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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates
The Company's Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. The preparation of the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The more significant areas requiring the use of management estimates and assumptions relate to metal prices and mineral reserves that are the basis for future cash flow estimates utilized in impairment calculations and units-of-production amortization calculations, environmental, reclamation and closure obligations, estimates of recoverable silver and gold in leach pad inventories, estimates of fair value for certain reporting units and asset impairments, valuation allowances for deferred tax assets, and the fair value and accounting treatment of financial instruments, equity securities, and derivative instruments. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Accordingly, actual results will differ from the amounts estimated in these financial statements.
Principles of Consolidation
Principles of Consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company, the most significant of which are Coeur Mexicana S.A. de C.V., Coeur Rochester, Inc., Coeur Alaska, Inc., Wharf Resources (U.S.A.), Empresa Minera Manquiri S.A., and Coeur Capital, Inc. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The Company's investments in entities in which it has less than 20% ownership interest are accounted for using the cost method.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized, net of treatment and refining charges, when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price is fixed or determinable, no obligations remain, and collection is probable.
Under the Company’s concentrate sales contracts with third-party smelters, gold and silver prices are set on a specified future quotational period, typically one to three months, after the shipment date based on market prices. Revenue and Costs Applicable to Sales are recorded on a gross basis under these contracts at the time title passes to the buyer based on the forward price for the expected settlement period. The contracts, in general, provide for provisional payment based upon provisional assays and forward metal prices. Final settlement is based on the average applicable price for the specified future quotational period and generally occurs from three to six months after shipment. The Company’s provisionally priced sales contain an embedded derivative that is required to be separated from the host contract for accounting purposes. The host contract is the receivable from the sale of concentrates measured at the forward price at the time of sale. The embedded derivative does not qualify for hedge accounting and is adjusted to fair value through revenue each period until the date of final gold and silver settlement.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include all highly-liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less. The Company minimizes its credit risk by investing its cash and cash equivalents with major U.S. and international banks and financial institutions located principally in the United States with a minimum credit rating of A1, as defined by Standard & Poor’s. The Company’s management believes that no concentration of credit risk exists with respect to the investment of its cash and cash equivalents.
Receivables
Receivables
Trade receivables and other receivable balances are reported at outstanding principal amounts, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts, if deemed necessary. Management evaluates the collectability of receivable account balances to determine the allowance, if any. Management considers the other party's credit risk and financial condition, as well as current and projected economic and market conditions, in determining the amount of the allowance. Receivable balances are written off when management determines that the balance is uncollectible.
Ore on Leach Pads
Ore on Leach Pads
The heap leach process extracts silver and gold by placing ore on an impermeable pad and applying a diluted cyanide solution that dissolves a portion of the contained silver and gold, which are then recovered in metallurgical processes.
The Company uses several integrated steps to scientifically measure the metal content of ore placed on the leach pads. As the ore body is drilled in preparation for the blasting process, samples are taken of the drill residue which are assayed to determine estimated quantities of contained metal. The Company estimates the quantity of ore by utilizing global positioning satellite survey techniques. The Company then processes the ore through crushing facilities where the output is again weighed and sampled for assaying. A metallurgical reconciliation with the data collected from the mining operation is completed with appropriate adjustments made to previous estimates. The crushed ore is then transported to the leach pad for application of the leaching solution. As the leach solution is collected from the leach pads, it is continuously sampled for assaying. The quantity of leach solution is measured by flow meters throughout the leaching and precipitation process. After precipitation, the product is converted to doré at the Rochester mine and a form of gold concentrate at the Wharf mine, representing the final product produced by each mine. The inventory is stated at lower of cost or market, with cost being determined using a weighted average cost method.
The historical cost of metal expected to be extracted within twelve months is classified as current and the historical cost of metals contained within the broken ore expected to be extracted beyond twelve months is classified as non-current. Ore on leach pads is valued based on actual production costs incurred to produce and place ore on the leach pad, less costs allocated to minerals recovered through the leach process.
The estimate of both the ultimate recovery expected over time and the quantity of metal that may be extracted relative to the time the leach process occurs requires the use of estimates, which are inherently inaccurate due to the nature of the leaching process. The quantities of metal contained in the ore are based upon actual weights and assay analysis. The rate at which the leach process extracts gold and silver from the crushed ore is based upon laboratory testing and actual experience of more than twenty years of leach pad operations at the Rochester mine and thirty years of leach pad operations at the Wharf mine. The assumptions used by the Company to measure metal content during each stage of the inventory conversion process includes estimated recovery rates based on laboratory testing and assaying. The Company periodically reviews its estimates compared to actual experience and revises its estimates when appropriate. Variations between actual and estimated quantities resulting from changes in assumptions and estimates that do not result in write-downs to net realizable value are accounted for on a prospective basis.
Metal and Other Inventory
Metal and Other Inventory
Inventories include concentrate, doré, and operating materials and supplies. The classification of inventory is determined by the stage at which the ore is in the production process. All inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined using a weighted average cost method. Concentrate and doré inventory includes product at the mine site and product held by refineries. Metal inventory costs include direct labor, materials, depreciation, depletion and amortization as well as overhead costs relating to mining activities.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Expenditures for new facilities, assets acquired pursuant to capital leases, new assets or expenditures that extend the useful lives of existing facilities are capitalized and depreciated using the straight-line method at rates sufficient to depreciate such costs over the shorter of estimated productive lives of such facilities, lease term, or the useful life of the individual assets. Productive lives range from 7 to 30 years for buildings and improvements and 3 to 10 years for machinery and equipment. Certain mining equipment is depreciated using the units-of-production method based upon estimated total proven and probable reserves.
Mining Properties and Mine Development
Mining Properties and Mine Development
Capitalization of mine development costs begins once all operating permits have been secured, mineralization is classified as proven and probable reserves and a final feasibility study has been completed. Mine development costs include engineering and metallurgical studies, drilling and other related costs to delineate an ore body, the removal of overburden to initially expose an ore body at open pit surface mines and the building of access ways, shafts, lateral access, drifts, ramps and other infrastructure at underground mines. Costs incurred before mineralization are classified as proven and probable reserves are expensed and classified as exploration or pre-development expense. Mine development costs are amortized using the units of production method over the estimated life of the ore body based on recoverable ounces to be mined from proven and probable reserves. Interest expense allocable to the cost of developing mining properties and to construct new facilities is capitalized until assets are ready for their intended use.
Drilling and related costs incurred at the Company’s operating mines are expensed as incurred in Exploration, unless the Company can conclude with a high degree of confidence, prior to the commencement of a drilling program, that the drilling costs will result in the conversion of a mineral resource into proven and probable reserves. The Company’s assessment is based on the following factors: results from previous drill programs; results from geological models; results from a mine scoping study confirming economic viability of the resource; and preliminary estimates of mine inventory, ore grade, cash flow and mine life. In addition, the Company must have all permitting and/or contractual requirements necessary to have the right to and/or control of the future benefit from the targeted ore body. The costs of a drilling program that meet these criteria are capitalized as mine development costs. Drilling and related costs of approximately $6.0 million and $8.9 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, were capitalized.
The cost of removing overburden and waste materials to access the ore body at an open pit mine prior to the production phase are referred to as “pre-stripping costs.” Pre-stripping costs are capitalized during the development of an open pit mine. Stripping costs incurred during the production phase of a mine are variable production costs that are included as a component of inventory to be recognized in Costs applicable to sales in the same period as the revenue from the sale of inventory.
Mineral Interests
Mineral Interests
Significant payments related to the acquisition of land and mineral rights are capitalized. Prior to acquiring such land or mineral rights, the Company generally makes a preliminary evaluation to determine that the property has significant potential to develop an economic ore body. The time between initial acquisition and full evaluation of a property’s potential is variable and is determined by many factors including: location relative to existing infrastructure, the property’s stage of development, geological controls and metal prices. If a mineable ore body is discovered, such costs are amortized when production begins using the units-of-production method based on recoverable ounces to be mined from proven and probable reserves. If no mineable ore body is discovered, such costs are expensed in the period in which it is determined the property has no future economic value.
Write-downs
Write-downs

