UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

_______________

 

FORM 20-F

 

[ ] 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, 2008

OR

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Commission file number: 001-15264

 

logo

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

ALUMINUM CORPORATION OF CHINA LIMITED

(Translation of Registrant's name into English)

 

People's Republic of China

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

_______________

 

No. 62 North Xizhimen Street, Haidian District, Beijing, People's Republic of China (100082)

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

_______________

 

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

 

Title of each Class

American Depositary Shares, each representing 25 H Shares

Class H Ordinary Shares*

 

Name of Each Exchange on which Registered

New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

 

* Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of American Depositary Shares on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. The Ordinary H Shares are also listed and traded on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.

 

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

None

(Title of Class)

 

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:

None

(Title of Class)

 


 

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or common stock as of December 31, 2008:

 

Domestic Shares, par value RMB1.00 per share

9,580,521,924

 

 

H Shares, par value RMB1.00 per share

3,943,965,968

 

 

(including 406,067,500 H Shares in the form of American Depository Shares)

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant 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 Security Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Yes [ ] No [X]

 

Note-Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.

 

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.

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

 

Item 17 [X] 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 [ ] No [X]

 


 

 

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Pages

 

Forward-Looking Statements

i

Certain Terms and Conventions

ii

PART I

Item 1.

Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisors

1

Item 2.

Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

2

Item 3.

Key Information

2

Item 4.

Information on the Company

14

Item 5.

Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

46

Item 6.

Directors, Senior Management and Employees

68

Item 7.

Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

79

Item 8.

Financial Information

86

Item 9.

The Offer and Listing

88

Item 10.

Additional Information

89

Item 11.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

99

Item 12.

Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

102

PART II

Item 13.

Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

102

Item 14

Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

102

Item 15

Controls and Procedures

102

Item 16

[Reserved]

102

Item 16A

Audit Committee Financial Expert

102

Item 16B

Code of Ethics

102

Item 16C

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

103

Item 16D

Exemption from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

103

Item 16E

Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

104

PART III

Item 17.

Financial Statements

104

Item 18.

Financial Statements

104

Item 19.

Exhibits

104


 


 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain information contained in this annual report, which does not relate to historical financial information may be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements. The words or phrases "will likely result", "are expected to", "will continue", "is anticipated", "estimate", "project", "believe" or similar expressions are intended to identify "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results and those presently anticipated or projected. We wish to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements relating to:

 

*

future general economic conditions;

 

 

*

future conditions in the international and China capital markets;

 

 

*

future conditions in the financial and credit markets;

 

 

*

future prices and demand for our products;

 

 

*

future PRC tariff levels for alumina and primary aluminum;

 

 

*

sales of our products;

 

 

*

the amount and nature of, and potential for, future development;

 

 

*

production, consumption and demand forecasts of bauxite, alumina, primary aluminum and aluminum fabrication products;

 

 

*

expansion, consolidation or other trends in the primary aluminum industry;

 

 

*

the effectiveness of our cost-saving measures;

 

 

*

future expansion plans and capital expenditures;

 

 

*

expected production capacity increases;

 

 

*

competition;

 

 

*

changes in legislation, regulations and policies;

 

 

*

estimates of proven and probable bauxite reserves;

 

 

*

our research and development plans; and

 

 

*

our dividend policy.

 

 

These statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and our perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors we believe are appropriate in particular circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will meet our expectations and predictions depends on a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations. These risks are more fully described in the section entitled "Item 3. Key Information - Risk Factors".

 

- i -

 


 

Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this annual report are qualified by these cautionary statements. We cannot assure you that the actual results or developments anticipated by us will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected effect on us or our business or operations.

Unless otherwise indicated, statistical and market trend information, as well as statements related to market position and competitive data, are based on our internal statistics and/or estimates gathered from our own research and/or various publicly available sources.

CERTAIN TERMS AND CONVENTIONS

Translations of amounts in this annual report from Renminbi into U.S. dollars and vice versa have been made at the rate of RMB6.8225 to US$1.00, which was the noon buying rate in the New York City for cable transfers in Renminbi per U.S. dollar as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on December 31, 2008. You should not construe these translations as representations that the Renminbi amounts actually represent U.S. dollar amounts or could be converted into U.S. dollars at that rate or at all. See "Item 3. Key Information - Exchange Rate Information" for information regarding the noon buying rates from January 1, 2004 through April 17, 2009.

We publish our financial statements in Renminbi.

Various amounts and percentages set out in this document have been rounded and, accordingly, are not the exact figures and may not total.

Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this annual report to:

"A Shares" are to the domestic ordinary shares, with a nominal value of RMB1.00 each;

"alumina-to-silica ratio" are to the ratio of alumina to silica by weight found in bauxite;

"aluminum fabrication" are to the process of taking primary aluminum or recycled aluminum materials and converting it into plates, strips, bars, tubes, etc. which can be further converted into consumer or other end products;

"Baotou Aluminum" are to Baotou Aluminum Co., Ltd. On December 28, 2007, it became our wholly-owned subsidiary after the completion of share exchange;

"Baotou Group" are to Baotou Aluminum (Group) Co., Ltd.;

"bauxite" are to mineral ores whose composition is principally alumina;

"Bayer process" are to a refining process employed to extract alumina from ground bauxite with a strong solution of caustic soda at an elevated temperature;

"Chalco", "the Company", "the Group", "our company", "we", "our" and "us" are to Aluminum Corporation of China Limited and its subsidiaries and, where appropriate, to its predecessors;

"Chalco Hong Kong" are to Chalco Hong Kong Limited, a subsidiary of Chalco established under Hong Kong Law;

"Chalco Kailin" are to Shanghai Chalco Kailin Aluminum Co., Ltd.;

"Chalco Mining" are to Chalco Mining Co., Ltd, our subsidiary established under PRC law;

"Chalco Nanhai" are to Chalco Nanhai Alloy Company, our subsidiary established under PRC law;

"Chalco Qingdao" are to Chalco Qingdao Light Metal Company Limited, our subsidiary established under PRC Law;

"Chalco Ruimin" are to Chalco Ruimin Company Limited and in late May, 2008, we acquired 75% of its equity interest;

"Chalco Southwest Aluminum" are to Chalco Southwest Aluminum Company Limited and in late May, 2008 we acquired 60% of its equity interest from Chinalco on the China Beijing Equity Exchange;

"Chalco Southwest Aluminum Cold Rolling" are to Chalco Southwest Aluminum Cold Rolling Company Limited and in May, 2008, we acquired 100% of its equity interest from Chinalco on the China Beijing Equity Exchange;

"Chalco Zunyi" are to Chalco Zunyi Alumina Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Chalco established under PRC Law;

"China" and the "PRC" are to the People's Republic of China, excluding for purposes of this annual report, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan;

"China Cinda" are to China Cinda Asset Management Corporation, a PRC state-owned financial enterprise established pursuant to PRC government approval;

"China Development Bank" are to a PRC state-owned bank established pursuant to PRC government approval;

"China Nonferrous Metals Technology" are to China Nonferrous Metals Processing Technology Co., Ltd.;

 

- ii -

 


 

"Chinalco", "Chinalco Group" and the "ultimate holding company" are to our controlling shareholder, Aluminum Corporation of China and its subsidiaries (other than Chalco and its subsidiaries) and, where appropriate, to its predecessors;

"CSRC" are to China Securities Regulatory Commission.

"diasporite" are to a mineral of bauxite deposits with the chemical composition of Al(2)O(3) * H(2)O;

"Exchange Act" are to The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended;

"fabricating ingots" are to the primary aluminum or aluminum alloy ingots that may be used directly in the aluminum fabrication process;

"Fushun Aluminum" are to Fushun Aluminum Company Limited, our subsidiary established under PRC law;

"Gansu Hualu" are to Gansu Hualu Aluminum Company Limited, our subsidiary established under PRC law;

"gibbsitic" are to a mineral of bauxite deposits with the chemical composition of Al(2)O(3) * H(2)O;

"Guan Lv" are to Shanxi Guan Lv Company Limited;

"Guangxi Huayin" are to Guangxi Huayin Aluminum Company Limited, a PRC entity in which we hold 33% of the equity interest;

"Guangxi Investment" are to Guangxi Investment (Group) Co., Ltd., formerly known as Guangxi Development and Investment Co., Ltd., a PRC state-owned enterprise established in the PRC and one of our promoters and shareholders;

"Guizhou Development" are to Guizhou Provincial Materials Development and Investment Corporation, a PRC state-owned enterprise established in the PRC and one of our promoters and shareholders;

"H Shares" are to overseas listed foreign shares of par value RMB1.00 each, which are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and traded in HK dollars;

"Henan Aluminum" are to Chinalco Henan Aluminum Company Limited and in late May, 2008 we acquired 84.02% of its equity interest from Chinalco on the China Beijing Equity Exchange;

"HK$" and "HK dollars" are to Hong Kong dollars, the lawful currency of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the PRC;

"Hong Kong Stock Exchange" are to The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited;

"Huasheng Jiangquan" are to Huasheng Jiangquan Group Co., Ltd.;

"Huaxi Aluminum" are to Huaxi Aluminum Company Limited and in late May, 2008, we acquired 56.86% of its equity interest from Chinalco on the China Beijing Equity Exchange;

"Huayu Aluminum" are to Shandong Huayu Aluminum and Power Company Limited, our subsidiary established under PRC law;

"hybrid Bayer-sintering process" are to the refining process developed in China which involves the application of the Bayer process and the sintering process in combination to extract alumina from bauxite more efficiently;

"ingots" and "remelt ingots" are to the international standard primary metal products from an aluminum smelter. Remelt ingots are the aluminum ingots generally remelted before being cast into alloyed products or used for aluminum fabrication;

"Jiaozuo Wanfang" are to Jiaozuo Wanfang Aluminum Manufacturing Co. Ltd., previously our associated company established under PRC law, in which we hold 29% of its equity interest. We have determined that we have established de facto control over Jiaozuo Wanfang and therefore, Jiaozuo Wanfang has been our subsidiary since January 1, 2008 and its results have been included in our consolidated financial statements since then;

"kA" are to kiloamperes, a unit for measuring the strength of an electric current, with one kiloampere equal to 1,000 amperes;

"kWh" are to kilowatt hours, a unit of electrical power, meaning one kilowatt of power for one hour;

"Lanzhou Aluminum" are to Lanzhou Aluminum Co., Ltd., previously our associated company that was a joint stock limited company established under the PRC law, whose A Shares were traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. On April 24, 2007, we completed the merger of Lanzhou Aluminum by way of share exchange and Lanzhou Aluminum became our wholly-owned subsidiary. Its shares ceased to be traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. In June 2007, Lanzhou Aluminum was divided into two wholly-owned branches: Lanzhou branch and Northwest Aluminum Fabrication Plant, which are mainly engaged in producing primary aluminum products and aluminum fabrication products, respectively;

"Liancheng branch" are to Lanzhou Liancheng Longxing Aluminum Company Limited and we acquired 100% of its equity interest from Chinalco on the China Beijing Equity Exchange in late May, 2008 and changed it into Liancheng branch, our wholly-owned branch;

 

- iii -

 


 

"Listing Rules" and "Hong Kong Listing Rules" are to the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (as amended from time to time);

"LME" are to the London Metal Exchange Limited;

"Longmen Aluminum" are to Shanxi Longmen Aluminum Co., Ltd., our subsidiary established under PRC law;

"Nanping Aluminum" are to Fujian Nanping Aluminum Company Limited;

"NDRC" are to China National Development and Reform Commission;

"Northwest Aluminum" are to Northwest Aluminum Fabrication Plant, our wholly-owned branch;

"NYSE" are to New York Stock Exchange Inc.;

"ore-dressing Bayer process" are to a refining process we developed which involves the treatment of bauxite in order to increase its alumina-to-silica ratio so as to allow the Bayer process to then be applied;

"Pingguo Aluminum" are to Pingguo Aluminum Company;

"provinces" are to provinces and to provincial-level autonomous regions and municipalities in China, excluding Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macao Special Administrative Region, and Taiwan, which are directly under the supervision of the central PRC government;

"refining" are to the chemical process required to produce alumina from bauxite;

"Research Institute" are to Zhengzhou Research Institute, our wholly-owned branch mainly providing research and development services;

"RMB" are to Renminbi, the lawful currency of the PRC;

"SASAC" are to State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council;

"Shandong Aluminum" are to Shandong Aluminum Industry Co., Limited, previously our majority owned subsidiary established under PRC law, whose A Shares were traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. On April 24, 2007, we completed the merger of Shandong Aluminum by way of share exchange and Shandong Aluminum became our wholly-owned subsidiary. Its shares ceased to be traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. In September 2007, Shandong Aluminum was changed into Shandong branch, our wholly-owned branch;

"Shanxi Huasheng" are to Shanxi Huasheng Aluminum Company Limited, our subsidiary established under PRC law;

"Shanxi Huaze" are to Shanxi Huaze Aluminum and Power Co., Limited, our subsidiary established under PRC law;

"sintering process" are to a refining process employed to extract alumina from ground bauxite by mixing with supplemental materials and burning in a coal-fired kiln;

"smelting" are to the electrolytic process required to produce molten aluminum from alumina;

"tonne" are to the metric ton, a unit of weight, with one metric ton equal to 1,000 kilograms or 2,204.6 pounds;

"US$" are to U.S. dollars, the lawful currency of the United States of America;

"WTO" are to World Trade Organization;

"Xinan Aluminum" are to Xinan Aluminum (Group) Company Limited;

"Yichuan Power" are to Yichuan Power Industries Group Company;

"Zhangze Electric Power" are to Shanxi Zhangze Electric Power Co., Ltd.; and

"Zunyi Aluminum" are to Zunyi Aluminum Company Limited, our subsidiary established under PRC law.

PART I

 

ITEM 1.

IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS

Not required for filing this annual report.

 

- 1 -

 


 

ITEM 2.

OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

Not required for filing this annual report.

 

ITEM 3.

KEY INFORMATION

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Historical Financial Information

The following tables present our summary income statement data and cash flow data for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008; and the summary balance sheet data as of December 31, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. The summary balance sheet data as of December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 and income statement and cash flow data for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 have been derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report. The summary balance sheet data as of December 31, 2004 and 2005 and income statement and cash flow data for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2005 have been derived from our historical financial statements as of and for such dates, which are not included in this annual report. Unless otherwise indicated, the financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards ("HKFRS").

In accordance with HKFRS, as Chinalco exercised de facto and actual control over the Company, Baotou Aluminum and "seven common control entities acquired in 2008" (defined in Note 5 to consolidated financial statements in Item 17) both before and after our acquisitions, these acquisitions qualify as common control business combinations, and merger accounting is applied. Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements for all periods presented have been retroactively restated as if the current structure and operations had been in existence since inception. For information on common control business combinations in accordance with HKFRS, see Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements. In contrast, the Company is not considered to be controlled by Chinalco for the application of generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). Hence, the acquisitions above are not common control transactions and are accounted for under the purchase method by including the results of these acquirees only from the respective effective dates of the acquisitions. For a reconciliation of our net income and equity under HKFRS to U.S. GAAP, see Note 35 to our audited consolidated financial statements. For more information, please see "Item 5 - Operating and Financial Review and Prospects - U.S. GAAP Reconciliation".

 

 

Years Ended December 31

 


 

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2008

 







 

RMB

RMB

RMB

RMB

RMB

US$(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per share and per ADS data)

 

 

- 2 -

 


 

INCOME STATEMENT DATA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HKFRS(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

74,287,003

85,198,835

76,725,941

11,246,016

Cost of sales

(52,358,293)

(64,936,133)

(70,073,660)

(10,270,965)

 





 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

21,928,710

20,262,702

6,652,281

975,051

Selling and distribution expenses

(1,185,088)

(1,355,534)

(1,562,409)

(229,008)

General and administrative expenses

(2,825,858)

(3,042,363)

(3,462,472)

(507,508)

Research and development expenses

(126,294)

(229,803)

(177,507)

(26,018)

Other gains, net

373,061

158,913

372,771

54,638

 





 

 

 

 

 

Operating profit

18,164,531

15,793,915

1,822,664

267,155

Finance costs, net

(795,918)

(1,040,171)

(1,709,566)

(250,578)

 





 

 

 

 

 

Operating profit after finance costs

17,368,613

14,753,744

113,098

16,577

 

 

 

 

 

- 3 -

 


 

Share of (losses)/profits of

 

 

 

 

    jointly controlled entities

(11,419)

(3,381)

1,672

245

Share of profits of associates

105,177

241,945

10,045

1,472

 





 

 

 

 

 

Profit before income tax expense/benefits

17,462,371

14,992,308

124,815

18,294

Income tax (expense)/benefits

(4,465,282)

(2,869,210)

33,557

4,919

 





 

 

 

 

 

Profit for the year

12,997,089

12,123,098

158,372

23,213

 





 

 

 

 

 

Attributable to:

 

 

 

 

Equity holders of the Company

12,093,143

10,753,042

9,228

1,353

Minority interest

903,946

1,370,056

149,144

21,860

 





 

 

 

 

 

Dividends

2,190,177

4,131,749

703,273

103,081

    Interim dividends per share

0.188

0.137

0.052

0.008

    Interim dividends per ADS

4.700

3.425

1.300

0.191

    Special dividends per share

-

0.013

-

-

    Special dividends per ADS

-

0.325

-

-

    Final dividends per share

-

0.115

-

-

    Final dividends per ADS

-

2.875

-

-

    Proposed final dividends per share

-

0.053

-

-

    Proposed final dividends per ADS

-

1.325

-

-

Basic and diluted net earnings per share

1.03

0.84

0.00068

0.0001

 

 

 

 

 

- 4 -

 


 

Basic and diluted earnings per ADS

25.81

21.02

0.01706

0.0025

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. GAAP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income/(loss)

9,214,004

10,271,179

17,270,379

14,203,729

(5,520,122)

(809,105)

Net income/(loss)

6,622,916

7,229,167

11,726,471

9,899,628

(6,646,986)

(974,274)

Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share

0.60

0.65

1.03

0.79

(0.49)

(0.07)

Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per ADS

15.00

16.36

25.63

19.78

(12.29)

(1.80)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment operating profit/(loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HKFRS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alumina

13,858,508

7,891,229

1,582,084

231,892

Primary aluminum

5,351,873

7,810,353

484,073

70,952

Aluminum fabrication

204,846

132,280

(314,083)

(46,036)

Others

(59,443)

(20,594)

36,294

5,320

Elimination

(331,574)

429,817

266,174

39,014

 





 

 

 

 

 

Total operating income

19,024,210

16,243,085

2,054,542

301,142

 





 

 

 

 

 

- 5 -

 


 

 

As of December 31,

 


 

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2008

 







 

RMB

RMB

RMB

RMB

RMB

US$(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

BALANCE SHEET DATA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HKFRS(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bank balances and cash

13,897,343

9,054,565

16,295,585

2,388,506

 





 

 

 

 

 

Total current assets

30,498,598

30,274,879

42,486,987

6,227,480

Total non-current assets

61,156,252

75,573,189

93,040,532

13,637,307

 





 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

91,654,850

105,848,068

135,527,519

19,864,787

 





 

 

 

 

 

- 6 -

 


 

Total short-term loans

 

 

 

 

    (including current portion of long-term loans)

9,267,102

8,295,077

17,137,932

2,511,972

Short-term bonds

4,985,111

3,051,471

5,152,283

755,190

Total long-term loans

 

 

 

 

    (excluding current portion of long-term loans)

11,230,339

15,479,914

24,169,469

3,542,612

Medium-term notes and long-term bonds

-

1,979,683

11,963,083

1,753,475

Net assets (excluding minority share)

46,931,525

60,688,063

54,998,482

8,061,338

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. GAAP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

47,260,826

55,525,980

76,004,936

104,778,483

137,665,751

20,178,196

Total long-term loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

    (excluding current portion of long-term loans)

7,391,663

9,690,493

8,480,736

12,139,260

23,107,469

3,386,950

Medium-term notes and long-term bonds

-

-

-

1,979,683

11,963,083

1,753,475

Net assets (excluding minority share)

25,436,606

30,720,995

42,283,082

68,447,456

60,325,077

8,842,078

Number of shares ('000)

11,040,835

11,049,876

11,649,876

13,524,488

13,524,488

13,524,488

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- 7 -

 


 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 


 

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2008

 

RMB

RMB

RMB

RMB

RMB

US$(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

OTHER FINANCIAL DATA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HKFRS(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash generated from operating activities

13,961,571

10,652,606

2,454,434

359,759

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

(12,291,787)

(8,563,449)

(22,204,494)

(3,254,597)

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash generated from/(used in)

 

 

 

 

    financing activities

840,976

(3,954,099)

26,937,003

3,948,260

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditure

 

 

 

 

Alumina

3,462,875

4,634,932

8,582,811

1,258,016

Primary aluminum

8,649,685

12,651,715

10,668,948

1,563,789

Aluminum fabrication

1,198,764

1,203,204

1,805,806

264,684

Others

120,286

493,746

138,921

20,362

Unallocated

682,054

497,954

1,217,362

178,433

 





 

 

 

 

 

Total capital expenditure

14,113,664

19,481,551

22,413,848

3,285,284

 

 

 

 

 

 





 

 

 

 

 

(1)

The amounts as of December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 and for each of the three years ended December 31, 2008 are presented to reflect all of the common control business combinations described above under merger accounting method under HKFRS. The HKFRS financial information as of December 31, 2004 and 2005 and for each of the two years ended December 31, 2005 is omitted because such selected financial data cannot be provided on a restated basis without unreasonable effort.

 

 

(2)

Translated solely for the convenience of the reader into U.S. dollars at the noon buying rate in New York for cable transfers payable in foreign currencies as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York of US$1.00 to RMB6.8225 prevailing on December 31, 2008.

 

 

- 8 -

 


 

Exchange Rate Information

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the noon buying rate in New York for cable transfers payable in foreign currencies as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in Renminbi per U.S. dollar:

 

 

Noon Buying Rate

 


Period

Period End

Average(1)

High

Low






 

(expressed in RMB per US$)

 

 

2004

8.2765

8.2768

8.2773

8.2764

2005

8.0702

8.1826

8.2765

8.0702

2006

7.8041

7.9579

8.0702

7.8041

2007

7.2946

7.5806

7.8127

7.2946

2008

 

 

 

 

    October

6.8388

6.8358

6.8521

6.8171

    November

6.8254

6.8281

6.8373

6.8220

    December

6.8225

6.8539

6.8842

6.8225

2009

 

 

 

 

    January

6.8392

6.8360

6.8403

6.8225

    February

6.8395

6.8363

6.8470

6.8241

    March

6.8329

6.8360

6.8438

6.8240

    April (through April 17)

6.8325

6.8336

6.8361

6.8316

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Determined by averaging the rates on the last business day of each month during the respective period, except for monthly averages, which are determined by averaging the rates on each business day of the month.

On April 17, 2009, the exchange rate for Renminbi was U.S. dollar 1.00 = RMB6.8325

 

 

- 9 -

 


 

CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS

Not Applicable.

REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Not Applicable.

RISK FACTORS

We are subject to various changing business, competitive, economic, political and social conditions in China as well as factors relating to the alumina, aluminum and aluminum fabrication industry. These changing conditions and factors entail certain risks, which are described below:

 

*

As widely reported, financial and credit markets in the United States, Europe and Asia have been experiencing extreme disruption, volatility and deterioration in recent months including, among other things:

 

 

 

*

Severely diminished liquidity and credit availability for all classes of borrowers across all markets;

 

 

 

 

*

Increasing doubts regarding solvency of banks, insurance companies, hedge funds and other credit and capital providers;

 

 

 

 

*

Increasing doubts regarding the solvency of a broad range of corporations;

 

 

 

 

*

Sharp reduction in the valuations of a broad range of widely-held assets and investments, as well as instruments that derive their value from such assets;

 

 

 

 

*

Rating downgrades of corporate debt and related instruments across a broad range of issuers, including both financial institutions and corporate issuers;

 

 

 

 

*

Extreme volatility and continual erosion of value of public securities markets;

 

 

 

 

*

Extreme volatility in currency exchange rates, and sharp erosion in commodity prices; and

 

 

 

 

*

Sharp increase in public debt in the United States and other countries as a variety of programs are announced and implemented by governments seeking to address the foregoing factors.

 

 

 

 

As a result, demand for our products has decreased, which has affected our results of operations.

 

 

*

There is no assurance that there will not be further deterioration in financial and credit markets, and investor and consumer confidence in the world's major economies. Such economic conditions have had a material adverse effect on the demand for our products and the results of our operations. Since 2008, especially in the fourth quarter of 2008 when the international financial crisis posed a deepening impact on enterprises' results, major aluminum consuming sectors such as the real estate and automobile sectors have seen negative growth, followed by decreased global aluminum consumption and increase in inventories. In light of the sharp decline in aluminum prices and decreased consumption, both domestic and international aluminum producers reduced production. As of the end of December 2008, approximately 13.5% of the global aluminum production capacity was idled, while in China, approximately 24.1% of the aluminum production capacity was idled. As of the end of February 2009, only 76.5% of the global primary aluminum production capacity was being used. Since October 2008, we have idled 24% of our primary aluminum production capacity. Affected by the decrease in the production of primary aluminum, the demand for alumina decreased accordingly, and the global alumina manufacturers started to reduce their production in the fourth quarter of 2008. As of December 31, 2008, approximately 9.8% of the global alumina production capacity was idled, while in China, approximately 24.4% of the alumina production capacity was idled. As of the end of February 2009, only 81.5% of the global alumina production capacity was used. Since October 2008, we have idled 39% of our alumina production capacity. Some economists are predicting that the global economy could continue to experience a prolonged recession or even a depression. The current economic conditions and uncertainty about future economic conditions make it challenging for us to forecast our results of operations, make business decisions and identify the risks that may affect our business. If we are not able to timely and appropriately adapt to changes resulting from the difficult macroeconomic environment, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected.

 

 

*

We price our alumina and primary aluminum products by reference to international and domestic market prices, import cost of alumina and changes in supply and demand in the domestic market. Each of these factors may fluctuate beyond our control. Historically, the international market prices for alumina and primary aluminum products have been volatile. Since October, 2008, influenced by the global recession, the demand for our products has decreased, and as the result, the prices for our products have declined. Because most of our costs are fixed and we may not be able to respond quickly to any sudden decrease in alumina or primary aluminum prices, any significant fluctuation in international market prices could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

 

*

Our plans to upgrade and expand our production capacity will require capital expenditures of approximately RMB13.4 billion in 2009. See "Item 4. Information on the Company - Property, Plants and Equipment - Our Expansion". We may also need further funding for debt servicing, working capital, investments, potential acquisitions and joint ventures and other corporate requirements. We cannot assure you that cash generated from our operations will be sufficient to fund these development plans, or that our actual capital expenditures and investments will not significantly exceed our current planned amounts. If either of these conditions arises, we may have to seek external financing to satisfy our capital needs. Our ability to obtain external financing at reasonable costs is subject to a variety of uncertainties. Failure to obtain sufficient external funds for our development plans could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

 

*

Our planned expansion, cost reduction and technology improvement projects could be delayed or adversely affected by, among other things, failure to receive required regulatory approvals including relevant PRC government approvals and foreign government approvals, difficulties in obtaining sufficient financing, technical difficulties, or human and other resources constraints. Moreover, the actual costs involved in these projects may exceed those originally contemplated. Cost savings and other economic benefits expected from these projects may not materialize as a result of any project delay, cost overrun, or change in market conditions. Failure to obtain intended economic benefits from these projects could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

 

*

Our business has grown rapidly. In order to manage our growth and increased scale of operations effectively, we must continue to implement and improve our operational, financial and management systems, continue to develop the managerial skills of our managers, and continue to train, motivate and manage our employees. Failure to manage our growth and expand operations effectively could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

 

*

We signed the Aurukun project development agreement with the Queensland State Government of Australia ("Queensland Government") on March 23, 2007. We also entered into a land use agreement with various indigenous peoples in respect of the Aurukun project on March 23, 2007. The Queensland Government officially issued the Aurukun bauxite exploration permit to the Company in September 2007. We are currently preparing the feasibility report. Further, to implement our international development strategy, we through our subsidiary Chalco Hong Kong, entered into a joint venture arrangement with Malaysia Mining Company (MMC) and Saudi Arabian Binladin Group (SBG) on May 9, 2008, according to which, a joint venture will be established in Saudi Arabia and will develop and operate a primary aluminum plant with a planned annual capacity of approximately one million tonnes and a self-owned power plant with a planned capacity of 1,860MW. We expect to invest US$4.5 billion in the project and be the largest shareholder, holding 40% of the total equity interest. We are currently preparing the feasibility report. As we are new to these overseas markets, we cannot assure you that our overseas expansion or investment will be successful or that we will not suffer foreign exchange losses in connection with our overseas investment.

 

 

- 10 -

 


 

*

Our operations consume substantial amounts of energy. Although we generally expect to meet the energy requirements for our alumina refineries and primary aluminum smelters from internal sources and external contracts, our results of operations may be materially adversely affected by the following factors:

 

 

 

*

significant increases in electricity costs; and

 

 

 

 

*

unavailability or shortages of electrical power or other energy sources, interruption of energy supply, or curtailment of the operation of one or more refineries or smelters due to our inability to extend energy contracts upon their expirations.

 

 

 

*

Electricity cost is the principal production cost component of our primary aluminum production. During 2008, our average per kilowatt-hour, or kWh, electricity price increased by 9.7% from the prior year. Moreover, with the rapid development of the PRC economy, demand for energy including electricity has generally continued to increase. If energy costs increase but are not passed on to our customers, our operating margin, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

 

 

*

The smelting of primary aluminum employs an electrolytic reduction process that requires a large and continuous supply of electricity. Interruptions of electricity supply can result in lengthy production shutdowns, increased costs associated with restarting production and waste of production in progress. There have been shortages and disruptions in electricity supply in various regions across China, especially in peak seasons, such as summer or when there are severe weather conditions. Our operations in Guizhou Province were disrupted due to power blackouts resulting from severe winter weather conditions in early 2008. In extreme cases, interruptions of electricity supply can also cause damage to or destruction of the equipment and facilities. If this occurs, our operations may be adversely affected.

 

 

*

We rely heavily on coal as our energy and fuel source in our production process of alumina. As we significantly increase our production capacities, our consumption of coal will increase significantly accordingly. If our coal suppliers are not able to supply the amount of coal needed for our production due to general short supply of coal or lack of available railcars for transportation or any other reason, we may be forced to reduce our production output or suspend our production, which could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, due to the rapid development of the PRC economy, demand for coal has generally continued to increase. During 2008, our average per ton price of coal increased by 65%. If cost of coal increases but is not passed on to our customers, our operating margin, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

 

 

*

We face competition from both domestic and international primary aluminum producers. Our principal competitors in the primary aluminum business are domestic smelters, some of which are expanding their production capacities. These smelters pose competitive challenges to our primary aluminum operations in production costs, product quality and price. We also face increasing competition from international primary aluminum suppliers as China continues to open its aluminum industry to international trade. As a result of China's accession to the WTO on December 11, 2001, competition from international suppliers of alumina and primary aluminum may increase as tariff and non-tariff barriers for imported alumina and primary aluminum have been significantly reduced and may continue to be reduced. The standard tariff on imports of primary aluminum and alumina into China was reduced to nil on August 1, 2007 and January 1, 2008 respecitvely. Intensified competition may result in reductions in our selling prices or sales volume and may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. If we are not successful in reducing our costs, or if we are unable to maintain or increase our current share of China's primary aluminum market, our financial condition, results of operations and profitability could be materially and adversely affected.

 

 

*

Bauxite is the most important raw material for alumina production. We obtain our bauxite from three major sources, including our own mines, jointly operated mines, and other suppliers. See "Item 4. Information on the Company - Business Overview - Business Operations - Alumina - Raw Materials - Bauxite". Each of these sourcing methods could affect the security or cost of our supply of bauxite. The price for bauxite has been volatile. Before the fourth quarter of 2008, the price of bauxite increased substantially due to the rapid expansion of alumina output in China which significantly increased the demand for bauxite. In 2008, our average cost of imported bauxite increased by 35.6% from RMB382 per tonne in 2007 to RMB518 per tonne. However, since the fourth quarter of 2008, the price of bauxite started to decline and in early 2009 it started to increase again. If we cannot obtain a steady supply of key raw materials at a competitive price, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

 

 

- 11 -

 


 

*

Our alumina products are mainly delivered by rail or truck, and our primary aluminum products are transported to our customers mostly by rail. In 2008, our deliveries were affected by the snow storm early in the year and severe earthquakes in Sichuan Province in May. If we are unable to make on-time delivery due to logistics and transportation problems, our results of operations may be adversely affected.

 

 

*

A main objective of our research and development projects is to develop new methods and new processes to improve the efficiency of extracting alumina from bauxite that has relatively low alumina-to-silica ratios. If China's supply of bauxite with high alumina-to-silica ratios declines, our failure to achieve technological improvements or to implement such improvements in commercial applications could impede our efforts to reduce unit production costs and to compete with major international producers.

 

 

*

The bauxite reserve data on which we base our production, revenue and expenditure plans are estimates that we have developed internally and may be inaccurate. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of reserves, including many factors beyond our control. If these estimates are inaccurate or the indicated tonnages are not recovered, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

 

 

*

We rely on short-term borrowings to meet part of our financing needs. The financial and credit markets in the United States, Europe and Asia have been experiencing extreme disruption, volatility and deterioration in recent months, including severely diminished liquidity and credit availability for all classes of borrowers across all markets. As such, we may experience difficulty in obtaining financing in a timely manner. If we fail to achieve timely rollover, extension or refinancing of our short-term debts, we may be unable to meet our obligations in connection with debt servicing, accounts payable and/or other liabilities when they become due and payable. In addition, we may be exposed to changes in interest rates. If interest rates increase substantially, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

 

*

Our primary sources of funding are cash generated by operating activities, short-term and long-term bank borrowings, proceeds from share offerings, and proceeds from short-term bond, medium-term note and long-term bond offerings. In 2008, we required our customers to make prepayments or deposits for purchases of alumina. The total amount of prepayments and deposits was approximately RMB3,957 million as of December 31, 2008. We have relied on prepayments and deposits received from customers as a source of liquidity. In the event that demand for our alumina declines significantly, we may not be able to require such prepayments and deposits from customers, in which case this source of liquidity may not be available to us.

 

 

*

Servicing our medium-term notes and long-term bonds may require a significant portion of our cash flow and therefore, may adversely affect our ability to expand or to continue our operations. In 2008, we issued medium-term notes totaling RMB10 billion maturing in 2011 and 2013, respectively. In addition, in 2007, we issued RMB2 billion of long-term bonds maturing in 2017. Our ability to make scheduled payments under the medium-term notes and long-term bonds depends on, among other things, our future operating results, and will require a portion of our cash flow to service our obligations under the medium-term notes and long-term bonds, which could impair our ability to expand our business. Our failure to generate sufficient cash flow from our operations in the future to service our obligations under the medium-term notes and long-term bonds could affect our ability to continue our operations.

 

 

*

Any new products we may manufacture in the future may expose us to new risks associated with such new products. In 2008 we acquired five aluminum fabrication plants from Chinalco and China Nonferrous Metals Technology on the China Beijing Equity Exchange, which increased our annual aluminum fabrication production capacity from 100,000 tonnes to 982,000 tonnes as of December 31, 2008. Aluminum fabrication products' profit margin is generally lower than that of alumina and primary aluminum. Though expansion of our aluminum fabrication production capacity may enhance our ability to manage risks in the aluminum markets through vertical integration and our ability to compete with integrated international producers, it may also decrease our average profit margin and therefore, may adversely affect our results of operation.

 

 

*

We may not be able to adequately manage our expansion. We have significantly grown our business and expanded our production capacity both organically and through acquisition of subsidiaries and establishing joint ventures. In 2008, we acquired six subsidiaries and the aluminum alloy business of Pingguo Aluminum at a total initial consideration of RMB4.28 billion. We may explore further acquisition and joint venture opportunities in the future to rapidly grow our business and better compete in the market. However, any such acquisition or joint venture transaction may lead to various risks, including the change of laws and policies or their interpretation that affect the operations of the acquired businesses, the inability to generate sufficient revenue to offset the costs and expenses of acquisitions, general business risk, management risk, technology risk, market acceptance risk and potential loss of, or harm to, relationships with employees, customers and business partners as a result of integrating new businesses. Any such transactions may require the utilization of debt, equity or other capital resources, and such use may represent a diversion of financial resources from our other businesses. Additionally, the integration of the acquired businesses diverts a great deal of management attention and dedicated staff efforts from other areas of our business. Because of the aforementioned risks and diversions of financial and human resources, these transactions may not create value for us or our shareholders.

 

 

*

The internal control over financial reporting of our newly acquired subsidiaries may have material weakness or deficiencies, which may require our management to devote significant attention and resources to remedy any such weakness or deficiencies. Failure to timely achieve and maintain the adequacy of our internal controls of our newly acquired subsidiaries could affect our consolidated financial reporting, resulting in a loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our reporting processes, which could negatively impact the market price of our ADSs.

 

 

*

We are exposed to risks associated with product liability claims in the event that the use of our products results in property damage or personal injury. The successful assertion of product liability claims against us could result in potential significant monetary damages and require us to make significant payments. If that occurs, our business and results of operation could be adversely affected.

 

 

*

Chinalco, a state-owned enterprise and our largest shareholder, as of December 31, 2008 directly owned 38.56% of our issued share capital, and indirectly owned 41.82% of our issued share capital through its controlled entities. The interest of Chinalco may conflict or even compete with our interest and that of our public shareholders. Chinalco may take actions that favor the interest of its subsidiaries, associates and other related entities over ours and that of our public shareholders. In addition, Chinalco and some of its subsidiaries and associates provide a range of services to us, including engineering and construction services, social services, land and property leasing and supply of raw and supplemental materials. Some of the services Chinalco provides to us, such as educational and medical care services for our employees, would be difficult to obtain from other sources. Our cost of operations may increase if Chinalco becomes unable to provide such services to us.

