UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.20549

FORM 20-F
ANNUAL REPORT

[ ]
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

[x]
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016

OR

[ ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

[ ]
SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Date of event requiring this shell company report ……………………………………………

For the transition period from ……………………………… to ………………………………

Commission file number   000-13345

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Jersey Channel Islands
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
(“Previously Caledonia Mining Corporation”)
3 rd Floor, Weighbridge House, St Helier, Jersey, JE2 3NF
(Address of principal executive offices)

Mark Learmonth, +44 1534 679 800, marklearmonth@caledoniamining.com , 3 rd Floor, Weighbridge House, St Helier, Jersey Channel Islands, JE2 3NF
(Name, telephone, email and/or facsimile number and address of Company Contact Person)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act
 


Common Shares, without par value 52,787,428
(Title of Class)

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

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or stock as of the closing of the period covered by the annual report: 52,787,428 (Common shares or shares)

Indicate by check mark if the registration is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

[  ] Yes   [X] No

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

[  ] Yes   [X] No

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 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

[X] 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).

[X] Yes [   ] No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer [   ]   Accelerated filer [   ]   Non-accelerated filer [X]

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

U.S. GAAP [   ]
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board [X]

Other [  ]
2


If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow

Item 17 [  ]   Item 18 [  ]

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

[   ] Yes   [X] No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court: N/A

3



TABLE OF CONTENTS

ITEM 1 - IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
8
ITEM 2 - OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
8
ITEM 3 - KEY INFORMATION
8
A.
Selected Financial Data
8
B.
Capitalization and Indebtedness
9
C.
Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
9
D.
Risk Factors
9
ITEM 4 - INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
18
A.
History and Development of the Company
18
B.
Business Overview
20
C.
Organizational Structure
26
D.
Property, Plant and Equipment
27
ITEM 4A - UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
27
ITEM 5- OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
27
A.
Operational Results
27
B.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
32
C.
Research and development, patents and licences
34
D.
Trend Information
34
E.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
34
F.
Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations
34
ITEM 6 - DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
34
A.
Directors and Senior Management
34
B.
Compensation
39
C.
Board Practices
40
D.
Employees
40
E.
Share Ownership
41
ITEM 7 - MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
42
A.
Major Shareholders
42
B.
Related Party Transactions
42
C.
Interests of Experts and Counsel
43
ITEM 8 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
43
A.
Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
43
B.
Significant Changes
44
ITEM 9 - THE OFFERING AND LISTING
44
A.
Offering and Listing Details
44
ITEM 10 - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  47
A.
Share Capital
47
B.
Articles of Association
47
C.
Material Contracts
48
D.
Exchange Controls
48
E.
Taxation
48
F.
Dividends and Paying Agents
52
G.
Statement by Experts
52
H.
Documents on Display
52
I.
Subsidiary Information
53
ITEM 11 - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
53
A.
Currency Risk
53
B.
Interest Rate Risk
54
C.
Concentration of Credit Risk
55
D.
Liquidity Risk
55
E.
Commodity Price Risk
55
ITEM 12 - DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
55
ITEM 13 - DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARS AND DELINQUENCIES
55
ITEM 14 - MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
55
ITEM 15 - CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
56
ITEM 16A - AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
57
ITEM 16B - CODE OF ETHICS
57
ITEM 16C - PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
57
ITEM 16D - EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
57
ITEM 16E - PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
57
ITEM 16F - CHANGE IN REGISTRANT'S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
58
ITEM 16G - CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
58
ITEM 16H - MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
58
ITEM 17 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
58
ITEM 18 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
58
ITEM 19 – EXHIBITS
59


4


CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 20-F (" Annual Report ") and the exhibits attached hereto contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities legislation that involve risks and uncertainties relating, but not limited to, Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc’s (“Caledonia” or the “Company”) current expectations, intentions, plans, and beliefs.  Forward-looking information can often be identified by forward-looking words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “goal”, “plan”, “target”, “intend”, “estimate”, “could”, “should”, “may” and “will” or the negative of these terms or similar words suggesting future outcomes, or other expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, intentions or statements about future events or performance.  Examples of forward-looking information in this Annual Report include: production guidance, estimates of future/targeted production rates, planned mill capacity increases, estimates of future metallurgical recovery rates and the ability to maintain high metallurgical recovery rates, Caledonia’s plans and timing regarding further exploration, drilling and development, the prospective nature of exploration and development targets, the ability to upgrade and convert mineral resources to mineral reserves, capital costs, our intentions with respect to financial position and third party financing and future dividend payments.   This forward-looking information is based, in part, on assumptions and factors that may change or prove to be incorrect, thus causing actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking information.  Such factors and assumptions include, but are not limited to: failure to establish estimated resources and reserves, the grade and recovery of ore which is mined varying from estimates, success of future exploration and drilling programs, reliability of drilling, sampling and assay data, assumptions regarding the representativeness of mineralization being inaccurate, success of planned metallurgical test-work, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals, changes in government regulations, legislation and rates of taxation, inflation, changes in exchange rates and the availability of foreign exchange, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in the development of projects and other factors.

Shareholders, potential shareholders and other prospective investors should be aware that these statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements.  Such factors include, but are not limited to: risks relating to estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources proving to be inaccurate, fluctuations in gold price, risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected geological or structural formations, pressures, power outages, explosions, landslides, cave-ins and flooding), risks relating to the credit worthiness or financial condition of suppliers, refiners and other parties with whom the Company does business; inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks and hazards, employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; political risk; availability and increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labor; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, including the risks of obtaining or maintaining necessary licenses and permits, diminishing quantities or grades of mineral reserves as mining occurs; global financial condition, the actual results of current exploration activities, changes to conclusions of economic evaluations, and changes in project parameters to deal with un-anticipated economic or other factors, risks of increased capital and operating costs, environmental, safety or regulatory risks, expropriation, the Company’s title to properties including ownership thereof, increased competition in the mining industry for properties, equipment, qualified personnel and their costs, risks relating to the uncertainty of timing of events including targeted production rate increase and currency fluctuations.  Shareholders are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.  By its nature, forward-looking information involves numerous assumptions, inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and various future events will not occur.  Caledonia reviews forward-looking information for the purposes of preparing each annual report, however Caledonia undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or other such factors which affect this information, except as required by law.  For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements .

STATUS AS AN EMERGING GROWTH COMPANY
We are an “emerging growth company” as defined in Section 3(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”) by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the " JOBS Act "), and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. We will continue to qualify as an "emerging growth company" until the earliest to occur of: (a) the last day of the fiscal year during which we had total annual gross revenues of US$1,000,000,000 (as such amount is indexed for inflation every 5 years by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“ SEC ”)) or more; (b) the last day of our fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of equity securities pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act; (c) the date on which we have, during the previous 3-year period, issued more than US$1,000,000,000 in non-convertible debt; or (d) the date on which we are deemed to be a "large accelerated filer", as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2. We expect to continue to be an emerging growth company for the foreseeable future.
5

Generally, a registrant that registers any class of its securities under section 12 of the Exchange Act is required to include in the second and all subsequent annual reports filed by it under the Exchange Act, a management report on internal control over financial reporting and, subject to an exemption available to registrants that are neither an "accelerated filer" or a "larger accelerated filer" (as those terms are defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2), an auditor attestation report on management's assessment of internal control over financial reporting. However, for so long as we continue to qualify as an emerging growth company, we will be exempt from the requirement to include an auditor attestation report on management’s assessment of internal controls over financial reporting in its annual reports filed under the Exchange Act, even if we were to qualify as an "accelerated filer" or a "larger accelerated filer". In addition, Section 103(a)(3) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “ Sarbanes-Oxley Act ”) has been amended by the JOBS Act to provide that, among other things, auditors of an emerging growth company are exempt from any rules of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board requiring mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report in which the auditor would be required to provide additional information about the audit and the financial statements of the company.
CHANGE OF DOMICILE
On February 18, 2016 a special meeting of Caledonia’s shareholders voted to approve the re-domicile of the Company from Canada to Jersey, Channel Islands by a process called continuance (the “ Continuance ”). Caledonia’s board of directors subsequently resolved to proceed with the Continuance which became effective on March 19, 2016 whereupon the Company also adopted new charter documents and changed its name to Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc.  Following the Continuance, Caledonia is domiciled in Jersey, Channel Islands, for legal and tax purposes; Caledonia’s shares continue to be listed and traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange, depositary interests representing the shares are admitted to trading on AIM of the London Stock Exchange plc (“ AIM ”) and its shares continue to be traded on the OTCQX in the United States of America.
NON-IFRS FINANCIAL INFORMATION
This Annual Report contains financial statements of the Company prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“ IFRS ”).  In addition, this Annual Report also contains non-IFRS financial measures (“ Non-IFRS Measures ”) including “on-mine cost per ounce”, “all-in sustaining cost per ounce”, “all-in cost per ounce”, “average realized gold price” and “adjusted earnings per share” as we believe these are useful metrics for measuring our performance. However, these Non-IFRS Measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are not necessarily comparable to similar measures presented by other publicly traded entities. These measures should be considered as supplemental in nature and not as a substitute for related financial information prepared in accordance with IFRS.

FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER FILINGS
We are considered a “foreign private issuer” pursuant to Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”). In our capacity as a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from certain rules under the Exchange Act that impose certain disclosure obligations and procedural requirements for proxy solicitations under Section 14 of the Exchange Act. In addition, our officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and “short-swing” profit recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules under the Exchange Act with respect to their purchases and sales of our shares. Moreover, we are not required to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as United States companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act. In addition, we are not required to comply with Regulation FD, which restricts the selective disclosure of material information.
 
6


For as long as we are a “foreign private issuer” we intend to file our annual financial statements on Form 20-F and furnish our quarterly financial statements on Form 6-K to the SEC for so long as we are subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13(g) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. However, the information we file or furnish may not be the same as the information that is required in annual and quarterly reports on Form 10-K or Form 10-Q for U.S. domestic issuers. Accordingly, there may be less information publicly available concerning us than there is for a company that files as a domestic issuer.

We may take advantage of these exemptions until such time as we are no longer a foreign private issuer. We are required to determine our status as a foreign private issuer on an annual basis at the end of our second fiscal quarter. We would cease to be a foreign private issuer at such time as more than 50% of our outstanding voting securities are held by United States residents and any of the following three circumstances applies: (1) the majority of our executive officers or directors are United States citizens or residents; (2) more than 50% of our assets are located in the United States; or (3) our business is administered principally in the United States. If we lose our “foreign private issuer status” we would be required to comply with Exchange Act reporting and other requirements applicable to U.S. domestic issuers, which are more detailed and extensive than the requirement for “foreign private issuers”.

CAUTIONARY NOTE TO U.S. INVESTORS REGARDING RESOURCE AND RESERVE ESTIMATES

This Annual Report 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. The terms “mineral reserve”, “proven mineral reserve” and “probable mineral reserve” are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the “CIM”) - CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves , adopted by the CIM Council, as amended. These definitions differ from the definitions in SEC Industry Guide 7 under the Securities Act. Under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a “final” or “bankable” feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average price is used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves and the primary environmental analysis or report must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority.

In addition, the terms “mineral resource”, “measured mineral resource”, “indicated mineral resource” and “inferred mineral resource” are defined in and required to be disclosed by NI 43-101; however, these terms are not defined terms under SEC Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. “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, estimates of 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 Industry Guide 7 standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.

Accordingly, information contained in this Annual Report and the documents incorporated by reference herein contain descriptions of our mineral deposits that may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. All references in this Annual Report to the terms “we”, “our”, “us”, “the Company” and “Caledonia” refer to the consolidated operations of Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc and its subsidiaries unless otherwise specifically noted or the context requires otherwise.
 
 
7


ITEM 1 - IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
Not Applicable.
ITEM 2 - OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not Applicable.
ITEM 3 - KEY INFORMATION
A.
Selected Financial Data
The following tables present our selected consolidated financial data. You should read these tables in conjunction with our audited Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes included in Item 18 of this Annual Report and “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” included in Item 5 of this Annual Report.

The selected consolidated financial information set forth below has been derived from our audited Consolidated Financial Statements that are prepared in accordance with IFRS, which differ in certain respects from the principles we would have followed had our Consolidated Financial Statements been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The selected consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes thereto.


Financial – All in USD’000’s unless indicated otherwise
2016
2015
2014 (2)
2013 (2)
2012 (2)
Revenue
61,992
48,977
53,313
63,217
75,236
Gross Profit
23,492
13,181
18,543
29,010
40,923
Net Income /(Loss) – after tax from operations
11,085
5,590
5,946
(477)
7,122
Net Income /(Loss) – after tax from continuing operations
11,085
5,590
5,946
(477)
7,122
Profit attributable to owners of the Company
8,526
4,779
4,435
(2,967)
8,515
Net cash and cash equivalent
14,335
10,880
23,082
21,901
28,125
Current Assets
25,792
23,562
31,743
33,800
35,525
Total Assets
90,709
72,838
66,479
65,072
72,297
Current Liabilities
9,832
8,397
4,972
7,044
9,341
Long Term Liabilities
21,560
14,080
11,164
9,437
6,973
Working Capital
15,960
15,165
26,771
26,756
26,184
Net Assets
59,317
50,361
50,343
48,591
55,983
Total Capital Expenditures (Cash)
19,885
16,567
6,150
11,396
7,910
Dividend per share – cents (1)
4.9
4.8
5.4
9.8
-
Earnings/(loss) per share – cents (1)
15.9
8.9
8.4
(5.4)
17.2
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share – cents (1)
15.8
8.9
8.4
(5.4)
17.2


8

Share Information
 
 
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
Market Capitalization (Thousands) at December 31 (3)
60,178
32,209
31,791
39,088
46,301
Shares Outstanding (Thousands) (1)
52,787
52,078
52,117
52,117
51,446
Options  Outstanding (Thousands) (1)
461
2,241
2,565
2,848
3,330

(1)
All dividend per share, earnings per share, diluted earnings per share and option numbers are stated on the basis of the 1:10 reverse split that took place in 2013.
(2)
All amounts before January 1, 2015 have been restated to United States Dollar (“ USD ”) or (“ $ ”).
(3)
Based on the OTCQX share price quoted in USD.

B.
Capitalization and Indebtedness
Caledonia financed all its operations using funds on hand, those generated by its operations and by an increase in its debt facilities.  No equity financing took place in 2016 (other than the receipt of proceeds from the exercise of share options). Blanket Mine (1983) (Private) Limited (“ Blanket ” or “ Blanket Mine ”, being the company or, as the context requires, the mine (the “ mine ”) owned by the company) has an unsecured $2 million overdraft facility in Zimbabwe which is repayable on demand. At December 31, 2016, the facility was undrawn.  In October 2016, Blanket drew down a $3 million two-year term facility all of which remained payable as at December 31, 2016, with the first repayment falling due and being duly paid in January 2017.

C.
Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not Applicable.

D.
Risk Factors
An investment in our shares involves a high degree of risk and should be considered speculative. You should carefully consider the following risks set out below and other information before investing in our shares.  If any event arising from these risks occurs, our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows could be adversely affected, the trading price of our shares could decline and all or part of any investment may be lost.

Our operations are highly speculative due to the high-risk nature of our business, which include the acquisition, financing, exploration, development of mineral infrastructure and operation of mines. The risks and uncertainties set out below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial, may also impair our operations. If any of the risks actually occur, our business, financial condition and operating results could be adversely affected. As a result, the trading price of our shares could decline and investors could lose part or all of their investment. Our business is subject to significant risks and past performance is no guarantee of future performance.

The price of gold is subject to volatility and may have a significant effect on our future activities and profitability.

Our revenues, operations and exploration and development projects are, and are expected to be, heavily derived from and influenced by the price of gold, which is particularly subject to fluctuation and has fluctuated significantly in recent years.  The price of gold is affected by numerous factors beyond our control including, but not limited to: international economic and political conditions; expectations of inflation; international currency exchange rates; interest rates; global or regional consumption patterns; speculative activities; levels of supply and demand; increased production due to new mine developments and improved mining and production methods; availability and costs of metal substitutes and; inventory carrying costs.  The effect of these factors on the price of gold, and therefore the economic viability of our operations cannot be accurately predicted.  In February 2016, the Company entered into a hedge in respect of 15,000 ounces of gold over a period of 6 months.  The hedge protected the Company if the gold price fell below $1,050 per ounce and gave the Company full participation if the price of gold exceeded $1,079 per ounce. The derivative financial instrument was entered into by the Company for economic hedging purposes and not as a speculative investment and was closed out in August 2016. The derivative contract resulted in a loss of $435,000 included in profit or loss. The Company settled the loss with the $435,000 margin call deposited at the inception of the hedge transaction. During the year Blanket continued to sell all of its gold production to Fidelity Printers and Refiners Ltd (“ Fidelity ”), as required by Zimbabwean legislation, and received the spot price of gold less an early settlement discount of 1.25%. No gold hedge was in place as at December 31, 2016 giving the Company full exposure to gold price fluctuations.
 
9

We cannot guarantee that there will not be an increase in input costs affecting our results of operations and financial performance.

Mining companies generally have experienced higher costs of steel, reagents, labor and electricity and from local and national government for levies, fees, royalties and other direct and indirect taxes. Our planned growth at Blanket Mine should allow the fixed cost component to be absorbed over increased production, thereby helping to alleviate somewhat the effect of any further price increases. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to control such input costs and any increase in input costs above our expectations may have a negative result on our results of operations and financial performance.

Our operations may be subject to increased costs or even suspended or terminated as a result of any loss of required infrastructure in our operations.

Infrastructure, including electricity supplies, that is currently available and used by us may, as result of natural disaster, incorrect or inadequate maintenance, sabotage or for other reasons, be destroyed or made unavailable or available in a reduced capacity.  Were this to occur, operations at our properties may become more costly or have to be curtailed or even terminated, potentially having serious adverse consequences to our financial condition and viability that could, in turn, have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial performance. Blanket also has a combined 16MW of installed stand-by diesel generating capacity which is sufficient to allow all mining and processing activities and shaft-sinking work at the central shaft to continue if there are any interruptions to the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (“ ZESA ”) supply.

We do business in countries and jurisdictions outside of the United States where different economic, cultural, regulatory and political environments could adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The jurisdictions in which we operate are unpredictable. Assets and investments in these foreign jurisdictions are subject to risks that are usually associated with operating in a foreign country and any of these could result in a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial performance.  These risks include, but are not limited to, access to assets, labor disputes and unrest; arbitrary revocation of government orders, approvals, licenses and permits; corruption; uncertain political and economic environments; bribery; war; civil disturbances and terrorist actions; sudden and arbitrary changes to laws and regulations; delays in obtaining government permits; limitations on foreign ownership; more onerous foreign exchange controls; currency devaluations; import and export regulations; inadequate, damaged or poorly maintained infrastructure; and endemic illnesses. There can be no guarantee that governments in these jurisdictions will not unilaterally expropriate the property of companies that are involved in mining.

Caledonia’s mining operations are conducted in Zimbabwe and, as such, these operations are exposed to various levels of political, economic and other risks and uncertainties in addition to those set out above.  These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, expropriation and nationalization, or mandatory levels of Zimbabwean ownership beyond currently mandated levels; renegotiation, nullification or partisan terms of existing concessions, licences, permits and contracts; illegal mining; changes in taxation policies; restrictions on foreign exchange and repatriation; and changing political conditions, currency controls and governmental regulations that favor or require the awarding of contracts to local contractors or require foreign contractors to employ citizens of, or purchase supplies from, a particular jurisdiction.

In 2009, the government of Zimbabwe made foreign currencies legal tender in Zimbabwe and abolished the Zimbabwe dollar. However, there is no guarantee that the Zimbabwe government will not reintroduce the local currency.  The approval of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (“ RBZ ”) is required for all flows of money into and out of Zimbabwe. Caledonia and its subsidiaries have not encountered difficulty in obtaining the necessary approval from the RBZ. Zimbabwe is experiencing a shortage of currency inflows, which means that foreign payments from Zimbabwe may encounter delays in execution.
 
10


If one of more of these risks occur, it could have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial performance.

Furthermore, the royalty rate in Zimbabwe is subject to change. Effective January 1, 2012, Zimbabwe increased the gross royalty payable to the Zimbabwe government from 4.5% to 7% of the gross revenues received by mining companies operating in Zimbabwe from gold sales. Effective January 1, 2014, there was a change in the regulations which means that the royalty payable to the Zimbabwe government was no longer allowable as a deduction for the purposes of calculating income tax.  With effect from October 1, 2014 the royalty rate was reduced to 5%.  Changes to Zimbabwean legislation in January 2014 required all Zimbabwean gold producers to sell their production to Fidelity for a sale value which represents 98.75% of the value of the gold contained.  Prior to this change, Blanket Mine sold its gold to a non-Zimbabwean refiner and received 100% of the value of the gold contained. With effect from February 3, 2015, Blanket receives 98.75% of the value of the gold it delivers to Fidelity.  In an attempt to stimulate increased gold production, the Government of Zimbabwe reduced the royalty rate applicable to large scale gold producers in Zimbabwe from 5% to 3% for sales in 2016 that exceed the sales made in 2015. In 2016 Blanket sold 7,326 more ounces than it sold in 2015, which resulted in a reduction in the royalty charge of approximately $181,000 .

Our operations are subject to various government approvals, permits,  licenses and legal regulation for which no assurance can be provided that if such approvals, permits or licenses will be obtained or if obtained will not be revoked or suspended or any continued compliance with applicable laws or regulations thereunder.

Government approvals, permits and licenses are required in connection with a number of our activities and additional approvals, permits and licenses may be required in the future. The duration and success of our efforts to obtain approvals, permits and licenses are contingent upon many variables outside of our control.  Obtaining governmental approvals, permits and licenses can increase costs and cause delays depending on the nature of the activity and the interpretation of applicable requirements implemented by the relevant authority.  While we and our affiliates currently hold the necessary licenses to conduct operations there can be no assurance that all necessary approvals, permits and licenses will be maintained or obtained or that the costs involved will not exceed our estimates or that we will be able to maintain such permits or licenses.  To the extent such approvals, permits and licenses are not obtained or maintained, we may be prohibited from proceeding with planned drilling, exploration, development or operation of properties which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial performance.

In addition, failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and requirements in the countries in which we operate may result in enforcement action, including orders calling for the curtailment or termination of operations on our property, or calling for corrective or remedial measures requiring considerable capital investment.  Although we believe that our activities are currently carried out in all material respects in accordance with applicable rules and regulations, no assurance can be given that new rules and regulations will not be enacted or that existing rules and regulations will not be applied in a manner that could limit or curtail production or development of our properties or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial performance.

We face risks related to mining, exploration and mine construction, if warranted, on potential properties.

Our level of profitability, if any, in future years will depend on whether the Blanket Mine produces at forecasted rates and whether any exploration stage properties can be brought into production. The mining, exploration and development of mineral deposits involves significant risks. It is impossible to ensure that any current and future exploration programs will establish reserves. Whether a mineral ore body will be commercially viable depends on a number of factors, and the exact effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted, but the combination of these factors may result in us receiving an adequate return on invested capital. The exploration, development and production activities are subject to political, economic and other risks, including:

-   cancellation or renegotiation of contracts;
-   changes in local and foreign laws and regulations;
-   changes in tax laws;
-
delays or refusal in granting prospecting permissions, mining authorizations and work permits for foreign management staff;
-   environmental controls and permitting;
-   expropriation or nationalization of property or assets;
-   foreign exchange controls;
-             government mandated social expenditures;
-
import and export regulation, including restrictions on the sale of production in foreign currencies;
 
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-   industrial relations and the associated stability thereof;
-   inflation of cost that is not compensated for by a currency devaluation;
-
requirement that a foreign subsidiary or operating unit have a domestic joint venture partner, which, possibly, the foreign company must subsidize;
-
restrictions on the ability of local operating companies to sell their production for foreign currencies, and on the ability of such companies to hold these foreign currencies in offshore and/or local bank accounts;
-
restrictions on the ability of a foreign company to have management control of exploration and/or development and/or mining operations;
-   restrictions on the remittance of dividend and interest payments offshore;
-   retroactive tax or royalty claims;
-   risks of loss due to civil strife, acts of war, guerrilla activities, insurrection and terrorism;
-   royalties and tax increases or claims by governmental entities;
-   unreliable local infrastructure and services such as power, water, communications and transport links;
-   demands or actions by native or indigenous groups;
-
other risks arising out of foreign sovereignty over the areas in which operations are conducted; and
-
lack of investment funding;

Such risks could potentially arise in any country in which we operate.

As a result of the foregoing, our exploration, development and production activities in Zimbabwe may be substantially affected by factors beyond our control, any of which could materially adversely affect our financial position or results from operations. Furthermore, in the event of a dispute arising from such activities, we may be subject to exclusive jurisdiction of courts outside North America or may not be successful in subjecting persons to the jurisdiction of the courts in North America, which could adversely affect the outcome of a dispute.

We will need to identify new resources to replace ore which has been depleted by mining activities and to commence new projects.  No assurance can be given that exploration activities by us will be successful in identifying sufficient mineral resources of an adequate grade and suitable metallurgical characteristics suitable for further development or production.

Blanket Mine is our principal mining asset. In addition, Blanket Mine has title to numerous but smaller satellite properties in the surrounding Gwanda greenstone terrain. These satellite properties are in the exploration stage and are without any known bodies of commercial ore. Further development of the properties will only proceed upon obtaining satisfactory exploration results. There is no assurance that our mineral exploration activities will result in any discoveries of commercial bodies of mineral reserves.  The long-term profitability of our operations will, in part, be directly related to the costs and success of our exploration programs, which may be affected by a number of factors.

There can be no assurance, even when an economic deposit of minerals is located, that any of our property interests can be commercially mined. The exploration and development of mineral deposits involve a high degree of financial risk over a significant period of time which a combination of careful evaluation, experience and knowledge of management may not eliminate. While discovery of additional ore-bearing structures may result in substantial rewards, few properties which are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. Major expenses may be required to establish reserves by drilling and to construct mining and processing facilities at a particular site. It is impossible to ensure that our current exploration programs will result in profitable commercial mining operations. The profitability of our operations will be, in part, directly related to the cost and success of its exploration and development programs which may be affected by a number of factors. Additional expenditures are required to establish reserves which are sufficient to commercially mine and to construct, complete and install mining and processing facilities in those properties that are actually mined and developed.

Further development and commercial production at Blanket Mine and the other surrounding properties cannot be assured.

We are engaged in further development activities at Blanket Mine and its surrounding properties. Estimates for future production, at Blanket Mine, are based on mining plans and are subject to change. Production estimates are subject to risk and no assurance can be given that future production estimates will be achieved.  Actual production may vary from estimated production for a variety of reasons including un-anticipated variations in grades, mined tonnages and geological conditions, accident and equipment breakdown, changes in metal prices and the cost and supply of inputs and changes to government regulations. Construction and development of projects are subject to numerous risks including, but not limited to: obtaining equipment, permits and services; changes in regulations; currency rate changes; labor shortages; fluctuations in metal prices; and the loss of community support.
 
12


Substantial expenditures are required to establish reserves through drilling, to develop metallurgical processes to extract gold from ore and to develop the mining, processing facilities and infrastructure at any site chosen for mining.  Although substantial benefits may be derived from the discovery of a major mineralized deposit, no assurance can be given that minerals will be capable of economic extraction by metallurgical process, or discovered in sufficient quantities or grades, or the estimated operating costs of the mining venture are sufficient, to justify development of the deposit, or that the funds required for development can be obtained on a timely and economically acceptable basis.

The marketability of any minerals acquired or discovered may be affected by numerous factors which are beyond our control and which cannot be predicted, such as metal price and market fluctuations, the proximity and capacity of milling facilities, mineral markets and processing equipment, and such other factors as government regulations, including regulations relating to royalties, allowable production, importing and exporting of minerals, and environmental protection.  Depending on the price of minerals produced, the Company may determine that it is not commercially feasible to commence or continue commercial production.

We face credit risk exposure from counterparties to certain contractual obligations and there is no assurance that any such counterparty may not default in such obligation causing us to incur a financial loss.

Credit risk is the risk that a party with a contractual obligation with us will default causing a loss.  New regulations introduced by the Zimbabwean Ministry of Finance in January 2014 require that all gold produced in Zimbabwe must be sold to Fidelity, a company which is controlled by the Zimbabwean authorities.  Accordingly, all of our production from Blanket Mine is sold to Fidelity. To date, Blanket has received all payments due from Fidelity in full and on time.  This arrangement introduces a credit risk, beyond our control, that receivables and contractual performance due from Fidelity will not be paid or performed in a timely manner, or at all. If Fidelity or the Zimbabwean government were unable or unwilling to conduct business with us, or satisfy obligations to us, we could experience a material adverse effect upon our operations and financial performance.

From May 2016 the RBZ announced a 2.5% export incentive for large scale gold producers. In terms of the directive the Blanket Mine will receive an additional 2.5% on all proceeds of gold sales to Fidelity. As at March 30, 2017 all export incentive payments outstanding as at December 31, 2016 were received in USD. In January 2017, Blanket Mine was awarded an additional export incentive credit of 1% of sale proceeds, thus the total export incentive in 2017 is expected to be 3.5% of revenues.

The mining industry is highly competitive and there is no guarantee we will always be able to compete effectively.

The mining industry is a highly diverse and competitive international business.  The selection of geographic areas of interest are only limited by the degree of risk a company is willing to accept by the acquisition of  properties in emerging or developed markets and/or prospecting in explored or virgin territory.  Mining, by its nature, is a competitive business with the search for fresh ground with good exploration potential and the raising of the requisite capital to move projects forward to production. There is aggressive competition within the mining industry for the discovery and acquisition of properties considered to have commercial potential. We will compete with other interests, many of which have greater financial resources than we will have, for the opportunity to participate in promising projects. Such competition may have better access to potential resources, more developed infrastructure, more available capital, have better access to necessary financing, and more knowledgeable and available employees than us. We may encounter competition in acquiring mineral properties, hiring mining professionals, obtaining mining resources, such as manpower, drill rigs, and other mining equipment. Such competitors could outbid us for potential projects or produce gold at lower costs. Increased competition could also affect our ability to attract necessary capital funding or acquire suitable properties or prospects for gold exploration or production in the future. Significant capital investment is required to achieve commercial production from successful exploration and development efforts.  Globally, the mining industry is prone to cyclical variations in the price of the commodities produced by it, as dictated by supply and demand factors, speculative factors and industry-controlled marketing cartels.  Nature provides the ultimate uncertainty with geological and occasionally climatic surprises. Commensurate with the acceptance of this risk profile is the potential for high rewards.   If we are unable to successfully compete for properties, capital, customers or employees it could have a materially adverse effect on our results of operations.
 
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We are required to facilitate the economic participation of certain indigenous groups in our business and there can be no assurance that such required participation will be at fair market value.

The government of Zimbabwe has introduced legislation (typically referred to as indigenisation) requiring companies to facilitate participation in their shareholdings and business enterprises by the indigenous population.  It is not assured that such interests will be paid for at full fair value, which may result in increased political and economic risks of operating in that area. As reported Blanket Mine has complied with the requirements of the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act in Zimbabwe whereby indigenous shareholders legally own 51% ownership of Blanket Mine since September 2012. Refer to note 5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the indigenisation transaction.

We currently do not depend on our ability to successfully access the capital and financial markets. However, should our financial position change any inability to access the capital or financial markets may limit our ability to execute our business plan or pursue investments that we may rely on for future growth.

We expect that, for at least fiscal years 2017 through to 2021, we can fund all of our current exploration, development and production operations from cash on hand, overdraft and debt facilities and cash generated from operating activities.

