the Board can function independently of management.

 

The Board meets at each regularly scheduled meeting for executive sessions in which the Registrant’s independent and “non-management” directors (as defined in the NYSE Manual) meet independently of non-independent directors and management. Pierre Lassonde, an independent, non-management director and the Chairman of the Board, serves as the presiding director at all meetings of the Board.

 

In addition, the Board has established the Audit and Risk Committee (as described more fully below under “Audit and Risk Committee”) and the Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee, each of which is comprised of unrelated, independent directors, as determined under the NYSE Manual.

 

The mandate of the Board, the Audit and Risk Committee charter and the Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee charter are located on the Registrant’s website at www.franco-nevada.com, under the heading “Corporate—Governance.” Copies of the Board mandate and committee charters may be obtained upon request from Investor Relations at 416-306-6328, or by email to info@franco-nevada.com.

 

AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE

 

The Board has a separately designated standing Audit and Risk Committee established for the purpose of overseeing the accounting and financial reporting processes of the Registrant and audits of the financial statements of the Registrant in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act. As of the date of this Annual Report, the Audit and Risk Committee is comprised of Derek Evans, Tom Albanese and committee chairman Randall Oliphant, each of whom is independent under the NYSE Manual and Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act.  In addition, the Registrant has determined that Mr. Oliphant is an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of the rules of the SEC. The information provided under the heading “Audit and Risk Committee Information” in the 2017 AIF and the Audit and Risk Committee Charter attached as Appendix A to the 2017 AIF are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

 

A copy of Audit and Risk Committee charter is also located on the Registrant’s website at www.franco-nevada.com, under the heading “Corporate—Governance,” or may be obtained upon request from Investor Relations at 416-306-6328, or by email to info@franco-nevada.com.

 

NYSE CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

The Registrant operates under corporate governance practices that are consistent with the requirements of Section 303A of the NYSE Manual.

 

In accordance with Section 303A.11 of the NYSE Manual, a summary of the significant ways in which the Registrant’s corporate governance practices differ from those applicable to U.S. domestic companies under New York Stock Exchange listing standards is located on the Registrant’s website at www.franco-nevada.com, under the heading “Corporate—Governance,” or may be obtained upon request from Investor Relations at 416-306-6328, or by email to info@franco-nevada.com.

 

CODE OF ETHICS

 

The Registrant has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”), which is applicable to all directors, officers and employees. All amendments to the Code, and all waivers of the Code with respect to any of the

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officers covered by it, which waiver may be made only by the Board in respect of senior officers, will be promptly posted on the Registrant’s website and provided in print to any shareholder who requests them.

 

A copy of the Code is located on the Registrant’s website at www.franco-nevada.com, under the heading “Corporate—Governance”, or may be obtained, without charge, upon request from Investor Relations at 416-306-6328, or by email to info@franco-nevada.com.

 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

The information relating to the Registrant’s principal account fees and services that is included under the heading “Audit and Risk Committee Information—Fees” in the 2017 AIF is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

 

In addition, the information relating to the Audit and Risk Committee’s pre-approval policies and procedures that is included under the heading “Audit and Risk Committee Information—Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures” in the 2017 AIF is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

The Registrant does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

 

The following table presents, as of December 31, 2017, the Registrant’s known contractual obligations, aggregated by type of contractual obligation as set forth below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments Due by Period

 

Contractual Obligations

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

More

 

(in U.S. dollars)

 

Total

 

Less than 1 Year

 

1 to 3 Years

 

3 to 5 Years

 

than 5 Years

 

Long Term Debt Obligations

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Capital (Finance) Lease Obligations

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Lease Obligations

 

 

3,829,000

 

 

560,000

 

 

1,121,000

 

 

1,121,000

 

 

1,027,000

 

Purchase Obligations

 

 

383,200,000

 

 

383,200,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Long-Term Liabilities

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

387,029,000

 

$

383,760,000

 

$

1,121,000

 

$

1,121,000

 

$

1,027,000

 

 

 

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

 

None.

 

UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

 

The following is a general summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to a U.S. Holder (as defined below) arising from and relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares.

 

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 arising from and relating to the acquisition, 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 U.S. Holder. This summary does not address the U.S. federal alternative minimum, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. state and local, or non-U.S. tax consequences to U.S. Holders of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares. Except as specifically set forth below, this summary does not discuss applicable tax reporting requirements. Each prospective holder of Common Shares should consult its own tax advisor regarding the

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U.S. federal, U.S. federal alternative minimum, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. state and local, and non-U.S. tax consequences relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares.

 

No ruling from the United States Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) has been requested, or will be obtained, regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and 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, the positions taken in this summary. In addition, because the authorities on 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 conclusions described in this summary.

 

Scope of this Summary

 

Authorities

 

This summary is based on the United States 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, the Convention Between Canada and the United States of America with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital, signed September 26, 1980, as amended (the “Canada-U.S. Tax Convention”), and U.S. court decisions that are applicable and, in each case, as in effect and available as of the date of this Annual Report. 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 citizen or resident of the United States;

·

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

·

an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

·

a trust that (a) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States 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 U.S. Holder. This summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences to non-U.S. Holders arising from and relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares. Accordingly, a non-U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. federal alternative minimum, U.S. federal estate and gift, 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 acquisition, ownership and 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 applicable to U.S. Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including, but not limited to, the following: (a) U.S. Holders that are tax-exempt organizations, qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts, or other tax-deferred accounts; (b) U.S. Holders that are financial institutions, underwriters, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts, or regulated investment companies; (c) U.S. Holders that are 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 acquired Common Shares in connection with the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation for services; (g) U.S. Holders

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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 or have owned (directly, indirectly, or by attribution) 10 percent or more of the total combined voting power or value of all outstanding shares of the Company; or (i) U.S. Holders that are U.S. expatriates or former long-term residents of the United States. U.S. Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including, but not limited to, U.S. Holders described immediately above, should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. federal alternative minimum, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. state and local, and non-U.S. tax consequences relating to the acquisition, ownership and 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 entity and the partners (or other owners) of such entity generally will depend on the activities of the entity and the status of such partners (or owners). This summary does not address the tax consequences to any such owner. Partners (or other owners) of entities or arrangements that are classified as partnerships or as “pass-through” entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences arising from and relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares.

 

Ownership and Disposition of Common Shares

 

The following discussion is subject to the rules described below under the heading “Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules.”

 

Distributions on Common Shares

 

A U.S. Holder that receives a distribution, including a constructive distribution, with respect to a Common Share will be required to include the amount of such distribution in gross income as a dividend (including the amount of any Canadian income tax withheld from such distribution) to the extent of the current or accumulated “earnings and profits” of the Company, as calculated for U.S. federal income tax purposes. To the extent that a distribution exceeds the current and accumulated earnings and profits of the Company, such distribution will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of a U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the Common Shares and thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of such Common Shares. (See “Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Shares” below.) However, the Company may not calculate earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles, and each U.S. Holder should therefore assume that any distribution by the Company with respect to the Common Shares will be treated as ordinary dividend income for U.S. federal information reporting purposes.

 

Subject to certain holding period and other requirements, dividends received by non-corporate U.S. Holders from a “qualified foreign corporation” may be eligible for reduced rates of taxation. A qualified foreign corporation includes a foreign corporation that is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States that the U.S. Treasury Department determines to be satisfactory for these purposes and that includes an exchange of information provision. The U.S. Treasury has determined that the Canada-U.S. Tax Convention meets these requirements, and the Company believes that it is eligible for the benefits of the Canada-U.S. Tax Convention. A foreign corporation is also treated as a qualified foreign corporation with respect to dividends paid by that corporation on ordinary shares that are readily tradeable on an established securities market in the United States. U.S. Treasury guidance indicates that the Company’s Common Shares are readily tradeable on an established securities market in the United States. However, there can be no assurance that the Common Shares will be considered readily tradeable on an established securities market in future years. If the Company is classified as a PFIC (as defined below) in the taxable year of distribution or in the preceding taxable year, then dividends received by U.S. Holders will not be qualified dividends. Dividends received by corporate U.S. Holders generally will not be eligible for the “dividends received deduction.” The dividend rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the application of such rules.

 

Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Shares

 

Upon the sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the U.S. dollar value of cash received plus the fair market value of any property received and such U.S. Holder’s tax basis in such Common Shares sold or otherwise disposed of. A U.S. Holder’s tax basis in Common Shares generally will be such holder’s U.S. dollar cost for such shares. Gain or

8


 

loss recognized on such sale or other disposition generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of the sale or other disposition, the Common Shares have been held for more than one year.

 

Preferential tax rates apply to long-term capital gain of a U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate, or trust. There are currently no preferential tax rates for long-term capital gain of a U.S. Holder that is a corporation. Deductions for capital losses are subject to significant limitations under the Code.

 

Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules

 

If the Company were to constitute a “passive foreign investment company” within the meaning of Section 1297 of the Code (a “PFIC”) for any year during a U.S. Holder’s holding period, then certain different and potentially adverse U.S. federal income tax rules would affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. Holder resulting from the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares. The U.S. Treasury Department has not issued specific guidance on how the income and assets of a non-U.S. corporation such as the Company will be treated under the PFIC rules.

 

The Company generally will be a PFIC for any taxable year in which, after applying relevant look-through rules with respect to the income and assets of subsidiaries, (a) 75 percent or more of its gross income is passive income (the “income test”) or (b) 50 percent or more of its assets either produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income, based on the quarterly average of the fair market values of such assets (the “asset test”). “Gross income” generally includes all sales revenues less the cost of goods sold, plus income from investments and from incidental or outside operations or sources. “Passive income” generally includes, for example, dividends, interest, certain rents and royalties, certain gains from the sale of stock and securities, and certain gains from commodities transactions. Passive income generally excludes active business gains arising from the sale of commodities, if substantially all of a foreign corporation’s commodities are stock in trade or inventory, real and depreciable property used in a trade or business, or supplies regularly used or consumed in a trade or business, and certain other requirements are satisfied.

 

Under certain attribution rules, if the Company were a PFIC, U.S. Holders would 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 would be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any indirect gain realized on the stock of a Subsidiary PFIC upon the sale of the Common Shares of the Company, as well as their proportionate share of (a) any “excess distributions” (as discussed below) on the stock of a Subsidiary PFIC and (b) any gain realized upon the disposition or deemed disposition of stock of a Subsidiary PFIC by the Company or by another Subsidiary PFIC, both as if such U.S. Holders directly held the shares of such Subsidiary PFIC. If the Company were classified as a PFIC for any taxable year in which a U.S. Holder held Common Shares, then the Company generally would continue to be classified as a PFIC with respect to such U.S. Holder for any subsequent taxable year in which the U.S. Holder continued to hold Common Shares, even if the Company’s income or assets would not cause it to be a PFIC in such subsequent taxable year, unless an exception were to apply.

 

The Company believes, on a more-likely-than-not basis, that it currently qualifies, and expects to continue to qualify in the future, for the active commodities business exception for purposes of the PFIC asset test and PFIC income test. Accordingly, the Company believes, on a more-likely-than-not basis, that it was not a PFIC for its taxable year ended December 31, 2017, and, based on its current and anticipated business activities and financial expectations, the Company expects, on a more-likely-than-not basis, that it will not be a PFIC for its current taxable year and for the foreseeable future. However, the Company believes that it was a PFIC for its taxable year ended December 31, 2011, and prior taxable years.

 

The determination as to whether any corporation was, or will be, a PFIC for a particular taxable year depends, in part, on the application of complex U.S. federal income tax rules, which are subject to differing interpretations and uncertainty. In addition, there is limited authority on the application of the active commodities exception and other relevant PFIC rules to entities such as the Company and its subsidiaries. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge the views of the Company (or a Subsidiary PFIC, as defined above) concerning its PFIC status. In addition, whether any corporation will be a PFIC for any taxable year depends on its assets and income over the course of such taxable year, and, as a result, the Company’s PFIC status for its current taxable year and any future taxable year cannot be predicted with certainty. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the PFIC status of the Company and any Subsidiary PFIC.

 

9


 

If the Company were a PFIC for any taxable year in which a U.S. Holder held Common Shares, and such U.S. Holder had not made an effective QEF Election or Mark-to-Market Election under the PFIC rules (as defined and more fully described below) with respect to its Common Shares, then such holder generally would be subject to special rules with respect to “excess distributions” made by the Company on the Common Shares and with respect to gain from the direct or indirect disposition of Common Shares. An “excess distribution” generally would include the excess of distributions made with respect to the Common Shares to a U.S. Holder in any taxable year over 125% of the average annual distributions made to such U.S. Holder by the Company during the shorter of the three preceding taxable years or such U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Common Shares. Generally, a U.S. Holder would be required to allocate any excess distribution or gain from the direct or indirect disposition of the Common Shares ratably over its holding period for the Common Shares. Amounts allocated to the year of the disposition or excess distribution would be taxed as ordinary income, and amounts allocated to prior taxable years would be taxed at the highest tax rate in effect for ordinary income for each such year. In addition, an interest charge would apply.

 

If the Company were a PFIC for any taxable year in which a U.S. Holder held Common Shares, and such U.S. Holder had made a timely and effective election to treat the Company as a “qualified electing fund” (a “QEF Election”) for the first taxable year of such U.S. Holder’s holding period in which the Company were classified as a PFIC, then such U.S. Holder generally would not be subject to the PFIC rules described in the preceding paragraph. Instead, such U.S. Holder would be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such holder’s pro rata share of (a) the net capital gain of the Company, which would be taxed as long-term capital gain to such U.S. Holder, and (b) the ordinary earnings of the Company, which would be taxed as ordinary income to such U.S. Holder. A QEF Election, once made, would be effective with respect to such U.S. Holder’s Common Shares for all subsequent taxable years in which the Company were treated as a PFIC, unless the QEF Election were invalidated or terminated or the IRS were to consent to revocation of the QEF Election. The QEF Election cannot be made unless the Company provides or makes available certain information. To facilitate the making of QEF Elections by U.S. Holders, for each taxable year that the Company is classified as a PFIC, the Company intends to: (a) make available to U.S. Holders, upon written request, a “PFIC Annual Information Statement” and (b) upon written request, use commercially reasonable efforts to provide all additional information that such U.S. Holder is required to obtain in connection with maintaining such QEF Election with regard to the Company or any of its Subsidiary PFICs. The Company may provide such information on its website (www.franco‑nevada.com). U.S. Holders considering the QEF election should note that a QEF election with respect to Common Shares would not apply to any Subsidiary PFICs.  Consequently, unless a U.S. Holder makes a QEF election with respect to any Subsidiary PFIC, it could be subject to the adverse tax consequences described above with respect to any interests in a Subsidiary PFIC. In light of the uncertainties described above, the Company has provided such information for all taxable years through 2016 despite its belief on a more-likely-than-not basis that it was not a PFIC for any taxable year after 2011; however, the Company reserves the right to and may discontinue this practice in the future.

 

If the Company were a PFIC for any taxable year in which a U.S. Holder held Common Shares, and such U.S. Holder had made a timely and effective “mark to market” election (a “Mark-to-Market Election”) in the first taxable year of such U.S. Holder’s holding period in which the Company were classified as a PFIC, then such U.S. Holder generally would not be subject to the PFIC rules described in the preceding paragraphs. Instead, such U.S. Holder generally would include in ordinary income, for each taxable year in which the Company were a PFIC, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (a) the fair market value of the Common Shares, as of the close of such taxable year over (b) such U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in such Common Shares. The U.S. Holder would be entitled to deduct as an ordinary loss each year the excess of its adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares over their fair market value at the end of the year, but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the Mark-to-Market Election.  A U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares would be increased by the amount of any income inclusion and decreased by the amount of any deductions under the Mark-to-Market Election rules. In addition, upon a sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares, a U.S. Holder that made a Mark-to-Market Election would recognize ordinary income or ordinary loss (but only to the extent such loss did not exceed the net amount of previously included income as a result of the Mark-to-Market Election). A Mark-to-Market Election would apply to the taxable year in which such election is made and to each subsequent taxable year, unless the Common Shares were to cease to be “marketable stock,” the U.S. Holder were to mark the Common Shares to market under non-PFIC provisions of the Code, or the IRS were to consent to the revocation of such election. The Mark-to-Market Election is expected to be available with respect to the Company, provided that the Common Shares are “regularly traded” for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which is expected to be the case. However, the Mark-to-Market Election will not be available with respect to any Subsidiary PFIC. Accordingly, U.S. Holders making a Mark-to-Market Election would be subject to unfavorable tax consequences described above with respect to any Subsidiary PFIC.

 

10


 

In any year in which the Company is classified as a PFIC, a U.S. Holder generally will be required to file an annual report with the IRS containing certain information regarding such holder’s interest in the Company (or a Subsidiary PFIC), subject to certain exceptions. A failure to satisfy such reporting requirement could result in the extension of the statute of limitations with respect to federal income tax returns filed by such U.S. Holder. The PFIC rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the foregoing reporting requirements, the advisability of making a QEF Election or Mark-to-Market Election, and any other tax consequences under the PFIC rules of acquiring, owning and disposing of Common Shares.

 

Additional Considerations

 

Tax on Net Investment Income

 

Certain individuals, estates and trusts whose income exceeds certain thresholds are required to pay a 3.8 percent additional tax on “net investment income,” including, among other things, dividends and net gain from disposition of property (other than property held in a trade or business). Accordingly, dividends on and capital gain from the sale or other taxable disposition of the Common Shares may be subject to this additional tax.

 

Receipt of Foreign Currency

 

The amount of any distribution paid to a U.S. Holder in foreign currency, or received by a U.S. Holder in foreign currency on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of Common Shares, generally will be equal to the U.S. dollar value of such foreign currency based on the exchange rate applicable on the date of receipt (regardless of whether such foreign currency is converted into U.S. dollars at that time). A U.S. Holder generally will have a basis in the foreign currency equal to its U.S. dollar value on the date of receipt. Any U.S. Holder who converts or otherwise disposes of the foreign currency after the date of receipt may have a foreign currency exchange gain or loss that would be treated as ordinary income or loss, and generally will be U.S.-source income or loss for foreign tax credit purposes. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of receiving, owning, and disposing of foreign currency.

 

Foreign Tax Credit

 

Subject to the PFIC rules discussed above, a U.S. Holder that pays (whether directly or through withholding) Canadian income tax with respect to dividends paid on the Common Shares generally will be entitled, at the election of such U.S. Holder, to receive either a deduction or a credit for such Canadian income tax paid. Generally, a credit will reduce a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability on a dollar-for-dollar basis, whereas a deduction will reduce a U.S. Holder’s income subject to U.S. federal income tax. This election is made on a year-by-year basis and applies to all foreign taxes paid (whether directly or through withholding) by a U.S. Holder during a year.

 

Complex limitations apply to the foreign tax credit, including the general limitation that the credit cannot exceed the proportionate share of a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability that such U.S. Holder’s “foreign source” taxable income bears to such U.S. Holder’s worldwide taxable income. In applying this limitation, a U.S. Holder’s various items of income and deduction must be classified, under complex rules, as either “foreign source” or “U.S. source.” Generally, dividends paid by a foreign corporation should be treated as foreign-source for this purpose, and gains recognized on the sale of stock of a foreign corporation by a U.S. Holder should be treated as U.S.-source for this purpose, except as otherwise provided in an applicable income tax treaty, and if an election is properly made under the Code. However, the amount of a distribution with respect to the Common Shares that is treated as a “dividend” may be lower for U.S. federal income tax purposes than it is for Canadian federal income tax purposes, resulting in a reduced foreign tax credit allowance to a U.S. Holder. In addition, this limitation is calculated separately with respect to specific categories of income. The foreign tax credit rules are complex and involve the application of rules that depend upon a U.S. Holder’s particular circumstances. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own U.S. tax advisor regarding the foreign tax credit rules.

 

Disclosure Requirements for Specified Foreign Financial Assets

 

Certain U.S. Holders that, during any taxable year, hold an interest in a “specified foreign financial asset” generally will be required to file with their U.S. federal income tax returns a statement on IRS Form 8938 setting forth certain information, if the aggregate value of all such assets exceeds certain threshold amounts. “Specified foreign

11


 

financial assets” generally include financial accounts maintained with non-U.S. financial institutions and may also include Common Shares not held in accounts maintained with certain financial institutions. Substantial penalties may be imposed, and the period of limitations on assessment and collection of U.S. federal income taxes may be extended, in the event of a failure to comply. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisor as to the possible application to them of this filing requirement.

 

Backup Withholding and Additional Information Reporting

 

Payments made within the United States or by a U.S. payor or U.S. middleman, of dividends on, and proceeds arising from the sale or other taxable disposition of, Common Shares will generally be subject to information reporting. Such payments may also be subject to backup withholding tax if a U.S. Holder (a) fails to furnish such U.S. Holder’s correct U.S. taxpayer identification number (generally on Form W-9), (b) is notified by the IRS that such U.S. Holder has previously failed to properly report interest and dividend income, or (c) fails to certify, under penalty of perjury, that such U.S. Holder has furnished its correct U.S. taxpayer identification number, that the IRS has not notified such U.S. Holder that it is subject to backup withholding tax, and that such U.S. Holder is a U.S. person. However, certain exempt persons generally are excluded from these information reporting and backup withholding rules. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the U.S. backup withholding tax rules will be allowed as a credit against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, or will be refunded, if such U.S. Holder furnishes the required information to the IRS in a timely manner. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the information reporting and backup withholding rules.

 

UNDERTAKING

 

The Registrant undertakes to make available, in person or by telephone, representatives to respond to inquiries made by the Commission staff, and to furnish promptly, when requested to do so by the Commission staff, information relating to: the securities registered pursuant to Form 40-F; the securities in relation to which the obligation to file an annual report on Form 40-F arises; or transactions in said securities.

 

CONSENT TO SERVICE OF PROCESS

 

The Registrant has previously filed with the Commission a written consent to service of process on Form F-X. Any change to the name or address of the Registrant’s agent for service shall be communicated promptly to the Commission by amendment to the Form F-X referencing the file number of the Registrant.

 

12


 

 

SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 40-F and has duly caused this Annual Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Lloyd Hong

 

Lloyd Hong

 

Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary

 

 

Date: March 28, 2018

 

 

 

13


 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

The following documents are being filed with the SEC as exhibits to this Annual Report.

 

 

 

 

Exhibit

    

Description

 

 

 

99.1

 

Annual Information Form for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017

 

 

 

99.2

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017

 

 

 

99.3

 

Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Registrant, as at and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, including the notes thereto, together with Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and the report of our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm thereon

 

 

 

99.4

 

Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

99.5

 

Certifications of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

99.6

 

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

99.7

 

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

99.8

 

Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

 

 

 

99.9

 

Consent of Phil Wilson

 

 

 

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document (1)

 

 

 

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (1)

 

 

 

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (1)

 

 

 

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (1)

 

 

 

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document (1)

 

 

 

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (1)

 

 

 

(1)   Filed herewith.

 

 

14


Exhibit 99.1

PICTURE 18

 

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

GENERAL MATTERS  

1

 

 

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS  

1

 

 

EXCHANGE RATE INFORMATION  

2

 

 

COMMODITY PRICE INFORMATION  

3

 

 

THE CORPORATION  

4

 

 

GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF FRANCO-NEVADA’S BUSINESS  

5

 

 

EXPLANATION OF ROYALTIES, STREAMS AND OTHER INTERESTS  

11

 

 

TECHNICAL AND THIRD PARTY INFORMATION  

13

 

 

FRANCO-NEVADA’S ASSETS  

15

 

 

ANTAPACCAY MINING AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION  

20

 

 

ANTAMINA MINING AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION  

25

 

 

CANDELARIA MINING AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION  

30

 

 

COBRE PANAMA MINING AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION  

37

 

 

RISK FACTORS  

43

 

 

DIVIDENDS  

56

 

 

CAPITAL STRUCTURE  

56

 

 

MARKET FOR SECURITIES  

57

 

 

DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS  

58

 

 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND REGULATORY ACTIONS  

61

 

 

INTERESTS OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS  

61

 

 

REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT  

62

 

 

MATERIAL CONTRACTS  

62

 

 

EXPERTS  

62

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  

62

 

 

AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE INFORMATION  

62

 

 

APPENDIX A FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE CHARTER  

A-1

 

 

i


 

GENERAL MATTERS

Unless otherwise noted or the context otherwise indicates, the terms “Franco-Nevada”, “FNV”, “Company”, “Corporation”, “our” and “we” refer to Franco-Nevada Corporation and its subsidiaries.  For reporting purposes, the Corporation presents its financial statements in United States dollars and in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“ IFRS ”).  All dollar amounts in this Annual Information Form (“ AIF ”) are expressed in United States dollars, except as otherwise indicated.  References to “US$”, “$” or “dollars” are to United States dollars, references to “C$” are to Canadian dollars and references to “A$” are to Australian dollars.

The information contained in this AIF is as of December 31, 2017, unless otherwise indicated.  More current information may be available on our public website at www.franco-nevada.com or on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (“ SEDAR ”) at www.sedar.com or on the website of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) at www.sec.gov.  In addition, we generally maintain supporting materials on our website which may assist in reviewing (but are not to be considered part of) this AIF including Franco-Nevada’s 2018 Asset Handbook, a Glossary of Non-Technical Terms, Glossary of Technical Terms, Certain Oil & Natural Gas Terms and a Metric Conversion Table.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This AIF contains “forward looking information” and “forward looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, respectively, which may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to future events or future performance, management’s expectations regarding Franco-Nevada’s growth, results of operations, estimated future revenues, carrying value of assets, future dividends and requirements for additional capital, mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates, production estimates, production costs and revenue, future demand for and prices of commodities, expected mining sequences, business prospects and opportunities. In addition, statements (including data in tables) relating to reserves and resources and gold equivalent ounces are forward looking statements, as they involve implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, and no assurance can be given that the estimates and assumptions are accurate and that such reserves and resources and gold equivalent ounces (“ GEOs ”) will be realized. Such forward looking statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. Often, but not always, forward looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budgets”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “predicts”, “projects”, “intends”, “targets”, “aims”, “anticipates” or “believes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions “may”, “could”, “should”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Franco-Nevada to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward looking statements. A number of factors could cause actual events or results to differ materially from any forward looking statement, including, without limitation: fluctuations in the prices of the primary commodities that drive royalty and stream revenue (gold, platinum group metals, copper, nickel, uranium, silver, iron-ore and oil and gas); fluctuations in the value of the Canadian and Australian dollar, Mexican peso and any other currency in which revenue is generated, relative to the U.S. dollar; changes in national and local government legislation, including permitting and licensing regimes and taxation policies and the enforcement thereof; regulatory, political or economic developments in any of the countries where properties in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest are located or through which they are held; risks related to the operators of the properties in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest, including changes in the ownership and control of such operators; influence of macroeconomic developments; business opportunities that become available to, or are pursued by Franco-Nevada; reduced access to debt and equity capital; litigation; title, permit or license disputes related to interests on any of the properties in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest; whether or not the Corporation is determined to have “passive foreign investment company” (“ PFIC ”) status as defined in Section 1297 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; potential changes in Canadian tax treatment of offshore streams; excessive cost escalation as well as development, permitting, infrastructure, operating or technical difficulties on any of the properties in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest; actual mineral content may differ from the reserves and resources contained in technical reports; rate and timing of production differences from resource estimates, other technical reports and mine plans; risks and hazards associated with the business of development and mining on any of the properties in which Franco‑Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest, including, but not limited to unusual or unexpected geological and metallurgical conditions, slope failures or cave-ins, flooding and other natural disasters, terrorism, civil unrest or an outbreak of contagious disease; and the integration of acquired assets.  The forward looking statements contained in this AIF are based upon assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including, without limitation: the ongoing operation of the properties in which Franco‑Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest by the owners or operators of such properties in a manner consistent with past practice; the accuracy of public statements and disclosures made by the owners or operators of such underlying properties; no material adverse change in the market price of the commodities that underlie the asset portfolio; the Corporation’s ongoing income and assets relating to determination of its PFIC status; no material changes to existing tax treatment; no adverse development in respect of any significant property in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest; the accuracy of publicly disclosed expectations for the development of underlying properties that are not yet in production; integration of acquired assets; and the absence of any other factors that could cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. However, there can be no assurance that forward looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements and investors are cautioned that forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Franco-Nevada cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward looking statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.  For additional information with respect to risks, uncertainties and


 

assumptions, please refer to the “Risk Factors” section of this AIF filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities on www.sedar.com and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) on www.sec.gov.  The forward looking statements herein are made as of the date of this AIF only and Franco-Nevada does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING MINERAL RESERVE AND RESOURCE ESTIMATES

This AIF has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of Canadian securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of U.S. securities laws.  Unless otherwise indicated, all mineral resource and reserve estimates included in this AIF have been prepared by the owners or operators of the relevant properties (as and to the extent indicated by them) in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 — Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“ NI 43-101 ”) and the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Classification System. NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian securities regulatory authorities which establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. NI 43-101 permits a historical estimate made prior to the adoption of NI 43-101 that does not comply with NI 43-101 to be disclosed using the historical terminology if, among other things, the disclosure: (a) identifies the source and date of the historical estimate; (b) comments on the relevance and reliability of the historical estimate; (c) states whether the historical estimate uses categories other than those prescribed by NI 43-101; and (d) includes any more recent estimates or data available.

Canadian standards, including NI 43-101, differ significantly from the requirements of the SEC, and reserve and resource information contained herein may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by U.S. companies. In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the term “resource” does not equate to the term “reserves”. Under U.S. standards, mineralization may not be classified as a “reserve” unless the determination has been made that the mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination is made. The SEC’s disclosure standards normally do not permit the inclusion of information concerning “measured mineral resources”, “indicated mineral resources” or “inferred mineral resources” or other descriptions of the amount of mineralization in mineral deposits that do not constitute “reserves” by U.S. standards in documents filed with the SEC. U.S. investors should also understand that “inferred mineral resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an “inferred mineral resource” will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimated “inferred mineral resources” may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an “inferred mineral resource” exists or is economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of “contained ounces” in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute “reserves” by SEC standards as in-place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. The requirements of NI 43-101 for identification of “reserves” are also not the same as those of the SEC, and reserves reported by the Corporation in compliance with NI 43-101 may not qualify as “reserves” under SEC standards. Accordingly, information concerning mineral deposits set forth herein may not be comparable with information made public by companies that report in accordance with U.S. standards.

In addition to NI 43-101, a number of resource and reserve estimates have been prepared in accordance with the JORC Code or the SAMREC Code (as such terms are defined in NI 43-101), which differ from the requirements of NI 43-101 and U.S. securities laws.  Accordingly, information containing descriptions of the Corporation’s mineral properties set forth herein may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.  For more information, see “Reconciliation to CIM Definitions”.

EXCHANGE RATE INFORMATIO N

The following table sets out the high and low rates of exchange for one U.S. dollar expressed in Canadian dollars during each of the following periods; the average rate of exchange for those periods; and the rate of exchange in effect at the end of each of those periods, each based on the exchange rate published by the Bank of Canada. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

 

 

    

2017 (1)

    

2016 (2)

    

2015 (2)

 

High

 

$

1.3743

 

$

1.4589

 

$

1.3990

 

Low

 

$

1.2128

 

$

1.2544

 

$

1.1728

 

Average for the Period

 

$

1.2986

 

$

1.3248

 

$

1.2787

 

End of Period

 

$

1.2545

 

$

1.3427

 

$

1.3840

 

 

(1) As of March 1, 2017, the Bank of Canada began to publish new foreign exchange rates once a day, by 16:30 ET, in the form of a single indicative rate per currency pair, which represents a daily average rate for that currency against the Canadian dollar. The Bank of Canada ceased to publish the noon rate as of April 28, 2017.

(2) Based on the noon rate published by the Bank of Canada.

On March 27, 2018 the daily average exchange rate was US$1.00 = C$1.2869 as published by the Bank of Canada.

2


 

COMMODITY PRICE INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spot Commodity Prices

 

 

    

Gold/oz

    

Silver/oz

    

Platinum/oz

    

Palladium/oz

    

Oil/C$ bbl

    

Gas/C$ mcf

 

 

 

(LBMA Gold Price PM)

 

(LBMA Silver Price)

 

(London PM Fix)

 

(London PM Fix)

 

(Edmonton Light)

 

(AECO-C)

 

Average for 2015

 

$

1,160

 

$

15.68

 

$

1,054

 

$

691

 

$

57

 

$

2.56

 

Average for 2016

 

$

1,248

 

$

17.20

 

$

987

 

$

613

 

$

53

 

$

2.07

 

Average for 2017

 

$

1,257

 

$

17.05

 

$

948

 

$

870

 

$

63

 

$

2.09

 

 

3


 

THE CORPORATION

Name, Address and Incorporation

Franco-Nevada was incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act on October 17, 2007 and was amalgamated with Franco-Nevada Canada Corporation, its wholly-owned subsidiary, on January 1, 2008. Franco-Nevada’s head office and registered office is currently located at Suite 2000, Commerce Court West, 199 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario  M5L 1G9.  Franco-Nevada has additional offices in Hastings, Christ Church, Barbados, Denver, Colorado and Perth, Australia, all of which are used to manage its asset portfolio and pursue new investment opportunities.

Intercorporate Relationships

Franco-Nevada has sixteen wholly-owned subsidiaries:  Franco-Nevada Alberta Holdings ULC, Franco-Nevada U.S. Holding Corp., Franco-Nevada U.S. Corporation, Franco-Nevada Idaho Corporation, Franco-Nevada Delaware LLC, Franco-Nevada Texas LP, Franco-Nevada Australia Pty Ltd., Franco-Nevada GLW Holdings Corp., Franco-Nevada (Barbados) Corporation (“ FN Barbados ”), Franco-Nevada Alberta Corporation, Franco-Nevada Mexico Corporation, S.A. de C.V., Franco-Nevada Canada Holdings Corp., FN Holdings ULC, Franco-Nevada LRC Holdings Corp., Minera Global Copper Chile S.A. and FN Subco Inc.  All subsidiaries are wholly-owned by Franco-Nevada either directly or indirectly and are existing under the laws of the jurisdictions set out below.

PICTURE 3

 

4


 

GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF FRANCO-NEVADA’S BUSINESS

Overview

Franco-Nevada is the leading gold-focused royalty and stream company by both gold revenue and number of gold assets. The Company has the largest and most diversified portfolio of royalties and streams by commodity, geography, revenue type and stage of project.  The portfolio is actively managed with the aim to maintain over 80% of revenue from precious metals (gold, silver & PGM).

The Company does not operate mines, develop projects or conduct exploration.  Franco-Nevada’s business model is focused on managing and growing its portfolio of royalties and streams. The advantages of this business model are:

Exposure to precious metals price optionality;

A perpetual discovery option over large areas of geologically prospective lands with no additional cost other than the initial investment;

Limited exposure to many of the risks associated with operating companies;

A free cash-flow business with limited cash calls;

A high-margin business that can generate cash through the entire commodity cycle;

A scalable and diversified business in which a large number of assets can be managed with a small stable overhead; and

A forward-looking business in which management focuses on growth opportunities rather than operational or development issues.

Franco-Nevada’s financial results in the short-term are primarily tied to the price of commodities and the amount of production from its portfolio of producing assets. Financial results have also been supplemented by acquisitions of new producing assets.  Over the longer-term, results are impacted by the availability of exploration and development capital applied by other companies to expand or extend Franco-Nevada’s producing assets or to advance Franco-Nevada’s advanced and exploration assets into production.

Franco-Nevada has a long-term investment outlook and recognizes the cyclical nature of the industry.  Franco-Nevada has historically operated by maintaining a strong balance sheet so that it can make investments during commodity cycle downturns.

Franco-Nevada’s shares are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the symbol FNV.  An investment in Franco-Nevada’s shares is expected to provide investors with yield and exposure to gold price and exploration optionality while limiting exposure to many of the risks of operating companies. Since its initial public offering ten years ago, Franco-Nevada has increased its dividend annually and its share price has outperformed the gold price and all relevant gold equity benchmarks.

5


 

Franco-Nevada’s Relative Share Price Performance

PICTURE 2

Franco-Nevada currently operates a small organization.  As of March 28, 2018, Franco-Nevada has 32 full-time employees and 7 part-time contractors.  As such, Franco-Nevada is dependent upon the continued availability and commitment of its key management, whose contributions to the immediate and future operations of Franco-Nevada are of significant importance. From time to time, Franco-Nevada may also need to identify and retain additional skilled management and specialized technical personnel to efficiently operate its business.  For additional information, see “Risk Factors”.

Investment Process and Corporate Policies

Franco-Nevada currently does not operate any of the mineral or oil & gas assets in which it has royalty, stream or other interests.  However, Franco-Nevada recognizes its business model is dependent on the industry operating in a responsible fashion and actively supports the industry in its efforts and initiatives.  Franco-Nevada may from time to time engage in exploration efforts as part of advancing a property or to conduct due diligence in advance of undertaking an investment.  When doing so, Franco-Nevada undertakes to be guided by the Principles and Guidance for a Framework of Responsible Exploration as set forth by the e3Plus program of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada.  A detailed description of Franco-Nevada’s investment process can be found on the Corporation’s website at www.franco-nevada.com.

Franco-Nevada has adopted policies relating to its business conduct, including a code of business conduct and ethics, a business integrity policy, a whistleblower policy, a policy concerning confidentiality, fair disclosure and trading in securities, a discrimination, harassment and equal opportunity policy, an investment principles (environmental, social and governance) policy, a corporate responsibility policy and a health and safety policy.  Additional information relating to these and other policies can be found on the Corporation’s website at www.franco-nevada.com and are also contained in Franco-Nevada’s information circular dated March 22, 2018 for its annual and special meeting of shareholders scheduled to be held on May 9, 2018.  See “Statement of Governance Practices” in such circular.

 

6


 

Three-Year History

2015

Acquisition of Dublin Gulch (Eagle) Royalty Interest

On January 14, 2015, Franco-Nevada acquired royalties on the Eagle deposit located in the Yukon for $7.0 million.

Acquisition of Ring of Fire Royalty Interests

On April 28, 2015, Franco-Nevada acquired certain royalty rights including in the Ring of Fire mining district of Ontario by providing $28.5 million in loan and royalty financing to Noront Resources Ltd.

Franco-Nevada Credit Facility

On May 22, 2015, Franco-Nevada amended its revolving term credit facility with Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, as Administrative Agent, which increased the amount available to $750.0 million and extended the maturity to May 2020.  On November 12, 2015, the Company entered into an agreement to increase its credit facility to $1.0 billion while maintaining a $250.0 million accordion and extending the maturity to November 2020. On March 22, 2017, the Company extended the maturity to March 2022.  On March 7, 2018, the Company further extended the maturity to March 22, 2023.

Acquisition of Antamina Silver Stream

On October 7, 2015, the Company, through a wholly-owned Canadian subsidiary, acquired a silver stream from Teck Resources Limited (“ Teck ”) on production from the Antamina mine located in Peru.  In exchange for a $610.0 million advance payment, the Company will purchase all recovered silver from Teck’s attributable 22.5% interest in the Antamina mine, subject to a fixed silver payability of 90%.

The Company will pay 5% of the spot silver price for each ounce delivered under the stream agreement.  The stream will reduce by one-third after 86 million ounces of silver have been delivered under the stream agreement, which is estimated to occur in 30 years assuming current throughput.

Cobre Panama Precious Metals Stream

On October 7, 2015, the Company announced it had finalized terms of a replacement precious metals stream agreement for First Quantum Minerals Ltd.’s (“ First Quantum ”) Cobre Panama project located in Panama.  This stream covered First Quantum’s 80% interest in the Cobre Panama project.  For additional Cobre Panama developments, see “2017 – Additional Cobre Panama Precious Metals Stream” below.

Acquisition of Additional Weyburn Unit Working Interest

On November 6, 2015, Franco-Nevada purchased an additional 0.29% working interest in the Weyburn Unit for C$6.4 million.

2016

Equity Financing

On February 19, 2016, the Company completed a bought deal financing with a syndicate of underwriters for 19,228,000 Common Shares, including the exercise in full by the underwriters of an over-allotment option of 2,508,000 Common Shares, at a price of $47.85 per Common Share.  The net proceeds to the Company were $883.5 million after deducting underwriters’ commissions and offering expenses of $36.6 million.  The Common Shares were sold on a bought deal basis pursuant to an underwriting agreement dated February 11, 2016 (the “ 2016 Underwriting Agreement ”) between Franco-Nevada and a syndicate of investment dealers led by BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., RBC Dominion Securities Inc. and Scotia Capital Inc.

Acquisition of Antapaccay Precious Metals Stream

On February 26, 2016, the Company through its wholly-owned subsidiary, FN Barbados, acquired, from Glencore plc (“ Glencore ”), a precious metals stream with reference to production from the Antapaccay mine (the “ Glencore Stream ”).  The Antapaccay mine is located in Southern Peru and is wholly-owned and operated by Glencore and its subsidiaries.  FN Barbados made a one-time $500 million advance payment for the Glencore Stream.  In accordance with the terms of the stream agreement, gold and silver deliveries to FN Barbados will initially be determined by reference to copper shipments until 630,000 ounces of refined gold and 10 million ounces of refined silver have been delivered. For each 1,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate shipped, FN Barbados will receive 300 ounces of gold and 4,700 ounces of silver until the previously mentioned thresholds are met. Thereafter, FN Barbados will receive 30% of the gold and silver shipped.  FN Barbados will make ongoing payments of 20% of the spot gold and silver price per ounce delivered and 30% of the respective spot prices once 750,000 ounces of gold and 12.8 million ounces of silver have been delivered.

7


 

Restructuring of Castle Mountain Royalty

On June 16, 2016, Franco-Nevada and NewCastle Gold Ltd. (“ NewCastle ”) completed the restructuring of Franco-Nevada’s existing royalties at the Castle Mountain gold project in California, U.S., into a single 2.65% royalty covering a larger property for C$2.2 million in cash.

In addition, Franco-Nevada purchased units of NewCastle which were exchanged for 3,174,545 common shares and 1,587,272 warrants in Equinox Gold Corp. (“ Equinox ”) in connection with the merger of NewCastle, Anfield Gold Corp. and Trek Mining Inc. to form Equinox Gold in December 2017.  The warrants have an expiry date of May 9, 2021 .

Kirkland Lake Buy-Back

In October 2016, Kirkland Lake Gold Inc. (“ Kirkland Lake ”) exercised its option to buy back 1% of an overlying 2.5% NSR for an aggregate cash consideration of $30.3 million ($36.0 million less royalty proceeds attributable to the buy-back portion of the NSR paid to Franco-Nevada prior to the date of the buy-back).  The NSR, which covers all of Kirkland Lake’s properties (including the Macassa mine), was acquired in October 2013 for $50.0 million.

Acquisition of STACK Royalty Portfolio and Mineral Title

On December 19, 2016, Franco-Nevada, through a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, acquired a package of royalty rights in the Sooner Trend, Anadarko Basin, Canadian and Kingfisher counties (“ STACK ”) shale play in Oklahoma’s Anadarko Basin for a price of $100.0 million.  The two primary operators of the lands are Newfield Exploration Company and Devon Energy Corporation.  Both companies have stated that STACK is a major focus of their capital spending, a portion of which is expected to be on the royalty lands.  Full-field development is getting underway and is expected to grow royalty revenue in future years.  The royalties consist of mineral title rights and GORRs which apply to approximately 1,200 acres (net after royalties) that, with pooling, provides exposure to an estimated gross acreage of 74,880 acres with an estimated average royalty rate of 1.61%.

2017 & 2018 Recent Developments

Acquisition of Midland Basin Royalty Portfolio

On March 13, 2017, Franco-Nevada, through a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, entered into an agreement to purchase a royalty portfolio in the Midland Basin of West Texas for $110.0 million.  Following completion of title due diligence, the first part of the portfolio was acquired for $89.8 million and closed on May 24, 2017.  The acquisition of the second part of the portfolio closed on August 8, 2017. The total purchase price was $114.6 million including adjustments for title due diligence and the acquisition of the second part of the portfolio.  The Midland Basin forms the eastern half of the broader Permian Basin.

FN Barbados Credit Facility

On March 20, 2017, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, FN Barbados, entered into an unsecured revolving credit facility (the “ FNBC Credit Facility ”).  The FNBC Credit Facility provides for the availability over a one-year period of up to $100.0 million in borrowings.  On February 21, 2018, FN Barbados extended the FNBC Credit Facility to March 20, 2019.

Acquisition of Railroad Royalty Interest

On May 26, 2017, Franco-Nevada, through a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, acquired an existing 1% NSR on certain claims that comprise the Railroad deposit located on the Carlin Trend in north-central Nevada for cash consideration of $0.9 million.

Acquisition of Additional STACK Royalty Portfolio and Mineral Title

On June 30, 2017, Franco-Nevada, through a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, entered into an agreement to purchase for $27.6 million, a second package of mineral title in the core of the STACK shale play in Oklahoma from a private company.  The transaction closed on November 1, 2017.  The Company has the right to royalties on production beginning from June 1, 2017.  Revenue from the royalties attributable to the mineral title is expected to grow with further development of the play.

Acquisition of Royalty on the Orion Thermal Project

On September 29, 2017, Franco-Nevada acquired a 4% GORR applicable to the Clearwater Formation within the Orion Thermal Project (“ Orion ”) in the Cold Lake region of Alberta from Osum Oil Sands Corp. (“ Osum ”) for cash consideration of C$92.5 million. Osum will use a portion of the proceeds to fund expansions at Orion.  On January 28, 2018, Osum announced plans to double production by accelerating the expansion of Phase 2C, which will now be constructed with the Phase 2B expansion.  Together, the two phases are expected to increase production capacity to over 18,000 barrels per day.

Acquisition of Delaware Basin Royalty Portfolio

On October 16, 2017, the Company, through a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, entered into an agreement to purchase a royalty portfolio in the Delaware Basin constituting the western portion of the Permian Basin for $101.3 million.  The royalties are derived principally from mineral title which provides a perpetual interest in royalty lands.  The transaction closed on February 20, 2018 and has an effective date of October 1, 2017.

8


 

Additional Cobre Panama Precious Metals Stream

On September 7, 2017, the Company announced it had agreed to terms with First Quantum to purchase an additional precious metals stream on the Cobre Panama project for $178.0 million.  This agreement was expanded to $356.0 million on January 22, 2018 to also include a precious metals stream on Korea Resources Corp.’s (“ KORES ”) 10% indirect interest.  The purchase price was paid as a one-time advance payment on March 16, 2018.  Franco-Nevada now has exposure to the precious metals produced from 100% of the ownership of the Cobre Panama project comprising two precious metals streams with slightly different terms:

·

Fixed Payment Stream – First Quantum’s original 80% interest in the Cobre Panama project which has been in place since 2015.

·

Floating Payment Stream – First Quantum’s additional 10% interest in the project and KORES’ 10% indirect interest.

Under the terms of the Fixed Payment Stream, Franco-Nevada will provide a maximum of $1 billion pro-rated to First Quantum’s share of the capital costs.  As of December 31, 2017, Franco-Nevada has provided $727 million with the remaining $273 million to be funded to project completion.

The amount of precious metals deliverable under both the Fixed Payment Stream and Floating Payment Stream is indexed off total project metal-in-concentrate shipped.  The main difference between the Fixed Payment Stream and the Floating Payment Stream is the ongoing price per ounce paid.  The ongoing payment of the Fixed Payment Stream is fixed per ounce payments of $418/oz gold and $6.27/oz silver with a 1.5% annual inflation factor until 1,341,000 ounces of gold and 21,510,000 ounces of silver have been delivered following which the ongoing payment will be the greater of the fixed price and 50% of the spot price.  The Floating Payment Stream ongoing price per ounce for deliveries is 20% of the spot price until 604,000 ounces of gold and 9,618,000 ounces of silver have been delivered following which the ongoing payment will be 50% of the spot price.

Acquisition of Bowen Basin Coal Royalties

On February 28, 2018, Franco-Nevada, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, acquired a portfolio of metallurgical coal royalties located in the Bowen Basin of Queensland, Australia for a cash consideration of A$4.2 million.  The portfolio includes certain claims that comprise the producing Moorvale mine, Olive Downs project which had filed permitting applications, and another 33 exploration tenements.  The Bowen Basin Coal royalty is a production payment of A$0.10 per tonne, adjusted for consumer price index changes since December 31, 1997.

9


 

 

2018 Guidance

The following contains forward looking statements about our guidance for 2018.  Reference should be made to the “Forward Looking Statements” section at the beginning of this AIF.  For a description of material factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward looking statements below, please see the “Forward Looking Statements” section of this AIF and the “Risk Factors” section of this AIF filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities on www.sedar.com and our most recent Form 40-F filed with the SEC on www.sec.gov.  2018 guidance is based on assumptions including the forecasted state of operations from our assets based on the public statements and other disclosures by the third-party owners and operators of the underlying properties (subject to our assessment thereof).

For 2018, the Company is pleased to provide the following guidance:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

2018 Guidance

    

2017 Actual

    

2016 Actual

 

Mineral assets - GEO production (1)(2)

 

 

460,000 – 490,000 GEOs

 

 

497,745 GEOs

 

 

464,383 GEOs

 

Oil & Gas assets – Revenue (3)

 

 

$50.0 million - $60.0 million

 

 

$47.0 million

 

 

$30.1 million

 

(1)

Of the 460,000 to 490,000 GEOs, Franco-Nevada expects to receive 305,000 to 335,000 GEOs under its various stream agreements, compared to 350,827 GEOs in 2017.

(2)

In forecasting GEOs for 2018, gold, silver, platinum and palladium metals have been converted to GEOs using commodity prices of $1,300/oz Au, $17.00/oz Ag, $950/oz Pt and $1,050/oz Pd.

(3)

In forecasting revenue from Oil & Gas assets for 2018, the WTI oil price is assumed to average $55 per barrel with a $4.80 per barrel price differential between the Edmonton Light and realized prices for Canadian oil.

More specifically, we expect the following with respect to our key asset categories for 2018:

Precious Metals – Latin America :  GEOs from Latin America are expected to decrease, reflecting decreased production from Candelaria as 2018 is a transition year as Lundin Mining Corporation (“ Lundin ”) implements its revised mine plan.  Over the life of mine, Franco-Nevada will receive higher cumulative precious metals ounces, than previously expected based on Lundin’s November 30, 2017 technical report.  Less gold ounces from Guadalupe-Palmarejo are expected as 2017 was a very strong production year.  These decreases in GEOs will be partially offset by a production increase from Antapaccay as the mine sequencing moves to a new phase of production with higher grades. Guidance for 2018 assumes no GEOs will be realized from Cobre Panama before year end.

Precious Metals – U.S. :  GEOs from U.S. gold assets are expected to be slightly lower in 2018 compared to 2017. Lower production is expected at South Arturo due to the end of mining in Phase 2 and the beginning of stripping in phase 1 and El Nino. Bald Mountain’s production is anticipated to be lower in 2018 due to the transitioning of mining from the Top pit to Vantage basin. This will be partly offset by higher production from Goldstrike, as a result of mine sequencing.

Precious Metals – Canada :  GEOs earned from Canadian assets in 2018 are expected to increase, reflecting increased production from Detour, Hemlo, Sudbury and Golden Highway.

Precious Metals – Rest of World :  GEOs from Rest of World assets are forecasted to increase compared to 2017, reflecting production increases from Tasiast and Subika due to recently completed expansions partially being offset by a production decrease from Mine Waste Solutions (“ MWS ”) as 2017 was an exceptionally strong year.

Other Minerals :  GEOs from other minerals are expected to be slightly lower in 2018.

Oil & Gas :  Oil & gas revenues are expected to increase in 2018 compared to 2017, as a result of an increase in revenue primarily from Weyburn and Orion Thermal Project.

We expect to fund between $230 to $250 million of the Cobre Panama precious metals stream deposit in 2018, exclusive of the $356.0 million funded pursuant to the closing of the additional stream. In 2017, the Company funded a total of $264.4 million, for a total of $726.6 million of its $1 billion commitment.

In addition, the Company estimates depletion and depreciation expense to be $250.0 million to $280.0 million for 2018.

Franco-Nevada strives to generate greater than 80% of revenue from precious metals over a long-term horizon which includes gold, silver and PGM. In the short-term, we may diverge from the long-term target based on opportunities available. With 90.3% of revenue earned from precious metals in 2017, the Company has the flexibility to consider diversification opportunities outside of the precious metals’ space and increase its exposure to other commodities.

10


 

EXPLANATION OF ROYALTIES, STREAMS AND OTHER INTERESTS

A royalty is a payment to a royalty holder by a property owner or an operator of a property and is typically based on a percentage of the minerals or other products produced or the revenues or profits generated from the property. The granting of a royalty to a person usually arises as a result of: (i) paying part of the consideration payable to land owners, prospectors or junior mining companies for the purchase of their property interests; (ii) providing capital in exchange for granting a royalty; or (iii) converting a participating interest in a joint venture relationship into a royalty.

Royalties are not typically working interests in a property.  Therefore, depending on the nature of the royalty interest and the laws applicable to the royalty and project, the royalty holder is generally not responsible for, and has no obligation to contribute, additional funds for any purpose, including, but not limited to, operating or capital costs, or environmental or reclamation liabilities. Typically, royalty interests are established through a contract between the royalty holder and the property owner, although many jurisdictions permit the holder to also register or otherwise record evidence of a royalty interest in applicable mineral title or land registries. The unique characteristics of royalties may provide royalty holders with special commercial benefits not available to the property owner because the royalty holder may enjoy the upside potential of the property with reduced risk.

Revenue-based Royalties:  The majority of royalty revenues that Franco-Nevada receives are royalties based on revenues from the value of production. The key types of revenue-based royalties are described in general terms below:

Net Smelter Return (“ NSR ”) royalties are based on the value of production or net proceeds received by the operator from a smelter or refinery. These proceeds are usually subject to deductions or charges for transportation, insurance, smelting and refining costs as set out in the royalty agreement. For gold royalties, the deductions are generally minimal, while for base metal projects the deductions can be much more substantial. This type of royalty generally provides cash flow that is free of any operating or capital costs and environmental liabilities. A smaller percentage NSR in a project can effectively equate to the economic value of a larger percentage profit or working interest in the same project.

Gross Royalties (“ GR ”) or Gross Overriding Royalties (“ GORR ”) are based on the total revenue stream from the sale of production from the property with few, if any, deductions.  Some contracts refer to gross proceeds (“ GP ”) which have been characterized as comparable to GRs in this document.

Overriding Royalties (“ ORR ”) and Lessor or Freehold Royalties (“ FH ”) are based on the proceeds from gross production and are usually free of any operating, capital and environmental costs. These terms are usually applied in the oil & gas industry.

Profit-based Royalties: Franco-Nevada also receives a portion of its revenues from royalties that are calculated based on profits, as described below:

Net Profit Interest (“ NPI ”) is based on the profit realized after deducting costs related to production as set out in the royalty agreement.  NPI payments generally begin after payback of capital costs.  Although the royalty holder is generally not responsible for providing capital, covering operating losses or environmental liabilities, increases in production costs will affect net profits and royalties payable.

Net Royalty Interest (“ NRI ”) is paid net of operating and capital costs similar to an NPI.

Fixed Royalties:  Franco-Nevada has a small number of fixed royalties. These are royalties that are paid based on a set rate per tonne mined, produced or processed or even a minimum for a period of time rather than as a percentage of revenue or profits. These types of royalties are more common for iron ore, coal and industrial minerals and usually do not have exposure to changes in the underlying commodity price.

The royalty types listed above can include additional provisions that allow them to change character in different circumstances or have varying rates. Some examples are as follows:

Minimum Royalty (“ MR ”) is a provision included in some royalties that requires fixed payments at a certain level even if the project is not producing, or the project is producing at too low a rate to achieve the minimum.

Advance Minimum Royalty (“ AMR ”) is similar to an MR except that, once production begins, the minimum payments already paid are often credited against subsequent royalty payments from production that exceeds the minimum.

Sliding Scale Royalty (“ Sliding Scale or ss ”) refers to royalties where the royalty percentage is variable. Generally this royalty percentage is indexed to metal prices or a production threshold.  Generally, a minimum or maximum percentage would be applied to such a royalty.

Capped Royalty (“ Capped ”) refers to royalties that expire or cease payment after a particular cumulative royalty amount has been paid or a set production volume threshold or time period has been reached.

Royalties can be commodity specific and, for instance, apply only to gold or hydrocarbons or have varying royalty structures for different commodities from the same property. Royalties can be restricted or varied by metallurgy, ore type or even by stratigraphic

11


 

horizon. Generally, the contract terms for royalties in the oil & gas business are more standardized than those found in the mineral business.

Streams:  Streams are distinct from royalties.  They are metal purchase agreements where, in exchange for an upfront deposit and ongoing payments for metal delivered, the holder purchases all or a portion of one or more metals produced from a mine, at a preset price.  In the case of gold, the agreements typically provide for the purchase price to be the spot price at the time of delivery with a fixed price per ounce (typically $400 with a small inflationary adjustment or a percentage of spot price for gold) payable in cash and the balance paid by applying the upfront deposit.  Once the upfront deposit is fully applied, the purchase price is typically, in the case of streams which provide for a fixed price per ounce as opposed to a percentage of the spot price, the lesser of the fixed price per ounce payable in cash and the spot price at the time of delivery.  Precious metals streams are well suited to co-product production providing incentive to the operator to produce the precious metals.  Because streams can also be used as a form of financing a project, the stream structure may also help maintain the borrowing capacity for the project.  Streams can provide higher leverage to commodity price changes as a result of the fixed purchase price per ounce.

Working Interests (“ WI ”) :  A working interest is significantly different than a royalty or stream in that a holder of a WI owns an undivided possessory interest in the land or leasehold itself, and is liable for its share of capital, operating and environmental costs, usually in proportion to its ownership percentage, and it receives its pro-rata share of revenue. Minority working or equity interests are not considered to be royalties because of the ongoing funding commitments, although they can be similar in their calculations to NPIs.

Example of a Royalty (NSR or NPI) versus a Stream

Assume for one ounce of gold, a sales price of $1,300, a “stream cost” of $400 per ounce and an “all-in sustaining cost” (1)  of $750 per ounce.  Also assume that Franco-Nevada has a 4% NSR, a 4% NPI or WI or a 4% stream.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Developed

 

 

 

NSR

 

Stream

 

NPI or WI

 

One ounce sold at

 

$

1,300

 

$

1,300

 

$

1,300

 

Applicable cost

 

 

 

$

400

 

$

750

(1)   

Margin for calculation

 

$

1,300

 

$

900

 

$

550

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NSR, Stream or NPI %

 

 

 4

%  

 

 4

%  

 

 4

%  

Revenue per ounce to FNV

 

$

52

 

$

36

 

$

22

 


(1)

For applicable costs for a developed NPI or WI, Franco-Nevada is, for illustrative purposes, assuming Barrick Gold Corporation’s (“ Barrick ”) 2017 all-in sustaining cash cost measure, as Barrick is the operator of two assets at which Franco-Nevada has NPI interests.

Based on the above economics, a comparable percentage NSR is greater than 2.35 times more valuable than an equivalent Developed NPI or WI and 44% more valuable than a stream interest.  With changes to the gold price, the NPI or WI would demonstrate the most leverage while the NSR would provide the most down side protection.  The stream provides commodity price leverage similar to a low cost operating company with more certainty as to future costs.

12


 

TECHNICAL AND THIRD PARTY INFORMATION

Except where otherwise stated, the disclosure in this AIF relating to properties and operations on the properties in which Franco-Nevada holds royalty, stream or other interests is based on information publicly disclosed by the owners or operators of these properties and information/data available in the public domain as at March 16, 2018 (except where stated otherwise), and none of this information has been independently verified by Franco-Nevada.  Specifically, as a royalty or stream holder, Franco-Nevada has limited, if any, access to properties included in its asset portfolio.  Additionally, Franco-Nevada may from time to time receive operating information from the owners and operators of the properties, which it is not permitted to disclose to the public.  Franco-Nevada is dependent on the operators of the properties and their qualified persons to provide information to Franco-Nevada or on publicly available information to prepare disclosure pertaining to properties and operations on the properties on which Franco-Nevada holds royalty, stream or other interests and generally has limited or no ability to independently verify such information.  Although Franco-Nevada does not have any knowledge that such information may not be accurate, there can be no assurance that such third party information is complete or accurate.  Some information publicly reported by operators may relate to a larger property than the area covered by Franco-Nevada’s royalty, stream or other interest. Franco-Nevada’s royalty, stream or other interests often cover less than 100% and sometimes only a portion of the publicly reported mineral reserves, mineral resources and production of a property.

Except where otherwise noted, the disclosure in this AIF relating to mineral reserve and mineral resource statements for individual properties is made as at December 31, 2017.  In addition, numerical information presented in this AIF which has been derived from information publicly disclosed by owners or operators may have been rounded by Franco-Nevada and, therefore, there may be some inconsistencies between the significant digits presented in this AIF and the information publicly disclosed by owners and operators.

Franco-Nevada considers its stream interests in the Antapaccay project, the Antamina project, the Candelaria project and the Cobre Panama project to be its only material mineral projects for the purposes of NI 43-101.  Franco-Nevada will continue to assess the materiality of its assets as new assets are acquired or move into production.  Previously, the Corporation provided selected mineral asset descriptions for certain revenue contributors (excluding the material projects) but has not done so in this year’s AIF since these assets are not material.  As well, the Corporation previously provided oil and gas reserves data.  Given the current proportion of oil and gas assets in its overall portfolio, Franco-Nevada is not providing oil and gas reserves data.  For additional information, please refer to Franco-Nevada’s 2018 Asset Handbook which can be found on our website.

Information contained in this AIF with respect to each of the Antapaccay project, the Antamina project, the Candelaria project and the Cobre Panama project has been prepared in accordance with the exemption set forth in section 9.2 of NI 43-101.

The disclosure contained in this AIF of a scientific or technical nature for the Antapaccay project is based on (i) the information disclosed in the document entitled “Antapaccay Mining and Technical Information” and dated effective February 10, 2016, which document was prepared by Compañía Minera Antapaccay S.A. (“ CM Antapaccay ”), the owner and operator of the Antapaccay project and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Glencore, available on CM Antapaccay’s website at www.glencoreperu.pe; (ii) the Glencore Statement of Resources & Reserves as at December 31, 2017; and (iii) the news release dated February 1, 2018 of Glencore containing the Glencore 2017 Production Report, each available on Glencore’s website.

Unless otherwise noted, the disclosure contained in this AIF of a scientific or technical nature for the Antamina project is based on (i) the information disclosed in the annual information form of Teck dated February 26, 2018 and filed under Teck’s SEDAR profile on February 28, 2018; (ii) the technical report entitled “Technical Report, Mineral Reserves and Resources, Antamina Deposit, Peru 2010” and dated January 31, 2011, which technical report was prepared for Compañía Minera Antamina S.A. (“ CM Antamina ”), and filed under Teck’s SEDAR profile on March 22, 2011; and (iii) the news release dated February 1, 2018 of Glencore containing the Glencore 2017 Production Report, available on Glencore’s website.

The disclosure contained in this AIF of a scientific or technical nature for the Candelaria project is based on (i) the technical report entitled “Technical Report for the Candelaria Copper Mining Complex, Atacama Province, Region III, Chile” dated November 30, 2017, which technical report was prepared for Lundin and filed under Lundin’s SEDAR profile on November 30, 2017 (the “ Candelaria Technical Report ”); (ii) the technical report entitled “Technical Report for the Candelaria Copper Mining Complex, Atacama Province, Region III, Chile” dated January 17, 2017 which technical report was prepared for Lundin and filed under Lundin’s SEDAR profile on January 17, 2017; and (iii) the management’s discussion and analysis of Lundin for the year ended December 31, 2017, dated as of February 15, 2018 and filed under Lundin’s SEDAR profile on February 15, 2018.

The disclosure contained in this AIF for the Cobre Panama project is based on (i) the technical report entitled “Cobre Panamá Project -- Colón Province, Republic of Panamá -- NI 43 - 101 Technical Report” and dated June 30, 2015, which was prepared for First Quantum and filed under First Quantum’s SEDAR profile on July 22, 2015 (“ Cobre Panama Technical Report ”); and (ii)  the information disclosed in the annual information form of First Quantum, dated March 27, 2018 and filed under First Quantum’s SEDAR profile on March 27, 2018.

The technical and scientific information contained in this AIF relating to the Antapaccay project, the Antamina project, the Candelaria project and the Cobre Panama project was reviewed and approved in accordance with NI 43-101 by Phil Wilson, C.Eng., Vice President, Technical of the Corporation and a “Qualified Person” as defined in NI 43-101.

13


 

Reconciliation to CIM Definitions

In this AIF, Franco-Nevada has disclosed a number of resource and reserve estimates covering properties related to the mineral assets that are not based on Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (“ CIM ”) definitions, but instead have been prepared in reliance upon JORC, SAMREC and SEC Industry Guide 7 (collectively, the “ Acceptable Foreign Codes ”).  Estimates based on Acceptable Foreign Codes are recognized under NI 43-101 in certain circumstances.

In each case, the mineral resources and mineral reserves reported in this AIF are based on estimates previously disclosed by the relevant property owner or operator, without reference to the underlying data used to calculate the estimates.  Accordingly, Franco-Nevada is not able to reconcile the resource and reserve estimates prepared in reliance on an Acceptable Foreign Code with that of CIM definitions.  Franco-Nevada previously sought confirmation from one of its technical advisory firms, that is comprised of engineers experienced in the preparation of resource and reserve estimates using CIM and each of the Acceptable Foreign Codes, of the extent to which an estimate prepared under an Acceptable Foreign Code would differ from that prepared under CIM definitions.  Franco-Nevada was advised that, while the CIM definitions are not identical to those of the Acceptable Foreign Codes, the resource and reserve definitions and categories are substantively the same as the CIM definitions mandated in NI 43-101 and will typically result in reporting of substantially similar reserve and resource estimates.  Such advisors further confirmed, without reference to the procedures in which the estimates prepared using Acceptable Foreign Codes that are reproduced in this AIF were conducted, that in the course of their preparation of a resource or reserve estimate they would effectively use the same procedures to prepare and report the resource or reserve estimate regardless of the reliance on CIM or any of the Acceptable Foreign Codes.  Such advisors noted two provisos to this confirmation, being (i) SEC Industry Guide 7 prohibits the reporting of resources, and will only permit reporting of reserves, and (ii) it is now generally accepted practice that staff at the SEC expect to see metals prices based on historic three year average prices, while each of CIM and the other Acceptable Foreign Codes permits the author of a resource or reserve estimate to use his or her discretion to establish a reasonable assumed metal price in such calculations.  See “Cautionary Note Regarding Mineral Reserve and Resource Reporting Estimates”.