 

 

*

Chinalco has substantial financial obligations relating to the businesses, operations and personnel that it retained in the reorganization. In addition, in February 2009, Chinalco announced that it would invest US$19.5 billion in Rio Tinto Plc and Rio Tinto Limited to create a pioneering strategic alliance. While Chinalco generates significant operating revenue and receives government support, it may also rely on dividends received from us as a means of funding these obligations. Subject to the relevant provisions of the PRC Company Law and our Articles of Association, Chinalco may seek to influence our decision as to the amount of dividends we pay in order to satisfy its cash flow requirements. Any increase in our dividend payout could reduce funds available for reinvestment in our businesses and thus may materially reduce our future financial strength and adversely affect our future results of operations.

 

 

*

Our alumina, primary aluminum production and aluminum fabrication operations are subject to environmental protection laws and regulations in China, which impose such penalties as waste discharge fees, fines or closure of non-compliant plants. Each of our production plants has implemented a system to control its emissions and to oversee its compliance with PRC environmental regulations. However, the PRC government has taken steps, and may take additional steps, towards more rigorous enforcement of applicable laws, and/or adoption of more stringent environmental standards. If the PRC national or local authorities enact additional regulations or enforce existing or new regulations in a more rigorous manner, we may be required to make additional environmental expenditures, which could have a materially adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

 

- 12 -

 


 

*

We may experience major accidents in the course of our operations, which may cause significant property damage and personal injuries. Significant industry-related accidents and natural disasters may cause interruptions to various parts of our operations, or could result in property or environmental damage, increase in operating expenses or loss of revenue. The occurrence of such accidents and the resulting consequences may not be covered adequately, or at all, by the insurance policies we carry. In accordance with customary practice in China, we do not carry any business interruption insurance or third party liability insurance for personal injury or environmental damage arising from accidents on our property or relating to our operations other than our automobiles. Losses or payments incurred by us as a result of major accidents or natural disasters may have a material adverse effect on our operating performance if such losses or payments are not fully insured.

 

 

*

We use complex equipment and facilities in our business operations, including heavy machinery. As a result, our business may be adversely affected due to the occurrence of typhoons, earthquakes, floods, fire, acts of terror or other natural disasters or similar events at our production plants. Our operations were affected by the snow storm in early 2008 and the severe earthquakes in Sichuan Province in May 2008. There are certain types of losses, such as losses from war, acts of terrorism and earthquakes, for which we cannot obtain insurance at a reasonable cost or at all. Should an accident, natural disaster or terrorist act occur, or should an uninsured loss or a loss in excess of insured limits occur, we could suffer from financial losses, as well as damage to our reputation or lose all or a portion of future revenues anticipated to be derived from the relevant facilities. Any material loss not covered by our insurance could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

 

*

The licenses to mine bauxite in some of our bauxite mines have expired and lapsed. While we are seeking to renew those expired licenses, we may be subject to administrative fines for operating mines without a valid license, or we may be ordered to cease our mining operations at such mines until we obtain the renewed licenses. The failure to renew those expired mining licenses may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

 

*

Our H Shares became a Hang Seng Index constituent stock on June 10, 2008, which may attract buying interest of so-called "Hang Seng Index funds" aiming to maintain investment portfolios consistent with the Hang Seng Index. We have no control of the selection of the Hang Seng Index constituent stocks and may not be able to continue to maintain our H Shares as a Hang Seng Index constituent stock. If our H shares are deselected from the Hang Seng Index, such Funds may cease investing in our H shares, and our share price may materially decline.

 

 

*

As of May 6, 2008, 2,500,684,890 A Shares that had previously been subject to a trading moratorium became available for trading on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. If all or a significant portion of these tradable shares are offered for sale on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, the A Share price may materially decrease due to the over-supply of the A Shares on the market.

 

 

*

The interests of minority shareholders of Jiaozuo Wanfang whose A shares are listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange may, in certain circumstances, be inconsistent with our interests and its other shareholders. Jiaozuo Wanfang must comply with a number of PRC regulations concerning the protection of the interests of its minority shareholders. For example, according to the relevant PRC laws, when shareholders of Jiaozuo Wanfang vote by poll on connected transactions, all connected parties must abstain from voting. If we are unable to obtain approval from the minority shareholders of Jiaozuo Wanfang, such transactions cannot be implemented, which may affect our overall operational efficiency. Furthermore, although our behavior towards Jiaozuo Wanfang as its controlling shareholder may be regarded as proper under the Hong Kong regulatory requirements, the minority shareholders of Jiaozuo Wanfang may take the view that they have been unfairly treated by us under their interpretation of the relevant PRC regulatory requirements. As a consequence, we may be subject to legal proceedings initiated by the minority shareholders of Jiaozuo Wanfang in the future, for reasons that are beyond our control. Such legal proceedings could result in significant damage awards payable by us and disruption to our businesses, which in turn could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

 

*

We are also subject to a number of risks relating to the PRC, including the following:

 

 

 

*

The central and local PRC governments continue to exercise a substantial degree of control and influence over the aluminum industry in China and shape the structure and characteristics of the industry by means of policies in respect of major project approvals, preferential treatments such as tax incentives and safety, environmental and quality control. If the PRC government changes its current policies or the interpretation of those policies that are currently beneficial to us, we may face pressure on profit margins and significant constraints on our ability to expand our business operations or to maximize our profitability.

 

 

 

 

*

Under current PRC regulatory requirements, the construction of new alumina refineries, the expansion of primary aluminum plants and mining projects require the government approval. If any of our important projects necessary for our growth or cost reduction are not approved, or not approved in a timely manner, our financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

 

 

 

 

*

A significant portion of our business, assets and operations are located in China. The economy of China differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects. The economy of China has been transitioning from a planned economy to a market-oriented economy. Although in recent years the PRC government has implemented measures emphasizing the utilization of market forces for economic reform, the reduction of state ownership of productive assets and the establishment of sound corporate governance in business enterprises, a substantial portion of productive assets in China are still owned by the PRC government. In addition, the PRC government continues to play a significant role in regulating industry by imposing industrial policies. It also exercises significant control over China's economic growth through the allocation of resources, controlling payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies. Some of these measures benefit the overall economy of China, but may have a materially adverse impact on us.

 

 

 

 

*

Since 1994, the conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies, including Hong Kong and U.S. dollars, had been based on rates set by the People's Bank of China, or PBOC, which had been set daily based on the previous day's PRC interbank foreign exchange market rate and current exchange rates on the world financial markets. On July 21, 2005, PBOC announced a reform of its exchange rate system and revalued the Renminbi. Under the reform, Renminbi is allowed to trade against a basket of foreign currencies. Since this announcement, the value of Renminbi has been fluctuating and it appreciated against the U.S. dollar by 5.7% as of December 31, 2006, approximately 11.9% as of December 31, 2007 and approximately 17.6% as of December 31, 2008. However, influenced by the international financial crisis, the exchange rate between U.S. dollar and Renminbi has become more unpredictable. Any appreciation of Renminbi in the future will increase the prices of our export sales denominated in foreign currencies and reduce the Renminbi equivalent value of our account receivables denominated in foreign currencies, which may materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. On the other hand, any devaluation of Renminbi may adversely affect the value of, and dividends payable on, our H Shares and ADSs in foreign currencies since we receive our revenue and denominate our profits in Renminbi. Our financial condition and operating performance may also be affected by changes in the value of certain currencies other than Renminbi in which our earnings and obligations are denominated. In particular, a devaluation of the Renminbi could increase the portion of our cash flow required to satisfy our foreign currency-denominated obligations.

 

 

 

- 13 -

 


 

 

*

Since 1979, many new laws and regulations covering general economic matters have been promulgated in China. Despite this activity to develop the legal system, China's system of laws is not yet complete. Even where adequate law exists in China, enforcement of existing laws or contracts based on existing law may be uncertain and sporadic, and it may be difficult to obtain swift and equitable enforcement or to obtain enforcement of a judgment by a court of foreign jurisdiction. The relative inexperience of China's judiciary in many cases creates additional uncertainty as to the outcome of any litigation. In addition, interpretation of statutes and regulations may be subject to government policies reflecting domestic political changes. These uncertainties may create situations that are not favorable to us, which may materially adversely affect our financial conditions and results of operations.

 

 

 

See also "Item 4. Information on the Company - Business Overview", "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects", "Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions - Related Party Transactions", "Item 8. Financial Information" and "Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks".

 

ITEM 4.

INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY

Overview

We were incorporated as a joint stock limited company under PRC laws on September 10, 2001 under the corporate name of Aluminum Corporation of China Limited. Our scope of business includes bauxite mining, production of alumina, primary aluminum, aluminum fabrication products and ancillary products, and provision of engineering services. Pursuant to a reorganization agreement effective as of July 1, 2001 among Chinalco, Guangxi Investment, Guizhou Development and our predecessor, as well as a mining rights agreement between Chinalco and us, substantially all of Chinalco's alumina and primary aluminum production operations, operations of a research institute, as well as mining operations and mining rights of bauxite mines and other related assets and liabilities were transferred to us upon our formation.

We are currently the largest producer of alumina, primary aluminum and aluminum fabrication products in terms of production and sales volumes in China, one of the fastest growing major aluminum markets in the world. We were the third largest producer of alumina and the fourth largest producer of primary aluminum in the world in terms of production volumes for the year ended December 31, 2008. We are engaged principally in alumina refining, primary aluminum smelting and aluminum fabrication. Alumina is refined from bauxite through a chemical process and is the key raw material for producing primary aluminum, which in turn is a widely used metal and the key raw material for aluminum fabrication. Aluminum fabrication products are widely used in construction, transportation, power generation, automobile, packaging, machinery and durable goods sectors. In addition to alumina, primary aluminum and aluminum fabrication products, we also produce and sell a comparatively small amount of alumina chemical products, including alumina hydrate and alumina-based industrial chemical products, carbon products, including principally carbon anodes and cathodes, and gallium.

In 2008, we produced approximately 9.02 million tonnes of alumina, representing a year-on-year decrease of 5.7%, and approximately 1.04 million tonnes of alumina chemical products, representing a year-on-year increase of 1.5%. Our total alumina products represent approximately 42.8% of all alumina products manufactured in China during the year, making us the third largest producer of alumina in the world. The intra-company utilization ratio of alumina was increased to approximately 64.0% for 2008 from approximately 49.7% for 2007.

 

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Our alumina production capacity has increased rapidly in the past few years. From 2002 to 2008, our annual alumina production capacity increased from approximately 5,410,000 tonnes to approximately 11,077,000 tonnes.

We produced approximately 3,250,000 tonnes of primary aluminum in 2008, representing a year-on-year increase of 16.1%, and our primary alumina production accounted for approximately 24.7% of China's domestic primary aluminum production for 2008. From 2002 to 2008, our annual primary aluminum production capacity increased from 750,000 tonnes to 3,991,200 tonnes.

In terms of our operations, we produced approximately 353,000 tonnes of aluminum fabrication products in 2008, representing a year-on-year increase of 341.3%. The increase was primarily due to our acquisition of five aluminum fabrication plants in May 2008. However, as these five aluminum fabrication plants and the Company were under the common control of Chinalco before and after the acquisitions, the acquisitions of the five aluminum fabrication plants were accounted for as common control business combinations, and merger accounting is applied. Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements of the Group in Item 17 have been retroactively restated to include the results of the five aluminum fabrication plants for the periods presented, including the periods before the acquisitions. For information on common control business combinations in accordance with HKFRS, see Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements.

Our key operating assets include one subsidiary mainly engaged in mining bauxite products, four integrated alumina and primary aluminum production plants, three stand-alone alumina refineries, including our joint venture Guangxi Huayin and one research institute, 13 stand-alone primary aluminum smelters, six aluminum fabrication plants and one carbon production plant. Our Research Institute also provides products for commercial sales. In addition, we are constructing one additional bauxite mining facility, two additional alumina refineries, two additional aluminum fabrication plants and one fluoride salt production facility. Most of our alumina refineries are located in reasonable proximity to abundant bauxite reserves and, as of December 31, 2008, had annual production capacities ranging from 1,200,000 tonnes to 2,217,000 tonnes. As of December 31, 2008, our primary aluminum smelters had annual production capacities ranging from 56,000 tonnes to 457,000 tonnes and our aluminum fabrication plants had annual production capacities ranging from 22,000 to 350,000 tonnes. Since December 31, 2004, all of our production facilities have been operated under the ISO 14001 standards.

In 2008, in order to further improve our product lines, reduce connected transactions as well as competition with Chinalco, and achieve greater vertical integration, we acquired five aluminum fabrication plants and a primary aluminum smelter from Chinalco and China Nonferrous Metals Technology. These acquisitions significantly increased our aluminum fabrication production capacity in 2008. In addition, we also acquired the aluminum alloy business of Pingguo Aluminum in 2008.

 

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The following sets forth those of our plants acquired or newly established in 2008 that are either currently in operation or under construction:

 

Plants in operation

Principal products

Percentage of equity interest acquired by us

 

 

 

Huaxi Aluminum

aluminum fabrication products

56.86%

Chalco Ruimin

aluminum fabrication products

75%

Chalco Southwest Aluminum

aluminum fabrication products

60%

Henan Aluminum

aluminum fabrication products

84.02%

Liancheng branch

primary aluminum

100%

 

 

 

Plant under construction

 

 

 

 

 

Chalco Southwest Aluminum Cold Rolling

aluminum fabrication products

100%

 

 

 

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Our principal executive office is currently located at No. 62 North Xizhimen Street, Haidian District, Beijing, 100082, People's Republic of China. Our contact telephone number is (86)10 8229 8103. Our website is www.chalco.com.cn. Information on our website does not constitute part of this annual report.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Our Principal Products

We organize and manage our operations according to our three principal business segments: alumina segment, primary aluminum segment and aluminum fabrication segment. Our alumina segment includes the production and sale of our alumina and alumina-related products, namely, alumina chemical products, including alumina hydrate, alumina-based industrial chemical products and gallium. Our primary aluminum segment includes the production and sale of our primary aluminum (including both ingots and other primary aluminum products) and aluminum-related products, namely, carbon products. Our aluminum fabrication segment includes the production and sale of aluminum fabrication products. External sales of our alumina segment, primary aluminum segments and aluminum fabrication segment accounted for approximately 18.9%, 63.1% and 14.2%, respectively, of our total revenue in 2008. Alumina is refined from bauxite through a chemical process and is the key raw material for producing primary aluminum, which in turn is a key raw material for aluminum fabrication.

Our alumina segment products consist primarily of alumina, which accounted for approximately 92.5% of our total alumina segment output based on total production volume in 2008. Other alumina segment products consist primarily of alumina chemical products, which are used in the production of chemical, pharmaceutical, ceramic and construction materials. In the process of refining bauxite into alumina, we also produce a small amount of gallium, which is a by-product and a high-value rare metal with special usage in the electronics and telecommunications industries.

Our principal primary aluminum product is ingots, which accounted for approximately 79.3% of our total primary aluminum output in 2008. Our standard ingots are 20-kilogram remelt ingots used for general aluminum fabrication primarily for the construction, power generation, automobile, packaging, machinery and durable goods sectors.

 

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The carbon we produce supplies substantially all of the carbon products required for our smelters. We also sell some of our carbon products to external smelters.

Our principal aluminum fabrication products include casts, planks, screens, extrusions, forges, powder and die castings which are widely used in construction, power generation, automobile, packaging, machinery and durable goods sectors. In addition, in 2008, we constructed a production line in Chalco Qingdao to produce aluminum fabrication products with recycled aluminum materials.

Our Production Capacity

The following table sets forth the production capacity of alumina, primary aluminum and aluminum fabrication products for each of our principal plants as of December 31, 2008:

 

 

Production Capacity

 

as of December 31, 2008

 


 

 

 

Aluminum

 

 

 

Fabrication

Plant

Alumina

Primary Aluminum(1)

Products(2)

 




 

(in thousand tonnes) (3)

 

 

Guangxi branch

1,730.0

139.5

-

Zhongzhou branch

1,830.0

-

-

Qinghai branch

-

367.0

-

Shanxi branch

2,217.0

-

-

Guizhou branch

1,200.0

403.7

-

Henan branch

2,050.0

56.0

-

Shandong branch

1,500.0

75.0

-

Shanxi Huaze

-

350.0

-

Lanzhou branch

-

428.0

-

Shanxi Huasheng

-

220.0

-

Fushun Aluminum

-

240.0

-

Jiaozuo Wanfang(4)

-

412.0

-

Zunyi Aluminum

-

235.0

-

Shandong Huayu

-

200.0

-

Gansu Hualu

-

160.0

-

Baotou Aluminum

-

457.0

-

Guangxi Huayin(5)

530.0

-

-

Research Institute

20.0

18.0

-

Liancheng branch

-

230.0

-

Northwest Aluminum

-

-

100.0

Chalco Qingdao

-

-

120.0

Chalco Southwest Aluminum

-

-

350.0

Chalco Ruimin

-

-

120.0

Henan Aluminum

-

-

270.0

Huaxi Aluminum

-

-

22.0

 




 

 

 

 

Total

11,077.0

3,991.2

982.0

 




 

 

 

 

(1)

Not including (i) Longmen Aluminum in which we hold 55% of the equity interest and (ii) aluminum alloy business of Pingguo Aluminum which we acquired in September 2008.

 

 

(2)

Not including Chalco Qingdao which completed the construction of its production line to use recycled aluminum materials to produce aluminum fabrication products with an annual capacity of 120,000 tonnes in 2008. In 2008, Chalco Qingdao commenced trial production and produced 3,100 tonnes of aluminum fabrication products.

 

 

(3)

Our production capacity takes into account designed capacity and subsequent modifications. Designed capacity is based on various assumptions including down time for ordinary maintenance and repairs and assumptions as to ore grade of bauxite used.

 

 

(4)

We hold 29% of the equity interest in Jiaozuo Wanfang. However, as we have obtained de facto control over Jiaozuo Wanfang, its results of operations were consolidated into our consolidated statements commencing on January 1, 2008. Production capacity presented above represents 100% of Jiaozuo Wanfang's smelting capacity. See Note 2(b)(i)(b) to our consolidated financial statements.

 

 

(5)

As of December 31, 2008, Guangxi Huayin was a jointly controlled entity in which we held 33% of the equity interest and we were the second largest equity holder of Guangxi Huayin. Therefore, the results of Guangxi Huayin were not consolidated into our audited financial statements in 2008. Production capacity above represents 33% of Guangxi Huayin's production capacity.

 

 

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, information relating to our production volumes of the alumina segment, primary aluminum segment and aluminum fabrication segment products:

 

 

Years Ended December 31

 


Production Volume by Product

2006

2007

2008

 




 

(in thousand tonnes, except Gallium)

 

 

Alumina segment

 

 

 

Alumina

8,830.0

9,573.0

9,020.4

Alumina chemical products

1,100.0

1,023.0

1,038.1

Gallium (in tonnes)

25.5

33.2

39.6

Primary aluminum segment

 

 

 

Primary aluminum (1) (2)

1,930.0

2,804.1

3,253.3

Carbon

1,060.0

1,291.7

1,601.3

Aluminum fabrication

 

 

 

Aluminum fabrication products(2)

-

80.0

353.1

 

 

 

 

-----------------------------------------------

 

(1)

Including ingots and other primary aluminum products.

 

 

(2)

Production volumes for 2006 and 2007 do not include the production volumes of Huaxi Aluminum, Chalco Ruimin, Chalco Southwest Aluminum, Henan Aluminum and Liancheng branch which we acquired on May 30, 2008. The Group's production volume in 2008 includes the production volumes of these four aluminum fabrication plants and one primary aluminum plant in 2008 after the acquisitions. However, as these four aluminum fabrication plants and one primary aluminum plant and the Company were under the common control of Chinalco before and after the acquisitions, the acquisitions of the five plants were accounted for as common control business combinations, and merger accounting is applied. Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements of the Group in Item 17 have been retroactively restated to include the results of the five plants together with other common control business combinations during the period for the periods presented, including the periods before the acquisitions. For information on common control business combinations in accordance with HKFRS, see Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements.

 

 

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Production Process

Alumina

Alumina is produced from bauxite, an aluminum-bearing ore, through a chemical refining process. The production process to be used for producing alumina is determined by the mineral composition of the bauxite used. The production process generally includes the sintering process, the Bayer process, the hybrid Bayer-sintering process or the ore-dressing Bayer process. Most of the bauxite found in China is diasporite bauxite with high alumina content and relatively high silica content, resulting in low alumina-to-silica ratios. The Bayer process cannot efficiently refine such bauxite unless the alumina-to-silica ratio of the bauxite is sufficiently increased prior to refining. Refining low alumina-to-silica ratio bauxite generally requires the use of either the sintering process or the hybrid Bayer-sintering process, and we have developed and improved the process, which enables us to process diasporite bauxite that is generally found in China efficiently.

Primary Aluminum

Primary aluminum is made from alumina through a smelting process using electrolytic reduction. The electrolytic process takes place in a reduction cell, or "pot", a steel shell lined with carbon cathodes and refractory materials. Powerful electric currents are passed through the pot to produce molten aluminum. The molten aluminum is transferred to holding furnaces and then poured directly into molds to produce foundry ingots, or further refined to form fabricating ingots. Most of the primary aluminum we produce is in the form of ingots.

The two methods commonly used to produce primary aluminum are the "pre-bake" reduction process and the "Soderberg" reduction process. Most modern aluminum production facilities adopt the pre-bake reduction. As of December 31, 2008, all of our primary aluminum capacity used pre-bake anode reduction pot-lines. In the pre-bake reduction process, the anodes are pre-formed in a separate facility where the pollutants can be contained. The cells themselves are enclosed with removable panels, so that the waste gases produced can be extracted using large exhaust fans. These gases are then treated and purified to reduce emissions of dust and fluoride to acceptable levels regulated by State environmental protection agencies.

Aluminum Fabrication Products

Aluminum fabrication is made from primary aluminum. We process primary aluminum into seven major categories of aluminum fabrication products, namely, casts, planks, screens, extrusions, forges, powder and die castings. In addition, Chalco Qingdao uses recycled aluminum materials to produce aluminum fabrication products.

Production Facilities

Alumina

We operate seven principal alumina production facilities. Four of these seven refinery plants are integrated with primary aluminum smelting operations. Our total designed annual production capacity for alumina products was approximately 11.08 million tonnes as of December 31, 2008. In the fourth quarter of 2008, affected by the international financial crisis, the demand for alumina decreased significantly, and global alumina producers including us have significantly reduced their production scales and output by idling a portion of their alumina production capacity. As of December 31, 2008, 4.34 million tonnes of our alumina production capacity was not used, which accounted for 39.2% of our total alumina production capacity. In 2008, our actual production of alumina products was approximately 9.02 million tonnes of alumina and approximately 1.04 million tonnes of alumina chemical products. In 2008, we supplied approximately 5.89 million tonnes of alumina to our own smelters, and sold the remaining products to other domestic smelters. All of our alumina chemical products in the alumina segment we produced in 2008 were sold externally, either domestically or overseas for use in chemical, pharmaceutical and other industries. In addition, Our Chongqing branch and Chalco Zunyi have undertaken facility construction projects, each with designed annual capacity 800,000 tonnes. Both projects are expected to be completed in 2010.

 

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As of December 31, 2008, Guangxi Huayin was a jointly controlled entity in which we held a 33% equity interest and we were the second largest equity holder of Guangxi Huayin. Therefore, the results of operations of Guangxi Huayin were not consolidated into our audited financial statements in 2008. See Note 9 to our audited consolidated financial statements. In addition, Guangxi Huayin's production volumes were not included in our production volumes for 2008.

The following table sets forth the designed annual production capacity, alumina production output, alumina chemical products production output and the utilization rate of each of our principal alumina refineries and our Research Institute as of December 31, 2008.

 

As of December 31, 2008

 

 

 

Alumina

 

 

 

Designed

 

Chemical

 

 

 

Annual

Alumina

Products

 

 

 

Production

Production

Production

Utilization

Production

 

Capacity (1)

Output

Output

Rate (2) (%)

Process

(in thousand tonnes, except percentages)


Shanxi branch(3)

2,217.0

1,955.7

31.6

89.3

Hybrid Bayer-sintering

Henan branch(3)

2,050.0

1,865.4

21.9

91.7

Hybrid Bayer-sintering

Shandong branch(3)

1,500.0

929.4

657.9

86.5

Sintering and Bayer

Guizhou branch

1,200.0

1,145.8

6.8

95.9

Hybrid Bayer-sintering

Zhongzhou branch(3)

1,830.0

1,806.1

235.8

107.0

Sintering and Bayer

Guangxi branch(3)

1,730.0

1,318.0

40.4

84.2

Bayer

Guangxi Huayin(4)

530.0

-

-

-

Bayer

Research Institute(3)(5)

20.0

-

43.7

122.0

Bayer

 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

11,077.0

9,020.4

1,038.1

88.0

 

 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Our production capacity takes into account designed capacity and subsequent modifications. Capacity is based on various assumptions, including down time for ordinary maintenance and repairs and assumptions as to the ore grade of bauxite used.

 

 

(2)

The capacity utilization rate is derived from the summation of (i) the production output of alumina chemical products multiplied by a quotient based on alumina content in these alumina chemical products and (ii) the production output of alumina divided by production capacity of a particular plant. Rates greater than 100% reflect the higher productivity obtained through the use of higher-grade bauxite than originally contemplated in capacity calculations.

 

 

(3)

Due to the technology upgrading of each refinery, our production capacity now exceeds our originally designed production capacity.

 

 

(4)

We hold 33% of the equity interest in Guangxi Huayin, and the designed annual production capacity represents the capacity calculated in proportion to our equity interest in this jointly controlled entity. Guangxi Huayin's production volume was not included in our production volume for 2008.

 

 

(5)

The alumina chemical products production facilities of our Research Institute are test facilities for research and development purposes. These products are sold commercially, and such sales are included in our total revenue.

 

 

Overseas investment

To secure future bauxite and alumina supply, we have entered into agreements relating to the Aurukun bauxite and alumina project, with projected alumina production capacity of 2,100,000 tonnes per annum.

 

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On March 23, 2007, we signed the Aurukun Project development agreement with the Queensland Government and entered into land use agreements with various indigenous peoples. The Queensland Government officially issued the Aurukun bauxite exploration permit to the Company in September 2007. We are currently preparing the feasibility report.

Primary Aluminum

We operate 17 principal primary aluminum production facilities located in nine provinces in China. Four of these 17 smelter plants are integrated with alumina refining operations and are self-sufficient with respect to alumina supply. In addition, our Research Institute also operates a test plant that produces primary aluminum in connection with its research and development.

The total annual production capacity for primary aluminum products of all 17 of our major primary aluminum production facilities, including four integrated alumina and primary aluminum production plants and our Research Institute as of December 31, 2008 was 3,991,200 tonnes. In the fourth quarter of 2008, affected by the international financial crisis, the demand for primary aluminum decreased significantly, primary aluminum producers including us have significantly reduced their scale of production and output by shutting down a portion of their primary aluminum production capacity. As of December 31, 2008, approximately 960,000 tonnes of our primary aluminum production capacity was not used, which accounted for 24% of our total primary aluminum production capacity. In 2008, we produced approximately 3,250,000 tonnes of primary aluminum.

 

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The following table sets forth the designed annual production capacity, output of primary aluminum products, the utilization rate and the smelting equipment used in each of our principal aluminum smelters and our Research Institute as of December 31, 2008:

 

As of December 31, 2008

 

Production

Aluminum

Utilization

Smelting

Plant

Capacity(1)(3)

Output(3)

Rate(2) (%)

Equipment(3)

(in thousand tonnes, except percentages)


Baotou Aluminum

457.0

299.6

65.6

135kA, 200kA & 240kA pre-bake

Fushun Aluminum

240.0

107.0

44.6

200 kA pre-bake

Gansu Hualu

160.0

143.9

89.9

160 kA & 210kA pre-bake

Guangxi branch

139.5

155.0

111.1

160kA &320kA pre-bake

Guizhou branch

403.7

322.7

79.9

160 kA,186kA & 230kA pre-bake

Henan branch

56.0

54.2

96.8

85kA pre-bake

Jiaozuo Wanfang

412.0

411.2

99.8

280 kA pre-bake

Lanzhou branch

428.0

404.2

94.4

75kA, 200kA & 350 kA pre-bake

Qinghai branch

367.0

390.6

106.4

160kA & 200kA pre-bake

Research Institute(4)

18.0

16.5

91.7

150 kA & 300kA pre-bake

Shandong Huayu

200.0

106.2

53.1

240 kA pre-bake

Shandong branch

75.0

123.0

164.0

80kA & 200kA pre-bake

Shanxi Huasheng

220.0

216.2

98.3

300 kA pre-bake

Shanxi Huaze

350.0

258.7

73.9

300kA pre-bake

Zunyi Aluminum

235.0

87.7

37.3

200 kA & 350kA pre-bake

Liancheng branch

230.0

140.6

61.1

90kA & 200kA pre-bake

 

 

 

 

 

Others

-

16.0

-

-

 




 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

3,991.2

3,253.3

81.5

 

 




 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Production capacity takes into account designed capacity, subsequent modifications and down time for ordinary maintenance and repairs. Our production capacity includes new projects completed in 2008.

 

 

(2)

The capacity utilization rate is determined by dividing the production output of a particular plant by that plant's production capacity.

 

 

(3)

Not including the aluminum alloy business of Pingguo Aluminum.

 

 

(4)

The primary aluminum production facilities of our Research Institute are experimental facilities for research and development purposes. Primary aluminum produced at this smelter is sold commercially, and such sales are included in our total revenue.

 

 

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Overseas Development

To implement our international development strategy, we initiated a research program on overseas development projects in 2004. On October 3, 2007, we entered into a memorandum of understanding ("MOU") to jointly construct a primary aluminum plant in Saudi Arabia with an annual capacity of 1,000,000 tonnes with the MMC and SBG. On November 24, 2007, the parties to the MOU officially entered into a cooperation framework agreement and received the project permit issued by the Saudi Arabia General Investment Authority. The cooperation framework agreement provides that the project will utilize our technologies and major equipment manufactured in China. On May 9, 2008, we entered into a joint venture arrangement with MMC and SBG, according to which the joint venture will be established in Saudi Arabia and will develop and operate a primary aluminum plant with a planned annual capacity of approximately 1,000,000 tonnes as well as a self-owned power plant with a planned capacity of 1,860 MW. We propose to hold 40% equity interest in the joint venture, and as a result, will become the largest shareholder. The project is located in an area with abundant low-cost energy supplies including heavy crude oil for generating electricity, where primary aluminum can be produced at a competitive cost. The project is expected to be completed in three stages. We are currently preparing the feasibility report.

Aluminum Fabrication Products

We currently operate six major aluminum fabrication facilities in China, among which, five facilities were acquired from Chinalco and China Nonferrous Metals Technology on the China Beijing Equity Exchange in late May 2008. The total annual production capacity of our aluminum fabrication facilities including the five aluminum fabrication plants we acquired in May 2008 and Chalco Qingdao was 982,000 tonnes as of December 31, 2008. In 2008, we produced approximately 353,000 tonnes of aluminum fabrication products. In addition, our subsidiary Chalco Southwest Aluminum Cold Rolling has undertaken a facility construction project which is expected to be completed in 2010 and the new facility will have an annual production capacity of 250,000 tonnes of aluminum fabrication products. Our subsidiary Chalco Nanhai has undertaken a facility construction project which is expected to be completed in 2010 and the new facility is expected to have an annual production capacity of 110,000 tonnes.

The following table sets forth the designed annual production capacity, output of aluminum fabrication products, the utilization rate in each of our major aluminum fabrication plants as of December 31, 2008:

 

As of December 31, 2008

 

Annual Production Capacity

Aluminum Fabrication Product Output

Principal Products

Utilization Rate

(in thousand tonnes, except percentages)

 

Northwest Aluminum

100.0

60.1

planks, screens, wires, tubes and profiles

60.1%

Chalco Ruimin(1)

120.0

56.6

planks and screens

80.9%

Huaxi Aluminum(1)

22.0

9.5

strips and screens

74.0%

Chalco Southwest Aluminum(1)

350.0

97.2

belts

47.6%

Henan Aluminum(1)

270.0

120.5

planks, strips and screens

76.5%

Chalco Qingdao(2)

120.0

3.1

-

-

Others

-

6.1

-

-

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

982.0

353.1

 

61.6%

 



 


 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Only includes its output after May 30, 2008 when it was acquired by us.

 

 

(2)

Chalco Qingdao commenced its trial production in 2008 and its output in 2008 was 3,100 tonnes.

 

 

Raw Materials

Alumina

Bauxite is the principal raw material for the production of alumina. Most of the bauxite in China is AL2O3.H2O mineral, which is an uncommon kind of mineral in other parts of the world, where AL2O3.H2O is prevailing. Aluminum deposits run through a broad area in central China and are especially abundant in the southern and northern parts of central China. The largest aluminum deposit lies in Shanxi Province.

Our aluminum deposits, except those of Guangxi Pingguo Mine which is an accumulation deposit due to original erosion, usually have similar stratigraphical sequences. Primary bauxite deposit, as a type of sedimentary AL2O3.H2O of Carboniferous or Permian age, is contained in clay rock, limestone or coal seams. A zonary red shale is usually located at the bottom of the bauxite and the red seam distributes over the irregular "karst-type" erosion face on the top of Ordovician limestone. Aluminum deposits in northern China are usually covered with a very thick Quaternary weathering.

The thickness and quality of deposits vary with locations. Quality is usually consistent in smooth sections but changes sharply in karst "billabong" terrain. The level of hardness of minerals also varies. A sequence that includes a seam of hard bauxite of fine quality in the middle and soft bauxite of inferior quality on the bottom and top seams is common in deposits.

Generally, deposits are horizontal or with an obliquity of 0-8o, but there are also steep deposits at an angle of 75o, such as the Guizhou No. 2 Mine. Most of the original mineralization is not influenced by folds and faults, and some fractures of a low obliquity and folds emerge in certain deposits, which is evident in the Guizhou No. 2 Mine area where the underground mining method must be used due to the obliquity of its bauxite body reaching 70o with the influence of folds and several meters of dislocation arising from partial faults.

The systematic and accurate method of test boring, inspection pit, trial trench, density, tonnage analysis and calculation applied to the geological work of bauxite in China is an appropriate method to analyze these types of deposits.

On average, our refineries consume approximately 2.0 tonnes of bauxite to produce one tonne of alumina. We used approximately 18,760,000 tonnes, 20,242,900 tonnes and 18,414,167 tones of bauxite in our alumina production in 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively. In 2008, bauxite cost represented approximately 25.1%, as compared with 25.5% in 2007 of our per unit alumina production costs.

Supply. The predominant use of bauxite is for alumina production. Except for our Shandong branch, all of our refineries are located in the four provinces where over 90% of China's potentially mineable bauxite has been found. We generally source our bauxite from mines close to our refineries to save transportation costs. We procure our bauxite supply principally from three sources:

 

*

our own bauxite mining operations;

 

 

*

jointly operated mines; and

 

 

*

purchases from other suppliers, which principally include small independent mines and, to a lesser extent, imports.

 

 

We purchase bauxite from a number of suppliers. We are not dependent on any single supplier or a small group of suppliers for our bauxite requirements. We endeavor to explore new bauxite reserves and streamline our bauxite procurement system to support the growth of our alumina production. In 2008, we acquired three new mines. In addition, we established two new jointly-operated mines and became the sole owner of one formerly jointly owned mine, which subsequently became part of Jiaozuo mine, one of our own mines.

The combined production of our own mines and jointly operated mines was 8,288,500 tonnes in 2008, representing a decrease of 2.7% compared with the production volume in 2007. However, the production of our own mines reached 6,885,000 tonnes in 2008, representing an increase of 14.4% compared with the production volume in 2007.

 

- 23 -

 


 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

2006

2007

2008

 

 

Percentage of

 

Percentage of

 

Percentage of

 

Total

our Total

Total

our Total

Total

our Total

 

Bauxite Supply

Bauxite Supply

Bauxite Supply

Bauxite Supply

Bauxite Supply

Bauxite Supply

 

 

(%)

 

(%)

 

(%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousand tonnes)

(in thousand tonnes)

(in thousand tonnes)


 

Our owned mines

4,115.3

21.4

4,770.2

20.3

6,885.0

30.9

Jointly operated mines

4,710.3

24.6

3,751.6

15.9

1,403.5

6.3

Other suppliers

10,343.4

54.0

15,015.8

63.8

13,992.4

62.8

 







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

19,169.0

100%

23,537.6

100%

22,280.9

100%

 







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The total designed annual production capacity of our own mines was 7.5 million tonnes as of December 31, 2008, and the total bauxite production in 2008 was approximately 6.9 million tonnes. All of our mines are accessible via railroads or highways.

Own Mines. We currently own 13 mines. As of December 31, 2008, these mines had approximately 225.5 million tonnes of aggregate proven and probable bauxite reserves as such terms are defined by the SEC. Assuming an annual mining output of 5,000,000 tonnes, the amount of bauxite reserves is sufficient to sustain our mining operations in excess of 30 years. As none of our mines produce bauxite for external sales, we are assured of full access to the bauxite produced by our own mines. In 2008, we sourced approximately 30.9% of our bauxite from mines that we own and operate. In order to obtain or retain the title to mines, we are required to comply with mining qualifications approved by the relevant Chinese authorities and pay an annual fee in amount of RMB1,000 per km2.

For the three years from 2006 to 2008, our own mines produced bauxite of 4,115,300 tonnes, 4,770,200 tonnes and 6,885,000 tonnes of bauxite, representing 21.5%, 20.3% and 30.9% of the demand from our alumina production, respectively. The following table sets forth information regarding our own mines as of December 31, 2008:

 

 

 

Annual Production

 

Mine

Location (Province)

Capacity (1)

Bauxite Production





 

 

(in thousand tonnes)

(in thousand tonnes)

 

 

 

 

Pingguo Mine

Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Zone

4,080.0

2,981.5

Guizhou No.1 Mine

Guizhou Province

400.0

387.6

Guizhou No.2 Mine

Guizhou Province

520.0

499.7

Zunyi Mine

Guizhou Province

-

-

Xiaoyi Mine

Shanxi Province

1,450.0

730.3

Mianchi Mine

Henan Province

930.0

814.6

Luoyang Mine

Henan Province

1,000.0

752.0

Xiaoguan Mine

Henan Province

690.0

120.8

Sanmenxia

Henan Province

100.0

97.3

Yuzhong

Henan Province

750.0

476.9

Jiaozuo

Henan Province

80.0

24.3

Yangquan Mine

Shanxi Province

-

-

Nanchuan Mine

Chongqing City

-

-

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

10,000.0

6,885.0

 

 

 

 

(1)

includes the production capacities of some of jointly operated mines and the annual production capacity of our own mines was 7.5 million tonnes as of December 31, 2008.