Depending on our ability to generate income from our operations, we may require further financing for current and future exploration and development.  Should our projections for fiscal years 2017 through to 2021 prove incorrect, in order to finance our working capital needs, we may have to raise funds through the issuance of additional equity or debt securities. Depending on the type and the terms of any financing we pursue, shareholders’ rights and the value of their investment in our shares could be reduced. Any additional equity financing will dilute shareholdings, and new or additional debt financing, if available, may involve restrictions on financing and operating activities. In addition, if we issue secured debt securities, the holders of the debt would have a claim to our assets that would be prior to the rights of shareholders until the debt is paid. Interest on these debt securities would increase costs and negatively impact operating results.

If we are unable to obtain additional financing, as needed, at competitive rates, our ability to implement our business plan and strategy may be affected, and we may be required to reduce the scope of our operations and scale back our exploration and development programs as the case may be. There is, however, no guarantee that we will be able to secure any additional funding or be able to secure funding which will provide us with sufficient funds to meet our objectives, which may adversely affect our business and financial position.

Our share price has been and is likely to continue to be volatile and an investment in our shares could suffer a decline in value .

Market prices for mining company securities, by their nature, are volatile. Factors, such as rapidly changing commodity prices, political unrest globally and in countries where we operate, speculative interest in mining stocks etc. are but a few factors affecting the volatility of the share price. Our shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and depository interests representing our shares are admitted to trading on AIM. Our shares are also quoted in the U.S. on the OTCQX. (The use of the term “share” in this Annual Report also, where the context requires, extends to a depositary interest representing a share.)

You should consider an investment in our shares as risky and invest only if you can withstand a significant loss and wide fluctuations in the market value of your investment. The market price of our shares may be highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations. In addition, the trading volume of our shares may fluctuate and cause significant price variations to occur. If the market price of our shares declines significantly, you may be unable to resell your shares at or above the purchase price, if at all. We cannot assure you that the market price of our shares will not fluctuate or significantly decline in the future. Factors affecting our share price include but are not limited to:

·
actual or expected fluctuations in our operating results;
·
actual or expected changes in our growth rates or our competitors’ growth rates;
·
changes in the market price of gold;
·
changes in the demand for gold;
·
high extraction costs;
·
accidents;
 
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·
changes in market valuations of similar companies;
·
additions to or departures of our key personnel;
·
actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly operating results or those of our competitors;
·
publication of research reports by securities analysts about us or our competitors in the industry;
·
our failure or the failure of our competitors to meet analysts’ projections or guidance that we or our competitors may give to the market;
·
fluctuations of exchange rates between the USD and the South African rand;
·
changes or proposed changes in laws and regulations affecting the gold mining industry;
·
changes in trading volume of our shares on the TSX, AIM or the OTCQX;
·
sales or perceived potential sales of our shares by us, our directors, senior management or our shareholders in the future;
·
short selling or other market manipulation activities;
·
announcement or expectation of additional financing efforts;
·
terrorist acts, acts of war or periods of widespread civil unrest;
·
natural disasters and other calamities;
·
litigation involving us, including: shareholder litigation, investigations or audits by regulators into our  operations; or proceedings initiated by our competitors or clients;
·
strategic decisions by us or our competitors, such as acquisitions, divestitures, spin-offs, joint ventures, strategic investments or changes in business strategy;
·
the passage of legislation or other regulatory developments affecting us or our industry;
·
fluctuations in the valuation of companies perceived by investors to be comparable to us; and
·
conditions in the U.S., Canadian and United Kingdom financial markets or changes in general economic conditions.

We are dependent on key management employees.

Our success depends (i) on the continued contributions of our directors, executive officers, management and consultants, and (ii) on our ability to attract new personnel whenever we seek to implement our business strategy.   The loss of the services of any of these persons could have a materially adverse effect on our business, prospects results of operations and financial performance. The limited availability of mining and other technical skills and experience in Zimbabwe and the difficulty of attracting appropriately skilled employees to Zimbabwe creates a risk that appropriate skills may not be available if, for whatever reason, the current skills base at the Blanket Mine is depleted. There is no assurance that we will always be able to locate and hire all of the personnel that we may require.  Where appropriate, we engage with consulting and service companies to undertake some of the work functions.

Our mineral rights may be subject to defects in title .

We are not currently aware of any significant competing ownership claims or encumbrances respecting title to our properties.  However, the ownership and validity or title of unpatented mining claims and concessions are often uncertain and may be contested. We also may not have, or may not be able to obtain, all necessary surface rights to develop a property. Although we have taken reasonable measures to ensure proper title to our properties, there is no guarantee of title to our properties or that competing ownership claims or encumbrances respecting our properties will not be made in the future. Title insurance is generally not available for mineral properties and our ability to ensure that we have obtained secure claims to individual mineral properties or mining concessions may be severely constrained. Our mineral properties may be subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers or claims, and title may be affected by, among other things, undetected defects. We may incur significant costs related to defending the title to our properties. A successful claim contesting our title to a property may cause us to compensate other persons or perhaps reduce our interest in the affected property or lose our rights to explore and, if warranted, develop that property. This could result in us not being compensated for our prior expenditures relating to the property. Also, in any such case, the investigation and resolution of title issues would divert our management’s time from ongoing exploration and, if warranted, development programs. Any impairment or defect in title could have a negative impact on us.

We are subject to operational hazards and risks that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial performance.

We are subject to risks typical in the mining business.  These include, but are not limited to, operational issues such as unexpected geological conditions or earthquakes causing unanticipated increases in the costs of extraction or leading to falls of ground and rock bursts, particularly as mining moves into deeper levels.  Major cave-ins, flooding or fires could also occur under extreme conditions.  Although equipment is monitored and maintained and all staff receive safety training, accidents caused by equipment failure or human error could occur.  Such occurrences could result in damage to, or destruction of, mineral properties or production facilities, personal injury or death, environmental damage, delays in mining, monetary losses and possible legal liability.  As a result, we may incur significant liabilities and costs that could have a material adverse effect upon our business, results of operations and financial performance.
 
15


Lawsuits may be filed against us and an adverse ruling in any such lawsuit could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial performance.

We may become party to legal claims arising in the ordinary course of business.  There can be no assurance that unforeseen circumstances resulting in legal claims will not result in significant costs or losses. The outcome of outstanding, pending or future proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty and may be determined adversely to us and as a result, could have a material adverse effect on our assets, liabilities, business, financial condition and results of operations. Even if we prevail in any such legal proceedings, the proceedings could be costly and time-consuming and may divert the attention of management and key personnel from our business operations, which could adversely affect our financial condition. In the event of a dispute arising in respect of our foreign operations, we may be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of foreign courts or may not be successful in subjecting foreign persons to the jurisdiction of courts in the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom, Jersey or international arbitration.  The legal and political environments in which we operate may make it more likely that laws will not be enforced and that judgments will not be upheld.  If we are unsuccessful in enforcing our rights under the agreements to which we are party to or judgments that have been granted, or if laws are not appropriately enforced, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial performance.

We face risks related to illegal mining at Blanket Mine and no assurance can be provided that such illegal mining will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial performance.

Illegal mining activities on properties controlled by Blanket have been identified.  This gives rise to increased security costs and an increased risk of theft and damage to equipment.  Blanket has received adequate support and assistance from the Zimbabwean police in investigating such cases but there can be no guarantee that the support from the Zimbabwean police will continue and whether their support will stop illegal mining activities.

Most of our employees are members of the Associated Mine Workers Union of Zimbabwe and any work stoppage or industrial action implemented by the union may affect our business, results of operations and financial performance.

Most of the employees are members of the Associated Mine Workers Union of Zimbabwe.  Pay rates for all wage-earning staff are negotiated on a Zimbabwe industry-wide basis between the union and representatives of the mine owners.  Any industrial action called by the union may affect our operations even though our operations may not be at the root cause of the action. Strikes, lockouts or other work stoppages could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial performance.  In addition, any work stoppage or labor disruption at key customers or service providers could impede our ability to supply products, to receive critical equipment and supplies for our operations or to collect payment from customers encountering labor disruptions.  Work stoppages or other labor disruptions could increase our costs or impede our ability to operate.

There can be no assurance that changes to any environmental, health and safety laws to which we are currently subject would not adversely affect our exploration and development programs.

Our exploration, development and operations are subject to environment, health and safety laws and regulations (“ EH&S ”) in the countries in which the relevant activity is being conducted.  There is no assurance that future changes in EH&S, if any, will not adversely affect our exploration and development programs or our operations.  There is no assurance that regulatory and environmental approvals required under EH&S will be obtained on a timely basis or if at all. A breach of EH&S may result in the temporary suspension of operations, the imposition of fines, other penalties (including administrative penalties and regulatory prosecution), and government orders, which could potentially have a material adverse effect on operations.

We may enter into acquisitions or other material transactions at any time.

We continually seek to replace and expand our reserves through the exploration of our existing properties and may expand through acquisitions of interests in new properties or of interests in companies which own such properties.  Acquisitions involve a number of risks, including: the possibility that we, as a successor owner, may be legally and financially responsible for liabilities of prior owners; the possibility that we may pay more than the acquired company or assets are worth; the additional expenses associated with completing an acquisition and amortizing any acquired intangible assets; the difficulty of integrating the operations and personnel of an acquired business; the challenge of implementing uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies throughout an acquired business; the inability to integrate, train, retain and motivate key personnel of an acquired business; and the potential disruption of our ongoing business and the distraction of management from its day-to-day operations.  These risks and difficulties, if they materialize, could disrupt our ongoing business, distract management, result in the loss of key personnel, increase expenses and may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial performance.
 
16


As a foreign private issuer, we are permitted to file less information with the SEC than a company that is not a foreign private issuer or that files as a domestic issuer.
 
As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from certain rules under the Exchange Act that impose disclosure requirements as well as procedural requirements for proxy solicitations under Section 14 of the Exchange Act. In addition, our officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and “short-swing” profit recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act. Moreover, we are not required to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as a company that files as a domestic issuer whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act, nor are we generally required to comply with the SEC’s Regulation FD, which restricts the selective disclosure of material non-public information. For as long as we are a “foreign private issuer” we intend to file our annual financial statements on Form 20-F and furnish our quarterly financial statements on Form 6-K to the SEC for so long as we are subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13(g) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. However, the information we file or furnish is not the same as the information that is required in annual and quarterly reports on Form 10-K or Form 10-Q for U.S. domestic issuers. Accordingly, there may be less information publicly available concerning us than there is for a company that files as a domestic issuer.
 
We may lose our foreign private issuer status, which would then require us to comply with the Exchange Act’s domestic reporting regime and cause us to incur additional legal, accounting and other expenses.
 
We are required to determine our status as a foreign private issuer on an annual basis at the end of our second fiscal quarter. In order to maintain our current status as a foreign private issuer, either (1) a majority of our shares must be either directly or indirectly owned of record by non-residents of the United States or (2) (a) a majority of our executive officers or directors must not be U.S. citizens or residents, (b) more than 50 percent of our assets cannot be located in the United States and (c) our business must be administered principally outside the United States. If we lost this status, we would be required to comply with the Exchange Act reporting and other requirements applicable to U.S. domestic issuers, which are more detailed and extensive than the requirements for foreign private issuers. We would also be subject to additional restrictions on offers and sales of securities outside the United States and would have to comply with the generally more restrictive Regulation S requirements under the Securities Act that apply to U.S. domestic companies, which could limit our ability to access capital markets in the future. The regulatory and compliance costs to us under U.S. securities laws if we are required to comply with the reporting requirements applicable to a U.S. domestic issuer may be higher than the cost we would incur as a foreign private issuer. As a result, we expect that a loss of foreign private issuer status would increase our legal and financial compliance costs.
 
We are an emerging growth company and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies may make our shares less attractive to investors and, as a result, adversely affect the price of our shares and result in a less active trading market for our shares.
 
We are an emerging growth company as defined in the JOBS Act, and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. For example, we have elected to rely on an exemption from the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act relating to internal control over financial reporting, and we will not provide such an attestation from our auditors.
 
We may avail ourselves of these disclosure exemptions until we are no longer an emerging growth company. We cannot predict whether investors will find our shares less attractive because of our reliance on some or all of these exemptions. If investors find our shares less attractive, it may adversely impact the price of our shares and there may be a less active trading market for our shares.
 
17

We will cease to be an emerging growth company upon the earliest of:
 
·
the last day of the fiscal year during which we have total annual gross revenues of $1,000,000,000 (as such amount is indexed for inflation every five years by the SEC or more);

·
the last day of our fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of our first sale of equity securities pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act;

·
the date on which we have, during the previous three-year period, issued more than $1,000,000,000 in non- convertible debt; or

·
the date on which we are deemed to be a “large accelerated filer”, as defined in Rule 12b–2 of the Exchange Act, which would occur if the market value of our shares that are held by non-affiliates exceeds $700,000,000 as of the last day of our most recently-completed second fiscal quarter.
 
If we fail to establish and maintain proper internal controls, our ability to produce accurate financial statements or comply with applicable regulations could be impaired.
 
Section 404(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that our management assess and report annually on the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting and identify any material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting. Although Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires our independent registered public accounting firm to issue an annual report that addresses the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting, we have opted to rely on the exemptions provided to us by virtue of being a foreign private issuer and an emerging growth company, and consequently will not be required to comply with SEC rules that implement Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act until we lose our emerging growth company status.
 
If either we are unable to conclude that we have effective internal controls over financial reporting or, at the appropriate time, our independent auditors are unwilling or unable to provide us with an unqualified report on the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting as required by Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, investors may lose confidence in our operating results, the price of our shares could decline and we may be subject to litigation or regulatory enforcement actions.
 
ITEM 4 - INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
 
A.
History and Development of the Company
Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc (previously Caledonia Mining Corporation) was incorporated, effective February 5, 1992, by the amalgamation of three predecessor companies, it was registered at the time under the Canada Business Corporations Act.

Following the creation of Caledonia its shares were listed for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange and quoted on the NASDAQ small caps market.   On October 16, 1998, Caledonia announced that NASDAQ would no longer quote its securities for trading.  Caledonia’s stock then commenced trading on NASDAQ’s OTCQX.  In June 2005, Caledonia was admitted to AIM under the ticker symbol “CMCL”.  Our Toronto Stock Exchange trading symbol is “CAL”.  Effective October 10, 2011 the shares commenced trading in the U.S. on the OTCQX under the ticker symbol CALVF.

Effective March 19, 2016, the Company re-domiciled from Canada to Jersey using a legal process called “Continuance”. The Continuance had no effect on the Company’s listings in Toronto and trading on AIM in London, or the trading facility on the OTCQX in the USA .

The addresses and telephone numbers of Caledonia’s principal offices are:

Registered and Head Office
African Office - South Africa
 
Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Caledonia Mining South Africa Proprietary Limited
3 rd Floor, Weighbridge House, St Helier
4 th Floor, 1 Quadrum office park
Jersey, Channel Islands
Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2198
JE2 3NF
South Africa
(44) 1534 679 9800
(27) 11 447 2499


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Background
 
Effective April 1, 2006 the Company purchased 100% of the issued shares of the Zimbabwean company, Caledonia Holdings Zimbabwe (Private) Ltd (“ CHZ ”), which held the shares of Blanket Mine (1983) (Private) Limited, the owner of the operating Blanket Mine.  The purchase consideration was $1,000,000 and the issuance to the vendor of 20,000,000 shares in the capital of Caledonia.  Because the Company bought the shares of the company owning the Blanket Mine it thereby acquired all of the assets of that company and assumed all of its liabilities.

Description of Our Business
 
Caledonia’s activities are focused on Blanket Mine in Zimbabwe.  The Company’s business during the past three completed fiscal years has been focused primarily on the operation of the Blanket Mine and increasing gold production at Blanket Mine.

Generally, gold mining, development and exploration in Southern Africa is not seasonal, except where heavy seasonal rainfall can affect surface mining or exploration.

Total gold production at Blanket Mine for 2016 was 50,351oz ( 2015: 42,804 oz. ; 2014 : 41,771 oz. ).  The aggregate production at Blanket Mine from January 1, 2017 to February 28, 2017 was 8,013 oz.

Indigenisation of Blanket Mine

During 2012, to comply with Zimbabwean law that requires indigenous Zimbabweans own at least 51% of Blanket Mine, CHZ entered into agreements to transfer a 51% ownership interest in Blanket Mine which did the following:

·
sold a 16% interest to the National Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Fund (“NIEEF”) for $11.74 million;
·
sold a 15% interest to Fremiro Investments (Private) Limited (“Fremiro”), which is owned by indigenous Zimbabweans, for $11.01 million;
·
sold a 10% interest to Blanket Employee Trust Services (Private) Limited (“BETS”) for the benefit of present and future managers and employees for $7.34 million. The shares in BETS are held by the Blanket Mine Employee Trust (the “Employee Trust”) with Blanket Mine’s employees holding participation units in the Employee Trust; and
·
donated a 10% ownership interest to the Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust (“Community Trust”). In addition Blanket Mine paid a non-refundable donation of $1 million to the Community Trust.

Caledonia facilitated the vendor funding of these transactions which is repaid by way of dividends from Blanket Mine. 80% of dividends declared by Blanket Mine are used to repay such loans and the remaining 20% unconditionally accrues to the respective indigenous shareholders.

Outstanding balances on the facilitation loans attract interest at a rate of 10% over the 12-month LIBOR. The timing of the repayment of the loans depends on the future financial performance of Blanket Mine and the extent of future dividends declared by Blanket Mine.

Blanket Mine suspended dividend payments in December 2014 so that it could fund the capital projects in terms of the Investment Plan (see below) and had a moratorium of interest on the facilitation and advanced dividend loans from December 31, 2014 to July 31, 2016. Blanket Mine resumed dividend payments on August 1, 2016 as a result of which the moratorium of interest on the facilitation and advance dividend loans ended. 

The facilitation loans were declared by CHZ (Blanket Mine’s parent company) to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Caledonia, as a dividend in specie.
 
19

Employees

As of December 31, 2016, the Company’s employees comprised of 782 permanent employees and 521 contractors. Of this number, Blanket Mine has 764 permanent employees and 518 contractors.

Significant Acquisitions or Developments

Caledonia did not complete any significant dispositions or significant acquisitions for which disclosure is required since the end of the most recently completed financial year.

B.
Business Overview
Mining and On-Mine Exploration Activities:

Gold Production

Background

Blanket Mine is located approximately 560 km south of Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe and 150 km south of Bulawayo, the country’s second largest city.  The town of Gwanda, the provincial capital of Matabeleland South, is located 16 km southeast of the mine and is approximately 197 km north north-west of the South African border post of Beit Bridge.  The mine is situated in the Gwanda Greenstone Belt from which gold was first produced in the 1800’s.  Blanket Mine holds extensive exploration properties throughout this belt. The Blanket Mine property was first staked in 1904 with mining and metallurgical plant operations starting in 1906 and has since produced over a million ounces of gold.

Geological Setting
 
Like most of the gold mines in Zimbabwe, Blanket Mine is situated in a typical Archaean greenstone terrain, the 70 km long by 15 km wide Gwanda greenstone belt.  This terrain comprises supra crustal metavolcanic rocks similar to those found in the Barberton area of South Africa and the Abitibi area of Canada.  The Blanket Mine property is the largest of the three remaining large gold producers in a greenstone belt that has given rise to approximately 268 gold mines.

Property Geology
 
Blanket Mine is part of the group of mines that makes up the North Western Mining Camp also called the Sabiwa Group of mines. Blanket Mine consists of 9 deposits forming a north-south trend, extending from Sabiwa and Jethro in the south, through Blanket itself to the Feudal, AR South, AR Main, Sheet, Eroica and Lima ore bodies. The geological sequence strikes north-south, dips near-vertically and consists, from east to west, of three main units, a lower Felsic Unit overlain by a Mafic Unit which is in turn capped by an Intermediate Unit to the west. The basal Felsic Unit consists of quartz-sericite schist and is not known to be mineralized. The overlying central Mafic Unit is comprised of a lower sequence of ultramafic (komatiitic) lava flows interlayered with banded iron formation and an upper mafic lava sequence of massive and pillowed lavas. The banded iron formation layers host the mineralized bodies of the adjacent Vubachikwe Mine complex to the south while the Mafic Unit hosts the active Blanket Mine ore bodies in the northern section. The andesitic Intermediate Unit which lies to the west, caps this whole stratigraphy and in not gold-bearing.  A sub-horizontal regional dolerite sill cuts the entire sequence from Blanket through to Vubachikwe Mine.

Characteristics of the Blanket Mine deposits
 
Ore bodies at Blanket Mine are of hydrothermal origin and are associated with a syn-metamorphic regionally developed transgressive deformation zone in the Mafic Unit lavas up to 500 metres wide. The deformation zone is characterized by areas of sheared rock wrapping around unsheared remnants of the original basaltic lava flows.  It is within the highly sheared zones that the majority of the ore bodies occur. Two main types of gold mineralization are recognized, viz. disseminated sulphide replacement reefs which are massive to pipe-like bodies, and quartz reefs and shears which are tabular. At Vubachikwe Mine gold mineralization is hosted within the lower zone of the Mafic Unit, which comprises ultramafic rocks and banded iron formations. Gold-bearing sulphide minerals occur as a replacement of iron-rich minerals in fold hinge zones. Ore bodies occurs in near-vertical shoots along an approximate north−south axis.
 
20


Disseminated Sulphide Replacement Type Mineralization: Most of the ore shoots at Blanket Mine are of the disseminated sulphide replacement (DSR) type mineralization. The ore shoots displaying DSR type mineralization have a siliceous core with fine-grained arsenopyrite towards the periphery. These fine sprays of disseminated arsenopyrite host the best gold grades. Surrounding the massive siliceous zone is a lower grade aureole of biotite-chlorite schist. The outermost chlorite-carbonate schist zone shows a further decline in grade. Disseminated sulphide replacement ore bodies range in width up to 30 m in the case of the AR ore bodies which are lensoid in plan and have a strike to maximum width ratio of about 2:1.  The remaining DSR bodies have widths up the 10 m and strike between 60 m and 90 m in length.

Quartz Reef Mineralization: Two quartz-filled shear zones are mined at Blanket Mine, viz. the Blanket Quartz Reef and the Eroica Reef. These reefs have long strike lengths but are not uniformly mineralized. Grade fluctuations are more extreme in the quartz reefs than in the DSR type reefs but on average these quartz shears have higher grades and are used as a sweetener of ore to the mill. The Quartz Reef at Blanket has a surface strike of some 500 m and width up to 5 m, diminishing with depth, with an average dip of 55° to the west.

Gold: Of the total gold content in the ore, about 50% is free-milling while the remainder is occluded within arsenopyrite. Blanket ores are not refractory and plant recoveries of 93% are typically achieved. Silver constitutes about 10% of the gravity gold, which is normal for greenstone gold deposits.

Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Calculations

The Technical Report dated December 1, 2014 relating to the Blanket Mine was prepared by Minxcon Pty Ltd (“ Minxcon ”), in compliance with NI 43-101. Minxcon is a mining industry consulting company based in South Africa.  Minxcon reviewed the mineral reserve and mineral resource calculation procedures for the Blanket Mine as at August 31, 2014.  Minxcon’s mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates are set out in the following tables:

MINERAL RESOURCES – (August 2014)
 
Mineral Resource Category
 
Tonnes
(metric)
   
Grade
(Au g/t)
   
Gold Content
(ounces)
 
Measured Resources
   
1,572,733
     
3.91
     
197,606
 
Indicated Resources
   
2,478,902
     
3.77
     
300,288
 
Total Measured and Indicated
   
4,051,635
     
3.82
     
497,895
 
Inferred Resources*
   
3,344,831
     
5.11
     
549,963
 

Notes:
1.
Resource estimate is based on a gold price of US$1,300/oz.
2.
Mineral Resources are stated at a 1.96 g/t cut-off.
3.
Tonnages are stated at an in-situ relative density of 2.86 t/m 3 .
4.
Inferred Resources are expressed separately from the Measured and Indicated category.

*Inferred resources have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to whether they can be mined economically. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of the inferred resource will be upgraded to a higher resource or reserve category.

MINERAL RESERVES – (October, 2014)
 
Mineral Reserve Category
 
Tonnes
(metric)
   
Grade
(Au g/t)
   
Gold Content
(ounces)
 
Proven Reserves
   
856,005
     
3.40
     
93,638
 
Probable Reserves
   
2,077,828
     
3.78
     
252,758
 
Total Proven & Probable Reserves
   
2,933,833
     
3.67
     
346,396
 

Notes:
1.
As noted above, Mineral Reserves are also included in the above table of Mineral Resources.
2.
Reserve estimate is based on a gold price of US$1,250/oz. and a cash cost of US$71/tonne milled.
3.
Blanket Mine’s pay limit (cut-off grade) is 2.03 g/t.
4.
Reserve tonnages have been diluted by 5 to 10% at zero grade to yield RoM tonnages (delivered to mill).
 
21

Cautionary note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Inferred and Indicated Resources .
 
The above tables use the terms “inferred resources” and “indicated resources.”  While these terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize them.  They have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic feasibility.  It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred or Indicated Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category.  Investors are cautioned not to assume that part or all of an inferred or indicated resource exists or is economically mineable.
 
The full Technical Report can be viewed on the Company’s website – www.caledoniamining.com or under the Company’s profile on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (“ SEDAR ”) at www.sedar.com .
 
Since the calculation of the above resource estimates as at August 31, 2014, the Company has mined 1,082,242 tonnes with an average recovered gold grade of 3.16 grams per tonne, the majority of which has been from within the reserve blocks to produce 106,513 ounces of gold at a recovery of 93.0%.   An updated internal estimate of Blanket Mine’s mineral reserves and resources as at December 31, 2016 has been prepared by Blanket Mine’s Technical Department following the standards and procedures required by NI 43‑101. In preparing the Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates, the following assumptions and modifying factors were applied. A cut-off grade (pay limit) of 1.81 g/t based on a gold price of US$1,300/oz. and a cash cost of US$65/t, were applied for both the Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. Tonnages were increased by between 5% and 10% to allow for dilution at zero grade and the grade adjusted accordingly. A metallurgical recovery of 93% was applied, equivalent to the current achieved recovered grade.  The Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates included in this Annual Report have been reviewed and approved by Dr Trevor Pearton, Caledonia’s qualified person (within the meaning of NI 43-101) and the results are presented in the following tables:

MINERAL RESOURCES – December 31, 2016
 
Mineral Resource Category
 
Tonnes
(metric)
   
Grade
(Au g/t)
   
Gold Content
(ounces)
 
Measured Resources
   
1,532,000
     
4.04
     
198,800
 
Indicated Resources
   
3,408,700
     
4.31
     
472,600
 
Total Measured and Indicated
   
4,940,700
     
4.23
     
671,400
 
Inferred Resources*
   
3,764,000
     
4.99
     
604,000
 
 
Notes:
1.
Resource estimate is based on a gold price of US$1,300/oz. and a cash cost of US$65/t.
2.
Mineral Resources are stated at a 1.81 g/t cut-off.
3.
Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves.
4.
Tonnages are rounded to the nearest 100 and ounces to the nearest 100.
5.
Tonnages are stated at an in-situ relative density of 2.86 t/m 3 .
6.
 Inferred Resources are expressed separately from the Measured and Indicated category.

*
Inferred Resources have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to whether they can be mined economically or legally. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of the inferred resource will be upgraded to a higher resource or reserve category.

Caledonia has adopted a conservative approach to accruing new resources: only resource blocks with an estimated grade in excess of the current pay limit are taken into resource inventory.  Resources that are below the pay limit are reviewed on an annual basis.
 
22

MINERAL RESERVES – December 31, 2016
 
Mineral Reserve Category
 
Tonnnes
(metric)
   
Grade
(Au g/t)
   
Gold Content (ounces)
 
Proven Reserves
   
798,900
     
3.70
     
95,000
 
Probable Reserves
   
2,061,000
     
3.64
     
241,300
 
Total Proven & Probable Reserves
   
2,859,900
     
3.66
     
336,300
 
 
Notes:
1.
Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves.
2.
Reserve estimate is based on a gold price of US$1,300/oz. and a cash cost of US$65/t milled.
3.
Blanket Mine’s pay limit (cut-off) is 1.81 g/t.
4.
Reserve tonnages have been diluted by 5 to 10% at zero grade to yield RoM tonnages (delivered to mill).
5.
Tonnages are rounded to the nearest 100 and ounces to the nearest 100.

Blanket Mine’s Measured and Indicated Resources as at December 31, 2016 have increased by 193,800 tonnes or 33,000 ounces (5%) compared to December 31, 2015.  Proven and Probable Reserves have increased by 230,000 tonnes or 39,000 ounces (13%) over the same period. Relative to the independent estimate of mineral resources and mineral reserves as at August 31, 2014, the Reserves have decreased by 2.5% in terms of tonnage after replenishing the 1.08 million tonnes that has been mined subsequent to the report date.  Resources (measured and indicated) expressed in terms of tonnage have increased by 22% over the same period.
Blanket Mine has reported a conversion of resources to reserves of 106% for the Year. While Blanket Mine has recorded a conversion of resources to reserves of approximately 100% over the past 10 years, this high rate of conversion cannot be assumed to occur in future.

Production Operations
 
Mining Operations
 
On November 3, 2014 Caledonia announced the Investment Plan and production projections for the Blanket Mine.  The objectives of the Investment Plan are to improve the underground infrastructure and logistics to allow an efficient and sustainable production build-up.  The infrastructure improvements include the development of a tramming loop, deepening the No.6 Winze and sinking a new 6-meter diameter Central Shaft from surface to 1,080 meters. The Investment Plan is proceeding on schedule and within budget: the tramming loop and the sinking of the No. 6 Winze were both completed slightly ahead of target and work on the Central Shaft is proceeding according to plan.
 
Following the completion of various aspects of the Investment Plan, the underground mining areas can produce and hoist up to 1,800 tonnes of ore daily using both long-hole open stoping and underhand benching extraction methods. Blanket Mine produced 50,351 ounces of gold in 2016 ( 2015: 42,804 oz. ; 2014 : 41,771 oz.) and is expected to ramp up production to approximately 80,000 ounces of gold in 2021.
 
In addition to the projects that form the Investment Plan, Blanket Mine has also completed Phase 1 of the AR South decline which gives access to the AR South ore body below 750 metres.  The AR South Decline is currently being extended to 870 metres to give early access to further mineral deposits below the 750 metre level.
 
The Investment Plan provides for proposed investment of approximately US$ 17.9 million in 2017 and a further US$ 35.2 million in the period 2018 to 2020. The Investment Plan includes a revised life of mine plan for the Blanket Mine (the “ LOM Plan ”) in terms of which it is anticipated that the production from proven and probable mineral reserves will be extracted below 750 metre Level. The Investment Plan is also expected to improve Blanket Mine’s long-term operational efficiency, flexibility and sustainability.

Metallurgical Process
 
In terms of the Investment Plan, the crushing and milling circuits will be expanded to handle 3,000 tonnes of ore per day by 2021. The planned throughput capacity is more than sufficient to handle the planned increases in mine production from the No. 6 Winze Project and the Investment Plan.
 
23

 
Average plant recovery was 93% for fiscal year 2016, compared to 93% in 2015 (2014: 93.4%). Recoveries were lower than the planned level of 93.5% due to continued difficulties with the very old oxygen plant. It is intended to replace the existing oxygen plant with a new plant or by using liquid oxygen to improve recoveries. The commissioning of a new larger cluster of cyclones over the re-grind mill should result in a more consistent product being fed into the CIL plant which should improve mixing efficiencies and help to increase recovery.
 
Plant throughput was adversely affected by interruptions to the ZESA power supply which was subject to numerous surges and dips in voltage that adversely affected the mine’s electrical equipment.  As ZESA’s equipment is unable to maintain a reliable voltage, Blanket Mine intends to install equipment to regulate the incoming electricity supply and thereby protect its own electrical equipment.