14


 

FRANCO-NEVADA’S ASSETS

Franco-Nevada’s assets are categorized by commodity and stage of development.  By commodity, assets are either “ Precious Metals ”, “ Other Minerals ” or “ Oil & Gas ”.  “ Precious Metals ” includes gold, silver and PGM.  The categories other than Oil & Gas are collectively referred to as “ Mineral Assets ”.  For presentation purposes, “ Precious Metals ” encompasses gold, silver, some polymetallic exploration prospects, and platinum group metals including palladium. “ Other Minerals ” includes base metals, iron ore, coal, industrial and miscellaneous minerals.  “ Producing ” assets are those that have generated revenue from steady-state operations for Franco Nevada or are expected to in the next year.  “ Advanced ” assets are interests on projects which are not yet producing, but where in management’s view, the technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting a mineral resource are demonstrable.  “ Exploration ” assets represent interests on projects where technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting a mineral resource are not demonstrable.

Management uses the following criteria in its assessment of technical feasibility and commercial viability:

(i) Geology: there is a known mineral deposit which contains mineral reserves or resources; or the project is adjacent to a mineral deposit that is already being mined or developed and there is sufficient geologic certainty of converting the deposit into mineral reserves or resources.

(ii) Accessibility and authorization: there are no significant unresolved issues impacting the accessibility and authorization to develop or mine the mineral deposit, and social, environmental and governmental permits and approvals to develop or mine the mineral deposit appear obtainable.

For accounting purposes, the number of assets has been counted in different manners depending on the category.  Royalties on a producing or advanced property are generally counted as a single asset even if Franco-Nevada has multiple different royalties on the property, such as at the Goldstrike complex.  Streams covering a group of mines in close proximity and operated by a common operator such as the Sudbury streams have also been counted as one asset.  However, royalties and streams on producing properties that have significant co-products have been counted twice, such as the Robinson royalties for gold and copper or the Sudbury streams for gold and PGM.  Exploration royalties are simply counted by the number of royalty contracts and no effort has been made to consolidate royalties on the same property.  Franco-Nevada’s oil & gas interests are subdivided into Producing Assets, which are assets that are currently producing oil or natural gas, or Exploration Assets, which are undeveloped assets that are not producing oil or natural gas.  Franco-Nevada’s oil & gas interests consist of a variety of working interests and royalty interests which are derived from a large number of underlying leases, contractual agreements and mineral title covering land positions in western Canada, Quebec, the Canadian Arctic and Oklahoma and Texas in the United States.  For accounting purposes, these leases, contracts and mineral title have been grouped into distinct land areas and tabulated as individual assets.  In many cases, Franco-Nevada owns multiple royalties or working interests that pertain to the same land area, and in these circumstances, the interests are counted as a single asset.

As of March 28, 2018, Franco-Nevada estimates that it holds 294 Mineral Assets and 82 Oil & Gas Assets for a total of 376 assets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Franco-Nevada Asset Tabulation at March 28, 2018

 

 

  

  

Precious Metals

  

  

Other Minerals

  

  

Oil & Gas

  

  

TOTAL

 

Producing

 

 

43

 

 

 7

 

 

57

 

 

107

 

Advanced

 

 

29

 

 

 7

 

 

 

 

36

 

Exploration

 

 

138

 

 

70

 

 

25

 

 

233

 

TOTAL

 

 

210

 

 

84

 

 

82

 

 

376

 

 

 

 

 

 

15


 

Summary of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources

The mineral reserves and mineral resources tabulated in this AIF reflect the most recent publicly disclosed figures by the operators of the assets (converted to a 100% basis where appropriate) in which Franco-Nevada has interests.  However, Franco-Nevada’s interests often do not cover the entire mineral reserve and mineral resource that is publicly reported by the operator.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mineral Reserves

 

 

% of Mineral

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proven

 

 

Probable

 

 

Proven & Probable

 

 

Reserves &

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tonnes

  

Grade

  

Contained

  

  

Tonnes

  

Grade

  

Contained

  

  

Tonnes

  

Grade

  

Contained

  

  

Resources Covered

 

GOLD - LATIN AMERICA

 

Notes

 

 

000s

 

g/t

 

000 oz

 

 

000s

 

g/t

 

000 oz

 

 

000s

 

g/t

 

000 oz

 

 

by FNV Interest

 

Cobre Panama

 

4

 

 

345,600

 

0.10

 

1,122

 

 

2,837,000

 

0.06

 

5,819

 

 

3,182,600

 

0.07

 

6,941

 

 

100

%

Candelaria

 

1, 5

 

 

442,365

 

0.13

 

1,831

 

 

55,120

 

0.16

 

289

 

 

497,485

 

0.13

 

2,120

 

 

80

%

Antapaccay

 

6

 

 

216,000

 

0.11

 

737

 

 

466,000

 

0.09

 

1,316

 

 

682,000

 

0.09

 

2,053

 

 

100

%

Guadalupe-Palmarejo

 

1, 3, 7

 

 

1,425

 

2.51

 

115

 

 

8,540

 

2.15

 

591

 

 

9,965

 

2.20

 

706

 

 

77

%

Cerro Moro

 

8

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

1,954

 

11.38

 

715

 

 

1,954

 

11.38

 

715

 

 

100

%

Calcatreu

 

9

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

CentroGold (Gurupi)

 

10

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

San Jorge

 

11

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Taca Taca

 

12

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Volcan

 

1, 13

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

GOLD - UNITED STATES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goldstrike

 

1, 14

 

 

53,995

 

3.46

 

6,008

 

 

13,797

 

5.44

 

2,411

 

 

67,792

 

3.86

 

8,419

 

 

65

%

Gold Quarry

 

1, 15

 

 

not available

 

 

not available

 

 

not available

 

 

not available

 

Marigold

 

1, 16

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

205,100

 

0.48

 

3,190

 

 

205,100

 

0.48

 

3,190

 

 

100

%

Midas/Fire Creek

 

3, 17

 

 

226

 

21.18

 

154

 

 

470

 

14.04

 

212

 

 

696

 

16.36

 

366

 

 

100

%

Bald Mountain

 

1, 18

 

 

6,490

 

0.69

 

143

 

 

88,726

 

0.55

 

1,555

 

 

95,216

 

0.55

 

1,698

 

 

77

%

South Arturo

 

1, 19

 

 

3,778

 

3.28

 

398

 

 

2,595

 

2.52

 

210

 

 

6,373

 

2.97

 

608

 

 

100

%

Mesquite

 

20

 

 

5,627

 

0.49

 

89

 

 

59,491

 

0.54

 

1,040

 

 

65,119

 

0.54

 

1,129

 

 

100

%

Hollister

 

3, 21

 

 

46

 

18.96

 

28

 

 

135

 

18.94

 

82

 

 

181

 

18.96

 

110

 

 

100

%

Stibnite Gold

 

3, 22

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

88,964

 

1.60

 

4,578

 

 

88,964

 

1.60

 

4,578

 

 

100

%

Castle Mountain

 

23

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Pinson

 

1, 3, 24

 

 

5,717

 

0.91

 

168

 

 

1,056

 

5.19

 

176

 

 

6,856

 

1.56

 

344

 

 

0

%

Robinson

 

25

 

 

110,513

 

0.15

 

533

 

 

8,860

 

0.12

 

34

 

 

119,374

 

0.15

 

576

 

 

100

%

Sandman

 

26

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

GOLD - CANADA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sudbury

 

1, 27

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

486

 

1.01

 

16

 

 

486

 

1.01

 

16

 

 

100

%

Detour Lake

 

28

 

 

89,800

 

1.23

 

3,564

 

 

418,300

 

0.91

 

12,250

 

 

508,100

 

0.97

 

15,814

 

 

100

%

Golden Highway - Holt

 

29

 

 

1,770

 

4.00

 

229

 

 

1,830

 

4.40

 

257

 

 

3,600

 

4.20

 

486

 

 

100

%

Golden Highway - Taylor

 

30

 

 

445

 

5.50

 

78

 

 

646

 

4.30

 

89

 

 

1,090

 

4.80

 

167

 

 

100

%

Golden Highway - Holloway

 

31

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

54

 

5.80

 

10

 

 

54

 

5.80

 

10

 

 

100

%

Golden Highway - Hislop

 

32

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

176

 

5.80

 

33

 

 

176

 

5.80

 

33

 

 

100

%

Hemlo

 

1, 33

 

 

935

 

3.66

 

110

 

 

23,993

 

2.16

 

1,664

 

 

24,928

 

2.21

 

1,774

 

 

20

%

Musselwhite

 

34

 

 

3,940

 

7.22

 

910

 

 

4,910

 

5.92

 

930

 

 

8,840

 

6.50

 

1,850

 

 

100

%

Kirkland Lake

 

35

 

 

386

 

16.68

 

207

 

 

2,620

 

21.72

 

1,830

 

 

3,010

 

20.98

 

2,030

 

 

100

%

Timmins West

 

36

 

 

407

 

3.59

 

47

 

 

6,055

 

3.11

 

606

 

 

6,462

 

3.14

 

653

 

 

100

%

Canadian Malartic

 

1, 37

 

 

49,980

 

0.95

 

1,520

 

 

131,018

 

1.15

 

4,858

 

 

180,998

 

1.10

 

6,378

 

 

12

%

Brucejack

 

1, 38

 

 

4,700

 

12.57

 

1,900

 

 

13,800

 

15.33

 

6,800

 

 

18,500

 

14.63

 

8,700

 

 

100

%

Hardrock

 

39

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

141,715

 

1.02

 

4,647

 

 

141,715

 

1.02

 

4,647

 

 

100

%

Red Lake (Phoenix)

 

40

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Courageous Lake

 

41

 

 

12,000

 

2.41

 

1,000

 

 

79,000

 

2.17

 

5,500

 

 

91,000

 

2.20

 

6,500

 

 

100

%

Dublin Gulch (Eagle Deposit)

 

42

 

 

27,000

 

0.80

 

685

 

 

90,000

 

0.62

 

1,778

 

 

116,000

 

0.66

 

2,463

 

 

100

%

Goldfields

 

43

 

 

1,228

 

1.90

 

75

 

 

21,105

 

1.39

 

945

 

 

22,333

 

1.42

 

1,020

 

 

100

%

Red Mountain

 

44

 

 

1,308

 

7.82

 

329

 

 

645

 

6.93

 

144

 

 

1,953

 

7.53

 

473

 

 

100

%

Monument Bay

 

45

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

GOLD - AUSTRALIA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Duketon

 

1, 46

 

 

9,800

 

0.95

 

298

 

 

42,200

 

1.21

 

1,636

 

 

52,000

 

1.16

 

1,933

 

 

100

%

Henty

 

47

 

 

55

 

4.90

 

 8

 

 

10

 

5.20

 

 2

 

 

65

 

5.40

 

10

 

 

100

%

Aphrodite

 

48

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Yandal (Bronzewing)

 

49

 

 

1,400

 

2.11

 

95

 

 

14,200

 

1.67

 

761

 

 

15,600

 

1.71

 

856

 

 

 —

 

Bullabulling

 

1, 50

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Edna May

 

1, 51

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

7,390

 

1.66

 

394

 

 

7,390

 

1.66

 

394

 

 

 2

%

Glenburgh

 

52

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Red October

 

53

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

100

%

South Kalgoorlie

 

1, 54

 

 

81

 

1.57

 

 4

 

 

2,715

 

2.29

 

200

 

 

2,796

 

2.27

 

204

 

 

74

%

Matilda (Wiluna)

 

55

 

 

1,700

 

1.40

 

73

 

 

13,600

 

2.60

 

1,128

 

 

15,200

 

2.50

 

1,201

 

 

100

%

GOLD - REST OF WORLD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MWS

 

56

 

 

121,810

 

0.22

 

850

 

 

172,350

 

0.26

 

1,440

 

 

294,160

 

0.24

 

2,290

 

 

fixed interest

 

Sabodala

 

57

 

 

18,450

 

0.98

 

580

 

 

43,170

 

1.53

 

2,130

 

 

61,610

 

1.36

 

2,700

 

 

100

%

Karma

 

58

 

 

700

 

0.63

 

15

 

 

33,800

 

0.89

 

971

 

 

34,600

 

0.89

 

986

 

 

100

%

Tasiast

 

59

 

 

30,535

 

1.20

 

1,191

 

 

94,254

 

2.20

 

6,670

 

 

124,789

 

2.00

 

7,861

 

 

100

%

Subika

 

1, 60

 

 

53,200

 

1.30

 

2,220

 

 

59,800

 

2.23

 

4,290

 

 

113,000

 

1.79

 

6,510

 

 

78

%

Edikan

 

61

 

 

19,100

 

1.11

 

685

 

 

33,800

 

1.16

 

1,259

 

 

53,000

 

1.14

 

1,943

 

 

100

%

Agi Dagi

 

62

 

 

1,450

 

0.76

 

36

 

 

52,911

 

0.66

 

1,130

 

 

54,361

 

0.67

 

1,166

 

 

100

%

ITY

 

1, 63

 

 

300

 

2.90

 

14

 

 

58,600

 

1.59

 

3,001

 

 

58,900

 

1.59

 

3,016

 

 

fixed interest

 

Perama Hill

 

64

 

 

2,477

 

4.44

 

354

 

 

7,220

 

2.68

 

621

 

 

9,697

 

3.13

 

975

 

 

100

%

Kiziltepe

 

65

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Sissingue

 

1, 66

 

 

3,100

 

2.41

 

240

 

 

1,800

 

1.49

 

86

 

 

4,800

 

2.14

 

330

 

 

100

%

TOTAL GOLD MINERAL RESERVES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28,642

 

 

 

 

 

 

90,294

 

 

 

 

 

 

118,941

 

 

 

 

 

 

16


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mineral Resources - Inclusive of Reserves

 

 

Mineral Resources

 

 

% of Mineral

 

 

 

 

 

 

Measured (M)

 

 

Indicated (I)

 

 

(M)+(I)

 

 

Inferred

 

 

Reserves &

 

 

  

 

  

  

Tonnes

  

Grade

  

Contained

  

  

Tonnes

  

Grade

  

Contained

  

  

Contained

 

  

Tonnage

  

Grade

  

Contained

  

  

Resources Covered

 

GOLD - LATIN AMERICA

 

Notes

 

 

000s

 

g/t

 

000 oz

 

 

000s

 

g/t

 

000 oz

 

 

000 oz

 

 

000s

 

g/t

 

000 oz

 

 

by FNV Interest

 

Cobre Panama

 

4

 

 

 336,000

 

0.10

 

1,080

 

 

3,358,000

 

0.06

 

6,373

 

 

7,453

 

 

1,051,000

 

0.03

 

1,135

 

 

100

%

Candelaria

 

1, 5

 

 

 629,604

 

0.15

 

3,101

 

 

111,221

 

0.20

 

713

 

 

3,813

 

 

23,827

 

0.20

 

150

 

 

80

%

Antapaccay

 

6

 

 

215,000

 

0.12

 

798

 

 

690,000

 

0.09

 

1,939

 

 

2,737

 

 

217,000

 

0.10

 

698

 

 

100

%

Guadalupe-Palmarejo

 

1, 2, 3, 7

 

 

1,996

 

2.29

 

147

 

 

15,294

 

1.89

 

927

 

 

1,074

 

 

6,655

 

1.72

 

369

 

 

92

%

Cerro Moro

 

2, 8

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

5,275

 

5.62

 

953

 

 

953

 

 

4,427

 

1.96

 

279

 

 

100

%

Calcatreu

 

9

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

8,000

 

2.63

 

676

 

 

676

 

 

3,400

 

2.07

 

226

 

 

100

%

CentroGold (Gurupi)

 

10

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

21,100

 

1.75

 

1,190

 

 

1,190

 

 

10,400

 

2.01

 

673

 

 

100

%

San Jorge

 

11

 

 

79,518

 

0.22

 

584

 

 

104,091

 

0.19

 

626

 

 

1,211

 

 

11,235

 

0.16

 

59

 

 

100

%

Taca Taca

 

12

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

2,408,000

 

0.10

 

7,630

 

 

7,630

 

 

938,000

 

0.06

 

1,700

 

 

100

%

Volcan

 

1, 13

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

18,600

 

0.85

 

510

 

 

25

%

GOLD - UNITED STATES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goldstrike

 

1, 2, 14

 

 

57,278

 

3.61

 

6,640

 

 

20,016

 

5.22

 

3,361

 

 

10,001

 

 

1,459

 

8.16

 

383

 

 

65

%

Gold Quarry

 

1, 15

 

 

not available

 

 

not available

 

 

 

 

 

not available

 

 

not available

 

Marigold

 

1, 16

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

370,200

 

0.48

 

5,660

 

 

5,660

 

 

49,700

 

0.39

 

630

 

 

100

%

Midas/Fire Creek

 

3, 17

 

 

518

 

21.26

 

354

 

 

40,013

 

1.26

 

1,625

 

 

1,979

 

 

30,408

 

1.85

 

1,810

 

 

100

%

Bald Mountain

 

1, 2, 18

 

 

28,343

 

0.67

 

608

 

 

247,211

 

0.56

 

4,439

 

 

5,047

 

 

43,305

 

0.40

 

597

 

 

92

%

South Arturo

 

1, 2, 19

 

 

8,657

 

2.10

 

584

 

 

16,537

 

1.34

 

712

 

 

1,296

 

 

1,248

 

0.46

 

18

 

 

100

%

Mesquite

 

2, 20

 

 

9,924

 

0.46

 

148

 

 

135,350

 

0.50

 

2,162

 

 

2,310

 

 

8,871

 

0.38

 

107

 

 

100

%

Hollister

 

3, 21

 

 

104

 

18.42

 

61

 

 

285

 

15.94

 

146

 

 

208

 

 

160

 

14.40

 

74

 

 

100

%

Stibnite Gold

 

3, 22

 

 

4,623

 

2.54

 

377

 

 

100,289

 

1.62

 

5,234

 

 

5,610

 

 

23,174

 

1.29

 

959

 

 

100

%

Castle Mountain

 

23

 

 

135,000

 

0.64

 

2,790

 

 

57,200

 

0.64

 

1,180

 

 

3,970

 

 

102,300

 

0.48

 

1,580

 

 

100

%

Pinson

 

1, 3, 24

 

 

19,223

 

1.21

 

746

 

 

4,130

 

2.54

 

338

 

 

1,085

 

 

1,080

 

4.88

 

169

 

 

0

%

Robinson

 

25

 

 

317,942

 

0.18

 

1,840

 

 

40,173

 

0.15

 

194

 

 

2,072

 

 

11,942

 

0.18

 

69

 

 

100

%

Sandman

 

26

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

1,200

 

1.23

 

50

 

 

50

 

 

1,100

 

1.85

 

60

 

 

100

%

GOLD - CANADA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sudbury

 

1, 27

 

 

1,732

 

0.08

 

 4

 

 

11,240

 

0.07

 

25

 

 

29

 

 

4,594

 

0.16

 

24

 

 

100

%

Detour Lake

 

2, 28

 

 

107,400

 

1.25

 

4,308

 

 

520,100

 

0.92

 

15,375

 

 

19,684

 

 

45,000

 

0.82

 

1,188

 

 

100

%

Golden Highway - Holt

 

2, 29

 

 

5,500

 

4.12

 

729

 

 

4,610

 

4.23

 

627

 

 

1,346

 

 

8,000

 

4.74

 

1,220

 

 

100

%

Golden Highway - Taylor

 

2, 30

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

25,444

 

1.74

 

1,426

 

 

1,664

 

 

3,366

 

5.08

 

550

 

 

100

%

Golden Highway - Holloway

 

2, 31

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

1,664

 

5.23

 

280

 

 

280

 

 

2,880

 

5.18

 

480

 

 

100

%

Golden Highway - Hislop

 

2, 32

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

1,326

 

3.82

 

163

 

 

163

 

 

800

 

3.89

 

100

 

 

100

%

Hemlo

 

1, 2, 33

 

 

2,042

 

3.12

 

205

 

 

64,225

 

1.66

 

3,427

 

 

3,632

 

 

4,949

 

2.78

 

442

 

 

20

%

Musselwhite

 

2, 34

 

 

4,230

 

7.06

 

960

 

 

6,640

 

5.57

 

1,190

 

 

2,160

 

 

6,460

 

5.63

 

1,170

 

 

100

%

Kirkland Lake

 

2, 35

 

 

1,956

 

17.60

 

1,107

 

 

7,986

 

14.04

 

3,606

 

 

4,706

 

 

18,918

 

6.43

 

3,910

 

 

100

%

Timmins West

 

36

 

 

 247

 

4.91

 

39

 

 

7,814

 

3.99

 

1,001

 

 

1,040

 

 

6,391

 

5.65

 

1,161

 

 

100

%

Canadian Malartic

 

1, 2, 37

 

 

54,054

 

0.97

 

1,694

 

 

153,190

 

1.22

 

5,990

 

 

7,684

 

 

70,078

 

2.05

 

4,612

 

 

12

%

Brucejack

 

1, 38

 

 

 5,900

 

12.65

 

2,400

 

 

15,500

 

15.45

 

7,700

 

 

10,000

 

 

8,600

 

14.11

 

3,900

 

 

100

%

Hardrock

 

2, 39

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

175,481

 

1.20

 

6,763

 

 

6,763

 

 

25,365

 

3.18

 

2,590

 

 

100

%

Red Lake (Phoenix)

 

40

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

492

 

6.70

 

106

 

 

106

 

 

1,519

 

6.29

 

307

 

 

100

%

Courageous Lake

 

41

 

 

13,401

 

2.53

 

1,090

 

 

93,914

 

2.28

 

6,884

 

 

7,974

 

 

53,227

 

2.29

 

3,914

 

 

100

%

Dublin Gulch (Eagle Deposit)

 

42

 

 

29,400

 

0.81

 

761

 

 

151,300

 

0.59

 

2,870

 

 

3,631

 

 

17,400

 

0.49

 

276

 

 

100

%

Goldfields

 

43

 

 

858

 

2.04

 

56

 

 

20,002

 

1.51

 

971

 

 

1,027

 

 

4,564

 

1.54

 

226

 

 

100

%

Red Mountain

 

44

 

 

 1,246

 

9.40

 

376

 

 

829

 

7.78

 

207

 

 

584

 

 

325

 

6.22

 

65

 

 

100

%

Monument Bay

 

45

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

36,581

 

1.52

 

1,787

 

 

1,787

 

 

41,946

 

1.32

 

1,781

 

 

100

%

GOLD - AUSTRALIA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Duketon

 

1, 46

 

 

14,400

 

0.91

 

419

 

 

128,200

 

0.98

 

4,027

 

 

4,446

 

 

31,200

 

0.86

 

862

 

 

97

%

Henty

 

47

 

 

846

 

4.60

 

125

 

 

423

 

4.30

 

58

 

 

183

 

 

297

 

5.00

 

48

 

 

100

%

Aphrodite

 

48

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

7,770

 

2.97

 

741

 

 

741

 

 

5,337

 

3.03

 

520

 

 

100

%

Yandal (Bronzewing)

 

49

 

 

1,800

 

2.15

 

124

 

 

18,086

 

2.02

 

1,177

 

 

1,301

 

 

4,100

 

2.06

 

272

 

 

100

%

Bullabulling

 

1, 50

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

68,570

 

0.99

 

2,185

 

 

2,185

 

 

23,080

 

1.20

 

893

 

 

50

%

Edna May

 

1, 51

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

15,320

 

1.43

 

704

 

 

704

 

 

2,150

 

1.11

 

77

 

 

 2

%

Glenburgh

 

52

 

 

2,900

 

1.94

 

181

 

 

4,600

 

1.56

 

231

 

 

412

 

 

13,900

 

1.32

 

591

 

 

100

%

Red October

 

53

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

4,000

 

1.93

 

248

 

 

248

 

 

3,283

 

2.05

 

216

 

 

100

%

South Kalgoorlie

 

1, 54

 

 

953

 

3.84

 

118

 

 

21,024

 

2.19

 

1,483

 

 

1,600

 

 

14,152

 

2.46

 

1,118

 

 

88

%

Matilda (Wiluna)

 

55

 

 

1,700

 

1.54

 

84

 

 

33,000

 

3.05

 

3,234

 

 

3,318

 

 

31,000

 

3.20

 

3,187

 

 

100

%

GOLD - REST OF WORLD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MWS

 

56

 

 

125,200

 

0.22

 

890

 

 

172,640

 

0.26

 

1,450

 

 

2,330

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

fixed interest

 

Sabodala

 

57

 

 

21,174

 

1.15

 

783

 

 

65,445

 

1.74

 

3,655

 

 

4,438

 

 

17,248

 

1.81

 

1,004

 

 

100

%

Karma

 

58

 

 

700

 

0.63

 

15

 

 

81,000

 

1.10

 

2,856

 

 

2,871

 

 

21,400

 

1.32

 

909

 

 

100

%

Tasiast

 

2, 59

 

 

35,471

 

1.14

 

1,304

 

 

163,909

 

1.81

 

9,516

 

 

10,820

 

 

41,771

 

0.90

 

1,237

 

 

100

%

Subika

 

1, 2, 3, 60

 

 

54,000

 

1.28

 

2,230

 

 

101,300

 

2.13

 

6,950

 

 

9,180

 

 

26,900

 

2.71

 

2,340

 

 

80

%

Edikan

 

61

 

 

45,900

 

1.17

 

1,725

 

 

105,700

 

0.93

 

3,151

 

 

4,869

 

 

29,500

 

0.95

 

900

 

 

100

%

Agi Dagi

 

1, 2, 62

 

 

2,516

 

0.74

 

60

 

 

104,453

 

0.63

 

2,132

 

 

2,192

 

 

19,551

 

0.52

 

330

 

 

98

%

ITY

 

1, 63

 

 

700

 

 0.63

 

15

 

 

73,100

 

1.57

 

3,680

 

 

3,695

 

 

18,700

 

1.31

 

785

 

 

fixed interest

 

Perama Hill

 

64

 

 

3,064

 

4.30

 

424

 

 

9,375

 

3.18

 

958

 

 

1,382

 

 

8,766

 

1.96

 

554

 

 

100

%

Kiziltepe

 

65

 

 

922

 

3.34

 

99

 

 

1,342

 

1.89

 

82

 

 

181

 

 

1,549

 

1.53

 

76

 

 

100

%

Sissingue

 

1, 66

 

 

4,300

 

2.10

 

290

 

 

8,900

 

1.43

 

410

 

 

700

 

 

900

 

2.00

 

58

 

 

100

%

TOTAL GOLD MINERAL RESOURCES*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

42,474

 

 

 

 

 

 

155,453

 

 

198,080

 

 

 

 

 

 

56,148

 

 

 

 

 

*Total excludes New Prosperity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Silver Mineral Reserves

 

 

% of Mineral

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proven

 

 

Probable

 

 

Proven & Probable

 

  

Reserves &

 

 

  

 

  

  

Tonnes

  

Grade

  

Contained

 

 

Tonnes

  

Grade

  

Contained

 

 

Tonnes

  

Grade

  

Contained

 

 

Resources Covered

 

Silver

 

Notes

 

 

000s

 

g/t

 

000 oz

  

  

000s

 

g/t

 

000 oz

  

  

000s

 

g/t

 

000 oz

  

  

by FNV Interest

 

Cobre Panama

 

67

 

 

345,600

 

1.33

 

14,791

 

 

2,837,000

 

1.36

 

123,612

 

 

3,182,500

 

1.35

 

138,402

 

 

100

%

Candelaria

 

1, 68

 

 

442,365

 

1.85

 

26,252

 

 

55,120

 

2.44

 

4,332

 

 

497,485

 

1.91

 

30,584

 

 

80

%

Antapaccay

 

69

 

 

216,000

 

1.61

 

11,205

 

 

466,000

 

1.86

 

27,794

 

 

682,000

 

1.78

 

38,999

 

 

100

%

Antamina

 

1, 70

 

 

180,500

 

11.22

 

65,124

 

 

357,700

 

10.11

 

116,279

 

 

538,000

 

10.53

 

182,126

 

 

22.5

%

Cerro Moro

 

71

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

1,954

 

648.22

 

40,723

 

 

1,954

 

648.22

 

40,723

 

 

100

%

Fire Creek

 

3, 72

 

 

226

 

193.72

 

1,407

 

 

470

 

85.27

 

1,288

 

 

696

 

120.48

 

2,695

 

 

100

%

Calcatreu

 

73

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

100

%

TOTAL SILVER MINERAL RESERVES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

118,779

 

 

 

 

 

 

314,028

 

 

 

 

 

 

433,529

 

 

 

 

 

 

17


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Silver Mineral Resources — Inclusive of Reserves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% of Mineral

 

 

 

 

 

 

Measured (M)

 

 

Indicated (I)

 

 

(M)+(I)

 

 

Silver Inferred Mineral Resources

 

 

Reserves &

 

 

  

 

  

 

Tonnes

  

Grade

  

Contained

  

  

Tonnes

  

Grade

  

Contained

  

  

Contained

  

  

Tonnage

  

Grade

  

Contained

  

  

Resources Covered

 

Silver

 

Notes

 

 

000s

 

g/t

 

000 oz

 

 

000s

 

g/t

 

000 oz

 

 

000 oz

 

 

000s

 

g/t

 

000 oz

 

 

by FNV Interest

 

Cobre Panama

 

67

 

 

336,000

 

1.35

 

14,584

 

 

3,358,000

 

1.32

 

142,062

 

 

156,646

 

 

1,051,000

 

1.08

 

36,449

 

 

100

%

Candelaria

 

1, 68

 

 

629,604

 

2.11

 

42,806

 

 

111,221

 

2.64

 

9,429

 

 

52,234

 

 

23,827

 

1.54

 

1,179

 

 

80

%

Antapaccay

 

69

 

 

215,000

 

1.68

 

11,630

 

 

690,000

 

1.72

 

38,244

 

 

49,874

 

 

217,000

 

1.50

 

10,461

 

 

100

%

Antamina

 

1, 2, 70

 

 

253,800

 

10.74

 

87,622

 

 

816,200

 

11.18

 

293,437

 

 

381,782

 

 

1,412,878

 

10.17

 

462,022

 

 

22.5

%

Cerro Moro

 

2, 71

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

5,275

 

359.89

 

61,036

 

 

61,036

 

 

4,427

 

101.28

 

14,415

 

 

100

%

Fire Creek

 

3, 72

 

 

518

 

209.98

 

3,497

 

 

40,013

 

4.62

 

5,940

 

 

9,437

 

 

30,408

 

5.46

 

5,339

 

 

100

%

Calcatreu

 

73

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

8,000

 

25.66

 

6,600

 

 

6,600

 

 

3,400

 

16.47

 

1,800

 

 

100

%

TOTAL SILVER MINERAL RESOURCES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

160,139

 

 

 

 

 

 

556,748

 

 

717,608

 

 

 

 

 

 

531,664

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PGM Mineral Reserves

 

 

% of Mineral

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proven

 

 

Probable

 

 

Proven & Probable

 

 

Reserves &

 

 

  

 

 

 

Tonnes

  

Grade

  

Contained

 

 

Tonnes

  

Grade

  

Contained

 

 

Tonnes

  

Grade

  

Contained

 

 

Resources Covered

 

PGM

 

Notes

 

 

000s

 

g/t

 

000 oz

 

 

000s

 

g/t

 

000 oz

 

 

000s

 

g/t

 

000 oz

 

 

by FNV Interest

 

Sudbury

 

1, 74

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

486

 

7.18

 

112

 

 

486

 

7.18

 

112

 

 

100

%

Stillwater

 

1, 75

 

 

5,500

 

16.97

 

3,000

 

 

36,800

 

16.23

 

19,200

 

 

42,300

 

16.32

 

22,200

 

 

96

%

Pandora

 

1, 76

 

 

2,195

 

4.25

 

244

 

 

19,756

 

4.08

 

2,683

 

 

21,951

 

4.09

 

2,927

 

 

80

%

TOTAL PGM MINERAL RESERVES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,244

 

 

 

 

 

 

21,995

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,239

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PGM Mineral Resources — Inclusive of Reserves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% of Mineral

 

 

 

 

 

 

Measured (M)

 

 

Indicated (I)

 

 

(M)+(I)

 

 

PGM Inferred Mineral Resources

 

 

Reserves &

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tonnes

 

Grade

 

Contained

 

 

Tonnes

 

Grade

 

Contained

 

 

Contained

 

 

Tonnage

 

Grade

 

Contained

 

 

Resources Covered

 

PGM

 

Notes

 

 

000s

 

g/t

 

000 oz

 

 

000s

 

g/t

 

000 oz

 

 

000 oz

 

 

000s

 

g/t

 

000 oz

 

 

by FNV Interest

 

Sudbury

 

1, 74

 

 

1,732

 

0.36

 

20

 

 

11,240

 

0.39

 

141

 

 

161

 

 

4,594

 

0.99

 

146

 

 

100

%

Stillwater

 

1, 75

 

 

7,600

 

18.83

 

4,600

 

 

49,600

 

16.81

 

26,800

 

 

31,400

 

 

92,500

 

16.61

 

49,400

 

 

96

%

Pandora

 

1, 76

 

 

22,195

 

4.81

 

3,415

 

 

147,317

 

4.60

 

21,707

 

 

25,122

 

 

21,220

 

4.72

 

3,171

 

 

80

%

TOTAL PGM MINERAL RESOURCES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,035

 

 

 

 

 

 

48,648

 

 

56,683

 

 

 

 

 

 

52,717

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper Mineral Reserves

 

 

% of Mineral

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proven

 

 

Probable

 

 

Proven & Probable

 

 

Reserves &

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tonnes

 

Grade

 

Contained

 

 

Tonnes

 

Grade

 

Contained

 

 

Tonnes

 

Grade

 

Contained

 

 

Resources Covered

 

Copper

 

Notes

 

 

000s

 

%

 

Mlbs

 

 

000s

 

%

 

Mlbs

 

 

000s

 

%

 

Mlbs

 

 

by FNV Interest

 

Osborne

 

77

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

6,700

 

1.20

%

177

 

 

6,700

 

1.20

%

177

 

 

fixed interest

 

Rosemont

 

3, 78

 

 

426,110

 

0.48

%

4,509

 

 

110,971

 

0.31

%

758

 

 

537,080

 

0.45

%

5,328

 

 

100

%

NuevaUnion (Relincho)

 

79

 

 

435,300

 

0.38

%

3,647

 

 

803,800

 

0.37

%

6,557

 

 

1,239,100

 

0.37

%

10,203

 

 

100

%

Taca Taca

 

80

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

100

%

Robinson

 

81

 

 

110,513

 

0.42

%

1,023

 

 

8,860

 

0.28

%

55

 

 

119,373

 

0.41

%

1,078

 

 

100

%

Vizcachitas

 

82

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

100

%

TOTAL COPPER MINERAL RESERVES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,179

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,547

 

 

 

 

 

 

16,787

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper Mineral Resources - Inclusive of Reserves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% of Mineral

 

 

 

 

 

 

Measured (M)

 

 

Indicated (I)

 

 

(M)+(I)

 

 

Copper Inferred Mineral Resources

 

 

Reserves &

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tonnes

 

Grade

 

Contained

 

 

Tonnes

 

Grade

 

Contained

 

 

Contained

 

 

Tonnage

 

Grade

 

Contained

 

 

Resources Covered

 

Copper

 

Notes

 

 

000s

 

%

 

Mlbs

 

 

000s

 

%

 

Mlbs

 

 

Mlbs

 

 

000s

 

%

 

Mlbs

 

 

by FNV Interest

 

Osborne

 

77

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

12,000

 

1.40

%

370

 

 

370

 

 

5,800

 

1.40

%

179

 

 

fixed interest

 

Rosemont

 

3, 78

 

 

632,667

 

0.44

%

6,137

 

 

514,462

 

0.26

%

2,949

 

 

9,086

 

 

74,479

 

0.30

%

493

 

 

100

%

NuevaUnion (Relincho)

 

2, 79

 

 

515,200

 

0.36

4,122

 

 

1,120,900

 

0.36

%

8,933

 

 

13,056

 

 

610,800

 

0.38

%

5,117

 

 

100

%

Taca Taca

 

80

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

2,165,000

 

0.44

%

21,150

 

 

21,150

 

 

921,000

 

0.37

%

7,550

 

 

100

%

Robinson

 

81

 

 

317,943

 

0.47

%

3,294

 

 

40,173

 

0.34

%

301

 

 

3,596

 

 

11,942

 

0.38

%

100

 

 

100

%

Vizcachitas

 

82

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,038,000

 

0.37

%

8,539

 

 

8,539

 

 

318,000

 

0.34

%

2,415

 

 

100

%

TOTAL COPPER MINERAL RESOURCES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,554

 

 

 

 

 

 

42,243

 

 

55,797

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,854

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nickel Mineral Reserves

 

 

% of Mineral

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proven

 

 

Probable

 

 

Proven & Probable

 

 

Reserves &

 

 

 

 

  

  

Tonnes

 

Grade

 

Contained

  

  

Tonnes

 

Grade

 

Contained

  

  

Tonnes

 

Grade

 

Contained

  

  

Resources Covered

 

Nickel

 

Notes

 

 

000s

 

%

 

Mlbs

 

 

000s

 

%

 

Mlbs

 

 

000s

 

%

 

Mlbs

 

 

by FNV Interest

 

Mt Keith

 

83

 

 

27,400

 

0.61

%

370

 

 

4,080

 

0.45

%

41

 

 

31,480

 

0.59

%

411

 

 

100

%

Falcondo

 

84

 

 

44,900

 

1.28

%

1,267

 

 

26,300

 

1.36

%

789

 

 

71,200

 

1.31

%

2,056

 

 

100

%

TOTAL NICKEL MINERAL RESERVES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,637

 

 

 

 

 

 

829

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,467

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nickel Mineral Resources - Inclusive of Reserves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% of Mineral

 

 

 

 

 

 

Measured (M)

 

 

Indicated (I)

 

 

(M)+(I)

 

 

Nickel Inferred Mineral Resources

 

 

Reserves &

 

 

 

 

 

  

Tonnes

 

Grade

 

Contained

 

 

Tonnes

 

Grade

 

Contained

 

 

Contained

  

  

Tonnage

 

Grade

 

Contained

 

 

Resources Covered

 

Nickel

 

Notes

 

 

000s

 

%

 

Mlbs

 

 

000s

 

%

 

Mlbs

 

 

Mlbs

 

 

000s

 

%

 

Mlbs

 

 

by FNV Interest

 

Mt Keith

 

83

 

 

141,000

 

0.56

%

1,752

 

 

102,000

 

0.50

%

1,124

 

 

2,876

 

 

27,000

 

0.51

%

304

 

 

100

%

Falcondo

 

84

 

 

40,500

 

1.42

%

1,268

 

 

31,100

 

1.53

%

1,049

 

 

2,320

 

 

4,900

 

1.40

%

151

 

 

100

%

TOTAL NICKEL MINERAL RESOURCES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,020

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,173

 

 

5,197

 

 

 

 

 

 

455

 

 

 

 

 

Notes and Sources

All Mineral Reserves and Resources have been calculated in accordance with acceptable foreign codes, including CIM, SEC, JORC, or SAMREC guidelines

Mineral Resources which are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability

Unless otherwise noted, Mineral Resources were reported by the operator inclusive of Mineral Reserves

Contained ounces do not take into account recovery losses

Mineral Reserves and Resources based on publicly disclosed information as of March 16, 2018

Rows and columns may not add up due to rounding

Inferred Resources are in addition to Measured and Indicated Resources.  Inferred Resources have a great amount of uncertainty as their existence and whether they can be mined legally or economically.  It cannot be assumed that all or any part of the Inferred Resources will ever be upgraded to a higher category.  See "Cautionary Note to US Investors Regarding Reserve and Resource Reporting Standards".

 

1 Franco-Nevada’s royalties or stream interests may not cover the operator’s entire property or all estimated Mineral Reserves and Resources or a combination of both. 

2 Mineral Resources shown by operator exclusive of Mineral Reserves. The Company's QP determined the inclusive Mineral Resources by adding the exclusive Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources to the Proven and Probable Reserves

3 Mineral Reserves and Resources are reported by the operator in non-metric units. The Company's QP calculated the metric conversion using 1 opt=34.286 g/t, 1 short ton = 0.9018 metric tonnes, 1 oz = 31.1035 g

4 First Quantum Minerals Ltd.; NI 43-101 Technical Report, Cobre Panama Project June 30, 2015

5 Lundin Mining Corp.; Technical Report for the Candelaria Copper Mining Complex, November 30, 2017

6 Glencore; Resources & Reserves as at 31 December 2017

7 Coeur Mining Inc.; Company Release, February 06, 2018

8 Yamana Gold; News Release February 15, 2018

9 Pan American Silver Corp.; Mineral Reserves and Resources, 31 December, 2016

10 Avanco Resources Ltd.; Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2017

11 Coro Mining Corp.; NI 43-101 Technical Report, Preliminary Feasibility Study, San Jorge 25kt/y Copper Leach Project, March 2012

12 First Quantum Minerals Ltd.; Annual Information Form March 10, 2017; Lumina Copper Corp, Taca Taca Copper/Gold Molybdenum Project, PEA May 24, 2013

18


 

13 Hochchild Mining Plc; Corporate Website, 2018

14 Barrick Gold Corporation; Reserves and Resources Year End 2017

15 In accordance with certain provisions of the royalty agreement, the Company is not able to disclose Mineral Reserves and Resources for Gold Quarry

16 SSR Mining Inc.; Press Release February 22, 2018

17 Klondex Mines Ltd.; Fire Creek - Press Release February 5, 2018; Midas - Press Release September 14, 2016

18 Kinross Gold Corporation; 2017 Annual Mineral Reserve and Resource Statement

19 Barrick Gold Corporation; Reserves and Resources Year End 2017

20 New Gold Inc.; News Release February 20, 2018

21 Klondex Mines Ltd.; Technical Report and Pre-Feasibility Study for the Hollister Underground Mine, August 9, 2017

22 Midas Gold Corp.; News Releases December 15, 2014 and February 15, 2018

23 Equinox Gold Corp.; Corporate Presentation December 22, 2017

24 Atna Resources; NI 43-101 Technical Report, Pinson Project, Preliminary Feasibility Study, June 30, 2014

25 KGHM; Mineral Resources and Reserves Report, December 31, 2014

26 Newmont Mining Corporation; News Release February 21, 2018

27 KGHM; Mineral Resources and Reserves Report, December 31, 2014

28 Detour; Press Release February 22, 2018

29 Kirkland Lake Gold Inc.; News Release February 20, 2018

30 Kirkland Lake Gold Inc.; News Release February 20, 2018; Sage Gold Inc.; NI 43-101 Technical Report, Mineral Resource Estimate and PEA on the Clavos JV Property, April 12, 2013

31 Kirkland Lake Gold Inc.; News Release February 20, 2018

32 Kirkland Lake Gold Inc.; News Release February 20, 2018

33 Barrick Gold Corporation; Reserves and Resources Year End 2017

34 Goldcorp Inc.; News Release October 25, 2017

35 Kirkland Lake Gold Inc.; News Release February 20, 2018; Yamana Gold; News Release February 15, 2018

36 Tahoe Resources Inc.; News Release February 15, 2018

37 Yamana Gold; News Release February 15, 2018

38 Pretium Resources Inc.; Corporate Website - Brucejack Project Reserves and Resources Update (December 2016); News Releases December 14, 2016, July 21, 2016, June 19, 2014 & Technical Report dated December 19, 2013

39 Greenstone Gold Mines; NI 43-101 Technical Report, Hardrock Project, December 21, 2016

40 Rubicon Minerals Corp.; News Release January 11, 2016

41 Seabridge Gold Inc.; Mineral Reserves and Resources updated March 11, 2014

42 Victoria Gold Corp.; NI 43-101 Feasibility Study Technical Report for the Eagle Gold Project, October 26, 2016

43 Fortune Bay Corp.; 43-101 Technical Report Pre-feasibility Study, Re-issue March 13, 2014

44 IDM Mining Ltd.; NI 43-101 Feasibility Study Technical Report for the Red Mountain Project, August 10, 2017

45 Yamana Gold; News Release February 15, 2018

46 Regis Resources Limited; Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Statement, July 14, 2017

47 Unity Mining Limited; Annual Reserves and Resources Update, September 11, 2015

48 Aphrodite Gold Limited; Scheme Booklet, November 13, 2017

49 Echo Resources Limited; ASX Announcement, November 27, 2017

50 Norton Gold Fields Limited; January 2015 Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Update

51 Ramelius Resources; Corporate Presentation, Denver Gold Forum September 2017

52 Gascoyne Resources Limited; Investor Presentation October 2017

53 Saracen Mineral Holdings Limited; Press Release August 2, 2017

54 Westgold Resources Limited; Press Release September 4, 2017

55 Blackham Resources Limited; AGM Presentation, November 2017

56 AngloGold Ashanti Ltd.; Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Report 2016

57 Teranga Gold Corporation; Technical Report on the Sabodala Project, August 30, 2017

58 Endeavour Mining Corp.; Management Discussion & Analysis for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

59 Kinross Gold Corporation; 2017 Annual Mineral Reserve and Resource Statement

60 Newmont Mining Corporation; News Release February 21, 2018

61 Perseus Mining Limited; Annual Report 2017

62 Alamos Gold Inc.; Press Release February 21, 2018

63 Endeavour Mining Corp.; Management Discussion & Analysis for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

64 Eldorado Gold Corp.; Mineral Reserves and Resources as of 31 December 2016

65 Ariana Resources plc; Press Release 3 May 2017

66 Perseus Mining Limited; Annual Report 2017

67 First Quantum Minerals Ltd.; NI 43-101 Technical Report, Cobre Panama Project June 30, 2015

68 Lundin Mining Corp.; Technical Report for the Candelaria Copper Mining Complex, November 30, 2017

69 Glencore; Resources & Reserves as at 31 December 2017

70 Teck Resources Limited; Annual Information Form February 26, 2018

71 Yamana Gold; News Release February 15, 2018

72 Klondex Mines Ltd.; Fire Creek - Press Release February 5, 2018; Midas; Press Release September 14, 2016

73 Pan American Silver Corp.; Mineral Reserves and Resources, 31 December, 2016

74 KGHM; Mineral Resources and Reserves Report, December 31, 2014

75 Sibanye Gold Limited; Competent Person's Report on the Montana Platinum Group Metal Mineral Assets of Sibanye Gold Limited, United States of America, November 2017

76 Lonmin Plc; Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Statement 2017

77 Inova Resources; Corporate Presentation, September 2013

78 Hudbay Minerals Inc.; NI 43-101 Technical Report, Feasibility Study, March 30, 2017

79 Teck Resources Limited; Annual Information Form, February 28, 2018

80 First Quantum Minerals Ltd.; Annual Information Form March 10, 2017. Lumina Copper Corp; Taca Taca Copper/Gold Molybdenum Project, PEA May 24, 2013

81 KGHM; Mineral Resources and Reserves Report, December 31, 2014

82 Los Andes Copper Limited; MD&A for year ended September 30, 2013

83 BHP Billiton Ltd.; Annual Report 2017

84 Glencore; Resources & Reserves Report as at 31 December 2014

 

 

 

 

19


 

ANTAPACCAY MINING AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Property Description, Location and Access

The Antapaccay project is owned and operated by CM Antapaccay, a Peruvian company that is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Glencore.  Glencore indirectly acquired CM Antapaccay in May 2013 as a result of its acquisition of Xstrata.

The Antapaccay project is located in southern Peru in the Cusco Region, Espinar District and Province, approximately 250 kilometres from the cities of Cusco and Arequipa.  The project is accessed by paved and dirt roads (approximately 5 hours by road from Cusco and Arequipa) and is between 3,800 and 4,000 metres above sea level.  Mine personnel live at the mine’s facilities while at work and commute from both local communities and larger population centres.

The Antapaccay mine is located 9.4 kilometres southwest of CM Antapaccay’s past-producing Tintaya mine, and the Antapaccay concentrator is located 4.5 kilometres south of the Tintaya concentrator.

The CM Antapaccay property consists of numerous mining concessions and mining claims covering an area of 99,766 hectares, which includes the former Tintaya mine, current Antapaccay mine and Coroccohuayco project (as described below). These concessions and claims can be held indefinitely, contingent on the payment of the annual license fees and provision of certain production and investment information.  The Antapaccay project itself covers 13 mining concessions with a total effective area of 7,944 hectares. These mining concessions constitute all of the mineral rights that are required to permit exploitation of the deposit for which Mineral Reserves are stated.

The CM Antapaccay property also includes the Coroccohuayco project, a satellite deposit that is located within 10 kilometres of the Antapaccay plant. At this stage, exploration, drilling and engineering studies at Coroccohuayco have focused on defining Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves and no mining activities are being undertaken.

As of February 10, 2016 CM Antapaccay held surface rights over approximately 10,321 hectares of the total concession area  and continues to acquire additional surface rights.  Surface rights have been acquired for all current operating needs in respect of the Antapaccay project. Additional surface rights would be necessary for the development of certain Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources.

CM Antapaccay is operating under a tax stability agreement with the government of Peru, pursuant to which it pays a royalty of 1% of net income up to $60 million, 2% of net income between $60 million and $120 million, and 3% of net income in excess of $120 million.  CM Antapaccay is also subject to the Special Mining Contribution which applies to its operating income based on a progressive sliding scale ranging from 4% to 13%.

History

Mining activities at the Tintaya mine began in 1984 by the state-owned mining company, Empresa Minera Especial Tintaya SA (“ Empresa ”). The Tintaya mine produced over 1.6 million tonnes of copper and 500,000 ounces of gold until operations ceased in 2012.

Initial exploration activities outside of the Tintaya mine area focussed on the Antapaccay concessions as well as the concessions comprising the Coroccohuayco project.  The existence of copper-bearing mineralization in the area of the Antapaccay project was known, with a history of artisanal mining close to the surface at the old Atalaya mine in the same area.

In October 1994, Magma Copper Company (“ Magma ”) purchased Empresa, and in 1995 geologists from Magma revised the then existing information on Atalaya (geology and geophysics) and completed mapping of the site, and estimated the potential for 68 million tonnes of skarn-type mineralization grading 1.50% copper.

In July 1998, Broken Hill Proprietary Company Limited (“ BHP ”) acquired Atalaya, following which exploration commenced.  Two copper-gold porphyry-type orebodies were discovered in addition to the skarn-type mineralization, and, in February 2000, Mineral Resources of 285 million tonnes grading 0.95% copper and 0.19 grams per tonne gold were reported.

The Antapaccay project was managed by BHP Billiton (formed by the merger of BHP with Billiton plc) until 2006, when Xstrata acquired properties in Peru, including the Tintaya mine and plant that were operating at the time and the Antapaccay project. Following the acquisition, further project and infill drilling work was completed on Antapaccay, and construction of the mine and related infrastructure started in 2010. Mining operations commenced in 2012 with first concentrate production in November 2012 and initial design capacity of 70,000 tonnes per day reached in February 2013.

Geological Setting, Mineralization and Deposit Type

Antapaccay

The Antapaccay project contains a porphyry-skarn type (copper-silver-gold) deposit located in the Eocene-Oligocene Andahuaylas-Yauri strip, 9.4 kilometres southwest in a straight line from the Tintaya mine, in the area of the old Atalaya mine. The Eocene-Oligocene Andahuaylas-Yauri strip is located 250 to 300 kilometres west of the current Peru-Chile Trench, above a thick cap of sialic crust (50 to 60 kilometres), in a transitory zone between the flat subduction slab of central Peru and the

20


 

normal subduction of southern Peru and northern Chile and immediately to the southeast of the Abancay deflection.  It consists geologically of a thick cretaceous sedimentary sequence folded during the Andean deformations and widely intruded by stocks, sills and dykes of Andahuaylas-Yauri batholith, covered by Cenozoic lacustrine and volcanic deposits and quaternary deposits.

The copper mineralization at Antapaccay is mainly contained in intermediate intrusive rocks with dissemination, veinlets, hydrothermal breccias which are in contact with pre-mineral rocks such as diorites and sedimentary rocks (limestones, calcareous shales, siltstones and sandstones), forming contact mineralized breccias, exoskarn and stockwork in sedimentary bodies with a clear predominance of chalcopyrite over bornite up to 350 metres; the roles reverse at a greater depth and are associated with a level of anhydrite-gypsum.

The dominant mineralization within the porphyry is chalcopyrite, followed by bornite and chalcocite.  Mineralization consists of both disseminations and veinlets, with the highest grades of gold corresponding to intense bornite rich stockwork zones.  The dominant alteration type within the porphyry is a potassic alteration of the host diorite. The porphyry is also in contact with cretaceous sedimentary rocks, which have formed irregular skarn (limestones) and stockwork (hornfels and quartzites) containing high copper values, but represent a minor component of all the resources.

The conditions for the occurrence of a metasomatic process exist in contact with limestones, generating irregular garnet-magnetite +/-pyroxene exoskarn, mainly with chalcopyrite patches.  Extensive areas of intense grey quartz veinlet stockwork with a high bornite and chalcopyrite content were identified always near the hornfels-intrusive rock contact, expanding into the hornfels for several metres.

Coroccohuayco

The main copper bearing minerals at Coroccohuayco are bornite, chalcopyrite and chalcocite, with the host rock consisting of Cretaceous sedimentary rocks of the Ferrobamba and Mara formation intruded by monzonitic plutons of the Eocene—Oligocene Andahuaylas—Yauri batholiths. The Coroccohuayco deposit is dominantly a skarn-hosted deposit, whereas the Antapaccay deposit is dominantly porphyry-hosted.

Exploration

General geological techniques utilized at the Antapaccay project include geological mapping, soil geochemistry, geophysical studies (magnetic and induced polarization), cartography, diamond drilling, sampling and interpretation.  In addition, up-to-date aerial photographs of the project have been collected to generate digital topographical reliefs to 5 metres.  Exploration work undertaken to date indicates the potential for additional copper discoveries within the CM Antapaccay property area.

Drilling

Antapaccay

The Antapaccay resource model is updated on an annual basis to incorporate new available drilling data and improved understanding of the orebody.  The Mineral Resource estimate for 2017 was  updated  using a drill hole database that  included over 255,817m of drilling data with over 95% of the total drill holes being diamond drill holes.

Coroccohuayco

Over 27,000 meters of diamond drilling have been completed at Coroccohuayco, the results  of which  have been incorporated into the geological interpretation and resource estimate for the Coroccohuayco deposit which was updated as at December 31, 2016.  The same Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves were declared for December 31, 2017 given there has been limited geological drilling completed during 2017.

Sampling, Analysis and Data Verification

Samples of diamond drill hole cores were collected in carton boxes in the drilling area and the logging area to record geological, geo-mechanical and geotechnical data and to be photographed.  Sampling intervals of 2, 2.5 and 3 metres were predominantly used, and 2-metre intervals were standard for mineralized rocks. Samples were sent to the Tintaya sampling area for preparation in accordance with standard protocols. The remaining materials, being half core samples and coarse and fine pulps, were stored in the enclosed areas located at the Tintaya camp.

Drill core sampling methodology for Antapaccay drilling campaigns followed a standardized procedure for copper. The drill core was split in half, respecting the distribution of the mineralization indicated by the logging geologist, and the sample was then reduced by up to 90% of its size with progressively smaller meshes (down to 2 millimetre sieve size). The sample was then reduced with a Jones Riffle quarterer, obtaining 2 kilograms of sample, which was bagged to be kept in the respective file. The rest of the sample was quartered to obtain four 0.5 kilogram samples, which were then dried and pulverized up to 95% of their size with a #140 mesh (0.106 millimetre sieve size). The pulverized samples were put in jars and placed in a homogenizer for 5 minutes and then placed in envelopes, with one envelope sent to the laboratory and the remaining 3 envelopes stored for future requirements. A duplicate was taken every 20 intervals of samples with copper grading more than 0.30%. Upon

21


 

obtaining 30 samples, the samples were re-encoded and sent to the same laboratory. Standard samples were placed at intervals indicated by CM Antapaccay geologists.

For all drilling programs run by CM Antapaccay, sample preparation, assaying, analytical and quality control procedures have followed acceptable industry standard practices. Current quality control of the chemical analysis procedures include, standard sample preparation of low, middle and high grade material from the deposit, fine white sample preparation, protocols for blast holes, drill holes, specific gravity for diamond drill programs, and a general quality assurance and quality control (“ QA/QC ”) program, based on the latest developments in the industry.

Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing

Extensive metallurgical test work and studies have been completed on Antapaccay ore, both prior to the construction of the Antapaccay plant and since commissioning in 2012.  The work was completed by a number of reputable engineering and metallurgical laboratories.

Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Estimates

The Mineral Resources for the Antapaccay project were estimated from core drilling information and were evaluated using standard geological and geostatistical block modelling methodologies. The primary estimation methodology was Ordinary Kriging. The Mineral Reserve estimate is based on a mine plan and open pit designs developed using modifying parameters including metal prices, metal recovery, operating costs and sustaining capital cost estimates based on the production schedule and equipment requirements.

The Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for the Antapaccay and Coroccohuayco deposits are as follows:

Antapaccay Mineral Resources (inclusive of Mineral Reserves) as at December 31, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grade

Classification

    

Quantity (Mt)

    

Cu (%)

    

Au (g/t)

    

Ag (g/t)

    

Mo (%)

Measured

 

182

 

0.55

 

0.12

 

1.42

 

0.005

Indicated

 

434

 

0.42

 

0.08

 

1.16

 

0.005

Measured & Indicated

 

616

 

0.46

 

0.09

 

1.24

 

0.005

Inferred

 

161

 

0.40

 

0.10

 

0.80

 

0.005

 

Antapaccay Mineral Reserves as at December 31, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grade

Classification

    

Quantity (Mt)

    

Cu (%)

    

Au (g/t)

    

Ag (g/t)

Proven

 

185

 

0.54

 

0.11

 

1.41

Probable

 

313

 

0.42

 

0.08

 

1.15

Total

 

498

 

0.46

 

0.09

 

1.25

 

Coroccohuayco Mineral Resources (inclusive of Coroccohuayco Mineral Reserves) as at December 31, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grade

Classification

    

Quantity (Mt)

    

Cu (%)

    

Au (g/t)

    

Ag (g/t)

Measured

 

33

 

0.85

 

0.09

 

3.13

Indicated

 

256

 

0.91

 

0.10

 

2.68

Measured & Indicated

 

289

 

0.90

 

0.10

 

2.73

Inferred

 

56

 

1.08

 

0.10

 

3.51

 

Coroccohuayco Open Pit Mineral Reserves as at December 31, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grade

Classification

    

Quantity (Mt)

    

Cu (%)

    

Au (g/t)

    

Ag (g/t)

Proven

 

22

 

0.75

 

0.08

 

2.75

Probable

 

41

 

0.56

 

0.06

 

1.57

Total

 

63

 

0.63

 

0.07

 

1.98

 

Coroccohuayco Underground Mineral Reserves as at December 31, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grade

Classification

    

Quantity (Mt)

    

Cu (%)

    

Au (g/t)

    

Ag (g/t)

Proven

 

 9

 

0.82

 

0.09

 

3.02

Probable

 

112

 

1.25

 

0.12

 

3.93

Total

 

121

 

1.22

 

0.12

 

3.86

 

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Notes :

(1)

Source: Glencore Statement of Resources & Reserves as at December 31, 2017. Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves are estimated in accordance with the 2012 Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code).

(2)

Columns and rows may not add up due to rounding.

(3)

Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

(4)

Commodity prices and exchange rates used to establish the economic viability of Mineral Reserves are based on long term forecasts applied at the time the Mineral Reserve was estimated.

(5)

Mineral Resources for Antapaccay are stated at a defined internal copper cut-off, which is maintained at 0.15% TCu.

The Lerchs-Grossman pit optimization method was used to determine the economic pit shell for Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources.  This method was selected over the floating cone since it provides for improved optimization for discontinuous orebodies in which a mineral area may share some waste material extraction expenses.  This situation exists at Antapaccay with the monzonitic porphyry that has a prophylitical alteration and the waste rock area between the North and South pits, separating part of the orebody.

The calculated profit values per block were directly used in the Lerchs-Grossman process for the required economic data. The inter-ramp slope angles recommended by engineering consultants and metallurgical recovery were used to control the walls during the optimization process. The Lerchs-Grossman algorithm finds the most profitable pit surface based on the three-dimensional graph theory, block-by-block economic values and pit slope data.

The resulting life of mine plan and Mineral Reserve estimates consider only Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources, with all Inferred Mineral Resources within the design pit being treated as waste.

The underground Mineral Reserve estimate is based on mine plans and designs using modifying parameters including mining recovery and dilution applied to Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources.

Mining Operations

The Antapaccay mine is an open pit mine (consisting of a North pit and a South pit) with truck and shovel operations that provide a total annual material handling capacity of approximately 140 million tonnes of material. Major equipment includes a fleet of owner-operated 400 short ton class trucks, 48 cubic metre and 35 cubic metre rope shovels, dozers and loaders, as well as support equipment. Ore is mined and sent to the primary crusher located at the mine and the crushed ore is subsequently transported to the coarse ore stockpile by an overland conveyor of approximately 6.8 kilometres. The feeders at the coarse ore stockpile convey the crushed ore to the Antapaccay plant for processing. A portion of the material from the coarse ore stockpile is transported to the Tintaya plant using mining trucks.

The Antapaccay metallurgical plant consists of a semi-autogenous grinding mill and two ball mills to prepare feed for a conventional flotation circuit to recover the copper, gold and silver contained in the feed ore into a copper concentrate.  The Tintaya metallurgical plant consists of multi-stage crushing followed by ball-milling to prepare feed for a conventional flotation circuit to recover the copper, gold and silver contained in the feed ore into a copper concentrate.  The nominal throughput of the Antapaccay and Tintaya plants are currently approximately 85,000 and 20,000 tonnes per day, respectively. The copper concentrate produced from both processing plants is thickened and filtered on site prior to being trucked approximately 355 kilometres to port facilities at the Port of Matarani, operated by TISUR, for shipment to smelters. The road from Tintaya to the port has been expanded to accommodate the shipment of concentrates originating from the Antapaccay project.

Flotation tailings are thickened and delivered to the Tintaya open pit for disposal.  The fully-permitted tailings dam storage capacity is sufficient for the current Antapaccay life of mine plan and options to increase height for extended capacity are being studied.

Historical production (metal in concentrates) for Antapaccay is shown in the table below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Metal Produced in Concentrates

 

 

Cu

    

Au

    

Ag

 

    

(kt)  

 

(koz)

 

(koz)

2013

 

139

 

79

 

946

2014

 

167

 

69

 

1,048

2015

 

202

 

122

 

1,315

2016

 

220

 

115

 

1,536

2017

 

207

 

139

 

1,455

 

The current life of mine plan contemplates that the Antapaccay mine will operate for 12 years ending in 2029, with ore processed through the Tintaya and Antapaccay plants.  There is the potential to extend the mine life beyond 2029 through additional exploration on the CM Antapaccay property and the development of the Coroccohuayco deposit.

The material produced from the Antapaccay project is marketable in the main international concentrate markets based on its specifications.  Payments made to CM Antapaccay are based on the copper, gold and silver contained in concentrates typical for the international concentrate markets.

23


 

Infrastructure, Permitting and Compliance Activities

Power for the Antapaccay project is supplied from the Peru national energy grid through an electrical substation constructed at Tintaya.  Water consumption is primarily sourced from recycled water from the tailings facility, and the balance of the project’s water requirements are sourced from the Salado River. The Antapaccay project currently has water rights which are sufficient for its requirements and is a zero discharge site.

CM Antapaccay holds all of the permits that are material to the Antapaccay operations, operating permits are valid until the end of the life of the mine and a closure plan complying with Peruvian law has been approved by the relevant authorities. Included in the closure plan are details for facility dismantling, demolition, post-closure stability and long term maintenance, including socio-economic support, reclamation, schedules and financial provisions.

Capital and Operating Costs

The main capital expenditure for 2018 is for the completion of an ore conveyor between the coarse ore stockpile and the Tintaya plant, which is currently expected to begin operations in 2018 and sustaining capital.

The Antapaccay project is a low cost copper project.  Fluctuations in the cash operating costs are largely driven by the changes in the copper head grade in the open pit over the life of mine.

Exploration and Development

Ongoing drilling campaigns are planned to further define the lithology of the resource at depth and for exploratory drilling.  Beyond the estimated Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves of Antapaccay and Coroccohuayco, there are a number of regional targets and prospects for exploration across the 99,766 hectares of concessions held by CM Antapaccay.

24


 

ANTAMINA MINING AND TECHNICAL INFORMATIO N

Description and Location

The Antamina project is owned and operated by CM Antamina, a Peruvian Sociedad Anonima indirectly owned by BHP Billiton plc (33.75%), Glencore (33.75%), Teck (22.5%) and Mitsubishi Corporation (10%).

The Antamina property consists of numerous mining concessions and mining claims covering an area of approximately 82,200 hectares and an area of approximately 15,000 hectares of surface rights.  These rights, concessions and claims can be held indefinitely, contingent upon the payment of annual license fees and provision of certain production and investment information. All of the mining concessions are located in the San Marcos District, Province of Huari, Ancash Department, Peru, and constitute all of the mineral rights that are required to permit exploitation of the deposit for which Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources are stated.  CM Antamina has sufficient surface rights for mining, tailings disposal, waste disposal, processing and required infrastructure, based on the current life-of-mine plan.

CM Antamina also owns a port facility located at Huarmey and an electrical substation located at Huallanca. CM Antamina holds title to all easements and rights of way for the 302 kilometre concentrate pipeline from the mine to CM Antamina’s port at Huarmey.

In Peru, the mining tax regime includes the Special Mining Tax and the Modified Mining Royalty which apply to CM Antamina’s operating margin based on a progressive sliding scale ranging from 3% to 20.4%. CM Antamina is also subject to Peruvian income tax.