 

 

- 24 -

 


 

The respective terms of the mining rights permit are the shorter of the estimated working life of the mine and 30 years beginning 2001. We are required to obtain mining rights permits to operate mining services. According to PRC laws and regulations, a mine owner must first prepare exploration reports of the mine and then submit those reports as part of an application to the local government for approval in order to obtain mining rights permits. If an applicant for the mining rights permit is not the owner of a mine, the applicant must first enter into an agreement with the mine owner, and then follow the foregoing procedures. The development license is subject to renewal on a regular basis. Furthermore, we are required to obtain land use rights on the land in order to operate these mines. We lease the land use rights relating to aforesaid mines from Chinalco pursuant to a land use right leasing agreement that we entered into upon our formation. Chinalco's land use rights relating to over 90% of our mining properties are for 50-year terms beginning on July 1, 2001. The remaining land use rights relating to the mines we own and operate are for shorter terms, some as short as one year. All of our land use right leasing agreements end on the expiry date of the mining rights or the end of the actual mine life, whichever is earlier. Both the land use rights and land use right leasing agreements are renewable.

Jointly Operated Mines. We currently jointly operate 17 bauxite mines. In 2008, we acquired 100% ownership of Jiyuan mine which subsequently became part of Jiaozuo mine, one of our own mines. Jointly operated mines are generally operated pursuant to long-term contractual arrangements in which we typically contribute resources such as funding, equipment, labor and management, and the other parties contribute land and/or mining rights and certain personnel resources. The other parties are also typically responsible for obtaining all relevant certificates or approvals in respect of the lands. Generally, we are able to control the mining operations of our jointly operated mines, including determination of production schedules as well as the amounts and grades of bauxite produced. As of December 31, 2008, we had obtained mining rights certificates for all of our 17 jointly operated mines. To better utilize our resources and reduce costs, we currently manage our jointly-operated mines using one of the following three methods: (i) establishing joint ventures with other companies to invest in and share resources; (ii) providing mining technology or other resources to companies with local mines in return for exclusive purchase rights to the bauxite ores; or (iii) contracting with local companies for their mining services to operate mines owned by us.

In the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008, our jointly-operated mines produced bauxite of 4,710,300 tonnes, 3,751,600 tonnes and 1,403,500 tonnes, representing 24.6%, 15.9% and 6.3% of the demand from our alumina production, respectively.

 

- 25 -

 


 

Jointly operated mines are typically smaller than our own mines but larger than the small independent mines in terms of reserves and production scales. Our 17 jointly operated mines had approximately 14.2 million tonnes in the aggregate of proven and probable bauxite reserves as such terms are defined by the SEC. Security of supply from jointly operated mines is contingent upon the extension or renewal of the joint operation arrangements and mining rights upon their expiration. Accordingly, we view our jointly operated mines, as a group, as a stable and long-term source of our bauxite supply, although the particular mines comprising this group may change. Jointly operated mines supplied 6.3% of our bauxite needs in 2008.

Other Suppliers. In addition to our own mines and our jointly operated mines, we also source bauxite from other suppliers. A majority of other suppliers are small independent mines. In addition, we also secure a small portion of bauxite from overseas. Bauxite secured from other suppliers accounted for 62.8% of our total bauxite supply in 2008.

 

- 26 -

 


 

Small Independent Mines. We purchase bauxite directly from small independent mines or through local distributors that procure bauxite from these mines. Small independent mines are not affiliated with us and generally have annual bauxite production capacities not exceeding 200,000 tonnes. These mines have historically been our important source of bauxite.

Bauxite Procurement. A mineral resource department in our headquarters is responsible for the control and coordination of the supply of our bauxite. To determine how our bauxite requirement will be allocated among our principal sources each year, we first estimate our total bauxite needs for the year. Based on market conditions, production costs and other factors, we decide on the amount of bauxite that we wish to source from our own mines, and allocate the remaining requirements among the jointly operated mines and other suppliers. Our management or operational control of our own mines and jointly operated mines generally allows us to adjust the procurement levels from these sources during the course of the year to accommodate market conditions.

Alumina-to-Silica Ratio. The production method for alumina refining is determined by the mineral composition of the bauxite, as measured by reference to its alumina-to-silica ratio. Most of the bauxite reserves in China are diasporic with low alumina-to-silica ratios. Based on our current technology, an efficient application of the Bayer process requires bauxite with an alumina-to-silica ratio of 10:1 or higher, while the sintering process refine bauxite with an alumina-to-silica ratio as low as 4:1. The average alumina-to-silica ratio of the proven and probable reserves of our mines is from 6.5:1 to 7:1.

Prices. There is neither governmental regulation on bauxite prices nor an official trading market for bauxite in China. We negotiate and agree on bauxite prices with our suppliers, based on ore quality, mining costs, market conditions, transportation costs and various governmental taxes or levies, including a resource tax imposed by local governments. As we procure bauxite from three different sources, our total bauxite cost is influenced by the following factors:

 

*

the cost of our own mining operations;

 

 

*

the terms of our operational arrangements with respect to our jointly operated mines; and

 

 

*

the market conditions relating to purchases from small independent mines.

 

 

We purchase a significant amount of bauxite from sources other than our own mines as a means to protect the resources that we have already acquired. Additionally, in order to fully utilize our own resources, we refine all bauxite that meets the minimum technical requirements for our production of alumina. We also purchase ore of higher grades from other suppliers and blend the ore of various grades to meet the exact technical requirements for our alumina production. This practice allows for flexibility and the inclusion of isolated, poorer grade bauxite, to better utilize the available bauxite deposit.

Primary Aluminum

An average of approximately 1.95 tonnes of alumina and 14,500 KWH of electricity are required to produce one tonne of primary aluminum. Alumina and electricity, the two principal components of costs in the smelting process, accounted for approximately 39.6% and 36.4%, respectively, of our unit primary aluminum production costs in 2008. Apart from alumina and electricity, we also require carbon anodes, carbon cathodes and sodium fluoride in the smelting process.

Alumina is the main raw material in the production of primary aluminum. Our Shandong, Henan, Guizhou and Guangxi branches have historically sourced all or substantially all of the alumina required for their primary aluminum production from their respective integrated refineries. All our plants which do not have integrated alumina refining operations on site have obtained alumina internally from our own alumina refineries located elsewhere.

We own 17 primary aluminum smelters in PRC, four of which are among the ten largest smelters in China. We have enhanced our competitiveness along with the development of the primary aluminum industry. In 2008, the total amount of alumina consumed by our smelters was approximately 5,770,000 tonnes, out of which we produced approximately 3,250,000 tonnes of primary aluminum. Our primary aluminum output accounted for 8.1% of the global output and 24.7% of the output in China in 2008.

Aluminum Fabrication Products

The main raw material for our aluminum fabrication operations is primary aluminum. We also use other metal raw materials in aluminum fabrication depending on the type of products. We meet the primary aluminum demand of our aluminum fabrication segment with primary aluminum supplied by our own aluminum smelters. In addition, Chalco Qingdao uses recycled aluminum materials to produce aluminum fabrication products. On May 30, 2008, we acquired five aluminum fabrication plants from Chinalco and China Nonferrous Metals Technology, which increased our annual aluminum fabrication capacity to 982,000 tonnes as of December 31, 2008.

Supplemental Materials, Electricity and Fuel

The main fuel used by our mining and manufacturing equipment is diesel. We are able to purchase diesel supplies from the public markets.

We source our water mainly from local rivers, lakes or underground.

 

- 27 -

 


 

Alumina

Electricity, coal, alkali (caustic soda or soda ash) and heavy oil are the principal items required for our alumina production. We established a supplies department in our headquarters to control and coordinate the budgeting and procurement for all major items required for our production. In addition, to raise the efficiency of materials flow, a distribution center has been set up at each production facility. However, our efforts to reduce unit costs by improving the efficiency of material supplies by the procurement system were to a certain extent offset by the significantly increased prices for coal and fuel in the market in 2008.

Electricity. Electricity is one of the principal forms of energy used in our refining process. Electricity represented approximately 7.8% of our unit alumina production cost in 2008.

To the extent that power produced by the joint operation facility is insufficient to meet a refinery's total power requirements, we purchase the shortfall from regional power grids at government-mandated rates pursuant to power supply plans. Power prices in China can vary, sometimes substantially, from one region to another, based on power production costs in the region as well as the consuming community's ability to pay. Accordingly, power costs for our various plants differ. Most of our electricity supply plans are one to three year renewable plans with regional power grids.

Coal. Large quantities of coal are used as a reducing agent and as fuel to produce steam and gas in the alumina refining process. The coal we consumed directly in the alumina refining process in 2008 represented 6.6% of our unit alumina production costs.

The construction of Zhaogu mine, a joint venture with Jiaozuo Coal (Group) Co., Ltd. ("Jiaozuo Coal") has been preliminarily completed. We hold 30% of the equity interest in Zhaogu mine while Jiaozuo Coal holds the remaining 70% of the equity interest. According to the joint venture agreement, we are entitled to all of the slack coal produced by the joint venture company.

Alkali. Alkali is used as a supplemental material in alumina refining. The sintering process and the hybrid Bayer-sintering process require soda ash while caustic soda is used in the Bayer process. We purchase all of our alkali from third party suppliers. Alkali accounted for 8.5% of our unit alumina production cost in 2008.

Fuel. Fuel is used in the calcinations of aluminum hydroxide to make alumina. Most of our refineries use heavy oil and it represented approximately 4.1% of our unit alumina production cost in 2008.

There is no governmental regulation on the prices of fuel, alkali or coal. The prices are set at market rates or through negotiations. We have not experienced difficulty in obtaining these materials in sufficient quantity and at acceptable prices.

Deliveries of raw materials and supplemental materials including fuel, are generally made on a monthly basis. Our suppliers arrange for railway transportation of these raw materials by submitting to local bureaus of the Ministry of Railways their annual and monthly transportation plans. These local bureaus then arrange for appropriate rail transportation of such raw materials or fuel to our refineries.

Primary Aluminum

Electricity. Smelting primary aluminum requires a substantial and continuous supply of electricity. In 2008, we consumed 49.6 billion kWh of electricity for our primary aluminum production and the cost of electricity represented 36.4% of the unit cost of primary aluminum. Therefore, the availability and price of electricity are key considerations in our primary aluminum production. Costs of electricity have increased periodically in recent years due to severe shortages of electricity in China. In October 2007, the Chinese government issued "Notice on Further Solutions to the Difference in Electricity Rates", according to which the preferential electricity prices originally enjoyed by Chinese primary aluminum enterprises are being gradually abolished. The implementation of this Notice has increased the costs for primary aluminum enterprises in China. Accordingly, our average electricity price increased by 9.7% in 2008 from 2007. In addition, several Chinese provinces experienced power shortages in the first quarter of 2008 mainly due to damage to power lines caused by severe weather conditions. However, since October 2008, the price for electricity has been affected by the international financial crisis. The industrial demand for electricity has declined, and consequently, the electricity prices in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Yunnan Province have declined, which reduced the per unit cost of primary aluminum. In addition, in 2009, in order to improve the electricity efficiency of primary aluminum producers, the State government initiated a direct electricity purchase program for 15 selected primary aluminum smelters, including Fushun Aluminum, our Liancheng branch, our Shandong branch, our Guizhou branch, our Guangxi branch, our Qinghai branch, Shanxi Huasheng, Gansu Hualu and Baotou Aluminum, which allows the selected primary aluminum smelters to purchase electricity directly from power generation enterprises. We are negotiating with relevant power generation enterprises on the terms of electricity supply under this program and if successful, we believe the electricity prices for those smelters will decrease in 2009.

We have expedited the implementation of integrated energy-saving technology, mainly by streamlining production workflow and improving our product structure. In 2008, aggregate energy consumption of primary aluminum production decreased by 3.1%, compared with 2007.

We purchase electricity from the regional power grids for our smelter operations. Prices for electricity supplied by the power grids under power supply plans are set by the government based on the power generation cost in the region and the consumers' ability to pay. Industrial users within each region are generally subject to a common electricity tariff schedule, but prices vary, sometimes substantially, across regions. Each regional power grid serves a region comprising several provinces. The regional power grids generally rely on multiple power sources to generate electricity, with coal and hydro power being the two most common sources. We believe that the different types of power sources do not imply different degrees of reliability of supply, and that our power supply from the grids is generally not reliant upon any particular generation facility supplying the grid. In addition, nine of our smelters are now allowed to purchase electricity directly from power generation enterprises.

 

- 28 -

 


 

Electricity purchased from different power grids is subject to different tariff levels in 2008. Our smelters' average electricity cost was RMB0.394/kWh in 2008.

Carbon Products. Carbon anodes and cathodes are key elements of the smelting process. As of December 31, 2008, carbon anodes represented 14.4% of our unit primary aluminum production costs. Each of our smelters produces carbon products other than carbon cathodes, such as carbon anodes. Only our Guizhou plant has a carbon cathode production facility, which supplies all of our smelters with the carbon cathodes required and sells any excess domestically to third-party smelters.

Suppliers

We purchase some raw materials including bauxite, coal, fuel and alkali from outside suppliers. The amount of raw materials provided by our five largest suppliers for alumina products and primary aluminum products accounted for 10.7% and 15.6% respectively, of our total cost of raw materials for 2008. The cost of raw materials supplied by our largest supplier accounted for 5.1% and 4.7% of our total cost of raw materials for alumina and primary aluminum production, respectively, in 2008. All payments to our suppliers are in Renminbi.

Sales and Marketing

We coordinate our major sales and marketing activities at our corporate headquarters. We set uniform prices for our alumina products and set minimum prices for primary aluminum products in each region where our primary aluminum products are sold. We have consolidated the networks of our branch offices to eliminate overlapping of administrative support and to reduce sales costs. In response to increasingly intensified competition, we established Shandong Alumina Chemicals Sales Department to centralize the sales of our alumina chemical products nationwide. Our subsidiaries have also played an important role in improving our after-sales services and enhancing our influence in the marketplace.

In 2003, as part of our centralized management program, we required all sales of alumina and primary aluminum to be settled upon delivery. However, as a result of tight operating cash flows, most of notes receivables were endorsed or discounted upon receipt. Our net trade receivables decreased from RMB3,718.8 million as of December 31, 2007 to RMB2,035.3 million as of December 31, 2008. Since 2004, we have required our customers to make prepayments and deposits for purchases of alumina. The total amount of deposits and prepayments received was RMB3,957 million as of December 31, 2008. We expect to continue this policy.

Alumina

We sell a majority of our alumina output to third-party customers and the remaining portion to our own aluminum smelters. In 2008, we used approximately 5.8 million tonnes of alumina produced by ourselves, which represented approximately 59.2% of our total alumina production. All of our output of alumina chemical products are sold to third-party customers.

 

- 29 -

 


 

Sales

We coordinate sales of alumina at our corporate headquarters. In the fourth quarter of each year, we organize a national alumina sales conference with our domestic primary aluminum smelter customers in order to match our supply with their requirements for the following year. At such annual conferences, based on our production capacity for the following year, we first reserve the amount of alumina needed for primary aluminum production by our smelters before we determine the amount available for sale to third party primary aluminum smelters. After that, we allocate our alumina to smelters with whom we have long-standing relationships and that have good credit and a good payment history. We consider other smelters only if we have additional alumina to allocate. Approximately 95.0% of our sales of alumina are made through these annual conferences.

Based on the sales allocations we make at the annual conference, we and our customers typically enter into one-year sales agreements that set forth their total allocation and delivery schedules. At the time of entering into these one-year sales agreements, prices are left open and determined at or near the time of delivery at the then prevailing market price. We apply uniform prices to alumina sales regardless of where the alumina is produced. If a customer does not accept our price near the time of delivery, it may refuse to take delivery despite the one-year agreement. We began selling a portion of our alumina pursuant to long-term sales contracts which have terms longer than one year in 2001. Since January 1, 2004, we have gradually entered into three to five-year sales contracts for alumina. The volume of sales to third party customers under these long-term sales contracts accounts for approximately 83.4% of the total external sales volume in 2008. Under such a long-term sales contract, the sales volume is fixed, and the price is linked to an index of three-month futures price of primary aluminum quoted at the Shanghai Futures Exchange.

Customers

We sell our alumina to smelters throughout China. Sales to our five largest third party customers accounted for 13.0%, 10.1% and 12.8% of our total alumina revenue from third party customers for 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively. Sales to our largest customer accounted for 4.0%, 3.4% and 3.4%, respectively, of our total external alumina revenue for the same periods. All of our major third party customers in the last three years have been domestic smelters.

Pricing

We sell our alumina products by way of spot sales and under long-term contracts. Pricing for our alumina products is determined by the nature of the sale as described below.

Spot sales. We set, and adjust as necessary, uniform sales prices for alumina produced by any of our refineries. In 2008, The highest and lowest spot price of domestic alumina was RMB4,500 per tonne and RMB1,850 per tonne, respectively. The annual average selling price of our alumina was RMB3,171 per tonne in 2008, representing a year-on-year decrease of 7.1%. We set uniform prices for all our sales of alumina to third party customers by reference to alumina prices at reference markets, the market supply and demand conditions, as well as our short-term and mid-term projections. Our pricing generally takes into account:

 

*

alumina exports into China, CIF Chinese ports;

 

 

*

international transportation costs;

 

 

*

the applicable standard PRC import tariff;

 

 

*

value-added tax at 17%;

 

 

*

import related fees; and

 

 

*

domestic supply and demand conditions.

 

 

Long-term contracts sales. Internationally, the customary practice for alumina pricing under long-term contracts is by reference to the LME prices for primary aluminum. Since January 2004, we have entered into a number of domestic long-term alumina sales contracts with three to five-year terms, under which the sales price is set as a percentage of the three-month primary aluminum prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange. As a result, fluctuations of primary aluminum prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange can affect our alumina prices under these long-term contracts, and the significance of such effects may increase as we increase the proportion of alumina sales under long-term contracts.

 

- 30 -

 


 

Primary Aluminum

We sell a majority of our primary aluminum output to third-party customers and the remaining portion to our own aluminum fabrication plants. In 2008, we sold approximately 3,060,000 tonnes of primary aluminum, with the average price of RMB17,231 per tonne, representing a year-on-year decrease of 12.5% from the average price of RMB19,689 per tonne in 2007.

Sales

We sell our primary aluminum through two channels:

 

*

Contract sales. Most of our primary aluminum sales are made pursuant to contracts entered into directly with our established customers. These may be long-term or short-term contracts.

 

 

*

Sales on the Shanghai Futures Exchange. As part of our effort to manage market risk, we sell a portion of our primary aluminum products on the Shanghai Futures Exchange through futures contracts of one to six month terms to hedge against the potential decline in primary aluminum prices.

 

 

We hold an annual regional primary aluminum sales conference in the fourth quarter of each year to coordinate the production and sales for the following year. We centrally control our product futures sales on the Shanghai Futures Exchange.

To improve the efficiency of our distribution, we divide our China market into several regions as follows:

 

*

southern China (including Guangdong and Fujian Provinces);

 

 

*

eastern China (including Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces and Shanghai Municipality);

 

 

*

southwestern China (including Sichuan Province and Chongqing Municipality);

 

 

*

the Beijing-Tianjin-Tanggu area; and

 

 

*

northeastern China (including Heilongjiang Province).

 

 

Customers

We sell a majority of our primary aluminum to domestic customers with a small amount to overseas markets. The Chinese market is our core market for primary aluminum, and we expect it to remain so for the foreseeable future. Domestic customers of our primary aluminum products principally consist of:

 

*

domestic aluminum fabricators that use our primary aluminum as raw material for further processing; and

 

 

*

aluminum distributors that resell our primary aluminum products to domestic aluminum fabricators or other purchasers.

 

 

Our five largest customers combined together accounted for approximately 9.0%, 12.1% and 8.9% of our total primary aluminum revenue for 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively. Our largest customer accounted for approximately 3.0%, 3.2% and 3.0% of our total primary aluminum revenue during the same periods.

Our export operations consist of ordinary sales of our products to international customers. All export sales of our primary aluminum are sold at negotiated prices. Since August 1, 2007 exports of certain primary aluminum products have been subject to a provisional 15% export tax, and an export tax refund is available for some of our exports. Due to the small quantity of our exportation, the export tax or export tax refund does not have a substantial effect on us.

 

- 31 -

 


 

Pricing

We establish pricing guidelines for domestic sales of our own primary aluminum products, taking into account three main factors:

 

*

the primary aluminum spot prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange;

 

 

*

our production costs and expected profit margins; and

 

 

*

market supply and demand conditions.

 

 

As part of our sales integration and centralization efforts, we set minimum prices with respect to each region in China where our primary aluminum is sold. These minimum prices are expressed by reference to the Shanghai Futures Exchange spot price for primary aluminum, excluding transportation. The minimum prices may differ from region to region, but all of our primary aluminum sold into a region, regardless of the plant or warehouse from which it originates or is shipped, is sold at or generally above the minimum price applicable to that region. Those of our smelters filling particular orders are principally involved in discussions with the customer as to the pricing and delivery arrangements for specific transactions. They are required to comply with the minimum pricing guidelines unless prior approval from our corporate headquarters is obtained. In general, we supply each region with products from our nearest smelters to minimize transportation costs.

Aluminum Fabrication Products

We produce aluminum fabrication products based on market demand and sell all of our aluminum fabrication products to third party customers. In 2008, we sold approximately 328,000 tonnes of aluminum fabrication products. We sell most of our aluminum fabrication products domestically, with a small portion to the overseas markets. Our aluminum fabrication products enjoyed an average of 11% export tax refund which varies depending on the particular type of aluminum fabrication product. Most of our sales are based on payment within a short period after delivery. The prices for our aluminum fabrication products are set by agreement with our customers.

Alumina Chemical Products and Gallium

Alumina chemical products and gallium are intermediate products of, or otherwise related to, our alumina production. Our production levels for these products are based on market demand for them. We sell all of our alumina chemical products and gallium to third party customers, mostly domestically but some internationally. Prices for our alumina chemical products and gallium are set according to market demand or by agreement with our customers.

Delivery

Alumina

Delivery of alumina is made from our refineries by rail or truck. Our sales price is normally exclusive of transportation costs. For long-distance delivery, we have spur lines connecting our plants to the national railway routes. We are responsible for the maintenance of these spur lines. The price of shipping on the national railway system is fixed by the government.

Primary Aluminum

Our primary aluminum products are transported to our customers mostly by rail. In view of the substantial distances that separate our smelter plants from southern and eastern China where most of the aluminum fabrication plants are concentrated, we have subsidiaries (often with warehousing capacity leased from third parties) in major cities in eastern and southern China to facilitate deliveries and coordination.

Aluminum Fabrication Products

Our customers are responsible for the shipment for most sales of aluminum fabrication products.

Principal Facilities

Our core facilities include 17 principal production plants and our Research Institute. Set forth below is a plant-by-plant description of our principal operating facilities. Our production operations are organized and managed according to our three business segments, alumina, primary aluminum and aluminum fabrication products.

Guangxi Branch

The Guangxi branch commenced operations in 1994 and is located in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southwestern China, an area rich in bauxite resources. The Guangxi branch receives bauxite for production via highway from the Pingguo mine located in Guangxi Pingguo.

 

- 32 -

 


 

Our Guangxi branch is situated within 17 kilometers of our own mines that contain large, easily exploitable high alumina-to-silica ratio bauxite reserves. The Guangxi branch is our only principal refinery that uses the Bayer method exclusively. With imported European technology and production equipment, our Guangxi refinery features a high level of automation and energy efficiency. Since its inception, we have increased Guangxi branch's original designed production capacity by removing production bottlenecks and expanding its capacity. As of December 31, 2008, its production capacity reached 1,730,000 tonnes of alumina per annum after the completion of the Phase III construction project in July 2008, which increased the annual alumina production capacity of Guangxi branch by 880,000 tonnes. In 2008, our Guangxi branch produced 1,318,000 tonnes of alumina and 40,400 tonnes of alumina chemical products. Most of its alumina output is used in the primary aluminum smelter at our Guangxi branch and the remainder is sold to third party smelters.

Our Guangxi branch also uses advanced 160 kA and 320 kA pre-bake reduction pot-lines developed by ourselves for its primary aluminum production. As of December 31, 2008, the branch's primary aluminum production capacity reached 139,500 tonnes of primary aluminum per annum. In 2008, our Guangxi branch produced 155,000 tones of primary aluminum.

Guizhou Branch

Our primary aluminum production facilities in Guizhou Province, which possesses integrated alumina and primary aluminum production facilities, commenced operations in 1966.

Our Guizhou alumina refinery commenced operations in 1978 and has one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in China, as many of its key technologies and equipment are imported. It uses the hybrid Bayer-sintering process for its alumina production and relies on our own mines as well as third party suppliers for bauxite supply. Bauxite from our own nearby mines is delivered to the refinery by cable cars and train. Its alumina output is mostly used in the primary aluminum production at the same plant and the remainder is sold to third party smelters. As of December 31, 2008, the production capacity of our Guizhou branch reached 1,200,000 tonnes of alumina per annum. Our Guizhou branch uses 160 kA, 186kA and 230 kA pre-bake reduction pot-lines in its primary aluminum production. As a result of technological innovations and overhauls since its inception, our Guizhou smelter plant is among the most technologically advanced smelters in China. As of December 31, 2008, the annual production capacity of primary aluminum of our Guizhou branch was 403,700 tonnes. In 2008, our Guizhou branch produced 1,145,800 tonnes of alumina, 6,800 tonnes of alumina chemical products and 322,700 tonnes of primary aluminum.

Our Guizhou branch also contains a modern carbon production facility which produces carbon anodes as well as carbon cathodes. It is our only facility that produces carbon cathodes and supplies all of the carbon cathodes required by seven of our facilities and our Research Institute. Its carbon cathodes are also sold to third party customers throughout China.

Henan Branch

Our Henan branch is located in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, a province rich in bauxite resources. Bauxite is delivered to our Henan Branch for production via railway and highway from the following mines: Xiaoguan mine located in Zhengzhou, Luoyang mine in Luoyang, Mianchi mine in Mianchi, Yuzhong mine in Zhengzhou, Sanmenxia mine in Sanmenxia and Jiaozuo mine in Jiaozuo. Its alumina and primary aluminum production commenced in 1966 and 1967, respectively. Our Henan branch was the first refinery in China to develop the hybrid Bayer-sintering process. We commenced the operation of a new alumina production line in February 2004 using the ore-dressing Bayer process that we have developed in recent years to refine low alumina-to-silica ratio bauxite. Since its inception, the Henan branch's production facilities have undergone substantial technological upgrades, based on equipment imported from Germany and Denmark. The refinery has also benefited from its access to high alumina-to-silica ratio bauxite from our own mines and through local market purchases. Its alumina output is first used to satisfy its primary aluminum production, and the remainder is sold to our other smelters and third party customers. The designed annual production capacity of alumina of our Henan branch was 2,050,000 tonnes as of December 31, 2008. In 2008, our Henan branch produced 1,865,400 tonnes of alumina and 21,900 tonnes of alumina chemical products.

We upgraded a portion of the primary aluminum facilities at this branch, which now utilizes 85 kA pre-bake reduction pot-lines. Its carbon plant produces high quality carbon products for sales to third party customers in China as well as for export, after meeting the needs of our various smelting operations. As of December 31, 2008, Henan branch's annual primary aluminum production capacity reached 56,000 tonnes. In 2008, our Henan branch produced 54,200 tonnes of primary aluminum.

 

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Shandong Branch

The Shandong branch commenced operations in 1954 and has the capacity to produce both alumina and primary aluminum. Bauxite is delivered to our Shandong branch for production via railway and highway from the Yangquan mine in Shanxi Yangquan. Its refinery was China's first production facility for alumina. Both the refinery and smelter are owned and operated by Shandong Aluminum, which became our wholly-owned subsidiary after our A Shares issuance and exchange on April 30, 2007. It produces the majority of its alumina through the sintering process, but has a small production line to produce alumina through the Bayer process using imported bauxite. During 2002, the Bayer production line was converted into an ore-dressing sintering operation. The Shandong branch purchases the majority of the bauxite required for its production from small third party mines in Henan and Shanxi Provinces. Its alumina output is first used to satisfy its primary aluminum production, and the remainder is sold to our other smelters as well as third party customers. As of December 31, 2008, the annual capacity of alumina of our Shandong branch reached 1,500,000 tonnes and it produced 929,375 tonnes of alumina in 2008.

In addition, our Shandong branch also produces substantial amounts of alumina chemical products. It is the largest and most technologically advanced alumina chemical products production facility, and produces the most varieties of these products in China. Alumina chemical products produced by our Shandong branch are used in the jewelry, ceramics and other industries. Its alumina chemicals products are sold both domestically and internationally. In 2008, our Shandong branch produced 657,900 tonnes of alumina chemical products.

Our Shandong branch's primary aluminum operations have undergone technological and equipment upgrades, with the majority of its original equipment having been replaced by more advanced equipment. As of December 31, 2008, our Shandong branch's primary aluminum production capacity reached 75,000 tonnes of primary aluminum per annum and it produced 123,000 tonnes of primary aluminum in 2008.

Qinghai Branch

Located in Qinghai Province, our Qinghai branch is a stand-alone primary aluminum production facility and is also China's second largest smelter in terms of production capacity. This branch commenced operations in 1987 and is one of the most technologically advanced primary aluminum smelters in China. It operates 160 kA automated pre-bake anode reduction pot-lines that were developed domestically. It benefits from relatively low electricity costs in Qinghai Province resulting from substantial hydroelectric power stations in the region. Historically, the branch has relied on our Shanxi, Shandong, Henan and Zhongzhou branches for its alumina supply. Because of its relatively remote location, it incurs higher average transportation costs for both raw materials and its primary aluminum products than our other branches. The Qinghai branch's designed annual production capacity of primary aluminum was 367,000 tonnes in as of December 31, 2008. In 2008, our Qinghai branch produced 390,600 tonnes of primary aluminum.

Shanxi Branch

Our Shanxi branch commenced operations in 1987 and is located in Shanxi Province, a province with rich bauxite deposits in China. Bauxite is transported to our Shanxi branch for production via railway and highway from the Xiaoyi mine in Shanxi Province. Our Shanxi branch is a stand-alone alumina plant and is currently China's largest alumina plant in terms of production capacity.

Our Shanxi branch's production facilities are primarily imported and are more technologically advanced than our other domestic alumina refineries. Shanxi branch relies on bauxite from our own mines as well as third party suppliers. Due to its close proximity to large coal mines and substantial water resources, it currently has the largest power generation capacity amongst our alumina manufacturing facilities. The total alumina production capacity of our Shanxi branch reached 2,217,000 tonnes as of December 31, 2008. Our Shanxi branch produced 1,955,700 tonnes of alumina and 31,600 tonnes of alumina chemical products in 2008.

Zhongzhou Branch

Situated in Henan Province, our Zhongzhou branch is a stand-alone alumina plant, located near bauxite, coal and water supplies. It commenced operations in 1993 and is equipped with imported and self-developed technology and has undergone various improvements and upgrades, including improved sintering technology. We purchase bauxite supplies from Henan and Shanxi Provinces.

 

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Its production capacity reached 1,830,000 tonnes of alumina per annum as of December 31, 2008. Our Zhongzhou branch produced 1,806,100 tonnes of alumina and 235,800 tonnes of alumina chemical products in 2008.

Lanzhou Branch

Our Lanzhou branch is situated in Lanzhou city in Gansu Province and is a stand-alone primary aluminum plant. It was part of Lanzhou Aluminum before July 2007 which we acquired through share exchange in April 2007. In July 2007, Lanzhou Aluminum was divided into two wholly-owned entities: Lanzhou branch and Northwest Aluminum. Our Lanzhou branch owns a primary aluminum smelting plant with a designed annual production capacity of approximately 428,000 tonnes as of December 31, 2008. It produced 404,200 tonnes of primary aluminum in 2008.

Jiaozuo Wanfang

Jiaozuo Wanfang is situated in Jiaozuo city in Henan Province and is a stand-alone primary aluminum plant. Jiaozuo Wanfang was established in 1993, whose shares were listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 1996. In May 2006, we entered into a Sale and Purchase Agreement with Jiaozuo Wanfang Group to acquire 29% of the issued share capital, or 139,251,064 State-owned legal person shares held by Jiaozuo Wanfang Group in the issued share capital of Jiaozuo Wanfang and thus became its largest shareholder. In 2008, we obtained de facto control over Jiaozuo Wanfang and accordingly, it became our subsidiary.

Jiaozuo Wanfang had an annual production capacity of 412,000 tonnes of primary aluminum as of December 31, 2008 and produced 411,200 tonnes of primary aluminum in 2008.

Shanxi Huaze

Shanxi Huaze is situated in Shanxi Province. On March 30, 2003, we established the joint venture company, Shanxi Huaze, with Zhangze Electric Power to commence the construction of a primary aluminum production facility. Following the completion of its capacity expansion in June 2008, Shanxi Huaze's designed annual production capacity of primary aluminum reached 350,000 tonnes as of December 31, 2008 and it produced 258,700 tonnes of primary aluminum in 2008.

Shanxi Huasheng

Shanxi Huasheng Aluminum is situated in Shanxi Province. On December 6, 2005, we entered into a joint venture agreement with Guan Lv, to establish a joint venture company, Shanxi Huasheng. The joint venture company commenced operations in March 2006. Its designed annual production capacity of primary aluminum reached approximately 220,000 tonnes as of December 31, 2008. In 2008, Shanxi Huasheng produced 216,200 tonnes of primary aluminum. The joint venture company has a total investment of RMB2,379.4 million and a registered capital of RMB1,000 million, of which we committed RMB510 million. We currently hold a 51% equity interest in Shanxi Huasheng.

Zunyi Aluminum

Zunyi Aluminum is situated in Guizhou Province. In June 2006, we entered into a share purchase agreement with Guizhou Wujiang Hydropower Development Co., Ltd. and eight other companies, which are the shareholders of Zunyi Aluminum, to purchase part of the equity interest from Guizhou Wujiang Hydropower Development Co., Ltd. and all the equity interest held by the other eight companies. We have completed our purchase and currently hold 61.29% of the equity interest in Zunyi Aluminum. Following the completion of a new primary aluminum project with production capacity of 125,000 tonnes in August 2008, Zunyi Aluminum's primary aluminum annual production capacity reached 235,000 tonnes as of December 31, 2008 and it produced 87,657 tonnes of primary aluminum in 2008.

 

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Fushun Aluminum

Fushun Aluminum is situated in Liaoning Province, and is a stand-alone primary aluminum plant. In March 2006, we entered into a share transfer agreement with Liaoning Fushun Aluminum Plant to acquire 100% of the equity interests in Fushun Aluminum for a consideration of RMB500 million. Fushun Aluminum's primary business is the production of primary aluminum and carbon products. With the partial completion of a new primary aluminum project at the end of 2008 which increased the primary aluminum production capacity of Fushun Aluminum by 100,000 tonnes, Fushun Aluminum's annual primary aluminum production capacity reached 240,000 tonnes as of December 31, 2008. Fushun Aluminum produced 107,000 tonnes of primary aluminum in 2008.

Shandong Huayu

Shandong Huayu is situated in Shandong Province and is a stand-alone primary aluminum plant. In July 2006, we entered into a share transfer agreement with Shandong Huasheng Jiangquan Group to acquire 55% of the equity interest of Shandong Huayu, a subsidiary of Shandong Huasheng Jiangquan Group. After the completion of its expansion plan in 2008, Shandong Huayu's annual primary aluminum production capacity reached 200,000 tonnes as of December 31, 2008. It also has supporting facilities and two 135MW coal-fired generators. In 2008, Shandong Huayu produced 106,200 tonnes of primary aluminum.

Gansu Hualu

Gansu Hualu is situated in Gansu Province, and is a stand-alone primary aluminum plant. In August 2006, we entered into a share transfer agreement with Baiyin Nonferrous Metal (Group) Co., Ltd. ("Baiyin Nonferrous") and Baiyin Ibis Aluminum Co., Ltd. ("Baiyin Ibis"). Baiyin Nonferrous contributed 127,000 tonnes of primary aluminum smelting and supporting facilities owned by Baiyin Ibis as capital contribution and holds a 49% equity interest in Gansu Hualu, a subsidiary of Baiyin Ibis, and we hold 51% of the equity interest in Gansu Hualu. The joint venture had a designed annual production capacity of 160,000 tonnes of primary aluminum as of December 31, 2008 and produced 143,900 tonnes of primary aluminum in 2008.

Baotou Aluminum

Baotou Aluminum is located in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and is a stand-alone primary aluminum plant. On December 28, 2007, through A Shares issuance and exchange for Baotou Aluminum shares, we acquired 100% of the equity interest of Baotou Aluminum. Baotou Aluminum had a designed annual production capacity of 457,000 tonnes as of December 31, 2008 with the completion of its expansion projection at the end of 2008 which increased the annual primary aluminum production capacity by 150,000 tonnes. In 2008, it produced 299,600 tonnes of primary aluminum.

Liancheng branch

Liancheng branch is located in Gansu Province. In late May, 2008, we acquired 100% of the equity interest of Liancheng Longxing Aluminum Company Limited from Chinalco on the China Beijing Equity Exchange and subsequently turned it into our Liancheng branch which specializes in producing primary aluminum. As of December 31, 2008 Liancheng branch had an annual primary aluminum production capacity of 230,000 tonnes and produced 140,618 tonnes of primary aluminum in 2008.

Chalco Qingdao

Located in Qingdao, Shandong Province, Chalco Qingdao specializes in using recycled aluminum materials to produce aluminum fabrication products with recycled aluminum. In 2008 it commenced trial production following the completion of the construction of its production line to use recycled aluminum to produce aluminum fabrication products. As of December 31, 2008, Chalco Qingdao had an annual production capacity of 120,000 tonnes and produced 3,100 tonnes of aluminum fabrication products in its trial production.