Metallurgical process capital development projects completed in 2016 included:

·
the new conveyor system from the secondary crushers to the new fine ore bin was commissioned in September 2016;
·
the new No.8 ball mill was installed and commissioned in October 2016, increasing the milling capacity to 90 tph, which is sufficient to mill the 650,000 tonnes per annum which will be required to produce 80,000 ounces of gold per annum in 2021 in terms of the Investment Plan; and
·
the refurbishment of the CIL tanks.

Mine under care and maintenance

Eersteling Gold Mining Company Limited

In 2016, Caledonia reached agreement for the sale of its 100% interest in the Eersteling Gold Mining Company Limited (“ EGM ”), including the rehabilitation liability.  EGM is located in South Africa and has been held on care and maintenance since 1997 and accordingly has recorded no production since then.  The total agreed consideration is approximately $3.4 million payable in cash, which comprises $3.0 million of sale proceeds and a non-refundable deposit of ZAR5.0 million ($0.4m, approx).  Completion of the transaction is conditional only on receipt by Caledonia of the consideration in full.  At the date of issue of the Annual Report, Caledonia has received approximately $145,000 (ZAR2 million) in respect of the non-refundable deposit, of which $120,000 (ZAR 1,65 million) was included as “Other Income” in the Statement of profit or loss for the year to December 31, 2016.  The purchaser is an unlisted South African entity which is currently raising capital to fund, inter alia, the consideration.  Caledonia has received a non-binding letter of comfort from the financial adviser to the purchaser as to the nature and timing of the fund-raising by the purchaser, but this does not amount to an underwriting of the purchase consideration.  Due to the uncertainty relating to the receipt of the consideration, the sale proceeds and the de-recognition of EGM will be recognized when received.

Blanket Mine Satellite Prospects

Blanket Mine has exploration title holdings in the form of registered mining claims in the Gwanda Greenstone Belt totalling 93 claims, including a small number under option, covering properties with a total area of about 2,500 hectares. Included within these claim areas are 18 previously operated small gold workings which warrant further exploration, i.e. the satellite projects.
 
Blanket Mine’s main exploration efforts on these satellite properties were focused on the GG Project and the Mascot Project Area which, based on past production records, were believed to have the greatest potential. Work at GG and Mascot was suspended in the fourth quarter of 2016 and resources were re-deployed at the Blanket Mine where it is expected there will be better returns on the Investment Plan. Management performed an impairment assessment on these satellite properties as at December 31, 2016 and the assessment indicated that the recoverable amount exceeded the carrying amount. (Refer to note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for assumptions used).

Safety, Health and Environment

The following safety statistics have been recorded for fiscal year 2016 and the preceding two years.
24

 
 
 
Classification
 
2014
   
2015
   
2016
 
Fatal
   
-
     
1
     
-
 
Lost time injury
   
6
     
8
     
6
 
Restricted work activity
   
31
     
31
     
20
 
First aid
   
8
     
15
     
8
 
Medical aid
   
8
     
5
     
9
 
                         
Occupational illness
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total
   
53
     
60
     
43
 
Incidents
   
39
     
47
     
42
 
Near misses
   
9
     
14
     
22
 
Disability Injury Frequency Rate
   
0.69
     
0.508
     
0.300
 
Total Injury Frequency Rate
   
3.415
     
3.403
     
2.198
 
Man-hours worked (thousands)
   
3,201
     
3,532
     
3,975
 

Social Investment and Contribution to the Zimbabwean Economy

Blanket Mine’s investment in community and social projects which are not directly related to the operation of the mine or the welfare of Blanket Mine’s employees, the payments made to the Community Trust in terms of Blanket Mine’s indigenisation, and payments of royalties, taxation and other non-taxation charges to the Zimbabwe government and its agencies are set out in the table below.

Payments to the Community and the Zimbabwe Government
(US$’000’s)
 
   
Community
and Social
Investment
Payments to the
Community
Trust
Payments to
Zimbabwe
Government
Total
Year 2014
 
35
-
12,319
12,354
Year 2015
 
58
-
7,376
7,434
Year 2016
 
12
-
10,637
10,649

Investment Plan to Increase Production
 
On November 3, 2014, Caledonia announced the Investment Plan and production projections for the Blanket Mine. The objectives of the Investment Plan are to improve the underground infrastructure and logistics and allow an efficient and sustainable production build-up.
 
The Investment Plan includes a revised LOM Plan in terms of which it is anticipated that the approximate production from existing proven and probable mineral reserves above 750m (22 level) will be as set out below.
 
Approximate production from proven and probable mineral reserves above 750m (per LOM Plan)
 
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Tonnes milled (‘000)
430
460
430
380
230
100
50
Gold production (koz)
42
45
43
39
23
10
6
 
Based on the Preliminary Economic Analysis (“ PEA ”), additional approximate production from the inferred mineral resources that existed at the date of the PEA (excluding the projected production set out above) may be achieved in the following indicative ranges:
 
Possible production from inferred mineral resources below 750m (as per PEA)
 
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Tonnes milled (‘000)
0
35
160
215
390
550
600
Gold production (koz)
0
4-5
20-22
27-30
46-50
63-67
70-75
 
Canadian regulations do not allow planned production from inferred resources to be added to those from proven and probable reserves for disclosure purposes.
 
There is no certainty that the PEA will be realised. The Technical Report, performed on December 1, 2014, was authored by Daan van Heerden, Uwe Engelmann, Dario Clemente, Johan Odendaal and Jaco Burger of Minxcon, each of whom is a qualified person who is independent of Caledonia.  
 
25


EXPLORATION AND PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
 
Caledonia’s primary exploration activities are focused on the growth and development of the Blanket Mine orebodies.
 
Blanket Exploration
 
Exploration and evaluation activities on Blanket Mine are targeting the depth extensions of all the known Blanket Mine ore bodies, viz. Blanket 1 Ore Body, Blanket 2 Ore Body, Blanket 4 Ore Body, Blanket Quartz Reef, AR Main, AR South, Eroica and Lima sections. This involves drilling downholes from chambers on 18 and 22 Levels to intersect the depth continuation of these ore bodies.
 
Drilling continued in 2016 with 22,172 metres drilled in the year compared to 14,330 metres in 2015. The increase in metres drilled was due to the purchase and commissioning of new drill machines in the first six months of 2016.
 
Drilling during 2016 was targeted at Blanket, AR Main and Eroica. Drilling at Blanket and AR Main was focussed on infill drilling with the objective of increasing the confidence level of the existing inferred resources at the Blanket and AR Main orebodies.  Drilling at Eroica was more exploratory and targeted the depth extension of the Eroica southern shoot below 22 level.
 
The focus of the deep drilling programme in 2017 will move to AR South where only limited drilling below 22 level has been carried out to date. The geometry of the orebody with an East-West limb and a North-South limb necessitates the development of two sets of drilling infrastructure from which to drill and evaluate the depth extensions of the two limbs.  With the completion of the first two drill chambers in the first quarter of 2017, drilling will take place simultaneously from these two sites targeting both limbs of AR South to a depth of 900 metres below surface. Development of an additional two chambers to extend coverage to 1000 metres depth will be completed in the second quarter of 2017.
 
Drilling at Blanket orebody will continue and be focussed mainly on the southern extension of Blanket 4 Ore Body where there remains potential to add to the current resources significantly. Drilling at AR Main will continue and be focussed on the southern extension of the orebody where mineralisation remains open at depth and on strike.
 
A surface drilling programme is underway to investigate the potential of “near mine” targets with the aim of scoping out new resources within easy reach of Blanket Mine plant. Initial drilling has been carried out along the northern strike of Lima, at Old Lima and Smiler. Drilling in the first quarter of 2017 will be focussed on Sabiwa and Jean prospects which are located between Blanket and neighbouring Vubachikwe Mine to the south.

General Comments

Caledonia’s activities are centered on Zimbabwe. Caledonia is not dependent, to any material extent, on patents, licenses, contracts, specialized equipment or new manufacturing processes at this time.  However, there may be occasions that Caledonia may wish to adopt such patents, licenses, specialized equipment, etc. if these are economically beneficial to its operations. All mining and exploration activities are conducted under the various economic, mining and environmental regulations of the country where the operations are being carried out.  It is always Caledonia’s standard that these regulations are complied with by Blanket Mine.

C.
Organizational Structure
The Company has the following subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned by the Company, (unless otherwise indicated) and whose assets or revenues exceed 10% of the consolidated assets or revenues of the Company:
 
Subsidiaries of the Company
Country of Incorporation
Percentage held by Company
Caledonia Mining South Africa Proprietary Limited
South Africa
(1) 100
Blanket Mine (1983) (Private) Limited (2)
Zimbabwe
49
(1) During 2016 Caledonia Mining South Africa Proprietary Limited was sold to a wholly owned subsidiary of Caledonia named Greenstone Management Services Holdings Limited (United Kingdom) (“ GMS   UK ”).
(2) Blanket Mine (1983) (Private) Limited does not have any subsidiary companies.
 
26

 
D.
Property, Plant and Equipment
(a)   South Africa:

EGM is owned by the Company through its ownership of 100% of the equity shares.  It has been under care and maintenance since September 1997. Due to the lengthy period of care and maintenance at EGM there has been some deterioration in the facilities which will require rehabilitation work before operations could be recommenced.  The underground workings at EGM were allowed to flood and will require dewatering before mining access can be resumed.  The Company has no plans to expend further amounts on plant or equipment or to in any way expand or improve the facilities.

(b)   Zimbabwe:

The Company indirectly owns 49% of the shares of Blanket Mine. It is a fully equipped mine with all of the necessary plant and equipment to conduct mining operations and the production of gold from the ore mined from the mine.

For a detailed breakdown of the property, plant and equipment and encumbrances thereon refer to note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. The property, plant and equipment of Caledonia is predominantly held in Zimbabwe. The implementation of the Investment Plan is expected to increase the property, plant and equipment of Caledonia. The Investment Plan is expected to be funded with existing cash, a term loan and an overdraft facility as well as cash generated from operating activities. The project is expected to be completed in 2021.

ITEM 4A - UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 5- OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
 
The following Operating and Financial Review and Prospects section is intended to help the reader understand the factors that have affected the Company's financial condition and results of operations for the historical period covered by the financial statements and management's assessment of factors and trends which are anticipated to have a material effect on the Company's financial condition and results in future periods. This section is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our Consolidated Financial Statements and the other financial information contained elsewhere in this document. Our financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS. Our discussion contains forward looking information based on current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties, such as our plans, objectives and intentions. Our actual results may differ from those indicated in such forward looking statements.

A.
Operating Results
The principal uncertainties and variables facing our business and, therefore, the key drivers of our operating results and principal activities are:
 
·
revenue, which is influenced by;
o
the price of gold, which fluctuates in terms of the realised USD gold price obtained; and
o
our production tonnages and gold content thereof, impacting on the amount of gold we produce at our operation;
·
our cost of producing gold;
·
capital expenditure; and
·
other significant matters affecting profitability.

Revenue

Revenue increased to $61,992,000 in fiscal year 2016 from $48,977,000 in fiscal year 2015 (2014: $53,513,000) due to an increase in the average realised gold price received of $1,232 per oz. (2015: $1,139 per oz.; 2014; $1,245 per oz.) and an increase in the sale of gold produced of 50,351 oz. (2015: 42,943 oz.; 2014: 42,927 oz.).
 
27

 
Gold price

Our revenues are derived from the sale of gold produced by the Blanket Mine. As a result our revenues are directly influenced by the realized average gold price obtained from the sale of gold. The gold prices obtained fluctuate widely and are influenced by factors beyond the control of the Company.  The table below indicates the average realized gold price per ounce obtained for the 2016, 2015 and 2014 fiscal years.
 
$’000
2014
2015
2016
Revenue (IFRS)
53,513
48,977
61,992
Revenue from silver sales
(61)
(48)
(62)
Revenue from gold sales
53,452
48,929
61,930
Gold ounces sold
42,927
42,943
50,269
Average realized gold price per ounce
1,245
1,139
1,232
 
Gold produced
 
Tonnes milled, average grades, recoveries and gold produced are shown in the table below.
 
Blanket Mine Production Statistics
 
Year
Tonnes Milled
(t)
Gold Head (Feed) Grade (g/t Au)
Gold Recovery
(%)
Gold Produced
(oz.)
Quarter 1
2014
92,846
3.67
93.6
10,241
Quarter 2
2014
99,229
3.74
94.1
11,223
Quarter 3
2014
98,575
3.34
93.4
  9,890
Quarter 4
2014
100,085
3.47
93.2
10,417
Year
2014
390,735
3.55
93.4
41,771
Quarter 1
2015
104,755
3.19
92.7
9,960
Quarter 2
2015
103,551
3.35
93.3
10,401
Quarter 3
2015
116,694
3.14
92.7
 10,927
Quarter 4
2015
115,079
3.34
93.1
11,515
Year
2015
440,079
3.25
93.0
42,804
Quarter 1
2016
114,527
3.16
93.0
10,822
Quarter 2
2016
120,590
3.47
93.1
12,510
Quarter 3
2016
133,375
3.36
93.2
13,428
Quarter 4
2016
142,169
3.21
92.8
13,591
Year
2016
510,661
3.30
93.0
50,351
January
2017
36,896
3.44
93.7
3,899
February
2017
39,411
3.46
93.7
4,114

Gold production in the year was a new record for production from underground, surpassing the previous record of 42,804 oz. which was achieved in 2015.

Production cost

Production costs include salaries and wages, on mine administration, consumable materials and electricity and other related costs incurred in the production of gold. Salaries and wages, consumable materials and electricity, are the largest components of production cost. Production costs for 2016, 2015 and 2014 are summarised below.
 
$ ‘000 2014  2015  2016  
Salaries and wages
10,014
11,908
12,206
 
Consumable materials
14,565
14,479
16,291
 
Site restoration
29
-
32
 
Exploration cost not capitalised
343
380
408
 
Safety
473
551
221
 
On mine administration
2,484
2,701
2,898
 
Other
-
-
30
 
Total
27,908
30,019
32,086
 

28


On mine cost, all in sustaining cost (“AISC”) and all in cost per ounce

A narrow focus on the direct costs of production (mainly labour, electricity and consumables) does not fully reflect the total cost of gold production. Accordingly, cost per ounce data for the year and the comparative years have been prepared in accordance with the Guidance Note issued by the World Gold Council on June 23, 2013 and these Non-IFRS Measures are set out in the table below on the following bases:

i.
On-mine cost per ounce , which shows the on-mine costs of producing an ounce of gold and includes direct labour, electricity consumables and other costs that are incurred at the mine including insurance, security and on-mine administration;
ii.
All-in sustaining cost per ounce , which shows the on-mine cost per ounce plus royalty paid, share-based payment expenses, additional costs incurred outside the mine (i.e. at offices in Harare, Johannesburg and St. Helier), costs associated with maintaining the operating infrastructure and resource base that are required to maintain production at the current levels (sustaining capital investment) less silver by-product revenue; and
iii.
All-in cost per ounce , which shows the all-in sustaining cost per ounce plus the additional costs associated with activities that are undertaken with a view to increasing production (expansion capital investment).
 
 
                 
($’000’s unless otherwise indicated)
 
12 Months to December 31
 
 
 
2014
   
2015
   
2016
 
Production cost (IFRS)
   
27,908
     
30,019
     
32,086
 
Less site restoration costs
   
(29
)
   
-
     
(32
)
Less exploration cost
   
(343
)
   
(380
)
   
(408
)
Less safety costs
   
(473
)
   
(551
)
   
(221
)
Other cost
   
906
     
1,011
     
535
 
On-mine production cost
   
27,979
     
30,099
     
31,960
 
 
                       
Gold sales (oz.)
   
42,927
     
42,943
     
50,269
 
On-mine cost per ounce ($/oz.)
   
652
     
701
     
636
 
 
                       
Royalty
   
3,521
     
2,455
     
2,923
 
Export incentive
   
-
     
-
     
(1,104
)
Exploration, remediation and permitting cost
   
305
     
399
     
311
 
Sustaining capital development
   
2,348
     
4,707
     
3,792
 
Administrative expenses
   
7,387
     
7,622
     
7,263
 
Less Zambian expenses
   
(896
)
   
(716
)
   
(17
)
Silver by-product credit
   
(61
)
   
(48
)
   
(62
)
Share-based payment expense
   
-
     
24
     
788
 
Other
   
54
     
(2
)
       
All in sustaining cost
   
40,637
     
44,540
     
45,854
 
 
                       
Gold sales (oz.)
   
42,927
     
42,943
     
50,269
 
All in sustaining cost per ounce ($/oz.)
   
947
     
1,037
     
912
 
 
                       
Permitting and exploration expenses
   
161
     
138
     
182
 
Non-sustaining capital expenses
   
3,833
     
13,486
     
15,367
 
Total all in cost
   
44,631
     
58,164
     
61,402
 
 
                       
Gold sales (oz.)
   
42,927
     
42,943
     
50,269
 
All in cost per ounce ($/oz.)
   
1,040
     
1,354
     
1,221
 
 
                       

The all-in sustaining costs incurred in 2015 and 2014 have been re-stated to include share-based payment expenses and the by-product credits arising on the sale of silver.  The change is not material.
29

 
Per-ounce costs are calculated on the basis of sales and not production, so that an accurate value can be ascribed to the royalty. On-mine cost per ounce decreased from the comparative years due to the increase in gold ounces sold.  On-mine costs comprise labour, electricity, consumables and other costs which include security and insurance.  Blanket Mine did not experience significant inflationary pressure on input costs.
 
All-in sustaining cost per ounce comprises on-mine costs and also includes royalty payments, the export incentive, group administrative costs, sustaining capital investment, share based payment expenses and, by-product expenses. The all-in sustaining cost decreased in the year compared to the comparative years due to lower on-mine cost per ounce, the reduced royalty cost per ounce due to the effect of the export incentive credit for incremental production which was recognised in the 2016 year, lower general and administrative costs per ounce and lower sustaining capital expenditure per ounce.
 
Investment in expansion projects in the year was $15,4 million compared to $13,5 million in 2015 and $3,8 million in 2014, due to the continued high levels of investment in terms of the Investment Plan.

Capital expenditure (Cash)

Total cash capital expenditure increased to $19,885,000 (2015: $16,567,000; 2014: $6,150,000) due to the implementation of the Investment plan. Significant projects on which capital expenditures were incurred in 2016 included:

·
Central shaft
·
Fine ore bin
·
Ball mill No. 8
·
Decline 1&2
·
Deep drilling
·
Sustaining capital expenditure

Capital projects and expenditures are further analysed in item 4 “Mining operations” and “Metallurgical processes” and note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Other significant matters affecting profitability
 
Administrative expenses
 
Administrative expenses decreased by 5% from the previous year, due to the reduction in cost from the closure of the Zambian operations partly offset by professional consulting fees associated with the evaluation of potential investment opportunities and, legal costs relating to Caledonia’s general corporate affairs including regulatory and tax compliance in all relevant jurisdictions. Administrative expenses are further analysed in note 10 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Sale of treasury bills
 
On May 16, 2016 Blanket Mine sold treasury bills (“Bills”) issued by the Zimbabwe government for a total consideration of $3,203,000 .  The Bills were issued to Blanket in 2015 and replaced the Special Tradeable Gold Bonds (“Bonds”) which were issued to Blanket in 2009 as part consideration for gold sales that were made by Blanket in 2008 under the terms of the sales mechanism that existed at that time for Zimbabwean gold producers. The proceeds from the Bills were subject to Zimbabwean income tax at 25.75% during 2016. The sale of the Bills is a once off item and is not expected to be repeated in fiscal year 2017.

Export Incentive Credit
 
In May 2016 the RBZ announced an export incentive scheme (the “ scheme ”) to encourage large-scale gold producers such as Blanket to increase gold production and thereby increase the quantity of gold available for export from Zimbabwe.  In terms of the scheme, Blanket received an export incentive credit in its account with Fidelity to the value of 2.5% of the sale proceeds of the gold sold to Fidelity. As at the date of issue of this Annual Report all export incentive credits outstanding as at December 31, 2016 were received.  The amount was recognised as Other Income in the Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income (refer to note 9 of the Consolidated Financial Statements).

In January 2017, Blanket Mine was awarded an additional export incentive credit of 1% of sale proceeds, thus the total export incentive in 2017 is expected to be 3.5% of gold proceeds.
 
30


Agreement for the Sale of EGM
 
In 2016 Caledonia reached agreement for the sale of its 100 % interest in the EGM.  EGM is located in South Africa and has been held on care and maintenance since 1997 and accordingly has recorded no production since then.  The total agreed consideration is $3.0 million payable plus a non-refundable deposit of ZAR5.0 million ($0.4 million) in cash.  Completion of the transaction is conditional only on receipt by Caledonia of the consideration in full.  To date, Caledonia has received consideration of approximately $145,000 (ZAR2.0 million) which is included as “Other Income” in the Statement of profit or loss for the year to December 31 2016. The purchaser is an unlisted South African entity which is currently raising capital to fund the consideration. Caledonia has received a non-binding letter of comfort from the financial adviser to the purchaser as to the nature and timing of the fund-raising by the purchaser, but this does not amount to an underwriting of the purchase consideration. Due to the uncertainty relating to the receipt of the consideration, the sale proceeds will be recognized when received.

Share based payment awards – Long-term incentive plan
 
Caledonia has established its Omnibus Equity Incentive Compensation Plan (“OEICP”) for grants after May 2015. Share options issued before May 2015 were issued in terms of the rolling stock option plan, which was superseded by the OEICP.  In accordance with both plans, options are granted at an exercise price equal to the market price of the shares at the date of grant and vest according to dates set at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors at the date of grant.  All outstanding option awards that have been granted pursuant to the plan vest immediately.

Terms and conditions of share option programmes
The maximum term of the options under the OEICP is 10 years and under the rolling stock option plan 5 years. The terms and conditions relating to the grant of options under the rolling stock option plan are that all options are to be settled by physical delivery of shares.

During 2016, certain key management members were granted Restricted Share Units (“ RSUs ”) and Performance Share Units (“ PSUs ”), pursuant to the provisions of the 2015 OEICP. All RSUs and PSUs were granted and approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.

The RSUs will vest three years after grant date given that the service condition of the relevant employees are fulfilled. The value of the vested RSUs will be the amount of RSUs vested multiplied by the fair market value of the Company’s shares, as specified by the plan, on date of settlement.

The PSUs have a service condition and a performance period of three years.  The performance condition is a function of production cost, gold production and central shaft depth targets on certain specified dates.  The number of shares that will vest will be the PSU units multiplied by the performance multiplier, which will reflect the actual performance in terms of the performance conditions compared to expectations on the date of the award.

RSU holders are entitled to receive dividends over the vesting period. Such dividends will be reinvested in additional RSUs at the then applicable share price calculated at the average Bank of Canada noon rate immediately preceding the dividend payment. PSUs have rights to dividends only after they have vested.

The fair value of the RSUs were estimated to be the Toronto Stock Exchange (“ TSX ”) share price on reporting date. The fair value of the PSUs were calculated as the TSX share price at reporting date less the fair value of the expected dividends during the vesting period multiplied by the performance multiplier expectation. As at December 31, 2016, it was expected that there is a 100% probability that the performance conditions will be met and therefore a 100% performance multiplier was used in the estimated liability.
 
The effect on the profitability of the Company is therefore influenced by the amount of RSUs and PSUs that vest and the fair value of the share options that is based on the share price of the Company. The share based payment expense in the Statement of Profit or Loss amounted to $617,792 (2015:$ Nil; 2014:$ Nil).
 
Gold hedge
 
In February 2016, the Company entered into a hedge in respect of 15,000 ounces of gold over a period of 6 months.  The hedge protected the Company if the gold price fell below $1,050 per ounce and gave the Company full participation if the price of gold exceeded $1,079 per ounce. The derivative financial instrument was entered into by the Company for economic hedging purposes and not as a speculative investment and was closed out in August 2016.
The derivative contract resulted in a loss of $435,000 included in the Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income. The Company settled the loss with the $435,000 margin call deposited at the inception of the hedge transaction.
 
31


Adjusted earnings per share
 
“Adjusted earnings per share” is a Non-IFRS Measure   which management believes assists investors in understanding the company’s cash-based performance of core business activities. The table below reconciles “adjusted earnings per share” to the Profit/Loss attributable to Owners of the Company shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements which have been prepared under IFRS, adjusts for deferred tax and non-core business activities.

Reconciliation of Adjusted Earnings per Share (“EPS”) to IFRS Profit Attributable to Owners of the Company
 
($’000’s unless otherwise indicated)
 
12 Months to December 31
 
 
 
2014
   
2015
   
2016
 
Profit for the year
   
5,946
     
5,590
     
11,085
 
Non-controlling interest share (“ NCI ”)
   
(1,511
)
   
(811
)
   
(2,559
)
Profit attributable to owners of the Company (IFRS)
   
4,435
     
4,779
     
8,526
 
 
                       
Add back/(deduct)
                       
IAS 19 adjustment
   
48
     
100
     
80
 
Deferred tax
   
706
     
2,567
     
4,611
 
Sale of Blanket Mine treasury bills
   
-
     
-
     
(3,202
)
Other income
   
-
     
-
     
(226
)
Foreign exchange (gain)/loss
   
(1,065
)
   
(2,850
)
   
505
 
Zambian expenses
   
896
     
716
     
17
 
Prior year over accrual of GMS UK tax
   
-
     
(871
)
   
-
 
Asset impairment
   
178
     
-
     
-
 
Prior year adjustment in respect of South African tax
   
306
     
(765
)
   
-
 
South African tax and penalties
   
-
     
744
     
-
 
Total before tax and NCI
   
5,504
     
4,420
     
10,311
 
 
                       
Reversal of tax effect
   
243
     
660
     
891
 
NCI effect
   
(151
)
   
(444
)
   
111
 
Adjusted profit
   
5,596
     
4,636
     
11,284
 
 
                       
Weighted average shares in issue (m)
   
52.117
     
52.095
     
52.787
 
Adjusted EPS (cents)
   
10.7
     
8.8
     
21.4
 

Zimbabwe Indigenisation Policy
 
Transactions that implemented the indigenisation of Blanket Mine were completed on September 5, 2012.  Following completion of these transactions Caledonia now owns 49% of Blanket Mine. Caledonia has received the Certificate of Compliance from the Zimbabwe government which confirms that Blanket Mine is fully compliant with the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act.

B.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$ ’000
 
2014
2015
2016
         
Bank balances
 
23,082
12,568
14,335
Cash and cash equivalents in the statement of financial position
 
23,082
12,568
14,335
Bank overdraft used for cash management purposes
 
-
(1,688)
-
Cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows
 
23,082
10,880
14,335
 
32

 
On August 23, 2016 Blanket Mine arranged an unsecured bank overdraft facility of $2 million that was unutilised at December 31, 2016. The overdraft facility bears interest at 6.5% per annum of the amount outstanding, 4.65% above the base rate and has a $20,000 arrangement fee over a 12 month period with a review date of August 31, 2017. The facility is payable on demand.
On October 19, 2016 Blanket Mine received $3 million in terms of a term facility with Barclays Bank of Zimbabwe Limited bearing interest at a nominal rate of 7,25% per annum and an upfront arrangement fee of $30,000. The term facility will be paid back over 8 quarterly instalments of $375,000 starting January 19, 2017. The term facility is secured in terms of a general notarial bond registered over the moveable assets of Blanket Mine.
As at year end, Caledonia’s cash was held in the following jurisdictions:
 
$’000
2014
2015
2016
Jersey, Channel Islands
-
-
2,844
United Kingdom
9,822
2,922
2,038
South Africa
10,566
3,979
690
Canada
833
5,519
150
Zimbabwe (Net of overdraft)
1,835
(1,542)
8,613
Zambia
26
2
-
Total
23,082
10,880
14,335
 
An analysis of the sources and uses of Caledonia’s cash is set out in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows in the Consolidated Financial Statements. As of December 31, 2016, Caledonia had a working capital surplus of $15,960,000 (2015: $15,165,000; 2014: $26,771,000).  As of December 31, 2016, Caledonia had potential liabilities for rehabilitation work on Blanket and EGM - if and when those mines permanently close - at an estimated present value cost of $3,456,000 (2015: $2,762,000; 2014: $2,484,000). The Company’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern in order to pursue its mining operations and exploration activities.
The Company’s primary objective with respect to its capital management is to ensure that it has sufficient cash resources to maintain its ongoing operations, to provide returns for shareholders, accommodate any asset retirement obligation and to pursue growth opportunities.  Refer to note 25 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on the type of financial instruments used and the maturity profiles thereof. Management believes that the current working capital and future production cash proceeds will be sufficient to meet its capital requirements.
Caledonia paid its inaugural dividend of 5 Canadian cents per share in February 2013 following a capital re-structure which was approved by shareholders in January 2013 which allowed it to make dividend payments.  The inaugural dividend did not relate to any specific accounting period.  Caledonia paid a further dividend of 5 Canadian cents per share in April 2013 in respect of the earnings for the year to December 31, 2012.

On November 25, 2013 Caledonia announced a revised dividend policy pursuant to which it intended to pay a dividend of 6 Canadian cents per share in 2014, split into 4 equal quarterly payments of 1.5 Canadian cents per share.  The first quarterly dividend was paid on January 31, 2014; further payments were made quarterly thereafter.

Following the announcement on December 16, 2015 that henceforth Caledonia will report its financial results in USD, the quarterly dividend that was paid at the end of January 2016 was declared and denominated in USD as 1.125 United States cents.   A further quarterly dividend of 1.125 United States cents was paid at the end of April 2016.

On July 5, 2016 Caledonia announced a quarterly dividend of 1.375 United States cents per share, which was paid at the end of July 2016; further dividends of 1.375 United States Cents were paid at the end of October 2016 and January 2017.  The increased dividend represents Caledonia’s revised dividend policy.  It is currently envisaged that the dividend of 5.5 United States cents per annum will be maintained in 2017.
 
33


It is intended that all of the capital investment which will be required to fund the planned growth and development at Blanket Mine over the next 7 years will be funded by Blanket Mine’s internal cash flows and debt facilities.

Approval from the RBZ is required for the  remittance of dividends declared, repayment of loans and advances from subsidiary companies such as Blanket Mine (1983)(Private) Limited to Caledonia. Caledonia has not experienced difficulty in securing the necessary approvals.

C.
Research and development, patents and licences
Not applicable.
 
D.
Trend Information
For the full fiscal year 2017, we are expecting gold production from our operations of 60,000 ounces at on mine cash cost of $600 to $630 per ounce (2016: $701; 2015: $652). Our ability to meet the full year’s production target could be impacted by, among other factors, lower grades and failure to achieve the targets set at Blanket Mine. Unforeseen changes in ore grades and recoveries, unexpected changes in the quality or quantity of reserves and resource, technical production issues, environmental and industrial accidents, gold theft, environmental factors and pollution could adversely impact the production, sales and cash operating costs for fiscal year 2017. The foregoing expected results for 2017 are subject to risks and uncertainties and actual results may be lower. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements”.

E.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As at December 31, 2016, we had not entered into any off-balance sheet arrangements.

F.
Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations
$’000
Payments due by Period
 
Within 1
Year
1-3 years
3-5 years
More than
5 years
Total
Trade and other payables
8,077
-
-
-
8,077
Term loan facility
1,410
1,577
-
-
2,987
Provisions
-
-
-
3,456
3,456
Capital expenditure commitments
2,122
-
-
-
2,122
 
ITEM 6 - DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
 
A.
Directors and Senior Management
34

The following is a list of our current directors and officers as of March 30, 2016.