We review and evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Asset impairment is considered to exist if the total estimated undiscounted pre-tax future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset. In estimating future cash flows, assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there is identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of future cash flows from other asset groups. An impairment loss is measured by discounted estimated future cash flows, and recorded by reducing the asset's carrying amount to fair value. Future cash flows are estimated based on estimated quantities of recoverable minerals, expected silver and gold prices (considering current and historical prices, trends and related factors), production levels, operating costs, capital requirements and reclamation costs, all based on life-of-mine plans. The significant assumptions used in determining future cash flows for each mine site asset group at December 31, 2015, apart from production cost and capitalized expenditure assumptions unique to each operation, included long-term silver and gold prices of $17.50 and $1,200 per ounce (consistent with the Company’s long-term reserve prices), respectively, and discount rates ranging from 7.50% - 11.00% (to reflect project and country-specific risks). During 2015, 2014, and 2013, we recorded impairments of $313.3 million, $1,472.7 million, and $773.0 million, respectively, to reduce the carrying value of mining properties and property, plant and equipment as part of Write-downs.

Existing proven and probable reserves and value beyond proven and probable reserves, including mineralization other than proven and probable reserves are included when determining the fair value of mine site asset groups at acquisition and, subsequently, in determining whether the assets are impaired. The term “recoverable minerals” refers to the estimated amount of silver and gold that will be obtained after taking into account losses during ore processing and treatment. Estimates of recoverable minerals from exploration stage mineral interests are risk adjusted based on management’s relative confidence in such materials. The ability to achieve the estimated quantities of recoverable minerals from exploration stage mineral interests involves further risks in addition to those risk factors applicable to mineral interests where proven and probable reserves have been identified, due to the lower level of confidence that the identified mineralized material could ultimately be mined economically. Assets classified as exploration potential have the highest level of risk that the carrying value of the asset can be ultimately realized, due to the still lower level of geological confidence and economic modeling.