Northwest Aluminum

Northwest Aluminum is situated in Lanzhou city in Gansu Province and is an aluminum fabrication plant. It was part of Lanzhou Aluminum before July 2007 which we acquired through share exchange in April 2007, whose A Shares were listed on Shanghai Stock Exchange until April 24, 2007, when we acquired Lanzhou Aluminum through share exchange. In July 2007, Lanzhou Aluminum was divided into two wholly-owned entities: Lanzhou branch and Northwest Aluminum. Northwest Aluminum has an annual production capacity for aluminum fabrication products of approximately 100,000 tonnes as of December 31, 2008 and produced 60,146 tonnes of aluminum fabrication products in 2008.

Chalco Ruimin

Located in Fujian, Chalco Ruimin commenced production in 1996 and specializes in aluminum fabrication. In late May 2008, we purchased 75% of the equity interest of Chalco Ruimin from Chinalco on the China Beijing Equity Exchange. As of December 31, 2008, Chalco Ruimin had an annual aluminum fabrication capacity of 120,000 tonnes and it produced 56,600 tonnes of aluminum fabrication products in 2008. Chalco Ruimin has undertaken an expansion plan which is expected to be completed in 2009 and we expect the completion of this project to increase Chalco Ruimin's aluminum fabrication capacity by 250,000 tonnes.

Huaxi Aluminum

Located in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, Huaxi Aluminum commenced production in 1997 and specializes in aluminum fabrication. In late May 2008, we purchased 56.86% of the equity interest of Huaxi Aluminum from Chinalco on the China Beijing Equity Exchange. As of December 31, Huaxi Aluminum had an annual aluminum fabrication production capacity of 22,000 tonnes and it produced 9,500 tonnes of aluminum fabrication products in 2008.

Chalco Southwest Aluminum

Established in September 2004 and located in Chongqing, Chalco Southwest Aluminum specializes in aluminum fabrication. On May 30, 2008, we purchased 60% of the equity interest of Chalco Southwest Aluminum from Chinalco on the China Beijing Equity Exchange. As of December 31, Chalco Southwest Aluminum had an annual aluminum fabrication production capacity of 350,000 tonnes and produced 97,200 tonnes of aluminum fabrication products in 2008.

Henan Aluminum

Established in August 2005 and located in Luoyang, Henan Province, Henan Aluminum specializes in aluminum fabrication. In late May 2008, we acquired 84.02% of the equity interest of Henan Aluminum from Chinalco and China Nonferrous Metals Technology on the China Beijing Equity Exchange. As of December 31, 2008, Henan Aluminum had an annual aluminum fabrication production capacity of 270,000 tonnes and produced 120,500 tonnes of aluminum fabrication products in 2008.

Research Institute

Established in August 1965 and located in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, the Research Institute specializes in aluminum smelting-related research and development. It is the only research institute in China dedicated to light metals research, and has played a key role in bringing about technological innovations in China's aluminum industry. The Research Institute is central to our research and development efforts. The Research Institute operates test facilities, which produce alumina chemical products and primary aluminum. It also provides research and development services to third parties on a contractual basis. Approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the PRC in December 2003, Research Institute established National Research Center of Aluminum Refinery Technologies and Engineering. As of December 31, 2008 our Research Institute has an annual alumina production capacity of 20,000 tonnes and annual primary aluminum production capacity of 18,000 tonnes. In 2008, our research Institute produced 16,500 tonnes of primary aluminum.

 

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Competition

Alumina

As the largest producer of alumina in China, we believe that we will not face significant competition from domestic alumina producers in the immediate future for the following reasons:

 

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a new producer would need access to a substantial and stable supply of bauxite as well as approval from relevant department under the State Council of China;

 

 

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we are experienced in alumina production and our production technologies are specifically adapted to the particular chemical composition of bauxite found in China;

 

 

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we have strong capacity in technology research and hold certain proprietary technologies and patents;

 

 

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we have a large number of professionals who have extensive experience in production and management in this area;

 

 

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we are supported by the state policy.

 

 

In 2008, global alumina output reached approximately 79.18 million tonnes, representing an increase of 6.2% over 2007 and global consumption of alumina reached approximately 78.07 million tonnes, representing an increase of 4.5% over 2007. Since the fourth quarter of 2008, affected by the decrease in demand from primary aluminum producers as a result of the international financial crisis, global alumina producers have reduced their production. As of the end of 2008, approximately 9.8% of the global alumina production capacity was idled, while in China, 24.4% of the production capacity was idled. Due to the decrease in demand, the annual average price of imported alumina in 2008 was US$357 per tonne, representing a year-on-year decrease of 9.2% compared with 2007. The annual average selling price of our alumina in 2008 was RMB3,171 per tonne, representing a year-on-year decrease of 7.1% compared with 2007. In 2008, our alumina production represented approximately 36.5% of the total domestic consumption and approximately 42.8% of the total domestic output of alumina.

In order to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the Chinese alumina industry as well as to protect the environment, the National Development and Reform Commission of China ("NDRC") published "Entrance Conditions for Aluminum Industry" (the "Entrance Conditions") in November 2007. According to the Entrance Conditions, new bauxite projects must be approved by the provincial authority or the relevant department of the State Council of China depending on the amount of total investment, and any new alumina project must be approved by the relevant department of the State Council of China. The Entrance Conditions also provide detailed requirements for capital size, service period and resource utilization rate for a new bauxite or alumina project to be approved. The Entrance Conditions has established a high entry barrier for new alumina producers in China.

We believe that we have competitive advantages over our foreign competitors in the China alumina market. As a local supplier situated in close proximity to our customers, we do not incur international transportation and import-related costs and enjoy stable long-term relationships with our customers in a vast and growing market. Our competitive advantages may be reduced if international suppliers of alumina can offer alumina in China at prices below ours. As a result of China's accession to the WTO on December 11, 2001, competition from international suppliers of alumina may increase as tariff and non-tariff barriers for imported alumina are significantly reduced. The standard tariff on imports of alumina into China was reduced to nil on January 1, 2008. In addition, the value-added tax on imports of bauxite into China was increased from 13% to 17% on January 1, 2009.

Primary Aluminum

Domestic Competition

Over 90% of our primary aluminum revenue is derived from sales in China. Our competitors include other domestic smelters and international producers that sell primary aluminum into China. In 2008, our primary aluminum production represented approximately 26.0% of total domestic consumption.

There are approximately 83 primary aluminum smelting companies operating in China, which sell substantially all of their products in China. We are the largest integrated alumina and primary aluminum producer in China, and Baotou Aluminum, our Guizhou branch, Jiaozuo Wanfang and our Lanzhou branch operate four of the ten largest smelters in China. Our smelters altogether accounted for 24.7% of the domestic primary aluminum production for 2008. Currently, only 19 primary aluminum producers in China (including Chalco) have annual production capacities of 300,000 tonnes or more which have approximately 55% of the total primary aluminum production capacity in China and only 10 primary aluminum producers in China (including Chalco) have annual production capacity of 500,000 tonnes or more. Most smelters have smaller production capacities. It is the PRC government's industrial policy to consolidate the Chinese primary aluminum industry into an industry that consists of larger, less polluting and more efficient producers. Accordingly, the larger smelters are being granted favorable treatment, including priority in the allocation of raw materials and electricity supplies. These preferential treatments give large domestic smelters a stronger competitive advantage over small domestic smelters. Moreover, according to the Entrance Condition, effective from November 2007, any new aluminum projects must be approved by the relevant department of the State Council of China and must have a secured alumina supply. In addition, for the moment, the relevant department of the State Council is not expected to approve any new aluminum projects except those environmental protection upgrade projects and expired equipment exchange projects specially planned by the PRC government.

 

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Although we face competition from other large domestic smelters, we have several advantages over such competitors, including:

 

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Scale of production. With 17 primary aluminum facilities, we can achieve significant economies of scale. In addition, our scale of production enables us to achieve high production volumes in order to fill large customer orders and maintain a large customer base. Through our national distribution network, we are able to make timely deliveries to customers from our local warehouses.

 

 

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Technology. We believe we have more sophisticated and efficient technology than most of our domestic competitors. Our Guangxi, Guizhou and Qinghai branches are among the most technologically advanced primary aluminum smelting facilities in China. In addition, our technological support and research and development capabilities are superior to other domestic smelters.

 

 

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Vertical integration. As the largest integrated alumina and primary aluminum producer in China, we are able to supply alumina internally to our 17 primary aluminum plants. As a result, we save on transportation, warehousing and related costs. In addition, because we operate our own alumina refineries, we are able to assure a stable supply of alumina for our primary aluminum smelting operations. Since 2006, we have captured the market opportunity and expanded our primary aluminum business by mergers and acquisitions. We acquired seven primary aluminum plants in 2006 and 2007, which significantly improved our own utilization rate of the alumina we produced. In 2008, we acquired Liancheng Longxing Aluminum Company Limited, which increased our total annual primary aluminum production capacity by 230,000 tonnes.

 

 

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Quality. The quality of our primary aluminum is generally higher than that of the primary aluminum produced by most of our domestic competitors. The primary aluminum produced by most of our smelters has satisfied the quality standards of the London Metal Exchange, or LME, and we are registered for trading on the LME.

 

 

Aluminum Fabrication Products

Domestic Competition

Over 90% of our aluminum fabrication products revenue is derived from sales in China. Our competitors include other domestic aluminum fabrication products producers and international producers that sell aluminum fabrication products into China.

There are approximately 1,030 aluminum fabrication producers in China with an aggregate annual capacity of 17.5 million tonnes as of the end of 2008. In 2008, the aluminum fabrication producers in China produced approximately 14 million tonnes of aluminum fabrication products.

International Competition

The tariff rate for alumina and primary aluminum imports was reduced to nil on January 1, 2008 and August 1, 2007, respectively. In 2008, China imported approximately 4,580,000 tonnes of alumina, representing a 12.4% decrease from 2007. China had net import of approximately 10,300 tonnes of primary aluminum in 2008, representing a 79.1% decrease from 2007. Competition from international suppliers of alumina and primary aluminum is expected to increase. Such competitors are likely to be large, efficient international companies. Some competitors may also consider establishing joint venture companies with local producers in China to gain access to the resources in China and to lower transportation costs. However, certain PRC governmental policies directed at promoting the growth of larger domestic smelters are likely to be retained, and the PRC government encourages large domestic smelters to explore overseas markets.

Research and Development

Our research and development efforts over the years have facilitated the expansion of our production capacity and reduced our unit production costs. We have successfully commercialized our previous research and development results in various technologies. In 2008, we spent RMB178 million on research and development. We made significant progress in research and development of new methods and technologies in 2008. We completed 125 technological projects, including 65 technology development projects, 26 industrialization and promotion and application of advanced technologies projects and 34 basic application projects. We were recognized as one of the "innovative enterprises" by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the State Council's Asset Supervision and Administration Commission and the All China Federation of Trade Unions. Our modernized hot rolling technologies and craftsmanship for aluminum and aluminum alloy project received the National Technology Advancement Award in 2008. Moreover, the Group's self-developed techniques including the new bauxite processing techniques and equipment, the new techniques for highly effective and energy-saving alumina production and the latest technique of structural port for aluminum smelting will be promoted and applied so as to alleviate the pressure of resource shortages and tight energy supply. The "3-dimensional refinements" which is currently being promoted in aluminum smelters of the Group, can effectively boost the strength of the electrical current. We filed a total of 308 patent applications in 2008.

As of December 31, 2008, we owned 635 patents. The major registered patents relate primarily to technologies and know-how, equipment and new products. Once registered, a patent in China for a new invention is valid for 20 years and for a new function or a new design is valid for 10 years from the date of the patent application.

As of December 31, 2008, we owned 26 trademarks, which are used to identify our businesses and products. The trademarks have a term of 10 years. We have entered into a Trademarks License Agreement with Chinalco for the non-exclusive use by Chinalco of two of our trademarks relating to aluminum fabrication.

 

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Although the PRC has been steadily amending its patent, trademark, and license laws to comply with various international agreements, its laws are still evolving. In its current form, Chinese intellectual property law differs from United States intellectual property law in many significant ways. For instance, the State Intellectual Property Office of the PRC may grant a compulsory license on a patent if it is unable to obtain a license from the patent owner for reasonable terms and within a reasonable time frame. Chinese patent law also provides immunity from damages for an entity that uses or sells a patented product without knowing that it was made or sold without the patentee's permission so long as it proves that the infringing product was obtained from a legitimate source. United States patent law does not offer such provisions. Chinese law also awards patents on a first-to-file system as opposed to the United States' first-to-invent system. Chinese trademark law is similarly based on a first-to-register system as opposed to the United States' first-to-use system.

Moreover, the PRC government and its courts have limited experience in enforcing its intellectual property laws. The current PRC patent and trademark laws have only been in effect for approximately 20 years. Courts in China do not have the same level of experience in enforcing and interpreting intellectual property laws as the courts in the United States. However, the PRC government has created administrative bureaus to resolve administrative and judicial matters relating to patent and trademark infringement disputes. These administrative bureaus also have the power to order an infringing party to cease and desist from such use.

We do not regard any single patent, license, or trademark to be material to our sales and operations as a whole. We have no material patents, licenses, or trademarks the duration of which cannot, in the judgment of our management, be extended as necessary. We are neither involved in any material intellectual property disputes against us nor are we pursuing any legislation relating to intellectual property rights against any party.

Environmental Protection

We are subject to PRC national environmental laws and regulations as well as environmental regulations promulgated by the local governments where we operate. These include regulations on waste discharge, land repair, emissions disposal and mining control. For example, national regulations promulgated by the PRC government set discharge standards for emissions into the air and water. National environmental protection enforcement authorities also promulgate discharge fees for various waste substances. These schedules usually provide for discharge fee increases for each incremental increase of the amount of discharge up to a specified level set by the PRC government or the local government. For any discharge exceeding the specified level, the relevant PRC government agencies may order any of our facilities to rectify certain behavior causing environmental damage, and subject to PRC government approval, the local government has the authority to order any of our facilities to close for failure to comply with existing regulations.

Our bauxite mining operations are subject to relevant environmental laws and regulations promulgated by national and local governments, including regulations on waste discharge, land repair, emission management and mining control.

The pollutants discharged from our alumina refining process include red mud, waste water and waste emission of gases and dust. Our primary aluminum production process generates fluorides, pitch fume and dust. It is illegal for such waste to be released into the atmosphere without first being processed. Once processed, the amount of pollutants that can be released is subject to national or local discharge limits.

Each of our alumina refineries and primary aluminum smelters has its own waste treatment facilities on site or has developed other methods to dispose of the industrial waste. In 2008, our Shandong, Henan, Shanxi, Guizhou, Zhongzhou, Guangxi, Qinghai and Lanzhou branches were awarded by local governments for outstanding performance in environmental protection.

We have improved our energy-efficiency by applying new production techniques and new technologies and optimizing our production process. In 2008, our comprehensive energy consumption of alumina production decreased by 5.41%, our comprehensive alternating current consumption of primary aluminum production decreased by 0.26%, which equals an average decrease of 37.2 kWh per tonne and energy consumption of aluminum ingots decreased by 3.14 kg standard coal/per tonne compared with 2007. We have saved 3,600,000 tonnes of standard coal through our energy saving efforts since we were established eight years ago. We have replaced outdated technology and processes with clean technology and processes and been promoting the concept of "zero emission plant" and the technology of zero emission of waste water. We have invested a total of RMB490 million on 13 waste water treatment projects, and have basically achieved zero waste water emission.

Our total expenditures for environmental protection was RMB105.5 million, RMB533.0 million and RMB629.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively. We were granted ISO 14001accreditations issued by The International Certification Network on December 31, 2004. We believe that our operations are substantially in compliance with currently applicable national and provincial environmental regulations.

 

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Insurance

We currently maintain insurance coverage on our property, plant and equipment, our transportation vehicles and various assets that we consider to be subject to significant operating risks. However, there are certain types of losses, such as losses from war, acts of terrorism and natural disasters such as earthquakes, for which we cannot obtain insurance at a reasonable cost or at all. Natural disaster such as typhoons, tornados, floods, landslides and lighting strikes are within our insurance coverage and can be reasonably compensated by insurance companies if our losses are more than RMB10,000.

We paid a total of RMB61.5 million, RMB62.4 million and RMB68.6 million in insurance premiums in 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively.

We are covered under the injury and accidental death insurance provided by the local government labor departments and do not purchase separate insurance policies from commercial insurers with respect to such risks.

Consistent with what we believe to be the customary practice in China, we generally do not carry any third party liability insurance to cover claims in respect of personal injury, environmental damage arising from accidents on our property or relating to our operations (other than our automobiles) or business interruption insurance. More extensive insurance is either unavailable in China or would impose a cost on our operations that would reduce our competitiveness with other producers.

Seasonality

Our business is not seasonal.

Regulatory Overview

Producers of alumina and primary aluminum are subject to national industrial policies and relevant laws and regulations in areas of environmental protection, import and export, land use, foreign investment regulation and taxation. We are also subject to regulations relating to activities such as mining.

We are principally subject to governmental supervision and regulation by two agencies of the PRC government:

 

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the NDRC, which sets and implements the major policies concerning China's economic and social development, approves investments exceeding certain amounts, coordinates and improves the reform of the economic system, and formulates industrial policies and investment guidelines for all industries including the aluminum industry; and

 

 

*

the Ministry of Land and Resources of the People's Republic of China, which has the authority to grant land use licenses and mining right permits.

 

 

The following is a brief summary of the principal laws, regulations, policies and administrative directives to which we are subject.

Requirements for Capital Investments

Any capital markets financing activities by an enterprise or company incorporated in PRC, for example, those to finance capital projects, are subject to approval by securities regulatory authorities and other relevant authorities in China, regardless of whether the funds are raised in China or on the international capital markets. An issuer incorporated in the PRC must obtain prior approval from the CSRC for issuance of equity securities or equity-linked securities. Offerings of bonds in PRC by a listed company incorporated in the PRC are subject to approval from the CSRC, while offering of bonds in PRC by other enterprises are subject to approval from the People's Bank of China, as well as the NDRC, or their competent local authorities. Offering of bonds outside the PRC are subject to approval from the NDRC and/or the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. For all international financing activities through issuance of bonds, the issuer must register with the administrative authorities of foreign exchange.

Foreign investment in the exploring and mining of alumina and primary aluminum is permitted by the PRC government.

 

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Entrance Conditions for Aluminum Industry

"Entrance Conditions for Alumina Industry" provides that, (i) all new bauxite projects must be approved by relevant authorities at the provincial governments, with an exception for those projects with a total investment over RMB500 million, for which the approval from the competent authority under the State Council is required. In addition, all new bauxite projects should have an annual production capacity of not less than 300,000 tonnes with a service period of over 15 years; (ii) all new alumina projects must obtain approval from the State Council. Alumina projects which consume domestic bauxite mines must have an annual production capacity of over 800,000 tonnes and service duration of bauxite mines must exceed 30 years. Alumina projects which consume imported bauxite mines must have an annual production capacity of over 600,000 tones and have reliable bauxite supply. Raw materials supplied under long-term purchase agreements with terms of over five years must exceed 60% of the total raw material demand; (iii) all new aluminum projects must be approved by the State Council. In near future, approval will only be granted to environmental protection upgrade projects and those projects under state plan to replace out-of-date equipments. All update or replacement project must have reliable alumina supply, power supply and transportation access.

Pricing

The PRC government does not impose any limitations with respect to the pricing of alumina, primary aluminum and related products. Thus, alumina and primary aluminum producers are free to set prices for their products. All the raw materials, supplemental materials and other supplies that we purchase are based on market prices. Freight transportation on the national railway system is subject to government mandated pricing.

Electricity Supply and Price

The State Electricity Regulatory Commission of the People's Republic of China is responsible for the supervision and administration of the power industry in China. The NDRC and local governments regulate electricity pricing. Electricity suppliers may not change their electricity prices without governmental authorization.

The Electric Power Law of the People's Republic of China and related rules and regulations govern electricity supply and distribution. Currently, China's state-owned power companies, through their respective local subsidiaries, operate all the regional power grids in China from which we obtain most of our electricity requirements. In October 2007, Chinese government issued "Notice on Further Solutions of the Difference in Electricity Rates", according to which the preferential electricity prices originally enjoyed by Chinese primary aluminum enterprises are being gradually abolished.

Regulations Concerning Imports and Exports of Alumina and Primary Aluminum

The import taxes on alumina and primary aluminum were reduced to nil on January 1, 2008 and August 1, 2007, respectively. The export tax rate for certain primary aluminum products was increased to 15% August 1, 2007. In addition, under the PRC government directive, effective from August 22, 2005 we no longer import alumina for processing trade.

Environmental Protection Laws and Regulations

The Ministry of Environmental Protection of the People's Republic of China is responsible for uniform supervision and control of environmental protection in China. It formulates national environmental quality and discharge standards and monitors China's environmental system. Environmental protection bureaus at the county level or above are responsible for environmental protection within their respective jurisdictions.

Environmental regulations require companies to file an environmental impact report with the relevant environmental bureau for approval before undertaking the construction of a new production facility or any major expansion or renovation of an existing production facility. New facilities built pursuant to this approval are not permitted to operate until the relevant environmental bureau has performed an inspection and is satisfied that the facilities are in compliance with environmental standards.

The Environmental Protection Law requires any facility that produces pollutants or other hazards to incorporate environmental protection measures in its operations and establish an environmental protection responsibility system. Such system includes adoption of effective measures to control and properly dispose of waste gases, waste water, waste residue, dust or other waste materials. Any entity that discharges pollution must register with the relevant environmental protection authority.

 

- 41 -

 


 

Penalties for breaches of the Environmental Protection Law include a warning, payment of damages and imposition of a fine. Any entity undertaking a construction project that fails to install pollution prevention and control facilities in compliance with environmental standards for a construction project may be ordered to suspend production or operations and may be fined. Criminal liability may be imposed for a material violation of environmental laws and regulations that causes loss of property or personal injuries or death.

Mineral Resources Laws and Regulations

All mineral resources in China are owned by the State under the current Mineral Resources Law. Exploration, exploitation and mining operations must comply with the relevant provisions of the Mineral Resources Law and are under the supervision of the Ministry of Land and Resources. Exploration and exploitation of mineral resources are also subject to examination and approval by the Ministry of Land and Resources and relevant local authorities. Upon approval, a mining permit or exploitation permit is issued by the relevant administrative authorities, which are responsible for supervision and inspection of mining exploitation in their jurisdiction. Annual reports are required to be filed by the holders of mining rights with the relevant administrative authorities.

The PRC government permits mine operators of collectively owned mines to exploit mineral resources in designated areas and individuals to mine scattered mineral resources. Such mine operators and individuals are subject to government regulation. Mining activities by individuals are restricted. Individuals are not permitted to exploit mineral reserves allocated for exploitation by a mining enterprise or company, or specified minerals prescribed by the State for protective mining. Indiscriminate mining that damages mineral resources is prohibited.

If mining activities result in damage to arable land, grassland or afforested area, the mining operator must take measures to return the land to an arable state within the prescribed time frame. Any entity or individual which fails to fulfill its remediation obligations may be fined and denied application for land use rights for new land by the relevant land and natural resources authorities.

It is unlawful for an entity or individual to conduct mining operations in areas designated for other legal mining operators. A mining operator whose exploitation causes harm to others in terms of production or in terms of living standards is liable for compensation and is required to take necessary remedial measures. When a mine is closed, a mine closure report and information concerning the mining facilities, hidden dangers, remediation and environmental protection must be submitted for examination and approval in accordance with the relevant PRC law and regulations.

The mineral products illegally extracted and the income derived from such activities may be confiscated and may result in fines, revocation of the mining permit and, in serious circumstances, criminal liability.

Tax Laws and Regulation

In March 2007, the PRC government promulgated the Enterprise Income Tax Law which became effective from January 1, 2008. The Enterprise Income Tax Law imposes a single income tax rate of 25% on both domestic and foreign invested enterprises. The Tax Law of the People's Republic of China for Enterprises with Foreign Investment and Foreign Enterprises (the "FIE and FE tax laws") and Provisional Regulations of the PRC on Enterprise Income Tax were abolished simultaneously. The Enterprise Income Tax Law provides for a 5-year transitional period for those entities that applied FIE and FE tax laws in previous years. On December 6, 2007, PRC government promulgated the Enterprise Income Tax Law Implementation Rules which also became effective on January 1, 2008.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

We are organized as a joint stock limited company under PRC law. As of December 31, 2008, Chinalco, Baotou Group, Lanzhou Aluminum Factory, Guiyang Aluminum Magnesium Design and Research Institute and public shareholders owned 38.56%, 2.60%, 0.58%, 0.03% and 58.23%, respectively, of our issued share capital.

 

- 42 -

 


 

In late May, 2008, we acquired 56.86% of the equity interest in Huaxi Aluminum, 75% of the equity interest in Chalco Ruimin, 100% of the equity interest in Chalco Southwest Aluminum Cold Rolling and Liancheng Longxing Aluminum Company Limited, 60% of the equity interest in Chalco Southwest Aluminum, 71.01% of the equity interest in Henan Aluminum from Chinalco and 13.01% of the equity interest in Henan Aluminum from China Nonferrous Metals Technology on the China Beijing Equity Exchange. In addition, we also acquired the aluminum alloy business of Pingguo Aluminum in 2008.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Land

Chinalco leases to us 459 pieces or parcels of land, located in eight provinces, covering an aggregate area of approximately 61.9 million square meters for the purposes of all aspects of our operations and businesses. The leased land mainly consists of:

 

*

449 pieces of allocated land with an area of approximately 61.0 million square meters, on which Chinalco has obtained authorization from the relevant administrative authorities to manage and lease the land use rights; and

 

 

*

6 pieces of land with an area of approximately 202,435 square meters for which Chinalco has paid the land premiums and has been granted land use rights certificates.

 

 

 

The land is leased for the following terms:

 

 

*

allocated land: 50 years commencing from July 1, 2001 (except for land use rights of mines operated by us, whose leased terms shall end on the expiration date of the mining rights or at the end of the actual mine life, whichever is earlier); and

 

 

*

granted land: until expiration of the relevant land use right permits.

 

 

- 43 -

 


 

Buildings

Our principal executive offices, which we lease from Chinalco, are located at No. 62 North Xizhimen Street, Hai Dian District, Beijing, People's Republic of China, 100082.

Pursuant to the reorganization, Chinalco transferred to us, among other operating assets, ownership of the buildings and properties for the operation of our core businesses, with Chinalco retaining the remaining buildings and properties for Chinalco's remaining operations. The buildings transferred to us comprise 4,631 buildings with an aggregate gross area of approximately 4.2 million square meters.

The buildings transferred to us pursuant to the reorganization, which are located on land leased from Chinalco, may be sold or transferred only with the consent of Chinalco and in accordance with applicable land transfer procedures. Chinalco has undertaken to provide its consent and the necessary assistance to affect land grant procedures to ensure that our buildings can be legally transferred or sold.

We and Chinalco also lease to each other a number of other buildings and properties for ancillary uses, which comprise mainly buildings for offices, dormitory, canteen and storage purposes. We lease 59 buildings to Chinalco, with an aggregate gross area of approximately 62,819 square meters. Chinalco leases 100 buildings to us, with an aggregate gross area of approximately 273,637 square meters. The lease terms of all these buildings are 20 years commencing from July 1, 2001. Chinalco had obtained proper land and building title certificates for all of the buildings it leases to us by the end of 2004. On March 28, 2005, we entered into a tenancy agreement with China Aluminum Development Company Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chinalco, in respect of the office premisses at 12th to 16th floors and 18th to 31st floors of No. 62 North Xizhimen Street, Hai Dian District, Beijing, PRC with an aggregate gross floor area of 30,160.81 square meters for a term of three years. On October 15, 2008, our tenancy agreement with China Aluminum Development Company Limited expired, and we renewed the tenancy agreement to extend it for another three years commencing on October 16, 2008, pursuant to which, the agreegated gross floor area we lease under such tenancy agreement has been increased to 30,187.9 square meters.

For environmental issues in relation to the utilization of our assets, please refer to "Item 4. Environmental Protection".

Our Expansion

Our capital expansion plan for 2009 requires a total of RMB13.4 billion in capital expenditures for technology upgrading and expansion projects to increase our annual production capacity. In 2009, our annual production capacities of alumina and aluminum fabrication are expected to increase by 200,000 tonnes and 345,000 tonnes, respectively. For more information, see "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects - Capital Expenditure Plan".

The following table shows the expected aggregate effects of our expansion and improvement plans for our alumina and primary aluminum production facilities for 2009:

 

 

 

Production

Expected Production

 

Planned Capital

Capacity as of

Capacity as of

 

Investment for 2009

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2009

 




 

(RMB in billions)

(in thousand tonnes)

 

 

 

Alumina(1)

5.8

11,077.0

11,277.0(1)

Primary aluminum(2)

1.8

3,991.2

3,922.2(2)

Aluminum fabrication(3)

2.2

982.0

1,327.0(3)

Others(4)

3.6(4)

-

-

 

 

 

 

- 44 -

 


 

(1)

includes 200,000 tonnes of expected production capacity as of December 31, 2009 from Zhongzhou branch.

 

 

(2)

the production capacity of primary aluminium is expected to decrease by 69,000 tonnes from 2008 because we have suspended the operation of high energy consumption facilities.

 

 

(3)

includes 110,000 tonnes of expected production capacity as of December 31, 2009 from Chalco Nanhai, 80,000 tonnes from Henan Aluminum following the completion of its cold rolling production line with an annual capacity of 100,000 tonnes and production capacity increase of 150,000 tonnes of Chalco Ruimin.

 

 

(4)

expected to be used for research and development, exploration, construction of information technology system and preliminary phase of overseas projects.

 

 

Capital expenditures are expected to further expand our alumina and primary aluminum production capacities to further enhance synergies arising from economies of scale, vertical integration and reduction of our unit production cost.

 

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In 2009, we will continue the expansion and restructuring of our primary aluminum, alumina and aluminum alloy projects, the majority of which are included as follows:

 

*

Chalco Southwest Aluminum Cold Rolling aluminum fabrication project. This project is expected to be completed in 2010 and we expect the completion of this project to increase our annual aluminum fabrication products production capacity by 250,000 tonnes. We expect to invest RMB1.64 billion in this project and by the end of 2008, we had invested RMB1.05 billion.

 

 

*

Chalco Ruimin aluminum fabrication project. This project is expected to be completed in 2010 and we expect the completion of this project to increase our annual aluminum fabrication products production capacity by 250,000 tonnes. We expect to invest RMB2.87 billion in this project and by the end of 2008, we had invested RMB700 million.

 

 

*

Chalco Zunyi alumina project. This project is expected to be completed in 2010 and we expect the completion of this project to increase our annual alumina production capacity by 800,000 tonnes. The total investment for this project is RMB4.41 billion and we had invested RMB2.23 billion by the end of 2008.

 

 

*

Zhongzhou branch alumina renovation project. This project is expected to be completed in 2009, and we expect the completion of this project to increase our annual alumina production capacity by 200,000 tonnes.

 

 

*

Chalco Nanhai aluminum alloy project. This project is expected to be completed in 2009, and we expect the completion of this project to increase our annual aluminum alloy production capacity by 110,000 tonnes.

 

 

*

Henan Aluminum cold rolling project. This project is expected to be completed in 2009, and we expect the completion of this project to increase our annual aluminum fabrication products production capacity by 85,000 tonnes.

 

 

*

Chongqing branch alumina project. This project is expected to be completed in 2010, and we expect the completion of this project to increase our annual alumina production capacity by 800,000 tonnes. We expect to invest RMB4.97 billion in this project and by the end of 2008, we had invested RMB2.47 billion.

 

 

*

Zunyi Aluminum project. This project is expected to be completed in 2010, and we expect the completion of this project to increase our annual alumina production capacity by 800,000 tonnes.

 

 

We intend to fund these capital expenditures through a combination of internal funds derived from our own operations and the proceeds from medium-term and long-term debt financing.

The preceding paragraphs provide a summary of our current capital expenditure plans for our major projects. These plans have been developed based on facts currently known to us, assumptions we believe to be reasonable and our estimates of market and other conditions. They may change as circumstances change, and may be modified as our business plans evolve. Other than as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to publish updates of our plans or their implementation status.

 

ITEM 4A.

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None

ITEM 5.

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements, and selected historical financial data, in each case together with the accompanying notes, included elsewhere in this annual report. This section contains certain expressions such as "expect", "anticipate" "believe", "seek", "estimate", "intend"", "should", "may" or other terms or phrases which are forward-looking statements involving risks and uncertainties. See "Item 3 Key Information - Risk Factors". Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of our future performance or results and our actual results could materially differ from those disclosed in the forward-looking statements.

 

- 46 -

 


 

The HKFRS financial information discussed in this section have been restated after taking into account the effects of common control business combinations that took place in 2007 and 2008, which were accounted for using merger accounting. See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Critical Accounting Policies

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with HKFRS, which requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgment in the process of applying the accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgment or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements are disclosed in Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements. We have established procedures and processes to facilitate the making of such judgments in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Management has used the best information available but actual performance may differ from our management's estimates and future changes in key variables could change future reported amounts in our financial statements.

Property, Plant and Equipment

The carrying amounts of long-lived assets are reviewed whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. An impairment exists when the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is measured at the higher of net selling price and value in use, calculated based on discounted future pre-tax cash flows related to the asset or the cash generating unit to which the assets belong. A cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows from continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or group of assets. Estimates of future cash flows include the cash inflows from continuing use of the asset and cash outflows to prepare the asset for use that can be directly attributed, or allocated on a reasonable and consistent basis, to the asset. If applicable, estimates also include net cash flows to be received (or paid) for the disposal of the asset at the end of its useful life. Management made a number of significant assumptions and estimates in the application of the discounted future cash flow model to forecast operating cash flows, including business prospects, market conditions, selling prices and sales volume of products and costs of production. If there is an indication of impairment, the carrying amount of such assets is written down to its recoverable amount. In addition, we determine the estimated useful lives of our property, plants and equipment based on the historical experience of the actual useful lives of property, plant and equipment of similar nature and functions. Management will increase the depreciation charge where useful lives are less than previous estimates, and will write-off or write-down technically obsolete or non-strategic assets that have been abandoned or sold. Results in actual transactions could differ from those estimates used to evaluate the useful lives and impairment of such long-lived assets.

 

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Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase consideration over the fair values ascribed to the identifiable net assets of entities acquired. Until December 31, 2004, under HKFRS, goodwill resulting from acquisitions under purchase accounting was recognized as an intangible asset and amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful economic life of not more than 20 years. In accordance with the provisions of HKFRS 3 effective from January 1, 2005, the Group has ceased amortization of goodwill. Separately recognized goodwill is tested annually for impairment and carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units for the purpose of impairment testing. The allocation is made to those cash-generating units or groups of cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the business combinations in which the goodwill arose. Impairment losses on goodwill are not reversed. Under U.S. GAAP, annual amortization of this amount ceased effective from January 1, 2002. Goodwill is subject to annual impairment testing and is written down if carrying value exceeds implied fair value. Management made a number of significant assumptions and estimates in the application of the discounted future cash flow model to forecast operating cash flows, including business prospects, market conditions, selling prices and sales volumes of products and costs of production. Management considers both past data and all currently available information at the time the valuations of its businesses are performed. Results in actual transactions could differ from those estimates used to evaluate the impairment of goodwill.

Inventories

The Group's management tests whether inventory suffered any impairment based on estimates of the net realizable value of the inventory. For different types of inventories, we have made estimates and assumptions relating to selling price, costs of conversion, selling expenses and related tax expense to calculate their net realizable value. It is reasonably possible, that if there is a significant change in the Group's business operations and external conditions, the net realizable value within the next financial year would be significantly affected.

U.S. GAAP Reconciliation

Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with HKFRS, which differs in various material respects from U.S. GAAP. See Note 35 to our audited consolidated financial statements. The summary of differences involves management's estimates and assumptions which may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and revenues and expenses.

New HKFRS and US GAAP pronouncements

For a detailed discussion of new accounting pronouncements, please see Notes 2(a)(ii) and 35(k) to our audited consolidated financial statements.

Overview

We are the largest producer of alumina, primary aluminum and aluminum fabrication products in China. We were the third largest producer of alumina and the fourth largest producer of primary aluminum in the world in terms of production volumes for the year ended December 31, 2008. We are engaged principally in alumina refining, primary aluminum smelting and aluminum fabrication. We organize and manage our operations according to the following business segments:

 

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*

Alumina segment, which consists of mining and purchasing bauxite and other raw materials, refining bauxite into alumina, and selling alumina both internally to our primary aluminum smelters and externally to customers outside of our Company. This segment also includes the production and sale of chemical alumina (including alumina hydrate and alumina chemicals) and gallium.

 

 

*

Primary aluminum segment, which consists of procuring alumina and other raw materials, supplemental materials and electricity, smelting alumina to produce primary aluminum, and selling primary aluminum products to the Group's internal aluminum fabrication plants and external customers. This segment also includes production and sales of carbon products and aluminum alloy products.

 

 

*

Aluminum fabrication segment, which consists of purchasing primary aluminum, other raw materials, supplemental materials and electric power, and processing primary aluminum into and sales of, seven main aluminum fabrication products, including casts, planks, screens, extrusions, forges, powder and die castings.

 

 

*

Others include activities of the headquarters and other operations of the Group, including research and development activities relating to aluminum business.

 

 

Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations

Our results of operations and the period-to-period comparability of our financial results are affected by a number of external factors. Our financial statements may not be indicative of our future earnings, cash flows or financial position for numerous reasons including those described below.

Acquisitions

Our results of operations and financial condition have been and will continue to be affected by subsidiaries, associates and branches we have acquired or will acquire. In 2007, we acquired Baotou Aluminum, which increased our annual production capacity of primary aluminum by 307,000 tonnes as of December 31, 2007. In 2008, we acquired 100% of the equity interest in Liancheng Longxing Aluminum Company Limited and Chalco Southwest Aluminum Cold Rolling, 56.86% of the equity interest in Huaxi Aluminum, 75% of the equity interest in Chalco Ruimin, 60% of the equity interest in Chalco Southwest Aluminum and 84.02% of the equity interest in Henan Aluminum in 2008, which increased our annual aluminum fabrication production capacity and primary aluminum production capacity by 762,000 tonnes and 230,000 tones, respectively, as of December 31, 2008.