Name, Office Held and Municipality of Residence
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years
Positions held Since
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned, Controlled or Directed as of March 30, 2017
James Johnstone
Director
Gibsons, British Columbia, Canada
Retired.  Formerly Chief Operating Officer of the Company and Director of several of its subsidiary companies.
1997
40,000
Steven Curtis Chief Executive Officer  & Director
Johannesburg, South Africa
Previous VP Finance, Chief Financial Officer from March 2016 and Director of the Company and Director of certain of its subsidiary companies.
Director since 2008
Chief Executive Officer since 2014
420,000
Leigh Wilson
Director
Stuart, Florida, USA
Chairman of the Victory Portfolios
Winston Maritime LLC
FundVantage Trust
Stella and Hack Wilson Family Foundation
 
2012
215,000
John Kelly
Director
New Canaan, Connecticut
Partner at Endgate Commodities LLC, Member of CrossRoad LLC, Director of Liquidnet Europe Ltd, Officer of Liquidnet Holdings, Inc.
 
 
2012
57,465
Johan Holtzhausen
Director,
Cape Town, South Africa
Business consultant and Independent Director of DRDGOLD Limited.
 
2013
90,000
Dana Roets
Chief Operating Officer
Johannesburg, South Africa
VP and Head of Operations at Kloof Gold Mine. More recently, Dana was the COO at Great Basin Gold which had gold mining operations in the United States of America and South Africa.
2013
Nil
Mark Learmonth
Chief Financial Officer & Director              Jersey, Channel Islands
Vice-President of the Company focused on financial reporting, investor and shareholder relations and corporate development. Former Vice-President Business Development, of the Company
Chief Financial Officer since 2014 and Director since 2015 Vice-President, Business Development since 2008
324,750
John McGloin
Director
Bishops Stortford, United Kingdom
Previous Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Amara Mining Plc. Current non-executive director of Perseus Mining Limited
2016
Nil
Maurice Mason
VP Corporate Development and Investor Relations
London, England
Previous Director at Equity Research, for Stifel Nicolaus Europe Ltd
2016
35,000
Adam Chester
General Counsel, Company Secretary and Head of Risk and Compliance
Jersey, Channel Islands
Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales. Partner at Walkers and advocate of the Royal Court of Jersey.
2017
Nil
 
No family relationships exist between any of the Directors or Senior management.
 
35

 
A brief profile of each of the Directors and the officers is given below:

James Johnstone, B.Sc ., ARCST, Director

A graduate-mining engineer Mr. Johnstone has 40 years’ experience in mine operations in North America, Africa and Europe. He has experience in both underground and open pit operations.  For the 20 years prior to his retirement he was employed as General Manager or Vice-President Operations for mining companies producing gold, base metals and industrial minerals. Mr. Johnstone has been responsible for the construction, start up and commissioning of two major mines in addition to the commissioning of Caledonia's Filon Sur operation. He has also been involved in the orderly closure of three operations. He has operated successfully in environmentally sensitive areas and has a good understanding of the permitting process in Canada and the United States. Mr. Johnstone joined Caledonia in April 1997 as Vice President Operations and was responsible for Caledonia's operations in Zambia and South Africa and for all activities in Canada. He was elected a Director of Caledonia in June 1997. He retired from active employment with Caledonia in September, 2006.

Steven Curtis, CA (SA)   Director and Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Curtis is a Chartered Accountant with over 24 years of experience and has held a number of senior financial positions in the manufacturing industry.  Before joining Caledonia in April 2006, he was Director Finance and Supply Chain for Avery Dennison SA and prior to this, Financial Director and then Managing Director of Jackstadt GmbH South African operation.  Mr. Curtis is a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants and graduated from the University of Cape Town.

Mr. Curtis was appointed Vice-President Finance and Chief Financial Officer of the Company in April, 2006 and served in the position until Dec 2014 when he was appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer.

Leigh Wilson - Director
 
Mr. Leigh Alan Wilson has an international business and financial services background having served in senior executive and management positions with Union Bank of Switzerland (Securities) Ltd. in London and with the Paribas Group in Paris and New York where he served as CEO of Paribas North America between 1984 and 1990.

Mr. Wilson has served on the Victory Fund Board since 1993. He currently serves as Independent Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Victory fund and of the Munder Fund. The Victory and Munder Funds have assets aggregating to US $40 billion.


Mr. Wilson is also the Chief Executive Officer of New Century Home Health Care Inc., a role he has held since 1995. In March 2006, Mr. Wilson received the Mutual Fund Trustee of the Year Award from Institutional Investor Magazine.

 
36

John Kelly - Director
 
Mr. John Lawson Kelly has over 35 years of experience in the financial services industry in the U.S.A and international markets including emerging markets in Asia.  Mr. Kelly is currently partner at EndGate Commodities LLC, CrossRoad LLC, and is an Independent Trustee of the Victory Funds.
 
Within the last five years Mr. Kelly has been an officer of Liquidnet Holdings, Inc. and a director of Liquidnet Europe Ltd.  Mr. Kelly is a graduate of Yale University and the Yale School of Management.   
 
Johan Holtzhausen - Director
 
Mr. Johan Andries Holtzhausen is a retired partner of KPMG South Africa with 42 years of audit experience, of which 36 years were as a partner focused on the mining sector. Mr. Holtzhausen chaired the Mining Interest Group at KPMG South Africa and his clients included major listed mining companies operating in Africa and elsewhere, which operated across a broad range of commodities. In addition to his professional qualifications, Mr. Holtzhausen holds a B.Sc. from the University of Stellenbosch, majoring in chemistry and geology.

Mr. Holtzhausen is chairman of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committees of Strategic Partners in Tourism and its related party the Tourism Micro Enterprises Support Fund, both of which are not-for-profit organizations. Until 28 February 2011, Mr. Holtzhausen served as a director of KPMG Inc. and KPMG Services (Pty) Ltd, both of which are private companies registered in South Africa and which provided audit, taxation and advisory services.

Dana Roets – Chief Operating Officer

Dana Roets is a qualified Mining Engineer and holds a B.Sc. Mining Engineering degree from Pretoria University (1986) and an MBA from the University of Cape Town (1995). Dana is a South African national with over 24 years of operational and managerial experience in the South African gold and platinum industry. He started his career with Gold Fields at the St Helena Gold Mine as a graduate trainee and progressed via various operational roles from being an underground shift boss to become Vice President and Head of Operations at Kloof Gold Mine in January 1999 at which time Kloof produced over 1,000,000 ounces of gold per annum. More recently, Dana was the COO at Great Basin Gold which had gold mining operations in the United States of America and South Africa. Dana Roets is located at Caledonia’s Africa office in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Mark Learmonth Director and Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Learmonth joined Caledonia in July 2008. Prior to this, he was a Division Director of Investment Banking at Macquarie First South in South Africa, and has over 17 years of experience in corporate finance and investment banking, predominantly in the resources sector. Mr. Learmonth graduated from Oxford University and is a chartered accountant.  He is a member of the Executive Committee of the Chamber of Mines, Zimbabwe and is also a member of the Gold Producers Sub-Committee.

Mr. Learmonth was appointed Vice-President Finance, Chief Financial Officer of the Company in November 2014.

John McGloin - Director

John McGloin is the former Chairman and Chief Executive of Amara Mining and is currently a Non-executive director of Perseus Mining. Mr. McGloin joined Caledonia in August 2016, he is a geologist and graduate of Camborne School of Mines.

Mr. McGloin worked for many years in Africa within the mining industry before moving into consultancy. He joined Arbuthnot Banking Group following four years at Evolution Securities as their mining analyst. He is also the former Head of Mining at Collins Stewart.
 
37


Maurice Mason - VP Corporate Development and Investor Relations

Mr. Maurice Mason is a dual South African and UK national, resident in London, who holds a BSc in Engineering from the University of Natal, South Africa and an MBA from Henley Management College.  Mr. Mason’s career includes positions at Unilever, SABMiller and Anglo American.  Most recently, Mr. Mason was director, Equity Research, for Stifel Nicolaus Europe Ltd covering mining companies listed in the UK.  Mr. Mason has taken over the day-to-day responsibility for Investor Relations and Corporate Development from Mr. Learmonth, who, since November 2014 had combined this role with that of Chief Financial Officer.

Adam Chester General Counsel, Company Secretary and Head of Risk and Compliance

In January 2017 Mr Adam Chester joined the management team as General Counsel, Company Secretary and Head of Risk and Compliance. Mr. Chester is a dual qualified lawyer (England and Jersey, Channel Islands) and previously worked as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales at international law firms in the City of London and, more recently, as an advocate of the Royal Court of Jersey at an international offshore law firm in which he was a partner.  He has approximately 15 years’ experience advising businesses and individuals on a variety of commercial and corporate legal issues. 

Arrangements, Understandings, etc.

Caledonia has no arrangements or understanding with any major shareholders, customers, suppliers or others, pursuant to which any person referred to above, was selected as a director or member of senior management.
 
38


B.
Compensation
Summary Compensation Table
 
Name and principal position
Year
Salary
Long term incentive plan (2)
Annual incentive plans
All other
compensation
Total compensation
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(h)
(i)
Steven Curtis
Chief   Executive Officer
2016
2015
2014
 
428,637
428,637
410,085
214,282
-
-
 
-
-
60,012
42,867
(1) 180,255
40,758
685,786
608,892
510,855
Dana Roets
Chief Operating Officer
2016
2015
2014
 
418,182
418,182
400,083
 
140,107
-
-
 
-
-
60,012
 
41,818
(1) 138,000
-
 
600,107
556,182
460,095
 
Mark Learmonth
Chief Financial Officer
2016
2015
2014
 
410,000
360,000
275,057
 
122,410
-
-
 
-
-
60,012
 
41,000
(1) 154,000
-
 
573,410
514,000
335,069
 
Caxton Mangezi
General Manager and Director of the Blanket Mine
2016
2015
2014
 
348,400
348,400
335,069
 
115,383
-
-
 
-
-
27,922
 
205,226
(1) 190,002
10,002
 
669,009
538,402
372,993
 
Maurice Mason
VP Corporate Development and Investor Relations
 
2016
2015
2014
96,735
-
-
25,610
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
122,345
-
-

(1) Bonuses paid to directors and key management (Refer note 28 of the Consolidated Financial Statements)
(2) Long term incentive plan awards are stated at the fair value and option amount outstanding as at December 31, 2016. None of the amounts presented has been paid to date and will vest on the dates mentioned in the table below; refer to note 21.2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. During the year equity share options were granted to Mr. J McGloin (Non-Executive Director) that are excluded from this table.

Non-Executive Directors’ fees of $45,000 per annum were paid in 4 equal quarterly payments in advance during fiscal 2016. The non-Executive Directors’ fees will be paid in arrears from fiscal year 2017. The fee was revised in fiscal year 2016 from CAD 45,000 in fiscal year 2015 annually.
 
Long-term Incentive Plan
 
The following key management members were granted RSUs and PSUs, pursuant to provisions of the OEICP. The outstanding RSUs and PSUs as at December 31, 2016 were as follows:

Key management member
Vesting date
RSU’s
PSU’s
Steve Curtis
January 11, 2019
132,146
503,226
Dana Roets
January 11, 2019
86,403
329,032
Mark Learmonth
January 11, 2019
28,801
109,677
March 23, 2019
56,565
219,355
Caxton Mangezi
January 11,2019
71,156
270,968
Maurice Mason
August 6, 2019
26,103
102,353
Total
 
401,174
1,534,611
 
For further detail on the RSU’s and PSU’s refer to note 21.2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Refer to item 6E for a breakdown of director equity options outstanding, these equity options and their grant dates.
 
39


Caledonia does not have a pension, retirement or similar benefits scheme for Directors.
 
C.
Board Practices
 
The directors all hold their positions for an indefinite term, subject to re-election at each annual general meeting of the shareholders.  The officers hold their positions subject to being removed by resolution of the board of directors.   The term of office of each director expires as of the date that an annual general meeting of the shareholders is held, subject to the re-election of a particular director at such annual general meeting.  The following persons comprise the following committees:

Audit
Compensation
Governance
Nomination
Disclosure
J Holtzhausen
L Wilson
L Wilson
L Wilson
M Learmonth
J McGloin
J Kelly
J Kelly
J Holtzhausen
S R Curtis
J Kelly
J Holtzhausen
J Johnstone
J Johnstone
J Holtzhausen
 
J Johnstone
 
J McGloin
L Wilson
     
S Curtis
J Kelly
       
D Roets
Technical
Strategic
   
M Mason
J Johnstone
L Wilson
   
A Chester
J Holtzhausen
J Kelly
     
D Roets
S R Curtis
     
J McGloin
M Learmonth
     
S Curtis
D Roets
     
 
J McGloin
     
  J Holtzhausen      
 
J Johnstone
     
 
M Mason
     
         
Terms of reference of the Audit Committee are given in the Charter of the Audit Committee.  The Charters of the other committees are available on the Company’s website or, on request, from the Company’s offices listed in this report.

The Audit Committee is comprised of the following Directors (i) Johan Holtzhausen (Chairperson), (ii) John McGloin, and (iii) John Kelly.  Each member of the Audit Committee is considered independent as defined under NI 52-110 and as defined pursuant to Section 803 of the NYSE MKT Company Guide (as such definition may be modified or supplemented) and considered to be financially literate as such terms are defined under National Instrument 52-110 Audit Committees.  The SEC has indicated that the designation of an audit committee financial expert does not make that person an "expert" for any purpose, impose any duties, obligations, or liability on that person that are greater than those imposed on members of the audit committee and board of directors who do not carry this designation, or affect the duties, obligations, or liabilities of any other member of the audit committee.
 
 
D.
Employees
 
The average, approximate number of employees, their categories and geographic location for each of the last 5 years are summarized in the table below:

Geographic Location and Number of Employees:
 
Employee Location
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Total Employees
         
London, United Kingdom
-
-
-
-
1
Jersey, Channel Islands
-
-
-
-
2
South Africa (African Office)
10
13
14
14
13
Zimbabwe – approx. (i)
860
1,028
1,007
1,157
1,282
South Africa (Mine Security and Operations and Exploration)
1
1
1
1
1
Zambia (Head Office and Security)
8
8
6
-
-
Total Employees at all Locations
879
1,050
1,028
1,172
1,299
           
(i) the number of employees in Zimbabwe varies slightly from month-to-month.
40


Management and Administration:
         
Employee Locations:
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
London, United Kingdom
-
-
-
-
1
Jersey, Channel Islands
-
-
-
-
2
Zimbabwe
32
32
36
37
42
South Africa (African Office)
7
12
12
12
13
South Africa (Exploration and Operations)
2
1
1
1
1
Zambia (Head Office and Security)
4
4
4
-
-
Total Management and Administration
45
49
53
50
59

E.
Share Ownership
(a)   The direct and indirect shareholdings of the Company’s directors, officers and senior management as at March 30, 2017 were as follows:
 
   
Number of shares
   
Percentage share holding
 
L Wilson
   
215,000
     
0.41
%
J Johnstone
   
40,000
     
0.08
%
S Curtis
   
420,000
     
0.80
%
M Learmonth
   
324,750
     
0.62
%
J. Kelly
   
57,465
     
0.11
%
D Roets
 
Nil
     
-
 
J Holtzhausen
   
90,000
     
0.17
%
J McGloin
 
Nil
     
-
 
M Mason
   
35,000
     
0.07
%
Total
   
1,182,215
     
2.26
%

All of the shares held above are voting shares and do not have any different voting or other rights than the other outstanding shares of the Company.

As at March 30, 2017, the directors, officers and senior management, collectively, owned 1,182,215 shares, being approximately 2.26% of the issued shares.

The information as to shares beneficially owned or controlled or directed, not being within the knowledge of the Company, has been furnished by the respective directors, officers and senior management members individually.
41


(b)
Share purchase options outstanding as of March 30, 2017:

Name
Exercise Price CAD
Expiry Date
Number of Options
J Johnstone
0.90
September 10, 2018
28,000
A Lawson
0.90
September 10, 2018
3,000
T Pearton
0.90
September 10, 2018
25,000
C Mangezi
0.90
September 10, 2018
100,000
P Dell
0.90
September 10, 2018
3,000
P Human
0.90
September 10, 2018
5,000
S Smith
0.90
September 10, 2018
2,400
J Kelly
0.90
September 10, 2018
90,000
R Patricio
0.90
September 10, 2018
90,000
DSA Corporate Services
0.80
October 7, 2020
25,000
J McGloin
2.30
October 13, 2021
90,000
TOTAL
   
461,400

In terms of the approved plan, the expiry of the options that expire in a closed period will be extended by 10 days from the cessation of the closed period.

ITEM 7 - MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
A.
Major Shareholders
To the best of Caledonia's knowledge, as of December 31, 2016 there was one shareholder that beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, or exercises control or direction over more than 5% of the voting shares of Caledonia. Allan Gray, an investment trust/fund manager, owned 8,431,000 shares of the Company, representing 15.97% of the current issued share capital of the Company as at December 31, 2016.

All shareholders have the same voting rights as all other shareholders of Caledonia.

To the best of the knowledge of Caledonia, based on information in its share register on March 30, 2017, the portion of the shares of Caledonia is held in the following geographic locations:

 
Geographic Area
 
Number of Shares Held
   
Percentage of Issued Shares
 
 
USA
   
20,469,964
     
38.77
%
Canada
   
16,092,913
     
30.49
%
United Kingdom
   
15,672,353
     
29.69
%
Other
   
552,236
     
1.05
%
     
52,787,466
     
100
%

Caledonia is not, to the best of its knowledge, directly or indirectly owned or controlled by another corporation or corporations, by any other natural or legal person or persons severally or jointly or by any foreign government.

Caledonia is not aware of any arrangement, the operation of which may at some subsequent date result in a change of control of Caledonia.

The foregoing information in this paragraph is based exclusively on information with respect to recorded shareholders in the Company’s share register.  The Company does not have actual information available as to who may be the beneficial owners of the Company’s issued shares and, specifically, does not know the identity of the beneficial owners of the shares who are registered in two large intermediaries.

B.
Related Party Transactions
The aggregate value of transactions and outstanding balances relating to key management personnel and entities over which they have control or significant influence were as follows:

42

$’000
2014
2015
2016
Key management salaries and bonuses
1,781
2,452
2,033
Share-based payment awards (1)
-
24
788
 
1,781
2,476
2,821
 
(1) Refer to note 21.1 and 21.2 of the Consolidated Financial Statement for detail of equity and cash settled share based payment awards.

Employees, officers, directors, consultants and other service providers also participate in Caledonia’s share option program (see note 21 of the Consolidated Financial Statements). Group entities of Caledonia are set out in note 29 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. The share option plan is filed as exhibit 4.1 of the Annual Report.
 
As at December 31, 2016 employee contracts between the Company or Caledonia Mining South Africa Proprietary Limited and key management, include an option for respective key management to terminate such employee contract in the event of a change in control of the Company and to receive a severance payment equal to two years’ compensation.  If this was triggered as at December 31, 2016 the severance payment would have amounted to $4,646,000 (2015: $3,578,000; 2014: $3,611,000). A change in control would constitute:
 
·
the acquisition of more than 50% of the shares; or
·
the acquisition of the right to exercise the majority of the voting rights of the shares; or
·
the acquisition of the right to appoint the majority of the board of directors; or
·
the acquisition of more than 50% of the assets of Caledonia.

C.
Interests of Experts and Counsel
Not Applicable.
 
ITEM 8 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
A.
Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
This Annual Report contains the audited Consolidated Financial Statements which comprise the consolidated statements of financial position as at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and the related consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, consolidated statements of changes in equity and consolidated statements of cash flows for the three years ended December 31, 2016, December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
Reference is made to page 61 where the Consolidated Financial Statements are filed as part of this Annual Report on pages F1 – F58
 
Dividend Policy

Caledonia paid its inaugural dividend of 5 Canadian cents per share in February 2013 following a capital re-structure which was approved by shareholders in January 2013 which allowed it to make dividend payments.  The inaugural dividend did not relate to any specific accounting period.  Caledonia paid a further dividend of 5 Canadian cents per share in April 2013 in respect of the earnings for the year to December 31, 2012.
 
On November 25, 2013 Caledonia announced a revised dividend policy pursuant to which it intended to pay a dividend of 6 Canadian cents per share in 2014, split into 4 equal quarterly payments of 1.5 Canadian cents per share.  The first quarterly dividend was paid on January 31, 2014; further payments were made quarterly thereafter.
 
Following the announcement on December 16, 2015 that henceforth Caledonia will report its financial results in USD, the quarterly dividend that was paid at the end of January 2016 was declared and denominated in USD as 1.125 United States cents.   A further quarterly dividend of 1.125 United States cents was paid at the end of April 2016.
 
On July 5, 2016 Caledonia announced a quarterly dividend of 1.375 United States cents per share, which was paid at the end of July 2016; further dividends of 1.375 United States cents were paid at the end of October 2016 and January 2017. The increased dividend represents Caledonia’s revised dividend policy. It is currently envisaged that the dividend of 5.5 United States cents per annum will be maintained in 2017.

There are currently no restrictions on the Company which would prevent it from paying dividends.
 
43

Legal Proceedings and Regulatory Actions

To our knowledge, there are no legal proceedings material to us to which we are or were a party to or of which any of our properties are or were the subject of, during the financial year ended December 31, 2016 nor are there any such proceedings known to us to be contemplated, which would materially impact our financial position or ability to continue as a going concern.

During the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2016, there were no (i) penalties or sanctions imposed against  us by a court relating to securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority; (ii) penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body against us  that would likely be considered important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision, or (iii) settlement agreements  we entered into before a court relating to securities legislation or with a securities regulatory authority.

B.
Significant Changes
We have not experienced any significant changes since the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements included with this Annual Report except as disclosed in this Annual Report.

ITEM 9 - THE OFFERING AND LISTING
 
A.
Offering and Listing Details
The shares of the Company have been quoted for trading in the U.S. on the OTCQX under “CALVF” since October 2011 and depositary interests representing the shares have been admitted to trading on AIM in London under symbol “CMCL” since June 27, 2005.  The principal marketplace for the Company is the trading of depositary interests on AIM.  During the year ended December 31, 2016, 10,206,200 depository interests were traded on AIM at prices that ranged between a high of £1.43 and a low of £0.38 per depository interest.

The high and low market prices expressed in Pounds Sterling on AIM for our depositary interests for the last five financial years, for the last six months, and each quarter for the last three fiscal years is as follows:

 
AIM
(Pound Sterling)
Last Six Months
High
Low
March 2017 (up to 13 March)
1.14
1.12
February 2017
1.18
1.12
January 2017
1.18
0.83
December 2016
0.88
0.77
November 2016
1.33
0.84
October 2016
1.43
1.25
September 2016
1.37
1.00
     
2016
High
Low
Fourth Quarter ended December 31, 2016
1.43
0.77
Third Quarter ended September 31, 2016
1.37
0.75
Second Quarter ended June 30, 2016
0.74
0.57
First Quarter ended March 31, 2016
0.59
0.38
     
2015
High
Low
Fourth Quarter ended December 31, 2015
0.44
0.37
Third Quarter ended September 31, 2015
0.49
0.36
Second Quarter ended June 30, 2015
0.48
0.34
First Quarter ended March 31, 2015
0.38
0.33
     
2014
High
Low
Fourth Quarter ended December 31, 2014
0.49
0.30
Third Quarter ended September 31, 2014
0.50
0.42
Second Quarter ended June 30, 2014
0.42
0.35
First Quarter ended March 31, 2014
0.38
0.27
     
2013
High
Low
Fourth Quarter ended December 31, 2013
0.38
0.34
Third Quarter ended September 31, 2013
0.47
0.38
Second Quarter ended June 30, 2013
0.70
0.47
First Quarter ended March 31, 2013
0.66
0.45
     
Last Five Fiscal Years
High
Low
2016
1.43
0.38
2015
0.49
0.33
2014
0.50
0.27
2013
0.70
0.34
2012
0.63
0.33
 
44


The high and low market prices expressed in Canadian dollars on the Toronto Stock Exchange for our shares for the last five financial years, for the last six months, and each quarter for the last three fiscal years are as follows:
 
 
TSX
(Canadian Dollars)
Last Six Months
High
Low
March 2017 (up to 14 March)
1.86
1.80
February 2017
1.98
1.77
January 2017
1.89
1.54
December 2016
1.45
1.28
November 2016
2.23
1.35
October 2016
2.39
2.09
September 2016
2.35
1.71
     
2016
High
Low
Fourth Quarter ended December 31, 2016
2.39
1.28
Third Quarter ended September 31, 2016
2.35
1.30
Second Quarter ended June 30, 2016
1.40
1.05
First Quarter ended March 31, 2016
1.12
0.79
     
2015
High
Low
Fourth Quarter ended December 31, 2015
0.84
0.67
Third Quarter ended September 31, 2015
0.96
0.70
Second Quarter ended June 30, 2015
0.95
0.66
First Quarter ended March 31, 2015
0.75
0.62
     
2014
High
Low
Fourth Quarter ended December 31, 2014
0.81
0.77
Third Quarter ended September 31, 2014
1.10
1.07
Second Quarter ended June 30, 2014
0.87
0.85
First Quarter ended March 31, 2014
0.80
0.77
     
Last Five Fiscal Years
High
Low
2016
2.39
0.79
2015
0.96
0.62
2014
0.90
0.86
2013
1.40
0.67
2012
1.25
0.60
 
45

 
The high and low market prices expressed in USD on the OTCQX for our shares for the last five financial years, for the last six months, and each quarter for the last three fiscal years is as follows:

 
OTCQX
(USD)
Last Six Months
High
Low
March 2017 (up to 13 March)
1.37
1.33
February 2017
1.53
1.36
January 2017
1.45
1.16
December 2016
1.14
0.96
November 2016
1.68
1.00
October 2016
1.82
1.55
September 2016
1.77
1.31
     
2016
High
Low
Fourth Quarter ended December 31, 2016
1.82
0.96
Third Quarter ended September 31, 2016
1.77
0.98
Second Quarter ended June 30, 2016
1.09
0.79
First Quarter ended March 31, 2016
0.89
0.54
     
2015
High
Low
Fourth Quarter ended December 31, 2015
0.66
0.49
Third Quarter ended September 31, 2015
0.76
0.53
Second Quarter ended June 30, 2015
0.79
0.52
First Quarter ended March 31, 2015
0.63
0.51
     
2014
High
Low
Fourth Quarter ended December 31, 2014
0.71
0.56
Third Quarter ended September 31, 2014
1.01
0.98
Second Quarter ended June 30, 2014
0.80
0.78
First Quarter ended March 31, 2014
0.73
0.70
     
Last Five Fiscal Years
High
Low
2016
1.82
0.54
2015
0.79
0.49
2014
0.81
0.78
2013
1.45
0.65
2012
1.25
0.65
 
46

ITEM 10 - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
A.
Share Capital
Not Applicable.
 
B.
Articles of Association
Securities Registrar
 
Computershare Investor Services Inc. is the transfer agent and registrar for the shares at its principal office in the City of Toronto, with branch registrars of transfers at Computershare Trust Company, N.A office in the City of Golden, Colorado. Computershare Investor Services at its principal office in Bristol, United Kingdom is the transfer agent for the depositary interests.

Place of Incorporation and Purpose
 
The Company was incorporated, effective February 5, 1992, by the amalgamation of three predecessor companies.  It was registered in terms of the Canada Business Corporations Act (the “ CBCA ”). The company re-domiciled to Jersey effective March 19, 2016 through a process called Continuance. The Continuance had no appreciable effect on the Company’s listing in Toronto, the admission of its depositary interests to trading on AIM in London or the trading facility on the OTCQX and the Company’s securities continued to be traded on these listing and trading platforms after the Continuance process was completed.

Articles of Association
 
At a special meeting of shareholders held on February 18, 2016, Caledonia’s shareholders voted in favor of a resolution to approve the Continuance. This resolution, inter alia, included provisions to replace Caledonia’s by-laws with new articles of association (the “ Articles of Association ”). The Articles of Association do not place any restrictions on the Company’s business.

The holders of the shares are entitled to one vote per share at all meetings of the shareholders of the Company. The holders of shares are also entitled to dividends, if and when declared, and the distribution of the residual assets of the Company in the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company. The Company's shares do not have pre-emptive rights to purchase additional shares.

No preference shares are currently issued and outstanding. Preference shares may be issued from time to time in one or more series composed of such number of shares with such preference, deferred or other special rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions as specified in the Articles of Association or as fixed before such issuance by a resolution passed by the directors and confirmed and declared by shareholders by a special resolution.  The preference shares shall be entitled to preference over shares in respect of the payment of dividends and shall have priority over the Shares in the event of a distribution of residual assets of the Company in the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company. Please see Exhibit 1.1 for details in respect of the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to the shares and preference shares. The rights attaching to the shares or the preference shares can only be modified by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes cast at a meeting of the relevant shareholders called for that purpose.

Meetings of Shareholders
 
The Articles of Association requires the Company to call an annual general meeting of shareholders within 13 months after holding the last preceding annual general meeting and permits the Company to call any other meeting of shareholders at any time. The Company is required to mail a notice of meeting and management information circular to registered shareholders not less than 21 clear days and not more than 60 days prior to the date of any annual or other general meeting of shareholders. These materials must also be filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The Articles of Association provide that a quorum of two shareholders in person or represented by proxy holding or representing by proxy not less than 5% of the Company’s issued shares carrying the right to vote at the meeting is required to transact business at a general meeting. Shareholders, and their duly appointed proxies and corporate representatives, as well as the Company's auditors, are entitled to be admitted to the Company's annual and other general meetings of shareholders.

Limitations on the Right to Own Securities
 
There are no limitations on the rights to own securities in the Company.
 
Limitations on Restructuring
 
There is no provision in the Articles of Association that would have the effect of placing any limitations on any corporate restructuring in addition to what would otherwise be required by applicable law.

Disclosure of Share Ownership
 
The Articles of Association permit the Company to give a disclosure notice to any person that the Company has reasonable cause to believe is/was interested in the Company’s shares within the preceding three years; such notice may require the person to inform the Company whether that person holds/has held an interest in the Company’s shares. The Articles of Association also incorporate by reference certain of the disclosure and transparency rules (“ DTR ”) published by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (“ FCA ”). The DTR include, inter alia, a requir ement that a shareholder must notify the Company of the percentage of its voting rights (held directly and indirectly) if the percentage of those voting rights reaches, exceeds or falls below 3%, of the Company’s issued voting securities and each 1% threshold above 3%.
 
47


C.
Material Contracts
We enter into various contracts in the normal course of business.  However, there are no material contracts outside of the normal course of business to report in this Annual Report.

D.
Exchange Controls
There are no governmental laws, decrees or regulations existing in Jersey (where Caledonia is incorporated), which restrict the export or import of capital, or the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to non-resident holders of Caledonia's securities,  nor does Jersey have foreign exchange currency controls.  Exchange control approvals from the RBZ and the Reserve Bank of South Africa are required on the flow of funds in and out of Zimbabwe and South Africa; Caledonia has not encountered difficulty in obtaining all of its required approvals.

E.
Taxation
Certain 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 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 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 without limitation 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, and foreign tax consequences to U.S. Holders of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of shares.  In addition, except as specifically set forth below, this summary does not discuss applicable tax reporting requirements.  Each prospective 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 foreign tax consequences relating to the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of shares.
No legal opinion from U.S. legal counsel or ruling from the 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 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 are 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 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, and U.S. court decisions that are applicable and, in each case, as in effect and available, as of the date of this document.  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.
 
