Inventory Accounting Policy
Inventories and stockpiled ore
Finished goods, work-in-process, heap leach ore and stockpiled ore are measured at the lower of average cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is calculated as the estimated price at the time of sale based on prevailing and long-term metal prices less estimated future costs to convert the inventories into saleable form and estimated costs to sell.
Ore extracted from the mines is stockpiled and subsequently processed into finished goods (gold and by-products in doré or concentrate form). Costs are included in work-in-process inventory based on current costs incurred up to the point prior to the refining process, including applicable depreciation and depletion of mining interests, and removed at the average cost per recoverable ounce of gold. The average costs of finished goods represent the average costs of work-in-process inventories incurred prior to the refining process, plus applicable refining costs.
The recovery of gold and by-products from certain oxide ore is achieved through a heap leaching process at the Peñasquito, Los Filos, Marigold and Wharf mines. Under this method, ore is stacked on leach pads and treated with a chemical solution that dissolves the gold contained within the ore. The resulting "pregnant" solution is further processed in a plant where the gold is recovered. Costs are included in heap leach ore inventory based on current mining and leaching costs, including applicable depreciation and depletion of mining interests and refining costs, and removed from heap leach ore inventory as ounces of gold are recovered at the average cost per recoverable ounce of gold on the leach pads. Estimates of recoverable gold on the leach pads are calculated based on the quantities of ore placed on the leach pads (measured tonnes added to the leach pads), the grade of ore placed on the leach pads (based on assay data), and a recovery percentage (based on ore type).
Supplies are measured at average cost. In the event that the net realizable value of the finished product, the production of which the supplies are held for use in, is lower than the expected cost of the finished product, the supplies are written down to net realizable value. Replacement costs of supplies are generally used as the best estimate of net realizable value.
The costs of inventories sold during the period are presented as mine operating costs in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Source: Goldcorp Inc., Annual Report
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