Alumina Prices

We sell our alumina products by way of spot sales and under long-term contracts. Pricing for our alumina products is determined by the nature of the sale as described below.

Spot sales. We set uniform prices for all our external sales of alumina by reference to alumina prices in reference markets, the market supply and demand conditions as well as our short-term and mid-term projections. Our pricing generally takes into account:

 

*

alumina exports into China, CLF Chinese ports;

 

 

*

international transportation costs;

 

 

*

the applicable standard PRC import tariff;

 

 

*

value-added tax at 17%;

 

 

*

import related fees; and

 

 

*

domestic demand and supply conditions.

 

 

- 49 -

 


 

In 2008, the international and domestic spot prices of alumina decreased gradually due to a number of factors including, but not limited to, the rapid expansion of alumina production capacity, sharp decrease in demand as a result of the reduction in production by primary aluminum producers brought about by international financial crisis. The spot price of alumina in the international market supplied to PRC reached its highest point at approximately US$450 per tonne and bottomed at approximately US$200 per tonne, the spot price of alumina in the domestic market reached its highest point at RMB4,500 (US$659.6) per tonne and bottomed at RMB1,850 (US$271.2) per tonne. The annual average import price of alumina in 2008 was US$357 per tonne, representing a year-on-year decrease of 9.2%. The yearly average selling price of our alumina in 2008 was RMB3,171 per tonne, representing a year-on-year decrease of 7.1%.

The global output of alumina for 2008 was approximately 79.18 million tonnes, representing a year-on-year increase of 6.2%. The global alumina consumption reached approximately 78.07 million tonnes, representing a year-on-year increase of 4.5%. In response to the decrease in demand from aluminum producers, global alumina manufacturers started to reduce their production scales in the fourth quarter of 2008. As of the end of December 2008, approximately 9.8% of the total global alumina production capacity was idled, while in China, approximately 24.4% of the alumina production capacity was idled. In 2008, the domestic output of alumina products reached approximately 22.78 million tonnes, representing a year-on-year increase of 17.1%. The domestic consumption of alumina was approximately 26.70 million tonnes, representing a year-on-year increase of 2.7%. In 2008, alumina imported into the PRC amounted to approximately 4.58 million tonnes, representing a year-on-year decrease of 12.4%.

Long-term contracts sales. Internationally, the customary practice for alumina pricing under long-term contracts is by reference to the LME prices for primary aluminum. Since 2001, we have entered into a number of domestic long-term alumina sales contracts with terms ranging from three to five years, pursuant to which, the sales price is set as a percentage of the three-month primary aluminum prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange ("SHFE"). As a result, fluctuations of primary aluminum prices on the SHFE can affect our alumina prices under these long-term contracts, and the significance of such effects may increase as we increase the proportion of alumina sales under long-term contracts. We sold approximately 2.6 million tonnes of alumina under long-term contracts in 2008.

Primary Aluminum Prices

Like most primary aluminum producers in China, we price our primary aluminum products by reference to SHFE spot prices. The SHFE primary aluminum spot prices generally reflect LME primary aluminum spot prices, plus an amount on account of international transportation, import tariffs, value-added tax and other import-related costs. Thus, fluctuations in the SHFE (and, by extension, the LME) spot prices affect our operating results. Primary aluminum prices on the SHFE and LME tend to be cyclical and volatile. The following table sets out the average three-month primary aluminum futures price on LME and the SHFE in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

 

 

2006

2007

2008

 


 

(U.S. Dollar per tonne)

 

 

LME

2,591.0

2,661.0

2,573.0

Shanghai Futures Exchange

2,227.0

2,294.0

2,180.0

 

 

 

 

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During the year 2008, the international and domestic prices of primary aluminum were volatile. Prior to September 2008, affected by various factors such as the U.S. subprime crisis, economic slowdown in western countries as well as power restriction and production cuts of primary aluminum in countries such as the PRC and South Africa, the highest spot price of aluminum at the LME reached US$3,260 per tonne as compared with the lowest spot price of US$2,370 per tonne. The highest and the lowest spot prices of aluminum on the SHFE were RMB21,600 per tonne and RMB18,040 per tonne respectively. Since October 2008, the aluminum price experienced a drastic fall with intensification of the international financial crisis. Spot prices of aluminum on the LME and SHFE hit a record low of US$1,471 per tonne and RMB10,050 per tonne, respectively. The average spot price of aluminum as quoted by LME in 2008 was US$2,573 per tonne, representing a decrease of 2.5% compared with the prior year, while that of SHFE was RMB17,345 per tonne, representing a decrease of 11.4% compared with the prior year.

In 2008, the global output of primary aluminum reached approximately 39.96 million tonnes, representing an increase of 4.7% over 2007. The global consumption of aluminum reached approximately 38.13 million tonnes, representing an increase of 0.8% over 2007. Since 2008, especially in the fourth quarter of 2008 when the international financial crisis posed a deepening impact on enterprises' results, major aluminum consumption industries such as the real estate and automobile sectors have seen negative growth, followed by decreased global aluminum consumption and increase in inventories. In light of the drastic decline in aluminum prices and decreased consumption, both domestic and international aluminum producers reduced production. As of the end of December 2008, approximately 13.5% of the global aluminum production capacity was idled, while in China, approximately 24.1% of the aluminum production capacity was idled. In 2008, the domestic output of primary aluminum reached approximately 13.18 million tonnes, representing an increase of 4.9% over 2007 and the domestic consumption of primary aluminum reached approximately 12.50 million tonnes, representing an increase of 0.5% over 2007.

Electricity Prices

The smelting of primary aluminum requires a substantial and continuous supply of electricity. Therefore, the availability and price of electricity are key considerations in our primary aluminum production operations. Interruptions of electricity supply can result in lengthy production shutdowns, increased costs associated with restarting production and waste of production in progress. In extreme cases, interruptions of electricity supply can also cause damage to or destruction of the equipment and facilities. The preferential electricity prices originally enjoyed by Chinese primary aluminum enterprises are being gradually eliminated according to "Notice on Further Solutions to the Differences in Electricity Rates" issued by the Chinese government in October 2007, which further increased the costs for our primary aluminum production. The prices of electricity increased during the first three quarters of 2008 due to the gradual abolishment of the preferential policies and adjustment of the electricity prices by the State, and then decreased in some provinces during the last quarter of 2008. The average annual price of electricity increased by 9.7% from 2007 to 2008. In addition, several Chinese provinces experienced power shortages in the first quarter of 2008 mainly due to damage to power supply caused by the severe weather conditions. In 2009, nine of our primary aluminum smelters were selected to participate in a direct electricity purchase program, which allows those smelters to purchase electricity supply directly from power generation enterprises. We are negotiating with relevant power generation enterprises on the terms of electricity supply under such program and if successful, we believe the electricity prices for those smelters will decrease in 2009. Electricity accounted for approximately 7.8% of our unit alumina production costs and 36.4% of our unit primary aluminum production costs in 2008.

Debt and Financing Costs

Our financing costs consist predominantly of interest expense on our borrowings. Our debts have been incurred mainly to fund our capital expenditures. Interest rates on loans related to capital expenditures and working capital set by banks generally follow guidelines issued by the People's Bank of China. The People's Bank of China increased interest rates for commercial loans chargeable by state-owned banks in 2006, 2007 and first three quarters in 2008, which correspondingly increased our interest expense on our floating rate loans during these periods. In the fourth quarter of 2008, the People's Bank of China started to reduce such interest rates. In 2008, we incurred interest expense of RMB1,864.7 million on our short-term, medium-term and long-term borrowings, representing a 52.1% increase compared with 2007. Such increase was primarily due to an increase in the outstanding bank loans and other borrowings, including short-term and long-term bonds and medium-term notes.

Consolidated results of operations

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain income and expense items as a percentage of our revenue from our consolidated statements of income:

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 


 

2006

2007

2008

 




 

(%)

(%)

(%)

 

 

 

 

Revenue

100.0

100.0

100.0

Cost of sales

(70.5)

(76.2)

(91.3)

 




 

 

 

 

Gross profit

29.5

23.8

8.7

Other gains, net

0.5

0.2

0.5

Selling and distribution expenses

(1.6)

(1.6)

(2.0)

General and administrative expenses

(3.7)

(3.6)

(4.6)

Research and development expenses

(0.2)

(0.3)

(0.2)

 




 

 

 

 

Operating profit

24.5

18.5

2.4

Finance costs, net

(1.1)

(1.2)

(2.3)

 




 

 

 

 

Operating profit after net finance costs

23.4

17.3

0.1

 




 

 

 

 

- 51 -

 


 

Sales to Chinalco and its subsidiaries, jointly-controlled entities, associates and other related parties accounted for approximately 15.1% and 11.0% of consolidated revenue for the two years ended December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively. For information on related party transactions, see "Item 7 - Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions - Related Party Transactions" and Note 31 to our audited consolidated financial statements.

Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2007

Results of Operations.

Our net profit attributable to our equity holders decreased by 99.9% from RMB10,753.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 to RMB9.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.

Revenue

Our total revenue decreased by 9.9% from RMB85,198.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 to RMB76,725.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, primarily due to the decrease in the prices of our products. In 2008, our average selling prices of alumina and primary aluminum decreased by 7.6% and 15.0%, respectively, from 2007. Meanwhile, our external sales volume of alumina decreased by 23.1% from 5,545,100 tonnes (including sales volume from trading of 1,270,000 tonnes) in 2007 to 4,264,400 tonnes (including sales volume from trading of 1,134,800 tonnes) in 2008. The decrease was primarily due to our increased self-consumption of alumina by our own smelters and reduction in alumina production in the fourth quarter in response to decrease in demand resulting from the international financial crisis. Our external sales volume of primary aluminum increased by 11.2% from 2,760,000 tonnes in 2007 to 3,070,000 tonnes in 2008 primarily because we consolidated the results of Jiaozuo Wanfang which became our subsidiary in 2008 as we obtained its de facto control.

Cost of Sales

Our total cost of sales increased by 7.9% from RMB64,936.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 to RMB70,073.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, primarily due to an increase in the prices of bauxite, supplemental materials, fuel and electricity.

We have adopted effective measures and implemented flexible production plans to mitigate the adverse impact arising from cost increase to a certain extent, such measures include (i) proactive measures to reduce the procurement cost of raw materials, fuels and ore; (ii) trimming down expenses and the cost of staff and (iii) reducing average production cost through advancement in technology.

Selling and Distribution Expenses

Our selling and distribution expenses increased by 15.3% from RMB1,355.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 to RMB1,562.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, primarily due to increase in transportation and loading expenses and increase in packaging expenses, storage fees and port expenses. Our transportation expenses increased primarily due to the snow storm in early 2008 and earthquakes in Sichuan in May 2008, which forced us to use more road transportation, which was more expensive than by rail, as well as the increase in the oil prices.

General and Administrative Expenses

Our general and administrative expenses increased by 13.8% from RMB3,042.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 to RMB3,462.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, primarily due to the impairment of inventory in accordance with changes in market condition, representing an increase of provision for inventory obsolescence of RMB890.9 million.

On December 31, 2008, we conducted an impairment test on all of our inventories, which took into consideration the production plans of the Group and the financial budget and with reference to inventory turnover, purpose of inventories and post balance sheet events to arrive at provisions for inventory impairment for 2008 in accordance with accounting standards. Subsequent to a thorough testing, the provisions for inventory impairment of the Group in 2008 amounted to RMB916.3 million. The loss arising from such impairment classified under the general and administrative expenses increased by RMB890.9 million over 2007.

In 2008, no other assets have recorded material impairment loss upon evaluation.

 

- 52 -

 


 

Research and Development Expenses

Our expenditure for research and development decreased by 22.8% from RMB229.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 to RMB177.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.

Other Gains, Net

Our net other gains increased by 134.6% from RMB158.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 to RMB372.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, primarily due to an increase in government grants and an increase in realized and unrealized gains on future and option contracts.

Operating Profit

As a result of the foregoing, our operating profit decreased by 88.5% from RMB15,793.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 to RMB1,822.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. Our operating profit as a percentage of revenue was 2.4% in 2008 and 18.5% in 2007.

Finance Costs, Net

Our net finance costs increased by 64.4% from RMB1,040.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 to RMB1,709.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, primarily due to the increase in the outstanding bank loans, issuance of corporate bonds and increase in interest rates. In addition, our net exchange loss increased by 210.7% from RMB12.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 to RMB37.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, primarily due to changes in foreign exchange rates.

Income Tax

We had income tax benefits of RMB33.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 primarily because the Group's profit decreased significantly, certain subsidiaries recorded losses and the Group was entitled to the preferential policies on the reduction and exemption of enterprises income tax for our purchase of domestically manufactured production equipment in 2007 and 2008.

For the year ended December 31, 2007, we had income tax expense of RMB2,869.2 million.

Minority Interest

Minority interest decreased by 89.1% from RMB1,370.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 to RMB149.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 due to decrease in profits of our subsidiaries other than wholly-owned subsidiaries.

Year Ended December 31, 2007 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2006

Results of Operations

Our net profit attributable to our equity holders decreased by 11.1% from RMB12,093.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 to RMB10,753.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

- 53 -

 


 

Revenue

Our total revenue increased by 14.7% from RMB74,287.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 to RMB85,198.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the sales of primary aluminum partially offset by decrease in the average price of primary aluminum. Our sales volume of primary aluminum to third party customers reached 2,760,000 tonnes, representing an increase of 29.2% from 2,135,900 tonnes in 2006. The growth was primarily attributable to the increase in the production volume of primary aluminum, as a result of the acquisition and establishment of Zunyi Aluminum and other subsidiaries and the merger with Lanzhou Aluminum. The increase in the sale of primary aluminum was also attributable to the increased efficiency in production output through technological innovation of production lines and the increase in trade sales. Our external sales volume of alumina decreased from 6,275,700 tonnes in 2006 to 4,830,000 tonnes in 2007 primarily because of the shift of external sales of alumina to internal sales due to our acquisition of addition aluminum smelters.

Our average external selling price of primary aluminum decreased from RMB17,463 per tonne in 2006 to RMB16,828 per tonne in 2007 due to the general market decline in demand for primary aluminum. Our external selling price of alumina also decreased from RMB3,618 per tonne in 2006 to RMB3,171 per tonne in 2007 due to the general market decline in demand for alumina.

Cost of Sales

Our total cost of sales increased by 24.0% from RMB52,358.3 million in 2006 to RMB64,936.1 million in 2007. The increase was mainly attributable to the growth in external sales volumes of primary aluminum and alumina and the increase in the prices of bauxite and coal.

Selling and Distribution Expenses

Our selling and distribution expenses increased by 14.4% from RMB1,185.1 million in 2006 to RMB1,355.5 million in 2007, primarily attributable to the increase in transportation and loading/unloading expenses resulting from the growth of sales volume of primary aluminum products.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses increased by 7.7% from RMB2,825.9 million in 2006 to RMB3,042.4 million in 2007. The increase was mainly attributable to increase in expenses on depreciation for office equipment by approximately RMB85.3 million, increase in losses on assets disposal by approximately RMB77.2 million and increase in rental expenses by RMB71.6 million partially offset by decrease in salaries and welfare expenses by approximately RMB259.1 million.

 

- 54 -

 


 

Research and Development Expenses

Our expenditure for research and development increased by 81.9% from RMB126.3 million in 2006 to RMB229.8 million in 2007.

Other Gains, Net

Net other gains decreased by 57.4% from RMB373.1 million in 2006 to RMB158.9 million in 2007, primarily attributable to negative goodwill of RMB236 million arising from the acquisitions of subsidiaries in the year of 2006, whereas there was no such item in 2007.

Operating Profit

As a result of the foregoing, our operating profit decreased by 13.1% from RMB18,164.5 million in 2006 to RMB15,793.9 million in 2007. Our operating profit as a percentage of revenue was 24.5% in 2006 and 18.5% in 2007.

Finance Costs, Net

Our net finance costs increased by 30.7% from RMB795.9 million in 2006 to RMB1,040.2 million in 2007. This was attributable to the increase of interest expense arising from the increase in the outstanding bank loans as well as interest rates.

Income Tax Expense

Our income tax expense decreased by 35.7% from RMB4,465.3 million in 2006 to RMB2,869.2 million in 2007. Of this amount, approximately RMB800 million was due to a year-on-year decrease in our profit and a decrease of an aggregate of RMB805 million due to the preferential policies on reduction and exemption of enterprise income tax for the purchase of domestically-manufactured production equipment, which resulted in decrease of income tax expense of RMB737 million as compared with 2007. In 2007, our average tax rate was 19.1%, which was lower than the average tax rate of 25.6% in 2006 and the statutory tax rate of 33.0%, primarily due to the decrease of consolidated tax rate as a result of our merger and acquisition of Lanzhou Aluminum, Baotou Aluminum, as well as the establishment of Zunyi Aluminum. The decrease was also attributable to the preferential policies that we enjoyed in 2007 in respect of the reduction and exemption of enterprise income tax for the purchase of domestically manufactured production equipment.

Minority Interest

Minority interest increased by 51.6% from RMB903.9 million in 2006 to RMB1,370.1 million in 2007, primarily due to the increase in the minority interest after the acquisition of subsidiaries in which we hold less than 100% of the equity interest.

 

- 55 -

 


 

Discussion of Segment Operations

We account for our operations on a segmental basis, that is, separately accounting for the alumina, primary aluminum and aluminum fabrication segments as well as other operations segment. Unless otherwise indicated, also included in these segments are other revenues derived from such activities as supplying electricity, gas, heat and water to affiliates, selling scrap and other materials, and providing services including transportation and research and development to third parties. Interest income included in net finance costs is not attributed to any segments. For additional data and information relating to our business segments and segment presentation, see Note 22 to our audited consolidated financial statements.

The following table sets forth (i) revenue by segment for the periods indicated, and (ii) the contribution of external sales and inter-segment sales for 2008 as a percentage of revenue for such period, both before and after elimination of inter-segment sales.

 

 

 

After

 

 

Elimination of

 

 

Inter-segment

 

Before Elimination of Inter-segment Sales

Sales

 



 

Years Ended December 31,

 

2006

2007

2008

2008

2008

 






 

RMB

RMB

RMB

%

%

 






 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

Alumina:

 

 

 

 

 

External sales

25,111.5

19,435.2

14,510.6

15.1

18.9

Inter-segment sales

13,157.3

15,694.7

16,431.4

17.0

 

 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

38,268.8

35,129.9

30,942.0

32.1

 

 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Primary aluminum:

 

 

 

 

 

External sales

41,167.0

51,834.9

48,428.8

50.3

63.1

Inter-Segment sales

557.5

2,342.4

3,158.6

3.3

 

 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

41,724.5

54,177.3

51,587.4

53.6

 

 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aluminum fabrication:

 

 

 

 

 

External sales

7,177.7

12,491.3

10,899.7

11.3

14.2

 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

7,177.7

12,491.3

10,899.7

11.3

 

 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Others:

 

 

 

 

 

External sales

830.8

1,437.4

2,886.8

3.0

3.8

 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Revenue before

 

 

 

 

 

    Inter-segment eliminations

88,001.8

103,235.9

96,315.9

100.0

 

Eliminations of inter-segment sales

(13,714.8)

(18,037.1)

(19,590.0)

 

 

 




 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated total sales

74,287.0

85,198.8

76,725.9

 

100.0

 






 

 

 

 

 

 

- 56 -

 


 

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, revenue, costs of sales, other costs net of other revenues and other income, and segment results by segment before and after elimination of inter-segment transactions.

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 


 

2006

2007

2008

 




 

RMB

RMB

RMB

 




 

(in millions)

 

 

Alumina:

 

 

 

Sales

38,268.8

35,129.9

30,942.0

Total operating expenses

(24,410.3)

(27,238.7)

(29,360.0)

 




 

 

 

 

Segment results

13,858.5

7,891.2

1,582.0

 

 

 

 

Primary aluminum:

 

 

 

Sales

41,724.5

54,177.3

51,587.4

Total operating expenses

(36,372.6)

(46,366.9)

(51,103.3)

 




 

 

 

 

Segment results

5,351.9

7,810.4

484.1

 

 

 

 

Aluminum Fabrication:

 

 

 

Sales

7,177.7

12,491.3

10,899.7

Total operating expenses

(6,972.9)

(12,359.0)

(11,213.8)

 




 

 

 

 

Segment results

204.8

132.3

(314.1)

 

 

 

 

Others:

 

 

 

Sales

830.8

1,437.4

2,886.9

Total operating expenses

(890.2)

(1,458.0)

(2,850.6)

 




 

 

 

 

Segment results

(59.4)

(20.6)

36.3

 

 

 

 

- 57 -

 


 

Elimination

(331.6)

429.8

266.2

 




 

 

 

 

Total operating income

19,024.2

16,243.1

2,054.5

 




 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2007.

Alumina Segment

Revenue. Total revenue of the alumina segment decreased by 11.9% from RMB35,129.9 million in 2007 to RMB30,942.0 million in 2008, primarily due to decrease in the price of alumina in 2008.

Revenue from external sales of the alumina segment decreased by 25.3% from RMB19,435.2 million in 2007 to RMB14,510.7 million in 2008, mainly due to the decrease in external sales volume as well as decrease in the selling prices. External sales volume of alumina decreased by 23.1% from 5,545,100 tonnes (including sales volume from trading of 1,270,000 tonnes) in 2007 to 4,264,400 tonnes (including sales volume from trading of 1,134,800 tonnes) in 2008. The decrease was primarily due to our increased self-consumption of alumina by our own smelters and reduction in alumina production in the fourth quarter in response to the decrease in demand resulting from the international financial crisis. Our external average selling price of alumina decreased by 7.1% from RMB2,918 per tonne in 2007 to RMB2,710 per tonne.

Revenue from the sales of alumina to our smelters increased by 4.7% from RMB15,694.7 million in 2007 to RMB16,431.4 million in 2008 primarily due to an increase in our primary aluminum output as a result of consolidation of the results of Jiaozuo Wanfang.

Cost of Sales. Alumina segment cost of sales increased by 7.8% from RMB27,238.7 million in 2007 to RMB29,360.0 million in 2008, primarily due to the increase in the prices of bauxite, alkali, coal, fuel and other supplemental materials.

Segment Results. Operating profit of the alumina segment decreased by 80.0% from RMB7,891.2 million in 2007 to RMB1,582.1 million in 2008.

Primary Aluminum Segment

Revenue. Total revenue of the primary aluminum segment decreased by 4.8% from RMB54,177.3 million in 2007 to RMB51,587.4 million in 2008, primarily due to the substantial decrease in selling prices caused by decrease in demand brought about by the international financial crisis. The production and sales volume of the primary aluminum segment were also affected by the power shortage caused by the snow storm in early 2008 as well as our reduced production volume during the fourth quarter of 2008 due to decrease in demand.

Revenue from external sales of the primary aluminum segment decreased by 6.6% from RMB51,834.9 million in 2007 to RMB48,428.8 million in 2008, primarily due to decrease in the selling prices of our products, partially offset by the increase in our external sales volume. Affected by the market price of primary aluminum in 2008, our average external selling price of primary aluminum decreased by 15.2% from RMB17,093 per tonne in 2007 to RMB14,503 per tonne in 2008. The external sales volume of primary aluminum increased by 18.5% from 2,122,000 tonnes in 2007 to 2,514,300 tonnes in 2008, mainly due to increased output resulting from the consolidation of the results of Jiaozuo Wanfang.

The internal revenue in the primary aluminum segment increased by 34.8% from RMB2,342.4 million in 2007 to RMB3,158.6 million in 2008 due to increase in demand resulting from the increased output of our aluminum fabrication plants.

Cost of Sales. Primary aluminum segment cost of sales increased by 10.2% from RMB46,366.9 million in 2007 to RMB51,103.3 million in 2008, primarily due to increase in the prices of supplemental materials, and electricity, partially offset by decrease in the price of alumina.

Segment Results. Operating profit of the primary aluminum segment decreased by 93.8% from RMB7,810.4 million in 2007 to RMB484.1 million in 2008.

Aluminum Fabrication Segment

Revenue. Total revenue of the aluminum fabrication segment decreased by 12.7% from RMB12,491.3 million in 2007 to RMB10,899.7 million in 2008, primarily due to decrease in demand.

Cost of Sales. Aluminum fabrication segment cost of sales decreased by 9.3% from RMB12,359.0 million in 2007 to RMB11,213.7 million in 2008, primarily due to decrease in sales of aluminum fabrication products and decrease in the price of primary aluminum.

Segment Results. Our aluminum fabrication segment recorded an operating loss of RMB314.1 million in 2008, compared with an operating profit of RMB132.3 million in 2007.

Year Ended December 31, 2007 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2006

Alumina Segment

Revenue. Total revenue of the alumina segment decreased by 8.2% from RMB38,268.8 million in 2006 to RMB35,129.9 million in 2007, mainly due to a decrease in the price of alumina products.

Revenue from the external sales of alumina segment decreased by 22.6% from RMB25,111.5 million in 2006 to RMB19,435.2 million in 2007, mainly due to the decrease in external sales volume and decrease in the selling price of our alumina.

Revenue from the sales of alumina to our smelters increased by 19.3% from RMB13,157.3 million in 2006 to RMB15,694.7 million in 2007, mainly due to the increase in the total demand for alumina resulting from increased primary aluminum output as a result of the acquisition of additional aluminum smelters.

Cost of Sales. Alumina segment cost of sales increased by 11.6% from RMB24,410.3 million in 2006 to RMB27,238.7 million in 2007, primarily due to an increase in the sales volume of alumina and an increase in the prices of raw materials and supplemental materials.

Segment Results. Operating profit of alumina segment decreased by 43.1% from RMB13,858.5 million in 2006 to RMB7,891.2 million in 2007.

Primary Aluminum Segment

Revenue. Total revenue for the primary aluminum segment increased by 29.8% from RMB41,724.5 million in 2006 to RMB54,177.3 million in 2007, mainly due to the increase in our primary aluminum sales volume resulting from increased production capacity as a result of our acquisition and establishment of additional primary aluminum enterprises and technological renovation to increase the output of primary aluminum.

Revenue from external sales of the primary aluminum segment increased by 25.9% from RMB41,167.0 million in 2006 to RMB51,834.9 million in 2007.

Revenue from internal sales of the primary aluminum segment increased from RMB557.5 million in 2006 to RMB2,342.4 million in 2007, mainly due to the increase in demand from our aluminum fabrication segment resulting from increased production capacity in 2007.

Cost of Sales. Primary aluminum segment cost of sales increased by 27.5% from RMB36,372.6 million in 2006 to RMB46,366.9 million in 2007, primarily due to an increase in the sales volume of primary aluminum in 2007.

Segment Results. Operating profit of the primary aluminum segment increased by 45.9% from RMB5,351.9 million in 2006 to RMB7,810.4 million in 2007.

Aluminum Fabrication Segment

Revenue. Total revenue of the aluminum fabrication segment increased by 74.0% from RMB7,177.7 million in 2006 to RMB12,491.3 million in 2007.

Cost of Sales. Aluminum fabrication segment cost of sales increased by 77.2% from RMB6,972.9 million in 2006 to RMB12,359.0 million in 2007.

Segment Results. Operating profit of the aluminum fabrication segment decreased by 35.4% from RMB204.8 million in 2006 to RMB132.3 million in 2007.

Working Capital and Liabilities

Our primary sources of funding are cash generated by operating activities, prepayments and deposits from customers, short-term and long-term borrowings, and proceeds from equity or debt offerings. Our primary uses of funds have been production-related working capital, repayments of short-term and long-term borrowings and capital expenditures.

 

- 58 -

 


 

Since 2004, we have required our customers to make deposits or prepayments for purchases of alumina. As of December 31, 2008, the total amount of deposits and prepayments received amounted to RMB3,957 million. Our current assets amounted to RMB42,487.0 million as of December 31, 2008, representing an increase of RMB12,212.1 million as compared with RMB30,274.9 million as of December 31, 2007.

As of December 31, 2008, our bank balances and cash amounted to RMB16,295.6 million, representing an increase of RMB7,241.0 million as compared with RMB9,054.6 million as of December 31, 2007.

In February and July 2008, we issued short-term bonds in the principal amount of RMB2 billion and RMB3 billion, respectively with one-year terms for working capital purposes. The fixed annual coupons of these bonds were 4.99% and 4.83%, respectively. The effective interest rates of these bonds were 5.40% and 5.25%, respectively.

As of December 31, 2008, our net accounts receivable amounted to RMB2,035.3 million, representing a decrease of RMB1,683.5 million as compared with RMB3,718.8 million as of December 31, 2007. Of the accounts receivable, notes receivable decreased from RMB2,539.5 million as of December 31, 2007 to RMB722.3 million, while trade receivables increased by RMB133.7 million from RMB1,179.3 million as of December 31, 2007 to RMB1,313.0 million. The revenue rate of trade receivables in 2008 was six days representing an increase of two days as compared with four days in 2007.

As of December 31, 2008, our inventories amounted to RMB19,876.0 million, representing an increase of RMB4,506.2 million as compared with RMB15,369.8 million as of December 31, 2007.

Our net current assets amounted to RMB4,036.2 million as of December 31, 2008. This represented a decrease of RMB2,696.4 million as compared with the net current assets of RMB6,732.6 million as of December 31, 2007.

As of December 31, 2008, our current liabilities amounted to RMB38,450.8 million, representing an increase of RMB14,908.6 million from RMB23,542.2 million at the end of 2007. Of the current liabilities, the total short-term loans increased by RMB8,370.1 million to RMB14,188.2 million in 2008 from RMB5,818.1 million in 2007; short-term bonds amounted to RMB5,152.3 million, representing an increase of RMB2,100.8 million as compared with 2007; and accounts payable and other payables and accrued expenses increased by RMB275.8 million, and RMB3,989.6 million, respectively while current income taxes payables decreased by RMB486.2 million.

As of December 31, 2008, our current ratio (current assets/current liabilities) was 1.10, representing a decrease of 0.19 as compared with 1.29 as of December 31, 2007. Our quick ratio ((current assets - inventories)/current liabilities) was 0.59, representing a decrease of 0.04 as compared with 0.63 in 2007.

On June 13, 2007, we issued long-term corporate bonds with maturity of 10 years in the principal amount of RMB2 billion. The fixed annual coupon and effective rates of these bonds are 4.50% and 4.64%, respectively.

In June 2008, we issued medium-term notes in the principal amount of RMB5 billion with three-year terms for operating cash flows and bank loans re-financing. The fixed annual coupon and effective interest rates of these notes are 5.30% and 5.62%, respectively.

In October 2008, we issued medium-term notes with a total face value of RMB5 billion at par (face value of RMB100 per unit) with five-year terms for operating cash flows and bank loans re-financing. The fixed annual coupon and effective interest rates of these notes are 4.58% and 4.92%, respectively.

As of December 31, 2008, our gearing ratio (net debts/total capital as defined in Note 3(c) to our audited consolidated financial statements) was approximately 51.7% as of December 31, 2008 as compared with approximately 34.2% as of December 31, 2007.

Our ability to obtain additional external financing in the future and the cost of such financing are subject to a variety of uncertainties, including:

 

*

obtaining PRC government approvals required to access domestic or international financing or to undertake any project involving significant capital investment, which, depending on the circumstances, may include one or more approvals from the NDRC, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, the Ministry of Commerce and the China Securities Regulatory Commission;

 

 

*

our future operating performance, financial condition and cash flows;

 

 

*

the cost of financing and the condition of financial markets; and

 

 

*

potential changes in monetary policy of the PRC government with respect to bank interest rates and lending practices.

 

 

- 59 -

 


 

If we fail to achieve timely rollover, extension or refinancing of our short-term debts, we may be unable to meet our obligations in connection with debt servicing, accounts payable and/or other liabilities when they become due and payable.

In light of our good credit standing and various domestic and overseas financing channels, we believe that there will be no difficulty in financing capital investments. Our capital expenditures and external investments are mainly financed by operating activities, long-term and medium-term borrowings and additional shares placement.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Our cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2008 amounted to RMB15,982.1 million, including Renminbi balances and foreign currency deposits of Hong Kong dollar, US$, EURO and Australian dollar which were respectively translated to RMB46.4 million, RMB190.7 million, RMB9.9 million and RMB147.7 million. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, a condensed summary of our statement of cash flows:

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 


 

2006

2007

2008

 




 

RMB

RMB

RMB

 




 

(in millions)

 

 

Net cash generated from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating profit before working capital changes(1)

21,960.0

20,827.1

7,030.2

Net change in working capital(2)

(3,349.2)

(4,649.6)

(560.1)

Interest received

158.5

96.0

186.7

Interest paid

(1,093.7)

(1,490.3)

(2,563.0)

PRC income tax paid

(3,714.0)

(4,130.6)

(1,639.4)

 




 

 

 

 

Total

13,961.6

10,652.6

2,454.4

 




 

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities:

 

 

 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

(7,801.8)

(10,850.2)

(16,788.4)

Purchase of land use rights

(47.0)

(440.8)

(277.4)

Investment in jointly controlled entities

(402.8)

(63.9)

(63.9)

Investment in associates

(247.5)

-

(30.0)

 

 

 

 

- 60 -

 


 

Interest received

33.3

130.4

6.4

(Increase)/Decrease in short-term cash investment

(3,078.0)

2,981.9

-

Net cash (used in)/provided by aquisitions of subsidiaries

(465.2)

173.7

(4,610.6)

Others

(282.8)

(494.5)

(440.6)

 




 

 

 

 

Total

(12,291.8)

(8,563.4)

(22,204.5)

 




 

 

 

 

Net cash generated from/(used in) from financing activities:

 

 

 

Net proceeds from issuance of shares

4,390.5

(119.0)

-

Drawdown of loans

7,935.6

12,442.0

32,677.7

Repayments of loans

(9,760.4)

(12,154.1)

(16,049.1)

Proceeds from bonds

4,913.4

4,966.5

14,950.0

Repayments of bonds

(2,000.0)

(5,000.0)

(3,000.0)

Net contributions from owners and minority shareholders

42.5

(84.0)

184.8

Dividends paid by subsidiaries to minority shareholders

(118.4)

(476.9)

(386.9)

Dividends paid

(4,562.2)

(3,528.6)

(1,439.5)

 




 

 

 

 

Total

841.0

(3,954.1)

26,937.0

 




 

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

2,510.8

(1,864.9)

7,186.9

 




 

 

 

 

(1)

Represents profit before income tax expense and minority interest as adjusted for depreciation, loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment, interest income and interest expense, etc.

 

 

(2)

Represent changes in inventories, accounts receivable, other current assets, accounts payable and other payables and accrued expenses, etc. across years.

 

 

- 61 -

 


 

Net Cash Generated from Operating Activities

Net cash flow generated from operating activities decreased by 77.0% from RMB10,652.6 million in 2007 to RMB2,454.4 million in 2008, primarily due to the decrease in the Group's profit. Net cash generated from operating activities in 2008 consisted primarily of cash generated from operating activities of RMB6,470.2 million less interest and income tax we paid in 2008. Our cash generated from operations of RMB6,470.2 million consisted of operating profit before changes in working capital of RMB7,030.2 million partially offset by the changes in working capital of RMB560.1 million. The operating profit before working capital changes of RMB7,030.2 million consisted primarily of (i) the profit before income tax of RMB124.8 million, (ii) depreciation of property, plant and equipment of RMB5,269.9 million and (iii) interest expense of RMB1,864.7 million, partially offset by (i) realized and unrealized gains on futures and option contracts of RMB267.3 million, and (ii) interest income of RMB193.0 million. Changes in working capital primarily consisted of (i) increase in inventories of RMB3,860.3 million and (ii) increase in other current assets of RMB1,303.4 million, partially offset by (i) increase in other payables and accrued expenses of RMB3,186.3 million and (ii) decrease in accounts receivable of RMB1,998.9 million.

Net cash flow generated from operating activities decreased by 23.7% from RMB13,961.6 million in 2006 to RMB10,652.6 million in 2007, primarily due to the decrease in the Group's profit. Net cash generated from operating activities in 2007 consisted primarily of cash generated from operating activities of RMB16,177.4 million less interest and income tax we paid in 2008. Our cash generated from operations of RMB16,177.4 million consisted of operating profit before changes in working capital of RMB20,827.1 million partially offset by the changes in working capital of RMB4,649.7 million. The operating profit before working capital changes of RMB20,827.1 million consisted primarily of (i) the profit before income tax of RMB14,992.3 million, (ii) depreciation of property, plant and equipment of RMB4,821.2 million and (iii) interest expense of RMB1,226.2 million, partially offset by (i) shares of profits of associates of RMB241.9 million and (ii) interest income of RMB198.2 million. Changes in working capital primarily consisted of (i) increase inventories of RMB2,939.6 million and (ii) decrease in other payables and accrued expenses of RMB1,166.2 million, partially offset by (i) increase in accounts payables of RMB136.8 million and (ii) decrease in other current assets of RMB85.4 million.

In 2006, we had net cash generated from operating activities of RMB13,961.6 million consisting primarily of cash generated from operating activities of RMB18,610.8 million less interest and income tax we paid in 2008. Our cash generated from operations of RMB18,610.8 million consisted of operating profit before changes in working capital of RMB21,960.0 million partially offset by the changes in working capital of RMB3,349.2 million. The operating profit before working capital changes of RMB21,960.0 million consisted primarily of (i) the profit before income tax of RMB17,462.4 million, (ii) depreciation of property, plant and equipment of RMB3,979.5 million and (iii) interest expense of RMB934.0 million, partially offset by (i) interest income of RMB192.4 million, and (ii) excess of interest in the net fair value of net assets acquired over cost arising from acquisitions of subsidiaries of RMB261.7 million. Changes in working capital primarily consisted of (i) increase in inventories of RMB1,947.0 million and (ii) increase in accounts receivable of RMB940.7 million, partially offset by (i) increase in other non-current liabilities of RMB190.4 million and (ii) increase in other payables and accrued expenses of RMB47.2 million.

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities increased by 159.3% from RMB8,563.4 million in 2007 to RMB22,204.5 million in 2008, primarily due to the increased capital expenditure of the Group and the acquisitions of five aluminum fabrication plants and one primary aluminum plant. Our net cash used in investing activities in 2008 consisted primarily of (i) purchases of property, plant and equipment of RMB16,788.4 million and (ii) acquisitions of subsidiaries of RMB4,858.4 million, partially offset by cash and cash equivalents acquired from acquisitions of subsidiaries of RMB247.8 million.