48


U.S. Holders
 
For purposes of this summary, the term "U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of shares that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
 
·
an individual who is a citizen or resident of the U.S.;
·
a corporation (or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) organized under the laws of the U.S., 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 (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the U.S. and the control of one or more U.S. persons for all substantial decisions or (2) has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.
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 U.S. Holders that:  (a) are tax-exempt organizations, qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts, or other tax-deferred accounts; (b) are financial institutions, underwriters, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts, or regulated investment companies; (c) are broker-dealers, dealers, or traders in securities or currencies that elect to apply a mark-to-market accounting method; (d) have a “functional currency” other than the USD; (e) own shares as part of a straddle, hedging transaction, conversion transaction, constructive sale, or other arrangement involving more than one position; (f) acquired shares in connection with the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation for services; (g) hold shares other than as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment purposes); or (h) own, have owned or will own  (directly, indirectly, or by attribution) 10% or more of the total combined voting power of the outstanding shares of the Company.  This summary also does not address the U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to U.S. Holders who are:  (a) U.S. expatriates or former long-term residents of the U.S.; (b) persons that have been, are, or will be a resident or deemed to be a resident in Canada for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Tax Act”); (c) persons that use or hold, will use or hold, or that are or will be deemed to use or hold shares in connection with carrying on a business in Canada; (d) persons whose shares constitute “taxable Canadian property” under the Tax Act; or (e) persons that have a permanent establishment in Canada for the purposes of the Canada-U.S. Tax Convention.  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 advisor regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. federal alternative minimum, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. state and local, and foreign tax consequences relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of 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 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 shares.
 
Ownership and Disposition of shares
 
The following discussion is subject to the rules described below under the heading “Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules.”
 
Taxation of Distributions
 
A U.S. Holder that receives a distribution, including a constructive distribution, with respect to a share will be required to include the amount of such distribution in gross income as a dividend (without reduction for any foreign income tax withheld from such distribution) to the extent of the current or accumulated “earnings and profits” of the Company, as computed 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 shares and thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of such shares (see “Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of shares” below).  However, the Company may not maintain the calculations of its earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles, and each U.S. Holder may have to assume that any distribution by the Company with respect to the shares will constitute ordinary dividend income.  Dividends received on shares by corporate U.S. Holders generally will not be eligible for the “dividends received deduction”.  Subject to applicable limitations   and provided the Company is eligible for the benefits of the Canada-U.S. Tax Convention, or the shares are readily tradable on a United States securities market dividends paid by the Company to non-corporate U.S. Holders, including individuals, generally will be eligible for the preferential tax rates applicable to long-term capital gains for dividends, provided certain holding period and other conditions are satisfied, including that the Company not be classified as a PFIC (as defined below) in the tax year of distribution or in the preceding tax year.  The dividend rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the application of such rules.
 
49

 
Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of shares
 
A U.S. Holder will recognize gain or loss on the sale or other taxable disposition of shares in an amount equal to the difference, if any, between (a) the amount of cash plus the fair market value of any property received and (b) such U.S. Holder’s tax basis in such shares sold or otherwise disposed of.  Any such gain or loss generally will be capital gain or loss, which will be long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of the sale or other disposition, such shares are held for more than one year.
 
Preferential tax rates apply to long-term capital gains of a U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate, or trust.  There are currently no preferential tax rates for long-term capital gains 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 (“PFIC”) Rules
 
If the Company were to constitute a PFIC for any year during a U.S. Holder’s holding period, then certain potentially adverse rules would affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. Holder resulting from the acquisition, ownership and disposition of shares.  The Company believes that it was not a PFIC for the tax year ended December 31, 2016. No opinion of legal counsel or ruling from the IRS concerning the status of the Company as a PFIC has been obtained or is currently planned to be requested. However, PFIC classification is fundamentally factual in nature, generally cannot be determined until the close of the tax year in question, and is determined annually.  Additionally, the analysis depends, in part, on the application of complex U.S. federal income tax rules, which are subject to differing interpretations.  Consequently, there can be no assurance that the Company has never been and will not become a PFIC for any tax year during which U.S. Holders hold shares.
 
In addition, in any year in which the Company is classified as a PFIC, a U.S. Holder will be required to file an annual report with the IRS containing such information as Treasury Regulations and/or other IRS guidance may require.  A failure to satisfy such reporting requirements may result in an extension of the time period during which the IRS can assess a tax.  U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the requirements of filing such information returns under these rules, including the requirement to file an IRS Form 8621.
 
The Company generally will be a PFIC under Section 1297 of the Code if, after the application of certain “look-through” rules with respect to subsidiaries in which the Company holds at least 25% of the value of such subsidiary, for a tax year, (a) 75% or more of the gross income of the Company for such tax year is passive income (the “income test”) or (b) 50% or more of the value of the Company’s assets either produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income (the “asset test”), based on the quarterly average of the fair market value of such assets.  “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, and “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.  Active business gains arising from the sale of commodities generally are excluded from passive income if substantially all (85% or more) of a foreign corporation’s commodities are stock in trade or inventory, depreciable property used in a trade or business or supplies regularly used or consumed in the ordinary course of its trade or business, and certain other requirements are satisfied.
 
If the Company were a PFIC in any tax year during which a U.S. Holder held shares, such holder generally would be subject to special rules with respect to “excess distributions” made by the Company on the shares and with respect to gain from the disposition of shares. An “excess distribution” generally is defined as the excess of distributions with respect to the shares received by a U.S Holder in any tax year over 125% of the average annual distributions such U.S. Holder has received from the Company during the shorter of the three preceding tax years, or such U.S. Holder’s holding period for the shares. Generally, a U.S. Holder would be required to allocate any excess distribution or gain from the disposition of the shares ratably over its holding period for the shares. Such amounts allocated to the year of the disposition or excess distribution would be taxed as ordinary income, and amounts allocated to prior tax years would be taxed as ordinary income at the highest tax rate in effect for each such year and an interest charge at a rate applicable to underpayments of tax would apply.
 
50

 
While there are U.S. federal income tax elections that sometimes can be made to mitigate these adverse tax consequences (including the “QEF Election” under Section 1295 of the Code and the “Mark-to-Market Election” under Section 1296 of the Code), such elections are available in limited circumstances and must be made in a timely manner.
 
U.S. Holders should be aware that, for each tax year, if any, that the Company is a PFIC, the Company can provide no assurances that it will satisfy the record keeping requirements of a PFIC, or that it will make available to U.S. Holders the information such U.S. Holders require to make a QEF Election with respect to the Company or any subsidiary that also is classified as a PFIC.  U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the potential application of the PFIC rules to the ownership and disposition of shares, and the availability of certain U.S. tax elections under the PFIC rules.
 
Additional Considerations
 
Additional Tax on Passive Income

Certain individuals, estates and trusts whose income exceeds certain thresholds will be required to pay a 3.8% surtax on “net investment income” including, among other things, dividends and net gain from disposition of property (other than property held in certain trades or businesses). Special rules apply to PFICs. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of this tax on their ownership and disposition of shares.

Receipt of Foreign Currency

The amount of any distribution paid to a U.S. Holder in foreign currency, or on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of shares, generally will be equal to the USD 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 USD at that time).  A U.S. Holder will have a basis in the foreign currency equal to its USD 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.  Different rules apply to U.S. Holders who use the accrual method with respect to foreign currency received upon the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of the shares. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own U.S. 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 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.  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 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 each U.S. Holder should consult its own U.S. tax advisor regarding the foreign tax credit rules.
 
51


Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

Under U.S. federal income tax law and Treasury Regulations, certain categories of U.S. Holders must file information returns with respect to their investment in, or involvement in, a foreign corporation.  For example, U.S. return disclosure obligations (and related penalties) are imposed on individuals who are U.S. Holders that hold certain specified foreign financial assets in excess of certain threshold amounts.  The definition of specified foreign financial assets includes not only financial accounts maintained in foreign financial institutions, but also, unless held in accounts maintained by a financial institution, any stock or security issued by a non-U.S. person, any financial instrument or contract held for investment that has an issuer or counterparty other than a U.S. person and any interest in a foreign entity.  U.S. Holders may be subject to these reporting requirements unless their shares are held in an account at certain financial institutions.  Penalties for failure to file certain of these information returns are substantial.  U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the requirements of filing information returns, including the requirement to file an IRS Form 8938.

Payments made within the U.S. or by a U.S. payor or U.S. middleman, of dividends on, and proceeds arising from the sale or other taxable disposition of, shares will generally be subject to information reporting and backup withholding tax, at the rate of 28%, 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) furnishes an incorrect U.S. taxpayer identification number, (c) is notified by the IRS that such U.S. Holder has previously failed to properly report items subject to backup withholding tax, or (d) fails to certify, under penalty of perjury, that such U.S. Holder has furnished its correct U.S. taxpayer identification number and that the IRS has not notified such U.S. Holder that it is subject to backup withholding tax.  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 required information to the IRS in a timely manner.

The discussion of reporting requirements set forth above is not intended to constitute a complete description of all reporting requirements that may apply to a U.S. Holder.  A failure to satisfy certain reporting requirements may result in an extension of the time period during which the IRS can assess a tax, and under certain circumstances, such an extension may apply to assessments of amounts unrelated to any unsatisfied reporting requirement.  Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the information reporting and backup withholding rules.

F.
Dividends and Paying Agents
Not Applicable.

G.
Statement by Experts
Not Applicable.

H.
Documents on Display
Any statement in this Annual Report about any of our contracts or other documents is not necessarily complete. If the contract or document is filed as an exhibit to this Annual Report, the contract or document is deemed to modify the description contained in this Annual Report. Readers must review the exhibits themselves for a complete description of the contract or document.

Readers may review a copy of our filings with the SEC, including exhibits and schedules filed with it, at the SEC's public reference facilities at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Readers may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms. The SEC maintains a website (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, submissions and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. We have only recently become subject to the requirement to file electronically through the EDGAR system most of our securities documents, including registration statements under the Securities Act and registration statements, reports and other documents under the Exchange Act.
 
52


We also file certain reports with the Canadian Securities Administrators that you may obtain through access of the SEDAR website, www.sedar.com .

Readers may read and copy any reports, statements or other information that we file with the SEC at the address indicated above and may also access them electronically at the website set forth above. These SEC filings are also available to the public from commercial document retrieval services.

We are required to file reports and other information with the SEC under the Exchange Act. Reports and other information filed by us with the SEC may be inspected and copied at the SEC's public reference facilities described above. As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements and our officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in section 16 of the Exchange Act. Under the Exchange Act, as a foreign private issuer, we are not required to publish financial statements as frequently or as promptly as United States companies.

Copies of our material contracts are kept at our principal executive office.

I.
Subsidiary Information
Not Applicable.

ITEM 11 - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
The Company is exposed in varying degrees to a variety of financial instrument related risks by virtue of its activities. The overall financial risk management program focuses on preservation of capital, and protecting current and future Company assets and cash flows by reducing exposure to risks posed by the uncertainties and volatilities of financial markets.

The board of directors of the Company has responsibility to ensure that an adequate financial risk management policy is established and to approve the policy. The Company’s Audit Committee oversees management’s compliance with the Company’s financial risk management policy.

The fair value of the Company’s financial instruments approximates their carrying value unless otherwise noted.  The types of risk exposure and the way in which such exposures are managed are as follows:

A.
Currency Risk
Caledonia’s group of companies (the “ Group ”) is exposed to currency risk to the extent that there is a mismatch between the currency that it transacts in and the functional currency. The results of the Group’s operations are subject to currency transaction risk and currency translation risk. The operating results and financial position of the Group are reported in USD in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The fluctuation of the USD in relation to other currencies that entities, within the Group, may transact in will consequently have an impact upon the profitability of the Group and may also affect the value of the Group’s assets and liabilities. As noted below, the Group has certain financial assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the Company. The Group does not use any derivative instruments to reduce its foreign currency risks. To reduce exposure to currency transaction risk, the Group predominantly maintains cash and cash equivalents in USD to avoid foreign exchange exposure and to meet short term liquidity requirements.

Sensitivity analysis
 
As a result of the Group’s monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies which is different to the functional currency of the underlying entities, the profit or loss and equity in the underlying entities could be affected by movements between the functional currency and the foreign currency. The table below indicates net monetary assets/(liabilities) in the Group that have a different functional currency and foreign currency. Amounts are indicated before elimination of intergroup balances.
53

 
   
2016
USD‘000
   
2015
USD‘000
   
2014
USD‘000
 
   
Functional currency
   
Functional currency
   
Functional currency
 
   
ZAR
   
USD
   
ZAR
   
CAD
   
ZAR
   
CAD
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
457
     
265
     
3,874
     
5,483
     
10,514
     
553
 
Trade and other payables
   
-
     
43
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Intercompany balances *
   
(30,552
)
   
(1,514
)
   
(27,650
)
   
44,390
     
(30,320
)
   
48,484
 
     
(30,095
)
   
(1,206
)
   
(23,776
)
   
49,873
     
(19,806
)
   
49,037
 
 
A reasonably possible strengthening or weakening of 5% of the various functional currencies against the foreign currencies, would have the following equal or opposite effect on profit or loss before tax for the Group:
 
   
2016
USD‘000
   
2015
USD’000
   
2014
USD’000
 
   
Functional currency
   
Functional currency
   
Functional currency
 
   
ZAR
   
USD
   
ZAR
   
CAD
   
ZAR
   
CAD
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
23
     
13
     
194
     
274
     
526
     
28
 
Trade and other payables
           
2
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Intercompany balances *
   
(1,527
)
   
(88
)
   
(1,382
)
   
2,219
     
(1,516
)
   
2,424
 
                                                 

* These intercompany balances represent the exposure to foreign currency risk between functional currencies and foreign currencies at a subsidiary level. These balances eliminate on consolidation.

B.
Interest Rate Risk

The Group's interest rate risk arises from loans and borrowings, overdraft facility and cash held. The loans and borrowings, overdraft facility and cash held have variable interest rate borrowings. Variable rate borrowings expose the group to cash flow interest rate risk. The Group has not entered into interest rate swap agreements.

The Group’s assets and (liabilities) exposed to interest rate fluctuations as at year end is summarized as follows:

 
2016
2015
2014
Term loan
(2,987)
-
-
Cash and cash equivalents
14,335
12,568
23,082
Overdraft
-
(1,688)
-


Interest rate risk arising is offset by available cash and cash e quivalents. The table below summarises the effect of a change in finance cost on the Group’s total comprehensive income for the year, had the rates charged differed.

Sensitivity analysis – term loan and bank overdraft

 
2016
2015
2014
       
Increase in 100 basis points
30
17
3
Decrease in 100 basis points
(30)
(17)
(3)
       
       
 
54

 
C.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk of a financial loss to the Company if a debtor fails to meet its contractual obligation. From 2014, gold sales were made to Fidelity in Zimbabwe and the payment terms stipulated in the service delivery contract have been adhered to in all instances. Trade and other receivables are analysed in note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and include $1.0 million (2015: $ nil; 2014: $ Nil) due from Fidelity in respect of gold deliveries immediately prior to the close of business at the end of 2016 and $1.9 million (2015: $2.9 million) due from the Zimbabwe government in respect of VAT refunds.  The amount due from Fidelity was paid in full after year end; the outstanding balance at December 31, 2016 reflects a normal balance in the context of the timing of bullion shipments to Fidelity and payments from Fidelity for bullion received.  The amount due in respect of the longer-outstanding VAT refunds were within the agreed terms.

D.
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due.  The Group manages its liquidity risk by ensuring that there is sufficient cash to meet its likely cash requirements, after taking into account cash flows from operations and the Group’s holdings of cash and cash equivalents. The Group believes that these sources will be sufficient to cover the anticipated cash requirements. Senior management is also actively involved in the review and approval of planned expenditures by regularly monitoring cash flows from operations and anticipated investing and financing activities.

E.
Commodity Price Risk
The value of the Company’s mineral resource properties is related to the price of gold and the outlook for these minerals. In addition, adverse changes in the price of certain key or high cost operating consumables can significantly impair the Company’s cash flows.

Gold prices historically have fluctuated widely and are affected by numerous factors outside of the Company's control, including, but not limited to, industrial and retail demand, central bank lending, forward sales by producers and speculators, levels of worldwide production, short-term changes in supply and demand because of speculative hedging activities, and macro-economic variables, and certain other factors related specifically to gold.

In February 2016, the Company entered into a hedge in respect of 15,000 ounces of gold over a period of 6 months.  The hedge protected the Company if the gold price fell below $1,050 per ounce and gave the Company full participation if the price of gold exceeded $1,079 per ounce. The derivative financial instrument was entered into by the Company for economic hedging purposes and not as a speculative investment and was closed out in August 2016.
The derivative contract resulted in a loss of $435,000 included in profit or loss. The Company settled the loss with the $435,000 margin call deposited at the inception of the hedge transaction. The Company is fully exposed to the gold price as at December 31, 2016.

A 5% increase or decrease in the average realised gold price would have increased or decreased revenue by $3,100,000 (2015: $2,449,000; 2014:$2,664,000)

ITEM 12 - DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
 
Not Applicable.

ITEM 13 - DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARS AND DELINQUENCIES
 
Not Applicable.

ITEM 14 - MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
Not Applicable.
 
55


ITEM 15 - CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
A.   Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
The Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“ CEO ”) and Chief Financial Officer (“ CFO ”) have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, and assessed the design of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016.  As required by Rule 13(a)-15 under the Exchange Act, in connection with this Annual Report on Form 20-F, under the direction of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2016, and we have concluded our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as at December 31, 2016.

B.   Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting (“ICOFR”)
 
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 Exchange Act. Internal control over financial reporting has been designed to provide reasonable assurance with respect to the reliability of financial reporting and the presentation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within our Company have been detected.
 
As of the date of this filing, we have in place controls and procedures to maintain appropriate segregation of duties in our manual and computer based business processes that we believe are appropriate for a company of our size and extent of business transactions. Under the supervision and with the participation of the CEO and CFO, management assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016. In making their assessment, management used the control objectives established in the 2013 Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO") framework. Based upon that assessment and those criteria, management concluded that the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2016.
C.   Attestation Report of registered public accounting firm
 
This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management's report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to (i) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, which permits us to provide only management's report in this Annual Report; the Dodd-Frank Act permits a "non-accelerated filer" to provide only management's report on internal control over financial reporting in an Annual Report and omit an attestation report of the issuer's registered public accounting firm regarding management's report on internal control over financial reporting and (ii) as we qualify as an "emerging growth company" under section 3(a) of the Exchange Act (as amended by the JOBS Act, enacted on April 5, 2012), and are therefore exempt from the attestation requirement.

D.   Changes in internal controls over financial reporting
 
There were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of 17 CFR 240.13a-15 or 240.15d-15 that occurred during the period covered by this annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
56


ITEM 16A - AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
 
Caledonia’s board of directors has determined, as at March 30, 2017 that the three members of its Audit Committee are considered independent as defined under NI 52-110 and as defined pursuant to Section 803 of the NYSE MKT Company Guide (as such definition may be modified or supplemented) and considered to be financially literate as such terms are defined under National Instrument 52-110 Audit Committees and one of the members can be considered to be an expert.  The financial expert serving on the Audit Committee is Mr. J. Holtzhausen. Messrs. J. Holtzhausen, J. Kelly and J McGloin are all independent directors under the applicable rules.

The SEC has indicated that the designation of an audit committee financial expert does not make that person an "expert" for any purpose, impose any duties, obligations, or liability on that person that are greater than those imposed on members of the Audit Committee and board of directors who do not carry this designation, or affect the duties, obligations, or liabilities of any other member of the Audit Committee.

ITEM 16B - CODE OF ETHICS
 
On November 8, 2016 the registrant’s board of directors approved in principle a revised code of business conduct, ethics and anti-bribery policy that applies to the registrant’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions (as well as many others).

The text of this code has been posted on the Company website. ( www.caledoniamining.com )

ITEM 16C - PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
 
The following table sets forth the audit service fees billed by our current external auditors, unless stated otherwise, for the years indicated:
 
 
2016 (1)
 
2015 (1)
   
2014 (1)
Audit fees
   
334,996
     
181,652
     
276,824
 
Audit – related fees
           
-
     
-
 
Tax fees (2)
   
18,012
     
181950
     
56,414
 
All other fees
   
2,498
     
-
     
-
 
TOTAL
   
355,506
     
363,602
     
333,238
 

Notes:
 
(1)
Prior to the start of the audit process, Caledonia’s Audit Committee receives an estimate of the costs, from its auditors and reviews such costs for their reasonableness. After their review and pre-approval of the fees, the Audit Committee recommend to the board of directors to accept the estimated audit fees given by the auditors.
(2)
Tax fees were for assistance provided regarding international tax matters relating to a possible permanent establishment tax exposure and a tax transfer pricing review.

ITEM 16D - EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
 
Not Applicable.

 
ITEM 16E - PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
 
Not Applicable.
 
57


ITEM 16F - CHANGE IN REGISTRANT'S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
 
Not applicable.

ITEM 16G - CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
Because our securities are not listed on a national securities exchange in the United States, we are not subject to exchange related corporate governance requirements in the United States.  However, we are subject to a variety of corporate governance guidelines and requirements enacted by the jurisdictions and exchanges in which we operate our business and on which our securities are traded.  We incorporate a mix of corporate governance best practices to ensure that our corporate governance complies in all material respects with the requirements of the jurisdictions in which we operate and the exchanges on which our securities are traded. 
 
ITEM 16H - MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
 
Not Applicable.

ITEM 17 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
See Item 18.
 
ITEM 18 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
The Consolidated Financial Statements and schedules appear on pages F-1 through F-58 of this Annual Report and are incorporated herein by reference. Our audited financial statements as prepared by our management and approved by the board of directors include:

Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

All the above statements are available on the Company’s website at – www.caledoniamining.com or under the Company’s profile on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (“ SEDAR ”) at www.sedar.com
 
58


ITEM 19 – EXHIBITS
 
Financial Statements

Description
 
Page
     
Financial Statements and Notes
 
F1- F58

Exhibit List

Exhibit No.
Name
Articles of Association (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on March 31, 2016)
OEICP (revised 2015) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on March 31, 2015)
Employment contracts/executive employment agreements
List of  Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc group entities
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
15.1
Independent Technical Report and PEA on the Blanket Mine(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 15.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on March 31, 2015)
15.2
Property and Claims Information of Blanket Mine (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 15.2 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on March 31, 2015)
15.3
Shareholder Rights Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 15.3 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on March 31, 2015)
15.4
Share Subscription Agreements – Blanket Mine (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 15.4 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on March 31, 2015)
 
59

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and the related consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2016. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and its consolidated financial performance and its consolidated cash flows for each of the years in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

(Signed) KPMG Inc.


85 Empire Road
Parktown
Johannesburg
South Africa
March 30, 2017
F-1

 
Consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income
(In thousands of United States Dollars, unless indicated otherwise)
 
For the years ended  December 31
 
Notes
   
2016
   
2015
   
2014
 
                         
Revenue
         
61,992
     
48,977
     
53,513
 
Less: Royalties
         
(2,923
)
   
(2,455
)
   
(3,522
)
          Production costs
 
8
     
(32,086
)
   
(30,019
)
   
(27,908
)
          Depreciation
 
13
     
(3,491
)
   
(3,322
)
   
(3,540
)
Gross profit
         
23,492
     
13,181
     
18,543
 
Other income
 
9.1
     
1,330
     
110
     
25
 
Other expenses
         
(55
)
   
-
     
-
 
Administrative expenses
 
10
     
(7,263
)
   
(7,622
)
   
(7,387
)
Share based payment expense
 
21
     
(788
)
   
(24
)
   
-
 
Sale of Blanket Mine treasury bills
 
9.2
     
3,202
     
-
     
-
 
Net foreign exchange (loss)/gain
         
(505
)
   
2,850
     
1,065
 
Loss on settlement of hedge
 
25
     
(435
)
   
-
     
-
 
Impairment
         
-
     
-
     
(178
)
Finance income
 
11
     
16
     
1
     
14
 
Finance cost
 
11
     
(192
)
   
(536
)
   
(154
)
Profit before tax
         
18,802
     
7,960
     
11,928
 
Tax expense
 
12
     
(7,717
)
   
(2,370
)
   
(5,982
)
Profit for the year
         
11,085
     
5,590
     
5,946
 
Other comprehensive income
                             
Items that are or may be reclassified to profit or loss
                             
Foreign currency translation differences of foreign operations
         
262
     
(3,291
)
   
(685
)
Tax on other comprehensive income
 
12
     
-
     
199
     
111
 
Total comprehensive income for the year
         
11,347
     
2,498
     
5,372
 
                               
Profit attributable to:
                             
Owners of the Company
         
8,526
     
4,779
     
4,435
 
Non-controlling interests
         
2,559
     
811
     
1,511
 
Profit for the year
         
11,085
     
5,590
     
5,946
 
Total comprehensive income attributable to:
                             
Owners of the Company
         
8,788
     
1,687
     
3,861
 
Non-controlling interests
         
2,559
     
811
     
1,511
 
Total comprehensive income for the year
         
11,347
     
2,498
     
5,372
 
                               
Earnings per share
                             
Basic earnings -  per share ($)
 
19
     
0.16
     
0.09
     
0.08
 
Diluted earnings - per share ($)
 
19
     
0.16
     
0.09
     
0.08
 

The accompanying notes on page F-6 to F-58 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
F-2

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Consolidated statements of financial position
(In thousands of United States Dollars, unless indicated otherwise)

   
Notes
             
As at 31 December
       
2016
   
2015
 
Assets
                 
Property, plant and equipment
 
13
     
64,873
     
49,218
 
Deferred tax asset
 
12
     
44
     
58
 
Total non-current assets
         
64,917
     
49,276
 
                       
Inventories
 
14
     
7,222
     
6,091
 
Prepayments
         
810
     
667
 
Trade and other receivables
 
15
     
3,425
     
3,839
 
Income tax receivable
 
12
     
-
     
397
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
16
     
14,335
     
12,568
 
Total current assets
         
25,792
     
23,562
 
Total assets
         
90,709
     
72,838
 
                       
Equity and liabilities
                     
Share capital
 
17
     
55,002
     
54,569
 
Reserves
 
18
     
142,374
     
141,942
 
Retained loss
         
(141,767
)
   
(147,654
)
Equity attributable to shareholders
     
55,609
     
48,857
 
Non-controlling interests
 
31
     
3,708
     
1,504
 
Total equity
         
59,317
     
50,361
 
                       
Liabilities
                     
Provisions
 
20
     
3,456
     
2,762
 
Deferred tax liability
 
12
     
15,909
     
11,318
 
Long term portion of term loan facility
 
22
     
1,577
     
-
 
Cash settled share based payments
 
21.2
     
618
     
-
 
Total non-current liabilities
         
21,560
     
14,080
 
                       
Short term portion of term loan facility
 
22
     
1,410
     
-
 
Trade and other payables
 
23
     
8,077
     
6,656
 
Income tax payable
 
12
     
345
     
53
 
Bank overdraft
 
16
     
-
     
1,688
 
Total current liabilities
         
9,832
     
8,397
 
Total liabilities
         
31,392
     
22,477
 
Total equity and liabilities
         
90,709
     
72,838
 
 
The accompanying notes on page F-6 to F-58 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

On behalf of the Board:  “S.R. Curtis”- Chief Executive Officer and “M. Learmonth”- Chief Financial Officer.
 
F-3


Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Consolidated statements of changes in equity
( In thousands of United States Dollars, unless indicated otherwise)
 
 
Share capital
   
Foreign Currency Translation Reserve
   
Contributed Surplus
   
Share- based payment reserve
   
Retained Loss
   
Equity attributable to shareholders
   
Non- controlling interests (“NCI”)
   
Total Equity
 
Balance at December 31, 2013
   
54,569
     
(2,544
)
   
132,591
     
15,847
     
(151,824
)
   
48,639
     
(48
)
   
48,591
 
Transactions with owners:
                                                               
Dividends paid
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(2,850
)
   
(2,850
)
   
(770
)
   
(3,620
)
Total comprehensive income:
                                                               
Profit for the year
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
4,435
     
4,435
     
1,511
     
5,946
 
Other comprehensive income for the year
   
-
     
(685
)
   
-
     
-
     
111
     
(574
)
           
(574
)
Balance at December 31, 2014
   
54,569
     
(3,229
)
   
132,591
     
15,847
     
(150,128
)
   
49,650
     
693
     
50,343
 
Transactions with owners:
                                                               
Equity settled share-based payment
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
24
     
-
     
24
     
-
     
24
 
Dividends paid
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(2,504
)
   
(2,504
)
   
-
     
(2,504
)
Total comprehensive income:
           
-
                                                 
Profit for the year
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
4,779
     
4,779
     
811
     
5,590
 
Other comprehensive income for the year
   
-
     
(3,291
)
   
-
     
-
     
199
     
(3,092
)
   
-
     
(3,092
)
Balance at December 31, 2015
   
54,569
     
(6,520
)
   
132,591
     
15,871
     
(147,654
)
   
48,857
     
1,504
     
50,361
 
Transactions with owners:
                                                               
Equity settled share-based payment
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
170
     
-
     
170
     
-
     
170
 
Shares issued – Option exercises (note 21.1)
   
433
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
433
     
-
     
433
 
Dividends paid
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(2,639
)
   
(2,639
)
   
(355
)
   
(2,994
)
Total comprehensive income:
                                                               
Profit for the year
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
8,526
     
8,526
     
2,559
     
11,085
 
Other comprehensive income for the year
   
-
     
262
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
262
     
-
     
262
 
Balance at December 31, 2016
   
55,002
     
(6,258
)
   
132,591
     
16,041
     
(141,767
)
   
55,609
     
3,708
     
59,317
 
 
The accompanying notes on page F-6 to F-58 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
F-4

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Consolidated Statements of cash flows
For the years ended December 31
(In thousands of United States Dollars, unless indicated otherwise)
 
   
Note
   
2016
   
2015
   
2014
 
                         
Cash flows from operating activities
 
24
     
25,671
     
8,823
     
15,584
 
Interest received
         
16
     
1
     
14
 
Interest paid
         
(210
)
   
(493
)
   
(121
)
Tax paid
 
12
     
(2,466
)
   
(1,462
)
   
(4,526
)
Net cash from operating activities
         
23,011
     
6,869
     
10.951
 
                               
Cash flows from investing activities
                             
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
         
(19,885
)
   
(16,567
)
   
(6,150
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
         
3
     
-
     
-
 
Net cash used in investing activities
         
(19,882
)
   
(16,567
)
   
(6,150
)
                               
Cash flows from financing activities
                             
Dividends paid
         
(2,994
)
   
(2,504
)
   
(3,620
)
Proceeds from term loan facility
         
3,000
     
-
     
-
 
Term loan – Transaction cost
         
(73
)
   
-
     
-
 
Proceeds from issue of share capital
         
433
     
-
     
-
 
Net cash from/(used in) financing activities
         
366
     
(2,504
)
   
(3,620
)
                               
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
         
3,495
     
(12,202
)
   
1,181
 
Effect of exchange rate fluctuation on cash held
         
(40
)
   
-
     
-
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
         
10,880
     
23,082
     
21,901
 
Net cash and cash equivalents at year end
 
16
     
14,335
     
10,880
     
23,082
 

The accompanying notes on page F-6 to F-58 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
F-5


Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )

 
1   Reporting entity
Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc (the “Company”) is a company domiciled in Jersey, Channel Islands. The address of the Company’s registered office is 3rd Floor, Weighbridge House, St Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands. These consolidated financial statements of the Group as at and for the years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 comprise the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the “Group” and individually as “Group entities”). The Group is primarily involved in the operation of a gold mine and the exploration and development of mineral properties for precious metals.
 
2   Basis for preparation
 
(i) Statement of compliance
 
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).
 
The consolidated financial statements were authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on March 30, 2017.
 
(ii) Basis of measurement
 
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for:
 
·
equity settled share-based payment arrangements measured at fair value on grant date;
·
cash settled share-based payment arrangement measured at fair value on the grant and re-measurement dates; and
·
derivative financial instruments measured at fair value.
(iii) Functional currency
 
These consolidated financial statements are presented in United States dollars (“$”), which is also the functional currency of the Company. All financial information presented in United States dollars have been rounded to the nearest thousand, unless indicated otherwise.
 
