## Provisions 

## Decommissioning and restoration provisions 

Future obligations to retire an asset and to restore a site, including dismantling, remediation and ongoing treatment and monitoring of the site related to normal operations are initially recognized and recorded as a provision based on estimated future cash flows discounted at a credit adjusted risk-free rate. This decommissioning and restoration provision is adjusted at each reporting period for changes to factors including the expected amount of cash flows required to discharge the liability, the timing of such cash flows and the discount rate. 

The provisions are also accreted to full value over time through periodic charges to profit. This unwinding of the discount is charged to finance expense in the statement of income. 

The amount of the decommissioning and restoration provision initially recognized is capitalized as part of the related asset’s carrying value and depreciated to profit. The method of depreciation follows that of the underlying asset. The costs related to a decommissioning and restoration provision are only capitalized to the extent that the amount meets the definition of an asset and can bring about future economic benefit. For a closed site or where the asset which generated a decommissioning and restoration provision no longer exists, there is no longer any future benefit related to the costs and, as such, the amounts are expensed. For operating sites, a revision in estimates or a new disturbance will result in an adjustment to the liability with an offsetting adjustment to the capitalized retirement cost. 

## Environmental disturbance restoration provisions 

During the operating life of an asset, events such as infractions of environmental laws or regulations may occur. These events are not related to the normal operation of the asset. The costs associated with these provisions are accrued and charged to profit in the period in which the event giving rise to the liability occurs. Any subsequent adjustments to these provisions due to changes in estimates are also charged to profit in the period of adjustment. 

## Other provisions 

Provisions are recognized when a present legal or constructive obligation exists, as a result of past events, and it is probable that an outflow of resources that can be reliably estimated will be required to settle the obligation. Where the effect is material, the provision is discounted using an appropriate credit-adjusted risk-free rate. 

## Share Repurchases 

Where we repurchase any of our equity share capital, the excess of the consideration paid over book value is deducted from contributed surplus and retained earnings on a pro-rata basis. 

## Research and Development 

Research costs are expensed as incurred. Development costs are only deferred when the product or process is clearly defined, the technical feasibility has been established, the future market for the product or process is clearly defined and we are committed to, and have the resources to, complete the project. 

## Earnings per Share 

Earnings per share is calculated based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year. For diluted earnings per share, dilution is calculated based upon the net number of common shares issued should “in-the-money” options and warrants be exercised and the proceeds used to repurchase common shares at the average market price in the year. Dilution from convertible securities is calculated based on the number of shares to be issued after taking into account the reduction of the related after-tax interest expense. 