Net cash used in investing activities decreased by 30.3% from RMB12,291.8 million in 2006 to RMB8,563.4 million in 2007, primarily due to the combination of increase in our capital expenditure and decrease in short-term cash investment upon maturity. Our net cash used in investing activities in 2007 consisted primarily of (i) purchases of property, plant and equipment of RMB10,850.2 million and (ii) acquisitions of minority interest of RMB564.9 million, partially offset by decrease in short-term cash investment of RMB2,981.9 million.

In 2006, our net cash used in investing activities was RMB12,291.8 million. Our net cash used in investing activities consisted primarily of (i) purchases of property, plant and equipment of RMB7,801.6 million and (ii) increase in short-term cash investment of RMB3,078.0 million, partially offset by cash and cash equivalents acquired from acquisitions of subsidiaries of RMB519.6 million

Net Cash Generated from/(Used in) from Financing Activities

In 2008, our net cash generated from financing activities was RMB26,937.0 million compared with net cash used in financing activities of RMB3,954.1 million in 2007, primarily because we increased bank borrowing and issued medium-term notes and short-term bonds. Our net cash inflow from financing activities consisted primarily of (i) drawdown of loans of RMB32,677.7 million, (ii) net proceeds from issuance of medium-term notes of RMB9,970.0 million and (iii) net proceeds from issuance of short-term bonds of RMB4,980.0 million, partially offset by (i) repayments of loans of RMB16,049.1 million and (ii) repayments of short-term bonds of RMB3,000.0 million.

In 2007, our net cash used in financing activities was RMB3,954.1 million compared with net cash generated from financing activities of RMB841.0 million in 2006, primarily due to repayment of short-term bonds, bank loans and payment of dividend. Our net cash outflow for financing activities consisted primarily of (i) repayments of loans of RMB12,154.2 million, (ii) repayments of short-term bonds of RMB5,000.0 million and (iii) dividends paid of RMB3,528.6 million, partially offset by (i) drawdown of loans of RMB12,442.0 million and (ii) net proceeds from issuance of short-term bonds of RMB2,988.0 million.

In 2006, our net cash inflow from financing activities was RMB841.0 million. Our net cash inflow from financing activities consisted primarily of (i) drawdown of short-term loans of RMB6,293.5 million, (ii) net proceeds from issuance of short-term bonds of RMB4,913.4 million and (iii) net proceeds from issuance of shares of RMB4,390.5 million, partially offset by (i) repayments of loans of RMB9,760.3 million and (ii) dividends paid of RMB4,562.2 million.

Borrowings and Banking Facilities

 

- 62 -

 


 

Our net borrowings for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 were as follows:

 

 

As of December 31,

 


 

2006

2007

2008

2008

 





 

RMB

RMB

RMB

US$(1)

 





 

(in millions)

 

 

Short-term loans

6,050.2

5,818.0

14,188.2

2,079.6

Short-term bonds

4,985.1

3,051.5

5,152.3

755.2

Long-term loans

14,447.3

17,956.9

27,119.2

3,975.0

Medium-term notes and long-term bonds

-

1,979.7

11,963.1

1,753.5

 





 

 

 

 

 

Total debts

25,482.6

28,806.1

58,422.8

8,563.3

 





 

 

 

 

 

Less: Bank balances and cash

(13,897.3)

(9,054.6)

(16,295.6)

(2,388.5)

 





 

 

 

 

 

Net debts

11,585.3

19,751.5

42,127.2

6,174.8

 





 

 

 

 

 

The aggregate maturities of our outstanding long-term borrowings (including long-term loans, medium-term notes and long-term bonds) as of December 31, 2008 were as follows:

 

 

Principal Outstanding as of

Maturity Date

December 31, 2008

 


 

RMB

US$(1)

 



 

(in millions)

 

 

2009

2,949.7

432.3

2010

3,412.1

500.1

2011

10,378.4

1,521.2

2012

3,351.2

491.2

2013

9,529.5

1,396.8

After 2013

9,498.3

1,392.2

 



 

 

 

Total

39,119.2

5,733.8

 



 

 

 

(1)

Translated solely for the convenience of the reader into U.S. dollars at noon buying rate in New York City on December 31, 2008 for cable transfers in RMB by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York of US$1.00 to RMB6.8225

 

 

As of December 31, 2008, except for a long-term loan of approximately 698 million Japanese yen (or equivalent of RMB52.8 million), long-term loans of approximately US$42 million (or equivalent of RMB284.4 million) and a short-term loan of approximately US$9 million (or equivalent of RMB63.2 million), all the other borrowings were denominated in RMB. Please also refer to Item 11 for details of interest rate structure disclosure of the borrowings above.

As of December 31, 2008, we had total bank balances and cash of RMB16,295.6 million, equivalent to US$2,388.5 million. Additionally, we have a history of strong earnings and of generating significant cash inflows from our continuous operating activities (cash generated from operating activities amounted to approximately RMB2,454.4 million, equivalent to US$359.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2008). Our Directors are of the view that we will continue to be able to meet our borrowing payment obligations as they fall due from working capital generated from our operating activities. Additionally, our Directors do not foresee any events that may have an impact on our satisfaction of such obligations.

 

- 63 -

 


 

As of December 31, 2008, we had secured loans of RMB926 million (including short-term loans) and we, on a stand-alone basis, provided guarantees in respect of RMB1,170 million of long-term loans for our subsidiaries.

As of December 31, 2008, Chinalco guaranteed RMB3,535 million of our bank loans. The guarantees by Chinalco and its subsidiaries to various banks in respect of banking facilities and loans granted to third parties as of December 31, 2000 remained with Chinalco after our reorganization.

As of December 31, 2008, we had total banking facilities of RMB70,668 million. Out of the total banking facilities granted, amounts totaling RMB41,238 million had been utilized as of December 31, 2008. Approximately RMB46,988 million in bank facilities are subject to renewals in 2009. We believe that we will be able to renew these facilities when they expire.

In addition, as of December 31, 2008, we had credit facilities through our primary aluminum futures agent at the LME amounting to RMB800 million, of which RMB114 million had been utilized. The futures agent has the right to adjust the related credit facilities.

Foreign Exchange

We conduct our business primarily in Renminbi, which is also our functional and reporting currency. We convert a portion of our Renminbi revenue into other currencies to meet foreign currency financial obligations and to pay for imported equipment and materials. Under current foreign currency regulations in China, to meet these needs, we are permitted to convert Renminbi into the necessary foreign currencies at authorized banks based on a presentation of the relevant contracts. We may also borrow foreign currency loans from such banks for these purposes. To the extent that we need to obtain foreign currency funding for capital projects as defined under foreign exchange regulations, we would be required to obtain approval from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. Transactions in foreign exchange are translated at exchange rates prevailing at the transaction dates. Monetary assets and liabilities expressed in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are translated at exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date. Exchange differences arising in these cases are recognized as income or expense in the income statement.

Renminbi is not a freely convertible currency. The restrictions on foreign exchange imposed by the PRC government may result in material differences between future exchange rates and current exchange rates or historical exchange rates. The changes in the exchange rate of Renminbi will impact our ability to carry out operations relating to foreign exchange. Those changes will also impact our ability to pay dividends in HK dollars and to pay dividends of American Depository Shares in U.S. dollars. We believe that we are able to obtain sufficient foreign exchanges to fulfill the above-mentioned obligations. In addition, our foreign currency denominated short-term bank deposits amounted to RMB465.4 million, of which RMB190.7 million was denominated in U.S. dollars, RMB218.4 million was denominated in Australian dollars, RMB46.4 million was denominated in HK dollars and RMB9.9 million was denominated in Euro. Most of our sales are domestic and, as such, we have a limited amount of foreign currency denominated accounts receivable. See "Item 11 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks - Foreign Exchange Rate Risk". Our sources of foreign exchange include the H Shares placement, borrowings and funds converted from Renminbi. We do not anticipate that we will incur significant additional foreign currency debts in the near future.

We have been, and will continue to be, affected by changes in exchange rates in connection with our ability to meet our foreign currency obligations and will be affected by such changes in connection with our ability to pay dividends on H Shares in HK dollars and on ADSs in U.S. dollars. As of December 31, 2008, we maintained bank balances of US$27.9 million, HK$52.6 million, AUD46.3 million and Euro1.0 million or the equivalent of approximately RMB465.4 million for purposes of satisfying our foreign currency obligations and paying dividends to our overseas shareholders. We believe that we have obtained and will be able to obtain sufficient foreign exchange to continue to satisfy these obligations. We do not engage in any financial contract or other arrangement to hedge our currency exposure.

 

- 64 -

 


 

Trend Information

In 2008, China's GDP growth rate was 9%. However, affected by the international financial crisis, the global demand for aluminum products decreased significantly in the fourth quarter of 2008. We expect the global demand for alumina, primary aluminum and aluminum fabrication products will continue to decrease in 2009, which may cause the market prices of alumina, primary aluminum and aluminum fabrication products to further decline.

We will continue to face challenges in 2009, such as:

 

*

continued decline in the demand for alumina, primary aluminum and aluminum fabrication products;

 

 

*

an increase in production cost resulting from continued increases in prices of raw materials, fuel and electricity; and

 

 

*

intensified domestic competition resulting from the cancellation of tax refunds for primary aluminum exports and the enhancement of the production capacity of alumina.

 

 

U.S. GAAP Reconciliation

Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with HKFRS, which differs in various material respects from U.S. GAAP. See Note 35 to our audited consolidated financial statements for details. The summary of differences involve management's estimates and assumptions which may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure regarding contingent assets and liabilities and revenues and expenses. These material differences, as they apply to our audited consolidated financial statements, relate primarily to the following:

 

(a)

Revaluation of property, plant and equipment

 

 

(b)

Amortization of goodwill

 

 

(c)

Unrecognized excess of interest in the net fair value of net assets acquired over cost

 

 

(d)

Revaluation of mining rights

 

 

(e)

Fair value of consideration on acquisitions

 

 

(f)

Acquisition of minority interest

 

 

(g)

Common control business combinations

 

 

(h)

Business combination with Jiaozuo Wanfang

 

 

(i)

Minority interest

 

 

(j)

Income tax effect of U.S. GAAP adjustments

 

 

Contractual obligations

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of December 31, 2008:

 

- 65 -

 


 

 

Payment due by period

 

Total

2009

2010-2011

2012-2013

Thereafter

 






 

RMB

RMB

RMB

RMB

RMB

 






 

(in millions)

 

 

Long-term loans

27,119.2

2,949.7

8,790.5

7,880.7

7,498.3

Medium-term notes

10,000.0

-

5,000.0

5,000.0

-

Long-term bonds

2,000.0

-

-

-

2,000.0

Interest payments

10,003.0

2,354.8

3,996.8

2,291.7

1,359.7

Operating leases

35,404.7

905.5

1,811.0

1,811.0

30,877.2

Capital commitments for

 

 

 

 

 

    property, plant and equipment

10,278.2

10,278.2

-

-

-

Commitments for capital contribution

395.2

395.2

-

-

-

 






 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

95,200.3

16,883.4

19,598.3

16,983.4

41,735.2

 






 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Expenditures and Capital Commitments

The following table sets forth our capital expenditures by segment for the years ended 2006, 2007 and 2008, and the capital expenditures in each segment as a percentage of our total capital expenditures for such years.

 

 

Years Ended December 31

 


 

2006

2007

2008

 




 

RMB

%

RMB

%

RMB

%

 







 

(in millions, except percentages)

 

 

- 66 -

 


 

Alumina

3,462.9

24.5

4,634.9

23.8

8,582.8

38.3

Primary aluminum

8,649.7

61.3

12,651.7

64.9

10,668.9

47.6

Aluminum fabrication

1,198.7

8.5

1,203.2

6.2

1,805.8

8.1

Others

120.3

0.9

493.7

2.5

138.9

0.6

Unallocated

682.1

4.8

498.0

2.6

1,217.4

5.4

 







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

14,113.7

100.0

19,481.5

100.0

22,413.8

100.0

 







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 2008, we spent approximately RMB19.7 billion of our capital expenditures primarily on improving our alumina and primary aluminum production capacity, environmental protection and energy saving.

In 2009, we expect to use approximately RMB13.4 billion on technology upgrades and the acquisition of new plants. Of this amount, we expect to use approximately RMB5.8 billion on our alumina projects, approximately RMB1.8 billion on our primary aluminum projects, approximately RMB2.2 billion on our aluminum fabrication projects and approximately RMB3.6 billion on research and development, exploration, information technology and overseas projects.

Our capacity expansion plan reflects our focus on completion of our production chain, which consists of mining operations, alumina production operations, primary aluminum production operations, and aluminum fabrication operations, to take advantage of our market position in China. In addition, we continually evaluate acquisition and joint venture opportunities and may take advantage of these opportunities if we determine that it is in our and our shareholders' best interests. We expect that our alumina, primary aluminum and aluminum fabrication products production capacity will reach approximately 11.3 million, 3.9 million and 1.3 million tonnes, respectively, by the end of 2009.

These are our current plans with respect to our capital expenditures. They may change as circumstances change, and may be modified as our business plans evolve. Other than as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to publish updates of our plans.

As of December 31, 2008, our capital commitments relating to investments in property, plant and equipment amounted to RMB40,409.4 million, of which those contracted but not provided for amounted to RMB10,278.2 million and those authorized and not contracted amounted to RMB30,131.2 million. Our external investment commitments amounted to RMB395.2 million, mainly attributable to the establishment of Chalco Zunyi. Our investment in construction and upgrades of technology as well as external investment and acquisition improved our capacity and output of alumina, primary aluminum and aluminum fabrication products.

We expect to use operating cash flow in meeting such commitments with the shortfall to be satisfied by bank loans, and short-term and long-term bonds and medium-term notes.

 

- 67 -

 


 

Research and Development

Our department of science and technology coordinates the research and development efforts undertaken at our Research Institute and technology centers at our plants. The Research Institute, the only organization in China dedicated to aluminum research, is responsible for the research and development of technologies and associated projects that are applied at our relevant plants. The technology centers at our plants focus on providing engineering solutions to, and technological application of, research and development efforts. Each of the plants also conducts operational testing and pilot experimentation relating to various research and development topics. Although we collaborate with universities and other research institutions in China on some of our projects, we generally do not outsource our research and development.

Our total expenditure for research and development was approximately RMB126.3 million, RMB229.8 million and RMB177.5 million for 2006, 2007 and 2008 respectively.

 

ITEM 6.

DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

All of our Directors and Supervisors are elected for a three-year term. At the expiry of the term of office, the term is renewable upon re-election. Each of our Directors and Supervisors has entered into a service contract with us for a term of three years. The service contract is not terminable by us within one year without payment of compensation (other than statutory compensation). There were no arrangements providing for benefits upon termination of our Directors, Supervisors or other senior management personnel.

In addition to Director's fees, our Directors are entitled to performance bonuses. The Executive Directors are also entitled to the welfare benefits provided under the relevant PRC laws and regulations.

Directors

The third session of the board of directors of the Company ("Board") currently consists of nine Directors, of which four are Executive Directors, namely Mr. Xiao Yaqing, Mr. Luo Jianchuan, Mr. Chen Jihua and Mr. Liu Xiangmin, one Non-Executive Director, namely Mr. Shi Chungui, and four Independent Non-Executive Directors, namely Mr. Kang Yi, Mr. Zhang Zhuoyuan, Mr. Wang Mengkui and Mr. Zhu Demiao.

Mr. Xiao Yaqing, former Chairman of the Company, resigned as the Chairman of the Company on March 27, 2009 with immediate effect. He also resigned as the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director and Chairman of Nomination Committee of the Board on March 27, 2009, which will take effect after the election of a new Executive Director at the 2008 annual general meeting of the Company to be convened on May 26, 2009. The Board of the Company extend thanks to Mr. Xiao for his contribution to the Company during his tenure. Mr. Xiong Weiping was nominated by Chinalco, the controlling shareholder of the Company, and approved by the third session of the Board of the Company, as an Executive Director candidate of the third session of the Board of the Company, and his nomination will be submitted to the 2008 annual general meeting of the Company to be convened on May 26, 2009 for election and approval.

The business address of each of our directors is No. 62 North Xizhimen Street, Hai Dian District, Beijing, People's Republic of China, 100082.

We follow our home country practice in relation to the composition of our Board in reliance on the exemption provided under Section 303A.00 of the NYSE Corporate Governance Rules available to foreign private issuers. Our home country practice does not require a majority of directors of a listed company to be independent directors. As such, the majority of our Directors are not independent within the meaning of NYSE Corporate Governance Rules.

The table and discussion below set forth information concerning our current directors.

 

- 68 -

 


 

Name

Age

Positions with the Company




 

 

 

Executive Directors

 

 

 

 

 

Xiao Yaqing

50

Director and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

Luo Jianchuan

46

Director and President

 

 

 

Chen Jihua

41

Director, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

Liu Xiangmin

47

Director and Vice President

 

 

 

Non-executive Directors

 

 

 

 

 

Shi Chungui

68

Director

 

 

 

Independent Non-executive Directors

 

 

 

 

 

Kang Yi

68

Independent Director

 

 

 

Zhang Zhuoyuan

75

Independent Director

 

 

 

Wang Mengkui

71

Independent Director

 

 

 

Zhu Demiao

45

Independent Director




 

 

 

Executive Directors

Xiao Yaqing, aged 50, is former Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, the Chairman of the Nomination Committee of the Board and also the President of Chinalco during the reporting period. He has been employed by the Company since 2004. Mr. Xiao resigned as the Chairman of the Board with immediate effect on March 27, 2009. He also resigned as the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director and Chairman of the Nomination Committee on March 27, 2009 which will take effect after the 2008 annual general meeting of shareholders to be held on May 26, 2009. Mr. Xiao graduated from Central South University of Industry in 1982 majoring in pressure processing, Mr. Xiao holds a doctorate degree from Central South University of Industry. He is a professor-grade senior engineer. Having engaged in such fields as metallic material research, production and corporate management, and capital operation for a long time, Mr. Xiao has outstanding achievement as well as extensive practical experience and eminent management competence. He has formerly served as engineer, department head, deputy chief engineer and chief engineer of Northeast Light Alloy Fabrication Plant. He has also served as the General Manager of Northeast Light Alloy Corporation Limited, the plant manager of Southwest Aluminum Fabrication Plant, the Chairman and General Manager of Chalco Southwest Aluminum (Group) Co., Ltd. and Deputy President of Chinalco.

Luo Jianchuan, aged 46, is an Executive Director and President of the Company as well as Chairman of the Development Planning Committee of the Board. He has been employed by the Company since 2001. Mr. Luo graduated from Kunming University of Science and Technology in 1985 majoring in mining, holds a doctorate degree from Central South University of Industry and is a senior engineer. He has participated in nonferrous metal trading and corporate management for a long period of time, and thus has extensive professional experience and strong management skill in those fields. Mr. Luo had formerly served as an engineer of the Lead and Zinc Bureau of China Non-ferrous Metals Industry Corporation, Manager of Haikou Nanxin Industry & Commerce Corporation, Assistant to General Manager of Jinpeng Mining Development Corporation, Deputy General Manager and General Manager of Beijing Xinquan Tech-trading Corporation, Assistant to General Manager of China Non- Ferrous Metals Industry Trading Group Corporation, Deputy Chief of the Trading Division of China Copper, Lead & Zinc Group Corporation, General Manager of China Aluminum International Trading Corporation Limited, General Manager of the Operations and Sales Division, Vice President and Senior Vice President of the Company.

 

- 69 -

 


 

Chen Jihua, aged 41, is an Executive Director, Vice President and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Mr. Chen has been employed by the Company since 2001. He holds a Master's degree from Central University of Finance and Economics. He has engaged in corporate and financial management for a long time and accumulated extensive and professional experience. He formerly served as Executive Manager of the International Finance Department of China Chengxin Securities Appraisal Company Limited, Financial Controller of Red Bull Vitamin Beverages Company Limited, Regional (China) Financial Controller of Saudi Arabia ALJ (China) Limited, Financial Controller of Jitong Network Communications Company Limited, Assistant to the President of Chinalco and General Manager of the Company's Finance Department.

Liu Xiangmin, aged 47, is an Executive Director and Vice President of the Company and has been employed by the Company since 2001. Mr. Liu graduated from Central South University of Industry in 1982, majoring in non-ferrous metal science and holds a doctorate degree in Central South University of Industry. He is a professor-grade senior engineer and has participated in non-ferrous metal metallurgy and corporate management for a long period of time and accumulated extensive and professional experience. Mr. Liu had previously served as Deputy Head and Head of the Alumina branch of Zhongzhou Aluminum Plant, Deputy Head of Zhongzhou Aluminum Plant, and General Manager of Zhongzhou branch of the Company.

Non-Executive Directors

Shi Chungui, aged 68, is a Non-executive Director of the Company. He has been with the Company since 2005. He graduated from Northeast University of Finance and Economics majoring in accounting in 1964. Mr Shi is a senior economist with extensive experience in finance, government and corporate management. Mr. Shi was previously Head of Commerce Bureau of Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province, the Standing Deputy Mayor of Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province, President of Hebei Branch of China Construction Bank, President of Beijing Branch of China Construction Bank, Deputy President of the Head Office of China Construction Bank and Deputy President of China Cinda Asset Management Corporation. Mr.Shi is currently an independent director of China Securities Co., Ltd..

Independent Non-Executive Directors

 

- 70 -

 


 

Kang Yi, aged 68, is an Independent Non-Executive Director and the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee of the Board. Mr. Kang has served as an Independent Non-Executive Director of the Company since 2004. He is also the chairman of the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association. Mr. Kang graduated in 1965 from Central-South Institute of Mining and Metallurgy majoring in the metallurgy of non-ferrous metals. He is a professor-grade senior engineer and has engaged in corporate management and civil service for a long period of time. Mr. Kang has extensive experience and have once served as the factory manager of Qingtongxia Aluminum Plant, the Head of the Economic Committee of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Deputy General Manager of China Non-ferrous Metals Industry Corporation, Deputy Head of the State Non-ferrous Metals Industry Bureau and an independent Non-Executive Director of Jiangxi Copper Company Limited. Currently, Mr Kang is also a member of National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference ("CPPCC") and the China Association for Science and Technology, the Chairman of Non-ferrous Metals Society of China and an Independent Non-executive Director of Jinduicheng Molybdenum Co., Ltd. and Baoji Titanium Industry Co., Ltd.

Zhang Zhuoyuan, aged 75, is an Independent Non-Executive Director of the Company who has been with the Company since 2007. Mr Zhang graduated from the Faculty of Economics of Zhongnan University of Economics and has achieved extensive and professional accomplishment in such aspects as political economy, price theory and marketing. Mr. Zhang had consecutively served as the director and researcher of the Institute of Finance, Trade and Economics of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the chief editor of "Finance & Trade Economics", a director, researcher and tutor of doctorate students of the Institute of Industrial Economics of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and a director, researcher and tutor of doctorate students of the Institute of Economics of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. He is the chief editor of Economics Research Journal. Mr. Zhang is also a member of the Ninth and Tenth Sessions of CPPCC, a deputy director of China Association of Pricing, China Society of Urban Economy and Chinese Society for Urban Studies, and a director of Chinese Society for Cost Studies and Secretary-General of Foundation of Sun Ye Fang Economics and Science. Mr. Zhang is a member of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and a researcher of Institute of Economics as well as an independent Director of Jiangnan Securities Co. Ltd.

Wang Mengkui, aged 71, an Independent Non-Executive Director of the Company who has been with the Company since 2008. Mr. Wang graduated from the School of Economics, Peking University. He is an economist and is currently a professor and advisor of doctor candidates of Peking University. Mr. Wang engaged on a long-term basis in the analysis of economic theory and policy. He has published many articles with respect to economics and other aspects and is experienced in economic theory and practice. Mr. Wang had served as a vice head and researcher of the economic team of the research office of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, the governing member of the State Development and Planning Commission, the executive vice director of economic research centre of the State Development and Planning Commission, the vice director and director of the Research Office of the State Council, the President of the Development Research Center of the State Council. Mr. Wang had also served as a member of the tenth Standing Committee of National People's Congress ("NPC"), the vice director of Financial and Economic Affairs Committee of NPC. He is currently the Chairman of the China Development Research Foundation and a committee member of the National Council for Social Security Fund of the PRC.

Zhu Demiao, aged 45, is an Independent Non-Executive Director of the Company and the Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Board. He has been with the Company since 2008. Mr. Zhu is currently the managing director of Oaktree Capital (Hong Kong) Ltd. Mr. Zhu graduated from the University of Chicago GSB with a MBA degree, and obtained a master's degree in economics from the Research Institute for Fiscal Science, Ministry of Finance, PRC and obtained a bachelor's degree in economics from Hebei Geological Institute. Mr. Zhu is one of the PRC Certified Public Accountants in the early period. He has extensive experience in professional fields including finance, audit and capital management. Mr. Zhu has worked in the Ministry of Finance of the PRC and the investment analysis department of FMC. He has also served as the head of China business in the equity capital market department and investment bank department of Credit Suisse First Boston, the managing director, member of the executive committee of Asia-Pacific region and chairman of operation committee of the Greater China Region of JP Morgan Chase &Co. Mr. Zhu is currently an independent director of WSP Holding Limited.

Supervisors

Our supervisors are elected to represent our employees and shareholders and serve a term of three years or until the election of their respective successors. As of March 31, 2009, our supervisors are Mr. Ao Hong, Mr. Yuanli and Mr. Zhang Zhankui who were elected to renew their terms of office on May 18, 2007.

The supervisors convened five meetings in 2008. The table and discussion below set forth certain information concerning our supervisors.

 

Name

Age

Positions with the Company




 

 

 

Ao Hong

48

Chairman of Supervisor Committee

 

 

 

Yuan Li

51

Supervisor (employee representative), General Manager of Corporate Culture Department of the Company

 

 

 

Zhang Zhankui

51

Supervisor

 

 

 

- 71 -

 


 

Ao Hong, aged 48, is currently a Vice President of Chinalco. Mr. Ao graduated from Kunming University of Science and Technology majoring in Metallurgy. He holds a master degree from Central South University and is a professor-grade senior engineer with extensive experience in nonferrous metals research, corporate management, corporate governance and internal control. Mr. Ao had formerly served as an engineer, senior engineer, Head of General Office and Vice Chairman of Beijing General Research Institute for Non-ferrous Metals, the Chairman of GRINM Semiconductor Materials Co., Ltd., Guorui Electronic Materials Co., Ltd., Beijing Guojing Infrared Optical Technology Co., Ltd., Guowei Silver Anticorrosive Materials Company and Guo Jing Micro-electronic Holdings Ltd. in Hong Kong, respectively.

Yuan Li, aged 51, is a Supervisor elected as the employee representative supervisor of the Company and a General Manager of the Corporate Culture Department of the Company. Mr. Yuan has been employed by the Company since 2001. He is an engineer with extensive administrative and managerial experience. He had formerly served as a Manager of the General Management Office and the Deputy Head of the Department of Research and Investigation of China Non-ferrous Metals Industry Corporation, the Head of the Department of Research and Investigation as well as the Head of the Secretariat and an assistant inspector of the State Bureau of Nonferrous Metals Industry and the Deputy Head of the Department of Political Affairs and the Head of the Community Union Working Department of Chinalco.

Zhang Zhankui, aged 51, is the Deputy Head of the Finance Department of Chinalco. Mr. Zhang is a postgraduate researcher in economic management and a senior accountant. He has extensive experience in corporate financial accounting, fund management and auditing. Mr. Zhang had formerly served as Head of the Finance Division and then the Head of the Audit Division of China General Design Institute for Non-ferrous Metals a deputy General Manager of Beijing Enfei Tech-industry Group, the head of the Accounting Division of the Finance Department and the Deputy Head of the Finance Department of China Copper Lead & Zinc Group Corporation, the manager of the Asset and Finance of the Listing Office of Chalco and the head of the Fund Division of the Finance Department of Company and the manager of the General Division of the Finance Department of the Company.

Other Senior Management Personnel

The table and discussion below set forth certain information concerning other senior management personnel.

 

Name

Age

Positions with the Company




 

 

 

Ding Haiyan

51

Vice President

 

 

 

Jiang Yinggang

46

Vice President

 

 

 

Liu Qiang

45

Secretary to the Board

 

 

 

Ding Haiyan, aged 51, is a Vice President of the Company and has been employed by the Company since 2001. Mr. Ding graduated from Beijing Economics University in 1982 majoring in Labor Economics and holds a Master degree in Economics and is a senior economist with extensive experience in labor, wages, insurance, merger and acquisition of enterprises and capital operation. He once served as Head of Labor Wage Division of the Human Resource Department of China Nonferrous Metals Industry Corporation, the Deputy Director of the Bureau of Labor and Insurance, Deputy Director-General of the Enterprise Reform Department of the State Bureau of Non-ferrous Metals Industry as well as Head Manager of the Department of Asset Operation, Deputy Head of the Listing Office, and an assistant to President of Chinalco, Executive Director and the Secretary to Board of the Company.

 

- 72 -

 


 

Jiang Yinggang, aged 46, is a Vice President of the Company and the General Manager of Qinghai Branch of the Company during the reporting period. Mr. Jiang graduated in 1983 from Central South University of Industry majoring in the metallurgy of non-ferrous metals. Mr. Jiang holds a Master degree in metallurgy Engineering of non-ferrous metals and is a professor-grade senior engineer. He has participated in production operation and corporate management of production enterprises for a long period of time and has extensive professional experience. He has served as Deputy Head and then the Head of Corporate Management Department of Qinghai Aluminum Plant, Head of Qinghai Aluminum Smelter, Deputy General Manager and General Manager of Qinghai Aluminum Company Limited, and General Manager of Qinghai branch of the Company.

Liu Qiang, aged 45, is the Secretary to the Board and has been employed by the Company since 2001. In 1989, Ms. Liu graduated from Beijing International Studies University majoring in English literature, obtained a Master's degree in Literature and is a deputy senior translator. Ms. Liu studied finance, financial management and business administration at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing and received trainings on finance and financial management in Hong Kong. She once served in the finance department of Hong Kong Oriental Xinyuan (Holdings) Company Limited and has served as Manager of Finance Department of the Australian branch of China National Non-Ferrous Metals Import and Export Corporation. Ms. Liu has extensive experience in the import and export of non-ferrous metals and analysis of the aluminum market. She has formerly served as Manager of the aluminum department of China National Non-Ferrous Metals Import and Export Corporation; a senior market analyst for the Aluminum Industry in China National Non-Ferrous Metals Trading Group and China National Metals and Minerals Import and Export Corporation as well as the Deputy Manager of the Import and Export Division of China Aluminum International Trading Corporation Limited.

Compensation

Directors', Supervisors' and Senior Officers' Compensation

The aggregate amount of cash compensation paid by us to our Directors (not including our Independent Directors), Supervisors and senior management in 2008 for services performed as Directors, Supervisors and officers or employees of our Company was approximately RMB6.59 million. The aggregate amount of cash compensation paid by us to our Supervisors and senior management in 2008 was approximately RMB0.53 million and RMB1.8 million, respectively. Our Executive Directors and Supervisors who are employees also receive compensation in the form of housing allowances, other allowances and benefits, as well as our contribution to the pension plans. Directors and Supervisors who are not employed by us receive fees for their services. We have entered into three-year service contracts with all of our Directors and Supervisors. None of these service contracts provides benefits to our Directors upon termination.

Details of the emoluments paid to the Company's Directors during the reporting period are as follows:

 

 

 

 

Discretionary

 

 

Name of Director

Fees

Salary

bonus

Pension

Total

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 

 

 

 

 

- 73 -

 


 

Executive Directors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Xiao Yaqing(1)

-

684

374

23

1,081

 

 

 

 

 

 

Luo Jianchuan

-

572

312

23

907

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chen Jihua

-

468

169

23

660

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liu Xiangmin

-

468

169

23

660

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Executive Directors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shi Chungui

150

-

-

-

150

 

 

 

 

 

 

Independent Non-Executive Directors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Poon Yiu Kin, Samuel(2)

84

-

-

-

84

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kang Yi

214

-

-

-

214

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zhang Zhuoyuan

214

-

-

-

214

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wang Mengkui(3)

142

-

-

-

142

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zhu Demiao(3)

143

-

-

-

143

 






 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

947

2,192

1,024

92

4,255

 






 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Mr. Xiao Yaqing resigned from his office as Chairman with immediate effect on March 27, 2009. He also resigned as Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director and Chairman of Nomination Committee on March 27, 2009, which will take effect after the election of a new executive director at the 2008 annual general meeting of the Company to be convened on May 26, 2009.

 

 

(2)

Mr. Poon Yiu Kin, Samuel resigned from the position of Independent Non-Executive Director on May 9, 2008.

 

 

(3)

Appointed on May 9, 2008.

 

 

Senior Management Incentive System

In order to better provide incentives for our senior management and improve our shareholders' value, we adopted a special compensation system for our senior management designed to tie our senior management's financial interests with our operating performance. Under this system, the senior management's compensation consists of the following components:

 

*

basic salaries;

 

 

*

performance bonuses; and

 

 

*

incentive bonuses.

 

 

- 74 -

 


 

Board Practices

Board of Directors

All of our Directors and Supervisors serve a term of three years or until such later date as their successors are elected or appointed. Directors and Supervisors may serve consecutive terms. One of the Supervisors is an employee representative appointed by our employees and the rest are appointed by the shareholders. The following table sets forth the number of years our Directors, executive officers and Supervisors have held their positions and the expiration of their current term.

 

Name

Held Position Since

Expiration of Term

Xiao Yaqing

May 18, 2007

May 26, 2009

Luo Jianchuan

May 18, 2007

May 18, 2010

Chen Jihua

May 18, 2007

May 18, 2010

Liu Xiangmin

May 18, 2007

May 18, 2010

Shi Chungui

May 18, 2007

May 18, 2010

Kang Yi

May 18, 2007

May 18, 2010

Zhang Zhuoyuan

May 18, 2007

May 18, 2010

Wang Mengkui

May 9, 2008

May 9, 2011

Zhu Demiao

May 9, 2008

May 9, 2011

Ao Hong

May 18, 2007

May 18, 2010

Yuan Li

May 18, 2007

May 18, 2010

Zhang Zhuankui

May 18, 2007

May 18, 2010

 

 

 

Audit Committee

Currently, our audit committee consists of four Independent Non-Executive Directors, namely, Mr. Wang Mengkui, Mr. Zhu Demiao, Mr. Kang Yi and Mr. Zhang Zhuoyuan. Mr. Zhu Demiao is Chairman of the audit committee. Our audit committee satisfies the requirements of Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act and NYSE Rule 303A.06 relating to audit committees, including the requirements relating to independence of the audit committee members. The primary duties of our audit committee as set out in the committee charter are to review our annual and interim financial reports, review and approve the selection of and remuneration paid to our independent auditors, approve audit and audit-related services, approve related party transactions, supervise our internal financial reporting process, including our internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures, supervise our internal and external auditors, and review management policies. The audit committee convened four meetings in 2008.

Remuneration Committee

Our Remuneration and Nomination Committee is divided into two committees, namely Remuneration Committee and Nomination Committee. Currently, our remuneration committee consists of four Independent Non-Executive Directors, Mr. Zhu Demiao, Mr. Wang Mengkui, Mr. Kang Yi, and Mr. Zhang Zhuoyuan. Mr. Kang Yi serves as the Chairman of the Committee.

Committee members' responsibilities as set out in the committee charter include reviewing compensation policies and performance appraisals with respect to the Directors and senior management. In 2008, Remuneration Committee convened three meetings, mainly focusing on the discretionary bonus of the Company's Directors, Supervisors and senior management, and changes to the Remuneration committee.

Nomination Committee

Currently, the nomination committee consists of two Executive Directors, namely Mr. Xiao Yaqing and Mr. Luo Jianchuan and two Independent Non-executive Directors, Mr. Kang Yi and Mr. Zhang Zhuoyuan. Mr. Xiao Yaqing serves as the Chairman of the Committee.

Mr. Xiao Yaqing, resigned as the Executive Director and Chairman of the Nomination Committee of the board on March 27, 2009, which will take effect after the election of a new executive director at the 2008 annual general meeting of the company to be convened on May 26, 2009.

Committee members responsibilities as set out in the committee charter include reviewing and recommending selection of Independent Directors and members of the committees under the Board approving the terms of Directors service contracts, and the appointment and removal of senior executives. In 2008, the Committee convened three meetings, mainly focusing on nomination of the Independent Directors.

 

- 75 -

 


 

We follow our home country practice in relation to the composition of our nomination committee in reliance on the exemption provided under NYSE Corporate Governance Rule 303A.00 available to foreign private issuers. Our home country practice does not require us to establish a nomination committee which must be composed entirely of independent directors.

Planning and Development Committee

Our planning and development committee currently consists of Executive Directors, Mr. Luo Jianchuan, Mr. Liu Xiangmin and Vice President Mr. Ding Haiyan. Mr. Luo Jianchuan is Chairman of the Committee. In accordance with the committee charter, the committee reviews and assesses our strategic plans for development, fiscal budgeting, investment, business operations and investments returns.

Disclosure Committee

Our disclosure committee consists of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and other senior management members. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer serve as the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the committee, respectively. The committee implements our disclosure controls and procedures and reviews information disclosed to ensure accurate, open and timely disclosure. All discloseable information (including annual and interim results) shall be subject to the approval of the Company's Disclosure Committee with the Chief Executive Officer as its Chairman. For the purpose of discloseable financial statements and the relevant information, the Chief Financial Officer shall ensure that the Company's results and financial position have been reflected on a true and fair basis under relevant accounting principles and requirements.

Supervisory Committee

We have a supervisory committee composed of three Supervisors, with one Supervisor being elected from the staff as a representative of the employees. Members of the Supervisory Committee may also observe meetings of the Board. Our current supervisory committee was appointed at the Annual General Meeting held on May 18, 2007, and Mr. Ao Hong and Mr. Zhang Zhankui have been re-elected as Chairman of the supervisory committee and Supervisor, respectively. In the election of employee representatives held in the same month, Mr. Yuan Li was re-elected as the employee representative Supervisor of the Third Session of the Supervisory Committee.