Silver and gold prices are volatile and affected by many factors beyond the Company’s control, including prevailing interest rates and returns on other asset classes, expectations regarding inflation, speculation, currency values, governmental decisions regarding precious metals stockpiles, global and regional demand and production, political and economic conditions and other factors may affect the key assumptions used in the Company’s impairment testing. Various factors could impact our ability to achieve forecasted production levels from proven and probable reserves. Additionally, production, capital and reclamation costs could differ from the assumptions used in the cash flow models used to assess impairment. Actual results may vary from the Company’s estimates and result in additional Write-downs.
Restricted Assets
Restricted Assets
The Company, under the terms of its self-insurance and bonding agreements with certain banks, lending institutions and regulatory agencies, is required to collateralize certain portions of its obligations. The Company has collateralized these obligations by assigning certificates of deposit that have maturity dates ranging from three months to a year, to the respective institutions or agencies. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company held certificates of deposit and cash under these agreements of $6.3 million and $7.0 million, respectively. The ultimate timing of the release of the collateralized amounts is dependent on the timing and closure of each mine and repayment of the facility. In order to release the collateral, the Company must seek approval from certain government agencies responsible for monitoring the mine closure status. Collateral could also be released to the extent the Company is able to secure alternative financial assurance satisfactory to the regulatory agencies. The Company believes there is a reasonable probability that the collateral will remain in place beyond a twelve-month period and has therefore classified these investments as long-term.
Reclamation
Reclamation
The Company recognizes obligations for the expected future retirement of tangible long-lived assets and other associated asset retirement costs. The fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation will be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The fair value of the liability is added to the carrying amount of the associated asset and this additional carrying amount is depreciated over the life of the asset. An accretion cost, representing the increase over time in the present value of the liability, is recorded each period in Pre-development, reclamation, and other. As reclamation work is performed or liabilities are otherwise settled, the recorded amount of the liability is reduced. Future remediation costs for inactive mines are accrued based on management’s best estimate at the end of each period of the discounted costs expected to be incurred at the site. Such cost estimates include, where applicable, ongoing care and maintenance and monitoring costs. Changes in estimates are reflected prospectively in the period an estimate is revised.
Foreign Currency
Foreign Currency
The assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are measured using U.S. dollars as their functional currency. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. Foreign currency gains and losses are included in the determination of net income or loss.
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company recognizes all derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and measures those instruments at fair value. Changes in the value of derivative instruments are recorded each period in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Fair value adjustments, net. Management applies judgment in estimating the fair value of instruments that are highly sensitive to assumptions regarding commodity prices, market volatilities, and foreign currency exchange rates.
Stock-based Compensation Plans
Stock-based Compensation Plans
The Company estimates the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) awards using market comparison. Stock options granted are accounted for as equity-based awards and SARs are accounted for as liability-based awards. The value of the SARs is remeasured at each reporting date. The Company estimates the fair value of performance share and performance unit grants using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model. Performance shares granted are accounted for as equity based awards and performance shares units are accounted for as liability-based awards. The Company estimates forfeitures of stock-based awards based on historical data and periodically adjusts the forfeiture rate. The adjustment of the forfeiture rate is recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the period the forfeiture estimate is changed. Compensation costs related to stock based compensation are included in General and administrative expenses, Costs applicable to sales, and Property, plant, and equipment, net as deemed appropriate.
Restricted stock and restricted stock units granted under the Company’s incentive plans are accounted for based on the market value of the underlying shares on the date of grant. Restricted stock awards are accounted for as equity-based awards and restricted stock unit awards are accounted for as liability-based awards. Restricted stock units are remeasured at each reporting date. Restricted stock units are settled in cash based on the number of vested restricted stock units multiplied by the current market price of the common shares when vested. Holders of the restricted stock are entitled to vote the shares and to receive any dividends declared on the shares.
Income and Mining Taxes
Income and Mining Taxes
The Company uses an asset and liability approach which results in the recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences or benefits of temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities, as well as operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse.
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. A valuation allowance has been provided for the portion of the Company’s net deferred tax assets for which it is more likely than not that they will not be realized.
Recent Accounting Standards
Recent Accounting Standards
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, "Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes," which requires entities with a classified balance sheet to present all deferred tax assets and liabilities as non-current. The updated guidance became effective under early adoption for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2015, and resulted in a reclassification of amounts from Current deferred tax assets to Non-current deferred tax assets and Current deferred tax liabilities to Non-current deferred tax liabilities in the current and prior periods.
    
In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, "Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments," which eliminates the requirement for an acquirer to retrospectively adjust the financial statements for measurement-period adjustments that occur in periods after a business combination is consummated. These changes become effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of implementing these changes on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
    
In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, "Deferral of the Effective Date", which defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" to January 1, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting the prescribed changes on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.    

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, "Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory," which provides a revised, simpler measurement for inventory to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. These changes become effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of implementing these changes on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs," which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented as a reduction to the carrying amount of that debt liability, not as an asset. The updated guidance became effective under early adoption for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2015, and resulted in a reclassification of amounts from Other Non-current Assets to Debt in the current and prior periods.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, "Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis," which amends the consolidation requirements in ASC 810. These changes become effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of implementing these changes on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.