In addition to Franco-Nevada’s stream, Teck’s interest is subject to a net profits royalty of 1.667% payable in respect of all of CM Antamina’s free cash flow. In addition, certain of Antamina’s unexploited concessions are subject to a contractual 2.5% NSR royalty. The concessions are otherwise free of any contractual royalties or back-in rights.

A closure plan complying with Peruvian law is currently on file with the Ministry of Energy and Mines. Included in the closure plan are details for facility dismantling, demolition, post-closure stability and long term maintenance (water management/treatment systems, socio-economic support, land use/reclamation, schedules and financial provisions). Engineering and designs are required to be provided to a feasibility level and must be updated every five years or within 12 months of any environmental impact assessment or modification thereto.

Accessibility, Climate, Local Resource, Infrastructure and Physiography

The Antamina deposit is located at an average elevation of 4,200 metres, 385 kilometres by road and 270 kilometres by air north of Lima, Peru. Antamina lies on the eastern side of the Western Cordillera in the upper part of the Rio Marañon basin. Mine personnel live in a camp facility while at work and commute from both local communities and larger population centres, including Lima.

The mine is accessible via an all-weather chip sealed access road maintained by CM Antamina. The mine road connects at the Peruvian National Highway 14 at Conococha Lake. The closest town to the mine site is San Marcos, 38 kilometres by dirt road. Huaraz is the closest city to the mine site, 200 kilometres by paved road or 156 kilometres by partial dirt road.

Power for the mine is taken from the Peru national energy grid through an electrical substation constructed at Huallanca. Fresh water requirements are sourced from a dam-created reservoir upstream from the tailings impoundment facility. The tailings impoundment facility is located next to the mill. Water reclaimed from the tailings impoundment is used as process water in the mill operation. The operation is subject to water and air permits issued by the Government of Peru. The operation holds all of the permits that are material to its current operations.

The topography in the area of the Antamina property is characterized by steep, sharp limestone ridges and peaks, generally at 4,500 to 4,800 metres altitude, but up to a maximum of 5,073 metres. There are short glacial valleys with lakes and deep, steep-sided river canyons and valleys. The ambient air temperatures at the Antamina property range from an hourly maximum of 15.3°C to an hourly minimum of -0.1°C and the rainfall averages 1,870 millimetres per year. These conditions are appropriate to conduct mining operations throughout the year. Occasional interruptions in mining activities may occur due to strong lightning storms.

History

The Antamina valley has seen limited mineral production by indigenous peoples for centuries. The Cerro de Pasco Corporation (“ Cerro ”) was the first company to carry out exploratory work of any magnitude on the Antamina project, beginning in 1952. Cerro defined over one million tonnes averaging better than 3.0% copper and a lower grade reserve of 10 million tonnes. In 1970, all of the mining assets owned by Cerro were transferred to the Government of Peru. Following expropriation, Minero Perú, the Peruvian mining administration agency, formed the Empresa Minera Especial (“ EME ”) in partnership with Geomin, the Romanian mining agency. EME carried out a work program on the property culminating in a series of feasibility studies based on the proven and probable reserves determined from drilling and underground sampling. The basic mining plan involved an initial open pit producing 10,000 tonnes per day of ore for seven years then 20,000 tonnes per day for 13 years.

25


 

EME updated the initial study in 1978, 1979 and 1982. EME was disbanded in the 1981-1982 period due to its failure to finance the project.

In 1996, Rio Algom Limited and Inmet Mining Corporation acquired the Antamina project and shortly afterward formed CM Antamina to hold their interest in the project. In 1998, Inmet Mining Corporation sold its interest in CM Antamina, and CM Antamina was restructured under the ownership of Rio Algom Limited (37.5%), Noranda Inc. (37.5%) and Teck Corporation (25%). In 1999, the ownership was further modified as each of the three partners sold 10% of their interest to Mitsubishi Corporation, resulting in the ownership of Rio Algom Limited (33.75%), Noranda Inc. (33.75%), Teck Corporation (22.5%) and Mitsubishi Corporation (10%). As a result of various corporate transactions involving its parent owners, the current ownership of CM Antamina is BHP Billiton plc (33.75%), Glencore (33.75%), Teck (22.5%) and Mitsubishi Corporation (10%).

Geological Setting, Mineralization and Deposit Type

The Antamina deposit sits at the bottom of a glacial valley surrounded by limestone ridges. It is hosted in a sequence of limestones and sediments, which were strongly deformed by thrusting and folding, then later intruded by intermediate to felsic stocks.

The Antamina polymetallic deposit is skarn-hosted. It is unusual in its persistent mineralization and predictable zonation, and has a SW-NE strike length of more than 2,500 metres and a width of up to 1,000 metres. The skarn is well-zoned symmetrically on either side of the central intrusion with the zoning used as the basis for four major subdivisions, being a brown garnet skarn, green garnet skarn, wollastonite/diopside/green garnet skarn and a marbleized limestone with veins or mantos of wollastonite. Other types of skarn, including the massive sulphides, massive magnetite, and chlorite skarn, represent the remainder of the skarn and are randomly distributed throughout the deposit. The variability of ore types can result in significant changes in the relative proportions of copper and zinc produced in any given year.

Copper occurs mainly as chalcopyrite except for two areas of bornite, representing approximately five percent of the deposit. Zinc generally occurs as sphalerite. Other significant sulphides include molybdenite and pyrite, while trace amounts of silver and bismuth bearing minerals and local areas of galena are found.

Metal zonation is quite distinctive within the deposit. Copper occurs relatively evenly distributed from endoskarn to the limestone contact. Zinc and bismuth tend to occur within 70 metres of the contact of green garnet skarn with limestone/marble/hornfels. Molybdenite is generally located within the intrusive core and the surrounding endoskarn. Silver is present in any of the skarn lithologies. Lead is generally located in green garnet exoskarn, diopside exoskarn and hornfels. However veins and blebs of tennantite and other minerals can be found as rare occurrences in any rock type at Antamina.

Exploration

Commencing in 1996, CM Antamina performed an extensive exploration and development program to define the deposit. A resource model was built in 1997 to provide input to the feasibility study. The Antamina deposit had been drilled and underground sampled to the level that a resource and reserve model was constructed and a feasibility study undertaken in 1998. Work performed on the property up to 1999 includes metallurgical testing, check assaying of previous drill hole and underground tunnel pulps, geologic mapping, geotechnical core logging and mapping, 135 kilometres of core drilling, 6 kilometres underground tunnels and 225 metres of drifting for bulk sampling. As well, during the development and feasibility work, over 400 tonnes of metallurgical samples, representing all parts of the deposit, were taken and shipped to labs for various bench scale flotation and milling tests as well as pilot plant tests. Project construction was commenced in 1999 with initial production realized in June 2001. Since production, additional exploration studies have associated satellite areas of the property with the main intrusive and Antamina skarn through geochronology, isotopic and alteration patterns. In addition, a series of potential areas for grass-roots exploration have been identified based on stratigraphic, structural and morphological patterns.

Drilling

The Antamina data set contains core drill data, reverse circulation drill data, and data from underground drifts. EME drilled 174 core holes for 19,885 metres and extended the underground drifts driven by Cerro to a total of 6,000 metres. In addition the entire 6,000 metres of underground drifts were channeled sampled. Between 1996 and 2008, CM Antamina drilled an additional 1,905 core holes for 580,060 metres. The drill hole and underground data has been entered into acQuire database software for validation and storage. The Antamina resource model is updated on an annual basis to incorporate new available drilling data and improved understanding of the orebody.

In 2017, 56 diamond drill holes were completed within the Antamina pit, including 3 deep holes, for a total of approximately 33,300 metres.

Sampling, Analysis and Data Verification

More than 280,000 samples have been analyzed. Assay data used for resource modeling is predominately from drill core samples (95%), with a lesser amount of underground channel (4%) and reverse circulation (1%) samples. No bias was noted

26


 

for particular minerals with respect to core recovery and the samples used for the resource estimation are considered representative. Drill core sampling methodology for all Antamina drilling campaigns was the same: the drill core was cut in half, and sample intervals were set at three metres in length; however, the length of samples were adjusted to start and end at major geologic alteration and lithology contacts. All efforts were made to collect samples with a minimum length not less than 1 metre, except for density samples which average approximately 0.15 metre in length. The whole length of the drill hole was sampled, whether mineralized or not, except where low recovery prevented the collection of a representative sample. Most of the density data has been collected using two methods: caliper and wax-coat water immersion (which were determined to produce equivalent datasets). Additional studies were performed to determine correction factors for the bias between the whole core density and the in-situ density. Those factors were subsequently used during the resource estimation procedures. A bulk metallurgical sample was taken for pilot plant testing to determine grinding and bulk flotation characteristics of the ores. A drift location for the bulk sample was selected in the likely starter pit area. Approximately 400 tonnes of material was shipped for testing.

For all drilling programs run by CM Antamina, sample preparation, assaying, analytical and quality control procedures have followed acceptable industry standard practices. The procedures followed included the use of independent assay labs for all sample preparation and assays and the use of QA/QC protocols in all drilling campaigns. Additionally, most of the drilling programs included an independent audit of the QA/QC program and results. For diamond core, three metre samples of half core (HQ or NQ) are taken and crushed for assay at an external laboratory. The remaining half of the core is retained for future reference. The assay program includes approximately 15% of quality-assurance/quality-control samples, comprising reference materials, duplicates and blanks. The reference materials consist of matrix-matched material from Antamina, homogenized and certified in accordance with industry practice. All original data (geological logs, field forms, printed assay certificates, core photographs, and all other types of paper forms) have been archived at the mine site, inventoried and filed by hole. All of the paper forms have been scanned and electronically stored, together with all of the information that was originally received in an electronic form. A backup copy of all electronically-stored data (including backups of the SQL-based resource database) is stored in the CM Antamina vault in Lima. Industry accepted procedures were utilized for sampling, sample preparation, security and analytical procedures.  Sample checks have demonstrated that the samples are representative of the mineralization and that there is no bias in the sampling.

Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing

Extensive metallurgical testing was conducted on the Antamina ore body from November 1996 to December 1997. The work was carried out by reputable metallurgical laboratories under the direction of a committee of experienced metallurgical experts from within the ownership group supported by independent consultants. Much of the critical initial work was carried out in duplicate at different laboratories. Concentrator operations were started in May 2001. Over ten years of operational and metallurgical data have been realized since the original feasibility test work. The operational data and metallurgical relationships developed subsequent to the feasibility study have been applied to the current resource model.

Mineral Resource and Reserve Estimates

The Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for the Antamina deposit as of December 31, 2017 are as follows:

Mineral Reserves as at December 31, 2017 (100% basis)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proven

 

 

Probable

 

 

Total

 

 

  

  

Tonnes

  

  

Grade

  

  

Tonnes

  

  

Grade

  

  

Tonnes

  

  

Grade

 

Copper

 

 

‘000

 

 

Cu %

 

 

‘000

 

 

Cu %

 

 

‘000

 

 

Cu %

 

Copper Only Ores

 

 

115,900

 

 

1.01

 

 

196,300

 

 

0.97

 

 

312,100

 

 

0.98

 

Copper Zinc Ores

 

 

64,600

 

 

0.90

 

 

161,400

 

 

0.80

 

 

225,900

 

 

0.83

 

Total

 

 

180,500

 

 

0.97

 

 

357,700

 

 

0.89

 

 

538,000

 

 

0.92

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proven

 

 

Probable

 

 

Total

 

 

  

  

Tonnes

  

  

Grade

  

  

Tonnes

  

  

Grade

  

  

Tonnes

  

  

Grade

 

Zinc

 

 

‘000

 

 

Zn %

 

 

‘000

 

 

Zn %

 

 

‘000

 

 

Zn %

 

Total

 

 

64,600

 

 

2.2

 

 

161,400

 

 

2.0

 

 

225,900

 

 

2.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proven

 

 

Probable

 

 

Total

 

 

  

  

Tonnes

  

  

Grade

  

  

Tonnes

  

  

Grade

  

  

Tonnes

  

  

Grade

 

Silver

 

 

‘000

 

 

Ag g/t

 

 

‘000

 

 

Ag g/t

 

 

‘000

 

 

Ag g/t

 

Copper Only Ores

 

 

115,900

 

 

7.5

 

 

196,300

 

 

7.9

 

 

312,100

 

 

7.8

 

Copper Zinc Ores

 

 

64,600

 

 

17.9

 

 

161,400

 

 

12.8

 

 

225,900

 

 

14.3

 

Total

 

 

180,500

 

 

11.2

 

 

357,700

 

 

10.2

 

 

538,000

 

 

10.5

 

 

27


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proven

 

 

Probable

 

 

Total

 

 

  

  

Tonnes

  

  

Grade

  

  

Tonnes

  

  

Grade

  

  

Tonnes

  

  

Grade

 

Molybdenum

 

 

‘000

 

 

Mo %

 

 

‘000

 

 

Mo %

 

 

‘000

 

 

Mo %

 

Total

 

 

115,900

 

 

0.037

 

 

196,300

 

 

0.034

 

 

312,100

 

 

0.035

 

 

Mineral Resources (Exclusive of Mineral Reserves) as at December 31, 2017 (100% basis)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Measured

 

 

Indicated

 

 

Inferred

 

 

  

  

Tonnes

  

  

Grade

  

  

Tonnes

  

  

Grade

  

  

Tonnes

  

  

Grade

 

Copper

 

 

‘000

 

 

Cu %

 

 

‘000

 

 

Cu %

 

 

‘000

 

 

Cu %

 

Copper Only ore OP

 

 

53,900

 

 

0.60

 

 

319,100

 

 

0.81

 

 

603,000

 

 

0.84

 

Copper Zinc ores OP

 

 

19,400

 

 

0.90

 

 

127,200

 

 

1.10

 

 

268,000

 

 

0.94

 

Copper Only ore UG

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

12,200

 

 

1.11

 

 

500,900

 

 

0.96

 

Total

 

 

73,300

 

 

0.68

 

 

458,500

 

 

0.90

 

 

1,371,900

 

 

0.91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Measured

 

 

Indicated

 

 

Inferred

 

 

  

  

Tonnes

  

  

Grade

  

  

Tonnes

  

  

Grade

  

  

Tonnes

  

  

Grade

 

Zinc

 

 

‘000

 

 

Zn %

 

 

‘000

 

 

Zn %

 

 

‘000

 

 

Zn %

 

Total

 

 

19,400

 

 

1.4

 

 

127,200

 

 

1.7

 

 

268,000

 

 

1.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Measured

 

 

Indicated

 

 

Inferred

 

 

  

  

Tonnes

  

  

Grade

  

  

Tonnes

  

  

Grade

  

  

Tonnes

  

  

Grade

 

Silver

 

 

‘000

 

 

Ag g/t

 

 

‘000

 

 

Ag g/t

 

 

‘000

 

 

Ag g/t

 

Copper Only ore OP

 

 

53,900

 

 

6.9

 

 

319,100

 

 

9.1

 

 

603,000

 

 

7.9

 

Copper Zinc ores OP

 

 

19,400

 

 

16.9

 

 

127,200

 

 

19.1

 

 

268,000

 

 

15.1

 

Copper Only ore UG

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

12,200

 

 

14.5

 

 

500,900

 

 

11.1

 

Total

 

 

73,300

 

 

9.5

 

 

458,500

 

 

12.0

 

 

1,371,900

 

 

10.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Measured

 

 

Indicated

 

 

Inferred

 

 

  

  

Tonnes

  

  

Grade

  

  

Tonnes

  

  

Grade

  

  

Tonnes

  

  

Grade

 

Molybdenum

 

 

‘000

 

 

Mo %

 

 

‘000

 

 

Mo %

 

 

‘000

 

 

Mo %

 

Total

 

 

53,900

 

 

0.017

 

 

319,100

 

 

0.023

 

 

603,000

 

 

0.030

 

 

 

Notes :

(1)      Source: Teck AIF dated February 26, 2018.

(2)      Columns and rows may not add up due to rounding.

(3)      Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

(4)      Zinc is not recovered from copper ores and molybdenum is not usually recovered from copper-zinc ores or from copper ores with high bismuth.

(5)      Open pit reserve estimates were prepared assuming long term metal prices of: $2.84/lb copper, $1.00/lb zinc, $8.01/lb molybdenum and $19.47/oz silver.  Open pit and underground resource estimates were prepared assuming long-term metal prices of:  $3.00/lb copper, $1.30/lb zinc, $9.50/lb molybdenum and $20.70/oz silver.

(6)      The cut-off grades at Antamina are based on the net value before taxes that the material is expected to generate per hour of concentrator operation at assumed prices, and varies by year in an effort to maximise the net present value of the pit.

 

Mineral Reserves are limited to the current operation tailings dam capacity.

Mining Operations

Project construction commenced in 1999 with initial production realized in June 2001. Antamina is currently a producing property, with the mine and concentrator operating at the designed capacity.

The mine is an open-pit, truck/shovel operation.  The ore is crushed within the pit and conveyed through a 2.7 kilometre tunnel to a coarse ore stockpile at the mill. It is then processed utilizing two SAG mills, followed by ball mill grinding and flotation to produce separate copper, zinc, molybdenum and lead/bismuth concentrates.  The mill has the capacity to process approximately 145,000 tonnes per day depending on ore hardness.  Silver is predominantly contained within the copper concentrates, with additional silver contained within the lead-bismuth concentrate. The concentrator processes multiple ore types on a campaign basis. These campaigns range from a number of days to an entire month or longer depending upon ore development and concentrate marketing requirements.

A 302 kilometre-long slurry concentrate pipeline, approximately 22 centimetres in diameter with a single pump station at the mine site, transports copper and zinc concentrates to the Huarmey port, where they are dewatered and stored prior to loading onto vessels for shipment to smelters and refineries world-wide. CM Antamina has entered into long-term off-take agreements with affiliates of the Antamina shareholders on market terms for copper, zinc and molybdenum concentrates.

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On a 100% basis, 2017 copper production was 422,500 tonnes compared to 431,100 tonnes in 2016, zinc production was a record 372,100 tonnes, nearly doubling 2016 production levels, molybdenum production totalled 8.7 million pounds, 15% lower than 2016, and silver production (calculated from Glencore’s attributable share as disclosed in its February 1, 2018 Production Report for the 12 months ended 31 December 2017, available on Glencore’s website), totalled 19.5 million ounces compared to 20.1 million ounces in 2016.

On a 100% basis, Antamina’s 2018 production is expected to be in the range of approximately 400,000 – 420,000 tonnes of copper, 380,000 – 400,000 tonnes of zinc and 8 million pounds of molybdenum in concentrates.

Based on current designed tailings storage capacity, the mine life is expected to continue until 2028.  Operating permits are valid until the end of the life of mine.  CM Antamina is currently conducting engineering studies for additional tailings storage options and alternative mine plans that could result in significant mine life extensions.

Labour

In January 2016, a new labour agreement was ratified that will expire in the third quarter of 2018.

Operating and Capital Costs

Total 2018 projected cash operating costs for the project (shown on a 100% basis, calculated from Teck’s attributable 22.5% share) are tabulated below.

 

 

 

 

    

Approximated Projected Cost,

Component

 

$ million

Labour

 

378

Supplies

 

400

Energy

 

178

Other (including general & administrative, inventory changes)

 

22

Less amounts associated with projected capitalized stripping

 

(244)

Total

 

733

 

The cash operating costs presented above do not include transportation or royalties.

Total 2018 projected capital costs for the project (shown on a 100% basis, calculated from Teck’s attributable 22.5% share) are tabulated below:

 

 

 

 

    

Approximated Projected Cost,

Component

 

$ million

Sustaining

 

236

Major Enhancement

 

44

Total

 

280

 

Exploration and Development

Beyond the estimated Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources, Antamina hosts additional potential open pit and bulk/selective underground targets.  A third party study was completed in 2017 to evaluate copper-only mineral resources that could be extracted using an underground operation.  The underground resource has been estimated at 500 million tonnes of inferred and 12 million tonnes of indicated, copper-only ore resources.  Although underground methods would reduce existing open pit resources by 383.0 million tonnes, there is a net increase of 123.5 million tonnes of resources.  There is also regional exploration potential over a large, prospective land package greater than 700 square kilometres.

29


 

CANDELARIA MINING AND TECHNICAL INFORMATIO N

Property Description, Location and Access

The Candelaria Copper Mining Complex comprises two adjacent copper mining operations, Compañia Contractual Minera Candelaria (“ Minera Candelaria ”) and Compañia Contractual Minera Ojos del Salado (“ Minera Ojos del Salado ”), that produce copper concentrates from open pit and underground mines. Minera Candelaria is an open pit and underground mine (“ Candelaria Underground ”) providing copper ore to an on-site concentrator with a capacity of 75,000 tonnes per day, and Minera Ojos del Salado comprises two underground mines: Santos and Alcaparrosa. The Santos mine provides copper ore to an on-site concentrator with a capacity of 3,800 tonnes per day, while ore from the Alcaparrosa mine is treated at the Minera Candelaria processing plant. The Candelaria Copper Mining Complex is indirectly owned by Lundin as to 80% and Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd. and Sumitomo Corporation (collectively, “ Sumitomo ”) as to 20%.

The Candelaria Copper Mining Complex is located in Chile’s Atacama Region, Region III, at an elevation of approximately 650 metres above sea level, 20 kilometres south of the city of Copiapó and adjacent to the community of Tierra Amarilla, all of which are approximately 650 kilometres north of Santiago. The properties are easily accessed using the public road system. Personnel employed at the Candelaria Copper Mining Complex come primarily from the Copiapó region. Copiapó is a modern city with all regular services and a population of approximately 160,000. Copiapó regional airport is serviced by regional flights from Santiago and other destinations on a daily basis.

The Minera Candelaria property comprises 249 mining exploitation concessions (approximately 5,855 hectares) and 65 mining exploration concessions (approximately 6,580 hectares). The Minera Ojos del Salado property comprises 192 mining exploitation concessions (approximately 9,273 hectares) and 38 mining exploration concessions (approximately 6,848 hectares). The tenements are free of mortgages, encumbrances, prohibitions, injunctions, and litigation. The tenements on which active and contemplated mining activities occur or are contemplated to occur are not affected by royalties.

History

The Candelaria sulphide deposit was discovered by Phelps Dodge Corporation (“ Phelps Dodge ”) in 1987. A feasibility study was completed in 1990 and, following approval by the Chilean government, construction started in October of 1992. Sumitomo acquired a 20% stake in the project in 1992. Production commenced in early 1995.

In 2007, property ownership changed when Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (“ Freeport ”) acquired Phelps Dodge.

During 2011, a pipeline was completed to bring water purchased from a nearby sewage treatment facility to the Candelaria mine. A desalination plant at the port of Caldera was built and commissioned in 2013 at a capacity of 500 litres per second.

The Santos underground mine has been in production since 1929, with processing taking place at what is now called the Pedro Aguirre Cerda (“ PAC ”) plant. Phelps Dodge became sole owner of Minera Ojos del Salado and the Santos mine and the PAC plant in 1985. The PAC plant has been expanded several times to its current capacity of 3,800 tonnes per day. Sumitomo acquired its 20% interest in Minera Ojos del Salado in 2005.

In early 1996, production from the Alcaparrosa underground mine commenced.

In November 2014, Lundin acquired Freeport’s interest in the Candelaria Copper Mining Complex.

In 2015, the Candelaria 2030 project (as defined below), including the new Los Diques tailings management facility, received environmental approval from Chilean regulators. Construction of Los Diques commenced in 2016 after the receipt of the major construction permits.

The Candelaria Copper Mining Complex has been a significant producer of copper since the mid-1990s. Over the last four years, annual contained copper and gold metal in concentrates has averaged approximately 174 kilotonnes and 100,000 ounces, respectively.

Geological Setting, Mineralization and Deposit Type

The Candelaria sulphide deposit is located at the boundary between the Coastal Cordillera and the Copiapó Precordillera. The Coastal Cordillera of Chañaral and Copiapó is composed of Permian to Lower Cretaceous intrusions within a basement of metasedimentary rocks of Devonian to Carboniferous age. Volcanic, volcaniclastic and marine carbonate rocks represent intra- and back-arc sequences that were deposited during the Early to Mid-Cretaceous period.

The Candelaria, Santos and Alcaparrosa mines are located in the district of Punta del Cobre. The polymetallic sulphide deposits are hosted in volcanic rocks of the Punta del Cobre Formation. Polymetallic sulphide deposits in the Punta del Cobre district are located to the east of the main branches of the Atacama fault zone, a subduction-linked strike-slip fault system stretching over 1,000 kilometres along the Chilean coast and active at least since the Jurassic period. The dominant structural elements of the Punta del Cobre area are the northeast-trending Tierra Amarilla Anticlinorium, a southeast verging fold-and-thrust system and a series of north-northwest to northwest-trending high-angle faults.

30


 

The copper-gold sulphide mineralization found at the Candelaria Copper Mining Complex is generally referred to as iron oxide copper gold (IOCG) mineralization. The sulphide mineralization occurs in breccias, stockwork veinlets, disseminations in andesite, and as an internal tuff unit. There are also some localized controls to mineralization in the form of faults, breccias, veins, and foliation.

Candelaria has become an exploration model for Andean-type IOCG deposits that display close relationships to the plutonic complexes and broadly coeval fault systems. Depending on lithology and the structural setting, the polymetallic sulphide mineralization can occur as veins, hydrothermal breccias, replacement mantos, and calcic skarns. The Candelaria IOCG system lies within the thermal aureole of the Lower Cretaceous magmatic arc plutonic suite in the Candelaria-Punta del Cobre district.

Exploration

Ongoing exploration is conducted at the Candelaria Copper Mining Complex with the primary purpose of supporting mining and increasing Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves available for mining. Exploration is focused on the known mantos, veins, and breccia masses in proximity to existing underground infrastructure. Historically, this strategy has proven very effective in defining new Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves available for underground mining. Much of the exploration is conducted from underground, requiring significant underground development to provide adequate drilling stations. Regional exploration is also undertaken on the large properties surrounding the mines to identify targets and define new Mineral Resource areas. All existing exploration information is being compiled into a comprehensive 3D model to allow for evaluation and prioritization of exploration efforts.

From 2010 to the end of June 2017, Minera Candelaria and Minera Ojos del Salado have, together, invested more than US$189 million in exploration, primarily below the Candelaria open pit, to the north and south, and at the three underground mines. This exploration has resulted in a significant expansion of the Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves of the underground mines, and contributed to the extension of their life.

At Candelaria, the 2016 exploration programme included 56,500 metres of diamond drilling and 430 metres of underground development. At the Alcaparrosa mine, the 2016 exploration programme included 121 metres of underground development and a total of 5,000 metres of core drilling. At the Santos mine, the 2016 exploration programme included 17,500 metres of core drilling. In addition to the underground exploration programmes, geophysical tools including MIMDAS, Gravity, and TDEM have been employed to guide future drilling programs within the Candelaria District.

Drilling

Mineral Resources are estimated from information obtained from surface and underground drill holes. From 1990 to June 30, 2017, 2,944 core and percussion boreholes have been drilled in and around the Candelaria open pit mine. At the Santos mine, a total of 1,442 core boreholes were drilled since 1988. For the Alcaparrosa mine, the borehole database contains information from 1,002 core boreholes drilled from surface and underground locations. The drilling and sampling procedures used are consistent with generally recognized industry best practices.

Sampling, Analysis and Data Verification

Analytical samples used in estimating the Minera Candelaria Mineral Resources were prepared and assayed at the Candelaria mine laboratory that is accredited to ISO 17025 for the analyses of copper, iron, zinc, and silver. Analytical samples used in estimating the Minera Ojos del Salado Mineral Resources were prepared and assayed by Intertek (formerly Vigalab). Conventional preparation and assaying procedures are used. Copper is analyzed by multi acid digestion and atomic absorption spectroscopy. Gold is assayed using a fire assay procedure. Specific gravity is systematically measured on core samples.

All drilling assay samples have been collected by company personnel or under the direct supervision of company personnel. Samples from Minera Candelaria are processed and analyzed entirely at the mine site. Samples from Minera Ojos del Salado are shipped directly from the property to the Intertek laboratory in Tierra Amarilla.

Assay samples are collected by appropriately qualified staff at the laboratories. Sample security involves two aspects: maintaining the chain of custody of samples to prevent inadvertent contamination or mixing of samples and rendering active tampering as difficult as possible.

A study initiated in 2016 showed an apparent bias in the analytical results delivered by Intertek laboratory for silver affecting samples assayed prior to mid- 2015. There is no significant evidence of historical bias in gold assay results.

For the 2016 block models, correction factors were calculated and applied to the historical block models impacted by the problematic samples for the underground mines.

In the 2017 underground block models, the same correction factor was applied for each borehole affected by silver overestimation from 2015. In the open pit, boreholes with overestimated silver grades were removed from the database so as not to affect the block models prepared in 2017. This resulted in a decrease of the silver grade in the Candelaria open pit Mineral Resource estimate.

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The sampling preparation, security, analytical procedures, data verification and QA/QC protocols used are consistent with generally accepted industry best practices.

Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing

The Candelaria Copper Mining Complex maintains regular metallurgical testing programs that are incorporated with historical testing results and mill performance into a statistical model to predict and improve the complex’s processing performance in terms of mill throughput, metal recovery to concentrate, and final concentrate grade. Metallurgical tests are executed in a number of specialized in-house and commercial facilities. Testing includes rock hardness classification, mineralogy using QEMSCAN technology and bench scale flotation testing that is correlated with industrial scale performance in order to predict mill throughput and metallurgical performance. A similar but less intense program is underway for the PAC plant.

New metallurgical tests were initiated in late 2016 as part of a feasibility study to evaluate potential throughput increases at the Candelaria mill. Results and analysis from this testwork programme were evaluated and many process improvement initiatives have now commenced, focussing on debottlenecking and improving the performance of the existing mill facilities.

Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Estimates

The Mineral Resources at the Candelaria Copper Mining Complex are estimated from core drilling information stored in a secured central database, and were evaluated using a geostatistical block modelling approach. Five Mineral Resource models were prepared for the areas comprising the Candelaria open pit mine and the three underground mines (Candelaria underground north sector, Candelaria underground south sector, Santos, and Alcaparrosa) using slightly different methodologies and assumptions. The block models comprising the Candelaria underground and Santos underground deposits were integrated in 2017.

The open pit Mineral Reserve estimate is based on a mine plan and open pit designs developed using modifying parameters including metal prices, metal recovery based on performance of the processing plant, operating cost estimates and sustaining capital cost estimates based on the production schedule and equipment requirements. Open pit optimizations are carried out using a Lerchs-Grossman algorithm.

The underground Mineral Reserve estimates at Candelaria (north and south sectors), Alcaparrosa and Santos are based on mine plans and designs developed using modifying parameters including metal prices, metal recovery based on performance of the processing plant, and operating and sustaining capital cost estimates. Preliminary stope layouts were generated by first utilizing Datamine MSO (Mineable Shape Optimizer) software with pre-defined stope design parameters. These preliminary stope designs were reviewed and refined to achieve optimal stope geometries.

Details of the June 30, 2017 Consolidated Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve statement for the Candelaria Copper Mining Complex are set forth below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Mineral Resource Statement as of June 30, 2017 (100% Basis)*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classification

 

Quantity

 

Cu

 

Au

 

Ag

 

Cu

 

Au

 

Ag

 

 

 

 

 

‘000 t

 

%

 

g/t

 

g/t

 

‘000 t

 

‘000 oz

 

‘000 oz

 

Open Pit

    

Measured

    

389,374

    

0.55

    

0.13

    

1.73

    

2,154

    

1,614

    

21,684

    

 

 

Indicated

 

28,942

 

0.42

 

0.12

 

1.30

 

122

 

108

 

1,206

 

 

 

Measured & Indicated

 

418,316

 

0.54

 

0.13

 

1.70

 

2,276

 

1,721

 

22,889

 

 

 

Inferred

 

5,976

 

0.27

 

0.06

 

0.93

 

16

 

12

 

178

 

Underground

 

Measured

 

147,844

 

1.15

 

0.26

 

3.56

 

1,694

 

1,215

 

16,939

 

 

 

Indicated

 

82,279

 

1.06

 

0.23

 

3.11

 

869

 

605

 

8,223

 

 

 

Measured & Indicated

 

230,123

 

1.11

 

0.25

 

3.40

 

2,563

 

1,820

 

25,162

 

 

 

Inferred

 

17,851

 

1.04

 

0.24

 

1.75

 

185

 

138

 

1,001

 

WIP**

 

Measured

 

92,386

 

0.34

 

0.09

 

1.41

 

314

 

272

 

4,183

 

 

 

Indicated

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

 

 

Measured & Indicated

 

92,386

 

0.34

 

0.09

 

1.41

 

314

 

272

 

4,183

 

 

 

Inferred

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

Combined

 

Measured

 

629,604

 

0.66

 

0.15

 

2.11

 

4,162

 

3,101

 

42,805

 

 

 

Indicated

 

111,222

 

0.89

 

0.20

 

2.64

 

992

 

712

 

9,429

 

 

 

Measured & Indicated

 

740,825

 

0.70

 

0.16

 

2.19

 

5,153

 

3,813

 

52,233

 

 

 

Inferred

 

23,827

 

0.84

 

0.20

 

1.54

 

201

 

149

 

1,179

 

 

*     Reported within the boundaries of the Compañia Contractual Minera Candelaria and Compañia Contractual Ojos del Salado properties. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and have not demonstrated economic viability. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. Mineral Resources include Mineral Reserves. Open pit Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.2 percent copper within a conceptual pit shell based on metal prices of US$3.16 per pound of copper and US$1,000 per ounce of gold and current topography. Underground Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.6 percent copper. Parts of the open pit Mineral Resources have been converted into underground Mineral Reserves. Franco-Nevada’s stream covers only Lundin’s 80% interest in the Candelaria Copper Mining Complex.

**   Work-in-Progress (WIP) stockpiles.

 

 

 

32


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Mineral Reserve Statement as of June 30, 2017 (100% Basis)*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classification

 

Quantity

 

Cu

 

Au

 

Ag

 

Cu

 

Au

 

Ag

 

 

 

 

 

‘000 t

 

%

 

g/t

 

g/t

 

‘000t

 

‘000oz

 

‘000 oz

 

Open Pit

    

Proven

    

295,012

    

0.54

    

0.13

    

1.75

    

1,591

    

1,188

    

16,569

    

 

 

Probable

 

20,880

 

0.45

 

0.12

 

1.66

 

94

 

80

 

1,117

 

 

 

Total

 

315,892

 

0.53

 

0.12

 

1.74

 

1,685

 

1,268

 

17,687

 

WIP**

 

Proven

 

92,316

 

0.34

 

0.09

 

1.41

 

313

 

271

 

4,179

 

Candelaria

 

Probable

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

 

 

Total

 

92,316

 

0.34

 

0.09

 

1.41

 

313

 

271

 

4,179

 

Underground

 

Proven

 

54,967

 

0.89

 

0.21

 

3.11

 

491

 

371

 

5,500

 

 

 

Probable

 

34,240

 

0.86

 

0.19

 

2.92

 

296

 

209

 

3,215

 

 

 

Total

 

89,207

 

0.88

 

0.20

 

3.04

 

787

 

580

 

8,714

 

WIP**

 

Proven

 

70

 

0.87

 

0.22

 

1.69

 

 1

 

0.5

 

 4

 

Ojos del Santos

 

Probable

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

 

 

Total

 

70

 

0.87

 

0.22

 

1.69

 

 1

 

0.5

 

 4

 

Combined

 

Proven

 

442,364

 

0.54

 

0.13

 

1.85

 

2,395

 

1,830

 

26,251

 

 

 

Probable

 

55,120

 

0.71

 

0.16

 

2.44

 

390

 

289

 

4,332

 

 

 

Total

 

497,484

 

0.56

 

0.13

 

1.91

 

2,785

 

2,120

 

30,584

 

 

*     Mineral Reserves are included in Mineral Resources. Mineral Reserves have been prepared using metal prices of US$2.75 per pound of copper US$1,000 per ounce of gold and US$15.00 per ounce of silver. All figures have been rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. Minera Candelaria Mineral Reserves for open pit and underground are reported at cut-off grades of 0.20 and 0.60 percent copper, respectively. Underground Mineral Reserves for Alcaparrosa and Santos are reported at cut-off grades of 0.63 and 0.66 percent copper, respectively. Parts of the underground Mineral Reserves have been converted from open pit Mineral Resources. Franco-Nevada’s stream covers only Lundin’s 80% interest in the Candelaria Copper Mining Complex.

**   Work-in-Progress (WIP) stockpiles.

Mining Operations

The Candelaria open pit mine operates with an overall mining rate which is being increased to approximately 270,000 tonnes per day including 64,800 tonnes per day of ore sent to the Candelaria processing plant. The average grade of the ore that will be mined from the open pit over the remaining life of mine is estimated at 0.53% copper, while stockpiled work-in-progress material is estimated to have an average grade of 0.34% copper. The mine currently operates seven electric shovels, 43 haulage trucks, eight production drills and a fleet of support equipment. A major open pit mine equipment re-capitalisation programme has been approved that will see much of the current fleet replaced over the next four years.

The open pit was designed to be mined in several phases of development. As of June 2017, five phases of development remain in the life-of-mine (“ LOM ”) plan (Phases 9 to 13). The overall strip ratio is 2.7:1 including ore that is initially delivered to stockpiles and the total in-pit waste is 871.6 million tonnes. The overall life of the open pit mine is 18 years.

Following a localised failure in the east wall of the Phase 9 pit in October 2017, modifications were made to the Phase 9 design and the LOM schedule was modified to reflect the changes. The Mineral Reserves were not affected by the change in design as material now excluded from the original Phase 9 will be captured in Phase 10 in future years. However, the 2018 and 2019 production forecasts have been impacted, and the forecast for 2018 now shows a reduction in contained copper of approximately 20% over the previous production plan, as additional low grade stockpile material will be processed in place of higher grade ore previously scheduled from Phase 9. For 2018, compared to the previous production plan, a reduction in contained gold of approximately 5% is forecast, while contained silver is forecast to increase slightly.

The Candelaria underground mine was expected to produce 7,000 tonnes per day of ore in 2017, ramping up to a steady state of 14,000 tonnes per day by 2021. The average LOM grade is 0.89 percent copper. The Alcaparrosa mine currently produces 4,300 tonnes per day of ore and is expected to maintain that rate in the LOM plan. The average LOM grade is 0.77 percent copper. The Santos mine will continue to produce at its current rate of production of 5,100 tonnes per day of ore with an average LOM grade of 0.94 percent copper. The three underground mines utilize a sublevel stoping mining method for ore extraction. This method is ideal for relatively large, vertical, as well as thick deposits with favourable and stable host rock.

Processing and Recovery Operations

Minera Candelaria and Minera Ojos del Salado operate their own processing plants. The Candelaria processing plant receives ore from the Candelaria open pit and Candelaria and Alcaparrosa underground mines. It has a nameplate capacity of 75,000 tonnes per day. The PAC processing plant receives ore from the Santos underground mine and has a design capacity of 3,800 tonnes per day.

The Candelaria processing plant flowsheet is conventional, comprising two parallel process lines for grinding and flotation followed by common final concentrate filtration and shipping of bulk copper concentrates. Run of mine ore is trucked to a primary gyratory crusher which then feeds a semi-autogenous grinding mill-ball mill circuit with pebble extraction and crushing. The secondary ball mill cyclone overflow constitutes feed to the rougher flotation bank. Rougher concentrate is reground prior to two stage cleaning in column flotation. Final flotation copper concentrate with gold and silver by-product metals is thickened, filtered, and stored on site. Final flotation tails are conventionally thickened and disposed of in a rockfill embankment tailings storage facility. Typical metallurgical recoveries average 94% for copper, 72% for gold and 82% for silver.

33


 

A feasibility study has been undertaken to evaluate potential debottlenecking expansions of the main Candelaria processing plant to add approximately 15-20% throughput capacity and is subject to further reviews and optimizations of the mine plan. However, the process improvement initiatives that were highlighted by the study are being implemented on their individual merits and the forecast cumulative impact of these initiatives is an additional 4,000 tonnes per day of throughput and an additional 1.7% copper recovery.

The PAC concentrator has been in operation since 1929. The PAC concentrator flowsheet comprises a conventional three -stage crushing plant. The grinding circuit has three closed circuit ball mills operating in parallel. The ball mill cyclone overflow constitutes feed to the rougher flotation bank. Rougher concentrates are reground prior to cleaning in a column cell with the tailings scavenged with conventional mechanical flotation cells. Final concentrate is thickened and filtered using a ceramic disc filter. Final flotation tailings from the PAC plant are pumped to the main Candelaria tailings storage facility. Historical metallurgical recoveries average 94% for copper, 72% for gold and 72% for silver.

Copper concentrates containing precious metals are sold on contract to local smelters or trucked to the Punta Padrones port, near Caldera for export to overseas smelters.

The Candelaria Copper Mining Complex has an agreement with a third party company to process Candelaria’s flotation tailings to produce a magnetite concentrate and this produces an additional source of by-product revenue for the operator subject to favourable iron ore prices.

Infrastructure, Permitting and Compliance Activities

The mines of the Candelaria Copper Mining Complex receive electrical power through long-term contracts with AES Gener S.A., a local energy company. The main water supply comes from a desalination plant, which was commissioned in 2013 and is located adjacent to the Punta Padrones port facility. Local treated sewage water is also used by the mines. Copper concentrate is shipped from the Punta Padrones port facility at the port of Caldera. Both the desalination plant and the Punta Padrones port are owned by Minera Candelaria.

The current Candelaria tailings storage facility receives the flotation tails from the Candelaria and PAC processing plants. The remaining tailings storage capacity at the end of 2017 is forecast to be 7.1 million cubic metres, sufficient to receive tailings until June 2018 at the current production throughput.

A new tailings storage facility, known as Los Diques, has been constructed to replace the Candelaria tailings storage facility. The Los Diques facility will be located to the southwest of the open pit and plant sites and will have an approximate designed capacity of 600 million tonnes. The Los Diques tailings management facility is a key part of the “Candelaria 2030 Project Operational Continuity” (“ Candelaria 2030 ”) environmental impact assessment (EIA) that was submitted to the environmental authorities in September 2013 and was approved in July 2015. Engineering was completed during 2016 and after receipt of key sectorial permits construction of the starter dam was initiated.

On January 16, 2018, Lundin announced that commissioning of the Los Diques tailings storage facility was underway with the first placement of tails occurring on January 8, 2018, several months ahead of schedule.

Chile has in place a comprehensive regulatory framework for mining and other industrial activities, dating from the mid-1990s and most recently updated in 2013. Although the Candelaria and Ojos del Salado facilities were permitted and developed prior to the modern framework being in place, both now hold numerous environmental approvals stemming from modifications to the original developments. In addition, the two companies hold more than 1,000 permits for construction and operation of the mining and milling facilities, and related infrastructure.

The most recently completed major environmental assessment process was initiated in September 2013 with the submission of the Candelaria 2030 EIA. This included, among other things, an extension of the operating life of the facilities and the Los Diques tailings storage facility. The Candelaria 2030 EIA received regulatory approval with conditions in July 2015. None of the conditions of approval represent risks to the technical or economic feasibility of the operation.

On January 16, 2018, Lundin announced that a Resolución de Calificación Ambiental environmental permit for the underground Alcaparrosa mine was received allowing for continuation of operations through to at least 2022.

The Environmental Management Systems of Minera Candelaria and Minera Ojos del Salado have been certified for many years under the international ISO 14001 Standard. Minera Candelaria was most recently re-certified in March 2015 and the certification for Minera Ojos del Salado was achieved in September 2016. During 2017, implementation of the updated standard ISO 14001 in all their areas was initiated and the compliance was certified.

In December 2016, The Candelaria Copper Mining Complex received notice of fines totalling approximately US$4 million, related to alleged instances of non-compliance with its environmental approvals stemming from two inspections carried out by regulatory authorities in 2013 and 2014, prior to ownership by Lundin. In June 2017, the Candelaria Copper Mining Complex presented its appeal in front of the Environmental Court. It is expected that the process could take up to a year or more to be resolved. The Candelaria Copper Mining Complex does not foresee any impact of this legal process on production.

34


 

The main permit pending from SERNAGEOMIN, the Technical Permit for the Port and Plant Operations, is under review and approval, as of the date of the Candelaria Technical Report, was expected in late December 2017. In addition, there is a pending approval of the Candelaria 2030 Closure Plan, which is also expected from SERNAGEOMIN in late 2017 or early 2018.

Separate mine closure plans are in place for Minera Candelaria and Minera Ojos del Salado and both have been approved by the Chilean National Geology and Mining Service. The approved closure costs are US$57.7 million for Minera Candelaria and US$9.0 million for Minera Ojos del Salado. In December 2016, an updated closure plan was submitted for review and approval, which includes the Candelaria 2030 developments and, as of the date of the Candelaria Technical Report, was expected to be approved before the end of 2017. Any extension of the Alcaparrosa mine’s life beyond the current life of mine will require an update of the closure plan and a new financial guarantee. The legacy facilities (old tailings and slag deposit) have already been closed and remediated.

Minera Candelaria is an active participant in civil society in the Atacama region of Chile, with social initiatives focussed principally on the communities nearest to the mine and port sites, namely Tierra Amarilla and Caldera. The Candelaria Copper Mining Complex includes liaison offices in both communities and has implemented a formal Stakeholder Engagement Plan and a grievance/suggestions mechanism. Community forums, called “Encuentros con Candelaria” and consisting of open meetings, have been conducted to share relevant information about the company’s strategic plan and initiatives on topics related to safety, environmental, operational and social performance.

Minera Candelaria has in place an agreement with the local government of Tierra Amarilla, which makes available more than US$16 million to develop a portfolio of community programs in areas such as housing, culture and health services improvements. In addition, at Caldera where most residents are either directly or indirectly linked to the fishing industry, Candelaria established the Fishermen Development Fund to offer local fishermen resources to develop individual and collective projects in the four main areas of housing, health, education and economic development.

In May 2017, the Candelaria Copper Mining Complex initiated a process to develop a 5-year Strategic Development Plan aimed to position the Candelaria Copper Mining Complex as a catalyst for the development of the Atacama region, together with the generation of public-private partnerships. The key pillars of the process are economic development, education, wellness and social and environmental innovation.

Capital and Operating Costs

For 2017, the combined Candelaria Copper Mining Complex C1 cash operating cost was US$1.22 per pound and for 2018 is forecast to be $1.70/lb.

For 2017 the combined Candelaria Copper Mining Complex capital expenditure was US$335M and the forecast capital investment plan for 2018 is summarized in the table below:

 

 

 

Forecast Capital Investment Plan, 2018

    

US$M

Capitalized Stripping

 

200

Los Diques TSF

 

60

New Mine Fleet Investment

 

75

Candelaria Mill Optimization Project

 

50

Candelaria Underground Development

 

20

Other Sustaining

 

105

Total Cost

 

510

 

Forecasted capital investment for 2018 has increased significantly, increasing to approximately US$510 million, from prior forecast of approximately US$170 million, contained in the Candelaria Technical Report dated January 17, 2017. Capital costs for the Candelaria underground mine have increased significantly and represent the development and supporting mine infrastructure for the expanded production in the North sector of the Candelaria underground and the initial development of the South sector of the mine. Candelaria mill capital costs include a series of process improvements. The tailings capital costs estimates include the completion of the initial phase of the new Los Diques tailings storage facility and the early commencement of subsequent phases of the facility. Forecasted G&A costs include a number of environmental and local community initiatives. The forecast capital expenditure estimate for Minera Ojos del Salado reflects the capitalization of mine access development in waste and the extension of both the Santos and Alcaparrosa mine lives to 2024 and an allowance to extend the PAC plant tailings pipeline to Los Diques.

Lundin capitalizes waste stripping costs when experienced strip ratios are above the average planned strip ratio for each open pit phase under development. During the production phase of the Candelaria open pit mine, waste stripping costs, which provide probable future economic benefits and improved access to the orebody, are capitalized to mineral properties.

35


 

Exploration, Development, and Production

The summary of the 2018 to 2022 exploration programme is tabulated below (metres/year).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

    

2018

    

2019

    

2020

    

2021

    

2022

    

Total

Santos

 

Definition

 

17,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,000

 

 

Exploration

 

17,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,000

Alcaparrosa

 

Definition

 

 

 

15,500

 

7,000

 

 

 

 

 

22,500

 

 

Exploration

 

19,000

 

7,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26,000

Candelaria Underground

 

Definition

 

29,000

 

49,000

 

26,000

 

30,000

 

8,000

 

142,000

 

 

Exploration

 

28,000

 

11,000

 

23,000

 

26,000

 

8,000

 

96,000

Candelaria Open Pit

 

Definition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exploration

 

4,000

 

7,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,000

District

 

Definition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23,000

 

23,000

 

 

Exploration

 

8,000

 

7,000

 

10,000

 

7,000

 

12,000

 

44,000

 

 

Delineation

 

3,000

 

15,500

 

15,000

 

6,000

 

15,000

 

54,500

 

 

Total (metres/year)

 

125,000

 

112,000

 

81,000

 

69,000

 

66,000

 

453,000

 

 

Drifting (metres)

 

1,995

 

1,150

 

1,160

 

660

 

700

 

5,665

Total Cost

 

US$ (‘000)

 

35,970

 

30,482

 

24,132

 

19,666

 

19,967

 

130,218

 

The objective of this exploration program is three-fold: to define and upgrade the classification of additional higher grade Mineral Resources in the underground mines to replace the processing of lower grade feed from the open pit or surface stockpiles and improve the LOM copper production; to understand the resource potential remaining in the underground mines; and to explore the Candelaria District to supplement the depletion of Mineral Resources in the mines.

For 2017, the Candelaria Copper Mining Complex produced contained metals in concentrate (100 percent basis) of 184 kilotonnes of copper, 104,000 ounces of gold and 1.8 million ounces of silver. The ten year production plan currently contemplates an increase in aggregate forecast copper production of approximately 20% and an increase in aggregate forecast gold and silver production of approximately 25% compared to the previous production plan. Over the remaining life of mine plan (to 2035), the average annual production is estimated to be 140 kilotonnes of copper, 82,000 ounces of gold and 1.3 million ounces of silver. This is an increase over the previous production plan and improves the overall project economics.

36


 

COBRE PANAMA MINING AND TECHNICAL INFORMATIO N

Project Description, Location and Access

The Cobre Panama concession is 120 kilometres west of Panama City and 25 kilometres from the Caribbean Sea coast, in the District of Donoso, Colon Province, in the Republic of Panama. It includes four zones and covers an area of 12,955.1 hectares. There is no industrial development in the area of the concession and the region is sparsely populated. The primary occupation of the local residents is subsistence farming. The nearest community, the village of Coclecito (population 900), is 12 kilometres southeast of the proposed plant site. The city of Penonomé, which has a population of 25,000, is 49 kilometres southeast of Coclecito.

The topography in the concession area is rugged with considerable local relief covered by dense forest. The area to the north is a lowland with minimal relief extending to the Caribbean coast. Climatic conditions are tropical with high precipitation levels, high humidity and relatively high temperatures year-round of 25 to 30 degrees Celsius.

On February 9, 1997, Minera Panama S.A., (“ MPSA ”) was granted the mineral concession to explore and exploit Cobre Panama under Contract Law No. 9 of February 26, 1997 (“ Law 9 ”). Law 9 has an initial 20-year term ending in 2017 and there are provisions for two consecutive 20-year extensions. Such extensions are standard and are awarded in the year the concession comes up for renewal. The legal regime established by Law 9 for the development of the Cobre Panama concession is supplemented by the Mineral Resources Code of Panama (the “ Panama Mining Code ”).

On December 30, 2016 the Government of Panama signed and issued Resolution No. 128 by which it extended the Law 9 mining concession for a second 20 year term which commenced March 1, 2017 up to February 28, 2037. MPSA remains eligible for consideration of a third 20 year term of the Law 9 mining concession commencing March 1, 2037.

Under Law 9, MPSA has the rights to explore for, extract, exploit, beneficiate, process, refine, transport, sell and market the gold, copper and other mineral deposits on the Cobre Panama concession.  MPSA is required to pay a 2% royalty on “Negotiable Gross Production” which is defined as “the gross amount received from the buyer due to the sale (of concentrates) after deductions of all smelting costs, penalties and other deductions, and after deducting all transportation costs and insurance incurred in their transfer from the mine to the smelter” to the Government of Panama.  Law 9 also grants to MPSA rights of way on state-owned lands and easements to use surface lands on concessions adjacent to the Cobre Panama concession; the right to build, maintain and use such lands; and easements for use to build, install, maintain and use facilities and installations that MPSA deems convenient for the development of the Cobre Panama concession.

Corporate income tax under Law 9 is payable at a rate of 25% on taxable earnings which is exempted for the period during which MPSA has outstanding debt relating to the construction and development of the project.

History

Cobre Panama is a development property in Panama which is currently in construction (it is not currently an operating mine). In 2013, First Quantum acquired an indirect 80% interest in MPSA, which holds the Cobre Panama concession, through its acquisition of Inmet Mining Corporation (“Inmet”). At that time the remaining 20% interest in MPSA was held by KPMC, a 50/50 joint venture company whose ultimate shareholders are LS-Nikko Copper Inc. and KORES.

In August 2017, First Quantum increased its effective ownership of MPSA to 90% by acquiring LS-Nikko’s 50% holding of KPMC. The purchase consideration of $664 million is payable in six installments over a five-year period. In September 2017,  First Quantum agreed terms for an additional precious metals stream agreement on the Cobre Panama project with the Company to finance the entire first instalment due to LS-Nikko.  This agreement was expanded in January 2018 to also include a precious metals stream on KORES’ 10% indirect interest.  The terms of the additional stream, other than the on-going price, mirror the existing stream on Cobre Panama, including initially linking precious metals deliveries to copper in concentrate shipped for approximately the first 25 years of production.

Geological Setting and Mineralization; Exploration and Drilling

Mineralization at Cobre Panama consists of several disseminated copper-gold-molybdenum deposits. Known geologically as porphyry copper deposits, these are typical of the Western Cordillera of the Americas and other regions around the Pacific Ocean basin.

During a regional survey in 1968, a United Nations Development Program team discovered copper, gold and molybdenum porphyry mineralization in the Petaquilla River region of north-central Panama. A total of 1,805 diamond drill holes totalling 346,294 metres have been drilled from discovery to August 2013. Exploration has outlined the several porphyry deposits, which developed around granodioritic stocks within and peripheral to the Oligocene Petaquilla batholith. Epithermal gold mineralization has also been identified in a more distal setting to the batholith.

The porphyry deposits occur at the southern margin of a large granodioritic batholith of mid-Oligocene age. The main deposits are Balboa, Botija, Colina and Valle Grande. There are also a number of smaller zones, the most significant being Brazo and Botija Abajo.

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All of the porphyry style mineralization on the property is hosted in granodiorite, feldspar-quartz-hornblende porphyry and adjacent andesitic volcanic rocks. The porphyry at Balboa intruded passively toward the south from a source located northwest of the deposit and is also thought to be influenced by a high angle structure to the west of the deposit.  At Botija, a number of north dipping feldspar-quartz-hornblende dikes cut the granodiorite. Two roof pendants of andesitic volcanic rock occur in the central and eastern parts of the deposit. At Colina, mineralization is associated with an east-southeasterly trending, shallow north-dipping 2.5 kilometre by 1 kilometre feldspar-quartz-hornblende porphyry sill and dyke complex that intrudes granodiorite and andesitic volcanic rocks. The Valle Grande zone is associated with a southeast trending feldspar-quartz-hornblende porphyry lopolith that is bounded to the north and south by andesitic volcanics and minor granodioritic dykes. At Brazo and Botija Abajo the host rock is dominantly feldspar-quartz or feldspar-quartz-hornblende porphyry.

Hydrothermal alteration along the Cobre Panama mineral trend is primarily silica-chlorite which is interpreted to be a form of propylitic alteration. Potassic alteration, consisting of salmon coloured potassium feldspar and secondary biotite is seen in the central parts of Botija. Argillic and phyllic alteration is patchy in the three main deposits with the latter variety being most prevalent near the tops of the deposits. At Brazo, pervasive sericite, clay and pyrite is associated with well-developed quartz stockworks.

Hypogene sulphides occur as disseminations, micro-veinlets, fracture fillings and quartz-sulphide stockworks. Chalcopyrite is the dominant copper mineral with lesser bornite. Traces of molybdenite are commonly found in quartz veinlets. There is no significant zone of supergene enrichment at Botija, Colina and Valle Grande. At Brazo, supergene mineralization consisting of chalcocite-coated pyrite and rare native copper occurs to a depth of at least 150 metres.

The Cobre Panama project comprises a series of copper porphyry deposits, including three main zones being Botija, Colina and Valle Grande plus three other zones; Balboa, Brazo and Botija Abajo. There has been significant exploration drilling in this region giving the project a potential life of operations in excess of 40 years. Mineral Resources and Reserves were updated by First Quantum in June 2015, by the filing of an NI 43-101 Technical Report, which replaced the previous NI 43-101 report dated May 2010.

Sampling, Analysis and Data Verification

Samples from MPSA drilling were placed within aluminum trays and dried in ovens. Once dry, the entire sample was crushed in a Rocklabs Boyd crusher, with sieve tests conducted regularly to ensure that the material was being crushed to the appropriate size. The equipment was cleaned after every sample using high-pressure air and after every tenth sample a coarse blank sample was passed through the crusher. The crushed sample material was split using a Jones rifle splitter and a 500 gram aliquot taken for assay. The aliquot was placed in a small plastic bag which was heat sealed and marked with a bar-coded sample tag. The reject material was returned to the original sample bag and stored on site.

The sample aliquots were shipped by air courier to ALS Chemex Lima in Lima, Peru, for analysis. Umpire assay checks and secondary assay work was conducted by Acme Santiago in Santiago, Chile. Both labs have ISO/IEC 17025-2005 certification. Residual pulps were stored at either ALS Chemex in Lima, Perú, or at a storage warehouse at First Quantum’s Minera Antares office in Arequipa, Peru.

All assay samples were kept in a locked facility on site until they were ready for shipment. Samples for a given hole were batched once the entire hole had been logged and sampled. Samples were collected into larger bags in batches of approximately 90 samples per bag. Samples to be assayed for sequential copper were batched into bags of 20 to 25 samples. Several times a week, the samples were dispatched by road to a secure warehouse in Penonomé by MPSA staff. While in storage, generally for less than two days, samples were kept under locked conditions until picked up by DHL cargo shipping. DHL then airfreighted the samples to ALS Chemex Laboratory in Lima, Peru.

A detailed review of all the historical and current QA/QC practices, QA/QC data and historical QA/QC reports at Cobre Panama has been undertaken by First Quantum in order to determine the accuracy, precision and bias present in the drillhole assay data for the project area, in order to determine suitability for mineral resource estimation. While a systemized program of QA/QC sampling was not fully implemented until 2006, numerous programs of check analysis were undertaken to compare each program of drilling to historic drilling undertaken by previous owners. Similarly, routine review of the QA/QC data and results did not occur until the MPSA drilling programs. Reviews and corrections of any errors identified are currently completed on a quarterly basis. MPSA is currently importing and validating all the Cobre Panama drillhole data into a corporate database, including all the historic QA/QC data collected over the life of the project. The sampling QA/QC results and the related studies demonstrate that sample assay data is representative of the mineralisation sampled and that it is appropriate for use in the Mineral Resource estimation. In addition, data verification completed by FQM supports that data used in the Mineral Resource estimate is similarly adequate.

Mineral Resources

The Mineral Resource estimate for each of the Cobre Panama deposits was generated from the drillhole sample results and an interpretation of the relevant geology that relates to the spatial distribution of copper, molybdenum, gold and silver mineralization. Block grade estimation used ordinary kriging and was post processed by local uniform conditioning of the

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copper and gold panel estimates considered appropriate to the scale of mining, The Mineral Resource estimates were classified according to the drill hole spacing, sample QA/QC, geological confidence and confidence in the grade estimates.

The Mineral Resource estimate for Cobre Panama, inclusive of the Mineral Reserve inventory, is presented below and reflects the position as at December 31, 2017. This estimate is consistent with that reported in the June 2015 NI 43-101 Technical Report.

Mineral Resource - as at December 31, 2017, and reported using a 0.15% Cu cut-off grade

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposit

    

Category

    

Tonnes (Mt)

    

TCu  %

    

Mo  %

    

Au g/t

    

Ag g/t

Botija

 

Measured

 

331

 

0.46

 

0.008

 

0.10

 

1.35

Botija

 

Indicated

 

667

 

0.35

 

0.007

 

0.06

 

1.08

Colina

 

Indicated

 

1,032

 

0.39

 

0.007

 

0.06

 

1.58

Medio

 

Indicated

 

63

 

0.28

 

0.004

 

0.03

 

0.96

Valle Grande

 

Indicated

 

602

 

0.36

 

0.006

 

0.04

 

1.37

Balboa

 

Indicated

 

647

 

0.35

 

0.002

 

0.08

 

1.37

Botija Abajo

 

Indicated

 

114

 

0.31

 

0.004

 

0.06

 

0.93

Brazo

 

Indicated

 

228

 

0.36

 

0.004

 

0.05

 

0.81

Total Measured and Indicated

 

 

 

3,684

 

0.37

 

0.006

 

0.07

 

1.32

Botija

 

Inferred

 

152

 

0.23

 

0.004

 

0.03

 

0.78

Colina

 

Inferred

 

125

 

0.26

 

0.006

 

0.05

 

1.20

Medio

 

Inferred

 

189

 

0.25

 

0.005

 

0.03

 

1.25

Valle Grande

 

Inferred

 

363

 

0.29

 

0.005

 

0.03

 

1.14

Balboa

 

Inferred

 

79

 

0.23

 

0.003

 

0.04

 

0.96

Botija Abajo

 

Inferred

 

67

 

0.27

 

0.005

 

0.06

 

1.25

Brazo

 

Inferred

 

76

 

0.21

 

0.003

 

0.01

 

0.73

Total Inferred

 

 

 

1,051

 

0.26

 

0.005

 

0.04

 

1.08

 

Mineral Reserves

The Mineral Reserve estimate for Cobre Panama is disclosed entirely within the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource estimate in the table above. It is consistent with the Mineral Reserve estimate reported in the Cobre Panama Technical Report. The actual cut-off grade for the estimate varies due to variable processing recovery, but otherwise reflects a longer-term consensus copper price of $3.00/lb, a molybdenum price of $13.50/lb, a gold price of $1,200/oz and a silver price of $16.00/oz.

The reported Mineral Reserve includes ore that has been mined during the course of the pre-strip and stockpiled for future processing.

A cut-off grade optimization strategy was adopted for the Mineral Reserve estimation process, whereby an elevated 0.2% Cu cut-off grade was adopted for the period up to 2040, then followed by a period of marginal cut-off grade plant feed for the remainder of the Project life. The impact of this strategy is that the initial production years are protected from copper price volatility which could otherwise impact on the economics of marginal grade plant feed at this time.

Commencing from the pre-strip phase, the project life extends for forty years.

39


 

Mineral Reserve - as at December 31, 2017 and reported based on a $3.00/lb Cu price

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saprock Ore

 

 

Primary Sulphide Ore

 

 

Total Ore

 

  Classification / Pit

 

 

Tonnes

 

 

TCu

 

 

Mo

 

 

Au

 

 

Ag

 

 

Tonnes

 

 

TCu

 

 

Mo

 

 

Au

 

 

Ag

 

 

Tonnes

 

 

TCu

 

 

Mo

 

 

Au

 

 

Ag

 

 

 

 

(Mt)

 

 

(%)

 

 

(ppm)

 

 

(ppm)

 

 

(ppm)

 

 

(Mt)

 

 

(%)

 

 

(ppm)

 

 

(ppm)

 

 

(ppm)

 

 

(Mt)

 

 

(%)

 

 

(ppm)

 

 

(ppm)

 

 

(ppm)

 

Botija

 

  Total Proven

 

 

14.2

 

 

0.21

 

 

55.31

 

 

0.05

 

 

0.98

 

 

331.4

 

 

0.46

 

 

75.72

 

 

0.10

 

 

1.35

 

 

345.6

 

 

0.45

 

 

74.88

 

 

0.10

 

 

1.33

 

  Total Probable

 

 

12.7

 

 

0.16

 

 

39.03

 

 

0.04

 

 

0.88

 

 

590.3

 

 

0.36

 

 

71.52

 

 

0.07

 

 

1.11

 

 

603.0

 

 

0.35

 

 

70.83

 

 

0.07

 

 

1.10

 

  Total Mineral Reserve

 

 

26.9

 

 

0.19

 

 

47.62

 

 

0.04

 

 

0.93

 

 

921.7

 

 

0.39

 

 

73.03

 

 

0.08

 

 

1.19

 

 

948.6

 

 

0.39

 

 

72.31

 

 

0.08

 

 

1.19

 

Colina and Medio

 

  Total Proven

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

  Total Probable

 

 

55.0

 

 

0.22

 

 

48.08

 

 

0.08

 

 

1.24

 

 

954.9

 

 

0.40

 

 

67.32

 

 

0.06

 

 

1.61

 

 

1,009.9

 

 

0.39

 

 

66.27

 

 

0.06

 

 

1.59

 

  Total Mineral Reserve

 

 

55.0

 

 

0.39

 

 

66.27

 

 

0.06

 

 

1.24

 

 

954.9

 

 

0.40

 

 

67.32

 

 

0.06

 

 

1.61

 

 

1,009.9

 

 

0.39

 

 

66.27

 

 

0.06

 

 

1.59

 

Valle Grande

 

  Total Proven

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

  Total Probable

 

 

39.0

 

 

 0.16

 

 

64.58

 

 

0.05

 

 

1.04

 

 

527.0

 

 

0.37

 

 

67.20

 

 

0.05

 

 

1.41

 

 

566.0

 

 

0.36

 

 

67.02

 

 

0.05

 

 

1.39

 

  Total Mineral Reserve

 

 

39.0

 

 

0.36

 

 

67.02

 

 

0.05

 

 

1.04

 

 

527.0

 

 

0.37

 

 

67.20

 

 

0.05

 

 

1.41

 

 

566.0

 

 

0.36

 

 

67.02

 

 

0.05

 

 

1.39

 

Balboa

 

  Total Proven

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

  Total Probable

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

437.1

 

 

0.35

 

 

16.10

 

 

0.08

 

 

1.36

 

 

437.1

 

 

0.35

 

 

16.10

 

 

0.08

 

 

1.36

 

  Total Mineral Reserve

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

437.1

 

 

0.35

 

 

16.10

 

 

0.08

 

 

1.36

 

 

437.1

 

 

0.35

 

 

16.10

 

 

0.08

 

 

1.36

 

BABR

 

  Total Proven

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

  Total Probable

 

 

2.0

 

 

 0.19

 

 

33.31

 

 

0.07

 

 

0.77

 

 

218.6

 

 

0.40

 

 

41.32

 

 

0.07

 

 

0.87

 

 

220.5

 

 

0.40

 

 

41.25

 

 

0.07

 

 

0.87

 

  Total Mineral Reserve

 

 

2.0

 

 

0.40

 

 

41.25

 

 

0.07

 

 

0.77

 

 

218.6

 

 

0.40

 

 

41.32

 

 

0.07

 

 

0.87

 

 

220.5

 

 

0.40

 

 

41.25

 

 

0.07

 

 

0.87

 

Combined Pits

 

  Total Proven

 

 

14.2

 

 

0.21

 

 

55.31

 

 

0.05

 

 

0.98

 

 

331.4

 

 

0.46

 

 

75.72

 

 

0.10

 

 

1.35

 

 

345.6

 

 

0.45

 

 

74.88

 

 

0.10

 

 

1.33

 

  Total Probable

 

 

108.6

 

 

0.19

 

 

52.67

 

 

0.06

 

 

1.12

 

 

2,727.8

 

 

0.38

 

 

57.91

 

 

0.06

 

 

1.36

 

 

2,836.4

 

 

0.37

 

 

57.71

 

 

0.06

 

 

1.36

 

  Total Mineral Reserve

 

 

122.8

 

 

0.19

 

 

52.98

 

 

0.06

 

 

1.10

 

 

3,059.2

 

 

0.38

 

 

59.84

 

 

0.07

 

 

1.36

 

 

3,182.0

 

 

0.38

 

 

59.58

 

 

0.07

 

 

1.35

 

 

An economic analysis in the form of an undiscounted cash-flow model to support the Mineral Reserve estimate is included in the Cobre Panama Technical Report. This model shows the indicative cash-flow and does not replace a more comprehensive financial model that exists for the Project, from which an accurate net present value and internal rate of return can be calculated.