Supervisors attend Board meetings as non-voting members. The Supervisory Committee is responsible to the shareholders' general meeting and has the following duties and responsibilities:

 

*

to supervise our handling of our financial matters;

 

 

*

to supervise any acts of directors, the general manager, deputy general manager and other senior officers that are in violation of laws, administrative regulations or our Articles of Association;

 

 

*

to request Directors, the general manager, deputy general manager and other senior officers to rectify their acts that are detrimental to the interests of Chalco;

 

 

*

to verify such financial information as financial reports, business reports and profit distribution plans submitted by the board of directors to the shareholders' general meeting, and arrange certified public accountants and auditors to verify issues;

 

 

*

to propose to convene interim shareholders' general meetings; and

 

 

*

to bring lawsuits against Directors on behalf of Chalco.

 

 

Employees

As of December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008, we had a total of approximately 88,004, 94,269 and 107,887 employees, respectively.

The table below sets forth the number of our employees by function as of the period indicated:

 

- 76 -

 


 

 

As of December 31,

 


 

2006

2007

2008

 




 

 

% of Total

 

% of Total

 

% of Total


Function:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alumina production

38,360

43.6

40,508

43.0

43,682

40.5

Primary aluminum production

35,564

40.4

39,741

42.1

49,078

45.5

Aluminum fabrication

-

-

-

-

6,615

6.1

Mining

4,400

5.0

4,658

5.0

4,738

4.4

Research and development

2,552

2.9

2,510

2.7

656

0.6

Sales and marketing

880

1.0

583

0.6

1,128

1.0

Management and others

6,248

7.1

6,269

6.6

1,990

1.9

 







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

88,004

100.0

94,269

100.0

107,887

100.0

 







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The table below sets forth the number of our employees as of December 31, 2008:

 

Location

Employees

% of Total




 

 

 

Shandong

 

 

Shandong branch

10,703

9.92

Shandong Huayu

1,954

1.81

Chalco Qingdao

269

0.25

 

 

 

Henan

 

 

Henan branch

10,462

9.70

Zhongzhou branch

5,256

4.87

Research Institute

649

0.60

Chalco Mining

3,011

2.79

Jiaozuo Wanfang

3,660

3.39

Henan Aluminum

2,540

2.35

 

 

 

- 77 -

 


 

Guizhou

 

 

Guizhou branch

15,251

14.14

Zunyi Aluminum

1,432

1.33

Zunyi Alumina

449

0.42

 

 

 

Guangxi

 

 

Guangxi branch

5,642

5.23

 

 

 

Shanxi

 

 

Shanxi branch

11,920

11.05

Shanxi Huasheng

2,273

2.11

Shanxi Huaze

2,437

2.26

 

 

 

Gansu

 

 

Lanzhou branch

5,132

4.76

Northwest Aluminum

3,019

2.80

Gansu Hualu

1,529

1.42

Liancheng branch

4,017

3.72

 

 

 

Liaoning

 

 

Fushun Aluminum

2,010

1.86

 

 

 

Qinghai

 

 

Qinghai branch

4,947

4.59

 

 

 

Sichuan

 

 

Huaxi Aluminum

523

0.48

 

 

 

Chongqing

 

 

Chongqing branch

522

229

Chalco Southwest Aluminum Cold Rolling

238

0.48

Chalco Southwest Aluminum

0.21

0.22

 

 

 

Fujian

 

 

Chalco Ruimin

535

0.50

 

 

 

Inner Mongolia

 

 

Baotou Aluminum

6,237

5.78

 

 

 

Others (including employees of subsidiaries under construction)

862

0.80

 

 

 

Headquarters

179

0.17

 



 

 

 

Total

107,887

100.00

 



 

 

 

We have workers' unions at the plant level that protect employees' rights and welfare benefits, organize educational programs, encourage employee participation in management decisions, and assist in mediating disputes between individual employees and us. All employees are union members. We have not been subjected to any strikes or other labor disturbances that have interfered with our operations, and we believe that we have good relationships with our employees.

The remuneration package of our employees includes salary, bonuses and allowances. Employees also receive welfare benefits including medical care, housing subsidies, childcare and education, retirement and other miscellaneous items.

 

- 78 -

 


 

In accordance with applicable PRC regulations, we participate in pension contribution plans organized by provincial and municipal governments, under which each of our plants is required to contribute an amount equal to a specified percentage of its employees' salaries, bonuses and various allowances. The amount of contribution as a percentage of the employees' salary is, on average, approximately 20.0% depending in part on the location of the plant and the average age of the employees. We have made all required pension contributions up to December 31, 2008. Retirees who retired prior to the date of the reorganization will have their pensions paid out of the pension plans established by the PRC government. We have also introduced a new employee incentive plan which includes performance bonuses for our employees. We provide to our employees various social welfare benefits through hospitals, schools, retirement homes and other institutions owned by Chinalco and its other affiliates or through third parties.

Share Ownership

None of our Directors, Supervisors or senior management owns any interest in any shares or options to purchase our shares.

 

ITEM 7.

MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Major Shareholders

We are a joint stock limited company organized under the laws of the PRC. Our parent company, Chinalco, a state-owned enterprise, currently beneficially owns 41.82% of our outstanding common shares directly and indirectly through its controlled entities and is our largest shareholder. Chinalco holds a significant portion of our domestic shares in the form of state legal person shares and can exercise all rights as our controlling shareholder according to the relevant laws, rules and regulations. Chinalco has substantial influence over our management, policies and corporate actions in its capacity as the largest shareholder. Approximately 58.23% of our total outstanding common shares are held by public holders, with 29.16% and 29.07% owned by public holders of H Shares and public holders of A Shares, respectively.

The following table sets forth information regarding ownership of our issued and outstanding capital stock as of December 31, 2008. The table includes all persons who are known by us to own, either as beneficial owners or holders of record, five percent or more of our capital stock.

 

 

As of December 31, 2008

 


 

 

Approximate % of

Holders of Domestic Shares and H Shares

No. of shares

issued share capital

 



 

(in millions)

 

- 79 -

 


 

Holders of Domestic Shares

 

 

 

 

 

Chinalco(1)

5,656.36

41.82

 

 

 

China Cinda Asset Management Corporation

900.56

6.65

 

 

 

China Construction Bank Corporation

709.77

5.25

 

 

 

China Development Bank

554.94

4.10

 

 

 

Other public holders of A Shares

1,758.89

13.02

 

 

 

Holders of H Shares

 

 

 

 

 

Templeton Asset Management Ltd.

479.87

3.55

 

 

 

Barclays PLC(2)

277.41

2.05

 

 

 

HSBC Holdings PLC(3)

501.40

3.70

 

 

 

J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.(4)

299.41

2.22

 

 

 

Other H shares Holders

2,385.88

17.64

 



 

 

 

Total

13,524.49

100.00

 



 

 

 

(1)

Including 5,214,407,195 A Shares held directly by Chinalco, 351,217,795 A Shares held by Baotou Group, 79,472,482 A Shares held by Lanzhou Aluminum Factory, 4,119,573 A Shares held by Guiyang Aluminum and Magnesium Design and Research Institute and 7,140,254 A Shares held by Shanxi Aluminum Plant. Baotou Group, Lanzhou Aluminum Factory, Guiyang Aluminum Magnesium Design and Research Institute and Shanxi Aluminum Plant are controlled by Chinalco.

 

 

(2)

Including 360,000 H Shares held by Barclays Global Investors (Deutschland) AG, 23,363,316 H Shares held by Barclays Global Investors Ltd., 194,406,000 H Shares held by Barclays Global Fund Advisors and 59,284,000 H Shares held by Barclays Global Investors, N.A. Barclays Global Investors (Deutschland) AG, Barclays Global Investors Ltd., Barclays Global Fund Advisors and Barclays Global Investors, N.A. are controlled by Barclays PLC.

 

 

(3)

Including 487,136,739 H Shares held by The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, 13,521,725 H Shares held by HSBC Financial Products (France), 743,750 H Shares held by Hang Seng Bank Trustee International Limited and 500 H Shares held by HSBC Bank plc. The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, HSBC Financial Products (France), Hang Seng Bank Trustee International Limited and HSBC Bank plc are controlled by HSBC Holdings plc.

 

 

(4)

Including 24,300,000 H Shares held by JF Asset Management (Singapore) Limited, 24,110,000 H Shares held by Bear, Stearns International Limited, 35,985,370 H Shares held by J.P. Morgan Securities Ltd., 74,985,140 H Shares held by J.P. Morgan Whitefriars Inc., 20,812,000 H Shares held by China International Fund Management Ltd., 28,876,000 H Shares held by JF Asset Management Limited, 482,000 H Shares held by J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc., 79,464,900 H Shares held by JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., 10,396,000 H Shares held by J.P. Morgan Structured Products B.V. JF Asset Management (Singapore) Limited, Bear, Stearns International Limited, J.P. Morgan Securities Ltd., J.P. Morgan Whitefriars Inc., China International Fund Management Ltd., JF Asset Management Limited, J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc., JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. and J.P. Morgan Structured Products B.V. are controlled by JP Morgan Chase & Co.

 

 

We are not aware of any arrangement that may at a subsequent date result in a change of control of Chalco.

On May 9, 2006, we placed 644,100,000 H Shares in the share capital of our Company at a price of HK$7.25 per H Share ("Placing Shares"). The Placing Shares comprise (i) 600,000,000 new H Shares to be allotted and issued by the Company and (ii) 44,100,000 H Shares to be converted from the same number of existing State-owned domestic shares that are to be allocated from Chinalco to the National Social Security Fund Council (the "NSSF") of the PRC, in reliance upon Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933. The Placing Shares represent approximately 5.83% of then issued share capital of our Company at that time and approximately 5.53% of then issued share capital of our Company as enlarged by the issuance of the new H Shares. The Placing shares were listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on May 19, 2006.

On April 30, 2007, dealings in the A Shares on the Shanghai Stock Exchange commenced. We initially offered 1,236,731,739 A Shares in exchange for the existing issued shares of Shandong Aluminum and Lanzhou Aluminum, other than those held by us. Our total share capital increased to 12,886.6 million shares from 11,649.9 million shares.

On December 28, 2007, we offered 637,880,000 A Shares in exchange for the existing issued shares of Baotou Aluminum, resulting in the total share capital of the Company increasing by 637,880,000 shares to 13,524,487,892 shares.

To the best of our knowledge, as of December 31, 2008, none of the outstanding H Shares was held by United States holders of record, and all of the outstanding ADSs were held by 114 United States holders of record. There were no non-PRC holders holding A Shares of record. Our ADS ratio changed from one (1) ADS representing one hundred (100) H Shares to one (1) ADS representing twenty-five (25) H Shares. The ratio change is effected with the holders of ADSs of record on October 6, 2006. The new ADSs have been distributed to the holders of ADSs on October 11, 2006.

 

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As an owner of at least 30% of our issued and outstanding shares, the parent company is deemed a controlling shareholder and therefore may not exercise its voting rights relating to our shares with respect to various matters in a manner prejudicial to the interests of our other Shareholders. See "Item 10. Additional Information - Memorandum and Articles of Association". In accordance with our Articles of Association, each share of our capital stock has one vote and the shares of the same class have the same rights. Other than the restrictions noted in the first sentence of this paragraph, the voting rights of our major holders of domestic shares are identical to those of any other holders of our domestic shares, and the voting rights of our major holders of H Shares are identical to those of our other holders of H Shares. Holders of domestic shares and H Shares are deemed to be shareholders of different classes for some matters, which may affect their respective interests. Holders of H Shares and domestic shares are entitled to the same voting rights.

Related Party Transactions

Connected Transactions under Hong Kong Listing Rules

Under the Listing Rules, transactions between connected persons and us constitute connected transactions and such transactions are normally subject to reporting, announcement and/or shareholders' approval unless otherwise waived by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange or exempted under the Listing Rules. Under the Listing Rules, Chinalco, Guangxi Investment, Guizhou Development, Zhangze Electric Power, Xinan Aluminum, Nanping Aluminum, Guan Lv, Huasheng Jiangquan and Pingguo Aluminum are considered as our connected persons. Where the transactions are non-exempt continuing connected transactions, each year our Independent Non-executive Directors must review and confirm in the annual reports and accounts that the transactions have been entered into:

 

(i)

in the ordinary and usual course of our business;

 

 

(ii)

either on normal commercial terms or, if there are not sufficient comparable transactions to judge whether they are on normal commercial terms, on terms no less favorable to us than terms available to or from (as appropriate) independent third parties; and

 

 

(iii)

in accordance with the relevant agreement governing them on terms that are fair and reasonable and in the interests of our shareholders as a whole.

 

 

Although connected transactions are not synonymous with related party transactions, the concepts are sufficiently similar that the following description of our connected transactions would satisfy the disclosure requirements under U.S. securities laws.

We have the following connected transactions with our connected persons;

 

*

Provision of Services by Chinalco to the Group;

 

 

*

Comprehensive Social Welfare and Logistics Agreement with Chinalco;

 

 

*

General Agreement on Mutual Provision of Production Supplies and Ancillary Services with Chinalco;

 

 

*

Mineral Supply Agreement with Chinalco;

 

 

*

Land Use Rights Leasing Agreement with Chinalco;

 

 

*

Buildings Leasing Agreement with Chinalco;

 

 

*

Mutual Provision of Products with Guangxi Investment;

 

 

*

Mutual Provision of Products and Services with Xinan Aluminum;

 

 

*

Mutual Provision of Products and services with Guizhou Development;

 

 

*

Mutual Provision of Products and Services with Nanping Aluminum;

 

 

*

Provision of products to Guan Lv;

 

 

*

Acquisition of equity interests in five aluminum fabrication plants and one aluminum production from Chinalco and China Nonferrous Metals Technology;

 

 

*

Engaging Huasheng Jiangquan to construct a new aluminum smelter;

 

 

*

Acquisition of assets from Pingguo Aluminum; and

 

 

*

Agreement on Management of Electricity Generators with Zhangze Electric Power.

 

 

Provision of services by Chinalco to the Group

Pursuant to the Provision of Engineering, Construction and Supervisory Services Agreement dated November 5, 2001, which was for an initial term of three years expiring on June 30, 2004 and subsequently extended by two extension agreements to December 31, 2009, Chinalco agreed to provide certain engineering, construction and supervisory services to the Group at the state-guidance price, and if there was no State-guidance price, then at market price. Such services are mainly provided by subsidiaries of Chinalco including China Aluminum International Engineering Co., Ltd.

With the approval of the independent shareholders given at the extraordinary general meeting held on February 27, 2007, the annual cap of the transactions under the above agreement was set at RMB3,970 million for each year from 2007 to 2009. Given the increase in projects and change in the contracting model, the annual caps for the continuing connected transactions under the agreement were revised to RMB11,000 million and RMB12,200 million respectively for each of the two years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009, as approved by the independent shareholders at the extraordinary general meeting held on December 29, 2008.

Chinalco is a substantial shareholder of the Company and a connected person of the Company.

Comprehensive Social Welfare and Logistics Agreement

Chinalco provides certain social welfare and logistics services on a continuing basis to us. To regulate our relationship with Chinalco in this regard, we entered into the Comprehensive Social and Logistics Services Agreement with Chinalco on November 5, 2001 for the provision of social welfare and logistics services.

On February 27, 2007 our shareholders approved the revision of the annual caps for the amount of connected transactions, mainly due to the following reasons: (a) the logistics services equipment was expected to be refurnished in 2007 due to the aging of the equipment over the years, and therefore, this would result in increased expenses; (b) since many of our facilities have expanded their production capabilities, there would be an increase in the use of the logistics services provided by Chinalco; and (c) it is expected that Chinalco's costs for providing the services will increase over the previous years and therefore, it would mean increased charges to us.

General Agreement on Mutual Provision of Production Supplies and Ancillary Services

Chinalco retained certain non-core assets and businesses relating to ancillary production supplies and services which include assets and businesses for, among other things, (a) the supply of various raw materials required in the course of production of alumina and primary aluminum; (b) the provision of transportation and loading services; and (c) the provision of production supporting service, which continue to provide ancillary production supplies and services to us on an ongoing basis.

Chinalco retained all its assets and businesses relating to aluminum fabrication (except for aluminum fabrication capacity of Shandong Aluminum and the five aluminum fabrication subsidiaries acquired by us in 2008). It purchases its supply of primary aluminum as well as other alumina products from us. On the other hand, Chinalco transferred to us (a) operating assets and businesses for the production of alumina, primary aluminum, scrap materials, coal and pitch, and (b) assets and businesses for provision of ancillary production supplies and services which include, among other things, the supply of electricity, gas, heat and water, spare parts and the provision of repair and maintenance services. Such assets and businesses continue to provide ancillary production supplies and services to Chinalco.

As the number of subsidiaries of Chinalco has continued to increase, the need for these subsidiaries to purchase our products has also increased accordingly and hence, larger quantities of alumina are being purchased from us by Chinalco's subsidiaries. On October 12, 2007 our shareholders approved the revision of the annual caps of the transactions under the Mutual Supply Agreement with Chinalco for the three financial years ended December 31, 2007, 2008, and 2009 in order to cater for the increased volume and value of mutual supply transactions with Chinalco and its associates.

The revision of annual caps are primarily due to (a) the mergers and acquisition by Chinalco of several large-scale aluminum production plants during 2006 and early 2007 which led to increased amount and volume of purchases of alumina by Chinalco and its relevant associates from us; and (b) China International Trading Co., Ltd. directly selling primary aluminum to Chinalco and its relevant associates instead of acting as an agent for such sales as previously arranged. We hold 90.5% of the equity interest of China International Trading Co., Ltd.

 

- 81 -

 


 

Mineral Supply Agreement

Chinalco retained certain assets and businesses relating to several small bauxite mines and limestone quarries in respect of which the mining rights have not been transferred to us. Chinalco continues to provide bauxite and limestone to us on an ongoing basis. Chinalco also purchases bauxite and limestone from other mines and re-sell them to us.

To formalize the relationship between Chinalco and us in these respects, we entered into a Mineral Supply Agreement with Chinalco on November 5, 2001.

Land Use Rights Leasing Agreement

Chinalco has leased to us all the 459 pieces or parcels of land for the purposes of all aspects of our operations and businesses. On November 5, 2001, we entered into the Land Use Rights Leasing Agreement with Chinalco for the leasing of these 459 parcels of land covering an aggregate area of approximately 61.9 million square meters, which are located in eight provinces in the PRC. The annual rent payable to Chinalco is approximately RMB239.1 million.

As a result of the adjustment in the standard land price and land use tax made by relevant local authorities in 2004, Chinalco was required to pay an extra tax amount of RMB66.0 million in 2004. On January 1, 2005, after arm's length negotiations between Chinalco and us, we agreed to bear the annual tax increment beginning from January 1, 2004, pursuant to which our payment of the rental for land use right increased from RMB173.0 million to RMB239.1 million. We had applied and recommended to the HKSE for the amendment of maximum amount of annual land use right payable by us be adjusted from RMB200.0 million to RMB250.0 million.

Due to the adjustment of land tax in Zhongzhou branch and Shanxi branch, and at the request of Chinalco, we have agreed to bear the increase in land tax of approximately RMB44.9 million of these two branch factories of the Company. The relevant land use rights were leased to us pursuant to the Land Use Right Leasing Agreement between our Company and Chinalco dated November 5, 2001. Payment by us of the increased land tax for Chinalco is expected to exceed the annual limit of this category of continuing connected transactions of RMB250 million in 2006. Therefore, we revised the annual cap for the Land Use Right Leasing Agreement for the year ended December 31, 2006 to RMB290 million.

On August 20, 2007, based on an appraisal report dated April 30, 2007 prepared by China Enterprise Appraisal Company Limited, an independent valuer qualified in the PRC, the total annual rental of the land use rights of the land leased by Chinalco to us was increased to RMB620.0 million commencing from January 1, 2007. The appraisal of the prevailing market rent was made pursuant to a provision for rental adjustment in the Land Use Right Leasing Agreement. Under the Listing Rules of the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Listing Rules, the aforesaid revision of annual rental was not required to be approved by the Independent Directors of the Company.

On February 25, 2008, Chinalco and we entered into a supplemental agreement, pursuant to which the total annual rental of the land use rights in connection with the land leased by Chinalco to us was further increased from RMB620.0 million to RMB1 billion for each of the two years ended December 31, 2009 (the "Supplemental Agreement"). We revised annual cap of the exempt continuing connected transaction (i.e. RMB1 billion) on March 6, 2008.

The revised annual rental for the two financial years ended December 31, 2009 resulted from (i) the increase in the PRC land use rights tax pursuant to the relevant PRC laws and regulations; (ii) the increase in the total area of leased land in relation to the mergers and acquisitions that took place in 2007; and (iii) the increase in the total number of plots of land leased by our subsidiaries in 2007. We made an announcement regarding details of this revisions on March 6, 2008.

The revised annual cap of this exempt continuing connected transaction (i.e. RMB1 billion) also provides ample contingency to accommodate the possible fluctuations resulting in any changes in market conditions given the increasing volatility of rentals of the properties in the PRC and our possible future acquisitions of assets from Chinalco as part of its business development plan.

The transactions under the Supplemental Agreement constitute continuing connected transactions of us under the Listing Rules. The revised annual rental of RMB1 billion is less than 2.5% of the applicable percentage ratio under the Listing Rules. The rental revision is required to be disclosed by way of announcement but is not required to be approved by the independent shareholders of the Company.

Buildings Leasing Agreement

At the Special General Meetings of the Company held on February 27, 2007, it was approved to aggregate the rental payable to Chinalco under the Buildings Leasing Agreement dated November 5, 2001 with the rent payable under the Head Office Leasing Agreement to China Aluminum Development Company Limited under one category of continuing connected transactions and apply for an aggregate annual cap of RMB100 million for each of the three years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Chinalco transferred to us, among other operating assets, ownership of the buildings and properties for the operation of our core businesses, with Chinalco retaining the buildings and properties for its remaining operations. We leased to Chinalco and Chinalco leased to us a number of buildings and properties for ancillary uses, which include buildings and properties mainly for offices, dormitory, canteen and storage purposes. The buildings and properties we lease to Chinalco comprise 59 buildings with an aggregate gross floor area of 62,819 square meters. In turn, the buildings and properties Chinalco leases to us for ancillary uses comprise 100 buildings with an aggregate gross area of 273,637 square meters. We entered into the Buildings Leasing Agreement on November 5, 2001 with Chinalco, regarding the terms and conditions for the lease of these buildings and properties.

At the time of the 2003 Waiver Renewal, the annual cap for the Buildings Leasing Agreement was set at RMB12 million, being the estimated total amount of rent payable by us to Chinalco in respect of approximately 100 buildings leased by us from Chinalco pursuant to the Buildings Leasing Agreement dated November 5, 2001. Due to the steady growth of the PRC economy, we expect the aggregate amount of rental payable by us to Chinalco to increase during the next three years. On March 28, 2005, we entered into a tenancy agreement with China Aluminum Development Company Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chinalco, in respect of the office premises at 12th to 16th floors and 18th to 31st floors of No. 62 North Xizhimen Street, Hai Dian District, Beijing, PRC with an aggregate gross floor area of 30,160.81 square meters for a term of three years. The annual rent amounts to RMB61.6 million, determined according to the prevailing market rate. The renovation period from Frbruary 15, 2005 to October 14, 2005 was rent free.

On October 15, 2008, our tenancy agreement with China Aluminum Development Company Limited expired, and we renewed the tenancy agreement to extend it for another three years commencing on October 16, 2008, pursuant to which the aggregated gross floor area we lease under such tenancy agreement has been increased to 30,187.9 square meters at an annual rent of RMB61.7 million payable each six months. In 2008, we paid RMB30.85 million under the renewed tenancy agreement. Under our original tenancy agreement with China Aluminum Development Company before its expiry on October 15, 2008, we paid an aggregate amount of RMB184.8 million as rent during the three-year lease term.

 

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Mutual provision of products between the Group and Guangxi Investment (including its subsidiaries and associates)

The Group has been selling alumina and aluminum ingots to Guangxi Investment since 2001 pursuant to relevant agreements, and purchasing alumina from Guangxi Huayin, an associate of Guangxi Investment, since May 2008 pursuant to the agreement made with Guanxi Huayin.

As approved at the extraordinary general meeting held on February 27, 2007, the annual cap for the continuing connected transactions in relation to the sales of alumina and primary aluminum to the subsidiaries of Guangxi Investment for each of the three years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 was set at RMB450 million each year. As the sales by the Group to Guangxi Investment increased, during the reporting period, the annual caps in respect of the sales of alumina and aluminum products to Guangxi Investment for the two years ended December 31, 2009 were revised to RMB1,490 million for each year. The annual caps of the transactions with Guangxi Huayin (an associate of Guangxi Investment) for the purchase of alumina by the Group from Guangxi Huayin for the two years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 were set at RMB815 million and RMB1,770 million respectively.

In order to regulate the continuing connected transactions between the Group and Guangxi Investment (including its subsidiaries and associates), the Company and Guangxi Investment entered into the Mutual Provision of Products Framework Agreement on October 20, 2008, which was effective from the execution date until December 31, 2009. Pursuant to the agreement, the Group would continue to sell alumina and aluminum ingots to Guangxi Investment (including its subsidiaries and associates) and purchase alumina from Guangxi Investment (including its subsidiaries and associates).

As Guangxi Investment is one of the promoters of the Company, Guangxi Investment, its subsidiaries and associates are connected persons of the Company.

Mutual Provision of Products and Services between the Group and Xinan Aluminum

Xinan Aluminum (including its subsidiaries and associates) has business relationships with the Company since the establishment of the Company in 2001, including the purchases of products from the Group and sales of products and services to the Group. Upon completion of the acquisition of 60% of the equity interest in Chalco Southwest Aluminum by the Company on May 30, 2008, Xinan Aluminum, being a substantial shareholder (holding 40% of the equity interest) of Chalco Southwest Aluminum, became a connected person of the Company under the Listing Rules. The transactions between Xinan Aluminum and the Group therefore constituted connected transactions.

In order to regulate the continuing connected transactions between the Group and Xinan Aluminum (including its subsidiaries and associates), the Company and Xinan Aluminum entered into the Mutual Provision of Products and Services Framework Agreement on October 20, 2008, which was effective from June 1, 2008 until December 31, 2009. As approved at the extraordinary general meeting held on December 29, 2008, the annual caps for the sale transactions by the Group to Xinan Aluminum for the two years ended December 31, 2009 were set at RMB9,000 million and RMB7,000 million respectively while the purchase transactions by the Group from Xinan Aluminum were set at RMB4,600 million and RMB4,000 million respectively.

Xinan Aluminum is a connected person of the Company by reason of it being a substantial shareholder of Chalco Southwest Aluminum, which is a subsidiary of the Company.

Mutual Provision of Products and Services between the Group and Guizhou Development

The continuing connected transactions between the Group and Guizhou Development include sale of aluminum ingots by Guizhou Development as an agent for the Company ("Agency Transactions") and sale of primary aluminum to the Group by Guizhou Development ("Sales Transactions").

During the reporting period, as the amount of Agency Transactions between the Group and Guizhou Development is de minimus under the Listing Rules, such transactions are not subject to any disclosure requirements under the Hong Kong Listing Rules.

Pursuant to the spot contract dated January 1, 2008 which was effective until December 31, 2008, Guizhou Development had purchased up to a maximum of 24,000 tonnes of primary aluminum at market prices from one of the Company's indirect non-wholly owned subsidiaries, Chalco Kailin. The value of the transactions accrued up to June 30, 2008 was de minimus under the Listing Rules. It was estimated that the continuing of these transactions from July 1, 2008 would exceed the de minimus threshold and the transactions would be subject to the reporting requirements under the Listing Rules. The annual caps for the Sales Transactions between the Group and Guizhou Development for the two years ended December 31, 2009 were set at RMB400 million and RMB450 million respectively.

Guizhou Development is a connected person of the Company by reason of it being a promoter of the Company.

Mutual Provision of Products and Services between the Group and Nanping Aluminum

Upon completion of the acquisition of 75% of the equity interests in Chalco Ruimin by the Company on May 30, 2008, Nanping Aluminum, being a substantial shareholder (holding 25% of its equity interests) of Chalco Ruimin, became a connected person of the Company. The transactions between Nanping Aluminum and the Group constituted connected transactions.

According to relevant agreements between the Group and Nanping Aluminum (including its subsidiaries and associates), Nanping Aluminum purchases alumina, primary aluminum and aluminum alloy ingots from the Group, and Chalco Ruimin, a subsidiary of the Company, purchases aluminum sheets and fabrication services from Nanping Aluminum. All the above transactions are conducted on normal commercial terms and at market prices. The annual caps for the transactions in relation to the sales of alumina, primary aluminum and aluminum alloy ingots by the Group to Nanping Aluminum for the two years ending December 31, 2008 and 2009 were set at RMB920 million and RMB1,030 million respectively. The annual caps for the transactions in relation to Chalco Ruimin's purchase of aluminum sheets and fabrication services from Nanping Aluminum for the two years ending December 31, 2008 and 2009 were set at RMB400 million and RMB450 million respectively.

Nanping Aluminum is a connected person of the Company by reason of its being a substantial shareholder of Chalco Ruimin.

Mutual Provision of Products and Services between the Group and Guan Lv

Guan Lv purchases alumina and aluminum alloy ingots from the Group pursuant to a long term supply agreement dated August 22, 2006 (valid for three years from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2009) and certain spot contracts signed from time to time. All the above continuing connected transactions are conducted on normal commercial terms and generally in cash with delivery against payment. The annual cap for such transactions for the two years ending December 31, 2008 and 2009 was set at RMB210 million and RMB260 million, respectively.

As Guan Lv holds 49% of the equity interests in Shanxi Huasheng, a subsidiary of the Company, Guan Lv is a connected person of the Company.

Acquisition of equity interests in five aluminum fabrication plants and one aluminum production from Chinalco and China Nonferrous Metals Technology

On May 12, 2008, the Company submitted a bid to acquire 100% of the equity interests in Longxing Aluminum Company Limited, 100% of the equity interests in Chalco Southwest Aluminum Cold Rolling, 84.02% of the equity interests in Henan Aluminum, 75% of the equity interests in Chalco Ruimin, 60% of the equity interests in Chalco Southwest Aluminum, and 56.86% of the equity interests in Huaxi Aluminum from Chinalco and China Nonferrous Metals Technology. The equity interests of the above companies were listed on the China Beijing Equity Exchange for bidding at a consideration of RMB4,174.7589 million. The three parties entered into a transfer agreement on May 21, 2008 and completed all transfer procedures on May 30, 2008.

Chinalco is a substantial shareholder in the Company and a connected person of the Company.

 

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Engaging Huasheng Jiangquan to construct a new aluminum smelter

Pursuant to an agreement dated July 30, 2008, Huayu Aluminum, a non-wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, engaged Huasheng Jiangquan to construct an aluminum smelter with an annual capacity of 100,000 tonnes in Linyi City, Shandong Province. The construction period was from January 2008 to December 2008. The consideration for the agreement was RMB420.09 million (of which approximately RMB340.14 million had been paid up to December 31, 2008), which was determined in accordance with the Pricing Standard on Construction Estimates of the Nonferrous Metals Industry drawn up by the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association, adjusted with reference to the local conditions in Shandong province.

As Huasheng Jiangquan is the holding company of Linyi Jiangtai Aluminum Co., Ltd. which, in turn, is a substantial shareholder of Huayu Aluminum, a non wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, Huasheng Jiangquan is a connected person of the Company.

Acquisition of Assets from Pingguo Aluminum

By an asset acquisition agreement dated September 30, 2008, the Company agreed to acquire and Pingguo Aluminum agreed to sell certain of its assets to the Company. The assets include the majority but not all of Pingguo Aluminum's assets, mainly comprising an alloy plant and related equipment, interest in Pingguo Aluminum Building Company, a fleet of passenger vehicles and other ancillary facilities and apparatus. The assets retained by Pingguo Aluminum consist of a hospital, a child care centre, a guest house and certain allocated land. The consideration of the acquisition is RMB96.3927 million, which was determined based on the appraised value of Pingguo Aluminum's net assets as at September 30, 2007 by an independent and duly qualified PRC valuer appointed by the Company. The consideration would be paid in cash within five days from the effective date of the agreement. Currently, the transaction has been completed.

Pingguo Aluminum is a connected person of the Company by reason of its being a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chinalco.

Agreement on Management of Electricity Generators

On January 15, 2003, we entered into a joint venture agreement with Zhangze Electric Power for the establishment of a joint venture company named as Shanxi Huaze. We hold 60% of the equity interest in Shanxi Huaze and Zhangze Electric Power holds the remaining 40% of the equity interest. Accordingly, Zhangze Electric Power is a substantial shareholder of Shanxi Huaze, one of our subsidiaries, and therefore a connected person of the Company.

On December 4, 2007, Shanxi Huaze entered into a management agreement (the "Management Agreement") with Zhangze Electric Power for the management of No. 3 and No. 4 generating units of Shanxi Huaze by Zhangze Electric Power at a fixed management fee of Kilowatt per hour. Pursuant to the Management Agreement, Zhangze Electric Power is responsible for the management of the two electricity generators and is responsible for all liabilities arising from any accidents within its responsibility for the fuel costs and fixed costs, including but not limited to payment of water fee, raw materials, salaries, maintenance and taxes etc. of the two electricity generators; and Zhangze Electric Power was to manage the two electricity generators in accordance with the terms specified in the Management Agreement. It is estimated that the annual management fee payable to Zhangze Electric Power under the Management Agreement will be approximately RMB13 million. The contracting arrangement with initial estimation of RMB800 million is no longer applicable to such transactions. The transaction was announced on December 4, 2007.

As of December 31, 2008, this transaction is considered as an exempt transaction under the Listing Rules.

We provide the following additional information on material related party transactions during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008:

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 


 

2006

2007

2008

 




 

RMB

RMB

RMB

 




- 84 -

 


 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

Sales of materials and finished goods to:

 

 

 

    Chinalco Group

2,466,601

2,533,702

2,703,461

    Jointly controlled entities

11,109

16,882

20,939

    Associates

1,342,997

2,167,047

3,274

    Other related parties

3,200,265

8,120,244

5,736,264

 

 

 

 

Provision of utility services to:

 

 

 

    Chinalco Group

294,556

439,766

580,042

    Associates

24

3,659

5,461

    Other related parties

-

57

44

 

 

 

 

Provision of engineering, construction and supervisory services by:

 

 

 

    Chinalco Group

1,695,190

3,435,029

8,373,067

    Other related parties

-

24,342

22,585

 

 

 

 

Purchase of key and auxiliary materials from:

 

 

 

    Chinalco Group

1,795,942

2,051,360

1,804,594

    Jointly controlled entities

-

243,524

6,260

    Associated companies

585,835

-

345,029

    Other related parties

3,153,725

5,037,148

3,113,918

 

 

 

 

Provision of social services and logistics services by Chinalco Group

1,043,606

903,272

723,129

 

 

 

 

Provision of utilities services by other related parties

-

1,514

4,010

 

 

 

 

Rental expenses for land use rights and buildings charged by Chinalco Group

368,140

728,743

948,396

 

 

 

 

Guarantees

The table below sets forth information on guarantees with certain related parties in 2008 for the purposes of financing their operations and capital investments.