(iv) Comparatives
 
Where necessary comparative periods may be adjusted to conform to changes in presentation. The Group has reclassified Exploration and Evaluation assets as a separate class of Property, plant and equipment in order to enhance disclosure. The January 1, 2015 carrying value of Mineral properties depreciated decreased by $1,951 (2014:1,871) and was renamed Mine development, infrastructure and other. The January 1, 2015 carrying value of Mineral properties not depreciated, increased by 1,951 (2014:1,871) and was renamed Exploration and Evaluation assets. The reclassifications had no impact on the statements of financial position.
 
F-6

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
 
3   Use of estimates and judgements
 
In preparing these consolidated financial statements, management has made judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of the Group’s accounting policies and the reported amount of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Changes in estimates are recognised prospectively.
 
(a)
Judgements, assumptions and estimation uncertainties
i) Depreciation of Property, plant and equipment
 
Depreciation on mine development, infrastructure and other assets in the production phase is computed on the units-of-production method over the life-of-mine based on the estimated quantities of reserves and resources, which can be recovered in the future from known mineral deposits. The method of calculating depreciation changed during the current financial year, refer to par 4(e)(iv) for more detail. Confidence in the existence, commercial viability and economical recovery of such reserves and resources may be based on historical experience and available geological information, such as geological information obtained from other operations that are contiguous to the Group’s mine. This is in addition to the drilling results obtained by the Group and management’s knowledge of the geological setting of the surrounding areas, which would enable simulations and extrapolations to be done with a sufficient degree of accuracy. In instances where management is able to demonstrate the economic recovery of such resources with a high level of confidence, such additional resources, are included in the calculation of depreciation. The future development costs are those costs that need to be incurred to access the resources, for example the costs to complete a decline or level, which may include infrastructure and equipping costs. These amounts have been extracted from the cash flow projections for the life-of-mine plans. Other items of property, plant and equipment are depreciated as described in note 4(iv) Useful lives .

ii) Mineral reserves and resources
 
Mineral reserves and resources are estimates of the amount of product that can be economically and legally extracted. In order to calculate the reserves and resources, estimates and assumptions are required about a range of geological, technical and economic factors, including but not limited to quantities, grades, production techniques, recovery rates, production costs, transport costs, commodity demand, commodity prices and exchange rates. Estimating the quantity and grade of mineral reserves and resources requires the size, shape and depth of orebodies to be determined by analysing geological data such as the logging and assaying of drill samples. This process may require complex and difficult geological judgements and calculations to interpret the data. Estimates of mineral reserves and resources may change due to the change in economic assumptions used to estimate mineral reserves and resources and due to additional geological data becoming available during the course of operations. Changes in reported reserves and resources may affect the Group’s financial results and position in a number of ways, including the following:
 
·
Asset carrying values may be affected due to changes in the estimated cash flows;
·
Depreciation and amortisation charges to profit or loss may change as these are calculated on the unit-of-production method or where useful lives of an asset change; and
·
Decommissioning, site restoration and environmental provisions may change in ore reserves and resources which may affect expectations about the timing or cost of these activities.

F-7

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
3   Use of estimates and judgements - (continued)
 
iii) Blanket mine’s indigenisation transaction
 
The indigenisation transaction of the Blanket Mine (1983) (Private) Limited (“Blanket Mine”) required management to make significant judgements and assumptions which are explained in Note 5.
 
iv) Site restoration provisions
The site restoration provision has been calculated for the Blanket Mine based on an independent analysis of the rehabilitation costs as performed in 2015 and a further internal assessment for additional areas of disturbance in 2016. The restorations provision for Eersteling Gold Mining Company Limited was estimated based on an internal management assessment. Estimates and assumptions are made when determining the inflationary effect on current restoration costs and the discount rate to be applied in arriving at the present value of the provision where the time value of money effect is significant. Assumptions, based on the current economic environment, have been made that management believes are a reasonable basis upon which to estimate the future liability. These estimates take into account any material changes to the assumptions that occur when reviewed by management. Estimates are reviewed annually and are based on current regulatory requirements. Significant changes in estimates of contamination, restoration standards and techniques will result in changes to provisions from period to period. Actual rehabilitation costs will ultimately depend on future market prices for the rehabilitation. The final cost of the currently recognized site rehabilitation provisions may be higher or lower than currently provided for (Refer to note 20).
 
v) Exploration and evaluation (“E&E”) assets
The Group also makes estimates and assumptions regarding the possible impairment of E&E assets by evaluating whether it is likely that future economic benefits will flow to the Group, which may be based on assumptions about future events or circumstances. Estimates and assumptions made may change if new information becomes available. If information becomes available suggesting that the recovery of expenditures is unlikely, the amount capitalized is written off in profit or loss in the period the new information becomes available. The recoverability of the carrying amount of exploration and evaluation assets are dependent upon the availability of sufficient funding to bring the properties into commercial production, the price of the products to be recovered and the undertaking of profitable mining operations. As a result of these uncertainties, the actual amount recovered may vary significantly from the carrying amount.
 
vi) Income taxes
Significant estimates and assumptions are required in determining the provision for income taxes. There are many transactions and calculations undertaken during the ordinary course of business for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Group records its best estimate of the tax liability including the related interest and penalties in the current tax provision. Management believes they have adequately provided for the probable outcome of these matters; however, the final outcome may result in a materially different outcome than the amount included in the tax liabilities. In addition, the Group applies judgement in recognizing deferred tax assets relating to tax losses carried forward to the extent that there are sufficient taxable temporary differences (deferred tax liabilities) relating to the same taxation authority and the same taxable entity against which the unused tax losses may be utilized or sufficient estimated taxable income against which the losses can be utilized.
F-8

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
 
3
Use of estimates and judgements - (continued)
vii) Share-based payment transactions
 
Equity settled share-based payment arrangements
 
The Group measures the cost of equity settled, share-based payment transactions with employees, directors and Blanket’s indigenous shareholders (refer notes 5 and 21.1) by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments on the date at which they are granted. Estimating fair value for share-based payment transactions requires determining the appropriate valuation model and considering the terms and conditions of the grant. This estimate also requires determining the most appropriate inputs to the valuation model including the expected life of the share option, volatility and dividend yield. Additional information about significant judgements and estimates and assumptions for estimating fair value for share-based payment transactions are disclosed in note 21.1.
 
Option pricing models require the input of assumptions including the expected price volatility.  Changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, and therefore the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of the Group’s share options .
 
Cash settled share-based payment arrangements
 
The fair value of the amount payable to employees in respect of share-based awards, which will be settled in cash, is recognised as an expense with a corresponding increase in liabilities, over the period over which the employee becomes unconditionally entitled to payment. The liability is re-measured at each reporting date. Any changes in the fair value of the liability are recognised as an expense in profit or loss.
 
Additional information about significant judgements, estimates and the assumptions used to estimate the fair value of cash settled share-based payment transactions are disclosed in note 21.2.
 
viii) Impairment

At each reporting date, the Group determines if impairment indicators exist, and if present, performs an impairment review of the non-financial assets held in the Group. The exercise is subject to various judgemental decisions and estimates. Financial assets are also reviewed regularly for impairment. Further details of the judgements and estimates made for these reviews are set out in note 13.
 
ix) Measurement of fair values
 
Some of the Group’s accounting policies and disclosure require the measurement of fair values, for both financial and non-financial assets and liabilities.
F-9

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
3
       Use of estimates and judgements - (continued)
ix) Measurement of fair values - (continued)
 
When measuring the fair value of an asset or a liability, the Group uses market observable data as far as possible. Where applicable, fair values are categorised into different levels in a fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used in the valuation technique as follows:
 
·
Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.
·
Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the assets and liabilities, either directly (i.e. as price) or indirectly (i.e. derives from prices).
·
Level 3: inputs for the assets or liabilities that are not based for identical assets or observable market data (unobservable inputs).
4   Significant accounting policies
 
Except as stated in note 4(r), the accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements.
 
 (a) Basis of consolidation
 
i)
Subsidiaries and structured entities
Subsidiaries and certain structured entities are entities controlled by the Group. The Group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variability in returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date on which control commences until the date on which control ceases.
 
ii)
Loss of control
When the Group loses control over a subsidiary, it derecognises the assets and liabilities of the subsidiary, and any related Non-controlling interests (“NCI”) and other components of equity. Any gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss. Any interest retained in the former subsidiary is measured at fair value when control is lost.
 
iii)
Non-controlling interests
NCI are measured at their proportionate share of the carrying amounts of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets at fair value at the acquisition date. Changes in the Group’s interest in a subsidiary that do not result in a loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions.
 
F-10

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )

4   Significant accounting policies - (continued)
 
iv) Transactions eliminated on consolidation
 
Intra-group balances and transactions, and any unrealised income and expenses arising from intra-group transactions, are eliminated. Unrealised losses are eliminated in the same way as unrealised gains, but only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment.
 

(b)
       Foreign currency
 
i)
Foreign operations
As stated in note 2(iii) the presentation currency of the Group is the United States Dollar. The functional currency of the Company and all its subsidiaries is the United States Dollar except for the South African subsidiaries that use the South African Rand (“ZAR”) as their functional currency. Subsidiary financial statements have been translated to the presentation currency as follows:
 
·
Assets and liabilities are translated using the exchange rate at period end; and
·
Income, expenses and cash flow items are translated using the rate that approximates the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions.
When the settlement of a monetary item receivable from or payable to a foreign operation is neither planned nor likely in the foreseeable future, foreign exchange gains and losses arising from the item are considered to form part of the net investment in a foreign operation and are recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”). If settlement is planned or likely in the foreseeable future, foreign exchange gains and losses are included in profit or loss. When settlement occurs, settlement will not be regarded as a partial disposal and accordingly the foreign exchange gain or loss previously recognised in OCI is not reclassified to profit or loss/reallocated to NCI.

When the Group disposes of its entire interest in a foreign operation, or loses control, joint control, or significant influence over a foreign operation, the foreign currency gains or losses accumulated in OCI related to the foreign operation are recognized in profit or loss. If an entity disposes of part of an interest in a foreign operation which remains a subsidiary, a proportionate amount of foreign currency gains or losses accumulated in OCI related to the subsidiary are reallocated between controlling and non-controlling interests.

All resulting translation differences are reported in OCI.

ii)
Foreign currency translation
In preparing the financial statements of the Group entities, transactions in currencies other than the entities’ functional currency (foreign currencies) are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At each reporting date, monetary assets and liabilities are translated using the current foreign exchange rate. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated using the historical rate on the date of the transaction. All gains and losses on translation of these foreign currency transactions are included in profit or loss for the year.

F-11

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
 
 

 
4   Significant accounting policies - (continued)
 
(b)
       Foreign currency
i)
Non-derivative financial assets
The Group initially recognises loans and receivables on the date that which they originate. All other financial assets are recognised initially on the trade date at which the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
 
The Group derecognises a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or it transfers the rights to receive the contractual cash flows from the financial asset in a transaction in which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset are transferred. Any interest in transferred financial assets that is created or retained by the Group is recognised as a separate asset or liability.
 
The Group has the following non-derivative financial assets: trade and other receivables as well as cash and cash equivalents.
 
Loans and receivables
 
Loans and receivables are financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. Such assets are recognised initially at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, loans and receivables are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses. The impairment loss on receivables is based on a review of all outstanding amounts at year end. Bad debts are written off during the year in which they are identified. Interest income is recognized by applying the effective interest rate, except for short-term receivables when the recognition of interest would be immaterial.

Loans and receivables include trade and other receivables.

Cash and cash equivalents
 
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call deposits with original maturities of three months or less. Bank overdrafts are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the Group’s cash management process. The bank overdraft is included as a component of cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the statement of cash flows.
 
F-12

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
 
4   Significant accounting policies - (continued)
 
ii)
Non-derivative financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are recognised initially on the trade date at which the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. The Group derecognises a financial liability when its contractual obligations are discharged, cancelled or expire.
 
Non-derivative financial liabilities consist of bank overdrafts, loans and borrowings and trade and other payables.
 
Such financial liabilities are recognised initially at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition these financial liabilities are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
 
iii)
Derivative financial instruments
During the year the Group held derivative financial instruments to hedge its gold price exposure. Derivatives are recognised initially at fair value, attributable transaction costs are recognised in profit or loss as incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition, derivatives are measured at fair value. The Group does not hold derivatives that are classified as cash flow hedges, embedded derivatives or hedges that qualify as highly effective. Therefore, all changes in the fair value of derivative instruments are accounted for in profit or loss.
 
iv)
Offsetting
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount presented in the statement of financial position when, and only when, the Group has a legal right to offset the amounts and intends either to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
 
(d)      Share capital
Share capital is classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of shares and share options are recognised as a deduction from equity, net of any tax effects.
 
(e)
Property, plant and equipment
 
i)
Recognition and measurement
Items of property, plant and equipment are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset. The cost of self-constructed assets includes the cost of materials and direct labour, any other costs directly attributable to bringing the assets to a working condition for their intended use, the costs of dismantling and removing the items and restoring the site on which they are located, and borrowing costs on qualifying assets. Gains and losses on disposal of an item of property, plant and equipment are determined by comparing the proceeds from disposal with the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment, and are recognised within other income in profit or loss.


F-13

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )

4   Significant accounting policies - (continued)
 
ii)
Exploration and evaluation assets
Exploration costs are expensed as incurred, unless there is a high degree of confidence in the project's viability, it is possible that the project will return future economic benefits and the legal right to explore a property is acquired, in these circumstances the costs will be capitalised. These exploration and evaluation cost capitalised are disclosed under property, plant and equipment . Direct expenditures include such costs as materials used, surveying costs, drilling costs, payments made to contractors, direct administrative costs and depreciation on plant and equipment during the exploration phase. Costs not directly attributable to exploration and evaluation activities, including general administrative overhead costs, are expensed in the year in which they occur.
 
Once the technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting the mineral resource has been determined, the property is considered to be a mine under development and moved to the mine development, infrastructure and other asset category within Property, plant and equipment. All direct costs related to the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties are capitalized until the properties to which they relate are ready for their intended use, sold, abandoned or management has determined there to be impairment. Exploration and evaluation assets are tested for impairment before the assets are transferred to mine development, infrastructure and other assets.
 
iii)
Subsequent costs
The cost of replacing a part of an item of property, plant and equipment is recognised in the carrying amount of the item if it is probable that the future economic benefits embodied within the part will flow to the Group, and its cost can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognised. The costs of the day-to-day servicing of property, plant and equipment are recognised in profit or loss as incurred.
 
iv)
Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated to write off the depreciable amount, which is the cost of an asset, or other amount substituted for cost, less its residual value. Depreciation is recognised in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of each part of an item of property, plant and equipment, except for mine development, infrastructure and other assets, since this most closely reflects the expected pattern of consumption of the future economic benefits embodied in the asset. On commencement of commercial production, depreciation of mine development, infrastructure and other assets are provided for on the unit-of-production basis using estimated reserves and resources. Land is not depreciated.
 
The calculation of the units of production rate could be affected to the extent that actual production in the future is different from the current forecast production based on reserves and resources. This would generally result from the extent to which there are significant changes in any of the factors or assumptions used in estimating mineral reserves and resources.


F-14

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )

4   Significant accounting policies – (continued)
 
iv)
Depreciation
These factors include:
 
·
Changes in mineral reserves and resources;
·
Differences between actual commodity prices ad commodity price assumptions;
·
Unforeseen operational issues at mine sites; and
·
Changes in capital, operating, mining, processing and reclamation costs, discount rates and foreign exchange rates.
Change in depreciation method
 
Previously in mining areas to which the full extent of the orebodies were not determinable because ore bearing structures open at depth or open laterally, the straight line method of depreciation was applied over the estimated life of the mine for mine development, infrastructure and other assets. Due to an increase in focus on deep drilling which is expected to result in regular updates to the reserve and resources statements of Blanket Mine, it was determined that these items of property, plant and equipment will be depreciated on the units-of-production method from July 1, 2016. The change in estimation resulted in a decrease of $138 in the depreciation charge for period July 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016. This change in depreciation method has been accounted for prospectively as a change in estimate in accordance with IFRS.
 
Useful lives
 
The estimated useful lives for the current and comparative periods are as follows:
 
·
buildings 10 to 15 years (2015: 10 to 15 years)
·
plant and equipment 10 years (2015: 10 years)
·
fixtures and fittings including computers 4 to 10 years (2015: 4 to 10 years)
·
motor vehicles 4 years (2015: 4 years)
·
mine development, infrastructure and other assets in production, units-of-production method from July 1, 2016 and 11 years on the straight line method for the period January 1, 2016 to June 30, 2016 (2015: 11 years, straight line method)
Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed each financial year and adjusted if appropriate. When parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items (major components) of property, plant and equipment.
 
(f)
Inventories
 
Consumable stores are measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value. The cost of consumable stores is based on the weighted average cost principle, and includes expenditure incurred in acquiring the inventories, production or conversion costs and other costs incurred in bringing them to their existing location and condition. In the case of gold in process, cost includes an appropriate share of production overheads based on normal operating capacity and is valued on the weighted average cost principle. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs of completion and selling expenses.

F-15

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
 
4
Significant accounting policies – (continued)
 
(g)
Impairment
 
(i)   Non-derivative financial assets (including receivables)
A financial asset not classified as fair value through profit or loss is assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is objective evidence that it is impaired. A non-derivative   financial asset is impaired if objective evidence indicates that a loss event has occurred after the initial recognition of the asset, and that the loss event had a negative effect on the estimated future cash flows of that asset that can be estimated reliably. Objective evidence that financial assets are impaired can include default or delinquency by a debtor, restructuring of an amount due to the Group on terms that the Group would not consider otherwise, indications that a debtor or issuer will enter bankruptcy, the absence or disappearance of an active market for a bond or other security. The Group considers evidence of impairment for receivables at both the specific asset and collective level. All individually significant receivables are assessed for specific impairment. All individually significant receivables found not to be specifically impaired are then collectively assessed for any impairment that has been incurred but not yet identified. Receivables that are not individually significant are collectively assessed for impairment by grouping together receivables with similar risk characteristics. An impairment loss in respect of a non-derivative   financial asset measured at amortised cost is calculated as the difference between its carrying amount and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. Losses are recognised in profit or loss and reflected in an allowance account against receivables. Interest on the impaired asset continues to be recognised through the unwinding of the discount. When a subsequent event causes the amount of impairment loss to decrease, the decrease in impairment loss is reversed through profit or loss.
 
(ii)   Non-financial assets
The carrying amounts of the Group’s non-financial assets, other than inventories and deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, then the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. The recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs of disposal. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. For the purpose of impairment testing, assets that cannot be tested individually are grouped together into the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows from continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other assets or groups of assets (the “cash-generating unit, or CGU”). The Group’s corporate assets do not generate separate cash inflows. If there is an indication that a CGU to which a corporate asset is allocated may be impaired, then the recoverable amount is determined for the CGU to which the corporate asset belongs.
 
An impairment loss is recognised if the carrying amount of a CGU exceeds its estimated recoverable amount. Impairment losses recognised in respect of CGUs are allocated to reduce the carrying amount of assets in the unit (group of units) on a pro rata basis. Impairment losses recognised in prior periods are assessed at each reporting date for any indications that the loss has decreased or no longer exists. An impairment loss is reversed if there has been an indication of reversal and a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable
 
F-16

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
4   Significant accounting policies – (continued)
 
(ii)   Non-financial assets – (continued)
amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised.
 
(iii)   Impairment of exploration and evaluation (“E&E”) assets
The test for impairment of E&E assets , included in Mineral properties not depreciated, can combine several CGUs as long as the combination is not larger than a segment. The definition of a CGU does, however, change once development activities have begun. There are special impairment triggers for E&E assets. Despite certain relief in respect of impairment triggers and the level of aggregation, the impairment standard is applied in measuring the impairment of E&E assets. Reversals of impairment losses are required in the event that the circumstances that resulted in impairment have changed.
 
E&E assets are only assessed for impairment when facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying amount of an E&E asset may exceed its recoverable amount. Indicators of impairment include the following:
 

·
The entity's right to explore in the specific area has expired or will expire in the near future and is not expected to be renewed.
·
Substantive expenditure on further E&E activities in the specific area is neither budgeted nor planned.
·
The entity has not discovered commercially viable quantities of mineral resources as a result of E&E activities in the area to date and has decided to discontinue such activities in the specific area.
·
Even if development is likely to proceed, the entity has sufficient data indicating that the carrying amount of the asset is unlikely to be recovered in full from successful development or by sale.
(h)   Employee benefits
 
(i)   Short-term employee benefits
Short-term employee benefits are expensed when the related services are provided. A liability is recognised for the amount expected to be paid if the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation to pay this amount as a result of past service provided by the employee and the obligation can be estimated reliably.
 
(ii)   Defined contribution plans
A defined contribution plan is a post-employment benefit plan under which an entity pays fixed contributions into a separate entity and will have no legal or constructive obligation to pay further amounts. Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans are recognised as an employee benefit expense in profit or loss in the periods during which services are rendered by employees. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that a cash refund or a reduction in future payments is available. Contributions to a defined contribution plan that are due more than 12 months after the end of the period in which the employees render the service are discounted to their present value.
 
F-17

4   Significant accounting policies – (continued)
Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )

(I)
Share-based payment transactions
(i)
Equity settled share-based payments to employees and directors
The grant date fair value of share-based payment awards granted to employees and directors is recognised as an expense, with a corresponding increase in equity, over the vesting period of the award. The amount recognised as an expense is adjusted to reflect the number of awards for which the related service and non-market vesting conditions are expected to be met, such that the amount ultimately recognised as an expense is based on the number of awards that meet the related service and non-market vesting conditions at the vesting date. Where the terms and conditions of options are modified before they vest, the increase in the fair value of the options, measured immediately before and after the modification, is also charged to profit or loss over the remaining vesting period or immediately for awards already vested. Where equity instruments are granted to non-employees, they are recorded at the fair value of the goods or services received in profit or loss.
 
(ii)
Cash settled share-based payments to employees and directors
The grant date fair value of cash settled awards granted to employees and directors is recognised as an expense, with a corresponding increase in the liability, over the vesting period of the awards. At each reporting date the fair value of the awards are re-measured with a corresponding adjustment to profit or loss. In determining the fair value of a cash settled share-based payment at inception of the transaction and on re-measurement date of the liability, the liability is measured by reference to the listed share price when the option holder has similar rights to a shareholder. The listing price would be adjusted for the present value of the expected dividends if the cash settled share-based payment has no dividend reinvestment option, as the holder would not be entitled to similar rights as a shareholder.
 
(j)
Provisions
 
A provision is recognised if, as a result of a past event, the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation that can be estimated reliably, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. Provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability if the time value of money is considered significant. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as finance cost.
 
(k)        Site restoration
 
The Group recognises liabilities for statutory, contractual, constructive or legal obligations associated with the retirement of property, plant and equipment, when those obligations result from the acquisition, construction, development or normal operation of these assets.  The net present value of future rehabilitation cost estimates arising from the decommissioning of plant and other site preparation work is capitalized to mineral properties along with a corresponding increase in the rehabilitation provision in the period incurred.  Future rehabilitation costs are discounted using a pre-tax risk free rate that reflects the time-value of money. The Group’s estimates of rehabilitation costs, which are reviewed annually, could change as a result of changes in regulatory requirements, discount rates, effects of inflation and assumptions regarding the amount and timing of the future expenditures.

F-18

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
4   Significant accounting policies – (continued)
 
(k)        Site restoration - (continued)
These changes are recorded directly to mineral properties with a corresponding entry to the rehabilitation provision.  Changes resulting from an increased footprint due to gold production are charged to profit or loss for the year.  The cost of on-going current programs to prevent and control pollution is charged against profit or loss as incurred.
 
(l)
Revenue
 
Revenue from the sale of precious metals is recognized when the metal is accepted at the refinery, risk and benefits of ownership are transferred and when the receipt of proceeds are substantially assured. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the receivable at the date of the transaction.
 
 (m)       Government grants
 
The Company recognises an unconditional government grant related to gold proceeds in profit or loss as other income when the grant becomes receivable. Government grants are initially recognised as deferred income at fair value if there is reasonable assurance that they will be received.
 
(n)   Finance income and finance costs
 
Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested. Interest income is recognised as it accrues in profit or loss, using the effective interest method. Finance costs comprise interest expense on the rehabilitation provisions, interest on bank overdraft balances, effective interest on loans and borrowings and also include commitment costs on overdraft facilities. Borrowing costs that are not directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset are recognised in profit or loss using the effective interest method.
 
(o)
Income tax
 
Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Current tax and deferred tax expense are recognised in profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to a business combination, or items recognised directly in equity or in other comprehensive income.
 
(i)
Current tax
Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date. Current tax also includes withholding tax on dividends paid between companies within the Group.
 
F-19


Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )

 
4
       Significant accounting policies – (continued)
(ii)
Deferred tax
Deferred tax is recognised in respect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. Deferred tax is not recognised for the following temporary differences: the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss, and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that it is probable that they will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to be applied to temporary differences when they reverse, based on the laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date. A deferred tax asset is recognised for unused tax losses, tax credits and deductible temporary differences, to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which they can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Group intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.
 
(p)
Earnings per share
 
The Group presents basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) data for its shares. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the adjusted profit or loss attributable to shareholders of the Group (see note 19) by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period, adjusted for own shares held. Diluted EPS is determined by adjusting the profit or loss attributable to shareholders and the weighted average number of shares outstanding, adjusted for own shares held, for the effects of all dilutive potential shares, which comprise share options granted to employees and directors as well as any dilution in Group earnings originating from dilutive partially recognised non-controlling interests at a subsidiary level.
 
(q) Borrowing cost
 
General and specific borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset are capitalised during the period of time that is required to complete and prepare the asset for its intended use or sale. Qualifying assets are assets that necessarily take a substantial period of time to get ready for their intended use or sale.
 
Other borrowing costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.
 
F-20

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
(r)   T he following standards, amendments to standards and interpretations to existing standards may possibly have an impact on the Group:
Standard/Interpretation
 
Effective date and expected adoption date*
IAS 7
The amendments provide for disclosures that enable users of financial statements to evaluate changes in liabilities arising from financing activities, including both changes arising from cash flow and non-cash changes. This includes providing a reconciliation between the opening and closing balances for liabilities arising from financing activities.
The amendment is not expected to result in significant changes
other than providing the user of the user with additional disclosure in the financial statements.
January 1, 2017
IAS 12
The amendments provide additional guidance on the existence of deductible temporary differences, which depend solely on a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset and its tax base at the end of the reporting period, and is not affected by possible future changes in the carrying amount or expected manner of recovery of the asset. The amendments also provide additional guidance on the methods used to calculate future taxable profit to establish whether a deferred tax asset can be recognised.
 
The Group has performed a preliminary assessment and expects no significant effect on the results.
January 1, 2017
IFRS 15
This standard replaces IAS 11 Construction Contracts , IAS 18 Revenue , IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty Programmes , IFRIC 15 Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate , IFRIC 18 Transfer of Assets from Customers and SIC-31 Revenue – Barter of Transactions Involving Advertising Services .
The standard contains a single model that applies to contracts with customers and two approaches to recognising revenue: at a point in time or over time. The model features a contract-based five-step analysis of transactions to determine whether, how much and when revenue is recognised.
The Group has performed a preliminary assessment and expects no significant effect on the results.
January 1, 2018
IFRS 9
On July 24, 2014, the IASB issued the final IFRS 9 Financial Instruments Standard, which replaces earlier versions of IFRS 9 and completes the IASB’s project to replace IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement . This standard is not expected to have a significant impact on the Group as measurement categories are similar to IAS 39 even though the criteria for classification into these categories are significantly different. The IFRS 9 impairment model has also been changed from an “incurred loss” model from IAS 39 to an “expected credit loss” model. The change is not expected to increase the provision for bad debts recognised in the Group because of the short gold sales collection period.
The Group will adopt the standard in the first annual period beginning on or
after January 1, 2018.
January 1, 2018
Standard/Interpretation
 
Effective date and expected adoption date*
IFRS 2 (Amendments)
The amendments cover three accounting areas:
Measurement of cash-settled share-based payments –The new requirements do not change the cumulative amount of expense that is ultimately recognised, because the total consideration for a cash-settled share-based payment is still equal to the cash paid on settlement.
Classification of share-based payments settled net of tax withholdings –The amendments introduce an exception stating that, for classification purposes, a share-based payment transaction with employees is accounted for as equity-settled if certain criteria are met.
Accounting for a modification of a share-based payment from cash-settled to equity-settled –. The amendments clarify the approach that companies are to apply.
The Group has performed a preliminary assessment and expects no significant effect on the results.
January 1, 2018
IFRS 16
IFRS 16 was published in January 2016. It sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract, i.e. the customer (‘lessee’) and the supplier (‘lessor’). IFRS 16 replaces the previous leases Standard, IAS 17 Leases, and related Interpretations. IFRS 16 has one model for lessees which will result in almost all leases being included on the Statement of Financial position. No significant changes have been included for lessors.
The Group has performed a preliminary assessment and expects no significant effect on the results.
January 1, 2019

* Annual periods ending on or after
 
F-21

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
5
Blanket Zimbabwe Indigenisation Transaction

During 2012 the Group, to comply with Zimbabwean law that requires indigenous Zimbabweans own at least 51% of the Blanket Mine, entered into agreements to transfer a 51% ownership interest in Blanket Mine as follows:
 
·
Sold a 16% interest to the National Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Fund (“NIEEF”) for $11.74 million.
·
Sold a 15% interest to Fremiro Investments (Private) Limited (“Fremiro”), which is owned by Indigenous Zimbabweans, for $11.01 million.
·
Sold a 10% interest to Blanket Employee Trust Services (Private) Limited (“BETS”) for the benefit of present and future managers and employees for $7.34 million. The shares in BETS are held by the Blanket Mine Employee Trust (“Employee Trust”) with Blanket Mine’s employees holding participation units in the Employee Trust.
·
And donated a 10% ownership interest to the Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust (“Community Trust”). In addition Blanket Mine paid a non-refundable donation of $1 million to the Community Trust.

The Group facilitated the vendor funding of these transactions which is repaid by way of dividends from Blanket Mine. 80% of dividends declared by Blanket Mine are used to repay such loans and the remaining 20% unconditionally accrues to the respective Indigenous Shareholders.

Outstanding balances on the facilitation loans attract interest at a rate of 10% over the 12-month LIBOR. The timing of the repayment of the loans depends on the future financial performance of Blanket Mine and the extent of future dividends declared by Blanket Mine.

The facilitation loans relating to the Group were transferred as a dividend in specie to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc.

Accounting treatment
 
The directors of Caledonia Holding Zimbabwe (Private) Limited (“CHZ”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, performed an assessment, using the requirements of IFRS 10: Consolidated Financial Statements (IFRS 10), and concluded that CHZ should continue to consolidate Blanket Mine and accounted for the transaction as follows:
 
·
Non-controlling interests (NCI) are recognised on the portion of shareholding upon which dividends declared by Blanket Mine accrue unconditionally to equity holders as follows:
-
20% of the 16%  shareholding of NIEEF;
-
20% of the 15%  shareholding of Fremiro; and
-
100% of the 10% shareholding of the Community Trust.
F-22

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
 
5   Blanket Zimbabwe Indigenisation Transaction – (continued)
 
·
This effectively means that NCI is recognised at Blanket Mine level at 16.2% of the net assets.
 
·
The remaining 80% of the shareholding of NIEEF and Fremiro is recognised as non-controlling interests to the extent that their attributable share of the net asset value of Blanket Mine exceeds the balance on the facilitation loans including interest. At December 31, 2016 the attributable net asset value did not exceed the balance on the respective loan accounts and thus no additional NCI was recognised.
 
