Impairment tests for all assets (excluding goodwill) are performed when there is an indication of impairment. Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually. Where the asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit (CGU) to which the asset belongs, being the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. If the carrying amount of the asset or CGU exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset or CGU is impaired and an impairment loss is charged to the income statement so as to reduce the carrying amount in the balance sheet to its recoverable amount.

The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s or CGU’s fair value less cost of disposal (FVLCD) and its value in use (VIU).

FVLCD is an estimate of the amount that a market participant would pay for an asset or CGU, less the cost of disposal. FVLCD for mineral assets is generally determined using independent market assumptions to calculate the present value of the estimated future cash flows expected to arise from the continued use of the asset, including the anticipated cash flow effects of any capital expenditure to enhance production or reduce cost, and its eventual disposal where a market participant may take a consistent view. Cash flows are discounted using an appropriate market discount rate to arrive at a net present value of the asset, which is compared against the asset’s carrying value. FVLCD may also take into consideration other market-based indicators of fair value. FVLCD are based primarily on Level 3 inputs as defined in note 24 ‘Financial risk management’ unless otherwise noted.

VIU is determined as the present value of the estimated future cash flows expected to arise from the continued use of the asset in its present form and its eventual disposal or closure. VIU is determined by applying assumptions specific to the Group’s continued use and cannot take into account future development. These assumptions are different to those used in calculating FVLCD and consequently the VIU calculation is likely to give a different result (usually lower) to a FVLCD calculation.

 

US$600 million including closure provisions. Considering the recoverable amount of individual assets within the CGU, this resulted in an aggregate impairment to property, plant and equipment of US$3,744 million and intangible assets of US$56 

The carrying amount of goodwill has been allocated to the CGUs, or groups of CGUs, as follows:

 

For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill has been allocated to CGUs or groups of CGUs, that are expected to benefit from the synergies of previous business combinations, which represent the level at which management will monitor and manage goodwill.

 

 

Assessment of indicators of impairment or impairment reversal and the determination of CGUs for impairment purposes require significant management judgement.

Indicators of impairment may include changes in the Group’s operating and economic assumptions, including those arising from changes in reserves or mine planning, updates to the Group’s commodity supply, demand and price forecasts, or the possible additional impacts from emerging risks including those related to climate change and the transition to a economy.

The Group’s impairment assessments may be impacted by climate change and the transition to a economy. Further detail is provided in note 16 ‘Climate change’.

The Group performs a recoverable amount determination for an asset or CGU when there is an indication of impairment or impairment reversal.

When the recoverable amount is measured by reference to FVLCD, in the absence of quoted market prices or binding sale agreement, estimates are made regarding the present value of future cash flows. These estimates are made from the perspective of a market participant and include prices, future production volumes, operating costs, capital expenditure, closure and rehabilitation costs, taxes, risking factors applied to cash flows and discount rates. The cash flow forecasts may include net cash flows expected from the extraction, processing and sale of material that does not currently qualify for inclusion in reserves. Reserves and resources are included in the assessment of FVLCD to the extent that it is considered probable that a market participant would attribute value to them.

Commodity prices were based on latest internal forecasts which assume short-term market prices will revert to the Group’s assessment of long-term price. These price forecasts reflect management’s long-term views of global supply and demand, built upon past experience of the commodity markets and are benchmarked with external sources of information such as analyst forecasts. Prices are adjusted based upon premiums or discounts applied to global price markers to reflect the location, nature and quality of the Group’s production, or to take into account contracted prices.

Estimated production volumes were based on detailed data and took into account development plans established by management as part of the Group’s long-term planning process. When estimating FVLCD, assumptions reflect all reserves and resources that a market participant would consider when valuing the respective CGU, which in some cases are broader in scope than the reserves that would be used in a VIU test. In determining FVLCD, risk factors may be applied to reserves and resources which do not meet the criteria to be treated as proved.

Cash outflows are based on internal budgets and forecasts and life of asset plans. Cost assumptions reflect management experience and expectations. Tax assumptions reflect existing and substantively enacted tax and royalty regimes and rates applicable in the jurisdiction of the CGU. In the case of FVLCD, cash flow projections include the anticipated cash flow effects of any capital expenditure to enhance production or reduce cost where a market participant may take a consistent view. VIU does not take into account future development.

The Group uses real discount rates applied to real cash flows. The discount rates are derived using the weighted average cost of capital methodology. Adjustments to the rates are made for any risks that are not reflected in the underlying flows, including country risk.