AngloGold Ashanti Limited (2010)
1.3 Summary of significant accounting policies [extract]
Environmental expenditure
The group has long-term remediation obligations comprising decommissioning and restoration liabilities relating to its past operations which are based on the group’s environmental management plans, in compliance with the current environmental and regulatory requirements. Provisions for non-recurring remediation costs are made when there is a present obligation, it is probable that expense on remediation work will be required and the cost can be estimated within a reasonable range of possible outcomes. The costs are based on currently available facts, technology expected to be available at the time of the clean up, laws and regulations presently or virtually certain to be enacted and prior experience in remediation of contaminated sites.
Contributions for the South African operations are made to Environmental Rehabilitation Trust Funds, created in accordance with local statutory requirements where applicable, to fund the estimated cost of rehabilitation during and at the end of the life of a mine. The amounts contributed to the trust funds are accounted for as non-current assets in the company. Interest earned on monies paid to rehabilitation trust funds is accrued on a time proportion basis and is recorded as interest income. For group purposes the trusts are consolidated.
Decommissioning costs
The provision for decommissioning represents the cost that will arise from rectifying damage caused before production commenced. Accordingly an asset is recognised and included within mine infrastructure.
Decommissioning costs are provided at the present value of the expenditures expected to settle the obligation, using estimated cash flows based on current prices. The unwinding of the decommissioning obligation is included in the income statement. Estimated future costs of decommissioning obligations are reviewed regularly and adjusted as appropriate for new circumstances or changes in law or technology. Changes in estimates are capitalised or reversed against the relevant asset. Estimates are discounted at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money.
Gains or losses from the expected disposal of assets are not taken into account when determining the provision.