·
The transaction with the BETS is accounted for in accordance with IAS 19 Employee Benefits (profit sharing arrangement) as the ownership of the shares does not ultimately pass to the employees. The employees are entitled to participate in 20% of the dividends accruing to the 10% shareholding in Blanket Mine if they are employed at the date of such distribution. To the extent that 80% of the attributable dividends exceed the balance on the BETS facilitation loan they will accrue to the employees at the date of such declaration.
 
·
The Employee Trust and BETS are structured entities which are effectively controlled and consolidated by Blanket Mine. Accordingly, the shares held by BETS are effectively treated as treasury shares in Blanket Mine and no NCI is recognised.
 
 
Blanket’s indigenisation shareholding percentages and facilitation loan balances
       
Balance of facilitation loan #
 
USD 000's
Shareholding
NCI Recognised
NCI subject to facilitation  loan
Dec, 31 2016
 
Dec, 31 2015
NIEEF
16%
3.2%
12.8%
11,990
11,907
Fremiro
15%
3.0%
12.0%
11,682
11,657
Community Trust
10%
10.0%
-
-
-
BETS
10%
-*
-*
7,788
  7,772
 
51%
16.2%
24.8%
31,460
31,336
 
F-23

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
5   Blanket Zimbabwe Indigenisation Transaction – (continued)
 
The balance on the facilitation loans is reconciled as follows:
 
Balance at January 1, 2015
   
31,336
 
Interest accrued &
   
-
 
Dividends used to repay loans &
   
-
 
Balance at December 31, 2015
   
31,336
 
Interest accrued &
   
1,359
 
Dividends used to repay loans &
   
(1,235
)
Balance at December 31, 2016
   
31,460
 

*The shares held by BETS are effectively treated as treasury shares (see above). The BETS facilitation loan earnings are accounted for under IAS19 Employee Benefits as an employee charge under Production cost .
& An interest moratorium was placed on all facilitation loans from December 31, 2014 to August 1, 2016. Interest resumed when Blanket Mine’s started paying dividends on August 1, 2016.
# Facilitation loans are accounted for as equity instruments and are accordingly not recognised as loans receivable.

Advance dividends

In anticipation of completion of the underlying subscription agreements, Blanket Mine agreed to an advance dividend arrangements with NIEEF and the Community Trust as follows:

Advances made to the Community Trust against their right to receive dividends declared by Blanket Mine on their shareholding as follows:

·   A $2 million payment on or before September 30, 2012;
·   A $1 million payment on or before February 28, 2013; and
·   A $1 million payment on or before April 30, 2013.

These advance payments were debited to a loan account bearing interest at a rate of 10% over the 12-month LIBOR.  The loan is repayable by way of set off of future dividends on the Blanket Mine shares owed by the Community Trust.
 
Advances made to NIEEF as an advanced dividend loan before 2013 has been settled through Blanket Mine dividend repayments in fiscal 2014.
 
F-24

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )

5   Blanket Zimbabwe Indigenisation Transaction – (continued)

The advance dividend payments were recognised as distributions to shareholders and they are classified as equity instruments. The loans arising are not recognised as loans receivable, because repayment is by way of uncertain future dividends to be declared.

The movement in the advance dividend loan to the Community trust is reconciled as follows:

   
Total
 
       
Balance at January 1, 2015
   
3,237
 
Interest accrued
   
-
 
Dividends used to repay advance dividends
   
-
 
Balance at December 31, 2015
   
3,237
 
Interest accrued
   
133
 
Dividends used to repay advance dividends
   
(370
)
Balance at December 31, 2016
   
3,000
 

Blanket has suspended dividend payments from January 1, 2015 until August 1, 2016 as a result of which the repayment of facilitation loans by Blanket’s indigenous shareholders were also suspended. A moratorium was placed on the interest of the advanced dividend loan until such time as dividends resumed, no repayments were made or interest accumulated from December 31, 2014 until July 31, 2016. This was considered a modification that was not beneficial to Blanket’s indigenous shareholders. Dividends and interest resumed on August 1, 2016, when Blanket Mine declared a dividend .

6   Financial risk management
 
Overview
 
The Group has exposure to the following risks from its use of financial instruments:
 
·
Currency risk (refer note 25)
·
Interest rate risk (refer note 25)
·
Credit risk (refer note 25)
·
Liquidity risk (refer note 25)
This note and note 25 presents information about the Group’s exposure to each of the above risks and the Group’s objectives, policies and processes for measuring and managing risk. Further quantitative disclosures are included throughout these consolidated financial statements. The Group is exposed in varying degrees to a variety of financial instrument related risks by virtue of its activities. The overall financial risk management

F-25

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
 
6   Financial risk management – (continued)
 
program focuses on preservation of capital, and protecting current and future Group assets and cash flows by reducing exposure to risks posed by the uncertainties and volatilities of financial markets. The Board of Directors has responsibility to ensure that an adequate financial risk management policy is established and to approve the policy. The Group’s Audit Committee oversees management’s compliance with the Group’s financial risk management policy.  On February 10, 2016, a gold price hedge was entered into to manage the possible effect of gold price fluctuations and expired in August 2016. As at December 31, 2016 no financial instruments were in place to manage the gold price risk. The fair value of the Group’s financial instruments approximates their carrying value unless otherwise noted. The types of risk exposure and the way in which such exposures are managed are described below:
 
(a)
Currency risk
The Group is exposed to currency risk on sales and purchases that are denominated in a currency other than the respective functional currencies of Group entities. The Group does not use financial instruments to hedge its exposure to currency risk. Currency risk on the repayment of the sales and purchases are managed by regular repayments of the outstanding amounts.
 
(b)
Interest rate risk
The Group is exposed to interest rate risk arising from its cash and cash equivalents invested with financial institutions as well as its overdraft facility and term loan. Management’s policy is to invest cash in financial institutions with an investment grade credit-rating. The Company has not entered into interest rate swap agreements and mitigates the interest rate risk by remaining in a positive consolidated net cash position.

(c)
Credit risk
Credit risk includes the risk of a financial loss to the Group if a gold sales customer fails to meet its contractual obligation. Gold sales were made to Fidelity Printers and Refiners in Zimbabwe during the year.  The payment terms stipulated in the service delivery contract were adhered to in all circumstances.
 
(d)
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due.
 
The Group manages its liquidity risk by ensuring that there is sufficient cash to meet its likely cash requirements, after taking into account cash flows from operations and the Group’s holdings of cash and cash equivalents. The Group believes that these sources will be sufficient to cover the anticipated cash requirements. Senior management is also actively involved in the review and approval of planned expenditures by regularly monitoring cash flows from operations and anticipated investing and financing activities.


F-26

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
 
7   Capital Management
 
The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern in order to pursue the mining operations and exploration potential of the mineral properties. The Group’s capital includes shareholders’ equity, comprising issued share capital, reserves, accumulated other comprehensive income, accumulated deficit, bank loans and non-controlling interests.

   
2016
   
2015
   
2014
 
                   
Total equity
   
59,317
     
50,361
     
50,343
 

The Group’s primary objective with respect to its capital management is to ensure that it has sufficient cash resources to maintain its on-going operations, to provide returns for shareholders and accommodate any rehabilitation provisions and to pursue growth opportunities. As at December 31, 2016, the Group is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements other than the term loan which is covered by a notarial bond over moveable assets (refer notes 13 and 22) and there has been no change with respect to the overall capital risk management strategy. Management is of the opinion that the capital is sufficient to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern and maintain operations and exploration potential of the mineral properties.
 
8   Production costs
 
                   
   
2016
   
2015
   
2014
 
                   
Salaries and wages
   
12,206
     
11,908
     
10,014
 
Consumable materials
   
16,291
     
14,479
     
14,565
 
Site restoration
   
32
     
-
     
29
 
Exploration cost not capitalised
   
408
     
380
     
343
 
Safety
   
221
     
551
     
473
 
On mine administration
   
2,898
     
2,701
     
2,484
 
Other production cost
   
30
     
-
     
-
 
     
32,086
     
30,019
     
27,908
 
                         
9.1   Other income
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2014
 
Government grant – Gold sale export incentive
   
1,104
     
-
     
-
 
Non-refundable deposit – Eersteling Gold Mining Company Limited
   
120
     
-
     
-
 
Other
   
106
     
110
     
25
 
     
1,330
     
110
     
25
 

Government grant – Gold sale export incentive
 
From May 2016 the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe announced a 2.5% export incentive on the gold proceeds received for all large scale gold mine producers. In terms of the directive the Blanket Mine will receive 2.5% on all gold proceeds sold to Fidelity Printers and Refiners Limited. As at the approval date of these financial statements all export incentive payments outstanding as at December 31, 2016 were received in cash. All incentives granted by the Zimbabwean government were included in other income when determined receivable.
F-27

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
 
9   Other income (continued)
 
Government grant – Gold sale export incentive (continued)
 
Non-refundable deposit – Eersteling Gold Mining Company Limited
 
On July 12, 2016 the Group entered into an agreement to sell the shares and claims of Eersteling Gold Mining Company Limited. On September 19, 2016 in the second addendum to the agreement it was agreed that the Group will receive a non-refundable deposit in addition to the initial agreed sale amount that was agreed upon in July, 2016. As at December 31, 2016 the sale of the shares and claims were not considered highly probable as 100% of the sale of shares and claims receivable and a significant portion of the non-refundable deposit were outstanding and outside of the agreed upon payment dates of the second addendum. Up to December 31, 2016 an amount of $120 was received as part of the non-refundable deposit and was recognised as other income.

9.2             Sale of Treasury Bills
 
On May 16, 2016 the Company announced that Blanket Mine had sold treasury bills (“Bills”) issued by the Government of Zimbabwe for a gross value of approximately $3,202. The Bills were issued to Blanket in 2015 which replaced the Special Tradeable Gold Bonds (“Bonds”) which were issued to Blanket in 2009 as part consideration for gold sales that were made by Blanket in 2008 under the terms of the sales mechanism that existed at that time for Zimbabwean gold producers. The Bonds were carried at a fair value of nil in previous years and the impairment was allowed as a tax deduction.

10   Administrative expense
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2014
 
                   
Investor  relations
   
543
     
513
     
514
 
Audit fee
   
267
     
240
     
356
 
Legal fee and disbursements
   
617
     
452
     
722
 
Advisory services fee
   
373
     
355
     
24
 
Listing fees
   
328
     
206
     
318
 
Directors fees company
   
211
     
191
     
298
 
Directors fees Blanket
   
48
     
60
     
38
 
Employee costs
   
2,803
     
3,106
     
3,152
 
Office costs  - Zambia
   
17
     
716
     
896
 
Other office administration costs
   
185
     
547
     
16
 
Unrecoverable VAT expenses and penalties
   
-
     
298
     
-
 
Employee benefits relating to indigenisation
   
-
     
-
     
140
 
Travel costs
   
484
     
325
     
303
 
Donation to community
   
-
     
58
     
-
 
Eersteling Gold Mine administration costs
   
111
     
111
     
120
 
Professional consulting fees
   
1,276
     
444
     
490
 
     
7,263
     
7,622
     
7,387
 


F-28

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
11   Finance income and finance costs
 
Finance income
 
2016
   
2015
   
2014
 
                   
Interest received – Bank
   
16
     
1
     
14
 
                         
Finance cost
                       
                         
Interest paid – Bank
   
103
     
49
     
20
 
Interest paid – Capitalised to Property, plant and equipment (note 13)
   
(103
)
   
-
     
-
 
Unwinding of rehabilitation provision
   
25
     
43
     
33
 
Interest – South African Revenue Service
   
-
     
344
     
-
 
Finance charges – Overdraft
   
167
     
100
     
101
 
     
192
     
536
     
154
 
 
12   Tax expense
 
   
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
Tax recognised in profit or loss
             
               
Current tax
 
3,106
 
(197)
 
5,276
 
Income tax– current year
 
2,414
 
506
 
4,582
 
Income tax – Prior year under/(over) provision
 
49
 
(1,636)
 
(194)
 
Withholding tax expense
 
643
 
933
 
888
 
Deferred tax expense
 
4,611
 
2,567
 
706
 
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
 
4,611
 
2,567
 
468
 
Change in effective tax rate
 
-
 
-
 
238
 
               
Tax expense – recognised in profit or loss
 
7,717
 
2,370
 
5,982
 
 
Tax recognised in other comprehensive income
 
Income tax - current year
   
-
     
(199
)
   
(111
)
Tax expense
7,717
     
2,171
     
5,871
 
 
Unrecognised deferred tax assets
 
Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of the following items:
 
2016
   
2015
   
2014
 
                   
Tax losses carried forward
   
4,989
     
*11,150
       
* 19,957
     
4,989
     
11,150
     
19,957
 
*Tax losses carried forward in 2015 include an amount of $6,243 relating to losses when Caledonia Mining Corporation was domiciled in Canada. These losses expired after the Company re-domiciled to Jersey, Channel Islands through a process called the Continuance and its name changed to Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc.
 
F-29

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
12   Tax expense - (continued)
 
Taxable losses do not expire for the entities incurring taxable losses within the group. Deferred tax assets have not been recognised as future taxable income is not deemed probable to utilise these losses against.
 
Tax paid
 
2016
   
2015
   
2014
 
                   
Net income tax receivable/(payable) at January 1
   
344
     
(1,617
)
   
(1,064
)
Current and withholding (expense)/tax credit
   
(3,106
)
   
197
     
(5,276
)
Income tax expense recognised through other comprehensive income
   
-
     
199
     
111
 
Foreign currency movement
   
(49
)
   
103
     
86
 
Tax paid
   
2,466
     
1,462
     
4,526
 
Net income tax (payable)/receivable at December 31
   
(345
)
   
344
     
(1,617
)
 
Net income tax
 
2016
   
2015
   
2014
 
                   
Income tax receivable
   
-
     
397
     
95
 
Income tax payable
   
(345
)
   
(53
)
   
(1,712
)
Net income tax (payable)/receivable
   
(345
)
   
344
     
(1,617
)
 
F-30

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
 
12   Tax expense - (continued)

Reconciliation of tax rate
 
2016
2016
2015
2015
2014
2014
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
Profit for the year
 
11,085
 
5,590
 
5,946
Total tax expense
 
7,717
 
2,370
 
5,982
Profit before tax
 
18,802
 
7,960
 
11,928
             
Income tax at Company's domestic tax rate
* 0%
-
26.5%
2,109
26.5%
3,161
Tax rate differences in foreign jurisdictions
 
6,171
 
(63)
 
(349)
Change in tax rate
 
-
 
-
 
238
Foreign currency difference
 
-
 
(12)
 
34
Net withholding tax
 
476
 
317
 
185
Deemed interest on loans
 
-
 
31
 
636
Share-based payments
 
122
 
6
 
-
Impairment
 
-
 
-
 
37
Non-deductible South African tax transactions
 
-
 
470
 
-
Royalties
 
753
 
632
 
881
Donations
 
2
 
15
 
3
Other non-deductible expenditure
 
62
 
(49)
 
27
Under/(over) provision of taxes in prior years
 
49
 
(1,636)
 
(194)
Change in unrecognized deferred tax assets
 
82
 
550
 
1,323
Tax expense - recognised in profit or loss
 
7,717
 
2,370
 
5,982
 
* The domestic income tax rate of the Company changed from 26.5% to 0% after it re-domiciled from Canada to Jersey Channel Islands.
F-31


Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
 
12   Tax expense - (continued)

Recognised deferred tax assets and liabilities

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following:

   
Assets
   
Liabilities
   
Net
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2014
   
2016
   
2015
   
2014
   
2016
   
* 2015
   
2014
 
                                                       
Property, plant and equipment
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(17,092
)
   
(12,988
)
   
(9,223
)
   
(17,092
)
   
(12,988
)
   
(9,223
)
Provision for obsolete stock
   
12
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
12
     
-
     
-
 
Prepayments
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(3
)
   
(3
)
   
(22
)
   
(3
)
   
(3
)
   
(22
)
Provisions
   
1,218
     
733
     
565
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
1218
     
733
     
565
 
Assessed losses recognised
   
-
     
998
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
998
     
-
 
Tax assets/ (liabilities)
   
1,230
     
1,731
     
565
     
(17,095
)
   
(12,991
)
   
(9,245
)
   
(15,865
)
   
(11,260
)
   
(8,680
)

* The deferred tax liability consists of a deferred tax asset of $44 (2015: $58) from the South African operations and a deferred tax liability of $15,909 (2015: $11,318) due to the Zimbabwean operations. The amounts are in different tax jurisdictions and therefore not offsetable and presented separately in the Statement of financial position as a Non-current asset and a Non-current liability. The deferred tax asset recognised is supported by evidence of probable future taxable income.

Movement in recognised deferred tax assets and liabilities

   
Balance
January 1,
2016
   
Recognised in profit or loss
   
Foreign exchange movement
   
Balance
December 31,
2016
 
Property, plant and equipment
   
(12,988
)
   
(4,104
)
   
-
     
(17,092
)
Prepayments
   
(3
)
   
2
     
(2
)
   
(3
)
Provisions
   
733
     
477
     
8
     
1218
 
Provision for obsolete stock
   
-
     
12
     
-
     
12
 
Assessed loss
   
998
     
(998
)
   
-
     
-
 
Total
   
(11,260
)
   
(4,611
)
   
6
     
(15,865
)

F-32

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
12   Tax expense - (continued)
 
   
Balance
January 1,
2015
   
Recognised in
profit or loss
   
Foreign exchange movement
   
Balance
December 31,
2015
 
Property, plant and equipment
   
(9,223
)
   
(3,765
)
   
-
     
(12,988
)
Prepayments
   
(22
)
   
16
     
3
     
(3
)
Provisions
   
565
     
184
     
(16
)
   
733
 
Assessed loss recognised
   
-
     
998
     
-
     
998
 
Total
   
(8,680
)
   
(2,567
)
   
(13
)
   
(11,260
)
                                 

   
Balance
January 1,
2014
   
Recognised in
profit or loss
   
Foreign exchange movement
   
Balance
December 31,
2014
 
Property, plant and equipment
   
(8,058
)
   
(835
)
   
(330
)
   
(9,223
)
Prepayments
   
-
     
-
     
(22
)
   
(22
)
Provisions
   
207
     
108
     
250
     
565
 
Inventory
   
(80
)
   
-
     
80
     
-
 
Other
   
(36
)
   
21
     
15
     
-
 
Total
   
(7,967
)
   
(706
)
   
(7
)
   
(8,680
)

 
F-33

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )

 13   Property, plant and equipment
 
 
 
Land and buildings
   
Mine development, infrastructure and other
   
Exploration and Evaluation assets
   
Plant and equipment
   
Fixtures and fittings
   
Motor vehicles
   
Total
 
Cost
                                         
Balance at January 1, 2014
   
7,622
     
12,145
     
17,129
     
20,079
     
1,220
     
2,075
     
60,270
 
Additions
   
536
     
*2,990
     
1,768
     
1,740
     
114
     
18
     
7,166
 
Disposals
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(275
)
   
-
     
(8
)
   
(283
)
Reallocations between asset classes
   
(580
)
   
1,661
     
-
     
(1,084
)
   
3
     
-
     
-
 
Foreign exchange movement
   
30
     
92
     
(3,684
)
   
508
     
(145
)
   
(114
)
   
(3,313
)
Balance at December 31, 2014
   
7,608
     
16,888
     
15,213
     
20,968
     
1,192
     
1,971
     
63,840
 
Balance at January 1, 2015
   
7,608
     
16,888
     
15,213
     
20,968
     
1,192
     
1,971
     
63,840
 
Additions
   
681
     
*14,359
     
1,595
     
1,144
     
149
     
265
     
18,193
 
Surrender of Zambian assets ***
   
-
     
-
     
(11,527
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(11,527
)
Disposals
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(124
)
   
-
     
(77
)
   
(201
)
Reallocations between asset classes
   
(256
)
   
-
     
1,012
     
(756
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Foreign exchange movement
   
(44
)
   
(89
)
   
(69
)
   
(606
)
   
(64
)
   
(90
)
   
(962
)
Balance at December 31, 2015
   
7,989
     
31,158
     
6,224
     
20,626
     
1,277
     
2,069
     
69,343
 
Balance at January 1, 2016
   
7,989
     
31,158
     
6,224
     
20,626
     
1,277
     
2,069
     
69,343
 
Additions **
   
-
     
*17,545
     
739
     
572
     
73
     
230
     
19,159
 
Scrappings
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(502
)
   
-
     
(502
)
Reallocations between asset classes
   
361
     
(3,699
)
   
-
     
3,338
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Disposals
                                           
(55
)
   
(55
)
Foreign exchange movement
   
17
     
74
     
4
     
-
     
28
     
11
     
134
 
Balance at December 31, 2016
   
8,367
     
45,078
     
6,967
     
24,536
     
876
     
2,255
     
88,079
 
 
* Included in additions to mine development, infrastructure and other assets is an amount of $557 (2015: $$391) relating to rehabilitation asset capitalised refer note 20.
** Included in additions is an amount of $17,731 (2015:$26,192) relating to capital work in progress (“CWIP”) and contains $103 (2015:$ Nil) of borrowing costs capitalized from the term loan. As at year end $34,086 of CWIP was included in the closing balance (2015:26,152).
*** The Group surrendered all exploration rights relating to the Zambian operations for a nominal value. The Zambian assets were fully impaired in previous years.
 
There are commitments to purchase plant and equipment totalling $2,122 (2015: $1,376; 2014: $552) at year end.
 
F-34

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
13   Property, plant and equipment

   
Land and buildings
   
Mine development, infrastructure and other
   
Exploration and Evaluation assets
   
Plant and equipment
   
Fixtures and fittings
   
Motor vehicles
   
Total
 
Accumulated depreciation and Impairment losses
                                         
Balance at January 1, 2014
   
1,621
     
2,642
     
13,400
     
9,243
     
994
     
1,098
     
28,998
 
Depreciation for the year
   
514
     
734
     
-
     
1,891
     
78
     
323
     
3,540
 
Impairment
   
-
     
-
       
-  
   
164
     
14
     
-
     
178
 
Disposals
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(214
)
   
-
     
(8
)
   
(222
)
Foreign exchange movement
   
(372
)
   
59
     
(1,873
)
   
(954
)
   
(140
)
   
(110
)
   
(3,390
)
Balance at December 31, 2014
   
1,763
     
3,435
     
11,527
     
10,130
     
946
     
1,303
     
29,104
 
                                                         
Balance at January 1, 2015
   
1,763
     
3,435
     
11,527
     
10,130
     
946
     
1,303
     
29,104
 
Depreciation for the year
   
559
     
451
     
-
     
1,894
     
98
     
320
     
3,322
 
Surrender of Zambian assets ***
   
-
     
-
     
(11,527
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(11,527
)
Disposals
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(117
)
   
-
     
(51
)
   
(168
)
Foreign exchange movement
   
(1
)
   
(105
)
   
-
     
(383
)
   
(48
)
   
(69
)
   
(606
)
Balance at December 31, 2015
   
2,321
     
3,781
     
-
     
11,524
     
996
     
1,503
     
20,125
 
                                                         
Balance at January 1, 2016
   
2,321
     
3,781
     
-
     
11,524
     
996
     
1,503
     
20,125
 
Scrappings
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(502
)
   
-
     
(502
)
Impairments
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
20
     
-
     
20
 
Depreciation for the year
   
629
     
699
     
-
     
1,705
     
106
     
352
     
3,491
 
Disposals
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(8
)
   
(8
)
Foreign exchange movement
   
-
     
61
     
-
     
-
     
22
     
(3
)
   
80
 
Balance at December 31, 2016
   
2,950
     
4,541
     
-
     
13,229
     
642
     
1,844
     
23,206
 
 
*** The Group surrendered all exploration rights relating to the Zambian operations for a nominal value. The Zambian assets were fully impaired in previous years.
 
F-35

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
 
13   Property, plant and equipment - (continued)
 
Carrying amounts
                                         
At December 31, 2014
   
5,845
     
13,453
     
3,686
     
10,838
     
246
     
668
     
34,736
 
At December 31, 2015
   
5,668
     
27,377
     
6,224
     
9,102
     
281
     
566
     
49,218
 
At December 31, 2016
   
5,417
     
40,537
     
6,967
     
11,307
     
234
     
411
     
64,873
 
                                                         
 
F-36


 
Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
13   Property, plant and equipment - (continued)
Impairment indicators
Management’s budgeted capital expenditure for 2017 is focused on increasing the production capacity at the Blanket Mine (“Investment Plan”).  It was therefore decided to place the satellite properties, GG and Mascot, on care and maintenance until there are sufficient funds to re-commence the planned further exploration and evaluation of the orebodies, gold extraction processes and mining methods at these areas. Due to the impairment indicator, management assessed the recoverability of the investment in these satellite properties and determined that no impairment was required as at December 31, 2016.  The discounted cash flow method was used to calculate the recoverable amount using the assumptions below:
 
Long-term gold price per oz.
 
$
1,192
 
Discount rate
   
20
%
Life of mine
       
- GG
7 yrs
 
- Mascot
5 yrs
 
Incremental operational cost per tonne (at 100 tonnes per day)
 
- GG
 
$
42
 
- Mascot
 
$
44
 
         
 
14   Inventories
   
2016
   
2015
 
             
Consumable stores
   
6,884
     
5,739
 
Gold in process
   
338
     
352
 
     
7,222
     
6,091
 
Consumables stores are disclosed net of any write downs or provisions for obsolete items, which amounted to $862 (2015: $46).
 
15   Trade and other receivables
 
   
2016
   
2015
 
             
Bullion revenue receivable
   
1,059
     
-
 
VAT receivables
   
1,901
     
2,997
 
Deposits for stores and equipment and other receivables
   
465
     
842
 
     
3,425
     
3,839
 
The Group's exposure to credit and currency risks, and impairment losses related to trade and other receivables is disclosed in notes 6 and 25.

16   Cash and cash equivalents
 
   
2016
   
2015
 
             
Bank balances
   
14,335
     
12,568
 
Cash and cash equivalents in the statement of financial position
   
14,335
     
12,568
 
Bank overdrafts used for cash management purposes
   
-
     
(1,688
)
Net cash and cash equivalents at year end
   
14,335
     
10,880
 
 
The Group’s exposure to interest rate risk and a sensitivity analysis for financial assets and liabilities is disclosed in note 25.
 
On August 23, 2016 Blanket Mine arranged an unsecured bank overdraft facility of $2,000 of which full amount was unutilised at December 31, 2016. The overdraft facility bears interest at 6.5% per annum, 4.65% above the base rate and has a $20 arrangement fee over a 12 month period with a review date of August 31, 2017. The facility is repayable on demand.
 
17   Share capital
 
Authorised
Unlimited number of shares of no par value.
Unlimited number of preference shares of no par value.
 
 
Issued shares
    Number of fully paid shares       Amount  
January 1, 2014    
52,117,908
     
54,569
 
December 31, 2014
   
52,117,908
     
54,569
 
Cancelled*
   
(39,000
)
   
-
 
December 31, 2015
   
52,078,908
     
54,569
 
Issued
   
708,520
     
433
 
December 31, 2016
   
52,787,428
     
55,002
 
* 39,000 treasury shares of the Company were cancelled during 2015.
 
The holders of shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time, and are entitled to one vote per share at meetings of the Group. The Company has no preference shares in issue.

F-37

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )

18   Reserves
 
Foreign currency translation reserve
 
The translation reserve comprises all foreign currency differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of foreign operations with functional currencies that differ from the presentation currency.
 
Share-based payment reserve
 
The share-based payment reserve comprises the fair value of equity instruments granted to employees, directors and service providers under share option plans and equity instruments issued to Blanket’s indigenisation shareholders under Blanket’s Indigenisation Transaction (refer Note 5).
 
Contributed surplus
 
The contributed surplus reserve comprises the reduction in stated capital as approved by shareholders at the special general meeting on January 24, 2013 so as to be able to commence dividend payments.
 
Reserves
   
2016
   
2015
   
2014
 
Foreign currency translation reserve
   
(6,258
)
   
(6,520
)
   
(3,229
)
Equity settled share-based payment reserve
   
16,041
     
15,871
     
15,847
 
Contributed surplus
   
132,591
     
132,591
     
132,591
 
Total
   
142,374
     
141,942
     
145,209
 
 
19   Earnings per share
 
Basic earnings per share
 
The calculation of basic earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2016 was based on the adjusted profit attributable to shareholders of $8,288 (2015: $4,679; 2014: $4,387), and a weighted average number of shares outstanding of 52,286,208 (2015: 52,095,087; 2014: 52,117,908).
 
F-38

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )

19   Earnings per share – (continued)
 
Weighted average number of shares
 
(In number of shares)
 
Note
   
2016
   
2015
   
2014
 
                         
Issued share capital at beginning of year
   
17
     
52,078,908
     
52,117,908
     
52,117,908
 
Weighted average cancellation during the year
           
-
     
(22,821
)
   
-
 
Weighted average share issues during the year
           
207,300
     
-
     
-
 
Weighted average number of shares at December 31
           
52,286,208
     
52,095,087
     
52,117,908
 

   
2016
   
2015
   
2014
 
Profit attributable to shareholders
   
8,526
     
4,779
     
4,435
 
Blanket Mine Employee Trust Adjustment
   
(238
)
   
(100
)
   
(48
)
Adjusted profit attributable to shareholders
   
8,288
     
4,679
     
4,387
 
Basic earnings per share -$
   
0.16
     
0.09
     
0.08
 

·
Basic earnings are adjusted for the amounts that accrue to other equity holders of subsidiaries upon the full distribution of post-acquisition earnings to shareholders.
·
Diluted earnings is calculated on the basis that the unpaid ownership interests of Blanket Mine’s Indigenisation shareholders are effectively treated as options whereby the weighted average fair value for the period of the Blanket Mine shares issued to Indigenous Zimbabweans and which are subject to settlement of the loan accounts is compared to the balance of the loan accounts and any excess portion is regarded as dilutive.  The difference between the number of Blanket Mine shares subject to the settlement of the loan accounts and the number of Blanket Mine shares that would have been issued at the average fair value is treated as the issue of shares for no consideration and regarded as dilutive shares.  The calculated dilution is taken into account with additional earnings attributable to the dilutive shares in Blanket Mine, if any.

The interest of NIEEF and Fremiro shareholding were anti-dilutive in the current and prior year (i.e. the value of the options was less than the outstanding loan balance) and accordingly there was no adjustment to fully diluted earnings attributable to shareholders.
 
F-39

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
 
19   Earnings per share – (continued)
 
The calculation of diluted earnings per share at December 31, 2016 was based on the adjusted profit attributable to shareholders of $8,288 (2015: $4,679; 2014: $4,387), and a weighted average number of shares and potentially dilutive shares outstanding of 52,403,635 (2015: 52,203,255; 2014: 52,145,469), calculated as follows:
 
Weighted average number of shares
 
(In number of shares)
 
2016
   
2015
   
2014
 
                   
Weighted average number of shares at December 31
   
52,286,208
     
52,095,087
     
52,117,908
 
Effect of dilutive options
   
117,427
     
108,169
     
27,561
 
Weighted average number of  shares (diluted) at December 31
   
52,403,635
     
52,203,255
     
52,145,469
 
Diluted earnings per share - $
   
0.16
     
0.09
     
0.08
 
 
The average market value of the Company’s shares for purposes of calculating the dilutive effect of share options was based on quoted market prices for the year during which the options were outstanding. Options of 343,973 (2015: 2,132,751; 2014: 2,538,359), were excluded from the dilutive earnings per share calculation as these options were anti-dilutive.
 
