Impairment of assets
Events or changes in circumstances can give rise to significant impairment charges or reversals of impairment in a particular year. The Company assesses its cash generating units annually to determine whether any indication of impairment exists. Where an indicator of impairment exists, an estimate of the recoverable amount is made, which is the higher of the fair value less costs to sell and value in use. The determination of the recoverable amount for value in use requires the use of estimates and assumptions such as long-term commodity prices, discount rates, future capital requirements, exploration potential and future operating performance. Fair value is determined as the amount that would be obtained from the sale of the asset in an arm’s length transaction between knowledgeable and willing parties.