The annual revenues are calculated from the same metal prices as used in the pit optimization process:

Copper = US$3.00/lb (US$6,615/t)

Molybdenum = US$13.50/lb (US$29,762/t)

Gold = US$1,200/oz

Silver = US$16.00/oz

The payable metal factors are:

Copper = 96.43%

Molybdenum = 86.20%

Gold = 86.00%

Silver = 80.00%

Mining Operations

Mining at Cobre Panama will involve large scale and conventional open pit methods at up to approximately 80 Mbcm of ore and waste mined per annum. The multiple pits will be mined in an optimized sequence and in phases, with ore crushed in-pit and conveyed overland to the nearby processing plant.

Processing and Recovery Operations

The processing plant design is based upon a conventional sulphide ore flotation circuit, with differential flotation to produce separate copper and molybdenum concentrate products. Plant tailings will be directed into areas of valley fill and into the depleted open pits.

The predominantly copper/molybdenum sulphide ore is amenable to conventional differential flotation processing, with lesser gold and silver recovered into the copper and gravity concentrate.

Various metallurgical test work programs have been undertaken on the Cobre Panama project since 1968, commensurate with the various levels of preliminary feasibility and prefeasibility studies that were completed up until 1998.

In 1997 an extensive program of metallurgical testing was designed to confirm earlier studies on the metallurgical response of the Botija and Colina ores. Work included grinding, flotation, dewatering and mineralogical testing. Further testing was completed, including locked-cycle flotation testwork and modal analysis to assist in defining grind requirements for both rougher and cleaner flotation. Copper-molybdenum separation by means of differential flotation was also tested.

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Confirmatory batch laboratory flotation testwork was conducted during 2014. Based on all of this testwork, variable processing recovery relationships were determined for copper and gold, while fixed recovery values were determined for molybdenum and silver. While design recoveries vary for each deposit the average recoveries are expected to be as follows:

Copper: 90.2%

Molybdenum: 54.0%

Gold: 55.4%

Silver: 45.2%

The copper concentrate product will be piped as a slurry to the port site on the northern side of the country (on the Caribbean Sea), from where it will be loaded onto vessels for shipping to world markets. The molybdenum concentrate will be delivered to the port by road and shipped in bulk bags.

Project power will be generated by a coal-fired power station at the port site and transmitted to the mine site along a new access corridor, which also incorporates the concentrate pipeline.

Infrastructure, Permitting and Compliance Activities

The project has two main development areas:  the mine and plant site within the concession boundaries, and the port and power station at Punta Rincon, approximately 25 kilometres north of the plant site on the Caribbean coast. The Cobre Panama concession will be developed as a conventional truck and shovel open pit mine with a concentrator that uses proven technology (such as crushing, grinding or flotation) to produce copper-gold and molybdenum concentrates.  The port and power plant site consists of a deep water berth for concentrate, and coal shipments, a conventional ship landing site and a 300 megawatt coal fired power plant. An access road has been constructed between the mine and each of the power plant site and the port. From 2015 to date, the port has been operational, with a significant number of project equipment deliveries having been received directly. New access roads and improvements to the existing access roads from Penonomé through La Pintada and Coclecito to the site have been constructed to permit safe access to the mine and plant site from the Pan-American Highway via the existing road from Penonomé.

In December 2011, the Government of Panama, through Autoridad Nacional del Ambiente (the Panamanian national environmental authority), approved the project environmental and social impact assessment required for development of the Cobre Panama copper project, including the mining operations and related infrastructure, the port facility, and the coal-fired power plant.

In 2017, Cobre Panama continued to implement its environmental management plans to meet commitments made in the Project Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (“ESIA”) and comply with Panamanian environmental regulations, international standards including Equator Principles and IFC Performance Standards and internal environmental policies of First Quantum. First Quantum is implementing a Bio-diversity action plan in line with IFC Performance Standard 6 to protect and conserve the sensitive bio-diversity of the Cobre Panama project area. Cobre Panama has implemented site-level water management plans to address concerns with high rainfall levels.

The project continues to be audited quarterly against ESIA commitments by a third party and the results provided to the environmental regulator Mi-AMBIENTE. Although some action items were identified, the project is largely in compliance with its ESIA commitments and an action plan is being implemented.

In 2017, First Quantum successfully obtained change applications relating to the siting of the process plant, decant tower and tunnel at the tailings storage facility (“ TSF ”) and above ground pipelines between the Mill and TSF and mine and port site and also lodged the necessary environmental permits to begin commissioning and operation of the power plant at the port.

No material environmental incidents were reported at Cobre Panama in 2017 and no notice of violation or penalties were imposed by any applicable regulatory authority arising as a result of water pollution or contamination of land beyond the boundary of its operations.

Capital and Operating Expenses

The capital and operating costs for 2018 are set out in the following table:

 

 

Total Capital Cost (1) estimate ($m)

1,180

Operating cost

n/a

Labour, contractors and maintenance

n/a

Supplies, power and fuel

n/a

Other

n/a

 

(1)

Includes $826 million of First Quantum’s share to spend with $354 million from third parties.

41


 

The overall capital cost is set out in the following table:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Area

Incurred Pre-Acquisition

    

Incurred as at December 31, 2017

    

Total Capex

 

$ M

 

$ M

 

$ M

Mining

 —

 

402

 

857

Process Plant

62

 

910

 

1,399

Power Plant

209

 

696

 

772

Port

 —

 

356

 

419

Infrastructure

480

 

531

 

824

Indirects

162

 

1,845

 

2,054

Total Project

913

 

4,740

 

6,325

 

Project Development and Production

Since the acquisition of Cobre Panama, First Quantum’s prime focus was to critically review and stabilize all activities and focus on the key elements of the project development, the construction and contracting plan, and implementation of practical site infrastructure. On January 27, 2014, First Quantum announced an update on the development of the Cobre Panama project. At that time, First Quantum estimated that capital expenditure to develop Cobre Panama would be approximately $6.4 billion, inclusive of $913 million incurred prior to the acquisition of Inmet.

In 2015, the estimated capital cost was reviewed in detail and reappraised and on October 5, 2015 First Quantum announced its revised estimated total project cost at $5.95 billion, approximately 7% below previous estimates. Capital costs were reduced due to better construction efficiency, continued optimization of detailed design and lower costs for equipment and bulk materials such as rebar and structural steel. In early 2016, an additional detailed capex review was performed resulting in a revised capital cost estimate of $5.48 billion from the previous estimate of $5.95 billion.

In early 2018, the expansion of Cobre Panama’s throughput capacity, by 15%, to 85 million tonnes per annum and upgrades to certain areas to facilitate a further increase to 100 million tonnes per annum after year 2022 was approved. Cobre Panama’s total development capital was estimated at $6.3 billion including installation of an eighth mill and associated infrastructure planned to begin in the second half of 2018 for completion in the second half of 2019. The expanded project also included an expansion of the mining fleet and additional pre-production stripping.

The hard wharf at the Punta Rincon International Port is fully operational having received numerous direct international shipments. The concentrate jetty and mooring system is under completion and is now permitted for importation of coal and exportation of copper concentrate.

In 2017 construction activities at the process plant area were accelerated and by March 2018 seven mills were mechanically installed in position.

The capital expenditure for Cobre Panama in 2017 was $1,256 million (First Quantum’s share being $820 million) against the plan of $1,250 million (First Quantum’s share being $750 million). Project spending to the end of 2017 amounted to $4.7 billion, including $1.6 billion contributed by third parties, including the Company.

The re-engineered project is now based on an ore feed ramp-up to 74 million tonnes per annum (“ Mtpa ”) by 2019, followed by an increase to 85 Mtpa by 2021 and 100 Mtpa after year 2022. The initial feed rate is approximately 23% higher than the Inmet plan. On the basis of the current Mineral Reserves estimate and the planned processing capacity, the life of operations is forty years. During the period when processing at the 90 Mtpa rate, average annual copper production is approximately 311,000 tonnes of recovered metal (reaching a maximum of approximately 397,000 tonnes of recovered metal). The annual average metal production rate when processing at 90 Mtpa is around 17% higher than the initial project plan.

Over the life of operations, the average by-product production is expected to be 97,000 ounces of recovered gold, 1,570 thousand ounces of recovered silver and 2,570 tonnes of recovered molybdenum. The average copper feed grade is expected to be 0.42% total copper for the first 10 years and 0.35% total copper for the remaining operations life. The average life-of-mine strip ratio (tonnes) is 1:1.

The planning and readiness effort for the operations phase of Cobre Panama is underway and key management personnel are in place. The operations readiness plan includes recruitment of staff, development of operating systems, and training of Panamanian employee skills across the port, power plant, mine and process plant.

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RISK FACTOR S

Investors should carefully consider all of the information disclosed in this AIF prior to investing in the securities of Franco-Nevada. In addition to the other information presented in this AIF, the following risk factors should be given special consideration when evaluating an investment in such securities.

Risks Related to the Business of Franco-Nevada

Changes in the market price of the commodities that underlie the royalty, stream, working and other interests will affect the profitability of Franco-Nevada and the revenue generated therefrom

The revenue derived by Franco-Nevada from its asset portfolio will be significantly affected by changes in the market price of the commodities underlying the royalties, streams, working interests and investments. Franco-Nevada’s revenue will be particularly sensitive to changes in the price of gold, silver, oil, natural gas, PGM and copper, as the revenue from these commodities represents substantially all of the cash flow derived from the asset portfolio. Commodity prices, including those to which Franco-Nevada is exposed, fluctuate on a daily basis and are affected by numerous factors beyond the control of Franco-Nevada, including levels of supply and demand, industrial development levels, inflation and the level of interest rates, the strength of the U.S. dollar and geopolitical events in significant oil & natural gas producing countries. Such external economic factors are in turn influenced by changes in international investment patterns, monetary systems and political developments.

All commodities, by their nature, are subject to wide price fluctuations and future material price declines will result in a decrease in revenue or, in the case of severe declines that cause a suspension or termination of production by relevant operators, a complete cessation of revenue from royalties, streams or working interests applicable to one or more relevant commodities. Moreover, despite Franco-Nevada’s commodity diversification, the broader commodity market tends to be cyclical, and a general downturn in overall commodity prices could result in a significant decrease in overall revenue. Any such price decline may result in a material adverse effect on Franco-Nevada’s profitability, results of operations and financial condition.

Gold, silver, and/or PGM are produced or will be produced as a by-product metal at some of the assets including the Antapaccay project, Antamina project, Candelaria project, Cobre Panama project, Guadalupe-Palmarejo project, Sudbury project and MWS project; therefore, production decisions and the economic cut-off applied to the reporting of gold, silver and PGM reserves and resources, as applicable, will be influenced by changes in the commodity prices of other metals at the mines.  To some extent risks related to this will be mitigated by Franco-Nevada in respect of each of Antapaccay and Cobre Panama as gold and silver deliveries under the stream are initially tied to the production of copper, the primary product to be produced at such projects and the Candelaria project as gold and silver deliveries under the stream are subject to recovery collars.

For Mineral Assets that are subject to stream agreements where there is a fixed price payable per ounce, in the event that the price of gold and/or silver falls below the fixed price per ounce (subject to inflation adjustment), Franco-Nevada would not realize any profits.

The operation of the properties in which Franco-Nevada holds an interest is generally determined by third party property owners and operators, and Franco-Nevada has no or limited decision making power as to how these properties are operated, and the operators’ failure to perform could affect the revenues generated by Franco-Nevada

Franco-Nevada is not directly involved in the operation of mines.  The revenue derived from the asset portfolio is based on production by third party property owners and operators.  The owners and operators generally will have the power to determine the manner in which the properties are exploited, including decisions to expand, continue or reduce, suspend or discontinue production from a property, decisions about the marketing of products extracted from the property and decisions to advance exploration efforts and conduct development of non-producing properties. The interests of third party owners and operators and those of Franco-Nevada on the relevant properties may not always be aligned. As an example, it will usually be in the interest of Franco-Nevada to advance development and production on properties as rapidly as possible in order to maximize near-term cash flow, while third party owners and operators may take a more cautious approach to development as they are at risk on the cost of development and operations.  Likewise, it may be in the interest of property owners to invest in the development of and emphasize production from projects or areas of a project that are not subject to streaming, royalty or working interest obligations.  The inability of Franco-Nevada to control the operations for the properties in which it has a royalty, stream or working interest may result in a material and adverse effect on Franco-Nevada’s profitability, results of operations and financial condition.  In addition, the owners or operators may take action contrary to Franco-Nevada’s policies or objectives; be unable or unwilling to fulfill their obligations under their agreements with Franco-Nevada; have difficulty obtaining or be unable to obtain the financing necessary to move projects forward; or experience financial, operational or other difficulties, including insolvency, which could limit the owner or operator’s ability to perform its obligations under arrangements with Franco-Nevada.

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Franco-Nevada may not be entitled to any material compensation if any of the properties in which it holds a royalty, stream or other interest shuts down or discontinues their operations on a temporary or permanent basis.  At any time, any of the operators of the properties in which it holds a royalty, stream or other interest or their successors may decide to suspend or discontinue operations.

The owners or operators of the projects in which Franco-Nevada holds an interest may from time to time announce transactions, including the sale or transfer of the projects or of the operator itself, over which Franco-Nevada has little or no control.  If such transactions are completed it may result in a new operator controlling the project, who may or may not operate the project in a similar manner to the current operator which may positively or negatively impact Franco-Nevada.  If any such transaction is announced, there is no certainty that such transaction will be completed, or completed as announced, and any consequences of such non-completion on Franco-Nevada may be difficult or impossible to predict.

Franco-Nevada has limited access to data and disclosure regarding the operation of properties, which will affect its ability to assess the royalty’s/stream’s performance

As a royalty/stream holder, Franco-Nevada has limited access to data on the operations or to the actual properties themselves.  This could affect its ability to assess the performance of the royalty/stream.  This could result in deviations in cash flow from that which is anticipated by Franco-Nevada based on the stage of development of the properties covered by the asset portfolio.  In addition, some royalties/streams may be subject to confidentiality arrangements which govern the disclosure of information with regard to royalties/streams and, as such, Franco-Nevada may not be in a position to publicly disclose non-public information with respect to certain royalties/streams. The limited access to data and disclosure regarding the operations of the properties in which Franco-Nevada has an interest, may restrict Franco-Nevada’s ability to enhance its performance which may result in a material and adverse effect on Franco-Nevada’s profitability, results of operations and financial condition.  Although when creating new royalty or stream agreements, we attempt to obtain these rights, there is no assurance that our efforts will be successful.

Franco-Nevada depends on its operators for the calculation of royalty/stream payments.  It may not be able to detect errors and payment calculations may call for retroactive adjustments

Franco-Nevada’s royalty/stream payments are calculated by the operators of the properties on which Franco-Nevada has royalties/streams based on the reported production.  Each operator’s calculation of our royalty/stream payments is subject to and dependent upon the adequacy and accuracy of its production and accounting functions, and errors may occur from time to time in the calculations made by an operator.  Certain royalty/stream agreements require the operators to provide Franco-Nevada with production and operating information that may, depending on the completeness and accuracy of such information, enable Franco-Nevada to detect errors in the calculation of royalty/stream payments that it receives.  Franco-Nevada does not, however, have the contractual right to receive production information for all of its royalty/stream interests.  As a result, Franco-Nevada’s ability to detect royalty/stream payment errors through its royalty/stream monitoring program and its associated internal controls and procedures is limited, and the possibility exists that Franco-Nevada will need to make retroactive royalty/stream revenue adjustments.  Some of our royalty/stream contracts provide the right to audit the operational calculations and production data for the associated royalty/stream payments; however, such audits may occur many months following our recognition of the royalty/stream revenue and may require us to adjust our revenue in later periods.

The Antapaccay, Antamina, Candelaria and Cobre Panama project streams are significant to Franco-Nevada and other assets and properties may become significant to Franco-Nevada from time to time and any adverse development related to any such assets will affect the revenue derived from such assets

The streams on the Antapaccay, Antamina, Candelaria and Cobre Panama projects are currently significant to Franco-Nevada, although as new assets are acquired or move into production, the materiality of each of our assets will be reconsidered.  Any adverse development affecting the operation of, production from or recoverability of mineral reserves from the Antapaccay, Antamina, Candelaria and Cobre Panama projects or any other significant property in the asset portfolio from time to time, such as, but not limited to, unusual and unexpected geologic formations, seismic activity, rock bursts, cave-ins, flooding and other conditions involved in the drilling and removal of material, any of which could result in damage to, or destruction of, mines and other producing facilities, damage to life or property, environmental damage, or the inability to hire suitable personnel and engineering contractors or secure supply agreements on commercially suitable terms, may have a material adverse effect on Franco-Nevada’s profitability, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, Franco-Nevada has no control over operational decisions made by the third party owners and operators of these projects. Any adverse decision made by the owners and operators, including for example, alterations to mine plans or production schedules, may impact the timing and amount of revenue that Franco-Nevada receives and may have a material and adverse effect on Franco-Nevada’s profitability, financial condition and results of operations.  As mines on which Franco-Nevada has royalties/streams mature, it can expect overall declines in production over the years unless operators are able to replace reserves that are mined through mine expansion or successful new exploration.

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Franco-Nevada is dependent on the payment of royalties/streams by the owners and operators of the relevant properties and any delay in or failure of such royalty/stream payments will affect the revenues generated by the asset portfolio

Franco-Nevada is dependent to a large extent upon the financial viability and operational effectiveness of owners and operators of the relevant royalty/stream properties. Payments from production generally flow through the operator and there is a risk of delay and additional expense in receiving such revenues. Payments may be delayed by restrictions imposed by lenders, delays in the sale or delivery of products, the ability or willingness of smelters and refiners to process mine products, delays in the connection of wells to a gathering system, blowouts or other accidents, recovery by the operators of expenses incurred in the operation of the royalty/stream properties, the establishment by the operators of reserves for such expenses or the insolvency of the operator. Franco-Nevada’s rights to payment under the royalties/streams must, in most cases, be enforced by contract without the protection of the ability to liquidate a property.  This inhibits Franco-Nevada’s ability to collect outstanding royalties/streams upon a default.  Additionally, some agreements may provide limited recourse in particular circumstances which may further inhibit Franco-Nevada’s ability to recover or obtain equitable relief in the event of a default under such agreements.  In the event of a bankruptcy of an operator or owner, it is possible that an operator may claim that Franco-Nevada should be treated as an unsecured creditor and, therefore, have a limited prospect for full recovery of revenue and a possibility that a creditor or the operator may claim that the royalty or stream agreement should be terminated in the insolvency proceeding.  Failure to receive payments from the owners and operators of the relevant properties or termination of Franco-Nevada’s rights may result in a material and adverse effect on Franco-Nevada’s profitability, results of operations and financial condition.

Certain royalty/stream interests and working interests are subject to rights in favour of others or third parties that could adversely affect the revenues generated from the asset portfolio

Some royalty/stream interests and working interests are subject to: (i) buy-down right provisions pursuant to which an operator may buy-back all or a portion of the royalty/stream, (ii) pre-emptive rights pursuant to which parties to operating and royalty/stream agreements have the right of first refusal or first offer with respect to a proposed sale or assignment of a royalty/stream to Franco-Nevada, or (iii) claw back rights pursuant to which the seller of a royalty/stream to Franco-Nevada has the right to re-acquire the royalty/stream. Holders may exercise these rights such that certain royalty/stream interests and working interests would no longer be held by Franco-Nevada.

The asset portfolio includes a number of royalty interests based on net profits, and the revenue derived from such royalty interests is dependent upon factors beyond the control of Franco-Nevada that may have an adverse effect on the overall revenues generated by the asset portfolio

Franco-Nevada holds a number of net profit royalties, equity interests and working interests in its asset portfolio. These royalties and other interests allow the operator to account for the effect of prevailing cost pressures on the project before calculating the royalty payable to Franco-Nevada. These cost pressures include costs of labour, equipment, fuel, electricity, environmental compliance, oil prices and numerous other capital, operating and production inputs. Such costs will fluctuate in ways that are unpredictable and are beyond the control of Franco-Nevada, and can have a dramatic effect on the revenue payable to Franco-Nevada on these royalties and other interests. Any increase in the costs incurred by the operators on the applicable properties will likely result in a decline in the revenue received by Franco-Nevada. This will affect overall revenue generated by the asset portfolio which may have a material and adverse effect on Franco-Nevada’s profitability, financial condition, and results of operations.

Franco-Nevada may enter into acquisitions or other material royalty or streaming transactions at any time

Franco-Nevada is continuously reviewing opportunities to acquire existing royalties or streams, to create new royalty interests or streaming arrangements through the financing of mining projects, financing of new acquisitions or to acquire companies that hold royalties or streams.  At any given time Franco-Nevada has various types of transactions and acquisition opportunities in various stages of active review, including submission of indications of interest and participation in discussions or negotiations in respect of such transactions.  This process also involves the engagement of consultants and advisors to assist in analyzing particular opportunities.  Any such acquisition or transaction could be material to Franco-Nevada and may involve the issuance of securities by Franco-Nevada or the incurring of indebtedness to fund any such acquisition.  In addition, any such acquisition or other royalty or streaming transaction may have other transaction specific risks associated with it, including risks related to the completion of the transaction, the project operators or the jurisdictions in which assets may be acquired.

Additionally, Franco-Nevada may consider opportunities to restructure its royalties or stream arrangements where it believes such a restructuring may provide a long-term benefit to Franco-Nevada, even if such restructuring may reduce near-term revenues or result in Franco-Nevada incurring transaction related costs.

Franco-Nevada may enter into one or more acquisitions, restructurings or other royalty and streaming transactions at any time.

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Franco-Nevada may experience difficulty attracting and retaining qualified management and technical personnel to efficiently operate its business

Franco-Nevada is dependent upon the continued availability and commitment of its key management, whose contributions to immediate and future operations of Franco-Nevada are of significant importance. The loss of any such key management could negatively affect business operations. From time to time, Franco-Nevada may also need to identify and retain additional skilled management and specialized technical personnel to efficiently operate its business. The number of persons skilled in the acquisition, exploration and development of royalties/streams and interests in natural resource properties is limited and competition for such persons is intense. Recruiting and retaining qualified personnel is critical to Franco-Nevada’s success and there can be no assurance of such success. If Franco-Nevada is not successful in attracting and retaining qualified personnel, Franco-Nevada’s ability to execute its business model and growth strategy could be affected, which could have a material and adverse impact on its profitability, results of operations and financial condition. Franco-Nevada does not intend to maintain “key man” insurance for any members of its management.

Increased competition for royalty/stream interests and resource investments could adversely affect Franco-Nevada’s ability to acquire additional royalties, streams and other investments in mineral and oil & natural gas properties

Many companies are engaged in the search for and the acquisition of mineral and oil & natural gas interests, and there is a limited supply of desirable mineral and oil & natural gas interests. The mineral exploration and mining and oil & natural gas businesses are competitive in all phases. Many companies are engaged in the acquisition of mining and oil & natural gas interests, including large, established companies with substantial financial resources, operational capabilities and long earnings records. Franco-Nevada may be at a competitive disadvantage in acquiring those interests, whether by way of royalty, stream or other form of investment, as competitors may have greater financial resources and technical staffs. There can be no assurance that Franco-Nevada will be able to compete successfully against other companies in acquiring new natural resource properties and royalty/stream interests.  In addition, Franco-Nevada may be unable to acquire royalties or streams at acceptable valuations which may result in a material and adverse effect on Franco-Nevada’s profitability, results of operations and financial condition.

Royalty/stream and other interests may not be honoured by operators of a project

Royalty/stream and other interests in natural resource properties are largely contractual in nature. Parties to contracts do not always honour contractual terms and contracts themselves may be subject to interpretation or technical defects. To the extent grantors of royalty/stream and other interests do not abide by their contractual obligations, Franco-Nevada would be forced to take legal action to enforce its contractual rights. Such litigation may be time consuming and costly and there is no guarantee of success.  Any pending proceedings or actions or any decisions determined adversely to Franco-Nevada, may have a material and adverse effect on Franco-Nevada’s profitability, results of operations, financial condition and the trading price of Franco-Nevada securities.

There may be unknown defects in the asset portfolio

A defect in a royalty, stream, working interest or equity interest and/or the underlying contract may arise to defeat or impair the claim of Franco-Nevada to such royalty, stream, working interest or equity interest. When Franco-Nevada acquired assets from Newmont Mining Corporation (“ Newmont ”), it was not provided with title representations and warranties relating to the royalties and various equity interests in the Newmont acquisition agreement. Newmont only represented that it would transfer the extent of its interest in the assets to Franco-Nevada. If there was a defect in Newmont’s interest in the royalties, working interest or equity interest and/or the underlying contract, Franco-Nevada will not have any recourse against Newmont under the Newmont acquisition agreement.  Unknown defects in the royalty, stream or other assets of Franco-Nevada may result in a material and adverse effect on Franco-Nevada’s profitability, results of operations, financial condition and the trading price of Franco-Nevada securities.

Current global financial conditions continue to be challenging

Global financial conditions have been characterized by ongoing volatility.  Global financial conditions could suddenly and rapidly destabilize in response to future events, as government authorities may have limited resources to respond to future crises.  Global capital markets have continued to display increased volatility in response to global events.  Future crises may be precipitated by any number of causes, including natural disasters, geopolitical instability, changes to energy prices or sovereign defaults.

Any sudden or rapid destabilization of global economic conditions could negatively impact Franco-Nevada’s ability, or the ability of the operators of the properties in which Franco-Nevada holds royalties, streams or other interests, to obtain equity or debt financing or make other suitable arrangements to finance their projects.  Additionally, Franco-Nevada may be subject to counterparty risk and liquidity risk.  Franco-Nevada is exposed to various counterparty risks including, but not limited to (i) through financial institutions that hold Franco-Nevada’s cash, (ii) through companies that have payables to Franco-Nevada, (iii) through Franco-Nevada’s insurance providers, and (iv) through Franco-Nevada’s lenders. Franco-Nevada is also exposed to liquidity risks in meeting its operating expenditure requirements in instances where cash positions are unable to be  

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maintained or appropriate financing is unavailable.  These factors may impact the ability of Franco-Nevada to obtain loans or other credit facilities or obtain equity financing in the future or to obtain them on terms favourable to Franco-Nevada.  If increased levels of volatility continue or in the event of a rapid destabilization of global economic conditions, Franco-Nevada’s operations could be adversely impacted and the trading price of Franco-Nevada securities could be adversely affected.

Franco-Nevada’s revenue, earnings, the value of its treasury and the value it records for its assets are subject to variations in foreign exchange rates, which may adversely affect the revenue generated by the asset portfolio or cause adjustments to the recorded value of assets

Franco-Nevada’s royalty/stream interests are subject to foreign currency fluctuations and inflationary pressures, which may have a material and adverse effect on Franco-Nevada’s profitability, results of operations and financial condition. There can be no assurance that the steps taken by management to address variations in foreign exchange rates will eliminate all adverse effects and Franco-Nevada may suffer losses due to adverse foreign currency rate fluctuations.

The ability to pay dividends will be dependent on the financial condition of Franco-Nevada

Payment of dividends on the Common Shares is within the discretion of Franco-Nevada’s Board of Directors and will depend upon Franco-Nevada’s future earnings, cash flows, acquisition capital requirements and financial condition, and other relevant factors. Although Franco-Nevada currently pays a regular dividend, there can be no assurance that it will be in a position to declare dividends due to the occurrence of one or more of the risks described herein.

Changes in tax legislation or accounting rules could affect the profitability of Franco-Nevada

Changes to, or differing interpretation of, taxation laws or regulations in any of Canada, the United States, Mexico, Barbados, Australia, Chile, Peru or any of the countries in which Franco-Nevada’s assets or relevant contracting parties are located could result in some or all of Franco-Nevada’s profits being subject to additional taxation.  No assurance can be given that new taxation rules or accounting policies will not be enacted or that existing rules will not be applied in a manner which could result in Franco-Nevada’s profits being subject to additional taxation or which could otherwise have a material adverse effect on Franco-Nevada’s profitability, results of operations, financial condition and the trading price of Franco-Nevada securities.  In addition, the introduction of new tax rules or accounting policies, or changes to, or differing interpretations of, or application of, existing tax rules or accounting policies could make royalties, streams or other investments by Franco-Nevada less attractive to counterparties.  Such changes could adversely affect Franco-Nevada’s ability to acquire new assets or make future investments.

The effect of comprehensive U.S. tax reform legislation on the Corporation and its U.S. Subsidiaries, whether adverse or favorable, is uncertain

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. president signed into law Public Law 115-97, “An Act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018” (informally titled the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act”). Among a number of significant changes to the U.S. federal income tax laws, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act reduces the marginal U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, limits the deduction for net interest expense, shifts the United States toward a modified territorial tax system, and imposes new taxes to combat erosion of the U.S. federal income tax base. The aggregate tax effect of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on the Corporation and its U.S. Subsidiaries, whether adverse or favorable, is uncertain, and may not become evident for some period of time. Investors are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act for an investment in Common Shares.

Reviews conducted by tax authorities, now or in the future, may result in adverse tax consequences for Franco-Nevada

The Canada Revenue Agency (“ CRA ”) is currently conducting an audit of Franco-Nevada’s 2012, 2013 and 2014 taxation years.  The audit is in its preliminary stages and the Company has not been informed of any issues by the CRA.  Management believes that Franco-Nevada and its foreign subsidiaries are in full compliance with Canadian and foreign tax laws.  However, there can be no assurance that the CRA will not challenge the manner in which Franco-Nevada and its foreign subsidiaries has filed its income tax returns and reported its income.  In the event that the CRA successfully challenges the manner in which Franco-Nevada has filed its tax returns and reported its income, this could potentially result in additional income taxes, penalties and interest, which could have a material adverse effect on Franco-Nevada.

Certain of Franco-Nevada’s directors and officers serve in similar positions with other public companies, which could put them in a conflict position from time to time

Certain of the directors and officers of Franco-Nevada also serve as directors or officers of, or have significant shareholdings in, other companies involved in natural resource exploration, development and production and, to the extent that such other companies may engage in transactions or participate in the same ventures in which Franco-Nevada participates, or in transactions or ventures in which Franco-Nevada may seek to participate, the directors and officers of Franco-Nevada may have a conflict of interest in negotiating and concluding terms respecting the extent of such participation. In all cases where directors and officers have an interest in other companies, such other companies may also compete with Franco-Nevada for the acquisition of royalties/streams, or mineral or oil & natural gas property investments. Such conflicts of the directors and

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officers may result in a material and adverse effect on Franco-Nevada’s profitability, results of operations, financial condition and the trading price of Franco-Nevada securities.

Franco-Nevada can provide no assurance that it will be able to obtain adequate financing in the future or that the terms of such financing will be favourable and Franco-Nevada may have to raise additional capital through the issuance of additional equity, which could result in dilution to Franco-Nevada’s shareholders

There can be no assurance that Franco-Nevada will be able to obtain adequate financing in the future or that the terms of such financing will be favourable. Failure to obtain such additional financing could impede Franco-Nevada’s funding obligations, or result in delay or postponement of further business activities which may result in a material and adverse effect on Franco-Nevada’s profitability, results of operations and financial condition. Franco-Nevada may require new capital to continue to grow its business and there are no assurances that capital will be available when needed, if at all. It is likely that, at least to some extent, such additional capital will be raised through the issuance of additional equity, which could result in dilution to shareholders.

If Franco-Nevada expands its business beyond the acquisition of royalty/stream interests, Franco-Nevada may face new challenges and risks which could affect its profitability, results of operations and financial condition

Franco-Nevada’s operations and expertise have been focused on the acquisition and management of royalty/stream interests.  Franco-Nevada may pursue acquisitions outside this area, including acquiring and/or investing in and/or developing resource projects.  Expansion of Franco-Nevada’s activities into new areas would present challenges and risks that it has not faced in the past, including many of the risks described under “Risks Related to Mining Operations and Oil & Natural Gas Operations”. The failure to manage these challenges and risks successfully may result in a material and adverse effect on Franco-Nevada’s profitability, results of operations, financial condition and the trading price of Franco-Nevada securities.

Potential litigation affecting the properties in which Franco-Nevada holds its royalty/stream interests could have an adverse effect on Franco-Nevada

Potential litigation may arise on a property on which Franco-Nevada holds or has a royalty/stream interest (for example, litigation between joint venture partners or between operators and original property owners or neighbouring property owners).  As a royalty/stream holder, Franco-Nevada will not generally have any influence on the litigation and will not generally have access to data. Any such litigation that results in the cessation or reduction of production from a property (whether temporary or permanent) could have a material and adverse effect on Franco-Nevada’s profitability, results of operations, financial condition and the trading price of Franco-Nevada securities.

Information Systems and Cyber Security

Franco-Nevada’s operations depend, in part, on its information technology (“ IT ”) systems, networks, equipment and software and the security of these systems. The Company depends on various IT systems to estimate  reserve and resource quantities, process and record financial data, analyze seismic information, administer its contracts with its counterparties and communicate with employees and third-parties. These IT systems, and those of its third-party service providers and vendors and the counterparties under its royalty/stream agreements may be vulnerable to an increasing number of continually evolving cyber security risks. Unauthorized third parties may be able to penetrate network security and misappropriate or compromise confidential information, create system disruptions or cause shutdowns.  Any such breach or compromise may go undetected for an extended period of time.

Although to date Franco-Nevada has not experienced any material losses or business interruptions relating to cyber-attacks, information security breaches or system failures, any future significant breach of Franco-Nevada’s IT systems or data security or misuse of data, particularly if such breach or misuse goes undetected for an extended period of time, could result in significant costs, loss of revenue, fines or lawsuits and damage to reputation. The costs to eliminate or alleviate cyber or other security problems, including bugs, viruses, worms, malware and other security vulnerabilities, could be significant, and our efforts to address these problems may not be successful.  The significance of any cyber-security breach is difficult to quantify, but may in certain circumstances be material and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Related to Mining Operations and Oil & Natural Gas Operations

Franco-Nevada is subject to the same risk factors as the owners and operators of properties in which it holds a royalty, stream or other interests

To the extent that they relate to the production of minerals or oil & natural gas from, or the continued operation of, the properties in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or interest, Franco-Nevada will be subject to the risk factors applicable to the owners and operators of such mines or projects.

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The inability to add additional reserves to its asset portfolio through either the development of existing resources or the acquisition of new mineral or oil & natural gas producing assets could adversely affect Franco-Nevada

The revenue generated by Franco-Nevada is principally based on the exploitation of mineral and oil & natural gas reserves on assets underlying the royalty/stream interests and on which Franco-Nevada has a royalty, stream or other interest.  Reserves are continually being depleted through extraction and the long-term viability of Franco-Nevada’s asset portfolio depends on the replacement of reserves through new producing assets and increases in reserves on existing producing assets. While Franco-Nevada may be able to maintain all or a portion of its interest in its reserve inventory through acquisitions, its business model relies on the successful development of the non-producing properties in its asset portfolio. Exploration for minerals and energy resources is a speculative venture necessarily involving substantial risk. There is no certainty that the expenditures made by the operator of any given project will result in discoveries of commercial quantities of minerals or energy resources on properties underlying the asset portfolio. Even in those cases where a significant mineral or oil & natural gas deposit is identified, there is no guarantee that the deposit can be economically extracted. Substantial expenditures are required to establish reserves through drilling, to develop processes to extract the resources and, in the case of new properties, to develop the extraction and processing facilities and infrastructure at any site chosen for extraction. Although substantial benefits may be derived from the discovery of a major deposit, no assurance can be given that new reserves will be identified to replace or increase the amount of reserves currently in the asset portfolio. This includes mineral resources, as the resources that have been discovered have not been subjected to sufficient analysis to justify commercial operations or the allocation of funds required for development. The inability to add additional reserves or to replace existing reserves through either the development of existing resources or the acquisition of new mineral or oil & natural gas producing assets may result in a material and adverse effect on Franco-Nevada’s profitability, results of operations, financial condition and the trading price of Franco-Nevada securities.

Reserves and resources are estimates based on interpretation and assumptions and actual production may differ from amounts identified in such estimates

The mineral and oil & natural gas reserves and resources on properties underlying Franco-Nevada’s royalty, stream or other interests are estimates only, and no assurance can be given that the estimated reserves and resources are accurate or that the indicated level of minerals and oil & natural gas will be produced. Such estimates are, in large part, based on interpretations of geological data obtained from drill holes and other sampling techniques. Actual mineralization or formations may be different from those predicted. Further, it may take many years from the initial phase of drilling before production is possible and during that time the economic feasibility of exploiting a discovery may change.

Market price fluctuations of the applicable commodity, as well as increased production and capital costs or reduced recovery rates, may render the proven and probable reserves on properties underlying Franco-Nevada’s royalty/stream interests unprofitable to develop at a particular site or sites for periods of time or may render reserves containing relatively lower grade mineralization uneconomic. Moreover, short-term operating factors relating to the reserves, such as the need for the orderly development of ore bodies or the processing of new or different ore grades, may cause reserves to be reduced or not extracted. Estimated reserves may have to be recalculated based on actual production experience.  The economic viability of a mineral deposit may also be impacted by other attributes of a particular deposit, such as size, grade and proximity to infrastructure, governmental regulations and policy relating to price, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use permitting, the import and export of minerals and environmental protection and by political and economic stability.

Resource estimates in particular must be considered with caution. Resource estimates for properties that have not commenced production are based, in many instances, on limited and widely spaced drill hole or other limited information, which is not necessarily indicative of the conditions between and around drill holes. Such resource estimates may require revision as more drilling or other exploration information becomes available or as actual production experience is gained. Further, resources may not have demonstrated economic viability and may never be extracted by the operator of a property. It should not be assumed that any part or all of the mineral resources on properties underlying Franco-Nevada’s royalty/stream interests constitute or will be converted into reserves.

Any of the foregoing factors may require operators to reduce their reserves and resources, which may result in a material and adverse effect on Franco-Nevada’s profitability, results of operations, financial condition and the trading price of Franco-Nevada securities.

The exploration and development of mining and resource properties is inherently dangerous and subject to risks beyond the control of Franco-Nevada

Companies engaged in mining and oil & natural gas activities are subject to all of the hazards and risks inherent in exploring for and developing natural resource projects. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, environmental hazards, industrial accidents, labour disputes, increases in the cost of labour, social unrest, changes in the regulatory environment, permitting and title risks, impact of non-compliance with laws and regulations, fires, explosions, blowouts, cratering, sour gas releases and spills, encountering unusual or unexpected geological formations or other geological or grade problems, unanticipated metallurgical characteristics or less than expected mineral recovery, encountering unanticipated

49


 

ground or water conditions, cave-ins, pit wall failures, flooding, rock bursts, periodic interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions, earthquakes, seismic activity, other natural disasters or unfavourable operating conditions and losses. Should any of these risks or hazards affect a company’s exploration or development activities, it may (i) cause the cost of development or production to increase to a point where it would no longer be economic to produce the metal or oil & natural gas from the company’s resources or expected reserves, (ii) result in a write down or write-off of the carrying value of one or more projects, (iii) cause delays or stoppage of mining or processing, (iv) result in the destruction of properties, processing facilities or third party facilities necessary to the company’s operations, (v) cause personal injury or death and related legal liability, or (vi) result in the loss of insurance coverage. The occurrence of any of above mentioned risks or hazards could result in an interruption or suspension of operation of the properties in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty/stream interest and have a material and adverse effect on Franco-Nevada’s profitability, results of operations, financial condition and the trading price of Franco-Nevada securities.

Title defects may result in a loss of entitlement to a property

A defect in the chain of title to any of the properties underlying the royalty, stream or other interests or necessary for the anticipated development or operation of a particular project to which a royalty, stream or other interest relates may arise to defeat or impair the claim of the operator to a property. In addition, claims by third parties or aboriginal groups in Canada and elsewhere may impact on the operator’s ability to conduct activities on a property to the detriment of Franco-Nevada’s royalty, stream or other interests. To the extent an owner or operator does not have title to the property, it may be required to cease operations or transfer operational control to another party. Many royalties, streams or other interests are contractual, rather than an interest in land, with the risk that an assignment or bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings by an owner will result in the loss of any effective royalty, stream or other interest in a particular property. Further, even in those jurisdictions where there is a right to record or register royalties, streams or other interests held by Franco-Nevada in land registries or mining recorders offices, such registrations may not necessarily provide any protection to the holder of such interests. Accordingly, the holder of such interests may be subject to risk from third parties. As a result, known title defects, as well as unforeseen and unknown title defects may impact operations at a project in which Franco-Nevada has a royalty, stream or other interest and may result in a material and adverse effect on Franco-Nevada’s profitability, results of operations, financial condition and the trading price of Franco-Nevada securities.

The operations in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest require various property rights, permits and licenses in order to conduct current and future operations, and delays or a failure to obtain or maintain such property rights, permits and licenses, or a failure to comply with the terms of any of such property rights, permits and licenses could result in interruption or closure of operations or exploration on the properties

Exploration, development and operation of mining and oil & natural gas properties are subject to laws and regulations governing health and worker safety, employment standards, environmental matters, mine development, project development, mineral production, permitting and maintenance of title, exports, taxes, labour standards, reclamation obligations, heritage and historic matters and other matters. Franco-Nevada, in respect of its own assets and operations, as well as the owners and operators of the properties in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest, require licenses and permits from various governmental authorities in order to conduct their operations. Future changes in such laws and regulations or in such licenses and permits could have a material adverse impact on the revenue Franco-Nevada derives from the royalty/stream interests. Such licenses and permits are subject to change in various circumstances and are required to be kept in good standing through a variety of means, including cash payments and satisfaction of conditions of issue. Such licenses and permits are subject to expiration, relinquishment and/or termination without notice to, control of or recourse by Franco-Nevada. There can be no guarantee that Franco-Nevada or the owners or operators of those properties in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest, will be able to obtain or maintain all necessary licenses and permits in good standing that may be required to explore, develop and operate the properties, commence construction or operation of mining or oil & natural gas facilities, or maintain operations that economically justify the cost. Any failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations, permits and licenses, or to maintain permits and licenses in good standing, even if inadvertent, could result in interruption or closure of exploration, development or mining operations or fines, penalties or other liabilities accruing to the owner or operator of the project. Any such occurrence could substantially decrease production or cause the termination of operations on the property and have a material and adverse effect on Franco-Nevada’s profitability, results of operations, financial condition and the trading price of Franco-Nevada securities.

Franco-Nevada is exposed to risks related to the permitting, construction, development and/or expansion in relation to the projects and properties in which it holds a royalty, stream or other interest

Many of the projects or properties in which Franco-Nevada holds an interest in are in the permitting, construction, development and/or expansion stage and such projects are subject to numerous risks, including, but not limited to delays in obtaining equipment, materials and services essential to the construction and development of such projects in a timely manner, delays or inability to obtain required permits, changes in environmental or other regulations, currency exchange rates, labour shortages, cost escalations and fluctuations in metal prices. There can be no assurance that the owners or operators of such

50


 

projects will have the financial, technical and operational resources to complete permitting, construction, development and/or expansion of such projects in accordance with current expectations or at all.

The operations in which Franco-Nevada holds an interest are subject to environmental and endangered species laws and regulations that may increase the costs of doing business and may restrict the operations

All phases of the mining and the oil & natural gas business present environmental risks and hazards and are subject to environmental regulation pursuant to a variety of government laws and regulations, including laws and regulations relating to the protection of endangered and threatened species.  Compliance with such laws and regulations can require significant expenditures and a breach may result in the imposition of fines and penalties, which may be material.  In addition, such laws and regulations can constrain or prohibit the exploration and development of new projects or the development or expansion of existing projects.  Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner expected to result in stricter standards and enforcement, increases in land use restrictions, larger fines and liability and potentially increased capital expenditures and operating costs. Any breach of environmental legislation by Franco-Nevada, as an owner or operator of a property, or by owners or operators of properties underlying the asset portfolio could have a material impact on the viability of the relevant property and impair the revenue derived from the owned property or applicable royalty/stream, which could have a material and adverse effect on Franco-Nevada’s profitability, results of operations, financial condition and the trading price of Franco-Nevada securities.

Additional costs may be incurred as a result of international climate change initiatives and may affect the availability of resources and cause business disruptions

Franco-Nevada acknowledges climate change as an international and community concern.  Franco-Nevada supports and endorses various initiatives for voluntary actions consistent with international initiatives on climate change.  In addition to voluntary actions, governments are moving to introduce climate change legislation and treaties at the international, national, state/provincial and local levels.  Where legislation already exists, regulation relating to emission levels and energy efficiency is becoming more stringent.  Some of the costs associated with reducing emissions can be offset by increased energy efficiency and technological innovation.  However, if the current regulatory trend continues, Franco-Nevada expects this may result in increased costs at some of the operations underlying its royalty/stream interests.

Risks relating to foreign jurisdictions

Many of the Corporation’s royalty and stream interests relate to properties outside of the United States and Canada, including Latin America and, to a lesser extent, Africa. In addition, future investments may expose the Corporation to new jurisdictions. The ownership, development and operation of these properties and the mines and projects thereupon by their owners and operators are subject to the risks normally associated with conducting business in foreign countries. These risks include, depending on the country, nationalization and expropriation, social unrest and political instability, less developed legal and regulatory systems, uncertainties in perfecting mineral titles, trade barriers, exchange controls and material changes in taxation. These risks may, among other things, limit or disrupt the ownership, development or operation of properties, mines or projects in respect of which the Corporation holds royalty and stream interests, restrict the movement of funds, or result in the deprivation of contractual rights or the taking of property by nationalization or expropriation without fair compensation.

The Corporation applies various methods, where practicable, to identify, assess and, where possible, mitigate these risks prior to entering into stream and royalty agreements. Such methods generally include: conducting due diligence on the political, social, legal and regulatory systems and on the ownership, title and regulatory compliance of the properties subject to the royalty or stream interest; engaging experienced local counsel and other advisors in the applicable jurisdiction; negotiating where possible so that the applicable royalty or stream agreement contains appropriate protections, representations, warranties and, in each case as the Corporation deems necessary or appropriate in the circumstances, all applied on a risk-adjusted basis. There can be no assurance, however, that the Corporation will be able to identify or mitigate all risks relating to holding royalty and stream interests in respect of properties, mines and projects located in foreign jurisdictions, and the occurrence of any of the factors and uncertainties described above could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Franco-Nevada is exposed to risks of changing political attitudes and stability and ensuing changes in government regulation in the countries in which it holds royalty, stream or other interests

The properties on which Franco-Nevada holds or will hold a royalty, stream or other interest are located in multiple legal jurisdictions and political systems. There is sovereign risk in investing in foreign countries, including the risk that the resource concessions may be susceptible to revision or cancellation by new laws, may not be renewed as anticipated or may otherwise be adversely impacted by changes in direction by the government in question. It is possible that changes in applicable laws, regulations, or in their enforcement or regulatory interpretation could result in adverse changes to mineral or oil & natural gas operations. These are matters over which Franco-Nevada has no control. There is no assurance that future political and economic conditions in such countries will not result in the adoption of different policies or attitudes respecting the development and ownership of resources. Any such changes in policy or attitudes may result in changes in laws affecting ownership of assets, land tenure and resource concessions, licensing fees, taxation, royalties, price controls, exchange rates,

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export controls, environmental protection, labour relations, foreign investment, nationalization, expropriation, repatriation of income and return of capital, which may affect both the ability to undertake exploration and development on, or production from, the properties in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest. In certain areas where Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest, the regulatory environment is in a state of continuing change, and new laws, regulations and requirements may be retroactive in their effect and implementation. Any changes in governmental laws, regulations, economic conditions or shifts in political attitudes or stability are beyond the control of Franco-Nevada and the owners and operators of the properties in which Franco-Nevada has an interest and such changes may result in a material and adverse effect on Franco-Nevada’s profitability, results of operations, financial condition and the trading price of Franco-Nevada securities.

Additionally, Franco-Nevada is indirectly exposed to the risks faced by the owners and operators of the properties in which Franco-Nevada holds or will hold royalties, streams or other interests in foreign jurisdictions.  These include risks related to political and economic instability, under-developed legal systems, inconsistencies in the application of local laws and other legal uncertainty, terrorism, military repression, political violence, crime, corruption, infectious diseases, unsophisticated infrastructure and inaccessibility.

Changes to provincial and state royalty frameworks may have an adverse effect on the revenue generated by Oil & Gas Assets

In addition to federal regulation, each Canadian province  and U.S. state has legislation and regulations that govern royalties, production rates and other matters.  The royalty regime in a given province or state is a significant factor in the profitability of crude oil, natural gas liquids, sulfur and natural gas production.  Royalties payable on production from lands other than Crown or U.S. federal government lands are determined by negotiation between the mineral freehold owner and the lessee, although production from such lands is subject to certain taxes and royalties.  Royalties from production on Crown or U.S. federal government lands are determined by governmental regulation and are generally calculated as a percentage of the value of gross production.  The rate of royalties payable generally depends in part on prescribed reference prices, well productivity, geographical location, field discovery date, method of recovery and the type or quality of the petroleum product produced.  Other royalties and royalty-like interests are, from time to time, carved out of the working interest owner’s interest through non-public transactions.  These are often referred to as overriding royalties, gross overriding royalties, net profits interests, or net carried interests.

Occasionally the governments of the western Canadian provinces create incentive programs for exploration and development.  Such programs often provide for royalty rate reductions, royalty holidays, or royalty tax credits and are generally introduced when commodity prices are low to encourage exploration and development activity by improving earnings and cash flow within the industry.

Any increased royalty burden may affect the operations of the owners or operators of properties underlying Franco-Nevada’s Oil & Gas Assets which may materially and adversely affect its profitability, results of operations, financial condition and the trading price of Franco-Nevada securities.

Proposed changes to U.S. federal mining and public land law could impose, among other things, royalties and fees paid to the U.S. government by mining companies and royalty holders

Periodically, members of the U.S. Congress have introduced bills which would supplant or alter the provisions of The General Mining Law of 1872 which governs the disposition of metallic minerals on lands owned by the federal government.  Some of the production covered by Franco-Nevada’s royalties occurs on unpatented mining claims located on U.S. federal lands.  There have been recent proposals to amend the U.S. mining law to impose a royalty on the production of select hardrock minerals, such as silver, gold and copper, from U.S. federal lands, and a reclamation fee on production from federal and other lands.  Any such proposal, if enacted by the U.S. Congress, could substantially increase the cost of holding mining claims and could reduce the revenue Franco-Nevada receives from royalties on unpatented mining claims, and to a lesser extent, on other lands in the United States.  Moreover, such legislation could significantly impair the ability of owners of properties subject to Franco-Nevada’s royalties to develop mineral resources on unpatented mining claims.  Although it is impossible at this time to predict what royalties and fees may be imposed in the future, the imposition of such royalties and fees could adversely affect the potential for development of such mining claims and the economics of existing operating mines on federal lands.  Passage of such legislation may result in a material and adverse effect on Franco-Nevada’s profitability, results of operations, financial condition and the trading price of Franco-Nevada securities.

Adequate infrastructure may not be available to develop the properties in which Franco-Nevada has an interest

Mining, processing, development and exploration activities depend, to one degree or another, on adequate infrastructure. Reliable roads, bridges, power sources and water supply are important determinants, which affect capital and operating costs. Unusual or infrequent weather phenomena, sabotage, government or other interference in the maintenance or provision of such infrastructure could adversely affect the operations in which Franco-Nevada has a royalty/stream interest.

North American crude oil price differentials are expected to continue to be volatile throughout 2018 which will have an impact on crude oil prices for Canadian producers. Overall, supply in excess of current pipeline and refining capacity is expected to

52


 

exist. Material structural changes are required to reduce these bottlenecks and the resulting price discounts. There are numerous projects proposed to alleviate pipeline bottlenecks in Canada and the United States, expand refinery capacity and expand or build new pipelines in Canada and the United States to source new markets, some of which are in the regulatory application phase. There can be no assurance that such regulatory approvals will be secured on a timely basis or at all.

Production is dependent on operators’ employees

Production from the properties in which Franco-Nevada holds an interest depends on the efforts of operators’ employees.  There is competition for geologists and persons with mining and oil & gas expertise.  The ability of the owners and operators of such properties to hire and retain geologists and persons with mining expertise is key to those operations.  Further, relations with employees may be affected by changes in the scheme of labour relations that may be introduced by the relevant governmental authorities in the jurisdictions in which those operations are conducted.  Changes in such legislation or otherwise in the relationships of the owners and operators of such properties with their employees may result in strikes, lockouts or other work stoppages, any of which could have a material adverse effect on such operations, results of operations and financial condition of Franco-Nevada.  If these factors cause the owners and operators of such properties to decide to cease production at one or more of the properties, such decision could have a material adverse effect on the business and financial condition of Franco-Nevada.

Franco-Nevada is subject to risks related to certain operations in Africa

Certain operators are subject to risks normally associated with the conduct of business in Africa.  Risks may include, among others, problems relating to power supply, labour disputes, delays or invalidation of governmental orders and permits, corruption, uncertain political and economic environments, civil disturbances and crime, arbitrary changes in laws or policies, foreign taxation and exchange controls, nationalization of assets, opposition to mining from environmental or other non-governmental organizations or changes in the political attitude towards mining, Black Economic Empowerment participation requirements, limitations on foreign ownership, power supply issues, limitations on repatriation of earnings, infrastructure limitations and increased financing costs.  The above risks may limit, disrupt or negatively impact the operator’s business activities.

Franco-Nevada’s assets may be subject to risks related to indigenous peoples

Various international and national, state and provincial laws, codes, resolutions, conventions, guidelines, treaties, and other principles and considerations relate to the rights of indigenous peoples. Franco-Nevada holds royalty/stream interests on operations located in some areas presently or previously inhabited or used by indigenous peoples. Many of these materials impose obligations on government to respect the rights of indigenous people. Some mandate consultation with indigenous people regarding actions which may affect indigenous people, including actions to approve or grant mining rights or permits. The obligations of government and private parties under the various international and national requirements, principles and considerations pertaining to indigenous people continue to evolve and be defined. Franco-Nevada’s current and future operations are subject to a risk that one or more groups of indigenous people may oppose continued operation, further development, or new development of those projects or operations on which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest.  Such opposition may be directed through legal or administrative proceedings or protests, roadblocks or other forms of public expression against Franco-Nevada or the operators’ activities.  Opposition by indigenous people to such activities may require modification of or preclude operation or development of projects or may require the entering into of agreements with indigenous people.  Claims and protests of indigenous peoples may disrupt or delay activities of the operators of Franco-Nevada’s royalty/stream assets.

Risks Related to Franco-Nevada’s securities

Franco-Nevada’s securities are subject to price volatility

Securities markets have a high level of price and volume volatility, and the market price of securities of many companies have experienced wide fluctuations in price which have not necessarily been related to the operating performance, underlying asset values or prospects of such companies. Factors unrelated to the financial performance or prospects of Franco-Nevada include macroeconomic developments in North America and globally, and market perceptions of the attractiveness of particular industries or asset classes. There can be no assurance that continued fluctuations in mineral and oil & natural gas prices will not occur. As a result of any of these factors, the market price of Franco-Nevada’s securities at any given time may not accurately reflect the long term value of Franco-Nevada.

In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, shareholders have instituted class action securities litigation against them. Such litigation, if instituted, could result in substantial cost and diversion of management attention and resources, which could significantly harm profitability and the reputation of Franco-Nevada.

There may be limitations on enforcement of civil judgments

A substantial portion of the assets of Franco-Nevada are located outside of Canada.  As a result, it may not be possible for investors in Franco-Nevada’s securities to collect from Franco-Nevada judgments obtained in courts in Canada predicated on

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the civil liability provisions of securities legislation of certain of the provinces and territories of Canada. It may also be difficult for investors in Franco-Nevada’s securities to succeed in a lawsuit in the United States, based solely on violations of Canadian securities laws.

Additional issuance of securities by Franco-Nevada may dilute existing securityholders, reduce some or all of Franco-Nevada’s financial measures on a per share basis, reduce the trading price of the Common Shares or other Franco-Nevada securities or impede Franco-Nevada’s ability to raise future capital

Franco-Nevada may issue additional securities in the future in connection with acquisitions, strategic transactions, financings or for other purposes.  To the extent additional securities are issued, Franco-Nevada’s existing securityholders could be diluted and some or all of Franco-Nevada’s financial measures could be reduced on a per share basis.  Additionally, Franco-Nevada securities issued in connection with a transaction may not be subject to resale restrictions and, as such, the market price of Franco-Nevada’s securities may decline if certain large holders of Franco-Nevada securities or recipients of Franco-Nevada securities in connection with an acquisition, sell all or a significant portion of such securities or are perceived by the market as intending to sell such securities.  In addition, such issuances of securities may impede Franco-Nevada’s ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity securities in the future.

Franco-Nevada may be, or may become, a “passive foreign investment company,” which may result in adverse tax consequences for United States investors

If Franco-Nevada were to constitute a PFIC for any year during a U.S. holder’s holding period, then certain potentially adverse U.S. federal income tax rules would affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such U.S. holder resulting from the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares.

The U.S. Treasury Department has not issued specific guidance on how the income and assets of a non-U.S. corporation such as Franco-Nevada will be treated under the PFIC rules. Franco-Nevada believes, on a more-likely-than-not basis, that it was not a PFIC for its taxable year ended December 31, 2017, and, based on its current and anticipated business activities and financial expectations, Franco-Nevada expects, on a more-likely-than-not basis, that it will not be a PFIC for its current taxable year and for the foreseeable future.  However, Franco-Nevada believes that it was a PFIC for its taxable year ended December 31, 2011, and prior taxable years.

The determination as to whether a corporation is, or will be, a PFIC for a particular taxable year depends, in part, on the application of complex U.S. federal income tax rules, which are subject to differing interpretations and uncertainty. In addition, there is limited authority on the application of the relevant PFIC rules to entities such as Franco-Nevada. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service will not challenge the views of Franco-Nevada concerning its PFIC status. In addition, whether any corporation will be a PFIC for any taxable year depends on its assets and income over the course of such taxable year, and, as a result, Franco-Nevada’s PFIC status for its current taxable year and any future taxable year cannot be predicted with certainty. Each U.S. holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the PFIC status of Franco-Nevada.

This risk factor is qualified in its entirety by the discussion set forth under the heading, “United States Federal Income Tax Considerations” contained in Franco-Nevada’s Annual Report on Form 40-F which has been filed with the SEC and can be found at the SEC’s website www.sec.gov.

Franco-Nevada’s business is subject to evolving corporate governance and public disclosure regulations that have increased both Franco-Nevada’s compliance costs and the risk of noncompliance, which could have an adverse effect on the price of Franco-Nevada’s securities

Franco-Nevada is subject to changing rules and regulations promulgated by a number of United States and Canadian governmental and self-regulated organizations, including the SEC, the Canadian Securities Administrators, the NYSE, the TSX, and the Financial Accounting Standards Board.  These rules and regulations continue to evolve in scope and complexity making compliance more difficult and uncertain.  For example, new rules have been proposed and enacted that will require Franco-Nevada to disclose on an annual basis certain payments made by Franco-Nevada, its subsidiaries or entities controlled by it, to domestic and foreign governments, including sub-national governments.  Further, Franco-Nevada’s efforts to comply with these and other new and existing rules and regulations have resulted in, and are likely to continue to result in, increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities.

Franco-Nevada may fail to maintain the adequacy of internal control over financial reporting as per the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“ SOX ”) requires an annual assessment by management of the effectiveness of Franco-Nevada’s internal control over financial reporting and an attestation report by Franco-Nevada’s independent auditors addressing this assessment.  While Franco-Nevada’s internal controls over financial reporting for the year ended December 31, 2017 were effective, Franco-Nevada may in the future fail to achieve and maintain the adequacy of its internal

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control over financial reporting, as such standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, and Franco-Nevada may not be able to ensure that it can conclude on an ongoing basis that it has effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of SOX.  Franco-Nevada’s failure to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of SOX on an ongoing, timely basis could result in the loss of investor confidence in the reliability of its financial statements, which in turn could harm Franco-Nevada’s business and negatively impact the trading price of its Common Shares.  In addition, any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation, could harm Franco-Nevada’s operating results or cause it to fail to meet its reporting obligations.  Future acquisitions of companies may provide Franco-Nevada with challenges in implementing the required processes, procedures and controls in its acquired operations.  Acquired companies may not have disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting that are as thorough or effective as those required by securities laws currently applicable to Franco-Nevada.

No evaluation can provide complete assurance that Franco-Nevada’s internal control over financial reporting will detect or uncover all failures of persons within Franco-Nevada to disclose material information otherwise required to be reported.  The effectiveness of Franco-Nevada’s controls and procedures could also be limited by simple errors or faulty judgments.  In addition, should Franco-Nevada expand in the future, the challenges involved in implementing appropriate internal control over financial reporting will increase and will require that Franco-Nevada continue to improve its internal control over financial reporting.  Although Franco-Nevada intends to devote substantial time and incur substantial costs, as necessary, to ensure compliance, Franco-Nevada cannot be certain that it will be successful in complying with Section 404 on an ongoing basis.

Franco-Nevada may become subject to burdensome regulatory requirements under U.S. laws regulating pension plans

Franco-Nevada may not qualify as an “operating company” for purposes of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (United States), as amended (“ ERISA ”). Consequently, if 25% or more of the issued Common Shares were held by private pension plans subject to ERISA or plans subject to the U.S. Internal Revenue Code’s “prohibited transaction” rules (such as individual retirement accounts), then Franco-Nevada’s assets would be treated as ERISA “plan assets”.  As a result, Franco-Nevada could become subject to the ERISA regulatory regime, including, among other potentially burdensome regulatory requirements, heightened fiduciary duties owed to plan participants. While Franco-Nevada intends to monitor beneficial ownership of its Common Shares by ERISA plans, there can be no assurance that Franco-Nevada will not become subject to ERISA regulations in the future. If Franco-Nevada were subject to ERISA regulatory requirements, it could have a material and adverse effect on Franco-Nevada’s ability to manage its business and/or its results of operations and financial condition.

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DIVIDENDS

Franco-Nevada declares its dividends in U.S. dollars.  The following tables set forth the dividends paid by Franco-Nevada for each of the three most recently completed financial years in U.S. dollars and the Canadian dollar equivalent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends Paid in US$ (in millions)

    

2017

    

2016

    

2015

 

Per Common Share (in dollars)

 

$

0.91

 

$

0.87

 

$

0.83

 

Cash payments

 

$

125.8

 

$

118.1

 

$

94.1

 

DRIP payments (1)

 

$

42.1

 

$

38.7

 

$

34.9

 

In aggregate (1)

 

$

167.9

 

$

156.8

 

$

129.0

 

 

(1)

For 2017, 2016 and 2015, includes DRIP payments which were satisfied by the issuance of 575,553, 588,182, and 750,111 Common Shares respectively.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends Paid in C$ (in millions)

    

2017

    

2016

    

2015

 

Per Common Share (in dollars) (1)

 

$

1.17

 

$

1.11

 

$

1.08

 

Cash payments (1)

 

$

162.9

 

$

149.9

 

$

122.4

 

DRIP payments (1)(2)

 

$

54.4

 

$

50.8

 

$

45.5

 

In aggregate (1)(2)

 

$

217.3

 

$

200.6

 

$

167.9

 

 

(1)

The exchange rate used to convert the dividends to C$ for 2017 is the daily exchange rate posted by the Bank of Canada on the record date and for 2016 and 2015 is the noon rate posted by the Bank of Canada on the day before the dividend declaration date.

(2)

For 2017, 2016 and 2015, includes DRIP payments which were satisfied by the issuance of 575,553, 588,182, and 750,111 Common Shares respectively.