20
Provisions

Site restoration

Site restoration relates to the net present value of the estimated cost of closing down a mine and site and environmental restoration costs, estimated to be paid up until 2030 for Blanket Mine based on the estimated life of mine. Site restoration costs at Blanket mine are capitalised to mineral properties depreciated at initial recognition and amortised systematically over the estimated life of the mine for costs relating to the decommissioning of property, plant and equipment.
 
                   
Reconciliation of site restoration provision
 
2016
   
2015
   
2014
 
Balance at January 1,
   
2,762
     
2,484
     
1,470
 
Foreign exchange movement
 
   
80
252525
     
(156
)
   
(64
)
Unwinding of discount
   
25
     
43
     
33
 
Change in estimate during the year
                       
-   adjusted through profit or loss
   
32
     
-
     
29
 
-   adjustment capitalised in Property, plant and equipment
   
557
     
391
     
1,016
 
Balance at December 31,
   
3,456
     
2,762
     
2,484
 
                         
The discount rates currently applied in the calculation of the net present value of the Blanket mine provision is 0.86% (2015: 1.07%; 2014: 2,32%), based on a risk free rate and cash flows estimated at 0% inflation (2015: 0%). The Eersteling mine is under care and maintenance and the provision   is not discounted.
F-40

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
 
20
Provisions – (continued)

Site restoration– (continued)
 
The gross rehabilitation costs before discounting amounted to $3,159 (2015: $3,006; 2014: $2,486) for Blanket mine and $571 (2015: $459; 2014: $616) for Eersteling mine.
 
21   Share-based payments
   
Note
   
2016
   
2015
   
2014
 
Equity settled share-based payments
   
21.1
     
170
     
-
     
-
 
Cash settled share-based payments
   
21.2
     
618
     
-
     
-
 
             
788
     
-
     
-
 
 
21.1   Equity settled share-based payments
 
At December 31, 2016 the Group has the following Equity settled share-based payment arrangements:
 
(a) Share option programme
 
The Group has established a new Omnibus Equity Incentive Compensation Plan (“OEICP”) for grants after May 2015. Share options issued before May 2015 were issued in terms of the Rolling Stock Option Plan (“RSOP”), which was superseded by the OEICP.  In accordance with both plans, options are granted at an exercise price equal to the market price of the shares at the date of grant and vest according to dates set at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors at the date of grant.  All outstanding option awards that have been granted, pursuant to the plan, vest immediately.
 
Terms and conditions of share option programmes
 
The maximum term of the options under the OEICP is 10 years and under the RSOP 5 years. The terms and conditions relating to the grant of options under the RSOP are that all options are to be settled by physical delivery of shares. Equity settled share based payments under the OEICP will also be settled by physical delivery of shares.  Under both plans the aggregate number of shares that may be issued pursuant to the grant of options, or under any other share compensation arrangements of the Company, will not exceed 10% of the aggregate issued and outstanding shares issued of the Company.
 
At December 31, 2016, the Company has the following options outstanding:
 
Number of Options
Exercise Price
Expiry Date (1)
 
Canadian $
 
90,000
2.30
Oct 13, 2021
25,000
0.80
Oct 8, 2020
346,400
0.90
Sept 10, 2018
461,400
   
(1)
In terms of the approved Plan, the expiry date of options that expire in a closed period will be extended by 10 days from the cessation of the close period.
F-41

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
21   Share-based payments – (continued)

21.1   Equity settled share-based payments – (continued)
 
The continuity of the options granted, exercised, cancelled and expired under the Plan were as follows:
 
   
Number of Options
   
Weighted Avg. Exercise Price
 
           Canadian $  
Options outstanding and exercisable at January 1, 2014
   
2,847,920
     
1.11
 
Expired or forfeited
   
(282,000
)
   
1.13
 
Options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2014
   
2,565,920
     
1.11
 
Expired or forfeited
   
(440,000
)
   
1.11
 
Granted
   
115,000
     
0.73
 
Options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2015
   
2,240,920
     
1.08
 
Expired or forfeited
   
(1,161,000
)
   
1.30
 
Granted
   
90,000
     
2.30
 
Exercised
   
(708,520
)
   
0.83
 
Options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2016
   
461,400
     
1.17
 
The weighted average remaining contractual life of the outstanding options is 3.08 years (2015: 2.46 years).
 
Inputs for measurement of grant date fair values
 
The fair value of share-based payments noted above was estimated using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model with the following assumptions. Service and non-market performance conditions attached to the arrangements were not taken into account in measuring fair value.
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2015
 
Options granted
 
90,000
   
25,000
   
90,000
 
Grant date
 
October 13, 2016
   
October 7, 2015
   
December 21, 2015
 
Risk-free interest rate
 
0.53
%
 
0.53
%
 
0.53
%
Expected stock price volatility (based on historical volatility)
 
119
%
 
39,6
%
 
41,2
%
Expected option life in years
 
5
   
5
   
5
 
Exercise price
 
CAD 2.30
   
CAD 0.80
   
CAD 0.74
 
Share price at grant date
 
CAD 2.30
   
CAD 0.79
   
CAD 0.74
 
Fair value at grant date
 
USD 1.89
   
USD 0.27
   
USD 0.27
 

During 2016 a share-based payment grant of 90,000 share equity options was made to Mr. J McGloin. The exercise price is determined on the prevailing Toronto Stock Exchange share price on the day of the grant. Expected volatility has been based on an evaluation of the historical volatility of the Company’s share price. The expected term has been based on historical experience.
 
F-42

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
21   Share-based payments – (continued)

21.2   Cash settled share-based payments

Certain key management members were granted Restricted Share Units (“RSU’s”) and Performance Share Units (“PSU’s”), pursuant to provisions of the 2015 Omnibus Equity Incentive Compensation Plan. All RSU’s and PSU’s were granted and approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.

The RSU’s will vest three years after grant date given that the service condition of the relevant employees are fulfilled. The value of the vested RSU’s will be the number of RSU’s vested multiplied by the fair market value of the Company’s shares, as specified by the plan, on date of settlement.

The PSU’s have a service condition and a performance period of three years.  The performance condition is a function of production cost, gold production and central shaft depth targets on certain specified dates.  The number of PSU’s that will vest will be the PSU’s granted multiplied by the Performance Multiplier, which will reflect the actual performance in terms of the performance conditions compared to expectations on the date of the award.

RSU holders are entitled to receive dividends over the vesting period. Such dividends will be reinvested in additional RSU’s at the then applicable share price calculated at the average Bank of Canada noon rate immediately preceding the dividend payment. PSU’s have rights to dividends only after they have vested.

The fair value of the RSU’s, at the reporting date, were assumed to be the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) share price at reporting date. The fair value of the PSU’s, at the reporting date, were calculated as the TSX share price at reporting date less   the fair value of the expected dividends during the vesting period multiplied by the performance multiplier expectation.  At the reporting date it was assumed that there is a 100% probability that the performance conditions will be met and therefore a 100% performance multiplier was used in calculating the estimated liability.

The following assumptions were used in estimating the fair value of the cash settled share-based payment liability on December 31, 2016:
 
   
RSU’s
   
PSU’s
 
Fair value (USD)
 
$
1.10
   
$
1.05
 
Share price (USD)
 
$
1.10
   
$
1.10
 
Performance multiplier percentage
   
-
     
100
%
Dividend yield
   
-
     
3.07
%
Share units granted up until reporting date:
 
   
RSU’s
   
PSU’s
 
Grant - January 11, 2016
   
303,225
     
1,212,903
 
Grant – March 23, 2016
   
54,839
     
219,355
 
Grant – June 8, 2016
   
25,588
     
102,353
 
RSU dividend reinvestments
   
17,522
     
-
 
Total awards at December 31, 2016
   
401,174
     
1,534,611
 


F-43

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
22   Loans and borrowings

   
2016
   
2015
 
Non-current portion of term loan facility
   
1,577
     
-
 
Current portion of term loan facility
   
1,410
     
-
 
     
2,987
     
-
 
 
On October 19, 2016 Blanket Mine received $3 million in terms of a term facility with Barclays Bank of Zimbabwe Limited bearing interest at an interest rate of 7.25% per annum and an upfront arrangement fee of $73. The term facility will be paid back over 8 quarterly instalments of $375 starting January 19, 2017. The term facility is secured in terms of a general notarial bond registered over the moveable assets of Blanket Mine to the value of $3,000. The agreement also incorporates an endorsement by the insurer of these movable assets. The endorsement provides Barclays Bank of Zimbabwe Limited with the cession of the insurance cover on the movable assets against all risk insured.
 
At the inception of the loan the liability was recognised at its fair value plus transaction cost. The imputed finance costs on the liability was determined at an incremental borrowing rate of 7.25%. Finance costs are accounted for in note 11 on the effective interest method. The fair value of the term facility approximates the carrying amount as the market rate approximated the actual rate at year end.
 
F-44

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
 
23       Trade and other payables
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2014
 
                   
Trade payables
   
4,536
     
1,257
     
866
 
Audit fee
   
173
     
240
     
294
 
Other payables
   
343
     
1,599
     
507
 
Financial liabilities
   
5,052
     
3,096
     
1,667
 
VAT payable and other taxes
   
242
     
329
     
357
 
Production and management bonus accrual
   
1,156
     
1,792
     
-
 
Other employee benefits
   
123
     
114
     
102
 
Leave pay
   
1,504
     
1,325
     
1,134
 
Non-financial liabilities
   
3,025
     
3,560
     
1,593
 
Total
   
8,077
     
6,656
     
3,260
 
 
The Group’s exposure to currency and liquidity risk related to trade and other payables is disclosed in note 6 and note 25. Of the production and management bonus accrual at December 31, 2016, $1,156 (2015: $1,289) relates to production bonuses payable to the employees at Blanket.
 
24       Cash flow information
Non-cash items and information presented separately on the cash flow statement:
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2014
 
Profit before tax
   
18,802
     
7,960
     
12,068
 
Adjustments for:
                       
Net finance cost *
   
176
     
535
         
Loss on sale of Property, plant and equipment
   
44
     
-
     
62
 
Impairment of Property, plant and equipment
   
20
     
33
     
178
 
Foreign exchange gains on cash held
   
(105
)
   
(2,865
)
   
(423
)
Site restoration
   
32
     
-
     
29
 
Share-based payment expense
   
788
     
24
     
-
 
Depreciation
   
3,491
     
3,322
     
3,540
 
Write off of inventory
   
862
     
46
     
-
 
Cash generated by operations before working capital changes
   
24,110
     
9,055
     
15,454
 
Inventories
   
(1,990
)
   
375
     
(94
)
Prepayments
   
(99
)
   
(321
)
   
(46
)
Trade and other receivables
   
555
     
(1,472
)
   
566
 
Trade and other payables
   
3,095
     
1,186
     
(296
)
Cash flows from operating activities
   
25,671
     
8,823
     
15,584
 
 
* Net interest excludes an amount of $103 of interest expenditure capitalised to Property, Plant and equipment (refer note 13). Of the interest capitalised an amount of $43 was paid and included in the interest paid amount on the Cash flow statement.
 
F-45

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )

25   Financial instruments
 
i)   Credit risk
 
Exposure to credit risk
 
The carrying amount of financial assets as disclosed in the statements of financial position and related notes represents the maximum credit exposure. The maximum exposure to credit risk for trade and other receivables at the reporting date by geographic region was:
 
Carrying amount
 
2016
   
2015
 
             
Canada
   
-
     
-
 
Zimbabwe
   
1,523
     
842
 
     
1,523
     
842
 

Impairment losses
 
None of the trade and other receivables are past due at year-end. Trade and other receivables have a past history of payment shortly after year end and management identified no factors at year end that could cause doubt about the credit quality or recoverability of the trade and other receivables.
 
ii)   Liquidity risk
 
The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities, including estimated interest payments and excluding the impact of netting agreements.
 
Non-derivative financial liabilities
 
Carrying amount
   
12 months or less
   
1-2 Years
 
December 31, 2016
                 
Trade and other payables
   
5,052
     
5,052
     
-
 
Term loan facility
   
2,987
     
1,410
     
1,577
 
     
8,039
     
6,462
     
1,577
 
December 31, 2015
 
Carrying amount
   
12 months or less
   
1-2 Years
 
Trade and other payables
   
3,096
     
3,096
     
-
 
Bank overdraft
   
1,688
     
1,688
     
-
 
     
4,784
     
4,784
     
-
 
F-46

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )

25   Financial instruments (continued)
 
iii)   Currency risk
 
The Group is exposed to currency risk to the extent that there is a mismatch between the currency that it transacts in and the functional currency. The results of the Group’s operations are subject to currency transaction risk and currency translation risk. The operating results and financial position of the Group are reported in US dollar in the Group’s consolidated financial statements.
 
The fluctuation of the US dollar in relation to other currencies that entities, within the Group, may transact in will consequently have an impact upon the profitability of the Group and may also affect the value of the Group’s assets and liabilities. As noted below, the Group has certain financial assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the Company. The Group does not use any derivative instruments to reduce its foreign currency risks. To reduce exposure to currency transaction risk, the Group predominantly maintains cash and cash equivalents in US Dollar to avoid foreign exchange exposure and to meet short term liquidity requirements.

Sensitivity analysis
 
As a result of the Group’s monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies which is different to the functional currency of the underlying entities, the profit or loss and equity in the underlying entities could be affected by movements between the functional currency and the foreign currency. The table below indicates net monetary assets/(liabilities) in the group that have a different functional currency and foreign currency. Amounts are indicated before elimination of intergroup balances.

   
2016
USD‘000
   
2015
USD‘000
   
2014
USD‘000
 
   
Functional currency
   
Functional currency
   
Functional currency
 
   
ZAR
   
USD
   
ZAR
   
CAD
   
ZAR
   
CAD
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
457
     
265
     
3,874
     
5,483
     
10,514
     
553
 
Trade and other payables
   
-
     
43
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Intercompany balances *
   
(30,552
)
   
(1,514
)
   
(27,650
)
   
44,390
     
(30,320
)
   
48,484
 
     
(30,095
)
   
(1,206
)
   
(23,776
)
   
49,873
     
(19,806
)
   
49,037
 
 
F-47

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
25   Financial instruments (continued)

(iii)
Currency risk (continued)
A reasonably possible strengthening or weakening of 5% of the various functional currencies against the foreign currencies, would have the following equal or opposite effect on profit or loss before tax for the group:
 
   
2016
USD‘000
   
2015
USD’000
   
2014
USD’000
 
   
Functional currency
   
Functional currency
   
Functional currency
 
   
ZAR
   
USD
   
ZAR
   
CAD
   
ZAR
   
CAD
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
23
     
13
     
194
     
274
     
526
     
28
 
Trade and other payables
           
2
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Intercompany balances *
   
(1,527
)
   
(88
)
   
(1,382
)
   
2,219
     
(1,516
)
   
2,424
 
                                                 

* These intercompany balances represent the exposure to foreign currency risk between functional currencies and foreign currencies at a subsidiary level. These balances eliminate on consolidation.
 
(iv)
Interest rate risk
The group's interest rate risk arises from Loans and borrowings, overdraft facility and cash held. The Loans and borrowings, overdraft facility and cash held have variable interest rate borrowings. Variable rate borrowings expose the group to cash flow interest rate risk. The group has not entered into interest rate swap agreements.

The Group’s assets and liabilities exposed to interest rate fluctuations as at year end is summarized as follows:
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2014
 
Term loan
   
2,987
     
-
     
-
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
14,335
     
12,568
     
23,082
 
Overdraft
   
-
     
(1,688
)
   
-
 

Interest rate risk arising is offset by available cash and cash e quivalents. The table below summarises the effect of a change in finance cost on the Group’s Total comprehensive income for the year, had the rates charged differed.

Sensitivity analysis – Term loan and bank overdraft

   
2016
   
2015
   
2014
 
                   
Increase in 100 basis points
   
30
     
17
     
3
 
Decrease in 100 basis points
   
(30
)
   
(17
)
   
(3
)
 
F-48

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
25   Financial instruments (continued)

(iv)
Interest rate risk

Sensitivity analysis – Cash and cash equivalents
 
2016
2015
2014
Increase in 100 basis points
143
126
2
Decrease in 100 basis points
(143)
(126)
(2)
       

(v)
Gold price risk
In February 2016, the Company entered into a derivative contract in respect of 15,000 ounces of gold over a period of 6 months and accordingly, the contract expired during the year.  The contract protected the Company if the gold price fell below $1,050 per ounce but gave Caledonia full participation if the price of gold exceeded $1,079 per ounce. The derivative contract was entered into by the Company for economic hedging purposes and not as a speculative investment.
 
The derivative contract resulted in a loss of $435 that was included in profit or loss. The Company settled the contract with the $435 margin call deposited at the inception of the hedge transaction. Blanket continued to sell all of its gold production to Fidelity Printers and Refiners Ltd (“Fidelity”), as required by Zimbabwean legislation, and received the spot price of gold less an early settlement discount of 1.25%. As at December 31, 2016 no financial instruments were in place to manage the gold price risk. A 5% increase or decrease in the average realised gold price would have increased or decreased Revenue by $3,100 (2015: $2,449).
 
26   Dividends
 
 
2016
2015
2014
       
Dividends paid to owners of the company (Excluding NCI)
2,639
2,504
2,850

From January 7, 2014 to October 6, 2015, the Company paid an annual aggregate dividend of six Canadian cents CAD 0.060 per share in quarterly instalments of CAD 0.015 per share. On January 5, 2016 the Company announced that it revised its dividend policy to $0.045 per share per annum, paid in quarterly instalments of $0.01125. On July 5, 2016 the Company announced a 22 percent increase in the quarterly dividend to $ 0.01375 and $ 0.055 per annum. The increased dividend represents Caledonia’s revised dividend policy.
 
F-49

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
27   Contingencies
The Group may be subject to various claims that arise in the normal course of business. Management believes there are no contingent liabilities of the Group arising from claims.

28   Related parties

Key management personnel are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the entity. Directors of the company, as well as certain mine managers are considered key management.

Employee contracts between Caledonia Mining South Africa Proprietary Limited, the Company and key management, include an option for respective key management to terminate such employee contract in the event of a change in control of the Company and to receive a severance payment equal to two years’ compensation.  If this was triggered as at December 31, 2016 the severance payment would have amounted to $4,646 (2015: $3,578; 2014: $3,611). A change in control would constitute:
·
the acquisition of more than 50% of the shares; or
·
the acquisition of right to exercise the majority of the voting rights of shares; or
·
the acquisition of the right to appoint the majority of the board of directors; or
·
the acquisition of more than 50% of the assets of the Group.

Key management personnel and director transactions:

A number of related parties transacted with the Group in the reporting period. The aggregate value of transactions and outstanding balances relating to key management personnel and entities over which they have control or significant influence were as follows:
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2014
 
Key management salaries and bonuses
   
2,033
     
2,452
     
1,781
 
Share-based payments
   
788
     
24
      -  
     
2,821
     
2,476
     
1,781
 
 
Employees, officers, directors, consultants and other service providers also participate in the Group's share option program (see note 21). Group entities are set out in note 29.

Refer to note 5 and note 31 for transactions with Non-controlling interests. Refer to note 30 for management fees between Caledonia Mining South Africa Proprietary Limited and Blanket Mine (1983) (Private) Limited.
F-50

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
 
29   Group entities
 
  Functional currency Country of incorporation Legal shareholding    Intercompany balances with Holding company
     
2016
2015
2014
2016
2015
2014
 
Subsidiaries of the Company
   
           %
%
%
       
Caledonia Holdings Zimbabwe (Private) Limited
USD
Zimbabwe
100
100
100
-
-
-
 
Caledonia Mining (Zambia) Limited (5)
ZMW
Zambia
-
-
100
-
-
(15,499)
 
Caledonia Nama Limited (5)
ZMW
Zambia
-
-
100
-
-
(12,435)
 
Caledonia Mining Services Limited
USD
Zimbabwe
100
100
100
-
-
-
 
Eersteling Gold Mining Company Limited
ZAR
South Africa
100
100
100
(12,793)
(12,585)
(12,575)
 
Fintona Investments Proprietary Limited
ZAR
South Africa
100
100
100
(14,859)
(14,859)
(14,859)
 
Caledonia Mining South Africa Proprietary Limited
ZAR
South Africa
100
100
100
(87)
(3,806)
(3,806)
 
Greenstone Management Services Holdings Limited (4)
USD
United Kingdom
100
100
100
13,527
7,846
7,846
 
Maid O’ Mist Proprietary Limited
ZAR
South Africa
100
100
100
-
-
-
 
Mapochs Exploration Proprietary Limited
ZAR
South Africa
100
100
100
-
-
-
 
Caledonia Holdings (Africa) Limited
USD
Barbados
100
100
100
-
-
-
 
Blanket (Barbados) Holdings Limited
USD
Barbados
100
100
100
-
-
-
 
Blanket Mine (1983) (Private) Limited (3)
USD
Zimbabwe
(2) 49
49
49
-
-
-
 
Blanket Employee Trust Services (Private) Limited (BETS) (1)
 
USD
Zimbabwe
-
-
-
-
-
-
 
 
( 1) BETS and the Employee Trust are consolidated as structured entities.
(2) Refer to Note 5, for the effective shareholding. NCI has a 16.2% interest in cash flows of Blanket only.
(3) Blanket has no subsidiary companies
(4) On November 18, 2016, the entity’s name changed from Greenstone Management Services Limited to Greenstone Management Services Holdings Limited.
(5) The Zambia operations were closed down during 2015 and the Companies in Zambia were struck of the Companies register on September 2, 2015.


F-51

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
30   Operating Segments

The Group's operating segments have been identified based on geographic areas.

During 2016 the Group had three reportable segments as described below, which represents the Group's strategic business units. The strategic business units are managed separately because they require different technology and marketing strategies. For each of the strategic business units, the Group’s CEO reviews internal management reports on at least a quarterly basis. The following geographical areas describe the operations of the Group's reportable segments: Head office, Zimbabwe and South Africa. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as described in note 4. The Corporate segment comprise the holding company and Greenstone Management Services Holdings Limited (UK) responsible for administrative functions within the group. The Zimbabwe operating segments comprise Caledonia Holdings Zimbabwe Limited and subsidiaries. The South Africa geographical segment comprise a gold mine, that is on care and maintenance, as well as sales made by Caledonia Mining South Africa Proprietary Limited to the Blanket Mine. The Zambia segment, relevant to the comparative year, consisted of Nama copper project and cobalt project and was deregistered on September 2, 2015. Information regarding the results of each reportable segment is included below. Performance is measured based on segment profit before income tax, as included in the internal management reports that are reviewed by the Group's CEO. Segment profit is used to measure performance as management believes that such information is the most relevant in evaluating the results of certain segments relative to other entities that operate within these industries.
 
Information about reportable segments 2016
 
* Head office
   
Zimbabwe
   
South Africa
   
Inter-group eliminations adjustments
   
Total
 
                               
Revenue
   
-
     
61,992
     
11,348
     
(11,348
)
   
61,992
 
Royalties    
-
     
(2,923
)
   
-
     
-
     
(2,923
)
Production costs
   
-
     
(33,081
)
   
(10,185
)
   
11,180
     
(32,086
)
Depreciation
   
-
     
(3,733
)
   
(47
)
   
289
     
(3,491
)
Management fee **
   
-
     
(3,960
)
   
3,960
     
-
     
-
 
Other income
   
120
     
1,194
     
16
     
-
     
1,330
 
Other expenses
   
-
     
(55
)
   
-
     
-
     
(55
)
Administrative expenses
   
(4,690
)
   
(128
)
   
(3,119
)
   
674
     
(7,263
)
Share-based payment expenses
   
(340
)
   
(342
)
   
(106
)
   
-
     
(788
)
Net Foreign exchange gain
   
22
     
2
     
(529
)
   
-
     
(505
)
Margin call on hedge
   
(435
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(435
)
Net finance cost
   
-
     
(191
)
   
15
     
-
     
(176
)
Sale of Blanket Mine treasury bills
   
-
     
3,202
     
-
     
-
     
3,202
 
Profit before tax
   
(5,323
)
   
21,977
     
1,353
     
795
     
18,802
 
Tax expense
   
-
     
(6,795
)
   
(922
)
   
-
     
(7,717
)
Profit for the year*
   
(5,323
)
   
15,182
     
431
     
795
     
11,085
 
* Head office reconciles to group accounts.
 
** Of the management fee $641 was receivable and payable at year end (2015: $280).
F-52

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
 
30   Operating Segments – (continued)
 
2016
 
Head office
   
Zimbabwe
   
South Africa
   
Inter-group elimination adjustments
   
Total
 
                               
Geographic segment assets:
                             
Current (excluding intercompany)
   
5,050
     
19,501
     
1,616
     
(375
)
   
25,792
 
Non-current (excluding intercompany)
   
40
     
65,824
     
388
     
(1,335
)
   
64,917
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment
   
-
     
19,000
     
36
     
123
     
19,159
 
Intercompany balances
   
42,871
     
-
     
7,080
     
(49,951
)
   
-
 
                                         
Geographic segment liabilities
                                       
Current (excluding intercompany)
   
(313
)
   
(8,801
)
   
(718
)
   
-
     
(9,832
)
Non-current (excluding intercompany)
   
-
     
(20,989
)
   
(517
)
   
-
     
(21,560
)
Intercompany balances
   
(14,900
)
   
(2,184
)
   
(32,867
)
   
49,951
     
-
 
 
 
 
 
Information about reportable segments 2015
Head office
Zimbabwe
South Africa
Zambia
 
Inter-group
eliminations
adjustments
Total
             
Revenue
9,497
48,978
17,016
-
(26,514)
48,977
Royalties
-
(2,455)
-
-
-
(2,455)
Production costs
-
(30,955)
(12,174)
-
13,110
(30,019)
Depreciation
-
(3,559)
(42)
-
279
(3,322)
Other income
9
55
46
-
-
110
Management fee
-
(4,140)
4,140
-
-
-
Administrative expenses
(5,802)
(118)
(8,135)
(750)
7,183
(7,622)
Share-based payment expense
(24)
-
-
-
-
(24)
Net foreign exchange gain
431
-
2,419
-
-
2,850
Finance income
-
-
1
-
-
1
Finance expense
(344)
(190)
(2)
-
-
(536)
Profit before income tax
3,767
7,616
3,269
(750)
(5,942)
7,960
Tax expense
522
(2,616)
(276)
-
-
(2,370)
Profit after income tax
4,289
5,000
2,993
(750)
(5,942)
5,590

 
F-53

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
30   Operating Segments – (continued)
 
 
 
2015
 
Head office
   
Zimbabwe
   
South Africa
   
Zambia
   
Inter-group eliminations adjustments
   
Total
 
Geographic segment assets:
                                   
Current
   
8,857
     
10,386
     
4,918
     
1
     
(600
)
   
23,562
 
Non-current (excluding intercompany)
   
40
     
50,613
     
370
     
-
     
(1,747
)
   
49,276
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment
   
-
     
18,385
     
143
     
-
     
(335
)
   
18,193
 
Intercompany balances
   
74,007
     
1,509
     
7,958
     
-
     
(83,474
)
   
-
 
                                                 
Geographic segment liabilities
                                               
Current
   
(433
)
   
(6,497
)
   
(1,469
)
   
-
     
-
     
(8,397
)
Non-current (excluding intercompany)
   
-
     
(13,621
)
   
(459
)
   
-
     
-
     
(14,080
)
Intercompany balances
   
(16,734
)
   
(3,507
)
   
(37,290
)
   
(25,943
)
   
83,474
     
-
 
                                                 

 
 
Information about reportable segments 2014
 
Head office
   
Zimbabwe
   
South Africa
   
Zambia
   
Inter-group eliminations adjustments
   
Total
 
                                     
Revenue
   
3,719
     
53,513
     
7,167
     
-
     
(10,886
)
   
53,513
 
Royalties    
-
     
(3,522
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(3,522
)
Production costs
   
-
     
(28,836
)
   
(6,256
)
   
-
     
6,884
     
(27,908
)
Depreciation
   
-
     
(3,522
)
   
(18
)
   
-
     
-
     
(3,540
)
Other income
   
-
     
16
     
9
     
-
     
-
     
25
 
Management fee
   
-
     
(4,680
)
   
4,680
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Administrative expenses
   
(3,115
)
   
(436
)
   
(2,942
)
   
(894
)
   
-
     
(7,387
)
Impairment
   
-
     
(81
)
   
-
     
(97
)
   
-
     
(178
)
Net foreign exchange gain
   
49
     
-
     
1,016
     
-
     
-
     
1,065
 
Finance income
   
14
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
14
 
Finance expense
   
-
     
(154
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(154
)
Profit before income tax
   
667
     
12,598
     
3,656
     
(991
)
   
(4,002
)
   
11,928
 
Tax expense
   
(1,067
)
   
(3,594
)
   
(1,321
)
   
-
     
-
     
(5,982
)
Profit after income tax
   
(400
)
   
9,004
     
2,335
     
(991
)
   
(4,002
)
   
5,946
 
 
F-54

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )

30   Operating Segments – (continued)
 
 
2014
 
Head office
   
Zimbabwe
   
South Africa
   
Zambia
   
Inter-group eliminations adjustments
   
Total
 
Geographic segment assets:
 
                                   
Current
   
10,768
     
10,448
     
11,782
     
44
     
(1,300
)
   
31,743
 
Non-current (excluding intercompany)
   
48
     
35,818
     
306
     
-
     
(1,436
)
   
34,736
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment
   
-
     
7,022
     
47
     
97
     
-
     
7,166
 
Intercompany balances
   
101,920
     
1,503
     
29,060
     
-
     
(132,483
)
   
-
 
                                                 
Geographic segment liabilities
                                               
Current
   
(994
)
   
(2,412
)
   
(1,566
)
   
-
     
-
     
(4,972
)
Non-current (excluding intercompany)
   
-
     
(10,571
)
   
(593
)
   
-
     
-
     
(11,164
)
Intercompany balances
   
(33,955
)
   
(902
)
   
(72,406
)
   
(25,220
)
   
132,438
     
-
 
 
Major customer
 
Revenues from Fidelity Printers in Zimbabwe amounted to approximately 61,992 (2015: 48,977; 2014: $53,513).
F-55

 
Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31
( in thousands of United States dollars , unless indicated otherwise )
 
31
Non-controlling interests
 
Blanket Mine (1983) (Private) Limited NCI % - 16.2%
       
   
2016
   
2015
   
2014
 
                   
Current assets
   
13,151
     
10,386
     
10,448
 
Non-current assets
   
65,823
     
50,613
     
37,322
 
Current liabilities
   
(8,698
)
   
(6,497
)
   
(2,412
)
Non-current liabilities
   
(20,185
)
   
(13,621
)
   
(10,571
)
Net assets
   
50,091
     
40,881
     
(34,787
)
                         
Carrying amount of NCI
   
3,708
     
1,504
     
693
 
                         
                         
Revenue
   
61,992
     
48,977
     
53,515
 
Profit
   
15,800
     
5,000
     
8,860
 
Total comprehensive income
   
15,800
     
5,000
     
8,860
 
                         
Profit allocated to NCI
   
2,559
     
811
     
1,511
 
Dividend paid to NCI
   
(355
)
   
-
     
770
 
 
32   Defined Contribution Plan
 
Under the terms of the Mining Industry Pension Fund (“Fund”) in Zimbabwe, eligible employees contribute a fixed percentage of their eligible earnings to the Fund. Blanket Mine makes a matching contribution plus an inflation levy as a fixed percentage of eligible earnings of these employees. The total contribution by Blanket Mine for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $567 (2015: $473; 2014: $443).
 
F-56

 
SIGNATURE
 
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this Annual Report on its behalf.
 
Date March 30, 2017
 
  CALEDONIA MINING CORPORATION PLC
   
By:
/s/ Mark Learmonth
 
Mark Learmonth
Chief Financial Officer

 
F-57

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