Franco-Nevada has adopted a dividend policy to pay an adequate sustainable dividend as determined by its Board of Directors to qualify its Common Shares for large generalist institutional funds. In July 2010, Franco-Nevada began to declare and pay monthly dividends and, effective Q2 2014, the Board of Directors began to pay dividends on a quarterly basis.  The Board of Directors may change the dividend policy at any time at its sole discretion and there is no assurance that Franco-Nevada will be able to pay any dividends or sustain any level of dividend payments.  It is expected that the Board of Directors will conduct periodic reviews of Franco-Nevada’s dividend policy.

On July 9, 2013, Franco-Nevada adopted a DRIP to provide, among other things, eligible holders of Franco-Nevada’s Common Shares with a means to reinvest dividends declared and payable to them as shareholders (less any withholding tax) in additional Common Shares of Franco-Nevada.  Currently, such Common Shares are issued from treasury at a 3% discount to the market price.  The discount may be adjusted in future but cannot exceed 5%.  Shareholders were able to participate in the DRIP starting with the October 2013 dividend payment.

CAPITAL STRUCTURE

The authorized share capital of Franco-Nevada consists of an unlimited number of Common Shares and an unlimited number of preferred shares of which, as of March 27, 2018, 185,930,331 Common Shares and no preferred shares were outstanding.

Common Shares

Each Common Share carries the right to one vote at all meetings of shareholders of Franco-Nevada. There are no special rights or restrictions of any nature attached to the Common Shares. All Common Shares rank equally as to dividends, voting powers and participation in assets upon liquidation of Franco-Nevada.

Preferred Shares

The preferred shares may be issued in one or more series, each series to consist of such number of shares as may, before the issue thereof, be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors. The directors shall determine before the issue thereof the designations, rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to the preferred shares of each series including the rate or amount of dividends or the method of calculating dividends, the dates of payment thereof, the redemption and/or purchase prices and terms and conditions of redemption and/or purchase, any voting rights, any conversion rights and any sinking fund or other provisions.

The preferred shares of each series will, with respect to payment of dividends and the distribution of assets in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up, rank on a parity with the preferred shares of every other series and be entitled to preference over the Common Shares and over any other shares ranking junior to the preferred shares. The preferred shares of any series may also be given such other preferences over the Common Shares and over any other shares ranking junior to the preferred shares as may be fixed by the directors.

Warrants

Until their expiry on June 16, 2017, Franco-Nevada had outstanding certain warrants to purchase Common Shares, of which the following class was listed and posted for trading.

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2017 Warrants

The Corporation recently had warrants outstanding, each warrant entitling the holder to purchase one Common Share upon payment of C$75.00 (the “ 2017 Warrants ”).  In addition, the Corporation had issued one special warrant (the “ Special Warrant ”) which was exchangeable into 2,000,000 2017 Warrants upon the holder achieving certain permitting, development and financing criteria.  The 2017 Warrants and the Special Warrant expired on June 16, 2017.  The 2017 Warrants were listed and posted for trading on the TSX under the symbol “FNV.WT.A”.

MARKET FOR SECURITIES

The Common Shares of Franco-Nevada are listed and posted for trading on the TSX and the New York Stock Exchange (“ NYSE ”) in each case under the symbol “FNV”.

The 2017 Warrants were listed and posted for trading on the TSX under the symbol “FNV.WT.A” until June 16, 2017 when they expired.

Trading Price and Volume

The following table sets forth the high and low prices and volumes for the Common Shares traded on the TSX and on the NYSE for the most recently completed financial year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Shares TSX

 

Common Shares NYSE

 

 

    

High C$

   

Low C$

    

Volume

    

High $

    

Low $

    

Volume

 

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January

 

86.28

 

79.71

 

11,453,168

 

65.71

 

59.30

 

14,173,909

 

February

 

90.46

 

83.31

 

10,783,261

 

69.06

 

63.59

 

11,354,992

 

March

 

89.31

 

81.01

 

13,586,432

 

66.82

 

60.10

 

19,566,831

 

April

 

93.97

 

86.91

 

8,831,758

 

70.30

 

64.96

 

13,833,319

 

May

 

101.35

 

89.10

 

9,860,554

 

75.01

 

64.90

 

14,234,706

 

June

 

102.59

 

92.51

 

9,874,497

 

76.27

 

70.02

 

12,612,543

 

July

 

94.11

 

87.81

 

8,127,487

 

74.94

 

69.24

 

11,269,452

 

August

 

103.37

 

89.72

 

10,888,169

 

82.66

 

71.76

 

13,581,676

 

September

 

104.00

 

96.29

 

10,140,245

 

85.03

 

77.24

 

11,121,968

 

October

 

102.99

 

96.31

 

6,875,667

 

81.60

 

76.76

 

10,777,484

 

November

 

110.18

 

101.27

 

8,023,882

 

86.06

 

79.28

 

11,321,370

 

December

 

104.35

 

96.50

 

9,923,030

 

81.92

 

74.87

 

15,316,677

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January

 

101.48

 

92.31

 

16,326,416

 

80.79

 

74.88

 

12,747,054

 

February

 

94.49

 

85.71

 

16,654,529

 

76.72

 

67.90

 

14,370,019

 

March (1-27)

 

92.86

 

85.91

 

14,540,235

 

72.04

 

66.48

 

14,362,791

 

 

The following table sets forth the high and low prices and volumes for the 2017 Warrants traded on the TSX for the most recently completed financial year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017 Warrants

 

 

    

High C$

    

Low C$

    

Volume

 

2017

 

                        

 

                            

 

                            

 

January

 

14.20

 

11.08

 

407,220

 

February

 

16.80

 

11.14

 

175,527

 

March

 

14.85

 

8.88

 

225,612

 

April

 

19.30

 

13.30

 

192,599

 

May

 

26.35

 

14.65

 

387,709

 

June (1-16) (1)

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 

(1)     These warrants expired on June 16, 2017.

 

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DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

The following table sets forth, as at the date hereof, the name, province or state and country of residence, position held with Franco-Nevada and principal occupation of each director and executive officer of Franco-Nevada:

 

 

 

 

 

Name and Municipality of Residence

   

Position with Franco-Nevada (1)

   

Principal Occupation

 

 

 

 

 

Pierre Lassonde

 

Director and Chairman

 

Chair, Franco-Nevada

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David Harquail

 

Director, President &

 

President and Chief Executive

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

Officer, Franco-Nevada

 

 

 

 

 

Tom Albanese (3)

 

Director

 

Corporate Director

Hillsborough, New Jersey, U.S.A.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derek W. Evans (3)

 

Director

 

Corporate Director

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graham Farquharson (2)

 

Director

 

President, Strathcona Mineral

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

 

 

 

Services Limited

 

 

 

 

 

Catharine Farrow (2)

 

Director

 

President, FarExGeoMine Ltd.

Sudbury, Ontario, Canada

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Louis Gignac (2)

 

Director

 

President, G Mining Services Inc.

Brossard, Quebec, Canada

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Randall Oliphant (3)

 

Director

 

Corporate Director

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hon. David R. Peterson (2)

 

Director

 

Chairman Emeritus, Cassels Brock &

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

 

 

 

Blackwell LLP

 

 

 

 

 

Sandip Rana

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

Chief Financial Officer, Franco-Nevada

Brampton, Ontario, Canada

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul Brink

 

Senior Vice President, Business

 

Senior Vice President, Business

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

 

Development

 

Development, Franco-Nevada

 

 

 

 

 

Lloyd Hong

 

Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary

 

Chief Legal Officer & Corporate

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

 

 

 

Secretary, Franco-Nevada


(1) All of the directors have served since November 2007 with the exception of Derek Evans, Tom Albanese and Catharine Farrow who were appointed in August 2008, August 2013 and May 2015 respectively.

(2) Member of the Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee.

(3) Member of the Audit and Risk Committee.

Each director’s term of office expires at the next annual meeting of shareholders of Franco-Nevada or when his or her successor is duly elected or appointed, unless his or her term ends earlier in accordance with the articles or by-laws of Franco-Nevada, he or she resigns from office or he or she becomes disqualified to act as a director of Franco-Nevada.

As of the date hereof, the directors and executive officers of Franco-Nevada, as a group, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, or exercise control or direction over an aggregate of 3,636,960 Common Shares, representing approximately 2.0% of the Common Shares outstanding.

Biographical information regarding the directors and executive officers of Franco-Nevada is provided as follows:

Pierre Lassonde, Director and Chair —  Pierre Lassonde is the independent Chair of the Board.  Mr. Lassonde formerly served as President of Newmont from 2002 to 2006 and as a director and Vice-Chair of Newmont until November 30, 2007.  Previously, Mr. Lassonde served as a director and President (1982 to 2002) and Co-CEO (1999 to 2002) of Franco-Nevada Mining Corporation Limited (“ Old Franco-Nevada ”).  Mr. Lassonde also served as President and CEO of Euro-Nevada Mining Corporation Limited from 1985 to 1999, prior to its amalgamation with Old Franco-Nevada.  Mr. Lassonde served as a director of Normandy Mining Limited from 2001 to 2002 and of New Gold Inc. from 2008 to 2016.  Mr. Lassonde is past Chair and a past director of the World Gold Council, past Chair of the Quebec National Art Museum and a director of Enghouse Systems Limited.  Mr. Lassonde received his Chartered Financial Analyst designation from the CFA Institute in 1984, a P. Eng (Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario) in 1976, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Utah in

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1973, a B.Sc. (Electrical Engineering) from Ecole Polytechnique in 1971 and a B.A. from Seminaire de St. Hyacinthe/Université de Montréal in 1967.  Mr. Lassonde was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 2002, was inducted into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame in 2013 and was appointed Chair of the Canadian Council for the Arts in July 2015.

David Harquail, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director —  David Harquail is President & CEO and is a director of Franco-Nevada. He is Chair of the World Gold Council. He served as Executive Vice President of Newmont (2006 to 2007) and previously served as President and Managing Director of Newmont Capital Limited (“ Newmont Capital ”), the merchant banking division of Newmont (2002 to 2006).  Prior to the acquisition by Newmont of Old Franco-Nevada in 2002, Mr. Harquail was with Old Franco-Nevada for a period of 15 years with the final position of Senior Vice President responsible for the metals royalty division and corporate development.  He has also held roles as President and CEO of Redstone Resources Inc., as a director of Inco Limited, Echo Bay Mines Limited, Kinross Gold Corporation and the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada and as a task force advisor to the Toronto Stock Exchange.  Mr. Harquail holds a B.A.Sc. in Geological Engineering from the University of Toronto, an MBA from McGill University and is a registered Professional Engineer in Ontario.  He is also a major benefactor of the School of Earth Sciences and its Mineral Exploration Research Centre (MERC) at Laurentian University in Sudbury as well as the Centre for Neuromodulation at Sunnybrook Health Sciences in Toronto.

Tom Albanese, Director — Tom Albanese is a director of Franco-Nevada. He served as CEO of Vedanta Resources plc (2014 to 2017), CEO of Vedanta Limited (2014 to 2017) and was CEO of Rio Tinto plc (2007 to 2013).  Mr. Albanese presently serves as a member of the Advisory Board of Nevada Copper Corp. and previously served on the boards of Vedanta Resources plc, Vedanta Limited, Rio Tinto plc, Ivanhoe Mines Limited, Palabora Mining Company and Turquoise Hill Resources Limited.  Mr. Albanese holds a Master’s of Science degree in Mining Engineering and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mineral Economics both from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Derek W. Evans, Director — Derek Evans is a director of Franco-Nevada. He served as President and CEO and a director of Pengrowth Energy Corporation (an oil and natural gas company) from 2009 until March 15, 2018.  From May to September 2009, Mr. Evans was President and Chief Operating Officer of Pengrowth Energy Trust.  Mr. Evans served as President and CEO of Focus Energy Trust from May 2002 until March 2008.  Mr. Evans has over 30 years of experience in a variety of operational and senior management positions in the oil and gas business in Western Canada.  Mr. Evans holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering from Queen’s University and is a registered Professional Engineer in Alberta.  Mr. Evans is also a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Graham Farquharson, Director — Graham Farquharson is President of Strathcona Mineral Services Limited (a mining consulting firm) and is a director of Franco-Nevada.  Mr. Farquharson previously served on the boards of Placer Dome Inc., Cambior Inc., St Andrew Goldfields Ltd. and several other mining companies. In addition, Mr. Farquharson is the Chair of the Canadian Mineral Industry Education Foundation.  Mr. Farquharson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering from the University of Alberta, a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Queen’s University and is a registered Professional Engineer in Ontario.  Mr. Farquharson was inducted into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame in 2010.

Dr. Catharine Farrow, Director — Dr. Catharine Farrow is a director of Franco-Nevada and President of FarExGeoMine Ltd. (a private consultancy). Dr. Farrow previously served as founding Chief Executive Officer and a Director of TMAC Resources Inc. and Chief Operating Officer of KGHM International Ltd. (formerly FNX Mining Company Inc.). Dr. Farrow is also a member of the Advisory Committee of the Goodman School of Mines and is an Adjunct Professor at Laurentian University, and also has been a member of several non-profit boards and steering committees. Dr. Farrow is a member of the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario, the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy & Petroleum, and a Fellow of the Society of Economic Geologists. She holds a Doctorate in Earth Sciences from Carleton University, a Master’s degree in Geology from Acadia University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Mount Allison University.

Louis Gignac, Director — Louis Gignac is Chair of G Mining Services Inc. (a private consultancy) and is a director of Franco-Nevada.  Mr. Gignac previously served as President, CEO and a director of Cambior Inc. from its creation in 1986 until its acquisition by IAMGOLD Corporation in 2006. Mr. Gignac previously held management positions with Falconbridge Copper Company and Exxon Minerals Company and has served as a director of several companies including Domtar Corporation, St Andrew Goldfields Ltd., Marengo Mining Limited and Gaz Métro Inc.  Mr. Gignac also served as a professor in mining engineering at Laval University from 1979 to 1981.  Mr. Gignac is a member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec.  Mr. Gignac holds a Doctorate of Engineering in Mining Engineering from the University of Missouri Rolla, a Master’s degree in Mineral Engineering from the University of Minnesota, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering from Laval University.  Mr. Gignac was inducted into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame in 2016.

Randall Oliphant, Director — Randall Oliphant has worked in natural resources in many capacities for over 30 years.  From 1999 to 2003, Mr. Oliphant was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Barrick Gold Corporation, and since that time he has served on the boards of numerous public companies and not-for-profit organizations. Mr. Oliphant was the Chairman of Western Goldfields Inc. from 2006 until its business combination with New Gold in 2009.  Mr. Oliphant served as the Executive Chairman of New Gold from the time of the business combination to January 2017.  Mr. Oliphant presently serves on the advisory board of Metalmark Capital LLC, a leading private equity firm, and the boards of directors of New Gold Inc. (until

59


 

April 25, 2018) and Franco-Nevada. In addition, Mr. Oliphant served as Chairman of the World Gold Council from 2013 to 2017.  Mr. Oliphant is a CPA, CA and was granted the designation of FCPA in 2016 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to his profession.

Hon. David R. Peterson, Director — David Peterson is Chairman Emeritus at the law firm Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP and is a director of Franco-Nevada.  He was the Premier of the Province of Ontario from 1985 to 1990.  He was the founding Chair of the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association and was the Chair of the successful Toronto Bid for the 2015 Pan Am Games and was the Chair of the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games Organizing Committee.  Mr. Peterson also serves as a director of Rogers Communications Inc.  Mr. Peterson is Chancellor Emeritus of the University of Toronto and a director of St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation.  Mr. Peterson holds an LL.B. from the University of Toronto, was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1969, appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1980 and summoned by Her Majesty to the Privy Council in 1992.

Sandip Rana, Chief Financial Officer — Sandip Rana rejoined Franco-Nevada in April 2010. He previously served in treasurer and controller roles at the original Franco-Nevada until 2002 and then acted as an international controller for Newmont Mining Corporation. From 2003 to April 2010, Mr. Rana held financial roles at Four Seasons Hotels Limited where he most recently served as Vice-President Corporate Finance. Mr. Rana holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the Schulich School of Business and is a Chartered Professional Accountant, CA.

Paul Brink, Senior Vice President, Business Development — Paul Brink, Senior Vice President, Business Development has been with Franco-Nevada since its inception. He previously had roles in corporate development at Newmont, investment banking at BMO Nesbitt Burns and project financing at UBS. Mr. Brink holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Witwatersrand and a Master’s degree in Management Studies from Oxford University.

Lloyd Hong, Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary — Lloyd Hong, Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary, joined Franco-Nevada in December 2012. He previously was the Senior Vice President, Legal Counsel and Assistant Secretary of Uranium One Inc. Prior to that, he was a partner with the Canadian law firm of Davis LLP (now DLA Piper (Canada) LLP) with a practice focused on corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Hong holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Queen’s University. Mr. Hong is a member of The Law Society of Upper Canada and The Law Society of British Columbia.

Cease Trade Orders, Bankruptcies, Penalties or Sanctions

Except as set out below, no director or executive officer of Franco-Nevada (or where applicable, personal holding company of a director or executive officer):

(a)

is, as at the date hereof, or has been, within 10 years before the date hereof, a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of any company (including the Company) that:

(i)

was subject to an order that was issued while the director or executive officer was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer, or

(ii)

was subject to an order that was issued after the director or executive officer ceased to be a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer and which resulted from an event that occurred while that person was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer; or

(b)

is, as at the date hereof, or has been, within 10 years before the date hereof, a director or executive officer of any company (including the Company) that, while that person was acting in that capacity, or within a year of that person ceasing to act in that capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement, or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver-manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets; or

(c)

has, within 10 years before the date hereof, become bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, or become subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors, or  had a receiver, receiver-manager or trustee appointed to hold the assets of the director or executive officer; or

(d)

has been subject to:

(i)

any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating to securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority or has entered into a settlement agreement with a securities regulatory authority; or

(ii)

any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body that would likely be considered important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision.

60


 

Derek Evans was a director (until his resignation in January 2016) of a private oil and gas company that sought protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada) in May 2016.

Under a settlement agreement dated November 30, 2017, Mr. Louis Gignac, a director of the Corporation, resolved concerns of the Authorité des marches financiers (“ AMF ”) regarding a trade in shares of another issuer made in 2015. The AMF and Mr. Gignac agreed in the settlement agreement that Mr. Gignac traded shares in error while in possession of privileged information, as defined in the Securities Act (Quebec) (the “ Quebec Act ”). The AMF and Mr. Gignac agreed that Mr. Gignac self-reported his trading to the AMF, fully cooperated with the AMF and that Mr. Gignac had no intention of trading with privileged information. Mr. Gignac agreed to pay an administrative fine of $94,369 under section 204 of the Quebec Act to fully resolve the matter.

For the purposes of the above, “order” means:  (i) a cease trade order; (ii) an order similar to a cease trade order, or (iii) an order that denied the relevant company access to any exemption under securities legislation, and, with respect to each, was in effect more than 30 consecutive days.

Other Disclosed Matters

On October 17, 2017, the SEC filed civil charges against each of Rio Tinto plc, Tom Albanese and the former CFO of Rio Tinto plc, alleging, among other things, violations of the anti-fraud, reporting, books and records and internal control provisions of U.S. federal securities laws in connection with conduct at Rio Tinto plc and certain of its subsidiaries while Mr. Albanese was the CEO of Rio Tinto plc and prior to his becoming a director of the Corporation.  On March 2, 2018, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (“ ASIC ”) commenced proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia against each of Rio Tinto Limited, Tom Albanese and the former CFO of Rio Tinto Limited relating to statements which ASIC alleges were misleading contained in the annual report of Rio Tinto Limited for 2011.

The Corporation is aware of the allegations and will continue to monitor the progress of the situation.

Conflicts of Interest

In the opinion of management of Franco-Nevada, there are no existing or potential conflicts of interest among Franco-Nevada, its directors, officers or other insiders of Franco-Nevada, other than as described in the following paragraph.  Various officers, directors or other insiders of the Corporation may hold senior positions with other entities, including entities involved in the resource industry or may otherwise be involved in transactions within the resource industry and may develop other interests outside the Corporation.  In the event that any such conflict of interest arises (or could potentially arise) for a director, such director will be required to disclose the conflict to a meeting of the directors of the Corporation and abstain from voting for or against the approval of such participation or such terms.  In the event that any such conflict of interest arises (or could potentially arise) for an officer or other insider of the Corporation, such person will be required to disclose the conflict to the Chief Legal Officer and abstain from participating in any discussions related to such matter and the Board will be apprised of such conflict.  In appropriate cases, the Corporation will establish a special committee of independent directors to review a matter in which several directors, or management, may have a conflict.  Any decision made by any of such directors involving the Corporation will be required to be made in accordance with their duties and obligations to deal honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Corporation and its shareholders.

Randall Oliphant is a director of New Gold Inc. (until April 25, 2018), a payor of two of Franco-Nevada’s royalty interests.  Conflicts of interest of this director could arise from time to time in his capacity as a director of this third party.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND REGULATORY ACTIONS

There are no outstanding material legal proceedings to which Franco-Nevada or any of its subsidiaries is a party or was a party to during fiscal 2017 or that any of its properties or assets is subject or was subject to, during fiscal 2017, and no proceedings are known to be contemplated against Franco-Nevada, any of its subsidiaries or any of their property or assets.

There have been no penalties or sanctions imposed against Franco-Nevada by a court relating to securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority during fiscal 2017 and there have been no other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body against Franco-Nevada that would likely be considered important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision. Franco-Nevada has not entered into any settlement agreement before a court relating to securities legislation or with a securities regulatory authority during fiscal 2017.

INTERESTS OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS

No director or executive officer of Franco-Nevada, any other insider of Franco-Nevada or any associate or affiliate of any of such individuals or companies has any material interest, directly or indirectly, in any transaction within the three most recently completed financial years or during the current financial year that has materially affected Franco-Nevada or is reasonably expected to materially affect Franco-Nevada.

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REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT

The registrar and transfer agent for the Common Shares is Computershare Investor Services Inc. at its principal office in Toronto, Ontario and Computershare Investor Services at its principal office in Golden, Colorado.

MATERIAL CONTRACTS

Franco-Nevada has not entered into a material contract since October 17, 2007 (date of incorporation) that is still in effect other than material contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business (unless otherwise required to be disclosed).

EXPERTS

Certain technical and scientific information contained in this AIF, including in respect of the Antapaccay project, the Antamina project, the Candelaria project and the Cobre Panama project was reviewed and approved in accordance with NI 43-101 by Phil Wilson, C.Eng., Vice President, Technical of the Corporation and a “Qualified Person” as defined in NI 43-101.

To the knowledge of Franco-Nevada, this expert held less than 1% of the outstanding securities of the Corporation or of any associate or affiliate thereof as of the date hereof, when he prepared the technical information contained in this AIF or following the preparation of such technical information. No firm or person received, or will receive, any direct or indirect interest in any securities of the Corporation or of any associate or affiliate thereof in connection with the preparation of such technical information.

Franco-Nevada’s auditors are PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Professional Accounts, who have issued a report of an independent registered public accounting firm dated March 7, 2018 in respect of Franco-Nevada’s consolidated financial statements as at December 31, 2017 and 2016 and for each of the years then ended and Franco-Nevada’s internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2017.  They have advised Franco-Nevada that they are independent with respect to Franco‑Nevada within the meaning of the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario CPA Code of Professional Conduct and Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Rule 3520 Auditor Independence.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Additional information relating to Franco-Nevada is available electronically on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the website of the SEC at www.sec.gov and on its website at www.franco-nevada.com.  The metric conversion table, listing of certain oil & gas terms, glossary of non-technical terms and glossary of technical terms are generally available on Franco-Nevada’s website.

Additional information, including directors’ and officers’ remuneration and indebtedness, principal holders of Franco-Nevada’s securities and securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans, is contained in Franco-Nevada’s management information circular for its annual and special meeting of shareholders scheduled to be held on May 9, 2018.  For information relating to compensation and corporate governance related matters, please see “Statement of Executive Compensation” and “Statement of Governance Practices”, respectively, in such circular.

Additional financial information is provided in Franco-Nevada’s financial statements and MD&A for its most recently completed financial year.

AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE INFORMATION

The following information is provided in accordance with Form 52-110F1 under the Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Instrument 52-110 — Audit Committees (“ NI 52-110 ”).

Audit and Risk Committee Charter

The Audit and Risk Committee Charter (the “ Charter ”) is attached as Appendix A to this AIF.  The Charter was last updated effective March 7, 2018 with minor revisions.

With respect to risk management, the Charter provides that the Audit and Risk Committee (the “ ARC ”) will generally review with management the Company’s significant risks and exposures and the steps management has taken to manage, monitor and control such risks and exposures. The ARC will also more specifically review the Company’s principal business, political, financial, litigation and control risks and exposures with a view to ensuring that such risks and exposures are being effectively managed, monitored or controlled. For more information regarding the ARC’s responsibilities relating to risk management, please see Appendix A to this AIF.

Composition of the Audit and Risk Committee

As of December 31, 2017, the ARC was composed of the following three directors:  Tom Albanese, Derek Evans and Randall Oliphant, Chair.  Each director was and is considered “independent” and “financially literate” (as such terms are defined in NI 52-110, the rules of the NYSE and Rule 10A-3 of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ).

62


 

Relevant Education and Experience

Each member of the ARC is financially literate, i.e., has the ability to read and understand financial statements. Collectively, the ARC has the education and experience to fulfill the responsibilities outlined in the Charter, including those relating to risk management. The education and current and past experience of each ARC member that is relevant to the performance of his responsibilities as an ARC member is summarized below:

Education and Experience (Past and Present)

 

 

Tom Albanese

Member of the Advisory Board of Nevada Copper Corp.

 

Previous CEO of Vedanta Resources plc and Vedanta Limited (formerly known as SesaSterlite Ltd.)

 

Previous Chair of Vedanta Limited’s Risk Management Committee

 

Previous Chief Executive Officer of Rio Tinto plc

 

Previous Chair of Rio Tinto plc Risk Committee

 

 

Derek Evans

Previous President, CEO and Director, Pengrowth Energy Corporation

 

Previous President, CEO and Director of Focus Energy Trust

 

Previous Senior Executive of Renaissance Energy

 

Member, Institute of Corporate Directors

 

 

Randall Oliphant

Director of New Gold Inc. (2009-April 25, 2018)

 

Previous Executive Chair of New Gold Inc.

 

Previous Chief Financial Officer of Barrick Gold Corporation

 

Previous Chair of the audit committee of WesternZagros Resources ULC

 

FCPA, FCA (2016)

 

Chartered Professional Accountant, CA (1986)

 

Bachelor of Commerce (with honours), University of Toronto, 1984

 

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

The Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the ARC, has adopted policies and procedures regarding services provided by external auditors (collectively, the “ Auditor Independence Policy ”). Under the Auditor Independence Policy, specific proposals for audit services and permitted non-audit services must be pre-approved by the ARC. The ARC may delegate to any one or more of its members pre-approval authority (other than pre-approval of the annual audit service engagement). Any approvals granted under this delegated authority must be presented to the ARC at its next meeting. The Auditor Independence Policy also provides that the ARC may pre-approve services (other than the annual audit service engagement) without the requirement for a specific proposal where the scope and parameters of such services and their attendant fees are clearly defined. The ARC must be informed in writing at its next scheduled meeting of any engagement of the external auditor to provide services in such circumstances. The Auditor Independence Policy deems de minimus non-audit services to have been pre-approved by the ARC in limited circumstances and subject to certain conditions being met.

The Auditor Independence Policy prohibits the external auditors from providing any of the following types of non-audit services:

bookkeeping or other services related to the accounting records or financial statements;

financial information systems design and implementation;

appraisal or valuation services, fairness opinion, or contribution-in-kind reports;

actuarial services;

internal audit outsourcing services;

management functions or human resources services;

corporate finance or other services;

broker-dealer, investment advisor or investment banking services;

legal services; and

any other service that under applicable law and generally accepted auditing standards cannot be provided by an external auditor.

63


 

The Auditor Independence Policy provides that the external auditor should not be precluded from providing tax or advisory services that do not fall within any the categories described above, unless the provision of those services would reasonably be expected to compromise the independence of the external auditor.

Reliance on Certain Exemptions

At no time since the commencement of Franco-Nevada’s most recently completed financial year has Franco-Nevada relied on any exemption from NI 52-110.

Audit Committee Oversight

At no time since the commencement of Franco-Nevada’s most recently completed financial year was a recommendation of the ARC to nominate or compensate an external auditor not adopted by the Board of Directors of Franco-Nevada.

Fees

For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP was paid fees from the Corporation as detailed below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

December 31, 2017

 

  

  

December 31, 2016

 

 

Audit Fees

 

 

C$

857,800

(1)

 

 

C$

470,845

(1)

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

 

C$

70,000

 

 

 

C$

243,000

 

 

Tax Fees

 

 

C$

NIL

 

 

 

C$

NIL

 

 

Other Fees

 

 

C$

NIL

 

 

 

C$

NIL

 

 

Total Fees

 

 

C$

927,800

 

 

 

C$

713,845

 

 

 

(1)

Fees are reported on a cash basis and fees paid in 2017 include payment of certain invoices issued in respect of 2016.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2017, “Audit-Related Fees” noted above included C$55,000 and C$15,000 for services related to: (i) the French translation of documents, and (ii) ESTMA reporting, respectively.  For the year ended December 31, 2016, “Audit-Related Fees” noted above included C$175,000 and C$68,000 for services related to: (i) the Corporation’s shelf prospectus and equity issue, and (ii) the French translation of documents, respectively.

 

 

64


 

APPENDIX A

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE CHARTER

PURPOSE

The Audit and Risk Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors of Franco-Nevada Corporation (the “ Company ”) to assist the Board of Directors in its oversight and evaluation of:

the quality and integrity of the financial statements of the Company,

the compliance by the Company with legal and regulatory requirements in respect of financial disclosure,

the qualification, independence and performance of the Company’s independent auditors,

the performance of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer,

risk management oversight,

the compliance by the Company with legal and regulatory requirements in respect of its oil and gas disclosure, and

the qualification, independence and performance of the Company’s qualified oil and gas reserves evaluator or auditor.

In addition, the Audit and Risk Committee provides an avenue for communication between the independent auditor, financial management, other employees and the Board of Directors concerning accounting and auditing matters.

The Audit and Risk Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention (and termination) and oversight of the work of the independent auditor (including oversight of the resolution of any disagreements between management and the independent auditor regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing audit reports or performing other audit, review or attest services for the Company.

The Audit and Risk Committee is not responsible for:

planning or conducting audits,

certifying or determining the completeness or accuracy of the Company’s financial statements or that those financial statements are in accordance with applicable accounting principles or standards, or

guaranteeing the report of the Company’s independent auditor.

The fundamental responsibility for the Company’s financial statements and disclosure rests with management. It is not the duty of the Audit and Risk Committee to conduct investigations, to itself resolve disagreements (if any) between management and the independent auditor or to ensure compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

REPORTS

The Audit and Risk Committee shall report to the Board of Directors of the Company on a regular basis and, in any event, before the public disclosure by the Company of its quarterly and annual financial results. The reports of the Audit and Risk Committee shall include any issues of which the Committee is aware with respect to the quality or integrity of the Company’s financial statements, its compliance with legal or regulatory requirements in respect of financial matters and disclosure, and the performance and independence of the Company’s independent auditor.

The Committee shall also prepare, as required by applicable law, any committee report required for inclusion in the Company’s publicly filed documents.

COMPOSITION

The members of the Audit and Risk Committee shall be three or more individuals who are appointed (and may be replaced) by the Board of Directors of the Company on the recommendation of the Company’s Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee. Each of the members of the Audit and Risk Committee shall be “independent” and “financially literate” within the meaning of National Instrument 52-110 — Audit Committees (“ NI 52-110 ”) and any other securities legislation and stock exchange rules applicable to the Company, and as confirmed by the Board of Directors using its business judgment. In addition, at least one member of the Audit and Risk Committee shall be a “financial expert” as determined by the Board of Directors in its business judgment. No member of the Audit and Risk Committee shall accept (directly or indirectly) any consulting, advisory or other compensatory fee from the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates (collectively, the “ Franco-Nevada Group ”) (other than remuneration for acting in his or her capacity as a director) or be an “affiliated entity” within the meaning of NI 52‑110.

A-1


 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Independent Auditors

The Audit and Risk Committee shall:

·

Recommend to the Board of Directors the independent auditor to be nominated for the purpose of preparing or issuing an auditor’s report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the Company and the compensation of the independent auditor;

·

Recommend to the Board of Directors any change of the independent auditor, and oversee any such change to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Canada Business Corporations Act and applicable securities legislation;

·

Require and obtain confirmation from the independent auditor that it ultimately is accountable, and will report directly, to the Audit and Risk Committee and the Board of Directors of the Company;

·

Oversee the work of the independent auditor engaged for the purpose of preparing or issuing an auditor’s report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the Company, including the resolution of disagreements between management and the external auditor regarding financial reporting;

·

Pre-approve all audit and permitted non-audit services provided to the Company and its subsidiary entities by the independent auditor, including adopting policies and procedures for the pre-approval of the retention thereof (subject to any restrictions on such services imposed by applicable securities legislation) and including procedures for the delegation of authority to provide such approval to one or more members of the Audit and Risk Committee; and

·

At least annually, review the qualifications, performance and independence of the independent auditor. In doing so, the Audit and Risk Committee should, among other things, undertake the measures set forth in Schedule “A”.

The Financial Statements, Audit Process and Related Disclosure

The Audit and Risk Committee shall:

·

As may be delegated by the Board of Directors, review, approve and authorize the issuance of the Company’s interim financial statements, MD&A and interim earnings press releases before the Company publicly discloses this information;

·

Review and recommend to the Board of Directors for approval the Company’s annual financial statements, MD&A and press releases before the Company publicly discloses the information; and

·

Be satisfied that adequate procedures are in place for the review of the Company’s public disclosure of financial information extracted or derived from the Company’s financial statements and will periodically assess the adequacy of those procedures.

The Audit and Risk Committee shall also, as it determines to be appropriate:

·

Review with management and the independent auditor,

·

the planning and staffing of the audit by the independent auditor,

·

financial information and any earnings guidance provided to analysts and rating agencies, recognizing that this review and discussion may be done generally (consisting of a discussion of the types of information to be disclosed and the types of presentations to be made) and need not take place in advance of the disclosure of each release or provision of guidance,

·

any significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation of the Company’s financial statements, including any significant changes in the selection or application of accounting principles or standards, any major issues regarding auditing principles and practices, and the adequacy of internal controls that could significantly affect the Company’s financial statements, as raised by the independent auditor, and review management’s response thereto,

·

all critical accounting policies and practices used,

·

all alternative treatments of financial information by applicable accounting principles or standards that have been discussed with management, ramifications of the use of such alternative disclosures and treatments, and the treatment preferred by the independent auditor,

A-2


 

·

the use of “pro forma” or “adjusted” information that is not consistent with applicable accounting principles or standards,

·

the effect of regulatory and accounting initiatives, as well as any off-balance sheet structures, transactions, arrangements and obligations (contingent or otherwise), on the Company’s financial statements,

·

any disclosures concerning any weaknesses or any deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls or disclosure controls made to the Audit and Risk Committee by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer during their certification process for forms filed with applicable securities regulators, and

·

the adequacy of the Franco-Nevada Group’s internal accounting controls and management information systems and its financial, auditing and accounting organizations and personnel and any special steps adopted in light of any material control deficiencies.

·

Review with the independent auditor,

·

the quality as well as the acceptability of the accounting principles or standards that have been applied,

·

any problems or difficulties the independent auditor may have encountered during the provision of its audit-related services, including any restrictions on the scope of activities or access to requested information and any significant disagreements with management, any management letter provided by the independent auditor or other material communication (including any schedules of unadjusted differences) to management and the Company’s response to that letter or communication, and

·

any changes to the Company’s significant auditing and accounting principles, standards and practices suggested by the independent auditor to members of management.

Risk Management Oversight

The Audit and Risk Committee shall:

·

Generally review with management the Franco-Nevada Group’s significant risks and exposures and the steps management has taken to manage, monitor and control such risks and exposures.

·

More specifically review the Company’s principal business, political, financial, litigation and control risks and exposures with a view to ensuring that such risks and exposures are being effectively managed, monitored or controlled by:

·

reviewing the Company’s risk philosophy as set forth by management and the Board of Directors,

·

reviewing management’s assessment of the significant risks and exposures facing the Company,

·

reviewing management’s policies, plans, processes and programs to manage and control significant risks and exposures, including the Company’s loss prevention policies, disaster response and recovery programs, corporate liability protection programs for directors and officer and any other insurance programs, as applicable,

·

receiving regular reports from management regarding the development and implementation of its policies, plans, processes and programs to manage, monitor and control significant risks and exposures, and

·

if the Audit and Risk Committee deems it appropriate, requesting the independent auditor’s opinion of management’s assessment of significant risks facing the Company and how effectively they are managed, monitored and controlled.

Oil and Gas Reserves

The Audit and Risk Committee shall:

·

Recommend to the Board of Directors the appointment of the qualified oil and gas reserves evaluators or auditors  (where required by applicable law or regulatory requirements or otherwise determined appropriate by the Audit and Risk Committee), who must be independent of the Company and who will report to the Board of Directors and the Committee on the Company’s oil and gas reserves data.

A-3


 

·

Review, with reasonable frequency (as determined by the Audit and Risk Committee), the Company’s procedures relating to the disclosure of information with respect to oil and gas activities, including its procedures for complying with applicable disclosure requirements and restrictions.

·

When applicable, review each appointment of the Company’s qualified oil and gas reserves evaluators or auditors, and in the case of any proposed change in such appointment, determine the reasons for the proposal and whether there have been disputes between the appointed qualified oil and gas reserves evaluator or auditor and management of the Company.

·

When applicable, review, with reasonable frequency (as determined by the Audit and Risk Committee), the Company’s procedures for providing information to the qualified oil and gas reserves evaluators or auditors who report on oil and gas reserves data.

·

When applicable, prior to approving the filing of oil and gas reserves data and the report of the qualified oil and gas reserves evaluators or auditors meet with management and each qualified oil and gas reserves evaluator or auditor to:

·

determine whether any restrictions affect the ability of the qualified oil and gas reserves evaluator or auditor to report on the oil and gas reserves data without reservation; and

·

review the oil and gas reserves data and the report of the qualified oil and gas reserves evaluator or auditor thereon.

·

When applicable, recommend to the Board of Directors whether to approve:

·

the content and filing of the statement of oil and gas reserves data and other required information,

·

the filing of the report of the independent qualified oil and gas reserves evaluator or auditor, and

·

the content and filing of the required report of management and the directors.

Compliance

The Audit and Risk Committee shall:

·

Establish procedures for:

·

the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, and

·

the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the Franco-Nevada Group of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.

·

Review and approve clear policies for the hiring by the Franco-Nevada Group of partners, employees or former partners or employees of the present and former independent auditor of the Company.

The Audit and Risk Committee shall also, as it determines appropriate:

·

Obtain reports from the Chief Financial Officer, other members of management and the independent auditor that the Company’s subsidiary/foreign affiliated entities are in conformity with applicable legal requirements and the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, including disclosures of insider and affiliated party transactions.

·

Review with the Chief Financial Officer, other members of management and the independent auditor any correspondence with regulators or governmental agencies and any employee complaints or published reports, which raise material issues regarding the Company’s financial statements or accounting policies.

·

Advise the Board of Directors of the Company with respect to the Franco-Nevada Group’s policies and procedures regarding compliance with applicable laws and regulations and with the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.

·

Review with the Chief Financial Officer legal matters that may have a material impact on the financial statements, the Franco-Nevada Group’s compliance policies and any material reports or inquiries received from regulators or governmental agencies.

·

Periodically review with management the need for an internal audit function.

A-4


 

Delegation

To avoid any confusion, the Audit and Risk Committee responsibilities identified above are the sole responsibility of the Audit and Risk Committee and may not be delegated to a different committee.

MEETINGS

The Audit and Risk Committee shall meet at least quarterly and more frequently as circumstances require. All members of the Audit and Risk Committee should strive to be at all meetings. The Audit and Risk Committee shall meet separately, periodically, with management and the independent auditors and may request any officer or employee of the Franco-Nevada Group or the Franco-Nevada Group’s outside counsel or independent auditor to attend meetings of the Committee or with any members of, or advisors to, the Committee. The Audit and Risk Committee also may meet with the investment bankers, financial analysts and rating agencies that provide services to, or follow, the Franco-Nevada Group.

The Audit and Risk Committee may form and delegate authority to individual members and subcommittees where the Committee determines it is appropriate to do so.

INDEPENDENT ADVICE

In discharging its mandate, the Audit and Risk Committee shall have the authority to retain (and authorize the payment by the Company of) and receive advice from special legal, accounting or other advisors as the Audit and Risk Committee determines to be necessary to permit it to carry out its duties.

ANNUAL EVALUATION

At least annually, the Audit and Risk Committee shall, in a manner it determines to be appropriate:

·

Perform a review and evaluation of the performance of the Committee and its members, including the compliance of the Audit and Risk Committee with this Charter.

·

Review and assess the adequacy of its Charter and recommend to the Board of Directors any improvements to this Charter that the Committee determines to be appropriate.

A-5


 

SCHEDULE “A”

Qualifications, Performance and Independence of Independent Auditor

·

Review the experience and qualifications of the senior members of the independent auditor’s team.

·

Confirm with the independent auditor that it is in compliance with applicable legal, regulatory and professional standards relating to auditor independence.

·

Review annual reports from the independent auditor regarding its independence and consider whether there are any non-audit services or relationships that may affect the objectivity and independence of the independent auditor and, if so, recommend that the Board of Directors of the Company take appropriate action to satisfy itself of the independence of the independent auditor.

·

Obtain and review such report(s) from the independent auditor as may be required by applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Updated:  March 7, 2018

 

 

A-6


 

 

PICTURE 17

 

 


Exhibit 99.2

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) of financial position and results of operations of Franco-Nevada Corporation (“Franco-Nevada”, the “Company”, “we” or “our”) has been prepared based upon information available to Franco-Nevada as at March 7, 2018 and should be read in conjunction with Franco-Nevada’s audited consolidated financial statements and related notes as at and for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.     The audited consolidated financial statements and MD&A are presented in U.S. dollars and have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) .

Readers are cautioned that the MD&A contains forward-looking statements and that actual events may vary from management’s expectations. Readers are encouraged to read the “Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information” at the end of this MD&A and to consult Franco-Nevada’s audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 and the corresponding notes to the financial statements which are available on our website at www.franco-nevada.com ,   on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and in our most recent Form 40-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

Additional information related to Franco-Nevada, including our Annual Information Form, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com ,   and our Form 40-F is available on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. These documents contain descriptions of certain of Franco-Nevada’s producing and advanced royalty and stream assets, as well as a description of risk factors affecting the Company.  For additional information, our website can be found at www.franco-nevada.com.

 

1


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

BUSINESS OVERVIEW AND STRATEGY

3

 

 

HIGHLIGHTS

4

 

 

GUIDANCE

8

 

 

MARKET OVERVIEW

9

 

 

SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

10

 

 

REVENUE BY ASSET

11

 

 

OVERVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE – Q4/2017 TO Q4/2016

14

 

 

OVERVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE – 2017 TO 2016

21

 

 

SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY INFORMATION

29

 

 

BALANCE SHEET REVIEW

30

 

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

31

 

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

33

 

 

OUTSTANDING SHARE DATA

37

 

 

INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING AND DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

37

 

 

NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES

38

 

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

43

 

Abbreviations used in this report

 

The following abbreviations may be used throughout this MD&A:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abbreviated Definitions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Periods under review

 

 

 

"YTD/2017"

The twelve-month period ended December 31, 2017

"Q4/2017"

The three-month period ended December 31, 2017

"Q3/2017"

The three-month period ended September 30, 2017

"Q2/2017"

The three-month period ended June 30, 2017

"Q1/2017"

The three-month period ended March 31, 2017

"Q4/2016"

The three-month period ended December 31, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

Places and currencies

 

Measurement

"U.S."

United States

 

"GEO"

Gold equivalent ounces

"$" or "USD"

United States dollars

 

"oz"

Ounce

"C$" or "CAD"

Canadian dollars

 

"oz Au"

Ounce of gold

 

 

 

"oz Ag"

Ounce of silver

Interest types

 

"oz Pt"

Ounce of platinum

"NSR"

Net smelter return royalty

 

"oz Pd"

Ounce of palladium

"GR"

Gross royalty

 

"LBMA"

London Bullion Market Association

"ORR"

Overriding royalty

 

"bbl"

Barrel

"GORR"

Gross overriding royalty

 

"boe"

Barrels of oil equivalent

"FH"

Freehold or lessor royalty

 

"WTI"

West Texas Intermediate

"NPI"

Net profits interest

 

 

 

"NRI"

Net royalty interest

 

 

 

"WI"

Working interest

 

 

 

 

 

2


 

business OVERVIEW and strategy

Franco-Nevada is the leading gold-focused royalty and stream company by both gold revenue and number of gold assets. The Company has the largest and most diversified portfolio of royalties and streams by commodity, geography, revenue type and stage of project.  The portfolio is actively managed with the aim to maintain over 80% of revenue from precious metals (gold, silver & PGM).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Franco-Nevada Asset Count at March 7th, 2018

 

    

Precious Metals

    

Other Minerals

    

Oil &   Gas

 

        

TOTAL

Producing

 

43

 

 7

 

57

 

 

107

Advanced

 

29

 

 7

 

 —

 

 

36

Exploration

 

138

 

70

 

25

 

 

233

TOTAL

 

210

 

84

 

82

 

 

376

 

The Company does not operate mines, develop projects or conduct exploration.  Franco-Nevada’s business model is focused on managing and growing its portfolio of royalties and streams. The advantages of this business model are:

·

Exposure to precious metals price optionality;

·

A perpetual discovery option over large areas of geologically prospective lands with no additional cost other than the initial investment;

·

Limited exposure to many of the risks associated with operating companies; 

·

A free cash-flow business with limited cash calls;

·

A high-margin business that can generate cash through the entire commodity cycle;

·

A scalable and diversified business in which a large number of assets can be managed with a small stable overhead; and

·

A forward-looking business in which management focuses on growth opportunities rather than operational or development issues.

Franco-Nevada’s financial results in the short-term are primarily tied to the price of commodities and the amount of production from its portfolio of producing assets. Financial results have also been supplemented by acquisitions of new producing assets.  Over the longer-term, results are impacted by the availability of exploration and development capital applied by other companies to expand or extend Franco-Nevada’s producing assets or to advance Franco-Nevada’s advanced and exploration assets into production.

Franco-Nevada has a long-term investment outlook and recognizes the cyclical nature of the industry.  Franco-Nevada has historically operated by maintaining a strong balance sheet so that it can make investments during commodity cycle downturns.

Franco-Nevada’s shares are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the symbol FNV.  An investment in Franco-Nevada’s shares is expected to provide investors with yield and exposure to gold price and exploration optionality while limiting exposure to many of the risks of operating companies. Since its Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) ten years ago, Franco-Nevada has increased its dividend annually and its share price has outperformed the gold price and all relevant gold equity benchmarks.

Franco-Nevada’s revenue is generated from various forms of agreements, ranging from net smelter return royalties, streams, net profits interests, net royalty interests, working interests and other. For definitions of the various types of agreements, please refer to our most recent Annual Information Form filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com or our Form 40-F filed on EDGAR at www.sec.gov .  

3


 

PICTURE 9

 

Highlights

Financial Update – Q4/2017

·

119,839 GEOs (1) recognized in revenue in Q4/2017, a decrease of 1.7% from 121,910 GEOs in Q4/2016;

·

$167.2 million in revenue , an increase of 7.7% from revenue of $155.3 million in Q4/2016;

·

$128.0 million, or $0.69 per share, of Adjusted EBITDA ( 2) in Q4/2017, an increase of 4.7% from $122.2 million or $0.69 per share, in Q4/2016;

·

76.6% in Margin (2) , compared to 78.7% in Q4/2016;

·

$43.5 million, or $0.23 per share, in net income for Q4/2017, compared to a loss of $4.5 million, or $0.03 per share, in Q4/2016. The Q4/2016 net loss includes an impairment of $67.4 million on the Company’s Cooke 4 stream;

·

$52.1 million, or $0.28 per share, in Adjusted Net Income (2) in Q4/2017, an increase of 21.4% compared to $42.9 million, or $0.24 per share, in Q4/2016;

·

$126.3 million in net cash provided by operating activities in Q4/2017, an increase of 3.6% compared to $121.9 million in Q4/2016;

·

$43.2 million in dividends   paid in Q4/201 7 , of which $31.8 million was paid in cash and $11.4 million was paid in common shares issued under the Company’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“DRIP”), compared to $39.7 million in dividends paid in Q4/2016; and

·

$1.9 billion in available capital at December 31, 2017, comprising of $593.8 million of working capital, $168.1 million in marketable equity securities, and $1.1 billion available under the Company’s credit facility.


1

GEOs include our gold, silver, platinum, palladium and other mineral assets, and do not include Oil & Gas assets. GEOs are estimated on a gross basis for NSR royalties and, in the case of stream ounces, before the payment of the per ounce contractual price paid by the Company. For NPI royalties, GEOs are calculated taking into account the NPI economics. Silver, platinum, palladium and other minerals are converted to GEOs by dividing associated revenue, which includes settlement adjustments, by the relevant gold price. The gold price used in the computation of GEOs earned from a particular asset varies depending on the royalty or stream agreement, which may make reference to the market price realized by the operator, or the average for the month, quarter, or year in which the mineral was produced or sold. For illustrative purposes, please refer to average commodity price tables on pages 14 and 21 of this MD&A for indicative prices which may be used in the calculation of GEOs.   

2

Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA and Margin are non-IFRS financial measures with no standardized meaning under IFRS. For further information and a detailed reconciliation, please see pages 38-41 of this MD&A.

 

4


 

Financial Update – 2017

·

497,745 GEOs   recognized in revenue in 2017,   an increase of 7.2% from 464,383 GEOs in 2016;

·

$675.0 million in revenue in 2017, an increase of 10.6% from revenue of $610.2 million in 2016;

·

$516.1 million, or $2.82 per share, in Adjusted EBITDA in 2017, an increase of 5.5% from $489.1 million, or $2.79 per share, in 2016;

·

76.5% in Margin in 2017, compared to 80.2% in 2016;

·

$194.7 million, or $1.06 per share, in net income in 2017, an increase of 59.3% compared to net income of $122.2 million, or $0.70 per share, in 2016;

·

$198.3 million, or $1.08 per share, in Adjusted Net Income in 2017, an increase of 20.6% compared to $164.4 million, or $0.94 per share, in 2016;

·

$488.6 million in net cash provided by operating activities in 2017 , compared to $471.0 million in 2016; and

·

$167.9 million in dividends paid in 2017, which included cash dividends of $125.6 million and $42.1 million in issued common shares under the Company’s DRIP, compared to $156.8 million in dividends paid in 2016.

Corporate Development

Acquisition of Bowen Basin Coal Royalties, Australia

Subsequent to year-end, on February 28, 2018, Franco-Nevada, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, acquired a portfolio of metallurgical coal royalties located in the Bowen Basin of Queensland, Australia for a cash consideration of $A4.2 million.  The portfolio includes certain claims that comprise the producing Moorvale mine, Olive Downs project which had filed permitting applications, and another 33 exploration tenements.  The Bowen Basin Coal royalty is a production payment of $A0.10 per tonne, adjusted for consumer price index changes since December 31, 1997.

Additional Acquisition and Funding of Cobre Panama, Panama

The Company has a precious metals stream agreement for First Quantum Minerals Ltd.’s (“First Quantum”) Cobre Panama project (“Cobre Panama”). Cobre Panama, which is located in Panama, is in the construction phase. Under the terms of the agreement, Franco-Nevada is funding a deposit of $1.0 billion against future deliveries of gold and silver from Cobre Panama. The deposit is funded on a pro-rata basis of 1:3 with First Quantum’s 80% share of the capital costs in excess of $1.0 billion.  During the quarter, the Company funded an additional $89.4 million of its share of construction capital, for a total of $264.4 million in 2017, with respect to its initial $1.0 billion commitment.  As at December 31, 2017, the Company had funded a cumulative total of $726.6 million.  Franco-Nevada expects to contribute between $230 million and $250 million of the $1.0 billion deposit in 2018.

On September 7, 2017, the Company agreed to terms with First Quantum to purchase an additional precious metals stream from Cobre Panama for a purchase price of $178.0 million.  This agreement was expanded to $356.0 million and signed on January 22, 2018 to also include a precious stream on the 10% indirect interest held by Korea Resources Corp. (“KORES”). The purchase price of $356.0 million is payable as a one-time advance payment upon closing of the transaction which is expected to occur before the end of March. No additional pro-rata funding commitments will apply to the additional stream.  The terms of the additional stream, other than the ongoing price, will be similar to the existing stream on Cobre Panama, including initially linking precious metals deliveries to copper in concentrate shipped for approximately the first 25 years of production.  The ongoing price payable by the Company, during the currently planned mine life will be 20% of the LBMA gold and silver price for each ounce of gold and silver.

First Quantum reported that as of the end of Q4/2017, Cobre Panama is 70% complete and an initial 15% expansion to the throughput capacity has been approved.  Additionally, Cobre Panama remains scheduled for phased commissioning during 2018, with continued ramp-up over 2019. Estimated total capital costs were revised to $6.3 billion.  Estimated capital expenditures for 2018 are $1.18 billion.

5


 

Acquisition of U.S. Oil & Gas Royalties – Delaware, Texas

Subsequent to year-end, on February 20, 2018, the Company purchased a royalty portfolio in the Delaware Basin, which represents the western portion of the Permian Basin for $101.3 million.  The royalties are derived principally from mineral title which provides a perpetual interest in royalty lands.  The transaction entitles the Company to royalties effective October 1, 2017.  No amounts have been recorded in the statement of income and comprehensive income as of December 31, 2017.  Prior to year-end, the Company advanced $11.0 million into escrow in respect of this transaction which was included in Royalty, stream and working interests, net on the statements of financial position as at December 31, 2017.

Acquisition of U.S. Oil & Gas Royalties – STACK, Oklahoma

On November 1, 2017, the Company, through a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, purchased for $27.6 million, a second package of mineral titles and royalty rights in the core of the Sooner Trend, Anadarko Basin, Canadian and Kingfisher counties (“STACK”) shale play in Oklahoma from a private company.  This transaction complements our existing position acquired in late 2016 in one of the leading shale plays in the U.S. Franco-Nevada has the right to royalties on production beginning from June 1, 2017. Revenue from the royalties attributable to the mineral title is expected to grow with further development of the play.

On December 19, 2016, Franco-Nevada, through a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, acquired its initial package of mineral title and royalty rights in STACK for a price of $100.0 million.  The two primary operators of the lands are Newfield Exploration Company and Devon Energy Corporation.  The royalties consist of mineral title rights and GORRs which apply to approximately 1,200 acres (net after royalties) that, with pooling, provides exposure to an estimated gross acreage of 74,880 acres with an estimated average royalty rate of 1.61%.

Acquisition of Canadian Oil & Gas Royalties – Orion Thermal Project, Alberta

On September 29, 2017, Franco-Nevada acquired a 4% GORR on the Clearwater formation within the Orion Thermal project (“Orion”) in the Cold Lake region of Alberta from Osum Oil Sands Corp.  (“Osum”) for a cash consideration of $74.1 million (C$92.5 million).

Acquisition of Railroad Royalty – Carlin Trend, Nevada

On May 26, 2017, Franco-Nevada, through a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, acquired an existing 1% NSR on certain claims that comprise the Railroad deposit located on the Carlin Trend in north-central Nevada for a cash consideration of $0.9 million.

Acquisition of U.S. Oil & Gas Royalties – Midland Basin, Texas

On March 13, 2017, Franco-Nevada, through a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, entered into an agreement to purchase a royalty portfolio in the Midland Basin of West Texas for $110.0 million. Following completion of due diligence, the first part of the portfolio was acquired for $89.8 million and closed on May 24, 2017.  The second part of the portfolio closed on August 8, 2017.  The total purchase price was $114.6 million including adjustments for title due diligence and the acquisition of the second part of the portfolio.

The Midland Basin forms the eastern portion of the broader Permian Basin and represents one of the most active and profitable oil plays in North America.  The royalties consist of approximately 97% mineral title rights, along with some GORRs, which apply to approximately 908 acres (net after royalties) that, with pooling, provides exposure to an estimated gross acreage of 675,000 acres (a significant portion of the overall Midland Basin) at an estimated average royalty rate of 0.14%.  The royalties are subject to a diverse operator base, which is anchored by Pioneer Natural Resources.  Royalty revenue is expected to grow in future years as horizontal drilling activity in the area continues to ramp up.

Buy-Back of Kirkland Lake Gold Royalty

In October 2016, Kirkland Lake Gold Inc. (“Kirkland Lake”) exercised its option to buy back 1.0% of an overlying 2.5% NSR for aggregate cash consideration of $30.3 million ($36.0 million less royalty proceeds previously received attributable to the buy-back portion of the NSR). The Company recognized a gain on disposal of $14.1 million in the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2016.

6


 

Restructuring of Existing Royalties and Acquisition of Shares - Castle Mountain, California

On June 16, 2016, Franco-Nevada and NewCastle Gold Ltd. (“NewCastle”) completed the restructuring of Franco-Nevada’s existing royalties at the Castle Mountain gold project in California, U.S., into a single 2.65% royalty covering a larger property for C$2.2 million in cash.

In addition the Company purchased 3,636,364 common shares of NewCastle and 1,818,182 common share purchase warrants for C$1.2 million.  Each common share purchase warrant is exercisable to acquire one common share at a price of C$0.64 for a period of five years, expiring on May 9, 2021.

On December 22, 2017, NewCastle, Anfield Gold Corp. and Trek Mining Inc. combined their business to create Equinox Gold Corp. (“Equinox Gold”).  The Company received 0.873 Equinox Gold common shares and warrants for each NewCastle common share and warrant held, respectively. The Company recorded a gain on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2017 of $1.5 million, net of tax, in respect to the exchange of the shares.  The Company currently holds 3,174,545 common shares and 1,587,272 warrants in Equinox Gold.

 

Impairment of Cooke 4

On October 27, 2016, Sibanye Gold Limited (“Sibanye”) announced that it had ceased production at the Cooke 4 underground operation. Management assessed the cessation of operations as an indicator of impairment, and accordingly, performed an impairment assessment.  The Company recorded an impairment charge of $67.4 million in its statement of income and comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Termination of Palmarejo Gold Stream and Commencement of Guadalupe-Palmarejo Gold Stream

In October 2014, Franco-Nevada agreed with Coeur Mining Inc. (“Coeur”) to terminate the Palmarejo gold stream agreement following the completion of the 400,000 ounce minimum obligation in exchange for a cash payment to Franco-Nevada of $2.0 million. In July 2016, Coeur met the minimum ounce obligation and the Palmarejo agreement was terminated. Deliveries of gold ounces from the Palmarejo project have started under a new agreement with Coeur, the Guadalupe-Palmarejo gold stream agreement, pursuant to which Coeur delivers 50% of its gold production from the Palmarejo project at an ongoing cost of $800 per ounce (no inflation adjustment). As part of the Guadalupe-Palmarejo agreement, Franco-Nevada provided an upfront deposit of $22.0 million to partially fund the development of the Guadalupe underground mine.

Acquisition of Antapaccay Precious Metals Stream

On February 26, 2016, the Company acquired a $500.0 million precious metal stream from Glencore plc with reference to production from the Antapaccay mine located in Peru. Under the stream agreement, gold and silver deliveries are initially referenced to copper in concentrate shipped. The Company will receive 300 ounces of gold and 4,700 ounces of silver for each 1,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate shipped, until 630,000 ounces of gold and 10.0 million ounces of silver have been delivered. Thereafter, the Company will receive 30% of the gold and silver shipped. The Company pays an on-going price of 20% of the spot price of gold and silver until 750,000 ounces of refined gold and 12.8 million ounces of refined silver have been delivered. Thereafter, the on-going price will increase to 30% of the spot price of gold and silver. 

Financing

On March 22, 2017, the Company extended the maturity term of its existing $1 billion credit facility, from November 12, 2020 to March 22, 2022. Subsequent to year-end, on March 7, 2018, the Company further extended the maturity term of its credit facility from March 22, 2022 to March 22, 2023. 

On March 20, 2017, Franco-Nevada’s subsidiary, Franco-Nevada (Barbados) Corporation, entered into an unsecured revolving credit facility (the “FNBC Credit Facility”). The FNBC Credit Facility provides for the availability over a one-year period of up to $100.0 million in borrowings. Refer to “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for details.  Subsequent to year-end, on February 21, 2018, the FNBC Credit Facility’s maturity term was extended by one year from March 20, 2018 to March 20, 2019. 

7


 

On February 19, 2016, the Company completed a bought-deal financing with a syndicate of underwriters for 19.2 million common shares at $47.85 per common share. The net proceeds to the Company were $883.5 million after deducting share issue costs and expenses of $36.6 million.  

Guidance

The following contains forward-looking statements. Reference should be made to the “Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information” section at the end of this MD&A. For a description of material factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements below, please see the “Cautionary Statement” and the “Risk Factors” section of our most recent Annual Information Form filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities on www.sedar.com and our most recent Form 40-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on www.sec.gov . 2018 guidance is based on assumptions including the forecasted state of operations from our assets based on the public statements and other disclosures by the third-party owners and operators of the underlying properties (subject to our assessment thereof).

For 2018, the Company is pleased to provide the following guidance:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

2018 Guidance

    

    

2017 Actual

    

    

2016 Actual

Mineral assets - GEO production (1),(2)

 

 

460,000 - 490,000 GEOs

 

 

497,745 GEOs

 

 

464,383 GEOs

Oil & Gas assets - Revenue (3)

 

 

$50.0 million - $60.0 million

 

 

$47.0 million

 

 

$30.1 million

1

Of the 460,000 to 490,000 GEOs, Franco-Nevada expects to receive 305,000 to 335,000 GEOs under its various stream agreements, compared to 350,827 GEOs in 2017.

2

In forecasting GEOs for 2018, gold, silver, platinum and palladium metals have been converted to GEOs using commodity prices of $1,300/oz Au, $17.00/oz Ag, $950/oz Pt and $1,050/oz Pd. 

3

In forecasting revenue from Oil & Gas assets for 2018, the WTI oil price is assumed to average $55 per barrel with a $4.80 per barrel price differential between the Edmonton Light and realized prices for Canadian oil.

More specifically, we expect the following with respect to our key asset categories for 2018:

·

Precious Metals – Latin America: GEOs from Latin America are expected to decrease, reflecting decreased production from Candelaria as 2018 is a transition year as Lundin Mining implements its revised mine plan.  Over the life of mine, Franco-Nevada will receive higher cumulative precious metals ounces, than previously expected based on the November 30, 2017 technical report.  Less gold ounces from Guadalupe-Palmarejo are expected as 2017 was a very strong production year.  These decreases in GEOs will be partially offset by a production increase from Antapaccay as the mine sequencing moves to a new phase of production with higher grades. Guidance for 2018 assumes no GEOs will be realized from Cobre Panama before year end.

·

Precious Metals – U.S .: GEOs from U.S. gold assets are expected to be slightly lower in 2018 compared to 2017. Lower production is expected at South Arturo due to the end of mining in Phase 2 and the beginning of stripping in phase 1 and El Nino. Bald Mountain’s production is anticipated to be lower in 2018 due to the transitioning of mining from the Top pit to Vantage basin. This will be partly offset by higher production from Goldstrike, as a result of mine sequencing.

·

Precious Metals – Canada: GEOs earned from Canadian assets in 2018 are expected to increase, reflecting increased production from Detour, Hemlo, Sudbury and Golden Highway.

·

Precious Metals – Rest of World:   GEOs from Rest of World assets are forecasted to increase compared to 2017, reflecting production increases from Tasiast and Subika due to recently completed expansions partially being offset by a production decrease from Mine Waste Solutions (“MWS”) as 2017 was an exceptionally strong year.

·

Other Minerals: GEOs from other minerals are expected to be slightly lower in 2018.

·

Oil & Gas: Oil & gas revenues are expected to increase in 2018 compared to 2017, as a result of an increase in revenue primarily from Weyburn and Orion Thermal Project.     

We expect to fund between $230 to $250 million of the Cobre Panama precious metals stream deposit in 2018, exclusive of the $356.0 million to be funded pursuant to the closing of the additional stream.   In 2017, the Company funded a total of $264.4 million, for a total of $726.6 million of its $1 billion commitment.

8


 

In addition, the Company estimates depletion and depreciation expense to be $250.0 million to $280.0 million for 2018.

Franco-Nevada strives to generate greater than 80% of revenue from precious metals over a long-term horizon which includes gold, silver and PGM. In the short-term, we may diverge from the long-term target based on opportunities available. With 90.3% of revenue earned from precious metals in 2017, the Company has the flexibility to consider diversification opportunities outside of the precious metals’ space and increase its exposure to other commodities. 

MARKET overview

The prices of precious metals, gold in particular, are the largest factors in determining profitability and cash-flow from operations for Franco-Nevada. Historically, the price of gold has been subject to volatile price movements and is affected by numerous macroeconomic and industry factors that are beyond the Company’s control. Major influences on the gold price include macroeconomic factors such as the level of interest rates, inflation expectations, currency exchange rate fluctuations including the relative strength of the U.S. dollar, and the supply of and demand for gold.

Commodity price volatility also impacts the number of GEOs contributed by non-gold mineral assets when converting silver, platinum, palladium and other minerals to GEOs. Silver, platinum, palladium and other minerals are converted to GEOs by dividing associated revenue, which includes settlement adjustments, by the relevant gold price.  The gold price used in the computation of GEOs earned from a particular asset varies depending on the royalty or stream agreement, which may make reference to the market price realized by the operator, or the average for the month, quarter, or year in which the mineral was produced or sold.

The gold price ended the year 2017 at $1,291/oz, approximately 12.7% higher than at the end of 2016. During Q4/2017, gold traded between $1,151/oz and $1,346/oz with an average price of $1,274/oz. This compares to an average gold price of $1,218/oz for Q4/2016, an increase of 4.6%. For the year 2017, average gold prices traded between $1,077/oz and $1,366/oz with an average price of $1,257/oz. This compares to an average gold price of $1,248/oz for the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of 0.7%.

Silver prices averaged $17.05/oz in 2017 compared to $17.20/oz in 2016, a decrease of less than 1%. Silver prices averaged $16.70/oz in Q4/2017, compared to $17.18/oz in Q4/2016, a decrease of 2.8%.

Platinum and palladium prices averaged $920/oz and $993/oz, respectively in Q4/2017, compared to $944/oz and $684/oz, respectively, for Q4/2016, a decrease of 2.5% and an increase of 45.2% year-over-year, respectively.  Platinum prices averaged $948/oz compared to $987/oz in 2016, a decrease 3.9% year-over-year.  Palladium prices averaged $870/oz compared to $613/oz in 2016, an increase of 41.9% year-over-year. 

The Company continued to deliver strong results reflecting the performance of our mineral assets. One of the strengths of the Franco-Nevada business model is that our business is not impacted when producer costs increase as long as the producer continues to operate. Royalty and stream payments/deliveries are based on production levels of the underlying operations with no adjustments for the operator’s operating costs, with the exception of NPI and NRI royalties, which are based on the profit of the underlying mining operation. Profit-based royalties accounted for approximately 5.6% of total revenues in Q4/2017, and 5.5% for full year 2017.

 

9


 

SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

For the year ended

 

(in millions, except Average Gold Price,

 

 

December 31, 

 

GEOs, Margin and per share amounts)

    

  

2017

  

  

2016
2015

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Statistical Measures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Gold Price

 

 

$

1,257

 

 

$

1,248

$

1,160

 

GEOs sold (1)

 

 

 

497,745

 

 

 

464,383

 

360,070

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statement of Income and Other Comprehensive Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

 

$

675.0

 

 

$

610.2

$

443.6

 

Depletion and depreciation

 

 

 

273.0

 

 

 

273.8

 

216.3

 

Cost of sales

 

 

 

142.0

 

 

 

105.8

 

93.1

 

Operating income

 

 

 

235.4

 

 

 

155.4

 

51.3

 

Net income

 

 

 

194.7

 

 

 

122.2

 

24.6

 

Basic earnings per share

 

 

$

1.06

 

 

$

0.70

$

0.16

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

 

$

1.06

 

 

$

0.69

$

0.16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends declared per share

 

 

$

0.91

 

 

$

0.87

$

0.83

 

Dividends declared (including DRIP)

 

 

$

167.9

 

 

$

156.8

$

129.0

 

Weighted average shares outstanding

 

 

 

182.9

 

 

 

175.2

 

156.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-IFRS Measures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA (2)

 

 

$

516.1

 

 

$

489.1

$

337.1

 

Adjusted EBITDA (2) per share

 

 

$

2.82

 

 

$

2.79

$

2.16

 

Margin (2)

 

 

 

76.5

%

 

 

80.2

%

76.0

%

Adjusted Net Income (2)

 

 

$

198.3

 

 

$

164.4

$

88.9

 

Adjusted Net Income per share

 

 

$

1.08

 

 

$

0.94

$

0.57

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statement of Cash Flows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

$

488.6

 

 

$

471.0

$

314.3

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

$

(500.9)

 

 

$

(689.8)

$

(1,106.1)

 

Net cash (used in) provided by  financing activities

 

 

$

239.7

 

 

$

321.7

$

374.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As at

 

 

As at

As at

 

 

 

 

December 31, 

 

 

December 31, 

December 31, 

 

 

    

  

2017

    

  

2016
2015

 

Statement of Financial Position

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

$

511.1

 

 

$

253.0

$

149.2

 

Total assets

 

 

 

4,788.4

 

 

 

4,221.6

 

3,674.3

 

Deferred income tax liabilities

 

 

 

60.3

 

 

 

37.5

 

33.2

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

 

 

4,705.5

 

 

 

4,146.5

 

3,163.0

 

Working capital

 

 

 

593.8

 

 

 

323.6

 

253.9

 

1

Refer to Note 1 at the bottom of page 4 of this MD&A for the methodology for calculating GEOs, and, f or illustrative purposes, to the average commodity price table on pages 14 and 21 of this MD&A for indicative prices which may be used in the calculations of GEOs.

2

Adjusted EBITDA, Margin and Adjusted Net Income are non-IFRS financial measures with no standardized meaning under IFRS. For further information and a detailed reconciliation, please see pages 38-41 of this MD&A.

10


 

REVENUE BY ASSET

Our portfolio is well-diversified with GEOs and revenue being earned from 48 mineral assets and 63 oil & gas interests in various jurisdictions. The following table details revenue earned from our various royalty, stream and working interests for the three months and year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended

 

 

For the year ended

 

(expressed in millions)

 

 

 

 

December 31, 

 

 

December 31, 

 

Property

    

Interest

    

 

2017

    

 

2016

    

 

2017

    

 

2016

 

PRECIOUS METALS

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Latin America

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Candelaria

 

Stream 68%

 

 

$

18.1

 

 

$

23.7

 

 

$

105.2

 

 

$

88.5

 

Antapaccay

 

Stream (indexed)

 

 

 

25.0

 

 

 

27.2

 

 

 

90.2

 

 

 

92.5

 

Antamina

 

Stream 22.5%

 

 

 

16.3

 

 

 

12.2

 

 

 

62.9

 

 

 

75.0

 

Guadalupe-Palmarejo (2)

 

Stream 50%

 

 

 

17.5

 

 

 

8.3

 

 

 

65.5

 

 

 

44.6

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

0.7

 

 

 

2.2

 

 

 

3.1

 

United States

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goldstrike

 

NSR 2-4%, NPI 2.4-6%

 

 

$

4.4

 

 

$

3.1

 

 

$

16.8

 

 

$

22.9

 

Stillwater

 

NSR 5%

 

 

 

5.2

 

 

 

3.8

 

 

 

20.6

 

 

 

14.6

 

Gold Quarry

 

NSR 7.29%

 

 

 

3.6

 

 

 

3.6

 

 

 

14.2

 

 

 

14.0

 

Marigold

 

NSR 1.75-5%, GR 0.5-4%

 

 

 

2.7

 

 

 

3.1

 

 

 

10.3

 

 

 

10.1

 

Fire Creek/Midas

 

Fixed to 2018 / NSR 2.5%

 

 

 

4.3

 

 

 

1.5

 

 

 

11.0

 

 

 

9.2

 

Bald Mountain

 

NSR/GR 0.875-5%

 

 

 

2.1

 

 

 

1.3

 

 

 

6.4

 

 

 

3.9

 

South Arturo

 

GR  4-9%

 

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

10.7

 

 

 

10.7

 

 

 

13.8

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

1.5

 

 

 

0.7

 

 

 

3.8

 

 

 

2.5

 

Canada

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sudbury

 

Stream 50%

 

 

$

7.9

 

 

 

6.0

 

 

 

30.3

 

 

$

30.4

 

Detour Lake

 

NSR 2%

 

 

 

4.3

 

 

 

3.8

 

 

 

14.3

 

 

 

13.3

 

Golden Highway

 

NSR 2-15%

 

 

 

2.4

 

 

 

2.7

 

 

 

8.7

 

 

 

10.7

 

Hemlo

 

NSR 3%, NPI 50%

 

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

7.2

 

 

 

4.4

 

 

 

12.7

 

Musselwhite

 

NPI 5%

 

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

2.0

 

 

 

3.8

 

 

 

5.1

 

Kirkland Lake (1)

 

NSR 1.5-5.5%, NPI 20%

 

 

 

1.1

 

 

 

1.0

 

 

 

4.1

 

 

 

5.2

 

Timmins West

 

NSR 2.25%

 

 

 

0.7

 

 

 

0.9

 

 

 

3.4

 

 

 

3.2

 

Canadian Malartic

 

GR 1.5%

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

2.0

 

 

 

2.1

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

0.2

 

Rest of World

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MWS

 

Stream 25%

 

 

$

9.2

 

 

$

5.5

 

 

$

35.8

 

 

$

27.1

 

Sabodala

 

Stream 6%, Fixed to 2019

 

 

 

7.1

 

 

 

4.6

 

 

 

30.5

 

 

 

26.0

 

Karma

 

Stream 4.875%, Fixed to 75koz

 

 

 

5.6

 

 

 

3.0

 

 

 

23.0

 

 

 

14.4

 

Tasiast

 

NSR 2%

 

 

 

1.4

 

 

 

1.6

 

 

 

6.2

 

 

 

4.4

 

Subika

 

NSR 2%

 

 

 

1.7

 

 

 

1.4

 

 

 

6.6

 

 

 

4.8

 

Duketon

 

NSR 2%

 

 

 

1.6

 

 

 

1.8

 

 

 

6.7

 

 

 

7.2

 

Edikan

 

NSR 1.5%

 

 

 

1.0

 

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

3.7

 

 

 

3.1

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

1.1

 

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

6.4

 

 

 

6.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

149.2

 

 

$

142.7

 

 

$

609.8

 

 

$

571.5

 

Other Minerals

 

 

 

 

$

4.0

 

 

$

2.2

 

 

$

18.2

 

 

$

8.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil & Gas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weyburn

 

NRI 11.71%, ORR 0.44%, WI 2.56%

 

 

$

8.8

 

 

$

7.9

 

 

$

32.2

 

 

$

23.6

 

Orion

 

GORR  4%

 

 

 

1.2

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 

1.5

 

 

 

 —

 

Anadarko (STACK/SCOOP)

 

Various Royalty Rates

 

 

 

1.4

 

 

 

0.9

 

 

 

3.4

 

 

 

0.9

 

Permian (Midland/Delaware)

 

Various Royalty Rates

 

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 

2.3

 

 

 

 —

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

1.8

 

 

 

1.6

 

 

 

7.6

 

 

 

5.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

14.0

 

 

$

10.4

 

 

$

47.0

 

 

$

30.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

 

 

 

$

167.2

 

 

$

155.3

 

 

$

675.0

 

 

$

610.2

 

1

In October 2016, the overlying NSR on the Kirkland Lake Gold properties was reduced from 2.5% to 1.5% pursuant to Kirkland Lake’s buy-back of 1% of the NSR.

2

In July 2016, Coeur met its obligation to deliver 400,000 ounces under the Palmarejo agreement. Deliveries under the new Guadalupe-Palmarejo agreement commenced in Q4/2017.

11


 

Franco-Nevada realized record growth from its mineral assets in 2017, both in revenue and GEOs, reflecting the performance of our mineral asset portfolio as well as accretion from recent acquisitions. 

PICTURE 5

Significant Mineral Interests

The most significant mineral assets which contributed to our 2017 performance included the following:

Antapaccay

The Company owns a gold and silver stream with reference to production from the Antapaccay mine, located in Peru. Under the stream agreement, gold and silver deliveries are initially referenced to copper in concentrate shipped. Franco-Nevada will receive 300 ounces of gold and 4,700 ounces of silver for each 1,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate shipped, until 630,000 ounces of gold and 10 million ounces of silver have been delivered. Thereafter, Franco-Nevada will receive 30% of the gold and silver in concentrate shipped. Franco-Nevada will initially pay an on-going price of 20% of the spot price of gold and silver until 750,000 ounces of refined gold and 12.8 million ounces of refined silver have been delivered. Thereafter, the on-going price will increase to 30% of the spot price of gold and silver. As at December 31, 2017, Antapaccay has delivered 119,420 ounces of gold, and 1.9 million ounces of silver since the stream was acquired in February 2016.  These deliveries converted to 71,183 (2016 – 73,612) GEOs for 2017. 

Candelaria

The Company owns a 68% gold and silver stream on Lundin Mining Corporation’s Candelaria mine in Chile. The stream will reduce to 40% after 720,000 ounces of gold and 12 million ounces of silver have been delivered to Franco-Nevada. Franco-Nevada will pay an ongoing price equal to the lesser of $400 per ounce of gold and $4.00 per ounce of silver or the then prevailing spot price for gold and silver for each ounce delivered under the stream. This price will escalate by 1% per annum following the third anniversary of the closing. As at December 31, 2017, Candelaria has delivered 212,043 ounces of gold and 3.7 million ounces of silver since the stream was acquired in November 2014. Deliveries received in 2017 converted to 81,578 (2016 - 73,410) GEOs and 83,610 (2016 - 71,378) GEOs were sold in 2017. 

Antamina

The Company owns a silver stream on Teck Resources Limited’s 22.5% interest in the Antamina mine located in Peru, subject to a fixed silver payability of 90%. Franco-Nevada pays 5% of the spot silver price for each ounce of silver delivered under the stream. The stream will reduce by one-third after 86 million ounces have

12


 

been delivered under the stream agreement. As at December 31, 2017, Antamina has delivered 9.1 million ounces of silver since the stream was acquired in October 2015. Deliveries in 2017 converted to 49,656 (2016 – 60,273) GEOs.

Guadalupe-Palmarejo

Until July 2016, the Company owned a 50% gold stream on the Palmarejo silver and gold project. The Palmarejo stream covered 50% of the gold production from the Palmarejo project, included a monthly minimum of 4,167 ounces and was capped at 400,000 ounces. The Company paid Coeur the lesser of $400 per ounce, subject to an annual 1% inflation adjustment commencing in January 2013, and the prevailing spot price, for each ounce of gold delivered under the stream agreement. In July 2016, the 400,000 minimum ounce obligation was met at which point the Palmarejo stream was terminated and the Guadalupe-Palmarejo stream became effective. Franco-Nevada believes the new agreement improves mine economics for Coeur and extends the mine life of the entire Palmarejo operation. The $22.0 million deposit provided by Franco-Nevada was used to partially fund the development of the Guadalupe underground mine on the Palmarejo property. Ongoing payments will be equal to the lesser of $800 per ounce (no inflation adjustment) and the then prevailing spot price for gold for each ounce delivered under the new stream agreement. In 2017, the Company received 52,124 (2016 - 36,386) GEOs from the Guadalupe-Palmarejo stream.  In Q4 2017, 13,741 (2016-7,058) GEOs were delivered as part of the Guadalupe-Palmarejo agreement .

Mine Waste Solutions

The Company has an agreement to purchase 25% of gold produced from the project at $400 per ounce.  In 2017, the Company received 27,094 (2016 – 22,919) ounces of gold and sold 28,397 (2016 – 21,616) under the MWS gold stream.  The stream is capped at 312,500 gold ounces.

Sabodala

The Company owns a gold stream with fixed gold deliveries of 1,875 ounces per month until December 31, 2019.  Thereafter, deliveries are 6% of gold produced.  Franco-Nevada pays 20% of the prevailing market price at the time of delivery for every ounce of gold.  In 2017, the Company received 22,500 (2016 – 22,500) GEOs and sold 24,375 (2016 – 20,625) GEOs under the Sabodala stream agreement.

Sudbury Basin

The Company has an agreement to purchase 50% of the gold equivalent ounces of the gold, platinum and palladium contained in ore mined and shipped from the KGHM International Ltd. operations in Sudbury, Ontario. The Company will pay for each gold equivalent ounce delivered, a cash payment of the lesser of $400 per ounce (subject to a 1% annual inflationary adjustment starting in July 2011) or the then prevailing market price per ounce of gold. In 2017, the Company received 23,123 (2016 – 23,539) GEOs from its Sudbury Basin assets.

Significant Mineral Interests – 2016

The most significant mineral assets which contributed to our 2016 performance were our Antapaccay stream (73,612 GEOs), Candelaria stream (71,378 GEOs), Antamina stream (60,273 GEOs), Guadalupe-Palmarejo stream (36,386 GEOs), and Sudbury Basin stream (23,539 GEOs).

Significant Oil & Gas Interests

The most significant Oil & Gas asset which contributed to our 2017 performance was the following:

Weyburn

The Weyburn Unit is located in Saskatchewan, Canada and is now operated by Whitecap Resources Inc. (previously operated by Cenovus Energy Inc.)  The Company holds an 11.71% NRI, a 0.44% royalty interest and a 2.56% working interest in the Weyburn Unit.  The Company takes product-in-kind for the working interest and NRI portions of this production and markets it through a third-party. An NRI is a royalty interest that is paid net of operating and capital costs. In 2017, the Company recognized $32.2 million in revenue from its Weyburn interest.

13


 

Significant Oil & Gas Interests – 2016

In 2016, the Weyburn interest was also our most significant Oil & Gas asset, contributing $23.6 million in revenue.

Significant Projects Under Development

The Company’s most significant mineral asset under development is the Cobre Panama gold and silver stream. Under its agreement with First Quantum, which owns 90% of the project, Franco-Nevada will provide a maximum of $1 billion in deposit pro-rata on a 1:3 ratio of First Quantum’s share of the capital costs. According to First Quantum, the project was 70% complete with an initial 15% expansion to the throughput capacity approved as of year-end.  Total estimated capital costs were revised to $6.3 billion.  Cobre Panama is scheduled for a phased commissioning in late 2018 and continued ramp-up in 2019. At December 31, 2017, the Company has funded a total of $726.6 million of its $1 billion commitment. 

 

Overview of Financial Performance – Q4/2017 to Q4/2016

The prices of precious metals, oil and gas and the actual production from mineral and oil & gas assets are the largest factors in determining profitability and cash flow from operations for Franco-Nevada. The following table summarizes average commodity prices and average exchange rate during the periods presented.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QOQ

 

YOY

Quarterly average prices and rates

    

 

  

  

Q4/2017

  

  

Q3/2017

    

Q4/2016

    

(Q4/17-Q3/17)

    

(Q4/17-Q4/16)

Gold (1)

 

($/oz)

 

 

$

1,274

 

 

$

1,278

 

$

1,218

 

(0.3)

 %

 

4.6

%  

Silver (2)

 

($/oz)

 

 

 

16.70

 

 

 

16.83

 

 

17.18

 

(0.8)

 %

 

(2.8)

%  

Platinum (3)

 

($/oz)

 

 

 

920

 

 

 

953

 

 

944

 

(3.4)

 %

 

(2.5)

%  

Palladium (3)

 

($/oz)

 

 

 

993

 

 

 

901

 

 

684

 

10.2

 %

 

45.2

%  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edmonton Light

 

(C$/bbl)

 

 

 

66.78

 

 

 

57.28

 

 

60.70

 

16.6

 %

 

10.0

%  

Quality Differential

 

(C$/bbl)

 

 

 

(3.97)

 

 

 

(4.23)

 

 

(5.83)

 

(6.1)

 %

 

(31.9)

%  

Realized oil price

 

(C$/bbl)

 

 

 

62.81

 

 

 

53.05

 

 

54.87

 

18.4

 %

 

14.5

%  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAD/USD exchange rate (4)

 

 

 

 

 

0.7867

 

 

 

0.8000

 

 

0.7496

 

(1.7)

 %

 

4.9

%  

1

Based on LBMA Gold Price PM Fix.

2

Based on LBMA Silver Price.

3

Based on London PM Fix.

4

Based on Bank of Canada daily exchange rates (2016 – Bank of Canada noon rates).

Revenue and Gold Equivalent Ounces

Revenue for Q4/2017 was $167.2 million compared with $155.3 million for Q4/2016, an increase of 7.7%. The increase year-over-year is due to higher average gold and palladium prices offset by a 1.7% decrease in GEOs sold and a decline in the average silver and platinum prices in Q4/2017.  A total of 119,839 GEOs were sold in Q4/2017 compared to 121,910 GEOs sold in Q4/2016. Of this $167.2 million in revenue, precious metals revenue comprised 89.2%, compared to 91.9% in Q4/2016, while revenue from the Americas was 82.1%, compared to 87.2% in Q4/2016.

14


 

PICTURE 14

The following table outlines GEOs and revenue attributable to Franco-Nevada for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 by commodity, geographical location and type of interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gold Equivalent Ounces (1)

 

 

Revenue  (in millions)

 

For the three months ended December 31, 

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

    

Variance

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

    

Variance

 

Commodity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Precious Metals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gold

 

 

88,954

 

 

93,775

 

(4,821)

 

 

$

113.4

 

 

$

112.8

 

$

0.6

 

Silver

 

 

18,843

 

 

18,650

 

193

 

 

 

24.1

 

 

 

21.9

 

 

2.2

 

PGM

 

 

8,977

 

 

7,611

 

1,366

 

 

 

11.7

 

 

 

8.0

 

 

3.7

 

Precious Metals - Total

 

 

116,774

 

 

120,036

 

(3,262)

 

 

 

149.2

 

 

 

142.7

 

 

6.5

 

Other Minerals

 

 

3,065

 

 

1,874

 

1,191

 

 

 

4.0

 

 

 

2.2

 

 

1.8

 

Oil & Gas

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 -

 

 

 

14.0

 

 

 

10.4

 

 

3.6

 

 

 

 

119,839

 

 

121,910

 

(2,071)

 

 

$

167.2

 

 

$

155.3

 

$

11.9

 

Geography

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Latin America

 

 

60,568

 

 

60,808

 

(240)

 

 

 

77.4

 

 

 

72.1

 

 

5.3

 

United States

 

 

19,454

 

 

23,052

 

(3,598)

 

 

$

27.0

 

 

$

28.7

 

$

(1.7)

 

Canada

 

 

16,350

 

 

21,818

 

(5,468)

 

 

 

33.0

 

 

 

34.7

 

 

(1.7)

 

Rest of World

 

 

23,467

 

 

16,232

 

7,235

 

 

 

29.8

 

 

 

19.8

 

 

10.0

 

 

 

 

119,839

 

 

121,910

 

(2,071)

 

 

$

167.2

 

 

$

155.3

 

$

11.9

 

Type

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue-based

 

 

26,786

 

 

23,387

 

3,399

 

 

$

38.4

 

 

$

31.0

 

$

7.4

 

Streams

 

 

83,390

 

 

77,197

 

6,193

 

 

 

106.6

 

 

 

90.7

 

 

15.9

 

Profit-based

 

 

3,078

 

 

9,628

 

(6,550)

 

 

 

9.4

 

 

 

16.8

 

 

(7.4)

 

Other

 

 

6,585

 

 

11,698

 

(5,113)

 

 

 

12.8

 

 

 

16.8

 

 

(4.0)

 

 

 

 

119,839

 

 

121,910

 

(2,071)

 

 

$

167.2

 

 

$

155.3

 

$

11.9

 

1

Refer to Note 1 at the bottom of page 4 of this MD&A for the methodology for calculating GEOs, and, f or illustrative purposes, to the average commodity price table on page 14 of this MD&A for indicative prices which may be used in the calculations of GEOs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

15


 

GEOs and revenue were earned from the following geographical locations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gold Equivalent Ounces (1)

 

 

Revenue  (in millions)

 

For the three months ended December 31, 

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

    

Variance

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

    

Variance

 

Geography for Precious Metals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Precious Metals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Latin America

 

 

60,568

 

 

60,808

 

(240)

 

 

 

77.4

 

 

 

72.1

 

 

5.3

 

United States

 

 

19,284

 

 

22,971

 

(3,687)

 

 

$

24.6

 

 

$

27.8

 

$

(3.2)

 

Canada

 

 

14,262

 

 

20,849

 

(6,587)

 

 

 

18.5

 

 

 

24.0

 

 

(5.5)

 

Rest of World

 

 

22,660

 

 

15,408

 

7,252

 

 

 

28.7

 

 

 

18.8

 

 

9.9

 

Precious Metals - Total

 

 

116,774

 

 

120,036

 

(3,262)

 

 

$

149.2

 

 

$

142.7

 

$

6.5

 

Other Minerals

 

 

3,065

 

 

1,874

 

1,191

 

 

 

4.0

 

 

 

2.2

 

 

1.8

 

Oil & Gas

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 -

 

 

 

14.0

 

 

 

10.4

 

 

3.6

 

 

 

 

119,839

 

 

121,910

 

(2,071)

 

 

$

167.2

 

 

$

155.3

 

$

11.9

 

1

Refer to Note 1 at the bottom of page 4 of this MD&A for the methodology for calculating GEOs, and, f or illustrative purposes, to the average commodity price table on page 14 of this MD&A for indicative prices which may be used in the calculations of GEOs.

 

PICTURE 1

Revenue from precious metals assets was $149.2 million in Q4/2017 compared to $142.7 million in Q4/2016.  Revenue reflects 116,774 GEOs from precious metals assets, a decrease of 2.7% from 120,036 GEOs in Q4/2016. The largest component of this decrease in GEOs was contributed by our Canadian assets which realized a decrease of 31.6% in GEOs, and 23% in revenue compared to the prior year.

GEOs and revenue increases for the quarter are attributable to the following:

·

The Company received 95% more GEOs under its Guadalupe-Palmarejo stream. GEO deliveries for Q4/2017 were 13,741 compared to 7,058 GEOs in Q4/2016.

·

GEOs sold under the Company’s MWS stream were 58% higher at 7,167 GEOs for Q4/2017 compared to 4,528 GEOs in Q4/2016.

·

The Company received 12,870 GEOs under its Antamina stream, an increase of 21% from Q4/2016.

The above increases in GEOs were offset by decreases in GEO deliveries compared to Q4/2016 from the following assets:

·

The Company received 14,185 GEOs under its Candelaria stream compared to 19,698 GEOs in Q4/2016, a decrease of 28%.

·

Fewer GEOs received under the Hemlo NSR and NPI at 683 GEOs in Q4/2017 compared to 5,649 GEOs in Q4/2016, a decrease of 88%.

·

Fewer GEOs received under the South Arturo GR at 684 GEOs in Q4/2017 compared to 8,808 GEOs in Q4/2016, a decrease of 92%.

16


 

·

Antapaccay GEOs delivered were 19,430 in Q4/2017 compared to 22,927 GEOs in Q4/2016, a decrease of 15%.

During Q4/2017, 1,476,179 ounces of silver (2016 – 1,310,124 ounces of silver) were delivered from our Candelaria, Antapaccay, Antamina and Cerro San Pedro interests which were converted to 18,843 GEOs (2016 – 18,650 GEOs).

During Q4/2017, Other Minerals generated 3,065 GEOs (2016 – 1,874 GEOs) and $4.0 million (2016 - $2.2 million) in revenue.

At December 31, 2017, there remained $7.1 million in inventory for 8,000 gold ounces which were delivered under our Klondex agreement that had not been sold at year-end.

Oil & Gas assets generated revenue of $14.0 million for the quarter (95% oil and 5% gas), compared to $10.4 million for the same period of 2016 (96% oil and 4% gas), an increase of 34.6%. Revenue for the quarter benefited from 13.3% higher production and higher oil prices compared to Q4/2016.  Higher production for the quarter reflects the impact of certain newly acquired oil and gas assets including Orion and the second package of mineral rights and royalty rights in STACK.

Revenue from the Weyburn Unit for the quarter increased to $8.8 million (2016 - $7.9 million) with $5.6 million earned from the NRI (2016 - $5.1 million), $2.8 million earned from the WI (2016 - $2.4 million) and $0.4 million earned from the overriding royalties (2016 - $0.4 million). Revenue from the Weyburn NRI was higher due to lower capital costs.  Capital expenses were 3% lower in Q4/2017 but partially offset by 4% higher operating costs compared to Q4/2016. The actual realized price from the NRI was 14.5% higher in Q4/2017, at C$63.65/boe compared to C$55.57/boe for Q4/2016.

Oil & Gas revenue also included $1.4 million from STACK, $1.2 million from Orion and $0.8 million from Midland.

Operating Costs and Expenses

The following table provides a list of operating costs and expenses incurred in the periods presented:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended December 31, 

 

(expressed in millions)

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

    

Variance

 

Costs of sales

 

 

$

35.2

 

 

$

25.7

 

$

9.5

 

Depletion and depreciation

 

 

 

63.8

 

 

 

67.2

 

 

(3.4)

 

Corporate administration

 

 

 

5.9

 

 

 

5.8

 

 

0.1

 

Business development

 

 

 

1.1

 

 

 

2.3

 

 

(1.2)

 

Impairment charges

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 

67.5

 

 

(67.5)

 

Gain on sale of royalty interest

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 

(14.1)

 

 

14.1

 

(Gain) loss on sale of gold bullion

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 

0.5

 

 

(0.5)

 

 

 

 

$

106.0

 

 

$

154.9

 

$

(48.9)

 

Costs of Sales

The following table provides a breakdown of cost of sales incurred in the periods presented:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended December 31, 

 

(expressed in millions)

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

    

Variance

 

Cost of stream sales

 

 

$

30.5

 

 

$

25.4

 

$

5.1

 

Cost of prepaid ounces

 

 

 

3.0

 

 

 

1.2

 

 

1.8

 

Mineral production taxes

 

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

(1.8)

 

 

2.3

 

Oil & Gas operating costs

 

 

 

1.2

 

 

 

0.9

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

 

$

35.2

 

 

$

25.7

 

$

9.5

 

The increase of $9.5 million is primarily attributable to more stream ounces delivered pursuant to the various stream agreements and sold in Q4/2017 when compared to Q4/2016.  The ongoing stream cost per ounce is either a fixed amount per ounce delivered (adjusted for inflation each year) or an amount based as a percentage of spot price of gold or silver. During Q4/2017, 83,390 GEOs were delivered pursuant to stream agreements and sold compared to 77,197 GEOs sold in Q4/2016.

17


 

The increase in the cost of prepaid ounces recognized in Q4/2017 compared to Q4/2016 is due to more ounces sold. A total of 3,333 GEOs were sold compared to 1,334 GEOs in prior year. Included in inventory as at December 31, 2017 is the cost of the 8,000 prepaid ounces that remain unsold of $7.1 million (2016 – 667 unsold prepaid gold ounces and 6,459 unsold stream GEOs; $2.7 million). The mineral production taxes in Q4/2016 reflects a refund of withholding taxes from an operator as a result of changes in the Nevada net proceeds tax legislature.

PICTURE 2

Depletion and Depreciation

Depletion and depreciation totaled $63.8 million for the quarter compared to $67.2 million in Q4/2016. The majority of the decrease of $3.4 million is due to lower depletion expense of $4.2 million associated with Antapaccay, $2.0 million in relation to Candelaria and $6.7 million in relation to South Arturo.  These decreases were partially offset by higher depletion on MWS, Karma and Antamina reflecting higher production in Q4/2017 compared to Q4/2016.

PICTURE 4

 

 

 

 

18


 

 

 

 

Corporate Administration

The following table provides a breakdown of corporate administration expenses incurred for the periods presented:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended December 31, 

 

(expressed in millions)

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

    

Variance

 

Salaries and benefits

 

 

$

1.9

 

 

$

3.4

 

$

(1.5)

 

Professional fees

 

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

0.3

 

 

0.3

 

Office costs

 

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

0.2

 

 

 —

 

Board of Directors' cost

 

 

 

0.7

 

 

 

(0.2)

 

 

0.9

 

Share-based compensation

 

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

1.3

 

 

(0.7)

 

Other

 

 

 

1.9

 

 

 

0.8

 

 

1.1

 

 

 

 

$

5.9

 

 

$

5.8

 

$

0.1

 

Corporate administration expenses, representing 3.5% of revenue for Q4/2017, were $5.9 million in the quarter, consistent with $5.8 million in the same period in 2016.  A decrease in salaries and benefits and share-based compensation was offset by an increase in costs related to the Company’s Board of Directors, which includes the mark-to-market of the value of deferred share units that are granted to directors of the Company. As the Company’s share price increased from September 30, 2017 to December 31, 2017, the Company recognized an increase in the value of the deferred share unit liability.

Business Development Expenses

Business development expenses totaled $1.1 million in Q4/2017 compared to $2.3 million in Q4/2016. Timing and amount of these costs typically vary depending upon the level of business development related activity, and the timing of completing transactions. Business development expenses related to completed transactions are capitalized to the relevant mineral interest asset following the closing of transactions.

Impairment Charges

Impairments of royalty, stream and working interests were $Nil for Q4/2017, compared to $67.5 million in Q4/2016.

Impairment charges in Q4/2016 related to the Cooke 4 underground mine, on which the Company holds a 7% gold stream. The impairment was a result of the announcement in October 2016 from Sibanye that it had ceased operations at Cooke 4 due to continued operational losses. The Company conducted an impairment analysis and estimated the net present value of the estimated future cash-flows expected to be generated by the mining of the Cooke 4 tailings. Key assumptions used in the impairment testing included timing of the expected future cash flows, long-term forecasted gold prices, which the Company estimated at $1,321/oz, and the discount rate of 8%. As a result of this analysis, the Company estimated the recoverable amount of its Cooke 4 asset to be $2.1 million.

Gain on Disposal of Royalty Interest

In October 2016, Kirkland Lake exercised its option to buy back 1% of an overlying 2.5% NSR for aggregate cash consideration of $30.3 million ($36.0 million less royalty proceeds previously received attributable to the buy-back portion of the NSR). The Company recognized a gain on disposal of $14.1 million in the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2016.

19


 

Gain or Loss on Sale of Gold Bullion

The Company recognized a gain on the sale of gold bullion of $Nil in Q4/2017, compared to a loss of $0.5 million in Q4/2016. Gold bullion is physical ounces of gold which Company receives as settlement from certain of the Company’s royalty interests, and is presented as other current assets on the statement of financial position.

Foreign Exchange and Other Income/Expenses

The following table provides a list of foreign exchange and other income/expenses incurred for the periods presented:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended December 31, 

 

(expressed in millions)

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

    

Variance

 

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

 

 

$

0.5

 

 

$

(0.3)

 

$

0.8

 

Other income

 

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

0.3

 

 

0.3

 

Mark-to-market (loss) gain on warrants

 

 

 

(0.2)

 

 

 

0.5

 

 

(0.7)

 

 

 

 

$

0.9

 

 

$

0.5

 

$

0.4

 

Foreign exchange losses and other income/expenses were comprised of a foreign exchange gain of $0.5 million, compared to a loss of $0.3 million in Q4/2016, reflecting a weakening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar. Under IFRS, all foreign exchange gains or losses related to monetary assets and liabilities held in a currency other than the functional currency are recorded in net income as opposed to other comprehensive income. The parent company’s functional currency is the Canadian dollar, while the functional currency of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar.

Other items included a mark-to-market loss of $0.2 million (2016 – gain of $0.5 million) on warrants of various publicly-listed companies.

Gain on Investments

Gain on investments in Q4/2017 was $2.0 million on the share exchange of one of the Company’s available-for-sale securities. In Q4/2016, the Company recorded a gain on the sale of available-for-sale securities of $1.2 million and a $6.7 million gain realized on the share exchange of certain of the Company’s available-for-sale securities in Q4/2016. Under IFRS, share exchanges are considered a disposal at fair market value. Any unrealized gain or loss is deducted from comprehensive income (loss) and recognized in the statement of income (loss).

Finance Income and Finance Expenses 

The following table provides a breakdown of finance income and expenses incurred for the periods presented:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended December 31, 

 

(expressed in millions)

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

    

Variance

 

Finance Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

 

$

1.8

 

 

$

0.9

 

$

0.9

 

 

 

 

$

1.8

 

 

$

0.9

 

$

0.9

 

Finance Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standby Charges

 

 

$

0.6

 

 

$

0.6

 

$

 —

 

Interest

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Amortization

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

0.2

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

 

$

1.0

 

 

$

0.8

 

$

0.2

 

Finance income was $1.8 million (2016 - $0.9 million) for the quarter while finance expenses were $1.0 million (2016 - $0.8 million). Finance income is earned on our cash equivalents and/or short-term investments. Finance income also includes interest income in the amount of $0.5 million accrued on the Noront Resources Ltd. (“Noront”) loan during Q4/2017. Finance expenses consist of the costs of standby charges, which represent the costs of maintaining our credit facility and amortization of the costs incurred with respect to the initial set-up or subsequent amendments of the facility. In Q4/2017, the Company incurred no interest expense as it had not drawn on its credit facility.

20


 

Income Taxes 

Franco-Nevada had an income tax expense of $16.9 million (2016 – $13.4 million) for the quarter comprised of a current income tax expense of $5.3 million (2016 - $11.2 million) and a deferred income tax expense of $11.6 million (2016 - $2.2 million).  The increase in income tax expense year-over-year was due mainly to a one-time adjustment as a result of the United States enacting Tax Reform legislation on December 22, 2017.  The significant changes in the legislation include a reduction in the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, which resulted in a deferred tax expense of $7.1 million on the re-measurement of the Company’s deferred tax assets in the U.S.  This was offset by tax benefits realized from deductible permanent differences.

Net Income

Net income for Q4/2017 was $43.5 million, or $0.23 per share, compared to a net loss of $4.5 million, or $0.03 per share, for the same period in 2016. Adjusted Net Income was $52.1 million, or $0.28 per share, compared to $42.9 million, or $0.24 per share, earned in Q4/2016. In Q4/2016, an impairment charge was recorded in the amount $67.5 million resulting in a net loss for the quarter. The net loss in Q4/2016 was partly reduced by the gain of $14.1 million realized on the Kirkland Lake buy-back.  The increase in net income was driven primarily by higher revenue due to asset acquisitions completed in 2017, higher gold and palladium prices and higher Oil & Gas revenues.

 

OVERVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE – 2017 to 2016

The prices of precious metals, oil and gas and the actual production from mineral and oil & gas assets are the largest factors in determining profitability and cash flow from operations for Franco-Nevada. The following table summarizes average commodity prices and average exchange rates during the periods presented.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual average prices and rates

    

 

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

    

Variance %

 

Gold (1)

 

($/oz)

 

 

$

1,257

 

 

$

1,248

 

0.7

%  

Silver (2)

 

($/oz)

 

 

 

17.05

 

 

 

17.20

 

(0.8)

%  

Platinum (3)

 

($/oz)

 

 

 

948

 

 

 

987

 

(3.9)

%  

Palladium (3)

 

($/oz)

 

 

 

870

 

 

 

613

 

41.9

%  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edmonton Light

 

C$/bbl

 

 

 

62.65

 

 

 

52.84

 

18.6

%  

Quality Differential

 

C$/bbl

 

 

 

(5.41)

 

 

 

(6.57)

 

(17.7)

%  

Realized oil price

 

C$/bbl

 

 

 

57.24

 

 

 

46.27

 

23.7

%  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAD/USD exchange rate (4)

 

 

 

 

 

0.7550

 

 

 

0.7555

 

(0.1)

%  

1

Based on LBMA Gold Price PM Fix.

2

Based on LBMA Silver Price.

3

Based on London PM Fix.

4

Based on Bank of Canada daily exchange rates (2016 – Bank of Canada noon rates).

Gold Equivalent Ounces and Revenue

In 2017, Franco-Nevada generated revenue of $675.0 million compared with $610.2 million in 2016, an increase of 10.6%. The increase year-over-year is due to 497,745 GEOs sold, an increase of 7.2% over the 464,383 GEOs in 2016, coupled with stronger gold and palladium prices. For the year ended December 31, 2017, precious metals revenue accounted for 90.3% of total revenue compared to 93.7% in 2016, while revenue generated from the Americas represented 81.7% of revenue compared to 84.1% in 2016.

21


 

PICTURE 19

 

22


 

The following table outlines GEOs and revenue attributable to Franco-Nevada for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 by commodity, geographical location and type of interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gold Equivalent Ounces (1)

 

 

Revenue  (in millions)

 

For the year ended December 31, 

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

    

Variance

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

    

Variance

 

Commodity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Precious Metals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gold

 

 

371,440

 

 

341,379

 

30,061

 

 

$

467.2

 

 

$

425.9

 

$

41.3

 

Silver

 

 

77,426

 

 

87,137

 

(9,711)

 

 

 

98.1

 

 

 

108.5

 

 

(10.4)

 

PGM

 

 

34,520

 

 

28,958

 

5,562

 

 

 

44.5

 

 

 

37.1

 

 

7.4

 

Precious Metals - Total

 

 

483,386

 

 

457,474

 

25,912

 

 

 

609.8

 

 

 

571.5

 

 

38.3

 

Other Minerals

 

 

14,359

 

 

6,909

 

7,450

 

 

 

18.2

 

 

 

8.6

 

 

9.6

 

Oil & Gas

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 -

 

 

 

47.0

 

 

 

30.1

 

 

16.9

 

 

 

 

497,745

 

 

464,383

 

33,362

 

 

$

675.0

 

 

$

610.2

 

$

64.8

 

Geography

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Latin America

 

 

258,285

 

 

244,137

 

14,148

 

 

 

326.0

 

 

 

303.7

 

 

22.3

 

United States

 

 

75,203

 

 

73,155

 

2,048

 

 

$

100.2

 

 

$

92.4

 

$

7.8

 

Canada

 

 

65,982

 

 

69,654

 

(3,672)

 

 

 

125.5

 

 

 

116.9

 

 

8.6

 

Rest of World

 

 

98,275

 

 

77,437

 

20,838

 

 

 

123.3

 

 

 

97.2

 

 

26.1

 

 

 

 

239,460

 

 

220,246

 

19,214

 

 

$

675.0

 

 

$

610.2

 

$

64.8

 

Type

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue-based

 

 

104,677

 

 

94,072

 

10,605

 

 

$

145.1

 

 

$

123.5

 

$

21.6

 

Streams

 

 

350,827

 

 

321,093

 

29,734

 

 

 

443.3

 

 

 

401.6

 

 

41.7

 

Profit-based

 

 

13,209

 

 

25,074

 

(11,865)

 

 

 

37.0

 

 

 

45.8

 

 

(8.8)

 

Other

 

 

29,032

 

 

24,144

 

4,888

 

 

 

49.6

 

 

 

39.3

 

 

10.3

 

 

 

 

497,745

 

 

464,383

 

33,362

 

 

$

675.0

 

 

$

610.2

 

$

64.8

 

1

Refer to Note 1 at the bottom of page 4 of this MD&A for the methodology for calculating GEOs, and, f or illustrative purposes, to the average commodity price table on page 21 of this MD&A for indicative prices which may be used in the calculations of GEOs.

GEOs and revenue were earned from the following geographical locations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gold Equivalent Ounces (1)

 

 

Revenue  (in millions)

 

For the year ended December 31, 

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

    

Variance

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

    

Variance

 

Geography for Precious Metals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Precious Metals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Latin America

 

 

258,285

 

 

244,137

 

14,148

 

 

 

326.0

 

 

 

303.7

 

 

22.3

 

United States

 

 

74,712

 

 

72,764

 

1,948

 

 

$

93.8

 

 

$

91.0

 

$

2.8

 

Canada

 

 

55,597

 

 

65,769

 

(10,172)

 

 

 

71.1

 

 

 

82.9

 

 

(11.8)

 

Rest of World

 

 

94,792

 

 

74,804

 

19,988

 

 

 

118.9

 

 

 

93.9

 

 

25.0

 

Precious Metals - Total

 

 

483,386

 

 

457,474

 

25,912

 

 

$

609.8

 

 

$

571.5

 

$

38.3

 

Other Minerals

 

 

14,359

 

 

6,909

 

7,450

 

 

 

18.2

 

 

 

8.6

 

 

9.6

 

Oil & Gas

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 -

 

 

 

47.0

 

 

 

30.1

 

 

16.9

 

 

 

 

497,745

 

 

464,383

 

33,362

 

 

$

675.0

 

 

$

610.2

 

$

64.8

 

1

Refer to Note 1 at the bottom of page 4 of this MD&A for the methodology for calculating GEOs, and, f or illustrative purposes, to the average commodity price table on page 21 of this MD&A for indicative prices which may be used in the calculations of GEOs.

 

23


 

 

PICTURE 20

 

Revenue from precious metals assets was $609.8 million in 2017 compared with $571.5 million in 2016. GEOs sold which were earned from precious metals assets increased by 5.7% to 483,386 GEOs in 2017 from 457,474 GEOs in 2016. The largest increase came from our Latin American assets.

GEOs and revenue increases for 2017 are attributable to the following:

·

Deliveries from the Palmarejo agreement ended in July 2016 when Coeur reached the minimum obligation of 400,000 ounces. Deliveries from the Palmarejo operations under the new Guadalupe-Palmarejo agreement started in October 2016. In 2017, a total of 52,124 GEOs were delivered compared to a combined 36,386 GEOs in 2016, an increase of 43%.

·

GEOs sold from Candelaria were 83,610 in 2017, an increase of 17% compared to 2016.

·

Karma, a stream asset which started deliveries of 1,250 fixed gold ounces per month in March 2016, delivered 17,109 GEOs and sold 18,359 GEOs in 2017. 

·

GEOs sold from MWS were 28,397 GEOs in 2017, an increase of 31% compared to 2016.

The above increases were partly offset by the following:

·

The Company received 49,656 GEO deliveries from Antamina in 2017 compared to 60,273 GEOs in 2016, a decrease of 18%.

·

Hemlo delivered 3,549 GEOs in 2017, down from 9,972 GEOs delivered in 2016.

·

The Company received 13,349 GEOs from Goldstrike in 2017 compared to 18,081 GEOs in 2016, a decrease of 26%.

Other minerals generated 14,359 GEOs and $18.2 million in revenue.

At December 31, 2017, there remains $7.1 million in inventory for 8,000 gold ounces which were delivered under our Klondex agreement that had not been sold at year-end.

Oil & Gas assets generated revenue of $47.0 million in 2017 (95% oil and 5% gas), compared to $30.1 million for 2016 (97% oil and 3% gas), an increase of 56.1%. The increase is due to a higher oil price and 12.1% higher production including the impact of newly acquired oil and gas assets during the year.

Revenue from the Weyburn Unit for the period increased to $32.2 million (2016 - $ 23.6 million) with $20.5 million earned from the NRI (2016 - $14.5 million), $9.9 million earned from the WI (2016 - $7.8 million) and $1.8 million earned from the overriding royalties (2016 - $1.3 million). Revenue from the Weyburn NRI was higher due to lower capital costs.  Capital costs decreased by 9% and were partially offset by a 27% increase

24


 

in operating costs compared to 2016.  Actual realized price from the NRI was C$57.85/boe for the period, up 23% from the realized price of C$46.91/boe for 2016.

Operating Costs and Expenses

The following table provides a list of operating costs and expenses incurred for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 

 

(expressed in millions)

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

    

Variance

 

Costs of sales

 

 

$

142.0

 

 

$

105.8

 

$

36.2

 

Depletion and depreciation

 

 

 

273.0

 

 

 

273.8

 

 

(0.8)

 

Corporate administration

 

 

 

21.3

 

 

 

20.7

 

 

0.6

 

Business development

 

 

 

3.6

 

 

 

3.4

 

 

0.2

 

Impairment charges

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 

67.5

 

 

(67.5)

 

Gain on sale of royalty interest

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 

(14.1)

 

 

14.1

 

(Gain) loss on sale of gold bullion

 

 

 

(0.3)

 

 

 

(2.3)

 

 

2.0

 

 

 

 

$

439.6

 

 

$

454.8

 

$

(15.2)

 

Costs of Sales

The following table provides a breakdown of cost of sales incurred for 2017 and 2016.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 

 

(expressed in millions)

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

    

Variance

 

Cost of stream sales

 

 

$

127.4

 

 

$

95.6

 

$

31.8

 

Cost of prepaid ounces

 

 

 

7.7

 

 

 

6.5

 

 

1.2

 

Mineral production taxes

 

 

 

2.3

 

 

 

0.5

 

 

1.8

 

Oil & Gas operating costs

 

 

 

4.6

 

 

 

3.2

 

 

1.4

 

 

 

 

$

142.0

 

 

$

105.8

 

$

36.2

 

The increase of $36.2 million reflects the increase in the number of stream ounces sold in 2017 compared to 2016.  In 2017, 350,827 GEOs were sold including 6,459 GEOs delivered under stream agreements and inventory held at the end of last year, compared to 321,093 GEOs in 2016. The year-over-year increase primarily reflects increased deliveries from Guadalupe-Palmarejo.  

PICTURE 8

 

25


 

Depletion and Depreciation

Depletion and depreciation totaled $273.0 million for 2017 consistent with $273.8 million in 2016.

PICTURE 7

Corporate Administration

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 

 

(expressed in millions)

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

    

Variance

 

Salaries and benefits

 

 

$

5.3

 

 

$

7.3

 

$

(2.0)

 

Professional fees

 

 

 

1.6

 

 

 

1.3

 

 

0.3

 

Office costs

 

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

0.8

 

 

 —

 

Board of Directors' costs

 

 

 

3.2

 

 

 

2.1

 

 

1.1

 

Share-based compensation

 

 

 

4.6

 

 

 

5.0

 

 

(0.4)

 

Other

 

 

 

5.8

 

 

 

4.2

 

 

1.6

 

 

 

 

$

21.3

 

 

$

20.7

 

$

0.6

 

Corporate administration expenses increased to $21.3 million in 2017, from $20.7 million in 2016. Lower salaries and benefits in 2017 were offset by an increase in costs related to the Company’s Board of Directors.  Board of Directors’ cost include the mark-to-market of the value of deferred share units that are granted to directors of the Company. As the Company’s share price increased from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017, the Company recognized a higher deferred share unit liability.

Business Development Expenses

Business development expenses for 2017 were $3.6 million, compared to $3.4 million in the same period in 2016. Timing and amount of these costs typically vary based on the business development related activities and the timing of completing transactions.

Impairment Charges

Impairments of royalty, stream and working interests were $Nil for 2017, compared to $67.5 million in 2016. Impairment charges in 2016 related to the Cooke 4 underground mine.

Gain on Disposal of Royalty Interest

In October 2016, Kirkland Lake exercised its option to buy back 1% of an overlying 2.5% NSR for aggregate cash consideration of $30.3 million. The Company recognized a gain on disposal of $14.1 million in the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2016.

26


 

Gain or Loss on Sale of Gold Bullion

The Company recognized a gain on the sale of gold bullion of $0.3 million in 2017, compared to a gain of $2.3 million in 2016. Gold bullion is physical ounces of gold received as settlement from certain of the Company’s royalty interests.

Foreign Exchange and Other Income/Expenses

The following table provides a breakdown of items included in foreign exchange income/losses and other expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 

 

(expressed in millions)

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

    

Variance

 

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

 

 

$

(0.8)

 

 

$

(0.6)

 

$

(0.2)

 

Other income

 

 

 

2.1

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

1.7

 

Mark-to-market (loss) gain on warrants

 

 

 

(0.2)

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

(0.6)

 

 

 

 

$

1.1

 

 

$

0.2

 

$

0.9

 

Foreign exchange gains and losses include foreign exchange movements related to cash and cash equivalents and investments in debt securities, such as treasury bills and intercompany loans, held in a denomination that differs from the functional currency of the entity in which those balances are held. The parent company’s functional currency is the Canadian dollar, while the functional currency of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. Under IFRS, all foreign exchange changes related to monetary assets denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are recorded in net income as opposed to other comprehensive income.

Gain on Investments

Gain on investments in 2017 was $2.0 million on the share of one of the Company’s available for sale securities compared to $12.4 million in 2016.  Gain on investments in 2016 includes a gain on sale of available-for-sale securities of $5.7 million and a $6.7 million gain realized on the share exchange of certain of the Company’s available-for-sale securities. Under IFRS, share exchanges are considered a disposal at fair market value. Any unrealized gain or loss is deducted from comprehensive income (loss) and recognized in the statement of income (loss).

Finance Income and Finance Expenses

The following table provides a breakdown of finance income and expenses recognized in 2017 and 2016:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 

 

(expressed in millions)

    

 

2017

  

  

2016

    

Variance

 

Finance Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

 

$

5.4

 

 

$

3.5

 

$

1.9

 

 

 

 

$

5.4

 

 

$

3.5

 

$

1.9

 

Finance Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standby Charges

 

 

$

2.5

 

 

$

2.2

 

$

0.3

 

Interest

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 

0.8

 

 

(0.8)

 

Amortization

 

 

 

0.9

 

 

 

0.6

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

 

$

3.4

 

 

$

3.6

 

$

(0.2)

 

Finance income includes interest earned on our cash equivalents and/or short-term investments, as well as interest accrued on the Noront loan receivable. Interest on the Noront loan for 2017 was $2.0 million (2016 - $1.7 million).  Finance income increased reflecting higher cash balances. 

Total finance expenses in 2017 were consistent with 2016.  However, amortization of deferred financing fees increased in 2017, as a result of additional financing costs incurred when the Company amended the Credit Facility by extending the term from November 12, 2020 to March 22, 2022. Additionally, the Company’s subsidiary, Franco-Nevada (Barbados) Corporation, entered into an unsecured revolving term credit facility during the year.

27


 

Income Taxes

Franco-Nevada had an income tax expense of $41.3 million (2016 – $45.7 million) for the year ended December 31, 2017 comprised of a current income tax expense of $19.5 million (2016 - $40.9 million) and a deferred income tax expense of $21.8 million (2016 - $4.8 million).  The decrease in income tax expense year-over-year was due to tax benefits realized from deductible permanent differences and the utilization of tax attributes for which no deferred tax asset was previously recognized. This was offset by a one-time adjustment as a result of the United States enacting Tax Reform legislation on December 22, 2017.  The significant changes in the legislation include a reduction in the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, which resulted in a deferred tax expense of $7.1 million on the re-measurement of the Company’s deferred tax assets in the U.S.

Net Income

Net income in 2017 was $194.7 million, or $1.06 per share, compared to $122.2 million, or $0.70 per share, in 2016. Adjusted Net Income was $198.3 million, or $1.08 per share, compared to $164.4 million, or $0.94 per share, for 2016. The increase in net income and Adjusted Net Income was driven primarily by higher gross profit due to asset acquisitions, higher gold and palladium prices and higher Oil & Gas revenues. Net income for 2016 was also impacted by an impairment charge of $67.5 million recognized during the year in respect to the Company’s Cooke 4 asset. 

28


 

SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY INFORMATION

Selected quarterly financial and statistical information for the previous eight quarters (1) is set out below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions, except Margin, GEOs,

    

Q4

  

  

Q3

  

 

Q2

  

  

Q1

  

 

Q4

  

  

 

Q3

  

  

 

Q2

  

  

 

Q1

  

per share amounts and average gold price)

 

2017

 

 

2017

 

 

2017

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

 

2016

 

 

 

2016

 

 

 

2016

 

Revenue

 

$

167.2

 

 

$

171.5

 

 

$

163.6

 

 

$

172.7

 

 

$

155.3

 

 

$

172.0

 

 

$

150.9

 

 

$

132.0

 

Costs and expenses (2)

 

 

106.0

 

 

 

108.5

 

 

 

107.6

 

 

 

117.5

 

 

 

154.9

 

 

 

104.5

 

 

 

100.5

 

 

 

95.0

 

Operating income (loss)

 

 

61.2

 

 

 

63.0

 

 

 

56.0

 

 

 

55.2

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

67.5

 

 

 

50.4

 

 

 

37.0

 

Other income (expenses)

 

 

(0.8)

 

 

 

(0.1)

 

 

 

0.7

 

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

8.5

 

 

 

(0.2)

 

 

 

3.2

 

 

 

1.1

 

Income tax expense (recovery)

 

 

16.9

 

 

 

2.9

 

 

 

11.1

 

 

 

10.4

 

 

 

13.4

 

 

 

12.9

 

 

 

11.3

 

 

 

8.1

 

Net income (loss)

 

 

43.5

 

 

 

60.0

 

 

 

45.6

 

 

 

45.6

 

 

 

(4.5)

 

 

 

54.4

 

 

 

42.3

 

 

 

30.0

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share

 

$

0.23

 

 

$

0.32

 

 

$

0.25

 

 

$

0.26

 

 

$

(0.03)

 

 

$

0.31

 

 

$

0.24

 

 

$

0.18

 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

 

$

0.23

 

 

$

0.32

 

 

$

0.25

 

 

$

0.25

 

 

$

(0.03)

 

 

$

0.30

 

 

$

0.24

 

 

$

0.18

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

126.3

 

 

$

116.0

 

 

$

126.5

 

 

$

119.8

 

 

$

121.9

 

 

$

121.6

 

 

$

103.5

 

 

$

124.0

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(116.2)

 

 

 

(185.6)

 

 

 

(137.2)

 

 

 

(61.9)

 

 

 

(113.3)

 

 

 

(41.5)

 

 

 

(28.1)

 

 

 

(506.9)

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

 

(32.0)

 

 

 

(29.3)

 

 

 

332.0

 

 

 

(31.0)

 

 

 

(30.5)

 

 

 

(29.4)

 

 

 

(23.8)

 

 

 

405.4

 

Average Gold Price (3)

 

$

1,274

 

 

$

1,278

 

 

$

1,257

 

 

$

1,219

 

 

$

1,218

 

 

$

1,335

 

 

$

1,259

 

 

$

1,181

 

GEOs sold (4)

 

 

119,839

 

 

 

123,787

 

 

 

122,541

 

 

 

131,578

 

 

 

121,910

 

 

 

123,065

 

 

 

112,787

 

 

 

106,621

 

Adjusted EBITDA (5)

 

$

128.0

 

 

$

134.1

 

 

$

125.5

 

 

$

128.5

 

 

$

122.2

 

 

$

142.2

 

 

$

120.3

 

 

$

104.4

 

Adjusted EBITDA (5) per share

 

$

0.69

 

 

$

0.72

 

 

$

0.69

 

 

$

0.72

 

 

$

0.69

 

 

$

0.80

 

 

$

0.68

 

 

$

0.63

 

Margin (5)

 

 

76.6

%  

 

 

78.2

%  

 

 

76.7

%  

 

 

74.4

%  

 

 

78.7

%  

 

 

82.7

%  

 

 

79.7

%  

 

 

79.1

%  

Adjusted Net Income (5)

 

$

52.1

 

 

$

55.3

 

 

$

46.1

 

 

$

44.8

 

 

$

42.9

 

 

$

53.5

 

 

$

40.0

 

 

$

28.0

 

Adjusted Net Income (5) per share

 

$

0.28

 

 

$

0.30

 

 

$

0.25

 

 

$

0.25

 

 

$

0.24

 

 

$

0.30

 

 

$

0.22

 

 

$

0.17

 

1

Sum of the quarters may not add up to yearly total due to rounding.

2

Includes impairment charges on royalty, stream and working interests.

3

Based on LBMA Gold Price PM Fix.

4

GEOs include our gold, silver, platinum, palladium and other mineral assets, and do not include Oil & Gas assets. GEOs are estimated on a gross basis for NSR royalties and, in the case of stream ounces, before the payment of the per ounce contractual price paid by the Company. For NPI royalties, GEOs are calculated taking into account the NPI economics. Silver, platinum, palladium and other minerals are converted to GEOs by dividing associated revenue, which includes settlement adjustments, by the relevant gold price. The gold price used in the computation of GEOs earned from a particular asset varies depending on the royalty or stream agreement, which may make reference to the market price realized by the operator, or the average for the month, quarter, or year in which the mineral was produced or sold. For illustrative purposes, please refer to average commodity price tables on pages 14 and 21 of this MD&A for indicative prices which may be used in the calculation of GEOs.

5

Adjusted EBITDA, Margin and Adjusted Net Income are non-IFRS measures with no standardized meaning under IFRS. For further information and a detailed reconciliation, please refer to pages 38-41 of this MD&A.

29


 

 

BALANCE SHEET Review

Summary Balance Sheet and Key Financial Metrics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summary Balance Sheet and Key Financial Metrics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(expressed in millions, except debt to equity ratio)

    

At December 31, 2017

    

At December 31, 2016

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

511.1

 

$

253.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

616.4

 

 

361.2

 

Non-current assets

 

 

4,172.0

 

 

3,860.4

 

Total assets

 

$

4,788.4

 

$

4,221.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

22.6

 

 

37.6

 

Non-current liabilities

 

 

60.3

 

 

37.5

 

Total liabilities

 

$

82.9

 

$

75.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

$

4,705.5

 

$

4,146.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

Total common shares outstanding

 

 

186.0

 

 

178.5

 

Key Financial Ratios

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working Capital

 

$

593.8

 

$

323.6

 

Debt to equity

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Assets

Total assets were $4,788.4 million as at December 31, 2017 compared to $4,221.6 million at December 31, 2016. Our asset base is primarily comprised of non-current assets such as our royalty, stream and working interests, and current assets of cash and cash equivalents. This reflects our business strategy of growing a diversified portfolio and ensuring cash is available for future acquisitions and dividends. The increase of $566.8 million in total assets as at December 31, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016 reflects the acquisitions completed in 2017 including the funding of the Cobre Panama precious metals stream deposit and certain Oil & Gas interests. Oil & Gas interests acquired during 2017 included the STACK, Orion Thermal Project and Midland acquisitions.  Additionally, total assets as at December 31, 2017 reflect $356.4 million brought into the treasury of the Company upon the exercise of share purchase warrants on June 30, 2017.

Liabilities

Total liabilities as at December 31, 2017 were $82.9 million including current and deferred income tax liabilities, an increase of $7.8 million compared to December 31, 2016, reflecting an increase in deferred income tax liabilities.

Shareholders’ Equity

Shareholders’ equity increased by $559.0 million as at December 31, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016 reflecting proceeds from the exercise of share purchase warrants of $356.4 million and net income of $194.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in shareholders’ equity was partly offset by declared dividends of $167.9 million, of which $42.1 million were settled through the issuance of common shares pursuant to the Company’s DRIP.  In February 2016, an equity offering was completed for gross proceeds of $920.1 million. 

30


 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash flow generated for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended

 

For the year ended

 

 

 

December 31, 

 

December 31, 

 

(expressed in millions)

    

2017

    

2016

    

2017

    

2016

 

Cash provided by operating activities

 

$

126.3

 

$

121.9

 

$

488.6

 

$

471.0

 

Cash used in investing activities

 

 

(116.2)

 

 

(113.3)

 

 

(500.9)

 

 

(689.8)

 

Cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

 

(32.0)

 

 

(30.5)

 

 

239.7

 

 

321.7

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(0.3)

 

 

(2.7)

 

 

30.7

 

 

0.9

 

Change in cash and cash equivalents

 

$

(22.2)

 

$

(24.6)

 

$

258.1

 

$

103.8

 

Operating Cash Flow

Cash generated by operating activities was $126.3 million and $121.9 million for Q4/2017 and Q4/2016, respectively. Cash generated by operating activities was $488.6 million and $471.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increases are primarily attributable to higher revenues.

Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities was $116.2 million for Q4/2017 compared to $113.3 million in Q4/2016. Investing activities in Q4/2017 include funding of the Cobre Panama stream of $89.4 million (2016 - $46.6 million). At December 31, 2017, the Company has funded $264.4 million in 2017 (2016 – $124.3 million), for a total of $726.6 million of its total $1 billion commitment to the construction of Cobre Panama. 

Cash used in investing activities was $500.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $689.8 million in 2016. In addition to the above noted capital expenditures, 2017 capital expenditures also included the STACK, Orion Thermal Project and Midland acquisitions. 

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $32.0 million for Q4/2017 reflecting payments of cash dividends in Q4/2017. This compares to net cash used in financing activities of $30.5 million for Q4/2016

Net cash provided by financing activities was $239.7 million for 2017 compared to $321.7 million for 2016.  Net cash provided by financing activities for 2017 includes proceeds of $356.4 million from the exercise of share purchase warrants which had an exercise price of C$75.00 per warrant and expired in June 2017.  Net cash provided by financing activities in 2016 includes funds raised from the equity issuance of 19.2 million common shares resulting in $883.5 million net proceeds to the Company. The inflow from the equity offering was partially used to repay the $460.0 million drawn on the credit facility as at December 31, 2015. The Company also paid $125.8 million in cash dividends in 2017, compared to $118.1 million in 2016.

Capital Resources

As at December 31, 2017, our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $511.1 million (December 31, 2016 - $253.0 million).  In addition, we held investments at December 31, 2017 with a combined value of $203.1 million (December 31, 2016 - $147.4 million), of which $168.1 million was held in publicly-traded equity instruments (December 31, 2016 - $114.6 million).

Further, an amount of $1.0 billion, or its Canadian dollar equivalent, is available under the Company’s unsecured credit facility. Advances under the facility bear interest depending upon the currency of the advance and the Company’s leverage ratio. As at March 7, 2018, the full amount of $1.0 billion is available as the Company has not drawn on the Credit Facility. U.S. and Canadian dollar advances would bear interest at a rate of 4.20% and 2.90%, respectively.  On March 22, 2017, Franco-Nevada extended the term of the Credit Facility from November 12, 2020 to March 22, 2022.  Subsequent to year-end, on March 7, 2018, Franco-Nevada further extended the term of the Credit Facility from March 22, 2022 to March 22, 2023.   Funds can also be drawn using LIBOR 30-day rates plus 110 basis points.

On March 20, 2017, the Company’s subsidiary, Franco-Nevada (Barbados) Corporation, entered into an unsecured revolving credit facility (the “FNBC Credit Facility”). The FNBC Credit Facility provides for the availability over a one-year period of up to $100.0 million in borrowings. The FNBC Credit Facility had a maturity

31


 

date of March 20, 2018. The Company has the option of requesting, during a period of time surrounding each anniversary date, up to two additional one-year extensions of the maturity term. Subsequent to year end, on February 21, 2018, the FNBC Credit Facility’s maturity date was further extended to March 20, 2019. 

Advances under the FNBC Credit Facility can be drawn as base rate advances with interest payable monthly at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (“CIBC”) base rate, plus 0.35% per annum; or as LIBOR loans for periods of 1, 2, 3 or 6 months with interest payable at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.35% per annum.

The Credit Facility is subject to a standby fee of 0.27% per annum.

Management’s objectives when managing capital are to:

(a)

ensure the preservation and availability of capital not being used for long-term investments by investing in low risk investments with high liquidity; and

(b)

ensure that adequate levels of capital are maintained to meet the Company’s operating requirements and other current liabilities.

As at December 31, 2017, the majority of funds were held in cash deposits with several financial institutions. Franco-Nevada invests its excess funds in term deposits. Certain investments with terms to maturity upon acquisition of three months, or 92 days or less, and were classified as term deposits.

Our performance is impacted by foreign currency fluctuations of the Canadian dollar and Australian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar. The largest exposure is with respect to the Canadian/U.S. dollar exchange rate as we hold a significant amount of our assets in Canada and report our results in U.S. dollars.  The effect of volatility in these currencies against the U.S. dollar impacts our corporate administration, business development expenses and depletion on mineral and oil & gas interests incurred in our Canadian and Australian entities due to their respective functional currencies. During the year, the Canadian dollar traded in a range of $0.7276 to $0.8245, closing the year at $0.7829, and the Australian dollar traded between $0.7207 and $0.8080, closing the year at $0.7687.  

Our near-term cash requirements include funding of the acquisition of the U.S. oil & gas royalties in the Delaware Basin, which was funded subsequent to year-end, commitments under the Cobre Panama stream agreement, corporate administration costs, certain costs of operations, payment of dividends and income taxes directly related to the recognition of royalty and stream revenues.  As a royalty/stream company, there are limited requirements for capital expenditures other than for the acquisition of additional royalties/streams and working interests’ capital commitments.  Such acquisitions are entirely discretionary and will be consummated through the use of cash, as available, or through the issuance of common shares or other equity or debt securities or use of our credit facility. We believe that our current cash resources, our available credit facility and future cash flows will be sufficient to cover the cost of our commitments under the various stream agreements, administrative expenses, costs of operations and dividend payments for the foreseeable future.

Purchase Commitments

The following table summarizes Franco-Nevada’s commitments to pay for gold, silver and PGM pursuant to the associated precious metals agreements:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attributable Payable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production to be Purchased

 

Per Ounce Cash Payment  (1),(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Term of

 

Date of

 

Interest

    

Gold

    

Silver

    

PGM

    

Gold

    

Silver

    

PGM

    

Agreement (3)

    

Contract

 

Antamina

 

 0

%  

22.5

(4)

 0

%  

 

n/a

 

 

 5

(5)

 

n/a

 

40 years

 

7-Oct-15

 

Antapaccay

 

 —

(6)

 —

(7)

 0

%  

 

20

(8)

 

20

(9)

 

n/a

 

40 years

 

10-Feb-16

 

Candelaria

 

68

(10)

68

(10)

 0

%  

$

400

 

$

4.00

 

 

n/a

 

40 years

 

6-Oct-14

 

Cobre Panama I (25)

 

(11)

 —

(12)

 0

%  

$

418

(13)

$

6.27

(14)

 

n/a

 

40 years

 

22-Jan-18

 

Cobre Panama II (25)

 

(15)

 —

(16)

 0

%  

 

20

(17)

 

20

(18)

 

n/a

 

40 years

 

22-Jan-18

 

Karma

 

4.875

(19)

 0

%  

 0

%  

 

20

(20)

 

n/a

 

 

n/a

 

40 years

 

11-Aug-14

 

Guadalupe-Palmarejo

 

50

%  

 0

%  

 0

%  

$

800

 

 

n/a

 

 

n/a

 

40 years

 

2-Oct-14

 

Sabodala

 

 6

(21)

 0

%  

 0

%  

 

20

(22)

 

n/a

 

 

n/a

 

40 years

 

12-Dec-13

 

MWS

 

25

%  

 0

%  

 0

%  

$

400

 

 

n/a

 

 

n/a

 

40 years

(23)

2-Mar-12

 

Cooke 4

 

 7

%  

 0

%  

 0

%  

$

400

 

 

n/a

 

 

n/a

 

40 years

 

5-Nov-09

 

Sudbury (24)

 

50

%  

 0

%  

50

%  

$

400

 

 

n/a

 

$

400

 

40 years

 

15-Jul-08

 

1

Subject to an annual inflationary adjustment except for Antamina, Antapaccay, Karma, Guadalupe-Palmarejo, and Sabodala.

32


 

2

Should the prevailing market price for gold be lower than this amount, the per ounce cash payment will be reduced to the prevailing market price, with the exception of Guadalupe-Palmarejo.

3

Subject to successive extensions.

4

Subject to a fixed payability of 90%. Percentage decreases to 15% after 86 million ounces of silver has been delivered under the agreement.

5

Purchase price is 5% of the average silver price at the time of delivery.

6

Gold deliveries are referenced to copper in concentrate shipped with 300 ounces of gold delivered for each 1,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate shipped, until 630,000 ounces of gold has been delivered. Thereafter, percentage is 30% of gold shipped.

7

Silver deliveries are referenced to copper in concentrate shipped with 4,700 ounces of silver delivered for each 1,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate shipped, until 10.0 million ounces of silver has been delivered. Thereafter, percentage is 30% of silver shipped.

8

Purchase price is 20% of the spot price of gold until 750,000 ounces of gold have been delivered, thereafter the purchase price is 30% of the spot price of gold.

9

Purchase price is 20% of the spot price of silver until 12.8 million ounces of silver have been delivered, thereafter the purchase price is 30% of the spot price of silver.

10

Percentage decreases to 40% after 720,000 ounces of gold and 12.0 million ounces of silver have been delivered under the agreement.

11

Gold deliveries are indexed to copper in concentrate produced from the project. 120 ounces of gold per every 1 million pounds of copper produced until 808,000 ounces of gold delivered. Thereafter, 81 ounces of gold per 1 million pounds of copper produced to 1,716,188 ounces of gold delivered thereafter 63.4% of the gold in concentrate.

12

Silver deliveries are indexed to copper in concentrate produced from the project. 1,376 ounces of silver per every 1 million pounds of copper produced until 9,842,000 ounces of silver delivered. Thereafter 1,776 ounces of silver per 1 million pounds of copper produced to 29,731,000 ounces of silver delivered, thereafter 62.1% of the silver.

13

In accordance with the terms of the agreement, the purchase price was adjusted from $406 per ounce to $418.27 per ounce after November 2018 on the initial gold deliveries.  After 808,000 ounces of gold delivered, purchase price is the greater of 50% of spot and $418.27 per ounce.

14

In accordance with the terms of the agreement, the purchase price was adjusted from $6.09 per ounce to $6.27 per ounce after November 2018 on the initial silver deliveries.  After 9,842,000 ounces of silver delivered, purchase price is the greater of 50% of spot and $6.27 per ounce.

15

Gold deliveries are indexed to copper in concentrate produced from the project. 30 ounces of gold per every 1 million pounds of copper produced until 202,000 ounces of gold delivered. Thereafter 20.25 ounces of gold per 1 million pounds of copper produced to 429,047 ounces of gold delivered thereafter 15.85% of the gold in concentrate.

16

Silver deliveries are indexed to copper in concentrate produced from the project. 344 ounces of silver per every 1 million pounds of copper produced until 2,460,500 ounces of silver delivered. Thereafter, 444 ounces of silver per 1 million pounds of copper produced to 7,432,750 ounces of silver delivered thereafter 15.53% of the silver in concentrate.

17

Purchase price is 20% of the spot price of gold.

18

Purchase price is 20% of the spot price of silver.

19

Gold deliveries are fixed at 15,000 ounces per annum from March 31, 2016 until February 28, 2021. Thereafter, percentage is 4.875%.

20

Purchase price is 20% of the average gold price at the time of delivery.

21

Gold deliveries are fixed at 1,875 ounces per month until December 31, 2019. Thereafter, percentage is 6% of gold produced.

22

Purchase price is 20% of prevailing market price at the time of delivery.

23

Agreement is capped at 312,500 ounces of gold.

24

The Company is committed to purchase 50% of the precious metals contained in ore from the properties. Cash payment is based on gold equivalent ounces.

25

Agreement amended subsequent to year-end.

Cobre Panama Stream Agreement

The Company has funding commitments under the Cobre Panama stream agreement as described in the Guidanc e section above.  

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires the Company to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates and assumptions are continuously evaluated and are based on management’s best knowledge of the relevant facts and circumstances, having regard to previous experience. However, actual outcomes may differ from the amounts included in the consolidated financial statements.

In particular, the areas which require management to make significant judgments, estimates and assumptions are the following:

Reserves and Resources

Royalty, stream and working interests comprise a large component of the Company’s assets and as such, the reserves and resources of the properties to which the interests relate have a significant effect on the Company’s financial statements. These estimates are applied in determining the depletion of and assessing the recoverability of the carrying value of royalty, stream and working interests. For mineral royalty and stream

33


 

interests, the public disclosures of reserves and resources that are released by the operators of the interests involve assessments of geological and geophysical studies and economic data and the reliance on a number of assumptions, including commodity prices and production costs. For oil & gas interests, the estimated reserves in reserve reports prepared by previous independent petroleum consultants engaged by the Company or other qualified parties engaged by the Company reflect similar assessments of geological and geophysical studies and economic data and reliance on assumptions. These assumptions are, by their very nature, subject to interpretation and uncertainty.

The estimates of reserves and resources may change based on additional knowledge gained subsequent to the initial assessment. Changes in the estimates of reserves and resources may materially affect the recorded amounts of depletion and the assessed recoverability of the carrying value of royalty, stream and working interests.

Impairment of Royalty, Stream and Working Interests

Assessment of impairment of royalty, stream, working interests and oil & gas well equipment requires the use of judgments, assumptions and estimates when assessing whether there are any indicators that could give rise to the requirement to conduct a formal impairment test on the Company’s royalty, stream and working interests, investments measured at cost and/or oil & gas equipment. The assessment of fair values requires the use of estimates and assumptions for recoverable production, long-term commodity prices, discount rates, reserve/resource conversion, foreign exchange rates, future capital expansion plans and the associated production implications.  In addition, the Company may use other approaches in determining fair value which may include judgment and estimates related to (i) dollar value per ounce or pound of reserve/resource; (ii) cash-flow multiples; and (iii) market capitalization of comparable assets. Changes in any of the assumptions and estimates used in determining the fair value of the royalty, stream or working interests, investments measured at cost, or oil & gas well equipment could impact the impairment analysis.

Asset Acquisition

The assessment of whether an acquisition meets the definition of a business, or whether assets are acquired is an area of key judgment. If deemed to be a business combination, applying the acquisition method to business combinations requires each identifiable asset and liability to be measured at its acquisition-date fair value. The excess, if any, of the fair value of consideration over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired is recognized as goodwill. The determination of the acquisition-date fair values often requires management to make assumptions and estimates about future events. The assumptions and estimates with respect to determining the fair value of royalty, stream or working interests generally requires a high degree of judgment, and include estimates of mineral reserves and resources acquired, future metal prices, discount rates and reserve/resource conversion. Changes in any of the assumptions or estimates used in determining the fair value of acquired assets and liabilities could impact the amounts assigned to assets and liabilities.

Income Taxes

The interpretation and application of existing tax laws, regulations or rules in Canada, Barbados, the United States, Australia or any of the countries in which the mining operations are located or to which shipments of silver or gold are made requires the use of judgment. The likelihood that tax positions taken will be sustained upon examination by applicable tax authorities is assessed based on facts and circumstances of the relevant tax position considering all available evidence. Differing interpretation of these laws, regulations or rules could result in an increase in the Company’s taxes, or other governmental charges, duties or impositions.

In assessing the probability of realizing deferred income tax assets, the Company makes estimates related to expectations of future taxable income and expected timing of reversals of existing temporary differences. Such estimates are based on forecasted cash flows from operations which require the use of estimates and assumptions such as long-term commodity prices and recoverable ounces. Therefore, the amount of deferred income tax assets recognized on the balance sheet could be reduced if the actual results differ significantly from forecast. The Company reassesses its deferred income tax assets at the end of each reporting period.

The Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”) is currently conducting an audit of Franco-Nevada’s 2012, 2013 and 2014 taxation years.  The audit is in its preliminary stages and the Company has not been informed of any issues by the CRA.  Management believes that Franco-Nevada and its foreign subsidiaries are in full

34


 

compliance with Canadian and foreign tax laws.  However, there can be no assurance that the CRA will not challenge the manner in which Franco-Nevada and its foreign subsidiaries has filed its income tax returns and reported its income.  In the event that the CRA successfully challenges the manner in which Franco-Nevada has filed its tax returns and reported its income, this could potentially result in additional income taxes, penalties and interest, which could have a material adverse effect on Franco-Nevada.

Functional Currency

The functional currency for each of the Company’s subsidiaries is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates. Determination of functional currency may involve certain judgments to determine the primary economic environment and the Company reconsiders the functional currency of its entities if there is a change in events and conditions which determined the primary economic environment.

New and Amended Standards Adopted by the Company

The following standard was effective and implemented for the annual period as of January 1, 2017.

IAS 12 Income Taxes

IAS 12 Income Taxes provides guidance on the recognition of deferred tax assets. In January 2016, the IASB issued amendments to clarify the requirements for recognizing deferred tax assets on unrealized losses. The amendments clarify the accounting for deferred tax where an asset is measured at fair value and that fair value is below the asset’s tax base. They also clarify certain other aspects of accounting for deferred tax assets. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017. The Company has adopted the amendments to IAS 12 in its financial statements for the annual period beginning on January 1, 2017. The adoption of the amendments did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

IFRS Interpretations Committee on interest and penalties related to income taxes

In September 2017, the IFRS Interpretation Committee (IC) issued an agenda decision on interest and penalties related to income taxes. The agenda decision clarifies that if an entity considers that a particular amount payable or receivable for interest and penalties is an income tax, IAS 12 Income Taxes is applied to that amount. If an entity does not apply IAS 12 to an amount payable or receivable for interest and penalties, it applies IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets to that amount. The agenda decision was effective immediately and did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

New Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Effective

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments

On July 24, 2014, the IASB published the final version IFRS 9 Financial Instruments which brings together the classification, measurement, impairment and hedge accounting phases of the IASB’s project to replace IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. IFRS 9 includes a loss impairment model, amends the classification and measurement model for financial assets by adding a new fair value through comprehensive income category for certain debt instruments and provides additional guidance on how to apply the business model and contractual cash flow characteristics test. This final version of IFRS 9 supersedes all previous versions of IFRS 9 and is effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. The Company has completed its assessment of the impact of IFRS 9 and expects the following impacts upon adoption:

·

The Company will make an irrevocable election available under IFRS 9 to continue to measure its currently held long-term investment in equity securities at fair value through other comprehensive income (“OCI”).  This election is available on an instrument–by-instrument basis.  Under the new standard, all changes in the fair value will be recognized permanently in OCI with no subsequent transfer into earnings (loss), including upon derecognition.  On adoption of IFRS 9, the Company expects to make an insignificant adjustment to opening retained earnings with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income to retroactively adjust for historical gains (losses) previously recognized through earnings (loss).  The new classification and measurement requirements under IFRS

35


 

9 are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s other financial assets and financial liabilities.

·

Under IAS 39, investments in equity instruments that do not have a quoted market price in an active market and whose fair value cannot be reliably measured can currently be measured at cost. This cost exemption is not available under IFRS 9. The Company holds one equity investment at cost, with a carrying value of $4.1 million as at December 31, 2017.  The Company has assessed the fair value of the instrument based on valuation techniques that include inputs that are not based on observable market data and has concluded that the carrying value of the instrument approximates its fair value. 

·

The introduction of the new expected credit loss model required to evaluate financial assets for impairment, rather than an incurred loss model currently being applied under IAS 39 does not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial assets. The Company’s financial assets which are currently subject to credit risk include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, receivables and loan receivables. The Company holds one loan receivable from Noront Resources Ltd. The loan receivable is carried at amortized cost and has a carrying value of $30.1 million as at December 31, 2017.

·

The reformed approach to hedge accounting will not have a significant impact on the Company.

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014, the IASB issued IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The new standard provides a comprehensive framework for recognition, measurement and disclosure of revenue from contracts with customers, excluding contracts within the scope of the standards on leases, insurance contracts and financial instruments. IFRS 15 becomes effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 and is to be applied retrospectively with early adoption permitted. The Company has completed its assessment of the impact of IFRS 15, including a review of its material contracts for each of its material revenue categories, and does not expect the new standard to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. The Company will adopt IFRS 15 for the annual period beginning January 1, 2018.

IFRS 16 Leases

In January 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16 Leases, which requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for most leases. IFRS 16 becomes effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 and is to be applied retrospectively with early adoption permitted, provided IFRS 15 has been applied or is applied at the same date as IFRS 16. The Company does not anticipate early adoption and is assessing the impact of adoption of this new standard on the consolidated financial statements.

IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments

In June 2017, the IFRS Interpretation Committee issued IFRIC 23, which clarifies how the recognition and measurement requirements of IAS 12 Income Taxes are applied where there is uncertainty over income tax treatments. IFRIC 23 becomes effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 and is to be applied retrospectively with early adoption permitted. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact of IFRIC 23 on the consolidated financial statements. 

 

36


 

Outstanding Share Data

Franco-Nevada is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common and preferred shares.  A detailed description of the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to each class of authorized shares is included in our most recent Annual Information Form, a copy of which can be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and in our Form 40-F, a copy of which can be found on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

As of March 6, 2018, the number of common shares outstanding or issuable pursuant to other outstanding securities is as follows:

 

 

 

 

Common Shares

    

Number

 

Outstanding

 

185,930,331

 

Issuable upon exercise of Franco-Nevada options (1)

 

955,603

 

Issuable upon vesting of Franco-Nevada RSUs

 

119,796

 

Diluted common shares

 

187,005,730

 

1

There were 955,603 stock options under our share compensation plan outstanding to directors, officers, employees and others with exercise prices ranging from C$15.41 to C$100.10 per share.

Franco-Nevada has not issued any preferred shares.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer are responsible for establishing and maintaining Franco-Nevada’s internal control over financial reporting and other financial disclosure and our disclosure controls and procedures.

Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS.  Franco-Nevada’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of Franco-Nevada; (ii) are designed to provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS, and that receipts and expenditures of Franco-Nevada are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of Franco-Nevada; and (iii) are designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of Franco-Nevada’s assets that could have a material effect on Franco-Nevada’s financial statements. Internal control over other financial disclosure is a process designed to ensure that other financial information included in this MD&A, fairly represents in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of Franco-Nevada for the periods presented in this MD&A.

Franco-Nevada’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that material information relating to Franco-Nevada, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to management by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is prepared and that information required to be disclosed by Franco-Nevada in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation.

Due to its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting and other financial disclosure may not prevent or detect all misstatements. 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 change.

An evaluation was carried out under the supervision of the CEO and CFO and with the participation of management, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of Franco-Nevada’s internal control over financial reporting as of the end of the period covered by this report based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) as issued by the Committee of Sponsoring

37


 

Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission. Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that Franco-Nevada’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017.

An evaluation was also carried out under the supervision of the CEO and CFO and with the participation of management, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of Franco-Nevada’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws and in Rule 13a – 15(e) and Rule 15d – 15(e) under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934), and based on that evaluation the CEO and the CFO have concluded that as of December 31, 2017, Franco-Nevada’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective. 

For the year ended December 31, 2017, there has been no change in Franco-Nevada’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Franco-Nevada’s internal control over financial reporting.

Franco-Nevada’s report of management’s assessment regarding internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934) is included in the Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting that accompanies Franco-Nevada’s Annual Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

Non-IFRS Financial Measures

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA per share

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA per share are non-IFRS financial measures, which exclude the following from net income and earnings per share (“EPS”):

·

Income tax expense/recovery;

·

Finance expenses;

·

Finance income;

·

Depletion and depreciation;

·

Non-cash costs of sales;

·

Impairment charges related to royalty, stream and working interests;

·

Impairment of investments;

·

Gains/losses on sale of royalty, stream and working interests;

·

Gains/losses on investments;

·

Foreign exchange gains/losses and other income/expenses; and

·

Unusual non-recurring items.

Management uses Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA per share to evaluate the underlying operating performance of the Company as a whole for the reporting periods presented, to assist with the planning and forecasting of future operating results, and to supplement information in its financial statements. The Company also uses Margin, which is defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue, in its annual incentive compensation process to evaluate management’s performance in increasing revenue and containing costs. Management believes that in addition to measures prepared in accordance with IFRS such as Net Income and Earnings per Share, our investors and analysts use Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA per share to evaluate the results of the underlying business of the Company, particularly since the excluded items are typically not included in our guidance, with the exception of depletion and depreciation expense. While the adjustments to net income and EPS in these measures include items that are both recurring and non-recurring, management believes that Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA per share are useful measures of the Company’s performance because they adjust for items which may not relate to or have a disproportionate effect on the period in which they are recognized, impact the comparability of our core operating results from period to period, are not always reflective of the underlying operating performance of our business and/or are not necessarily indicative of future operating results. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA per share are only intended to provide additional information to investors and analysts, and should not be considered in isolation

38


 

or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. They do not have any standardized meaning under IFRS, and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

39


 

Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended

 

For the year ended

 

 

 

December 31, 

 

December 31, 

 

(expressed in millions, except per share amounts)

    

2017

    

2016

    

2017

    

2016

 

Net Income

 

$

43.5

 

$

(4.5)

 

$

194.7

 

$

122.2

 

Income tax expense

 

 

16.9

 

 

13.4

 

 

41.3

 

 

45.7

 

Finance expenses

 

 

1.0

 

 

0.8

 

 

3.4

 

 

3.6

 

Finance income

 

 

(1.8)

 

 

(0.9)

 

 

(5.4)

 

 

(3.5)

 

Depletion and depreciation

 

 

63.8

 

 

67.2

 

 

273.0

 

 

273.8

 

Non-cash costs of sales

 

 

3.0

 

 

1.2

 

 

7.7

 

 

6.5

 

Impairment charges

 

 

 —

 

 

67.5

 

 

 —

 

 

67.5

 

Impairment of investments

 

 

4.5

 

 

 —

 

 

4.5

 

 

 —

 

Gain on sale of royalty interest

 

 

 —

 

 

(14.1)

 

 

 —

 

 

(14.1)

 

Gain on investments

 

 

(2.0)

 

 

(7.9)

 

 

(2.0)

 

 

(12.4)

 

Foreign exchange (gains)/losses and other (income)/expenses

 

 

(0.9)

 

 

(0.5)

 

 

(1.1)

 

 

(0.2)

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

128.0

 

$

122.2

 

$

516.1

 

$

489.1

 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

 

 

185.5

 

 

178.3

 

 

182.9

 

 

175.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic EPS

 

$

0.23

 

$

(0.03)

 

$

1.06

 

$

0.70

 

Income tax expense

 

 

0.09

 

 

0.08

 

 

0.23

 

 

0.26

 

Finance expenses

 

 

0.01

 

 

 —

 

 

0.02

 

 

0.02

 

Finance income

 

 

(0.01)

 

 

(0.01)

 

 

(0.03)

 

 

(0.02)

 

Depletion and depreciation

 

 

0.34

 

 

0.38

 

 

1.49

 

 

1.55

 

Non-cash costs of sales

 

 

0.02

 

 

0.01

 

 

0.04

 

 

0.04

 

Impairment charges

 

 

 —

 

 

0.37

 

 

 —

 

 

0.39

 

Impairment of investments

 

 

0.02

 

 

 —

 

 

0.02

 

 

 —

 

Gain on sale of royalty interest

 

 

 —

 

 

(0.08)

 

 

 —

 

 

(0.08)

 

Gain on investments

 

 

(0.01)

 

 

(0.03)

 

 

(0.01)

 

 

(0.07)

 

Foreign exchange (gains)/losses and other (income)/expenses

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Adjusted EBITDA per share

 

$

0.69

 

$

0.69

 

$

2.82

 

$

2.79

 

Margin

Margin is a non-IFRS financial measure which is defined by the Company as Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue. The Company uses Margin in its annual incentive compensation process to evaluate management’s performance in increasing revenue and containing costs. Margin is intended to provide additional information, does not have any standardized definition under IFRS and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for a measure of performance in accordance with IFRS.

Reconciliation of Net Income to Margin: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended

 

 

For the year ended

 

 

 

December 31, 

 

 

December 31, 

 

(expressed in millions, except Margin)

    

2017

  

  

2016

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

 

Net Income

 

$

43.5

 

 

$

(4.5)

 

 

$

194.7

 

 

 

122.2

 

Income tax expense

 

 

16.9

 

 

 

13.4

 

 

 

41.3

 

 

 

45.7

 

Finance expenses

 

 

1.0

 

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

3.4

 

 

 

3.6

 

Finance income

 

 

(1.8)

 

 

 

(0.9)

 

 

 

(5.4)

 

 

 

(3.5)

 

Depletion and depreciation

 

 

63.8

 

 

 

67.2

 

 

 

273.0

 

 

 

273.8

 

Non-cash costs of sales

 

 

3.0

 

 

 

1.2

 

 

 

7.7

 

 

 

6.5

 

Impairment charges

 

 

 —

 

 

 

67.5

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 

67.5

 

Impairment of investments

 

 

4.5

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 

4.5

 

 

 

 —

 

Gain on sale of royalty interest

 

 

 —

 

 

 

(14.1)

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 

(14.1)

 

Gain on investments

 

 

(2.0)

 

 

 

(7.9)

 

 

 

(2.0)

 

 

 

(12.4)

 

Foreign exchange (gains)/losses and other (income)/expenses

 

 

(0.9)

 

 

 

(0.5)

 

 

 

(1.1)

 

 

 

(0.2)

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

128.0

 

 

$

122.2

 

 

$

516.1

 

 

$

489.1

 

Revenue

 

 

167.2

 

 

 

155.3

 

 

 

675.0

 

 

 

610.2

 

Margin

 

 

76.6

%  

 

 

78.7

%  

 

 

76.5

%  

 

 

80.2

%

 

 

 

 

40


 

Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income per share

Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income per share are non-IFRS financial measures, which exclude the following from net income and EPS:

·

Foreign exchange gains/losses and other income/expenses;

·

Impairment charges related to royalty, stream and working interests;

·

Impairment of investments;

·

Gains/losses on sale of royalty, stream and working interests;

·

Gains/losses on investments;

·

Unusual non-recurring items; and

·

Impact of income taxes on these items.

Management uses Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income per share to evaluate the underlying operating performance of the Company as a whole for the reporting periods presented, to assist with the planning and forecasting of future operating results, and to supplement information in its financial statements. Management believes that in addition to measures prepared in accordance with IFRS such as Net Income and Earnings per Share, our investors and analysts use Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income per share to evaluate the results of the underlying business of the Company, particularly since the excluded items are typically not included in our guidance. While the adjustments to net income and EPS in these measures include items that are both recurring and non-recurring, management believes that Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income per share are useful measures of the Company’s performance because they adjust for items which may not relate to or have a disproportionate effect on the period in which they are recognized, impact the comparability of our core operating results from period to period, are not always reflective of the underlying operating performance of our business and/or are not necessarily indicative of future operating results. Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income per share are intended to provide additional information to investors and analysts and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. They do not have any standardized meaning under IFRS, and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

41


 

Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted Net Income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended

For the year ended

 

 

December 31, 

 

December 31, 

 

(expressed in millions, except per share amounts)

    

2017

   

2016

   

2017

   

2016

 

Net Income

 

$

43.5

 

$

(4.5)

 

$

194.7

 

$

122.2

 

Foreign exchange (gains)/losses and other (income)/expenses

 

 

(2.7)

 

 

(0.5)

 

 

(2.9)

 

 

(0.2)

 

Impairment charges

 

 

 —

 

 

67.5

 

 

 —

 

 

67.5

 

Impairment of investments

 

 

4.5

 

 

 —

 

 

4.5

 

 

 —

 

Gain on sale of royalty interest

 

 

 —

 

 

(14.1)

 

 

 —

 

 

(14.1)

 

Gain on investments

 

 

 —

 

 

(7.9)

 

 

 —

 

 

(12.4)

 

Tax effect of adjustments

 

 

1.0

 

 

4.3

 

 

(0.1)

 

 

4.7

 

Other tax related adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valuation allowance

 

 

 —

 

 

(2.5)

 

 

0.1

 

 

(4.4)

 

Utilization of tax attributes for which no deferred tax asset was previously recognized

 

 

(1.3)

 

 

 —

 

 

(5.1)

 

 

 —

 

U.S. Tax Reform Impact

 

 

7.1

 

 

 —

 

 

7.1

 

 

 —

 

Impact of tax increases

 

 

 —

 

 

0.6

 

 

 —

 

 

1.0

 

Adjusted Net Income

 

$

52.1

 

$

42.9

 

$

198.3

 

$

164.4

 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

 

 

185.5

 

 

178.3

 

 

182.9

 

 

175.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic EPS

 

$

0.23

 

$

(0.03)

 

$

1.06

 

$

0.70

 

Foreign exchange (gains)/losses and other (income)/expenses

 

 

(0.01)

 

 

 —

 

 

(0.01)

 

 

 —

 

Impairment charges

 

 

 —

 

 

0.37

 

 

 —

 

 

0.38

 

Impairment of investments

 

 

0.02

 

 

 —

 

 

0.02

 

 

 —

 

Gain on sale of royalty interest

 

 

 —

 

 

(0.08)

 

 

 —

 

 

(0.08)

 

Gain on investments

 

 

 —

 

 

(0.03)

 

 

 —

 

 

(0.07)

 

Tax effect of adjustments

 

 

0.01

 

 

0.02

 

 

 —

 

 

0.03

 

Other tax related adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valuation allowance

 

 

 —

 

 

(0.01)

 

 

 —

 

 

(0.03)

 

Utilization of tax attributes for which no deferred tax asset was previously recognized

 

 

(0.01)

 

 

 —

 

 

(0.03)

 

 

 —

 

U.S. Tax Reform Impact

 

 

0.04

 

 

 —

 

 

0.04

 

 

 —

 

Impact of tax increases

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

0.01

 

Adjusted Net Income per share

 

$

0.28

 

$

0.24

 

$

1.08

 

$

0.94

 

 

42


 

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

This MD&A contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, respectively, which may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to future events or future performance, management’s expectations regarding Franco-Nevada’s growth, results of operations, estimated future revenues, carrying value of assets, future dividends and requirements for additional capital, mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates, production estimates, production costs and revenue, future demand for and prices of commodities, expected mining sequences, business prospects and opportunities, and the acquisition of the additional Cobre Panama stream and its expected impact on future performance and results of operations. In addition, statements (including data in tables) relating to reserves and resources and gold equivalent ounces are forward-looking statements, as they involve implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, and no assurance can be given that the estimates and assumptions are accurate and that such reserves and resources and GEOs will be realized. Such forward-looking statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budgets”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “predicts”, “projects”, “intends”, “targets”, “aims”, “anticipates” or “believes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions “may”, “could”, “should”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Franco-Nevada to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. A number of factors could cause actual events or results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: fluctuations in the prices of the primary commodities that drive royalty and stream revenue (gold, platinum group metals, copper, nickel, uranium, silver, iron-ore and oil & gas); fluctuations in the value of the Canadian, Australian dollar and Mexican Peso and any other currency in which revenue is generated, relative to the U.S. dollar; changes in national and local government legislation, including permitting and licensing regimes and taxation policies and the enforcement thereof; regulatory, political or economic developments in any of the countries where properties in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest are located or through which they are held; risks related to the operators of the properties in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest, including changes in the ownership and control of such operators; influence of macroeconomic developments; business opportunities that become available to, or are pursued by Franco-Nevada; reduced access to debt and equity capital; litigation; title, permit or license disputes related to interests on any of the properties in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest; whether or not the Company is determined to have “passive foreign investment company” (“PFIC”) status as defined in Section 1297 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; potential changes in Canadian tax treatment of offshore streams; excessive cost escalation as well as development, permitting, infrastructure, operating or technical difficulties on any of the properties in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest; actual mineral content may differ from the reserves and resources contained in technical reports; rate and timing of production differences from resource estimates, other technical reports and mine plans; risks and hazards associated with the business of development and mining on any of the properties in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest, including, but not limited to unusual or unexpected geological and metallurgical conditions, slope failures or cave-ins, flooding and other natural disasters, terrorism, civil unrest or an outbreak of contagious diseases; and the integration of acquired assets. The forward-looking statements contained in this MD&A are based upon assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including, without limitation: the ongoing operation of the properties in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest by the owners or operators of such properties in a manner consistent with past practice; the accuracy of public statements and disclosures made by the owners or operators of such underlying properties; no material adverse change in the market price of the commodities that underlie the asset portfolio; the Company’s ongoing income and assets relating to determination of its PFIC status; no material changes to existing tax treatment; no adverse development in respect of any significant property in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest; the accuracy of publicly disclosed expectations for the development of underlying properties that are not yet in production; integration of acquired assets; risks related to the completion of the acquisition of the additional Cobre Panama stream in accordance with its terms; and the

43


 

absence of any other factors that could cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. However, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Franco-Nevada cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. For additional information with respect to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, please refer to Franco-Nevada’s most recent Annual Information Form filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities on www.sedar.com and Franco-Nevada’s most recent Annual Report filed on Form 40-F filed with the SEC on www.sec.gov. The forward-looking statements herein are made as of the date of this MD&A only and Franco-Nevada does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

44


 

Exhibit 99.3

 

MANAGEMENT’s REpoRT oN iNTERNAL CoNTRoL ovER FiNANCiAL REpoRTiNG

 

Franco-Nevada’s management 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 United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934 , as amended.

 

Franco-Nevada’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2017. Franco-Nevada’s management conducted an evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework   (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on Franco-Nevada’s management’s assessment, Franco-Nevada’s internal control over financial reporting is effective as at December 31, 2017.

 

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2017 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, as stated in their report appearing herein.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ David Harquail

 

/s/ Sandip Rana

 

David Harquail

 

Sandip Rana

 

Chief Executive officer

 

Chief Financial officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 7, 2018

 

 

 

1


 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of

Franco-Nevada Corporation

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Franco-Nevada Corporation and its subsidiaries, (together, the Company) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in shareholders' equity for the years then ended, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the consolidated financial statements). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and their financial performance and their cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.

 

Basis for Opinions

The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting 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 audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

 

2


 

 

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated 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 consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.  

 

Definition and limitations of internal control over financial reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) 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.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. 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.

 

 

 

(Signed) “PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP”

 

Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants

 

Toronto, Canada

March 7, 2018

 

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2007. 

 

 

3


 

 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

consolidated STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

(in millions of U.S. dollars)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At December 31, 

 

 

At December 31, 

 

 

    

2017

  

  

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents (Note 5)

 

$

511.1

 

 

$

253.0

 

Receivables

 

 

65.9

 

 

 

71.1

 

Prepaid expenses and other (Note 7)

 

 

39.4

 

 

 

37.1

 

Current assets

 

 

616.4

 

 

 

361.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Royalty, stream and working interests, net (Note 8)

 

 

3,939.2

 

 

 

3,668.3

 

Investments (Note 6)

 

 

203.1

 

 

 

147.4

 

Deferred income tax assets (Note 17)

 

 

14.5

 

 

 

21.3

 

Other assets (Note 9)

 

 

15.2

 

 

 

23.4

 

Total assets

 

$

4,788.4

 

 

$

4,221.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Note 10)

 

$

21.5

 

 

$

21.0

 

Current income tax liabilities 

 

 

1.1

 

 

 

16.6

 

Current liabilities

 

 

22.6

 

 

 

37.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred income tax liabilities (Note 17)

 

 

60.3

 

 

 

37.5

 

Total liabilities

 

 

82.9

 

 

 

75.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Note 18)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares

 

 

5,107.8

 

 

 

4,666.2

 

Contributed surplus

 

 

14.2

 

 

 

41.6

 

Deficit

 

 

(310.0)

 

 

 

(336.8)

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

(106.5)

 

 

 

(224.5)

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

 

4,705.5

 

 

 

4,146.5

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

4,788.4

 

 

$

4,221.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments   (Note 20)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subsequent Events   (Note 4 and 13)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Approved by the Board of Directors and authorized for issue on March 7, 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Pierre Lassonde

 

/s/ Randall Oliphant

 

Pierre Lassonde

 

Randall Oliphant

 

Director

 

Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4


 

 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

consolidated STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended

 

 

 

December 31, 

 

 

    

 

2017

  

  

2016

 

Revenue   (Note 14)

 

 

$

675.0

 

 

$

610.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs of sales (Note 15)

 

 

 

142.0

 

 

 

105.8

 

Depletion and depreciation (Note 8(a))

 

 

 

273.0

 

 

 

273.8

 

Total cost of sales

 

 

 

415.0

 

 

 

379.6

 

Gross profit

 

 

 

260.0

 

 

 

230.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other operating expenses (income)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate administration

 

 

 

21.3

 

 

 

20.7

 

Business development

 

 

 

3.6

 

 

 

3.4

 

Impairment charges  (Note 8(b))

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 

67.5

 

(Gain) on sale of royalty interest (Note 8(c))

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 

(14.1)

 

(Gain) on sale of gold bullion

 

 

 

(0.3)

 

 

 

(2.3)

 

Total other operating expenses (income)

 

 

 

24.6

 

 

 

75.2

 

Operating income

 

 

 

235.4

 

 

 

155.4

 

Foreign exchange gain (loss) and other income (expenses)

 

 

 

1.1

 

 

 

0.2

 

Realized gain on investments

 

 

 

2.0

 

 

 

12.4

 

Impairment of investments

 

 

 

(4.5)

 

 

 

 —

 

Income before finance items and income taxes

 

 

 

234.0

 

 

 

168.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance items

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance income

 

 

 

5.4

 

 

 

3.5

 

Finance expenses (Note 13)

 

 

 

(3.4)

 

 

 

(3.6)

 

Net income before income taxes

 

 

 

236.0

 

 

 

167.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense (Note 17)

 

 

 

41.3

 

 

 

45.7

 

Net income

 

 

$

194.7

 

 

$

122.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit and loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gain in the fair value of available-for-sale investments, net of income tax expense of $6.1 (2016 - $5.3) (Note 6)

 

 

 

38.4

 

 

 

52.9

 

Reclassification of realized loss (gain) in fair value of available-for-sale investments, net of income tax recovery of $0.2 (2016 - income tax expense of $1.6) (Note 6)

 

 

 

2.4

 

 

 

(10.6)

 

Currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

77.2

 

 

 

21.3

 

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

118.0

 

 

 

63.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

 

 

$

312.7

 

 

$

185.8

 

Basic earnings per share   (Note 19)

 

 

$

1.06

 

 

$

0.70

 

Diluted earnings per share   (Note 19)

 

 

$

1.06

 

 

$

0.69

 

 

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

 

5


 

 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

consolidated STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in millions of U.S. dollars)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended

 

 

December 31, 

 

  

2017

  

  

2016

   

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

194.7

 

 

$

122.2

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depletion and depreciation

 

 

273.0

 

 

 

273.8

 

Non-cash costs of sales

 

 

7.7

 

 

 

6.5

 

Share-based payments

 

 

4.6

 

 

 

5.0

 

Impairment charges (Note 8(b))

 

 

 —

 

 

 

67.5

 

Gain on sale of royalty interest

 

 

 —

 

 

 

(14.1)

 

Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss

 

 

(1.7)

 

 

 

0.5

 

Mark-to-market on warrants

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

(0.4)

 

Gain on investments

 

 

(2.0)

 

 

 

(12.4)

 

Impairment of investments

 

 

4.5

 

 

 

 —

 

Deferred income tax expense

 

 

21.8

 

 

 

3.5

 

Other non-cash items

 

 

(2.1)

 

 

 

(1.2)

 

Acquisition of gold bullion

 

 

(24.1)

 

 

 

(53.5)

 

Proceeds from sale of gold bullion

 

 

19.0

 

 

 

67.3

 

Operating cash flows before changes in non-cash working capital

 

 

495.6

 

 

 

464.7

 

Changes in non-cash working capital:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease (increase) in receivables

 

 

5.2

 

 

 

(6.0)

 

Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other

 

 

3.3

 

 

 

(4.5)

 

(Decrease) increase in current liabilities

 

 

(15.5)

 

 

 

16.8

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

488.6

 

 

 

471.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sale of investments

 

 

12.6

 

 

 

28.6

 

Proceeds from sale of royalty interest

 

 

 —

 

 

 

30.3

 

Acquisition of investments

 

 

(12.3)

 

 

 

(1.6)

 

Acquisition of royalty, stream and working interests

 

 

(499.5)

 

 

 

(744.8)

 

Acquisition of oil & gas well equipment

 

 

(1.7)

 

 

 

(2.1)

 

Acquisition of property and equipment

 

 

 —

 

 

 

(0.2)

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(500.9)

 

 

 

(689.8)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net proceeds from issuance of common shares

 

 

 —

 

 

 

883.5

 

Repayment of Credit Facility

 

 

 —

 

 

 

(460.0)

 

Credit facility amendment costs

 

 

(1.0)

 

 

 

 —

 

Payment of dividends

 

 

(125.8)

 

 

 

(118.1)

 

Proceeds from exercise of warrants

 

 

356.4

 

 

 

 —

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

 

10.1

 

 

 

16.3

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

 

239.7

 

 

 

321.7

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

 

30.7

 

 

 

0.9

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

258.1

 

 

 

103.8

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 

 

253.0

 

 

 

149.2

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

 

$

511.1

 

 

$

253.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for interest expense and loan standby fees

 

$

2.4

 

 

$

3.0

 

Income taxes paid

 

$

38.2

 

 

$

30.7

 

 

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

 

6


 

 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

consolidated STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in millions of U.S. dollars)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

    

 

    

Accumulated

    

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share capital

 

Contributed

 

comprehensive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Note 18)

 

Surplus

 

income (loss)

 

Deficit

 

Total Equity

 

Balance at January 1, 2017

 

$

4,666.2

 

$

41.6

 

$

(224.5)

 

$

(336.8)

 

$

4,146.5

 

Net income

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

194.7

 

 

194.7

 

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

118.0

 

 

 —

 

 

118.0

 

Total comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

312.7

 

Exercise of stock options

 

 

14.1

 

 

(4.0)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

10.1

 

Exercise of warrants

 

 

382.9

 

 

(26.5)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

356.4

 

Share-based payments

 

 

 —

 

 

5.6

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

5.6

 

Vesting of restricted share units

 

 

2.5

 

 

(2.5)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Dividend reinvestment plan

 

 

42.1

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

42.1

 

Dividends declared

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(167.9)

 

 

(167.9)

 

Balance at December 31, 2017

 

$

5,107.8

 

$

14.2

 

$

(106.5)

 

$

(310.0)

 

$

4,705.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at January 1, 2016

 

$

3,709.0

 

$

44.3

 

$

(288.1)

 

$

(302.2)

 

$

3,163.0

 

Net income

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

122.2

 

 

122.2

 

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

63.6

 

 

 —

 

 

63.6

 

Total comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

185.8

 

Equity offering

 

 

893.9

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

893.9

 

Exercise of stock options

 

 

21.8

 

 

(5.5)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

16.3

 

Share-based payments

 

 

 —

 

 

5.6

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

5.6

 

Vesting of restricted share units

 

 

2.8

 

 

(2.8)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Dividend reinvestment plan

 

 

38.7

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

38.7

 

Dividends declared

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(156.8)

 

 

(156.8)

 

Balance at December 31, 2016

 

$

4,666.2

 

$

41.6

 

$

(224.5)

 

$

(336.8)

 

$

4,146.5

 

 

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

 

 

 

7


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

Note 1 – Corporate Information

Franco-Nevada Corporation (“Franco-Nevada” or the “Company”) is incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act. The Company is a gold-focused royalty and stream company with additional interests in silver, platinum group metals, oil & gas and other resource assets. The majority of revenues are generated from a diversified portfolio of properties in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Australia and Africa. At December 31, 2017, the portfolio includes approximately 341 assets covering properties at various stages from production to early stage exploration.

The Company’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange and the Company is domiciled in Canada. The Company’s head and registered office is located at 199 Bay Street, Suite 2000, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

 

Note 2 – Significant accounting policies

(a)

Statement of compliance

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) under the historical cost convention, except for cash and cash equivalents, available-for-sale investments and derivatives which are measured at fair value. IFRS comprise IFRS, International Accounting Standards (“IAS”) and interpretations issued by the IFRS Interpretations Committee (“IFRIC”) and the former Standing Interpretations Committee (“SIC”). These consolidated financial statements were authorized for issuance by the Board of Directors on March 7, 2018.

(b)

Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (its “subsidiaries”) (together the “Company”).

(i) Subsidiaries

These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Franco-Nevada and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts, transactions, income and expenses, and profits or losses have been eliminated on consolidation. The Company consolidates subsidiaries where it has the ability to exercise control. Control of an investee is defined to exist when the Company is exposed to variable returns from its involvement in the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee. Specifically, the Company controls an investee if, and only if, it has all of the following: power over the investee (i.e. existing rights that give the Company the current ability to direct the relevant activities of the investee); exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and the ability to use its power over the investee to affect its returns. Control is presumed to exist where the Company owns more than one half of the voting rights unless it can be demonstrated that ownership does not constitute control. The existence and effect of potential voting rights that are currently exercisable or convertible are considered when assessing whether the Company controls another entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Company. They are de-consolidated from the date that control ceases.

The financial statements of the subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting period as the parent company, using consistent accounting policies. The consolidated financial statements include all assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and cash flows of the Company and its subsidiaries after eliminating intercompany transactions.

8


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

All subsidiaries of the Company and their geographic locations at December 31, 2017 were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entity

 

Jurisdiction

Economic
Interest

Franco-Nevada U.S. Corporation

Delaware

100%

Franco-Nevada GLW Holdings Corp.

British Columbia

100%

Franco-Nevada Mexico Corporation, S.A. de C.V.

Mexico

100%

Franco-Nevada Canada Holdings Corp.

Canada

100%

Franco-Nevada (Barbados) Corporation

Barbados

100%

Franco-Nevada Australia Pty Ltd.

Australia

100%

Franco-Nevada LRC Holdings Corp.

British Columbia

100%

Franco-Nevada Alberta Holdings ULC

Alberta

100%

Franco-Nevada U.S. Holding Corp.

Delaware

100%

Franco-Nevada Delaware LLC

Delaware

100%

Franco-Nevada Texas LP (1)

Texas

100%

Minera Global Copper Chile S.A.

Chile

100%

Franco-Nevada Alberta Corporation

Alberta

100%

FN Subco Inc.

British Columbia

100%

Franco-Nevada Idaho Corporation

Delaware

100%

FN Holdings ULC

Alberta

100%

1

Added during the year.

 

All the above entities are classified as subsidiaries of the Company. There are no significant restrictions on the Company’s ability to access or use assets or settle liabilities of its subsidiaries.

(ii) Joint arrangements

A joint arrangement is defined as an arrangement over which two or more parties have joint control, which is the contractually agreed sharing of control over an arrangement. This exists only when the decisions about relevant activities (being those that significantly affect the returns of the arrangement) require unanimous consent of the parties sharing control. There are two types of joint arrangement, joint operations (“JO”) and joint ventures (“JV”).

A JO is a joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the assets and obligations for the liabilities, relating to the arrangement. In relation to the Company’s interest in any JO, the Company would recognize its share of any assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of the JO.

The Company participates in joint operations with respect to oil & gas working interests but does not have joint control.  A working interest is an ownership position in the oil & gas property and related operating assets, whereby the Company is liable for its proportionate share of gross costs of capital and operations based on information received from the operator. The Company’s share of the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of the joint operation are recognized in the statements of financial position and statements of income and comprehensive income (loss).

(c)

Business combinations

On the acquisition of a business, the acquisition method of accounting is used whereby the purchase consideration is allocated to the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities (identifiable net assets) of the business on the basis of the fair value at the date of acquisition. Provisional fair values allocated at a reporting date are finalized as soon as the relevant information is available, which period shall not exceed twelve months from the acquisition date and are adjusted to reflect the transaction as of the acquisition date.

The results of businesses acquired during the period are consolidated into the consolidated financial statements from the date on which control commences at the date of acquisition and taken out of the consolidated financial statements from the date on which control ceases.

9


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

When all or part of the purchase consideration is contingent on future events, the cost of the acquisition initially recorded includes an estimate of the fair value of the contingent liability amounts expected to be payable in the future. The cost of acquisition is adjusted when revised estimates are made, with corresponding adjustments made to the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income (loss).

When a business is acquired in a number of stages, the cost of each stage is compared with the fair value of the identifiable net assets at the date of that purchase. When the cost of the acquisition exceeds the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired, the difference is recorded as goodwill. If the fair value attributable to the Company’s share of the identifiable net assets exceeds the cost of acquisition, the difference is recognized as a gain in the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income (loss).  Acquisition costs are expensed.

(d)

Currency translation

(i) Functional and presentation currency

The functional currency for each entity within the Franco-Nevada group is the currency of the primary economic environment in which it operates.

These consolidated financial statements are expressed in United States dollars, which is the functional currency of some of the subsidiaries. The parent Company’s functional currency is the Canadian dollar. The U.S. dollar is used as the presentation currency of the Company to ensure comparability with the Company’s peers. References herein to C$ are to Canadian dollars.

(ii) Foreign currency transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency of the respective subsidiary, using the exchange rate prevailing at the dates of the transaction (spot exchange rates). Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and the re-measurement of monetary items and available-for-sale securities at the date of the consolidated statements of financial position are recognized in net income. Non-monetary items measured at historical cost are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction.

The results and financial position of the subsidiaries that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into U.S. dollars, the group’s presentation currency, as follows:

·

assets and liabilities for each subsidiary are translated at the closing exchange rate at the date of the balance sheet;

·

income and expenses for each subsidiary are translated at the average exchange rates during the period; and

·

all resulting exchange differences are charged/credited to the currency translation adjustment in other comprehensive income (loss).

(e)

Royalty, stream and working interests

Royalty, stream and working interests consist of acquired royalty interests, stream metal purchase agreements, and working interests in producing, advanced/development and exploration stage properties. Royalty, stream and working interests are recorded at cost and capitalized as tangible assets with finite lives. They are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depletion and accumulated impairment losses. The cost of royalty, stream and working interests is determined by reference to the cost model under IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment . The major categories of the Company’s interests are producing, advanced and exploration. Producing assets are those that have generated revenue from steady-state operations for the Company or are expected to in the next year. Advanced assets are interests on projects which are not yet producing, but where in management’s view, the technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting a mineral resource are demonstrable.  Exploration assets represent interests on projects where technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting a mineral resource are not demonstrable.  Royalty, stream and working interests for producing and advanced assets are recorded at cost and capitalized in accordance with IAS 16, while exploration assets are recorded and capitalized in accordance with IFRS 6 Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral Resources .

10


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

 

Management uses the following criteria in its assessment of technical feasibility and commercial viability:

 

(i)

Geology: there is a known mineral deposit which contains mineral reserves or resources; or the project is adjacent to a mineral deposit that is already being mined or developed and there is sufficient geologic certainty of converting the deposit into mineral reserves or resources.

(ii)

Accessibility and authorization: there are no significant unresolved issues impacting the accessibility and authorization to develop or mine the mineral deposit, and social, environmental and governmental permits and approvals to develop or mine the mineral deposit appear obtainable.

Producing mineral royalty and stream interests are depleted using the units-of-production method over the life of the property to which the interest relates. The life of the property is estimated using life of mine models specifically associated with the mineral royalty or stream properties which include proven and probable reserves and may include a portion of resources expected to be converted into reserves. Where life of mine models are not available, the Company uses publicly available statements of reserves and resources for the mineral royalty or stream properties to estimate the life of the property and portion of resources that the Company expects to be converted into reserves. Where life of mine models and publicly available reserve and resource statements are not available, depletion is based on the Company’s best estimate of the ounces to be produced and delivered under the contract. The Company relies on information available to it under contracts with operators and/or public disclosures for information on reserves and resources from the operators of the producing mineral and stream interests.

Producing oil & gas interests are depleted using the units-of-production method over the life of the property to which the interest relates, which is estimated using available estimated proved and probable reserves specifically associated with the oil & gas properties. For oil & gas interests, management engages previous reserve reports prepared by independent petroleum consultants engaged by the Company or engages other qualified parties.

On acquisition of a producing royalty, stream or working interest, an allocation of its fair value is attributed to the exploration potential of the interest. The estimated fair value of this acquired exploration potential is recorded as an asset (non-depreciable interest) on the acquisition date. Updated reserve and resource information obtained from the operators of the royalty, stream or working interest properties is used to determine the amount to be converted from non-depreciable interest to depreciable interest. If the cost of a royalty, stream or working interest includes contingent consideration, the contingent consideration is measured at fair value on the date of acquisition and included in the cost of the interest. Any changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration subsequent to the acquisition date are recorded against the cost of the interest acquired.

Royalty, stream and working interests for advanced and exploration assets are recorded at cost and capitalized in accordance with IFRS 6 Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral Resources. Acquisition costs of advanced and exploration stage royalty, stream and working interests are capitalized and are not depleted until such time as revenue-generating activities begin. The Company may receive advanced minimum payments prior to the commencement of production on some of its interests. In these circumstances, the Company would record depletion expense as described above, up to a maximum of the total of the advanced minimum payment received.

(f)

Working interests in oil & gas properties

Acquired oil & gas working interests are accounted for at cost and capitalized as tangible assets of developing or operating properties, or in accordance with IFRS 6 for exploration properties. For each oil & gas property on which the Company has a working interest, the Company bears its proportionate share of the gross costs of capital and operations based on information received from the operator. Such capital costs are capitalized to oil & gas well equipment which is a component of other assets on the statement of financial position.

Capitalized costs, other than those related to oil & gas well equipment, are depreciated when the asset is available for its intended use on a units-of-production basis, whereby the denominator is the proved and probable

11


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

reserves associated with the oil & gas properties. For oil & gas well equipment, capitalized costs are depreciated by application of a 25% declining balance method.

(g)

Impairment of non-financial assets

Producing and advanced mineral, stream and oil & gas interests are reviewed for impairment if there is any indication that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairment is assessed at the level of cash-generating units (“CGUs”) which, in accordance with IAS 36 Impairment of Assets , are identified as the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows, which are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets. This is usually at the individual royalty, stream, oil & gas or working interest level for each property from which cash inflows are generated.

An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the asset’s carrying value exceeds its recoverable amount, which is the higher of fair value less costs of disposal (“FVLCD”) and value-in-use (“VIU”). The future cash flow expected is derived using estimates of proven and probable reserves, a portion of resources that is expected to be converted into reserves and information regarding the mineral, stream and oil & gas properties, respectively, that could affect the future recoverability of the Company’s interests. Discount factors are determined individually for each asset and reflect their respective risk profiles. In certain circumstances, the Company may use a market approach in determining the recoverable amount which may include an estimate of (i) net present value of estimated future cash flows; (ii) dollar value per ounce or pound of reserve/resource; (iii) cash-flow multiples; and/or (iv) market capitalization of comparable assets.  Impairment losses are charged to the mineral, stream or oil & gas interest or working interest and any associated oil & gas well equipment in the case of working interests. Assets are subsequently reassessed for indications that an impairment loss previously recognized may no longer exist. An impairment charge is reversed if the conditions that gave rise to the recognition of an impairment loss are subsequently reversed and the asset’s recoverable amount exceeds its carrying amount. Impairment losses can be reversed only to the extent that the recoverable amount does not exceed the carrying value that would have been determined had no impairment been recognized previously.

Gold bullion, prepaid gold and prepaid expenses are similarly assessed for impairment whenever indicators of impairment exist in accordance with IAS 36. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the asset’s carrying value exceeds its recoverable amount, which is the higher of FVLCD and VIU.

Mineral and oil & gas interests classified as exploration are assessed for impairment whenever indicators of impairment exist in accordance with IFRS 6. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the asset’s carrying value exceeds its recoverable amount, which is the higher of FVLCD and VIU. An interest that has previously been classified as exploration is also assessed for impairment before reclassification to either advanced or producing, and the impairment loss, if any, is recognized in net income.

(h)

Financial instruments

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognized on the Company’s statement of financial position when the Company has become a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets are derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the assets have expired or have been transferred and the Company has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership. The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payables, accrued liabilities, debt, and investments, including equity investments, loans receivable, warrants and term deposits. Financial instruments are recognized initially at fair value.

(i)

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand, deposits held with banks and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.  Cash and cash equivalents are classified as available-for-sale and measured at fair value.

(ii) Receivables

Receivables, other than those related to agreements with provisional pricing mechanisms, are classified as loans and receivables and are initially recorded at fair value of the amount expected to be received and subsequently measured at amortized cost less any provision for impairment.

12


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

Individual receivables are considered for recoverability when they are past due or when other objective evidence is received that a specific counterparty will default. Impairments for receivables are presented in the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income (loss).

(iii) Investments

Investments comprise equity interests in publicly-traded and privately-held entities, marketable securities with original maturities at the date of the purchase of more than three months and a loan receivable.

Available-for-sale investments are recognized initially at fair value plus transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, available-for-sale investments are measured at fair value and changes in the fair value are recognized directly in other comprehensive income (loss), except for impairment losses, which are recognized in net income in the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income (loss). When an available-for-sale investment is sold or impaired, the accumulated gains or losses are reversed from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and included in other income (expense) or impairment of investments in the statement of income and comprehensive income (loss).

Where the Company holds an investment in a privately-held entity for which there is no active market and for which there is no reliable estimate of fair value, the investment is carried at cost less any provision for impairment. 

Translation differences on equity securities classified as available-for-sale, are included in other comprehensive income (loss).

Derivative investments, such as warrants and receivables related to agreements with provisional pricing mechanisms, are classified as fair value through profit and loss and are recognized initially at fair value. Subsequent to initial recognition, derivatives are measured at fair value. Changes in the fair value of receivables related to agreements with provisional pricing mechanisms are recognized in revenue in the statement of income and other comprehensive income (loss).  Changes in fair value of warrants are recognized as other income (expenses) in the statement of income and comprehensive income (loss).

Loans receivable are classified as loans and receivables because they have fixed or determinable payments and are not quoted in an active market. Loans are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment. Interest income is recognized by applying the effective interest rate method and presented as finance income in the statement of income and comprehensive income (loss).

(iv) Financial liabilities

Financial liabilities, including accounts payable, accrued liabilities and debt, are classified as other financial liabilities at amortized cost using the effective interest method.

(v) Impairment of financial assets

The Company assesses at each reporting date whether there is any objective evidence that a financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired. Financial assets are considered to be impaired if objective evidence indicates that a change in the market, economic or legal environment in which the Company invested has had a negative effect on the estimated future cash flows of that asset. For equity securities classified as available-for-sale, a significant or prolonged decline in fair value of the security below its cost is also evidence that the assets may be impaired. If such evidence exists for available-for-sale financial assets, the cumulative loss, measured as the difference between the acquisition cost and the current fair value, is removed from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and recognized as an impairment on investments in net income in the statement of income and other comprehensive income (loss). An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortized cost is calculated as the difference between its carrying amount, and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate.

Impairment losses are recognized in net income. For financial assets measured at amortized cost, any reversal of impairment is recognized in net income in subsequent periods if the fair value of the financial assets increase and the increase can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognized in net income. If the value of the previously impaired available-for-sale equity investment

13


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

subsequently recovers, additional unrealized gains are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and the previously recorded impairment losses are not reversed.

(i)

Revenue recognition

Revenue comprises revenue earned in the period from royalty, stream and working interests and dividend income. Revenue is measured at fair value of the consideration received or receivable when management can reliably estimate the amount, pursuant to the terms of the royalty, stream and/or working interest agreements. In some instances, the Company will not have access to sufficient information to make a reasonable estimate of revenue and, accordingly, revenue recognition is deferred until management can make a reasonable estimate. Differences between estimates and actual amounts are adjusted and recorded in the period that the actual amounts are known.

For royalty interests, revenue recognition generally occurs in the month of production from the royalty property. For stream and working interests, relevant commodities received from the stream or working interest operators are sold to the Company’s third party customers. Revenue from these sales is recognized when title and risks of the delivered commodity are passed on to the Company’s third party customers.

Under the terms of certain revenue stream agreements and concentrate sales contracts with independent smelting companies, sales prices are provisionally set on a specified future date after shipment based on market prices. Revenue is recorded under these contracts at the time of shipment, which is also when the risk and rewards of ownership pass to the smelting companies, using forward commodity prices on the expected date that final sales prices will be fixed. Variations between the price recorded at the shipment date and the actual final price set under the smelting contracts are caused by changes in market commodity prices, and result in an embedded derivative in the receivable. The embedded derivative is recorded at fair value each period until final settlement occurs, with changes in fair value classified as provisional price adjustments and included as a component of stream revenue.

(j)

Gold and silver sales

Gold and silver, including gold and silver received under stream agreements, is sold primarily in the spot market. The sales price is fixed at the delivery date based on the gold or silver spot prices. The Company records the sales when title and risks of the delivered commodity are passed on to the Company’s third party customers.

(k)

Oil & gas sales

Revenue from the sale of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids is recorded at the time it enters the pipeline system, which is also when risks and rewards of ownership are transferred. At the time of delivery of oil & gas, revenues are determined based upon contracts by reference to monthly market commodity prices plus certain price adjustments. Price adjustments include product quality and transportation adjustments and market differentials.

(l)

Costs of sales

Costs of sales includes various mineral and oil & gas production taxes that are recognized with the related revenues and the Company’s share of the gross operating costs for the working interests in the oil & gas properties.

For stream agreements, the Company purchases gold and/or silver for a cash payment of the lesser of a set contractual price, subject to annual inflationary adjustments, and the prevailing market price per ounce of gold and/or silver when purchased. Under certain stream agreements, the Company purchases gold and/or silver for a cash payment that is a fixed percentage of the prevailing market price per ounce of gold and/or silver when purchased.

In certain instances, the Company purchases a fixed amount of gold by providing an initial deposit. The initial deposit is recorded as a prepaid gold asset and classified within current prepaid expenses and other assets or non-current other assets dependent on whether delivery will occur within 12 months of the reporting date. When gold is delivered to the Company it is recorded as inventory until such time as it is sold and the cost of the gold is recorded as a cost of sale.

14


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

(m)

Income taxes

The income tax expense or recovery represents the sum of current and deferred income taxes.

Current income tax payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net income as reported in the consolidated statement of income and other comprehensive income (loss) because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The Company’s liability for current tax is calculated by using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the statement of financial position date.

Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and is accounted for using the statement of financial position liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilized. Such assets and liabilities are not recognized if the temporary differences arise from 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.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, except where the Company is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are enacted or substantively enacted at the statement of financial position date and are expected to apply to the period when the deferred tax asset is realized or the liability is settled. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the consolidated statement of income and other comprehensive income (loss), except when it relates to items credited or charged directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also accounted for within equity.

(n)

Stock options

The Company may issue equity-settled share-based payments to directors, officers, employees and consultants under the terms of its share compensation plan. Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value at the date of grant. The fair value determined at the date of grant of equity-settled share-based payments is expensed over the expected service period with a corresponding entry to contributed surplus and is based on the Company’s estimate of shares that will ultimately vest.

Fair value is measured by use of the Black-Scholes option pricing valuation model. The expected life used in the model is adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for the effect of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural considerations. Expected volatility is estimated by considering historic average share price volatility. Any consideration paid or received upon the exercise of the stock options or purchase of shares is credited to share capital.

(o)

Deferred share units

Non-executive directors may choose to convert their directors’ fees into deferred share units (“DSUs”) under the terms of the Company’s deferred share unit plan (the “DSU Plan”). Directors must elect to convert their fees prior to January 1 in each year. The Company may also award DSUs to non-executive directors under the DSU Plan as compensation. When dividends are declared by the Company, directors are also credited with dividend equivalents in the form of additional DSUs based on the number of vested DSUs each director holds on the record date for the payment of a dividend. The fair value of DSUs at the time of conversion or award, as applicable, is determined with reference to the weighted average trading price of the Company’s common shares over the five trading days immediately preceding the date of conversion or award, as applicable. The fair value of the DSUs, which are settled in cash, is recognized as a share-based compensation expense with a corresponding increase in liabilities, over the service period. The fair value of the DSUs is marked to the quoted market price of the Company’s common shares at each reporting date with a corresponding change in the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income (loss).

15


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

(p)

Restricted share units

The Company may grant restricted share units to officers and employees under the terms of its share compensation plan. The Company plans to settle every restricted share unit with one common share of the parent company. The Company recognizes the fair value of the restricted share units as share-based compensation expense which is determined with reference to the weighted average trading price of the Company’s common shares over the five trading days immediately preceding the date of issuance. The amount recognized reflects the number of awards for which the related service and non-market performance conditions associated with these awards are expected to be met. The Company expenses the fair value of the restricted share units over the applicable service period, with a corresponding increase in contributed surplus. For performance vesting conditions, the grant date fair value of the restricted share unit is measured to reflect such conditions and this estimate is not updated between expected and actual outcomes.

(q)

Segment reporting

The Company manages its business under a single operating segment, consisting of resource sector royalty/stream acquisitions and management activities. All of the Company’s assets and revenues are attributable to this single operating segment.

The operating segment is reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) who fulfills the role of the chief operating decision-maker. The CEO is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the Company’s operating segment.

(r)

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing the net income or loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the effect of all potentially dilutive common share equivalents, which includes dilutive share options and restricted share units granted to employees and warrants computed using the treasury stock method.

New and Amended Standards Adopted by the Company

The following standard was effective and implemented for the annual period as of January 1, 2017.

IAS 12 Income Taxes

IAS 12 Income Taxes provides guidance on the recognition of deferred tax assets. In January 2016, the IASB issued amendments to clarify the requirements for recognizing deferred tax assets on unrealized losses. The amendments clarify the accounting for deferred tax where an asset is measured at fair value and that fair value is below the asset’s tax base. They also clarify certain other aspects of accounting for deferred tax assets. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017. The Company has adopted the amendments to IAS 12 in its financial statements for the annual period beginning on January 1, 2017. The adoption of the amendments did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

IFRS Interpretations Committee on interest and penalties related to income taxes

In September 2017, the IFRS Interpretation Committee (IC) issued an agenda decision on interest and penalties related to income taxes. The agenda decision clarifies that if an entity considers that a particular amount payable or receivable for interest and penalties is an income tax, IAS 12 Income Taxes is applied to that amount. If an entity does not apply IAS 12 to an amount payable or receivable for interest and penalties, it applies IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets to that amount. The agenda decision was effective immediately and did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

New Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Effective

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments

On July 24, 2014, the IASB published the final version IFRS 9 Financial Instruments which brings together the classification, measurement, impairment and hedge accounting phases of the IASB’s project to replace IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement . IFRS 9 includes a loss impairment model, amends the classification and measurement model for financial assets by adding a new fair value through comprehensive income category for certain debt instruments and provides additional guidance on how to apply the business

16


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

model and contractual cash flow characteristics test. This final version of IFRS 9 supersedes all previous versions of IFRS 9 and is effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. The Company has assessed the impact of IFRS 9 on the consolidated financial statements. The Company has completed its assessment of the impact of IFRS 9 and expects the following impacts upon adoption:

·

The Company will make an irrevocable election available under IFRS 9 to continue to measure it’s currently held long-term investment in equity securities at fair value through other comprehensive income (“OCI”).  This election is available on an instrument-by-instrument basis.  Under the new standard, all changes in the fair value will be recognized permanently in OCI with no subsequent transfer into earnings (loss), including upon derecognition.  On adoption of IFRS 9, the Company expects to make an insignificant adjustment to opening retained earnings with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income to retroactively adjust for historical gains (losses) previously recognized through earnings (loss).  The new classification and measurement requirements under IFRS 9 are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s other financial assets and financial liabilities.

·

Under IAS 39, investments in equity instruments that do not have a quoted market price in an active market and whose fair value cannot be reliably measured can currently be measured at cost. This cost exemption is not available under IFRS 9. The Company holds one equity investment at cost, with a carrying value of $4.1 million as at December 31, 2017.  The Company has assessed the fair value of the instrument based on valuation techniques that include inputs that are not based on observable market data.  The fair value approximates the carrying value of the instrument as of the date adoption and as such the Company has concluded no adjustment is required.  However, the previous impairment of this investment that was recorded in 2013 amounting to $24.2 million will be reclassified from deficit to other comprehensive loss upon adoption.

·

IFRS 9 introduces a new expected credit loss model required to evaluate financial assets for impairment, rather than an incurred loss model currently being applied under IAS 39. The Company’s financial assets which are currently subject to credit risk include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, receivables and loan receivables. The Company holds one loan receivable from Noront Resources Ltd. The loan receivable is carried at amortized cost and has a carrying value of $30.1 million as at December 31, 2017.  The Company has assessed the expected credit losses on its financial assets as nominal.  The introduction of the new expected credit loss model required to evaluate financial assets for impairment does not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial assets.

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014, the IASB issued IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers . The new standard provides a comprehensive framework for recognition, measurement and disclosure of revenue from contracts with customers, excluding contracts within the scope of the standards on leases, insurance contracts and financial instruments. IFRS 15 becomes effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 and can be applied retrospectively or modified retrospectively with early adoption permitted. The Company has completed its assessment of the impact of IFRS 15, including a review of its material contracts for each of its material revenue categories, and does not expect the new standard to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. The Company will adopt IFRS 15 for the annual period beginning January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach.

IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments

In June 2017, the IFRS Interpretation Committee issued IFRIC 23, which clarifies how the recognition and measurement requirements of IAS 12 Income Taxes are applied where there is uncertainty over income tax treatments. IFRIC 23 becomes effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 and is to be applied retrospectively with early adoption permitted. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact of IFRIC 23 on the consolidated financial statements.

IFRS 16 Leases

In January 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16 Leases , which requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for most leases. IFRS 16 becomes effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 and is to be

17


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

applied retrospectively with early adoption permitted, provided IFRS 15 has been applied or is applied at the same date as IFRS 16. The Company does not anticipate early adoption and is assessing the impact of adoption of this new standard on the consolidated financial statements.

 

Note 3 – Significant judgments, estimates and assumptions

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires the Company to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates and assumptions are continuously evaluated and are based on management’s best knowledge of the relevant facts and circumstances, having regard to previous experience. However, actual outcomes may differ from the amounts included in the consolidated financial statements.

In particular, the areas which require management to make significant judgments, estimates and assumptions in determining carrying values are:

Reserves and Resources

Royalty, stream and working interests comprise a large component of the Company’s assets and as such, the reserves and resources of the properties to which the interests relate have a significant effect on the Company’s financial statements. These estimates are applied in determining the depletion of and assessing the recoverability of the carrying value of royalty, stream and working interests. For mineral royalty and stream interests, the public disclosures of reserves and resources that are released by the operators of the interests involve assessments of geological and geophysical studies and economic data and the reliance on a number of assumptions, including commodity prices and production costs. For oil & gas interests, the estimated reserves in reserve reports prepared by previous independent petroleum consultants engaged by the Company or other qualified parties engaged by the Company reflect similar assessments of geological and geophysical studies and economic data and reliance on assumptions. These assumptions are, by their very nature, subject to interpretation and uncertainty.

The estimates of reserves and resources may change based on additional knowledge gained subsequent to the initial assessment. Changes in the estimates of reserves and resources may materially affect the recorded amounts of depletion and the assessed recoverability of the carrying value of royalty, stream and working interests.

Impairment of Royalty, Stream and Working Interests

Assessment of impairment of royalty, stream, working interests and oil & gas well equipment requires the use of judgments, assumptions and estimates when assessing whether there are any indicators that could give rise to the requirement to conduct a formal impairment test on the Company’s royalty, stream and working interests, investments measured at cost and/or oil & gas equipment. The assessment of fair values requires the use of estimates and assumptions for recoverable production, long-term commodity prices, discount rates, reserve/resource conversion, foreign exchange rates, future capital expansion plans and the associated production implications.  In addition, the Company may use other approaches in determining fair value which may include judgment and estimates related to (i) dollar value per ounce or pound of reserve/resource; (ii) cash-flow multiples; and (iii) market capitalization of comparable assets. Changes in any of the assumptions and estimates used in determining the fair value of the royalty, stream or working interests, investments measured at cost, or oil & gas well equipment could impact the impairment analysis.

Asset Acquisition

The assessment of whether an acquisition meets the definition of a business, or whether assets are acquired is an area of key judgment. If deemed to be a business combination, applying the acquisition method to business combinations requires each identifiable asset and liability to be measured at its acquisition-date fair value. The excess, if any, of the fair value of consideration over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired is recognized as goodwill. The determination of the acquisition-date fair values often requires management to make assumptions and estimates about future events. The assumptions and estimates with respect to determining the fair value of royalty, stream or working interests generally requires a high degree of judgment,

18


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

and include estimates of mineral reserves and resources acquired, future metal prices, discount rates and reserve/resource conversion. Changes in any of the assumptions or estimates used in determining the fair value of acquired assets and liabilities could impact the amounts assigned to assets and liabilities.

Income Taxes

The interpretation and application of existing tax laws, regulations or rules in Canada, Barbados, the United States, Australia or any of the countries in which the mining operations are located or to which shipments of silver or gold are made requires the use of judgment. The likelihood that tax positions taken will be sustained upon examination by applicable tax authorities is assessed based on facts and circumstances of the relevant tax position considering all available evidence. Differing interpretation of these laws, regulations or rules could result in an increase in the Company’s taxes, or other governmental charges, duties or impositions.

In assessing the probability of realizing deferred income tax assets, the Company makes estimates related to expectations of future taxable income and expected timing of reversals of existing temporary differences. Such estimates are based on forecasted cash flows from operations which require the use of estimates and assumptions such as long-term commodity prices and recoverable ounces of silver and gold. Therefore, the amount of deferred income tax assets recognized on the balance sheet could be reduced if the actual results differ significantly from forecast. The Company reassesses its deferred income tax assets at the end of each reporting period.

Functional Currency

The functional currency for each of the Company’s subsidiaries is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates. Determination of functional currency may involve certain judgments to determine the primary economic environment and the Company reconsiders the functional currency of its entities if there is a change in events and conditions which determined the primary economic environment.

Note 4 – Acquisitions and other transactions

(a)

Acquisition of Bowen Basin Coal Royalties, Australia

Subsequent to year end, on February 28, 2018, Franco-Nevada, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, acquired a portfolio of metallurgical coal royalties located in the Bowen Basin of Queensland, Australia for a cash consideration of A$4.2 million.  The portfolio includes certain claims that comprise the producing Moorvale mine, the Olive Downs project which had permitting applications, and another 33 exploration tenements.  The Bowen Basin Coal royalty is a production payment of A$0.10 per tonne, adjusted for consumer price index changes since December 31, 1997.

(b)

Acquisition of Additional Stream and Update on the Cobre Panama Project - Panama

The Company has a precious metals stream agreement for First Quantum Minerals Ltd.’s (“First Quantum”) Cobre Panama project (“Cobre Panama”). The project, which is located in Panama, is in the construction phase. Under the terms of the agreement, Franco-Nevada is funding a deposit of $1.0 billion against future deliveries of gold and silver from Cobre Panama. The deposit is funded on a pro-rata basis of 1:3 with First Quantum’s 80% share of the capital costs in excess of $1.0 billion. 

In 2017, the Company funded $264.4 million (2016 - $124.3 million) towards the stream, for a cumulative total of $726.6 million (2016 - $462.2 million) of its maximum $1.0 billion commitment. Capitalized costs for the Cobre Panama project of $734.4 million (2016 - $467.5 million) are included in royalty, stream and working interests on the consolidated statement of financial position as at December 31, 2017.

On September 7, 2017, the Company agreed to terms with First Quantum to purchase an additional precious metals stream from the Cobre Panama project for a purchase price of $178.0 million.  This agreement was expanded to $356.0 million and signed on January 22, 2018 to also include a precious metal stream on the 10% indirect interest held by Korea Resources Corp. (“KORES”).  The total purchase price of $356.0 million is payable as a one-time advance payment upon closing of the transaction which is expected to occur before the end of March. No additional pro-rata funding commitments will apply to the additional stream.  The terms of the additional stream, other than the ongoing price, will be similar to the existing stream on the Cobre Panama

19


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

project, including initially linking precious metals deliveries to copper in concentrate shipped.  Full details of the terms of the additional precious metal stream are provided in Note 20 – Commitments.

(c)

Acquisition of U.S. Oil & Gas Royalties – Delaware, Texas

Subsequent to year-end, on February 20, 2018, the Company purchased a royalty portfolio in the Delaware Basin, which represents the western portion of the Permian Basin for $101.3 million.   The royalties are derived principally from mineral title which provides a perpetual interest in royalty lands.  The transaction entitles the Company to royalties effective October 1, 2017. No amounts have been recorded in the statement of income and comprehensive income as of December 31, 2017.  Prior to year-end, the Company advanced $11.0 million into escrow in respect to this transition and this amount was included in Royalty, stream and working interests, net on the statement of financial position as at December 31, 2017.

(d)

Acquisition of Additional of U.S. Oil & Gas Royalties – STACK, Oklahoma

On November 1, 2017, the Company purchased for $27.6 million, a second package of mineral titles in the core of the Sooner Trend, Anadarko Basin, Canadian and Kingfisher counties (“STACK”) shale play in Oklahoma from a private company. Franco-Nevada has the right to royalties on production beginning from June 1, 2017.

On December 19, 2016, the Company acquired a package of royalty rights in the Sooner Trend, Anadarko Basin, Canadian and Kingfisher counties (“STACK”) shale play in Oklahoma’s Anadarko Basin for a price of $100.0 million.  The two primary operators of the lands are Newfield Exploration Company and Devon Energy Corporation.

(e)

Acquisition of Canadian Oil & Gas Royalties – Orion Thermal Project, Alberta

On September 29, 2017, Franco-Nevada acquired a 4% Gross Overriding Royalty (“GORR”) on the Clearwater formation within the Orion oil sands project (“Orion”) in the Cold Lake region of Alberta from Osum Oil Sands Corp.  (“Osum”) for a cash consideration of $74.1 million (C$92.5 million).

(f)

Acquisition of Railroad Royalty – Carlin Trend, Nevada

On May 26, 2017, Franco-Nevada, through a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, acquired an existing 1% NSR on certain claims that comprise the Railroad deposit located on the Carlin Trend in north-central Nevada for a cash consideration of $0.9 million.

(g)

Acquisition of U.S. Oil & Gas Royalties – Midland Basin, Texas

On March 13, 2017, Franco-Nevada, through a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, entered into an agreement to purchase a royalty portfolio in the Midland Basin of West Texas for $110.0 million. Following completion of due diligence, the first part of the portfolio was acquired for $89.8 million and closed on May 24, 2017.  The second part of the portfolio closed on August 8, 2017.  The total purchase price was $114.6 million including adjustments for title due diligence and the acquisition of the second part of the portfolio.

(h)

Restructuring of Existing Royalties and Acquisition of Shares  - Castle Mountain, California

On June 16, 2016, Franco-Nevada and NewCastle Gold Ltd. completed the restructuring of Franco-Nevada’s existing royalties at the Castle Mountain gold project in California, USA, into a single 2.65% royalty covering a larger property for C$2.2 million in cash.

In addition, the Company purchased 3,636,364 common shares of NewCastle and 1,818,182 common share purchase warrants for C$1.2 million.  Each common share purchase warrant is exercisable to acquire one common share at a price of C$0.64 for a period of five years, expiring on May 9,   2021.  

On December 22, 2017, NewCastle, Anfield Gold Corp. and Trek Mining Inc. combined their business to create Equinox Gold Corp. (“Equinox Gold”).  The Company received 0.873 Equinox Gold common shares and warrants for each NewCastle common share and warrant held, respectively. The Company recorded a gain on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2017 of $1.5 million, net of tax, in respect to the exchange of the shares.  The Company currently holds 3,174,545 common shares and 1,587,272 warrants in Equinox Gold.

20


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

(i)

Acquisition of Stream – Antapaccay, Peru

On February 26, 2016, the Company acquired a $500.0 million precious metal stream from Glencore plc with reference to production from the Antapaccay mine located in Peru. Under the stream agreement, gold and silver deliveries are initially referenced to copper in concentrate shipped. The Company will receive 300 ounces of gold and 4,700 ounces of silver for each 1,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate shipped, until 630,000 ounces of gold and 10.0 million ounces of silver have been delivered. Thereafter, the Company will receive 30% of the gold and silver shipped. The Company pays an on-going price of 20% of the spot price of gold and silver until 750,000 ounces of refined gold and 12.8 million ounces of refined silver have been delivered. Thereafter, the on-going price will increase to 30% of the spot price of gold and silver. 

All of the above acquisitions have been classified as asset acquisitions.

 

Note 5 – Cash and Cash Equivalents

As at December 31, 2017 and 2016, cash and cash equivalents were primarily held in interest-bearing deposits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

2017

  

  

2016

 

Cash deposits

 

 

$

469.5

 

 

$

182.4

 

Term deposits

 

 

 

41.6

 

 

 

70.6

 

 

 

 

$

511.1

 

 

$

253.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note 6 – Investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

2017

  

  

2016

 

Non-current investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity investments

 

 

$

172.2

 

 

$

118.4

 

Warrants

 

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

0.9

 

Loan Receivable

 

 

 

30.1

 

 

 

28.1

 

Total Investments

 

 

$

203.1

 

 

$

147.4

 

 

Non-current investments

These investments comprise: (i) equity interests in various public and non-public entities which the Company acquired through the open market or through transactions; (ii) warrants in various publicly-listed companies; and (iii) a loan receivable from Noront acquired through the Ring of Fire transaction in 2015.  Equity investments have been designated as available-for-sale and, as a result, have been recorded at fair value. One equity investment of a non-public entity, having a carrying value of $4.1 million (2016 - $3.8 million), has been designated as an equity investment held at cost as no reliable estimate of fair value can be determined because there is no publicly available information with which to estimate future cash flows, associated operating costs or capital expenditures and no alternative active market. Management does not intend to dispose of the investment and expects to recover the carrying value through the payment of dividends.

The loan receivable has been designated as loans and receivables under IFRS and is carried at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.

The unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale investments recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended

 

 

 

December 31, 

 

 

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

 

Mark-to-market gain on equity investments

 

 

$

44.5

 

 

$

58.2

 

Deferred tax (expense) recovery in other comprehensive income

 

 

 

(6.1)

 

 

 

(5.3)

 

Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax

 

 

 

38.4

 

 

 

52.9

 

Reclassification for realized change in market value recognized in net income, net of tax

 

 

 

2.4

 

 

 

(10.6)

 

 

 

 

$

40.8

 

 

$

42.3

 

21


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

Note 7 – Prepaid expenses and other

Prepaid expenses and other current assets comprise the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

2017

  

  

2016

 

Gold bullion

 

$

14.6

 

 

$

9.3

 

Inventory

 

 

7.1

 

 

 

2.7

 

Prepaid gold

 

 

 —

 

 

 

7.0

 

Prepaid expenses

 

 

17.0

 

 

 

17.5

 

Debt issue costs

 

 

0.7

 

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

$

39.4

 

 

$

37.1

 

 

 

 

 

Note 8 – Royalty, Stream and Working Interests, Net

 

a)

Royalties, Streams and Working Interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

2017

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Cost

    

 Depletion (1)

    

Impairment

    

 

Carrying Value

 

Mineral Royalties

 

$

1,017.0

 

$

(530.9)

 

$

 —

 

 

$

486.1

 

Streams

 

 

3,715.9

 

 

(1,140.5)

 

 

 —

 

 

 

2,575.4

 

Oil and Gas

 

 

1,009.5

 

 

(326.8)

 

 

 —

 

 

 

682.7

 

Advanced

 

 

188.1

 

 

(36.2)

 

 

 —

 

 

 

151.9

 

Exploration

 

 

58.7

 

 

(15.6)

 

 

 —

 

 

 

43.1

 

 

 

$

5,989.2

 

$

(2,050.0)

 

$

 —

 

 

$

3,939.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

2016

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Cost

    

Depletion (1)

    

Impairment

  

  

Carrying Value

 

Mineral Royalties

 

$

963.0

 

$

(475.0)

 

$

 

 

$

488.0

 

Streams

 

 

3,450.0

 

 

(880.4)

 

 

(67.4)

 

 

 

2,502.2

 

Oil and Gas

 

 

732.4

 

 

(283.5)

 

 

 —

 

 

 

448.9

 

Advanced

 

 

222.9

 

 

(34.1)

 

 

 —

 

 

 

188.8

 

Exploration

 

 

52.0

 

 

(11.5)

 

 

(0.1)

 

 

 

40.4

 

 

 

$

 5,420.3

 

$

(1,684.5)

 

$

(67.5)

 

 

$

3,668.3

 

 

1

Accumulated depletion includes previously recognized impairment charges.

22


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mineral

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Royalties

    

Streams

    

Oil & Gas (1)

    

Advanced

    

Exploration

    

Total

 

Balance at January 1, 2016

 

$

538.2

 

$

2,122.3

 

$

356.3

 

$

200.4

 

$

40.3

 

$

3,257.5

 

Acquisitions

 

 

 

 

642.8

 

 

101.3

 

 

1.7

 

 

 

 

745.8

 

Disposals

 

 

(16.2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(16.2)

 

Transfers

 

 

6.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6.2)

 

 

 

 

 -

 

Impairments

 

 

 

 

(67.4)

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

(0.1)

 

 

(67.5)

 

Depletion

 

 

(52.1)

 

 

(195.5)

 

 

(19.1)

 

 

(0.7)

 

 

(0.2)

 

 

(267.6)

 

Impact of foreign exchange

 

 

11.9

 

 

 —

 

 

10.4

 

 

(6.4)

 

 

0.4

 

 

16.3

 

Balance at December 31, 2016

 

$

488.0

 

$

2,502.2

 

$

448.9

 

$

188.8

 

$

40.4

 

$

3,668.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisitions (Note 4)

 

 

 —

 

 

265.8

 

 

232.7

 

 

 —

 

 

1.0

 

 

499.5

 

Transfers

 

 

42.1

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(43.2)

 

 

1.1

 

 

 —

 

Impairments

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Depletion

 

 

(52.3)

 

 

(192.6)

 

 

(23.0)

 

 

(1.0)

 

 

 —

 

 

(268.9)

 

Impact of foreign exchange

 

 

8.3

 

 

 —

 

 

24.1

 

 

7.3

 

 

0.6

 

 

40.3

 

Balance at December 31, 2017

 

$

486.1

 

$

2,575.4

 

$

682.7

 

$

151.9

 

$

43.1

 

$

3,939.2

 

 

1

Of the net book value as at December 31, 2017, $453.7 million (2016 - $345.8 million) is depletable and $229.0 million (2016 - $103.1 million) is non-depletable.

 

b)

Impairments of Royalties, Streams and Working Interests

Impairments in the carrying value of each CGU (generally individual royalty or stream interest or in the case of oil & gas, a group of interests in the same property and the associated oil & gas well equipment) are measured and recorded to the extent that the carrying value of each CGU exceeds its estimated recoverable amount, which is generally calculated using an estimate of future discounted cash-flows. As part of the Company’s regular asset impairment analysis, which included the presence of impairment indicators, the Company recorded impairment charges for the year ended December 31, 2016, as summarized in the following table:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

 

2017

  

  

 

2016

 

Royalty, stream and working interests, net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cooke 4

 

 

$

 —

 

 

$

67.4

 

Exploration assets

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 

0.1

 

Total impairment losses

 

 

$

 —

 

 

$

67.5

 

 

There were no impairment indicators identified during 2017. During 2016, the following were identified as indicators of impairment:

Cooke 4

On October 27, 2016, Sibanye Gold Limited (“Sibanye”) announced that it had ceased production at the Cooke 4 underground operation. Management assessed the cessation of operations as an indicator of impairment, and accordingly, performed an impairment assessment. 

Exploration assets

The Company was notified, pursuant to various royalty agreements, that the explorer/developer had abandoned tenements, concessions or ground which was subject to royalty rights held by the Company. In the circumstances, the Company wrote-off the carrying value of the associated exploration assets to nil. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the total amount written off was $0.1 million.

Key assumptions and sensitivity

The key assumptions and estimates used in determining the recoverable amount are related to commodity prices and discount rates.

The FVLCD for Cooke 4 was determined by calculating the net present value (“NPV”) of the estimated future cash-flows expected to be generated by the processing of the Cooke 4 tailings. The estimates of future cash-

23


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

flows were derived from a model developed by management based on expected performance using publicly released information from the operator. Based on observable market or publicly available data, the Company’s management made assumptions of future commodity prices to estimate future revenues. These price assumptions were supported by longer-term consensus price estimates obtained from a sample of analysts. The future cash-flows were discounted using an after-tax discount rate which reflects specific market risk factors associated with Cooke 4. The Company estimated the recoverable amount of its Cooke 4 interest to be $2.1 million.

 

The key assumptions in the impairment testing consisted of the timing of the estimated future cash flows, forecasted gold prices, and the discount rate. The Company used a long-term gold price of $1,321 per ounce, and a discount rate of 8%. The Company also performed sensitivity analyses on these key assumptions that impact the impairment calculations, by applying a change of 10% on the gold price assumption, a change of 300 basis points for the discount rate assumption, and a 5-year change in the timing of expected future cash flows. These sensitivity analyses did not result in a significant change in the estimated recoverable amount and impairment charge.

c)

Disposals of Royalties, Streams and Working Interests

In October 2016, Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. (“Kirkland Lake”) exercised its option to buy back 1% of an overlying 2.5% net smelter return royalty for an aggregate cash consideration of $30.3 million ($36.0 million less royalty proceeds attributable to the buyback portion of the NSR paid to Franco-Nevada prior to the effective date of the buyback). The carrying value of the NSR portion subject to the buyback was $16.2 million. The Company recognized a gain on disposal of $14.1 million in the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

Note 9 – Other assets

Other assets comprise the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

2017

  

  

 

2016

 

Prepaid gold

 

 

$

 —

 

 

$

7.1

 

Oil & gas well equipment, net

 

 

 

12.7

 

 

 

14.0

 

Furniture and fixtures, net

 

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

0.7

 

Debt issue costs

 

 

 

1.9

 

 

 

1.6

 

 

 

 

$

15.2

 

 

$

23.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note 10 – Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities comprise the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

2017

  

  

 

2016

Accounts payable

 

 

$

6.2

 

 

$

9.6

Accrued liabilities

 

 

 

15.3

 

 

 

11.4

 

 

 

$

21.5

 

 

$

21.0

 

 

 

Note 11 - Fair value measurements

Fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement. For some assets and liabilities, observable market transactions or market information might be available. For other assets and liabilities, observable market transactions and market information might not be available. However, the objective of a fair value measurement in both cases is the same — to estimate the price at which an orderly transaction to sell the asset or to transfer the liability would take place between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions (i.e. an exit price at the measurement date from the perspective of a market participant that holds the asset or owes the liability).

The fair value hierarchy establishes three levels to classify the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.

·

Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

24


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

·

Level 2 inputs are quoted prices in markets that are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, inputs other than quoted prices observable for the asset or liability (for example, interest rate and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, forward pricing curves used to value currency and commodity contracts and volatility measurements used to value option contracts), or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data or other means.

·

Level 3 inputs are unobservable (supported by little or no market activity).

The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs and the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs.

There were no transfers between the levels of the fair value hierarchy during the year ended December 31, 2017. 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Quoted Prices in

    

Significant Other

    

Significant

  

  

 

 

 

 

Active Markets for

 

Observable

 

Unobservable

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identical Assets

 

Inputs

 

Inputs

 

 

Aggregate

 

As at December 31, 2017

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

 

 

Fair Value

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

511.1

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

 

$

511.1

 

Receivables from provisional gold equivalent sales

 

 

 —

 

 

11.3

 

 

 —

 

 

 

11.3

 

Available-for-sale equity investments

 

 

168.1

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 

168.1

 

Warrants

 

 

 —

 

 

0.8

 

 

 —

 

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

$

679.2

 

$

12.1

 

$

 —

 

 

$

691.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Quoted Prices in

    

Significant Other

    

Significant

  

  

 

 

 

 

Active Markets for

 

Observable

 

Unobservable

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identical Assets

 

Inputs

 

Inputs

 

 

Aggregate

 

As at December 31, 2016

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

 

 

Fair Value

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

253.0

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

 

$

253.0

 

Receivables from provisional gold equivalent sales

 

 

 —

 

 

9.8

 

 

 —

 

 

 

9.8

 

Available-for-sale equity investments

 

 

114.6

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 

114.6

 

Warrants

 

 

 —

 

 

0.9

 

 

 —

 

 

 

0.9

 

 

 

$

367.6

 

$

10.7

 

$

 —

 

 

$

378.3

 

 

Fair Values of Financial Assets and Liabilities

The fair values of the Company’s remaining financial assets and liabilities, which include receivables, loan receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, approximate their carrying values due to their short-term nature and historically negligible credit losses and/or fair value of collateral. 

The Company has not offset financial assets with financial liabilities.

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Quoted Prices in

    

 

    

Significant

  

  

 

 

 

 

Active Markets for

 

Significant Other

 

Unobservable

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identical Assets

 

Observable Inputs

 

Inputs

 

 

Aggregate

 

As at December 31, 2017

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

 

 

Fair Value

 

Royalty, stream and working interests

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

2.1

 

 

$

2.1

 

 

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

2.1

 

 

$

2.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Quoted Prices in

    

 

    

Significant

  

  

 

 

 

 

Active Markets for

 

Significant Other

 

Unobservable

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identical Assets

 

Observable Inputs

 

Inputs

 

 

Aggregate

 

As at December 31, 2016

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

 

 

Fair Value

 

Royalty, stream and working interests

 

$

 

$

 

$

2.1

 

 

$

2.1

 

 

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

2.1

 

 

$

2.1

 

 

25


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

The valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value are as follows:

a)

Cash and cash equivalents

The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, including interest bearing deposits, are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices in active markets. 

b)

Receivables

The fair values of receivables arising from gold and platinum group metal sales contracts that contain provisional pricing mechanisms are determined using the appropriate quoted forward prices from the exchange that is the principal active market for the particular metal. As such, these receivables are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

c)

Investments

The fair values of publicly-traded investments, including available-for-sale equity investments, are determined based on a market approach reflecting the closing prices of each particular security at the statement of financial position date. The closing prices are quoted market prices obtained from the exchange that is the principal active market for the particular security, and therefore are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

The fair values of warrants are estimated using the Black-Scholes pricing model which requires the use of inputs that are observable in the market. As such, these investments are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

d)

Royalty, stream, and working interests and oil well equipment

The fair values of royalty, stream, and working interests and oil well equipment are determined primarily using a market approach using unobservable discounted future cash-flows and cash-flow and revenue multiples. As a result, the fair values are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Note 12 – Financial Risk Management

The Company’s financial instruments are comprised of financial assets and liabilities. The Company’s principal financial liabilities comprise accounts payable, accrued liabilities and debt. The Company’s principal financial assets are cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, receivables and investments. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to manage short-term cash flow and working capital requirements and fund future acquisitions.

The Company is engaged in the business of acquiring, managing and creating resource royalties and streams.  Royalties and streams are interests that provide the right to revenue or production from the various properties, after deducting specified costs, if any.  These activities expose the Company to a variety of financial risks, which include direct exposure to market risks (which includes commodity price risk, foreign exchange risk and  interest rate risk), credit risk, liquidity risk and capital risk management.

Management designs strategies for managing some of these risks, which are summarized below. The Company’s executive management oversees the management of financial risks. The Company’s executive management ensures that our financial risk-taking activities are governed by appropriate policies and procedures and that financial risks are identified, measured and managed in accordance with the Company’s policies and risk appetite.

The Company’s overall objective from a risk management perspective is to safeguard its assets and mitigate risk exposure by focusing on security rather than yield.

a) Market Risk

Market risk is the risk that changes in market factors, such as commodity prices, foreign exchange rates or interest rates, will affect the value of the Company’s financial instruments. The Company manages market risk by either accepting it or mitigating it through the use of economic strategies.

26


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

Commodity Price Risk

The Company’s royalties/streams are subject to fluctuations from changes in market prices of the underlying commodities. The market prices of gold, silver, platinum, palladium and oil are the primary drivers of the Company’s profitability and ability to generate free cash flow. All of the Company’s future revenue is not hedged in order to provide shareholders with full exposure to changes in the market prices of these commodities.

Foreign Exchange Risk

The functional currencies of the Company’s entities include the Canadian, U.S. and Australian dollars with the reporting currency of the Company being the U.S. dollar. The Company is primarily exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar on balances and transactions that are denominated and settled in Canadian dollars and Australian dollars.  The Company has exposure to the Canadian dollar through its oil & gas activities and corporate administration costs.  Consequently, fluctuations in the U.S. dollar exchange rate against these currencies increase the volatility of depletion, corporate administration costs and overall net earnings, when translated into U.S. dollars.

The Company invests its cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments in U.S. and Canadian dollar denominated interest-bearing deposits on a ratio of 87% to 2%, respectively, and 11% in other currencies, as at December 31, 2017. 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the U.S. dollar weakened in relation to the Canadian dollar and upon the translation of the Company’s assets and liabilities held in Canada, the Company recorded a currency translation adjustment income of $77.2 million in other comprehensive income (2016 — income of $2 1.3 million).

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk refers to the risk that the value of a financial instrument or cash flows associated with the instrument will fluctuate due to changes in market interest rates. As at December 31, 2017, the Company’s interest rate exposure arises mainly from the interest receipts on cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments.

The following table shows the approximate interest rate sensitivities of our financial assets and liabilities as at December 31:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect on Net Income

 

 

Effect on Equity

 

 

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

 

0.5% increase

 

 

$

(2.2)

 

 

$

(1.0)

 

 

$

(2.2)

 

 

$

(1.0)

 

0.5% decrease

 

 

 

2.2

 

 

 

1.0

 

 

 

2.2

 

 

 

1.0

 

b) Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk that a third party might fail to fulfill its performance obligations under the terms of a financial instrument.  Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, receivables and loan receivables. The Company closely monitors its financial assets and maintains its cash deposits in several high-quality financial institutions and as such does not have any significant concentration of credit risk.

As at December 31, 2017, the Company is unaware of any information which would cause it to believe that these financial assets are not fully recoverable.

c) Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk is the risk of loss from not having access to sufficient funds to meet both expected and unexpected cash demands. The Company manages its exposure to liquidity risk through prudent management of its statement of financial position, including maintaining sufficient cash balances and access to undrawn credit facilities. The Company has in place a planning and budgeting process to help determine the funds required to support the Company’s normal operating requirements on an ongoing basis. Management continuously monitors and reviews both actual and forecasted cash flows, including acquisition activities.

As at December 31, 2017, the Company held $511.1 million in either cash, cash equivalents or highly-liquid investments (2016 – $253.0 million).  All of the Company’s financial liabilities are due within one year. The

27


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

Company’s near-term cash requirements include corporate administration costs, certain costs of sales, including the ore purchase commitments described in Note 20(a), dividends and income taxes directly related to the recognition of royalty, stream and working interest revenues.  In addition, the Company is committed to fund under its precious metals stream agreements as described in Note 4 (a) .

d) Capital Risk Management

The Company’s primary objective when managing capital is to provide a sustainable return to shareholders through managing and growing the Company’s resource asset portfolio while ensuring capital protection. The Company defines capital as its cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and long-term investments which is managed by the Company’s management subject to approved policies and limits by the Board of Directors.

There were no changes in the Company’s approach to capital management during the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the prior year.  The Company is not subject to material externally imposed capital requirements or significant financial covenants or capital requirements with our lenders. The Company is in compliance with all its covenants under its credit facility as at December 31, 2017.

As at December 31, 2017, the Company has cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale short-term investments totaling $511.1 million (2016 – $253.0 million), long-term investments totaling $203.1 million (2016 – $147.4 million), of which $168.1 million (2016 – $114.6 million) are held in liquid securities. The Company also has $1.0 billion (2016 – $1.0 billion) available under its unsecured revolving term credit facility. All of these sources of capital were available for growing the Company’s asset portfolio and paying dividends.

Note 13 – Revolving term credit facility

(a) Credit Facility - $1.0 billion

The Company has a five year $1.0 billion unsecured revolving term credit facility (the “Credit Facility”). On March 22, 2017, the Company amended its Credit Facility by extending the term from November 12, 2020 to March 22, 2022.  Subsequent to year end, on March 7, 2018, the Company further amended its Credit Facility by extending the term from March 22, 2022 to March 22, 2023.

Advances under the Credit Facility can be drawn as follows:

U.S. dollars

· Base rate advances with interest payable monthly at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (“CIBC”) base rate, plus between 0.20% and 1.20% per annum depending upon the Company’s leverage ratio; or

· LIBOR loans for periods of 1, 2, 3 or 6 months with interest payable at a rate of LIBOR, plus between 1.20% and 2.20% per annum, depending on the Company’s leverage ratio.

Canadian dollars

· Prime rate advances with interest payable monthly at the CIBC prime rate, plus between 0.20% and 1.20% per annum, depending on the Company’s leverage ratio; or

· Bankers’ acceptances for a period of 30 to 180 days with a stamping fee calculated on the face amount between 1.20% and 2.20%, depending on the Company’s leverage ratio.

All loans are readily convertible into loans of other types, described above, on customary terms and upon provision of appropriate notice. Borrowings under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries and are unsecured.

The Credit Facility is subject to a standby fee of 0.24% to 0.44% per annum, depending on the Company’s leverage ratio, even if no amounts are outstanding under the Credit Facility.

As at December 31, 2017, there was no balance (December 31, 2016 – $Nil) outstanding under the Credit Facility.

As at December 31, 2017, a balance of $2.5 million related to debt issue costs is remaining to be amortized over the remaining term of the Credit Facility (December 31, 2016 – $2.2 million). The unamortized debt issue costs associated with the Credit Facility are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets, and other

28


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

non-current assets. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recognized debt issuance cost amortization expense of $0.9 million (2016 - $0.6 million), and $2.5 million (2016 – $2.2 million) of standby and administrative fees in the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income.

(b) FNBC Credit Facility - $100.0 million

On March 20, 2017, the Company’s subsidiary, Franco-Nevada (Barbados) Corporation, entered into an unsecured revolving term credit facility (the “FNBC Credit Facility”). The FNBC Credit Facility provides for the availability over a one-year period of up to $100.0 million in borrowings. The FNBC Credit Facility has a maturity date of March 20, 2018. The Company has the option of requesting, during a period of time before each anniversary date, up to two additional one-year extensions of the maturity. These requests are subject to approval from the lenders.  Subsequent to year end, on February 21, 2018, the FNBC Credit Facility’s maturity date was extended from March 20, 2018 to March 20, 2019.

Advances under the FNBC Credit Facility can be drawn as follows:

·

Base rate advances with interest payable monthly at the CIBC base rate, plus 0.35% per annum; or

·

LIBOR loans for periods of 1, 2, 3 or 6 months with interest payable at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.35% per annum.

All loans are readily convertible into loans of other types on customary terms and upon provision of appropriate notice.

The FNBC Credit Facility is subject to a standby fee of 0.27% per annum, even if no amounts are outstanding.

As at December 31, 2017, there was no balance outstanding under the FNBC Credit Facility.

As at December 31, 2017, $0.1 million related to debt issue costs were capitalized and will be amortised over the remaining term of the FNBC Credit Facility.

Note 14 – Revenue

Revenue is comprised of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

 

Mineral royalties

 

 

$

173.7

 

 

$

169.3

 

Mineral streams

 

 

 

443.3

 

 

 

401.6

 

Sale of prepaid gold

 

 

 

11.0

 

 

 

9.2

 

Oil & gas interests

 

 

 

47.0

 

 

 

30.1

 

 

 

 

$

675.0

 

 

$

610.2

 

 

 

Note 15 – Costs of sales

Costs of sales are comprised of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

 

Per ounce stream purchase cost

 

 

$

127.4

 

 

$

95.6

 

Cost of prepaid ounces

 

 

 

7.7

 

 

 

6.5

 

Mineral production taxes

 

 

 

2.3

 

 

 

0.5

 

Oil & gas operating costs

 

 

 

4.6

 

 

 

3.2

 

 

 

 

$

142.0

 

 

$

105.8

 

 

 

29


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

Note 16 – Related party disclosures

 

Key management personnel are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Company. Key management personnel include the Board of Directors and the executive management team. Compensation for key management personnel of the Company was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

 

Short-term benefits (1)

 

 

$

4.5

 

 

$

4.5

 

Share-based payments (2)

 

 

 

6.4

 

 

 

5.1

 

 

 

 

$

10.9

 

 

$

9.6

 

 

1

Includes salary, benefits and short-term accrued incentives/other bonuses earned in the period.

2

Represents the expense of stock options, restricted share units earned and mark-to-market charges on deferred share units during the year.

 

Note 17 - Income taxes

Income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

 

Current income tax expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expense for the year

 

 

$

25.1

 

 

$

35.5

 

Adjustment in respect of prior years

 

 

 

(5.6)

 

 

 

5.4

 

Current income tax expense

 

 

$

19.5

 

 

 

40.9

 

Deferred income tax expense (recovery)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Origination and reversal of temporary differences in the current year

 

 

 

15.7

 

 

 

15.3

 

Impact of U.S. Tax Reform

 

 

 

7.1

 

 

 

 —

 

Impact of changes in tax rate

 

 

 

(0.9)

 

 

 

(0.8)

 

Change in (reversal of) unrecognized deductible temporary differences

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

(4.4)

 

Adjustments in respect of prior years

 

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

(4.3)

 

Other

 

 

 

(0.8)

 

 

 

(1.0)

 

Deferred income tax expense

 

 

 

21.8

 

 

 

4.8

 

Total

 

 

$

41.3

 

 

$

45.7

 

 

A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes computed at the combined Canadian federal and provincial statutory rate to the provision for income taxes as shown in the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

2017

    

 

2016

 

Net income before income taxes

 

 

$

236.0

 

 

$

167.9

 

Statutory tax rate

 

 

 

26.6%

 

 

 

26.6%

 

Tax expense at statutory rate

 

 

 

62.8

 

 

 

44.7

 

Reconciling items:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in (reversal of) unrecognized deductible temporary differences

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

(4.4)

 

Income/expenses not (taxed) deductible

 

 

 

(3.0)

 

 

 

(1.9)

 

Differences in foreign statutory tax rates

 

 

 

(20.9)

 

 

 

4.8

 

Differences due to changing future tax rates

 

 

 

(0.9)

 

 

 

(0.8)

 

Impact of U.S. Tax Reform

 

 

 

7.1

 

 

 

 —

 

Foreign withholding tax

 

 

 

1.4

 

 

 

1.8

 

Temporary differences subject to initial recognition exemption

 

 

 

(5.2)

 

 

 

0.5

 

Other

 

 

 

(0.1)

 

 

 

1.0

 

Net income tax expense

 

 

$

41.3

 

 

$

45.7

 

 

On December 22, 2017, the United States enacted Tax Reform legislation.  Among the significant changes include a reduction in the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, which resulted in a deferred tax expense of $7.1 million on the re-measurement of the Company’s deferred tax assets in the U.S.  The impact of the U.S. Tax Reform on the Company may differ from the expense recorded due to changes as a result of additional information and guidance that will be issued by the Department of Treasury.

 

30


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

Income tax (expense) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

 

2016

 

 

  

  

 

 

  

  

 

 

  

  

 

After

  

  

 

 

  

  

 

 

  

  

 

After

 

 

 

 

 

Before

 

 

 

Tax

 

 

 

Tax

 

 

 

Before

 

 

 

Tax

 

 

 

Tax 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax Gain

 

 

 

Expense

 

 

 

Gain

 

 

 

Tax Loss

 

 

 

Expense

 

 

 

Loss

 

Change in market value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of available-for-sale investments

 

 

$

47.1

 

 

$

(6.3)

 

 

$

40.8

 

 

$

46.0

 

 

$

(3.7)

 

 

$

42.3

 

Cumulative translation adjustment

 

 

 

77.2

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 

77.2

 

 

 

21.3

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 

21.3

 

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

$

124.3

 

 

$

(6.3)

 

 

$

118.0

 

 

$

67.3

 

 

$

(3.7)

 

 

$

63.6

 

Deferred tax

 

 

$

 —

 

 

$

(6.3)

 

 

$

 -

 

 

$

 —

 

 

$

(3.7)

 

 

$

 —

 

The significant components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities as at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

 

Deferred income tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deductible temporary differences relating to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Royalty, stream and working interests

 

 

$

5.6

 

 

$

10.7

 

Non-capital loss carry-forwards

 

 

 

9.5

 

 

 

11.2

 

Other

 

 

 

(0.6)

 

 

 

(0.6)

 

 

 

 

$

14.5

 

 

$

21.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred income tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taxable temporary differences relating to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share issue and debt issue costs

 

 

$

(7.1)

 

 

$

(9.7)

 

Royalty, stream and working interests

 

 

 

71.1

 

 

 

54.2

 

Non-capital loss carry-forwards

 

 

 

(5.6)

 

 

 

(4.4)

 

Investments

 

 

 

5.8

 

 

 

(0.1)

 

Other

 

 

 

(3.9)

 

 

 

(2.5)

 

 

 

 

$

60.3

 

 

$

37.5

 

Deferred income tax liabilities, net

 

 

$

45.8

 

 

$

16.2

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities have been offset where they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Company has the legal right and intent to offset.

The analysis of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

 

Deferred income tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred income tax asset to be recovered within 12 months

 

 

$

0.1

 

 

$

0.1

 

Deferred income tax asset to be recovered after more than 12 months

 

 

 

14.4

 

 

 

21.2

 

 

 

 

$

14.5

 

 

$

21.3

 

Deferred income tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred income tax liability to be settled within 12 months

 

 

 

0.9

 

 

 

1.2

 

Deferred income tax liability to be settled after more than 12 months

 

 

 

59.4

 

 

 

36.3

 

 

 

 

$

60.3

 

 

$

37.5

 

Deferred income tax liabilities, net

 

 

$

45.8

 

 

$

16.2

 

Movement in net deferred taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

 

2017

  

  

 

2016

 

Balance, beginning of year

 

 

$

16.2

 

 

$

17.1

 

Recognized in profit/loss

 

 

 

21.8

 

 

 

4.8

 

Recognized in other comprehensive income

 

 

 

6.3

 

 

 

3.7

 

Recognized in equity

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 

(10.0)

 

Other

 

 

 

1.5

 

 

 

0.6

 

Deferred income tax liabilities, net

 

 

$

45.8

 

 

$

16.2

 

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s non-capital losses at December 31, 2017 that can be applied against future taxable profit:

31


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Country

    

Type

    

Amount

    

Expiry Date

 

Canada

 

Non-Capital Losses

 

$

55.9

 

2028-2037

 

Unrecognized deferred tax assets and liabilities

The aggregate amount of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, for which deferred tax liabilities have not been recognized as at December 31, 2017 is $336.8 million (December 31, 2016 – $324.8 million).  No deferred tax liabilities are recognized on the temporary differences associated with investment in subsidiaries because the company controls the timing of reversal and it is not probable that they will reverse in the foreseeable future.

The aggregate amount of deductible temporary differences associated with other items, for which deferred tax assets have not been recognized as at December 31, 2017 is $4.0 million (December 31, 2016 - $3.7 million).  No deferred tax asset is recognized in respect of these items because it is not probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the company can utilize the benefit.

 

 

Note 18 - Shareholders’ equity

a)

Common shares

The Company’s authorized capital stock includes an unlimited number of common shares (issued 185,930,331 common shares) having no par value and preferred shares issuable in series (issued - nil).

During the year ended December 31, 2017, 433,718 common shares (2016 – 545,087 common shares) were issued on the exercise of stock options, for cash proceeds of $10.1 million (2016 - $16.3 million), 50,393 common shares (2016 – 66,032 common shares) were issued upon vesting of restricted share units and 6,388,528 common shares (2016 – 489 common shares) were issued upon the exercise of warrants for cash proceeds of $356.4 million (2016 - $0.03 million). In addition, 575,553 common shares (2016 – 588,182 common shares) were issued pursuant to the terms of the Company’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“DRIP”) for the year ended December 31, 2017.  

On February 19, 2016, the Company completed a bought deal financing with a syndicate of underwriters for 19.2 million common shares at $47.85 per common share. The net proceeds to the Company were $883.5 million after deducting share issue costs and expenses of $36.6 million.  The Company recorded a deferred tax asset of $10.4 million relating to the share issue costs.

b)

Dividends

The Company declared dividends in the amount of $167.9 million (2016 - $156.8 million), or $0.91 per share (2016 - $0.87 per share), in the year ended December 31, 2017. The Company paid cash dividends in the amount $125.8 million (2016 - $118.1 million) and issued common shares pursuant to its DRIP valued at $42.1 million (2016 - $38.7 million), in the year ended December 31, 2017. 

c)

Stock-based payments

On November 12, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a stock option plan, which was replaced by the Company’s share compensation plan covering both stock options and RSUs effective May 12, 2010 (the “Plan”). Pursuant to the Plan, the Company may grant incentive stock options to directors, officers, employees and consultants at the discretion of the Board of Directors.  The exercise price and vesting period of any option is fixed by the Board of Directors on the date of grant.  The term of options is at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors but may not exceed ten years from the date of grant.  Options expire on the earlier of the expiry date or the date of termination.  Options are non-transferable.  The options granted will be adjusted in the event of an amalgamation, rights offering, share consolidation or subdivision or other similar adjustments of the share capital of the Company. The aggregate number of common shares that may be issued under the Plan is limited to 5,700,876 common shares. Within any one-year period, the number of common shares issued to any single insider participant under the Plan shall not exceed 5% of the common shares then issued and outstanding.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company granted 97,789 stock options (2016 — 263,568) to employees at a weighted average exercise price of C$100.10 (2016 — C$75.45). These ten-year term options

32


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

vest over three years in equal portions on the anniversary of the grant date.  The fair value of stock options granted during 2017 has been determined to be $2.3 million (2016 - $4.3 million).

 

The fair value of the options was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and utilized the following weighted average assumptions, and resulted in a weighted average fair value of C$30.30 per stock option (2016 — C$21.78 per stock option):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

2017

 

  

2016

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

 

1.65

%

 

0.66

%

Expected dividend yield

 

 

1.19

%

 

1.54

%

Expected price volatility of the Company’s common shares

 

 

36.10

%

 

37.70

%

Expected life of the option

 

 

5 years

 

 

5 years

 

Forfeiture rate

 

 

0

%

 

 0

%

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, an expense of $3.1 million (2016 - $2.3 million) related to stock options has been included in the consolidated statement of income and other comprehensive income (loss) and $0.5 million was capitalized to royalty, stream and working interest, net (2016 - $0.3 million).  As at December 31, 2017, there is $4.2 million (2016 - $5.3 million) of total unrecognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense relating to stock options granted under the Plan, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.4 years (2016 — 1.4 years).

 

Options to purchase common shares of the Company that have been granted in accordance with the Plan and pursuant to other agreements are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

  

  

 

    

Weighted

  

  

 

    

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

 

average exercise

 

 

 

 

average exercise

 

 

 

 

Number

 

price

 

 

Number

 

price

 

Stock options outstanding, beginning of year

 

 

1,304,328

 

C$

50.64

 

 

1,592,480

 

C$

46.67

 

Granted

 

 

97,789

 

C$

100.10

 

 

263,568

 

C$

75.45

 

Exercised

 

 

(433,718)

 

C$

30.79

 

 

(545,087)

 

C$

39.25

 

Forfeited

 

 

(12,796)

 

C$

67.81

 

 

(6,633)

 

C$

58.35

 

Stock options outstanding, end of the year

 

 

955,603

 

C$

64.48

 

 

1,304,328

 

C$

50.64

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercisable stock options, end of the year

 

 

617,539

 

C$

55.88

 

 

825,875

 

C$

39.72

 

 

Options to purchase common shares outstanding at December 31, 2017, exercise prices and weighted average lives to maturity as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

    

 

    

Weighted

 

 

Exercise

 

Options

 

Options

 

average life

 

 

price

 

outstanding

 

exercisable

 

(years)

 

 

C$15.41

 

5,000

 

5,000

 

0.89

 

 

C$31.39

 

10,000

 

10,000

 

2.39

 

 

C$31.45

 

38,000

 

38,000

 

2.71

 

 

C$33.12

 

1,500

 

1,500

 

2.90

 

 

C$33.20

 

1,000

 

1,000

 

2.98

 

 

C$40.87

 

52,786

 

52,786

 

5.95

 

 

C$42.43

 

3,000

 

3,000

 

4.25

 

 

C$42.67

 

2,500

 

2,500

 

3.92

 

 

C$46.17

 

100,000

 

100,000

 

5.64

 

 

C$55.58

 

27,397

 

27,397

 

4.95

 

 

C$59.52

 

155,936

 

155,936

 

6.95

 

 

C$58.67

 

65,000

 

43,333

 

7.64

 

 

C$65.76

 

136,718

 

90,759

 

7.95

 

 

C$75.45

 

258,977

 

86,328

 

8.95

 

 

C$100.10

 

97,789

 

 —

 

9.95

 

 

 

    

955,603

    

617,539

    

7.46

 

 

33


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

d) Share Purchase Warrants

 

Outstanding share purchase warrants as at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

 

Warrants outstanding, beginning of the year

 

 

6,510,280

 

 

6,510,769

 

Exercised

 

 

(6,388,528)

 

 

(489)

 

Forfeited

 

 

(121,752)

 

 

 —

 

Warrants outstanding, end of the year

 

 

 —

 

 

6,510,280

 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, 6,388,528 warrants were exercised for cash proceeds of $356.4 million in exchange for the issuance of 6,388,528 common shares.  The warrants had an exercise price of C$75.00 per warrant and expired on June 16, 2017. 

e) Deferred Share Unit Plan

Under the DSU Plan, non-executive directors may choose to convert all or a percentage of their directors’ fees into DSUs. The directors must elect to convert their fees prior to January 1 in each year. In addition, the Company may award DSUs to non-executive directors as compensation.

DSUs earn dividend equivalents in the form of additional DSUs at the same rate as dividends on common shares. Participants are not allowed to redeem their DSUs until retirement or termination of directorship. For DSUs that have been credited upon the conversion of directors’ fees, the DSUs vest immediately. The cash value of the DSUs at the time of redemption is equivalent to the market value of the Company’s common shares when redemption takes place.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, 19,632 DSUs and Dividend Equivalent DSUs were granted to directors under the DSU Plan (2016 — 19,209). The value of the DSU liability as at December 31, 2017, was $6.7 million (2016 - $3.8 million). The mark-to-market adjustment recorded for the year ended December 31, 2017, in respect of the DSU Plan, was $1.6 million (2016 - $0.2 million).

f) Restricted Share Units

Under the Plan, employees and officers may be granted performance-based or time-based RSUs. When each RSU vests, the holder is entitled to one common share for no additional consideration. Performance-based RSUs vest at the end of a three year period following the achievement of certain performance criteria and target settlement will range from 0% to 100% of the value.  Time-based RSUs vest over a three year period on the anniversary of the date of grant.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, 21,095 performance-based RSUs (2016 — 25,611) and 20,745 time-based RSUs (2016 — 25,164) were awarded to management of the Company. The fair value of the RSUs, which is determined with reference to the weighted average trading price of the Company’s common shares over the five trading days immediately preceding the date of issuance granted, was determined to be $3.3 million in 2017 (2016 - $2.9 million). Included in the Company’s stock-based compensation expense is an amount of $1.5 million (2016 – $2.7 million) relating to RSUs. In addition, $0.3 million related to the RSUs was capitalised to royalty, stream and working interest, net (2016 – $0.3 million). As at December 31, 2017, there is $5.3 million (2016 – $4.1 million) of total unrecognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense relating to non-vested restricted share units granted under the Plan, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.5 years (2016 — 1.5 years).

g) Outstanding Share Purchase Warrants, Incentive Stock Options, Special Warrants and Restricted Share Units

The following table sets out the maximum shares that would be outstanding if all of the share purchase warrants, incentive stock options and restricted share units, at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, were exercised:

34


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

 

Common shares outstanding

 

 

185,930,331

 

 

178,482,139

 

Stock options

 

 

955,603

 

 

1,304,328

 

Restricted Share Units

 

 

119,796

 

 

138,614

 

Warrants

 

 

 —

 

 

6,510,280

 

Special Warrant (1)

 

 

 —

 

 

2,000,000

 

 

 

 

187,005,730

 

 

188,435,361

 

 

 

1

In connection with a transaction with Taseko Mines Limited, one special warrant was granted to Taseko which was exchangeable into 2,000,000 purchase share warrants entitling Taseko to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of C$75.00 once Taseko’s New Prosperity project gets fully permitted and financed. New Prosperity’s most recent permit application was denied and the warrant expired unexercised on June 16, 2017.

 

 

Note 19 – Earnings per share (“EPS”)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

  

  

Earnings

    

Shares

  

  

Per Share

 

 

 

 

(Numerator)

 

(Denominator)

 

 

Amount

 

Basic EPS

 

 

$

194.7

 

182.9

 

 

$

1.06

 

Effect of dilutive securities

 

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

 —

 

Diluted EPS

 

 

$

194.7

 

183.3

 

 

$

1.06

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2017, 5,626 stock options (2016 – Nil) and 1,194 time-based RSUs (2016 – Nil) were excluded in the computation of diluted EPS due to the strike price exceeding the weighted average share price during the year. Restricted share units totaling 73,947 (2016 – 84,094) were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS for the year ended December 31, 2017 due to the performance criteria for the vesting of the RSUs not being measurable as at December 31, 2017.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2016

 

 

  

  

Earnings

    

Shares

  

  

Per Share

 

 

 

 

(Numerator)

 

(Denominator)

 

 

Amount

 

Basic EPS

 

 

$

122.2

 

175.2

 

 

$

0.70

 

Effect of dilutive securities

 

 

 

 

1.2

 

 

 

(0.01)

 

Diluted EPS

 

 

$

122.2

 

176.4

 

 

$

0.69

 

 

 

35


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

Note 20 – Commitments

(a) Ore purchase commitments

The following table summarizes the Company’s commitments to pay for gold, silver and platinum group metals (“PGM”) pursuant to the associated precious metals agreements:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attributable Payable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production to be Purchased

 

Per Ounce Cash Payment  (1),(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Term of

 

Date of

 

Interest

    

Gold

    

Silver

    

PGM

    

Gold

    

Silver

    

PGM

    

Agreement (3)

    

Contract

 

Antamina

 

 0

%  

22.5

(4)

 0

%  

 

n/a

 

 

 5

(5)

 

n/a

 

40 years

 

7-Oct-15

 

Antapaccay

 

 —

(6)

 —

(7)

 0

%  

 

20

(8)

 

20

(9)

 

n/a

 

40 years

 

10-Feb-16

 

Candelaria

 

68

(10)

68

(10)

 0

%  

$

400

 

$

4.00

 

 

n/a

 

40 years

 

6-Oct-14

 

Cobre Panama I (25)

 

(11)

 —

(12)

 0

%  

$

418

(13)

$

6.27

(14)

 

n/a

 

40 years

 

22-Jan-18

 

Cobre Panama II (25)

 

(15)

 —

(16)

 0

%  

 

20

(17)

 

20

(18)

 

n/a

 

40 years

 

22-Jan-18

 

Karma

 

4.875

(19)

 0

%  

 0

%  

 

20

(20)

 

n/a

 

 

n/a

 

40 years

 

11-Aug-14

 

Guadalupe-Palmarejo

 

50

%  

 0

%  

 0

%  

$

800

 

 

n/a

 

 

n/a

 

40 years

 

2-Oct-14

 

Sabodala

 

 6

(21)

 0

%  

 0

%  

 

20

(22)

 

n/a

 

 

n/a

 

40 years

 

12-Dec-13

 

MWS

 

25

%  

 0

%  

 0

%  

$

400

 

 

n/a

 

 

n/a

 

40 years

(23)

2-Mar-12

 

Cooke 4

 

 7

%  

 0

%  

 0

%  

$

400

 

 

n/a

 

 

n/a

 

40 years

 

5-Nov-09

 

Sudbury (24)

 

50

%  

 0

%  

50

%  

$

400

 

 

n/a

 

$

400

 

40 years

 

15-Jul-08

 

 

1

Subject to an annual inflationary adjustment except for Antamina, Antapaccay, Karma, Guadalupe-Palmarejo and Sabodala.

2

Should the prevailing market price for gold be lower than this amount, the per ounce cash payment will be reduced to the prevailing market price.

3

Subject to successive extensions.

4

Subject to a fixed payability of 90%. Percentage decreases to 15% after 86 million ounces of silver has been delivered under the agreement.

5

Purchase price is 5% of the average silver price at the time of delivery.

6

Gold deliveries are referenced to copper in concentrate shipped with 300 ounces of gold delivered for each 1,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate shipped, until 630,000 ounces of gold have been delivered. Thereafter, percentage is 30% of gold shipped.

7

Silver deliveries are referenced to copper in concentrate shipped with 4,700 ounces of silver delivered for each 1,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate shipped, until 10.0 million ounces of silver have been delivered. Thereafter, percentage is 30% of silver shipped.

8

Purchase price is 20% of the spot price of gold until 750,000 ounces of gold has been delivered, thereafter the purchase price is 30% of the spot price of gold.

9

Purchase price is 20% of the spot price of silver until 12.8 million ounces of silver has been delivered, thereafter the purchase price is 30% of the spot price of silver.

10

Percentage decreases to 40% after 720,000 ounces of gold and 12.0 million ounces of silver have been delivered under the agreement.

11

Gold deliveries are indexed to copper in concentrate produced from the project. 120 ounces of gold per every 1 million pounds of copper produced until 808,000 ounces of gold delivered. Thereafter, 81 ounces of gold per 1 million pounds of copper produced to 1,716,188 ounces of gold delivered, thereafter 63.4% of the gold in concentrate.

12

Silver deliveries are indexed to copper in concentrate produced from the project. 1,376 ounces of silver per every 1 million pounds of copper produced until 9,842,000 ounces of silver delivered. Thereafter, 1,776 ounces of silver per 1 million pounds of copper produced to 29,731,000 ounces of silver delivered, thereafter 62.1% of the silver in concentrate.

13

In accordance with the terms of the agreement, the purchase price was adjusted from $406 per ounce to $418.27 per ounce after November 2018 on the initial gold deliveries.  After 1,341,000 ounces of gold delivered, purchase price is the greater of 50% of spot and $418.27 per ounce.

14

In accordance with the terms of the agreement, the purchase price was adjusted from $6.09 per ounce to $6.27 per ounce after November 2018 on the initial silver deliveries.  After 21,510,000 ounces of silver delivered, purchase price is the greater of 50% of spot and $6.27 per ounce.

15

Gold deliveries are indexed to copper in concentrate produced from the project. 30 ounces of gold per every 1 million pounds of copper produced until 202,000 ounces of gold delivered. Thereafter 20.25 ounces of gold per 1 million pounds of copper produced to 429,047 ounces of gold delivered, thereafter 15.85% of the gold in concentrate.

36


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

16

Silver deliveries are indexed to copper in concentrate produced from the project. 344 ounces of silver per every 1 million pounds of copper produced until 2,460,500 ounces of silver delivered. Thereafter, 444 ounces of silver per 1 million pounds of copper produced to 7,432,750 ounces of silver delivered, thereafter 15.53% of the silver in concentrate.

17

Purchase price is 20% of the spot price of gold until 604,000 ounces of gold delivered. Thereafter, purchase price is 50% of the spot price of gold.

18

Purchase price is 20% of the spot price of silver until 9,618,000 ounce of silver delivered.  Thereafter, purchase price is 50% of the spot price of silver.

19

Gold deliveries are fixed at 15,000 ounces per annum from March 31, 2016 until February 28, 2021. Thereafter, percentage is 4.875%.

20

Purchase price is 20% of the average gold price at the time of delivery.

21

Gold deliveries are fixed at 1,875 ounces per month until December 31, 2019. Thereafter, percentage is 6% of gold produced.

22

Purchase price is 20% of prevailing market price at the time of delivery.

23

Agreement is capped at 312,500 ounces of gold.

24

The Company is committed to purchase 50% of the precious metals contained in ore from the properties. Cash payment is based on gold equivalent ounces.

25

Agreement amended subsequent to year-end.

 

(b) Cobre Panama Precious Metal Stream

 

The Company is committed to fund the Cobre Panama precious metals stream as described in Note 4(a).

 

Note 21 – Segment Reporting

The chief operating decision-maker organizes and manages the business under a single operating segment, consisting of resource sector royalty, stream and working interest acquisitions and management activities directly relating to royalty, stream and working interests. All of the Company’s assets and revenues are attributable to this single operating segment.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, two interests generated revenue totaling $105.2 million and $90.2 million, respectively (2016 – three interests generated revenue totaling $92.5 million, $88.5 million, and $75.0 million), comprised 15.6% and 13.4%, respectively (2016 – 15.2%, 14.5% and 12.3%) of revenue. Geographic revenues are separated by the jurisdiction of the entity making the payment.

Revenue is earned from the following jurisdictions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

 

Latin America:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peru

 

 

$

153.1

 

 

167.5

 

Chile

 

 

 

105.2

 

 

88.4

 

Other

 

 

 

67.7

 

 

47.8

 

United States

 

 

$

100.2

 

 

92.4

 

Canada

 

 

 

125.5

 

 

116.9

 

Rest of World

 

 

 

123.3

 

 

97.2

 

 

 

 

$

675.0

 

 

610.2

 

37


 

FRANCO-NEVADA CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE consolidated FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 and 2016

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share amounts)

 

 

 

Geographic royalty, stream and working interests are presented by the location of the mining operations giving rise to the royalty, stream or working interest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

  

2017

  

  

2016

 

Latin America:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peru

 

 

$

953.2

 

 

1,021.7

 

Chile

 

 

 

533.4

 

 

586.1

 

Panama

 

 

 

734.4

 

 

468.9

 

Other

 

 

 

59.0

 

 

64.3

 

United States

 

 

$

622.5

 

 

502.0

 

Canada

 

 

 

666.7

 

 

610.5

 

Rest of World

 

 

 

370.0

 

 

414.8

 

 

 

 

$

3,939.2

 

 

3,668.3

 

 

Investments of $203.1 million (2016 - $147.4 million) are held in Canada. Oil & gas well equipment, included in other non-current assets, of $12.7 million (2016 - $14.0 million) is located in Canada.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

38


Exhibit 99.4

 

CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, David Harquail, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 40-F of Franco-Nevada Corporation;

 

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 issuer as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The issuer’s other certifying officer(s) 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 issuer 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 issuer, 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 issuer’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 issuer’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 issuer’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the issuer’s auditors and the audit committee of the issuer’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 issuer’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 issuer’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

Date:  March 28, 2018

 

 

 

 

/s/ David Harquail

 

David Harquail

 

President & Chief Executive Officer

 


Exhibit 99.5

 

CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Sandip Rana, certify that:

 

1. I  have reviewed this annual report on Form 40-F of Franco-Nevada Corporation;

 

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 issuer as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The issuer’s other certifying officer(s) 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 issuer 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 issuer, 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 issuer’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 issuer’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 issuer’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the issuer’s auditors and the audit committee of the issuer’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 issuer’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 issuer’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

Date:  March 28, 2018

 

 

 

 

/s/ Sandip Rana

 

Sandip Rana

 

Chief Financial Officer

 


Exhibit 99.6

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. § 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the Annual Report of Franco-Nevada Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 40-F for the year ended December 31, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, David Harquail, the President & Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 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.

 

 

 

Date:  March 28, 2018

 

 

 

 

/s/ David Harquail

 

David Harquail

 

President & Chief Executive Officer

 

 


Exhibit 99.7

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. § 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the Annual Report of Franco-Nevada Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 40-F for the year ended December 31, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Sandip Rana, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 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.

 

 

 

Date:  March 28, 2018

 

 

 

 

/s/ Sandip Rana

 

Sandip Rana

 

Chief Financial Officer

 


Exhibit 99.8

 

PICTURE 1

 

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual Report on Form 40‑F for the year ended December 31, 2017 of Franco-Nevada Corporation of our report dated March 7, 2018, relating to the consolidated financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which is filed as an exhibit to, and incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.

 

We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form F‑3 (No. 333‑210295), on Form S‑8 (No. 333‑176856) and on Form F-10 (No. 333-210878) of Franco-Nevada Corporation of our report dated March 7, 2018 referred to above. We also consent to reference to us under the heading “Experts,” which appears in the Annual Information Form which is filed as an exhibit to, and incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 40‑F, which is incorporated by reference in such Registration Statements.

 

(signed) “PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP”

 

Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants

 

Toronto, Ontario
March 28, 2018


Exhibit 99.9

 

CONSENT OF PHIL WILSON

 

In connection with Franco-Nevada Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 40-F, and any amendments thereto, and any documents incorporated by reference therein, to be filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Annual Report”), I hereby consent to the use of and references to my name, and the inclusion and incorporation by reference in the Annual Report of the information approved by me that is of a scientific or technical nature and all other references to such information included or incorporated by reference in the Annual Report and the registration statements on Form F-3 (No. 333-210295), on Form S-8 (No. 333-176856) and on Form F-10 (No. 333-210878).

 

 

 

 

DATED:

March 28, 2018

 

 

 

/s/ Phil Wilson

 

Name: Phil Wilson, CEng