 

 

 

Interest

Largest Amount

Amount Outstanding as

Guarantor

Guarantee

Rate (%)

Outstanding in 2008 (RMB)

of March 31, 2009 (RMB)

Chinalco

The Company

6.156%

300,000,000

-

 

Chalco Southwest Aluminum

7.830%

50,000,000

50,000,000

 

Chalco Southwest Aluminum

7.110%

70,000,000

70,000,000

 

Chalco Southwest Aluminum

7.830%

20,000,000

20,000,000

 

Chalco Southwest Aluminum

7.830%

20,000,000

20,000,000

 

Chalco Southwest Aluminum

7.830%

20,000,000

20,000,000

 

Chalco Southwest Aluminum

7.830%

20,000,000

20,000,000

 

Chalco Southwest Aluminum

5.760%

65,000,000

65,000,000

 

Chalco Southwest Aluminum

5.760%

20,000,000

20,000,000

 

Chalco Southwest Aluminum

5.760%

6,800,000

6,800,000

 

Chalco Southwest Aluminum

5.760%

30,000,000

30,000,000

 

Chalco Southwest Aluminum

5.580%

70,000,000

70,000,000

 

Chalco Southwest Aluminum

5.580%

53,200,000

53,200,000

 

Chalco Southwest Aluminum

5.760%

15,000,000

-

 

Chalco Southwest Aluminum Cold Rolling

6.156%

50,000,000

50,000,000

 

Chalco Southwest Aluminum Cold Rolling

US$ LIBOR for six months +300BP

68,346,000

68,359,000

 

Chalco Southwest Aluminum Cold Rolling

US$ LIBOR for six months +300BP

116,188,200

116,210,300

 

Henan Aluminum

7.830%

27,165,000

13,582,500

 

Henan Aluminum

7.047%

110,000,000

110,000,000

 

Henan Aluminum

7.047%

112,000,000

112,000,000

 

Henan Aluminum

7.830%

52,000,000

52,000,000

 

Henan Aluminum

7.830%

50,174,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

8.514%

48,977,000

28,977,000

 

Henan Aluminum

7.830%

43,000,000

43,000,000

 

Henan Aluminum

7.047%

50,000,000

50,000,000

 

Henan Aluminum

7.047%

100,000,000

100,000,000

 

Henan Aluminum

7.047%

50,000,000

50,000,000

 

Henan Aluminum

6.480%

68,380,000

68,380,000

 

Henan Aluminum

7.047%

31,620,000

31,620,000

 

Henan Aluminum

7.047%

214,110,000

196,550,000

 

Henan Aluminum

7.047%

300,000,000

300,000,000

 

Henan Aluminum

7.047%

130,850,000

130,850,000

 

Henan Aluminum

6.966%

100,000,000

100,000,000

 

Henan Aluminum

6.966%

100,000,000

100,000,000

 

Henan Aluminum

7.047%

100,000,000

88,000,000

 

Henan Aluminum

6.480%

200,000,000

200,000,000

 

Henan Aluminum

6.804%

100,000,000

100,000,000

 

Henan Aluminum

6.075%

70,000,000

70,000,000

 

Henan Aluminum

6.723%

20,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

6.723%

20,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

6.723%

30,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

6.723%

30,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

6.723%

40,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

6.723%

30,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

6.723%

30,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

7.097%

50,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

6.723%

60,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

6.723%

60,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

6.723%

60,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

6.723%

100,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

6.723%

43,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

7.097%

30,000,000

30,000,000

 

Henan Aluminum

7.097%

30,000,000

30,000,000

 

Henan Aluminum

5.022%

50,000,000

50,000,000

 

Henan Aluminum

6.390%

20,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

6.390%

20,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

6.390%

30,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

6.390%

30,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

5.751%

30,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

5.751%

30,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

5.751%

30,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

5.751%

30,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

5.751%

30,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

5.751%

30,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

6.318%

30,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

6.318%

40,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

6.561%

20,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

6.561%

40,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

6.561%

40,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

6.561%

40,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

6.561%

50,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

6.561%

60,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

5.580%

70,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

6.804%

60,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

6.561%

50,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

6.561%

60,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

5.913%

50,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

5.508%

10,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

5.508%

30,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

5.508%

20,000,000

-

China Nonferrous Metals Technology

Henan Aluminum

7.047%

48,340,000

44,380,000

 

Henan Aluminum

6.723%

50,000,000

-

 

Henan Aluminum

6.561%

50,000,000

-

Lanzhou Aluminum Factory

The Company

2.550%

6,600,000

6,600,000

 

The Company

5.000%

63,692,400

57,323,200

 

The Company

3.360%

44,000,000

40,000,000

The Company

Shanxi Huaze

7.047%

50,000,000

50,000,000

 

Shanxi Huaze

7.047%

100,000,000

100,000,000

 

Shanxi Huaze

7.047%

50,000,000

50,000,000

 

Shanxi Huaze

7.047%

50,000,000

50,000,000

 

Shanxi Huaze

7.047%

50,000,000

50,000,000

 

Shanxi Huaze

7.047%

100,000,000

100,000,000

 

Shanxi Huaze

7.047%

50,000,000

50,000,000

 

Shanxi Huaze

7.047%

50,000,000

50,000,000

 

Shanxi Huaze

7.047%

50,000,000

50,000,000

 

Shanxi Huaze

7.047%

50,000,000

50,000,000

 

Shanxi Huaze

7.047%

100,000,000

100,000,000

 

Shanxi Huaze

7.047%

50,000,000

50,000,000

 

Shanxi Huaze

7.047%

50,000,000

50,000,000

 

Shanxi Huaze

7.047%

100,000,000

100,000,000

 

Shanxi Huaze

7.047%

100,000,000

100,000,000

 

Shanxi Huaze

7.047%

100,000,000

100,000,000

 

Shanxi Huaze

7.047%

70,000,000

70,000,000

Baotou Group

Baotou Aluminum

4.770%

250,000,000

250,000,000

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.723%

30,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.723%

50,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.723%

35,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.723%

40,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.723%

8,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.723%

50,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.723%

20,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.723%

15,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.723%

10,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.723%

40,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.723%

40,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.723%

40,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.723%

50,000,000

50,000,000

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.723%

50,000,000

50,000,000

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.723%

100,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.723%

20,000,000

20,000,000

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.723%

100,000,000

100,000,000

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.723%

40,000,000

40,000,000

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.723%

30,000,000

30,000,000

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.723%

30,000,000

30,000,000

 

Baotou Aluminum

5.022%

30,000,000

30,000,000

 

Baotou Aluminum

5.022%

40,000,000

40,000,000

 

Baotou Aluminum

5.508%

70,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

5.751%

120,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

5.508%

35,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

5.508%

10,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

5.913%

100,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

5.913%

30,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.318%

30,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.561%

40,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

5.913%

50,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.318%

20,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.561%

60,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.561%

30,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.561%

20,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.561%

30,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.561%

30,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.561%

20,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.561%

60,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.723%

50,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.561%

80,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.723%

12,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.723%

18,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.723%

50,000,000

-

 

Baotou Aluminum

6.723%

30,000,000

-

- 85 -

 


 

Loans

The table below sets forth the loans with certain related parties in 2008 for the purposes of financing their operations and capital investments.

 

 

 

Interest

Largest Amount

Amount Outstanding as

Lender

Borrower

Rate (%)

Outstanding in 2008 (RMB)

of March 31, 2009 (RMB)

Chinalco

Chalco Ruimin

N/A

206,270,000

206,270,000

 

Chalco Southwest Aluminum Cold Rolling

N/A

250,000,000

250,000,000

The Company

Gansu Hualu

5.508%

90,000,000

-

 

 

6.561%

50,000,000

-

 

Zunyi Aluminum

5.913%

30,000,000

-

 

 

6.561%

100,000,000

-

 

Fushun Aluminum

7.470%

200,000,000

200,000,000

 

 

7.200%

137,000,000

137,000,000

 

 

6.723%

228,000,000

228,000,000

 

 

7.470%

100,000,000

100,000,000

 

See Note 31 to our audited consolidated financial statements for a detailed discussion of our related party transactions.

 

ITEM 8.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Consolidated Financial Statements

See pages F-1 to F-111 following Item 19.

 

- 86 -

 


 

Legal Proceedings

As of December 31, 2008, Fushun Aluminum, a subsidiary of our Company was named in the claims by various banks for its joint liabilities amounting to approximately RMB171 million for the repayments of loans due from a third party. Fushun Aluminum was acquired by us from the third party in 2006. The Directors, after obtaining independent legal advice, are of the opinion that as the acquisition was conducted on fair principle and the consideration was set close to the asset value of the assets acquired, no contingency provision for such claims is necessary as of December 31, 2008.

Dividends

Our Board of Directors declares dividends, if any, in Renminbi with respect to H Shares on a per share basis and pays such dividends in HK dollars. Any final dividend for a financial year is subject to shareholders' approval. The Bank of New York, as depositary, converts the HK dollar dividend payments and distributes them to holders of ADSs in U.S. dollars, less expenses of conversion. Under the PRC Company Law and our Articles of Association, all of our shareholders have equal rights to dividends and distributions. The holders of the H Shares share proportionately on a per share basis in all dividends and other distributions declared by our Board of Directors.

The declaration of dividends is subject to the discretion of our board of directors, which takes into account the following factors:

 

*

our financial results;

 

 

*

capital requirements;

 

 

*

contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends by us to our shareholders or by our subsidiaries to us;

 

 

*

our shareholders' interests;

 

 

*

the effect on our credit worthiness;

 

 

*

general business conditions; and

 

 

*

other factors our Board of Directors may deem relevant.

 

 

We may only distribute dividends after we have made allowance for:

 

*

recovery of losses, if any;

 

 

*

allocation to the statutory surplus reserve; and

 

 

*

allocation to a discretionary surplus reserve if approved by our shareholders and after allocation is made to the statutory surplus reserve.

 

 

Pursuant to PRC laws and regulations, dividends may only be distributed after allowance has been made for: (1) recovery of losses, if any; (2) allocations to the statutory surplus reserve; and (3) allocations to a discretionary surplus reserve if approved by the shareholders. The allocations to the statutory surplus reserve is 10% of our net profit determined in accordance with PRC GAAP. Our distributable profits for the current financial year will be equal to our net profits determined in accordance with PRC GAAP or HKFRS, whichever is lower, less allocations to the statutory surplus reserve and if approved by the shareholders, discretionary surplus reserve.

The Company approved to declare an interim dividend of RMB0.052 per share at the Second Extraordinary General Meeting held on October 28, 2008.

 

- 87 -

 


 

We believe that our dividend policy strikes a balance between two important goals:

 

*

providing our shareholders with a competitive return on investment; and

 

 

*

assuring sufficient reinvestment of profits to enable us to achieve our strategic objectives.

 

 

See "Item 10. Additional Information - Taxation" for a discussion of the tax consequences of receipt of dividends.

 

ITEM 9.

THE OFFER AND LISTING

The Shanghai Stock Exchange is the principal non-US trading market for our A Shares. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange is the principal non-US trading market for our H Shares. Before October 2006, the ADSs, each representing 100 H Shares, have been issued by the Bank of New York as depositary and are listed on the NYSE. Our ADS ratio changed from one (1) ADS representing one hundred (100) H Shares to one (1) ADS representing twenty-five (25) H Shares from October, 2006. The ratio change is effected with respect to the holders of ADSs of record on October 6, 2006. The new ADSs have been distributed to the holders of ADSs on October 11, 2006. No additional H Shares were issued by reason of this change.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the reported high and low closing prices for our shares on each of these two stock exchanges:

 

 

NYSE

Hong Kong Stock Exchange

 



Calendar Period

High

Low

High

Low

 





 

(US$ per ADS)

(HK$ per H Share)

- 88 -

 


 

2004

91.80

42.71

7.05

3.275

2005

78.84

50.04

6.10

3.87

2006

110.12

15.54

8.70

4.88

2007

 

 

 

 

    First Quarter(1)

27.34

21.68

8.57

6.60

    Second Quarter(1)

43.25

26.20

13.80

8.06

    Third Quarter(1)

71.17

37.05

26.35

10.14

    Fourth Quarter(1)

88.05

48.72

26.20

14.66

2008

 

 

 

 

    First Quarter(1)

49.75

35.76

16.12

10.02

    Second Quarter(1)

46.10

28.54

14.44

8.94

    Third Quarter(1)

29.34

14.54

9.36

4.61

    Fourth Quarter(1)

15.76

7.31

5.02

2.17

    October

15.01

7.31

4.83

2.17

    November (1)

11.97

8.15

3.54

2.82

    December (1)

15.76

10.65

5.02

3.45

2009

 

 

 

 

    January

16.38

10.25

5.05

3.20

    February

14.48

10.90

4.40

3.40

    March

17.13

10.70

5.23

3.55

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Effective from October,2006, the Company's American Depository Shares (the "ADSs") ratio has been changed from 1 ADS representing 100 H Shares to 1 ADS representing 25 H Shares.

 

 

ITEM 10.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

- 89 -

 


 

Our registered office is located at No. 62 North Xizhimen Street, Haidian District, Beijing, People's Republic of China (100082). Our telephone number at this address is (86) 10 8229 8103.

Memorandum and Articles of Association

A copy of the English translation of our Articles of Association was filed with the SEC as an exhibit to the registration statement on Form F-1 (Registration No. 333-14068) under the Securities Act in connection with a global offering of our H Shares and American depositary shares on December 5, 2001. Because our Articles of Association have undergone several amendments since 2001, we have filed a copy of the English translation of our Articles of Association as of June 30, 2007 as Exhibit 1.1 to the Company's 20-F filed on June 20, 2007. Amendments to our Articles of Association since June 9, 2005 are subject to approval by State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission under the State Council. Since June 20, 2007, our Articles of Association underwent the following amendments:

 

*

Our Articles of Association were amended and approved at special general shareholders' meeting on October 12, 2007. We have deleted sentence providing that the quorum of any class meeting convened for purpose shall be at least one-third of the total number of issued shares of that class. The Board is of the view that the one-third shareholding quorum requirement is unduly restrictive. Such provision is not a requirement of the Mandatory Provisions and is not common among large-scale H share companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Moreover, the requirement to reply by returning the reply slip 20 days before the date of the class meeting as provided in Article 99 has already provided the mechanism to ensure that the class shareholders receive the notice of the class meeting. We have also amended the Articles of Association in accordance with the merger of Baotou Aluminum with the Company by way of share exchange through issuance of new A Shares. The amendments are subject to approval by State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council. The revised Article 99 reads: "The Company shall, 45 days before the date of class meeting of shareholders (including the date of meeting) , send written notice of the class meeting and inform all registered shareholders of that class of the matters to be considered at the class meeting and the date and venue of the class meeting. Those shareholders of the class who intend to attend shall send the written reply to the Company 20 days before the class meeting. If the number of voting shares represented by shareholders who intend to attend the meeting amount to more than one-half of the Company's total voting shares, the Company may hold the meeting; if not, the Company shall within five days notify the shareholders, again by way of public announcement, of the matters to be considered at, and the place and date for, the meeting. The Company may then hold the meeting after such announcement."

 

 

*

Our Articles of Association were amended and approved at the general shareholders' meeting held on May 9, 2008 to (1) expand the business scope; and (2) add additional conditions for effectiveness of share certificates and obtaining the authorization from the Board of Directors to imprint the Company seal on the share certificates. The amendments are subject to approval by State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council. The revised Article 13 and Article 39 reads:

 

 

 

*

Article 13

 

 

 

 

 

"The business scope of the Company will be as approved by the companies registration authorities.

The business scope of the Company include: exploration and mining of bauxite and limestone mine; production and sale of bauxite and magnesite products, smelted products and processed products; production and sale of carbon products, relevant non-ferrous products, water and electricity, industrial oxygen and nitrogen; production, sales, loading, unloading and transportation of autoclaved fly ash brick; exploration design, construction and installation; manufacture, installation and maintenance of mechanical equipment, spare parts, non-standard equipment; repair of automobile and engineering machinery, manufacture and sale of automobile of special process; road transportation for cargo; installation, repair, inspection and sales of telecommunication and testing instruments; automatic measurement control, network, software system design and installation debugging; operation of office automation and instruments; relevant technological development and technical service."

 

 

 

 

*

Article 39

 

 

 

 

 

"Share certificates shall be signed by the legal representative. In case other members of the senior management are also required to sign by the stock exchange on which the Company's shares are listed, such other members of the senior management shall also sign. The share certificates shall become valid after applying the Company's seal (including the share seal of the Company) or after being imprinted with the seal. Authorisation from the Board of Directors should be obtained to affix the Company seal (including the share seal) or to imprint the Company seal on the share certificates. The signature of the Chairman or other member of the senior management may also be in imprinted form."

 

 

 

*

Our Articles of Association were amended and approved at the special general shareholders' meeting held on October 28, 2008 to expand the business scope. The amendment are subject to approval by State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council. The revised Article 13 reads:

 

 

 

"The business scope of the Company will be as approved by the companies registration authorities.

The business scope of the Company include: exploration and mining of bauxite and limestone mine; production and sale of bauxite and magnesite products, smelted products and processed products; production and sale of carbon products, relevant non-ferrous products, water and electricity, industrial oxygen and nitrogen; production, sales, loading, unloading and transportation of autoclaved fly ash brick; production and sale of sulphuric acid (or hazardous chemicals); exploration design, construction and installation; manufacture, installation and maintenance of mechanical equipment, spare parts, non-standard equipment; repair of automobile and engineering machinery, manufacture and sale of automobile of special process; road transportation for cargo; installation, repair, inspection and sales of telecommunication and testing instruments; automatic measurement control, network, software system design and installation debugging, operation of office automation and instruments; relevant technological development and technical service."

 

 

- 90 -

 


 

Our objects and purposes

Our Articles of Association as amended from time to time are filed with the Hong Kong Companies Registrar. Our business scope can be found in Article 13 of our Articles of Association, as amended at the Annual General Meeting held on October 28, 2008, which includes exploration and mining of bauxite and limestone mines; production and sales of bauxite and magnesite products, smelted products and processed products; production and sale of carbon products, relevant non-ferrous metal products, water, electricity, industrial oxygen and nitrogen; production, sales, loading, unloading and transportation of autoclaved fly ash brick; production and sale of sulphuric acid (or hazardour chemicals); exploration design, construction and installation; manufacture, installation and maintenance of mechanical equipment, spare parts, non-standard equipment; repair of automobiles and engineering machinery, manufacture and sale of automobile of special process; road transportation for cargo; installation, repair, inspection and sales of telecommunication and test instruments; automatic measurement control, network, software system design and installation debugging; operation of office automation and instruments; relevant technological development and technical service.

Directors' power to vote on matters in which he or she has an interest

Under Article 169, a Director shall not vote in any resolution of the Board of Directors for approving any contract, transaction or arrangement in which such Director or any of his associates (as defined in the applicable rules governing the listing of securities amended from time to time) is materially interested, and shall not be either counted into the quorum of the meeting. Unless the interested director has disclosed his or her interest to the Board of Directors in accordance with the Article 169 and the contract, transaction or arrangement has been approved by the Board of Directors at a meeting in which the interested Director is not counted in the quorum and has refrained from voting, a contract, transaction or arrangement in which such Director is materially interested is voidable at the instance of our Company except as against a bona fide party thereto acting without notice of the breach of duty by such Director.

Borrowing powers

Subject to compliance with applicable laws and regulations of the PRC, we have the power to raise and borrow money which power includes (without limitation) the issuance of debentures and the charging or mortgaging of part or whole of our business or properties and other rights permitted. The Articles of Association do not contain any specific provision in respect of the manner in which borrowing powers may be exercised by the Directors nor do they contain any specific provision in respect of the manner in which such powers may be varied, other than (a) provisions which give the Directors the power to formulate proposals for the issuance of debentures by us; (b) Article 86(2) provides that the issuance of bond must be approved by the shareholders in a general meeting by way of a special resolution; and (c) Article 108(4) provides that the Directors have the power to formulate our annual final financial budgets and final accounts which shall be passed by over half of the Directors.

Age limit for retirement

There is no provision pertaining to the retirement of Directors pursuant to an age limit requirement in our Articles of Association.

Directors' qualifying shares

Under Article 103, the Directors are not required to hold any qualifying shares.

Dividend rights

Article 54(1) provides that holders of our common shares have the right to receive dividends and distribution of profits in other forms, in proportion to the number of shares held. Under Article 48, when we convoke a general shareholders' meeting, allocate dividends, liquidates or perform other activities that require the verification of equity rights, the board of directors or the general meeting convener must specify a date as the equity rights determination date. The shareholders registered in the shareholder roster after closing as at the equity rights determination date are the Company's shareholders entitled to appropriate rights and interests.

Voting rights

Article 54(2) provides that holders of our ordinary shares have the right to lawfully request, convene, chair, attend in person or appoint a proxy to attend and vote at general meetings of shareholders in respect of the number of shares held.

Rights to share profits

Article 60(7) provides that a plan for profit distribution and a plan for making up for losses formulated by the Board of Directors in accordance with Article 108(6) must be approved by way of the shareholders' general meeting.

Rights to share surplus in the event of liquidation

Article 54(6) provides that the shareholders have the right to participate in the distribution of our surplus assets in proportion to the number of shares held in the event of the termination or liquidation of us.

Redemption provisions; sinking fund provisions and liability to further capital calls

Article 29 provides that we may repurchase issued shares in accordance with the procedures provided in the Articles of Association and with the approvals from the relevant governing authorities of PRC under the following circumstances: (1) cancellation of shares for the purpose of reducing our capital; (2) amalgamation with other company which owns our shares; (3) granting bonus shares to our employees; (4)shareholders disagreeing with our general meeting's resolution on merger or division and requiring us to acquire the shares in their possession; (5) other purposes permitted by law and administrative regulations.

No securities issued by us are (a) redeemable, (b) entitled to a sinking fund or (c) subject to liability for further capital calls.

Actions necessary to change the rights of holders of our shares or holders of a class of shares

Under Article 86(5), revision of any rights of class shareholders, e.g., rights to dividends, share profits or surplus in the event of liquidation or voting rights, requires a special resolution of the shareholders' general meeting. Under Article 79, a special resolution must be passed by votes representing more than two-thirds of the voting rights represented by the shareholders (including proxies) present at the meeting.

The rights attached to any class of shares may be varied or abrogated only with the sanction of a special resolution passed at the shareholders' general meeting and by holders of shares of the affected class passed at a separate general meeting of the class convened in accordance with the Article 97 to Article 101 respectively. The circumstances which are deemed to be a variation or abrogation of the class rights are set forth under Article 96. Except for the circumstances under Article 88 (1), (9) and (10), shareholders of the affected class, whether or not otherwise having the right to vote at shareholders' general meetings, have the right to vote at class meetings but Interested Shareholders (as defined under Article 97) are not entitled to vote at class meetings.

Resolutions of a class meeting shall be passed by two-thirds or more of the shares with voting rights held by the class shareholders who, according to Article 97, are entitled to vote at that class meeting. Written notice must be given to all shareholders who are registered as holders of that class in the register of shareholders 45 days before the date of the class meeting. Such notice must contain the matters to be considered at such meeting, the date and the place of meeting. Those shareholders of the class who intend to attend send the written reply to us 20 days before the class meeting.

The proceedings of a class meetings shall be conducted as nearly as possible as that of a shareholders' general meetings. The provisions in the Articles of Association relating to the proceedings of a shareholders' general meetings shall apply to class meetings.

The special procedures for approval by a class of shareholders do not apply where we issue, upon the approval by special resolution of shareholders in general meeting, either separately or concurrently once every 12 months, not more than 20% of each of our existing issued Domestic-Invested Shares and Overseas-Listed Foreign-Invested Shares (as defined under Article 18).

Provisions discriminating against any existing or prospective shareholder as a result of owning a substantial number of shares

Chinalco, as our controlling shareholder, shall not exercise its voting rights in a manner prejudicial to the interest of all or some part of the shareholders when making decision on the following matters:

 

*

to relieve a Director or Supervisor of his duty to act honestly in our best interest;

 

 

*

to approve the expropriation by a Director or Supervisor (for his own benefit or for the benefit of another), in any manner, our assets, including but not limited to an opportunity beneficial to us; or

 

 

*

to approve the expropriation by a Director or Supervisor (for his own benefit or for the benefit of another ) the individual rights of other shareholders, including but not limited to rights to distributions and voting rights save and except our restructuring, submitted for approval by the shareholders in general meeting in accordance with the Articles of Association.

 

 

Conditions governing the manner in which annual general meetings and extraordinary general meetings of shareholders are convoked

Shareholders' general meetings can be Annual General Meetings or Extraordinary General Meetings. Annual General Meetings are held once a year within six months after the end of the preceding financial year.

The Board of Directors is required to convene an Extraordinary General Meeting within two months of the occurrence of any one of the following circumstances:

 

(1)

where the number of Directors falls below the number required by the Company Law or two-thirds of the number required by the Articles of Association:

 

 

(2)

where our unrecovered losses amount to one-third of the total amount of its paid-in-capital;

 

 

(3)

where requested by shareholder(s) holding 10 percent or more of our shares for more than ninety consecutive days (the number of shares held shall be the figures as at the date of the written request from shareholder);

 

 

(4)

whenever the Board of Directors deems necessary or the supervisory committee proposes to convene the same.

 

 

We shall, within 45 days (Inclusive of date of meeting) before the date of meeting, send written notices of the shareholders' general meeting and inform all registered shareholders of the matters to be considered at the meeting and the date and venue of the meeting. Those shareholders who intend to attend the meeting shall send the written reply to the Company 20 days before the meeting.

Motions put forward at the general meeting shall be specific and shall relate to the matters to be considered at a shareholders' general meeting. Motion raised at a general meeting shall satisfy the following requirements:

 

(1)

it shall be free of conflicts with the provision of laws, administrative regulations and Articles of Association, and fall into our business scope and the terms of the reference of the shareholders' general meeting;

 

 

(2)

it shall have definite topics to discuss and specific matters to resolve;

 

 

(3)

it shall be submitted in writing or served to the convener.

 

 

Limitations on the rights to own securities

Under Article 18, the shares issued to domestic investors and denominated in Renminbi are Domestic-Invested Shares whereas the shares issued to overseas investors and denominated in foreign currency are Foreign-Invested Shares. Under Article 17, our Domestic-Invested Shares can be held only by PRC shareholders and our Foreign-Invested Shares, such as H shares and ADSs can be held only by foreign shareholders and other shareholders from regions of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

Provisions having an effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control

Under Article 111, in making decisions in respect of market development, merger and acquisition, and investment in a new field, where the consideration to be paid or the assets to be acquired exceed 10% of our total assets, the Board of Directors is required to engage relevant professional consultants to provide professional opinions, which shall serve as the key reference for the decision making of the Board of Directors concerning projects of any investment, merger or acquisition.

Under Article 86(3), division, merger, dissolution and liquidation of us and material acquisitions and disposals by us must be approved by a special resolution at the shareholders' general meeting.

There are no provisions pertaining to the ownership threshold above which shareholder ownership must be disclosed under the Articles of Association.

Conditions governing changes in registered capital

Under Article 108(7), any proposal for the increase or decrease of our registered capital must be formulated by the Board of Directors. Article 86(1) further provides that any increase or reduction in share capital requires adoption of a special resolution at a shareholders' general meeting.

Material Contracts

On July 20, 2007, we entered into a merger agreement with Baotou Aluminum to consummate the acquisition of Baotou Aluminum through share exchange, pursuant to which we issued 637,880,000 A Shares in exchange for 100% share equity of Baotou Aluminum on December 28, 2007 after obtaining shareholders' approval at our Extraordinary General Meeting held on October 12, 2007 and the approval of CSRC on December 7, 2007. See "Item 7 - Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions - Major Shareholders."

On May 21, 2008, we entered into an acquisition agreement with Chinalco and China Nonferrous Metals Technology. Please see "Item 4 - Information on the Company" and "Item 7 - Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions - Related Party Transactions."

Exchange Controls

The existing foreign exchange regulations have significantly reduced government foreign exchange controls for transactions under the current account, including trade and service related foreign exchange transactions and payment of dividends. We may undertake current account foreign exchange transactions without prior approval from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange by producing commercial documents evidencing such transactions, provided that they are processed through Chinese banks licensed to engage in foreign exchange transactions. The PRC government has stated publicly that it intends to make the Renminbi freely convertible in the future. However, we cannot predict whether the PRC government will continue its existing foreign exchange policy and when the PRC government will allow free conversion of Renminbi to foreign currency.

 

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Foreign exchange transactions under the capital account, including principal payments in respect of foreign currency-denominated obligations, continue to be subject to significant foreign exchange controls and require the approval of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. These limitations could affect our ability to obtain foreign exchange through debt or equity financing, or to obtain foreign exchange for capital expenditures.

Since 1994, the conversion of Renminbi into Hong Kong and United States dollars has been based on rates set by the People's Bank of China, which are set daily based on the previous day's PRC interbank foreign exchange market rate and current exchange rates on the world financial markets. From 1994 to July 20, 2005, the official exchange rate for the conversion of Renminbi to U.S. dollars was generally stable. On July 21, 2005, the PRC government introduced a managed floating exchange rate system to allow the value of the Renminbi to fluctuate within a regulated band based on market supply and demand and by reference to a basket of currencies. On the same day, the value of the Renminbi appreciated by 2.0% against the U.S. dollar. Since then, the PRC government has made, and may in the future make, further adjustments to the exchange rate system. The PBOC announces the closing price of a foreign currency traded against the Renminbi in the inter-bank foreign exchange market after the closing of the market on each working day, and makes it the central parity for the trading against the Renminbi on the following working day. Fluctuations in exchange rates may adversely affect the value, translated or converted into US dollars or Hong Kong dollars, of our net assets, earnings and any declared dividends. We cannot give any assurance that any future movements in the exchange rate of the Renminbi against the US dollar and other foreign currencies will not adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Taxation

China Taxation

The following discussion summarizes the material PRC tax provisions relating to the ownership and disposition of H Shares or ADSs held by the investor as capital assets.

Dividends Paid to Individual Investors

According to the PRC Individual Income Tax Law, as amended, dividends paid by Chinese companies to a domestic individual are ordinarily subject to a PRC withholding tax levied at a flat rate of 20%. For a foreign individual who is not a resident of China, the receipt of dividends from a company in China is normally subject to a withholding tax of 20% unless specifically exempted by the tax authority of the State Council or reduced by an applicable tax treaty. However, on July 21, 1993, the PRC State Administration of Taxation issued the Notice Concerning the Taxation of Gains on Transfer and Dividends from Shares (Equities) Received by Foreign Investment Enterprises, Foreign Enterprises and Foreign Individual (the "Tax Notice"). Under the Tax Notice, dividends paid by a Chinese company to foreign individuals with respect to shares listed on an overseas stock exchange, or Overseas Shares, including the H Shares and ADSs, are temporarily exempt from a PRC withholding tax. However, if the Tax Notice is withdrawn, we will withhold such taxes as required by law.

In a letter dated July 26, 1994 to the former State Commission for Restructuring the Economic System, the former State Council Securities Committee and the CSRC, the PRC State Administration of Taxation restated the exemption. In the event that the letter is withdrawn, a 20% tax may be withheld on dividends paid to non-PRC individual holders of H Shares or ADSs, subject to reduction by an applicable tax treaty between China and the country where such holders reside. To date, the relevant tax authorities have not collected withholding tax from dividend payments on such shares exempted under the Tax Notice.

Dividends Paid to Non-PRC Enterprises

According to the Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation rules, which became effective on January 1, 2008, dividends derived from the revenues accumulated from January 1, 2008 and are paid by Chinese companies to non-resident enterprises, which are established under the laws of non-PRC jurisdictions and have no establishment or residence in China or whose dividends from China do not relate to their establishment or residence in China, are ordinarily subject to a Chinese withholding tax levied at a flat rate of 10% unless exempted or reduced pursuant to an applicable double-taxation treaty or other exemptions. Dividends paid by PRC companies to resident enterprises, including enterprises established under the laws of non-PRC jurisdictions but whose "de facto management body" is located in the PRC, are not subject to any PRC withholding tax, unless the dividends are derived from the publicly traded shares which have been held continuously by the resident enterprises for less than twelve months. Before the effectiveness of the Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation rules, a foreign enterprise with no permanent establishment in China receiving dividends paid with respect to a Chinese company's Overseas Shares was temporarily not subject to the 10% withholding tax according to the Tax Notice. This exemption has been abolished by the Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation rules. However, the withholding tax rate could be reduced under an applicable double-taxation treaty.

 

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Tax Treaties

Non-PRC shareholders who are residents or citizens of a country that has entered into a double-taxation treaty with China may be entitled to a reduction in the amount of tax withheld, if any, imposed on the payment of dividends. China currently has such treaties with a number of countries, including:

 

*

the United States;

 

 

*

Australia;

 

 

*

Canada;

 

 

*

France;

 

 

*

Germany;

 

 

*

Japan;

 

 

*

Malaysia;

 

 

*

Singapore;

 

 

*

the United Kingdom; and

 

 

*

the Netherlands.

 

 

Under each one of such treaties, the rate of withholding tax imposed by China's taxation authorities is generally reduced. For example, under the double taxation treaty between China and the United States, China may tax dividends paid by us to an eligible U.S. holder up to a maximum of 10% of the gross amount received by such person. Under the treaty, an eligible U.S. holder is a person who, by reason of domicile, residence, place or head office, place of incorporation or any other criterion of similar nature is subject to taxation in the United States, as applicable under the treaty's "treaty shopping provisions".

Capital Gains

According to the Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation rules, which became effective on January 1, 2008, capital gains realized by foreign enterprises, which are established under the laws of non-PRC jurisdictions and have no establishment or residence in China or whose capital gains from China do not relate to their establishment or residence in China, are ordinarily subject to capital gains tax at the rate of 10%. The capital gains realized by resident enterprises, including enterprises established under the laws of non-PRC jurisdictions but whose "de facto management body" is located in the PRC, upon the sales of overseas-listed shares are subject to the PRC enterprise income tax. Before the effectiveness of the Enterprise Income Tax Law, gains realized by foreign enterprises that are holders of Overseas Shares of a PRC company excluding the shares held through their PRC domestic establishment or residences were, temporarily, exempted from the withholding tax according to the Tax Notice. However, the effectiveness of such exemption granted by the Tax Notice becomes uncertain in light of the provisions under the Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation rules. With respect to individual holders of H shares, the Provisions for Implementation of Individual Income Tax Law of China, as amended, or the Provisions, stipulated that income tax on gains realized on the sale of equity shares shall be regulated in separate rules to be drafted by the Ministry of Finance. However, no income tax on gains realized on the sale of equity shares has been collected. Gains on the sale of shares by individuals were temporarily exempted from individual income tax pursuant to notices issued jointly by the Ministry of Finance and the SAT dated March 30, 1998. According to the Tax Notice, individual holders of Overseas Shares, such as H shares, are temporarily not subject to capital gains tax.

 

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Additional China Tax Considerations

Under the Provisional Regulations of the PRC Concerning the Stamp Duty, a stamp duty is not imposed by China on the transfer of shares, such as the H Shares or ADSs, of Chinese publicly traded companies that take place outside of China.

United States Federal Income Taxation

Each potential investor is strongly urged to consult his or her own tax advisor to determine the particular United States federal, state, local, treaty and foreign tax consequences of acquiring, owning or disposing of the H Shares or ADSs.

The following is a general discussion of material United States federal income tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of the H Shares or ADSs if you are a U.S. holder, as defined below, and hold the H Shares or ADSs as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended (the "Code"). This discussion does not address all of the tax consequences relating to the purchase, ownership and disposition of the H Shares or ADSs, and does not take into account U.S. holders who may be subject to special rules including:

 

*

tax-exempt entities;

 

 

*

partnerships or other entities treated as partnerships for United States federal income tax purposes;

 

 

*

banks, financial institutions, and insurance companies;

 

 

*

real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies and grantor trusts;

 

 

*

dealers or traders in securities, commodities or currencies;

 

 

*

U.S. holders liable for alternative minimum tax;

 

 

*

U.S. holders that own, actually or constructively, 10% or more of our voting stock;

 

 

*

persons who receive the H Shares or ADSs as compensation for services;

 

 

*

U.S. holders that hold the H Shares or ADSs as part of a straddle or a hedging or conversion transaction;

 

 

*

certain U.S. expatriates; or

 

 

*

U.S. holders whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar.

 

 

Moreover, this description does not address United States federal estate, gift or alternative minimum taxes or any state or local tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the H Shares or ADSs.

This discussion is based on the Code, its legislative history, final, temporary and proposed United States Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, published rulings and court decisions as in effect on the date hereof, all of which are subject to change, or changes in interpretation, possibly with retroactive effect. In addition, this discussion is based in part upon representations of the depositary and the assumption that each obligation in the deposit agreement and any related agreements will be performed according to its terms.

You are a "U.S. holder" if you are a beneficial owner of H Shares or ADSs and are:

 

*

an individual citizen or resident of the United States for United States federal income tax purposes;

 

 

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*

a corporation, or other entity treated as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes, created or organized under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof;

 

 

*

an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income tax without regard to its source; or

 

 

*

a trust:

 

 

 

-

subject to the primary supervision of a United States court and the control of one or more United States persons; or

 

 

 

 

-

that has elected to be treated as a United States person under applicable United States Treasury regulations.

 

 

 

If a partnership (including any entity treated as a partnership for United States federal tax purposes) is a beneficial owner of the H Shares or ADSs, the treatment of the partner in such partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If an investor is a partner in a partnership that holds H Shares or ADSs, such investor should consult its tax advisor. We urge you to consult your tax advisors regarding the United States federal, state, local and non-United States tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the H Shares or ADSs.

In general, if you hold ADRs evidencing ADSs, you will be treated as the owner of the H Shares represented by the ADSs. Exchanges of H shares for ADRs, and ADRs for H shares, generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax.

INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSIDERATIONS APPLICABLE TO THEM RELATING TO THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF THE H SHARES OR ADSs, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY OF U.S. FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL TAX LAWS OR NON-U.S. TAX LAWS, ANY CHANGES IN APPLICABLE TAX LAWS AND ANY PENDING OR PROPOSED LEGISLATION OR REGULATIONS.

Distributions on the H Shares or ADSs

Subject to the discussions below under "-Passive Foreign Investment Company", the gross amount of any distribution (without reduction for any PRC tax withheld) we make on the H Shares or ADSs out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for United States federal income tax purposes) will be includible in your gross income as ordinary dividend income when the distribution is actually or constructively received by you, or by the depositary in the case of ADSs. Distributions that exceed our current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a return of capital to you to the extent of your basis in the H Shares or ADSs and thereafter as capital gain. We, however, may not calculate earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. tax principles. In this case, all distributions by us to U.S. Holders will generally be treated as dividends. Any dividend will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally allowed to United States corporations in respect of dividends received from United States corporations. The amount of any distribution of property other than cash will be the fair market value of such property on the date of such distribution.

Subject to certain exceptions for short-term and hedged positions, the U.S. dollar amount of dividends received by an individual, trust or estate in a taxable year prior to January 1, 2011 with respect to the H Shares or ADSs will be subject to taxation at a maximum rate of 15% if the dividends are "qualified dividends." Dividends paid on H Shares or ADSs will be treated as qualified dividends if either (i) we are eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States that the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, has approved for the purposes of the qualified dividend rules, or (ii) the dividends are with respect to ADSs readily tradable on a U.S. securities market, provided that we were not, in the year prior to the year in which the dividend was paid, and are not, in the year in which the dividend is paid, a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC. The Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the People's Republic of China for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Tax Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income PFIC rules (the "Treaty") has been approved for the purposes of the qualified dividend rules, and we expect to qualify for benefits under the Treaty. We are considered a qualified foreign corporation with respect to the ADSs because our ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Finally, based on our audited financial statements and relevant market data, we believe that we did not satisfy the definition for PFIC status for U.S. federal income tax purposes with respect to our 2008 taxable year. In addition, based on our audited financial statements and our current expectations regarding the value and nature of our assets, the sources and nature of our income, and relevant market data, we do not anticipate becoming a PFIC for our 2009 taxable year or any future year. However, our status in the current year and future years will depend on our income and assets (which for this purpose depends in part on the market value of the H Shares or ADSs) in those years. See the discussion below under "-Passive Foreign Investment Company".

 

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The U.S. Treasury has announced its intention to promulgate rules pursuant to which holders of common stock and intermediaries through whom such stock is held will be permitted to rely on certifications from issuers to establish that dividends are treated as qualified dividends. Because such procedures have not yet been issued, it is not clear whether we will be able to comply with them. Holders of H Shares or ADSs should consult their own tax advisers regarding the availability of the reduced dividend tax rate in light of their own particular circumstances.

If we make a distribution paid in HK dollars, you will be considered to receive the U.S. dollar value of the distribution determined at the spot HK dollar/U.S. dollar rate on the date such distribution is received by you or by the depositary, regardless of whether you or the depositary convert the distribution into U.S. dollars. Any gain or loss resulting from currency exchange fluctuations during the period from the date the dividend payment is includible in your income to the date you or the depositary convert the distribution into U.S. dollars will be treated as ordinary income or loss from U.S. sources.

Subject to various limitations, any PRC tax withheld from distributions in accordance with the Treaty will be deductible or creditable against your United States federal income tax liability. Dividends paid by us generally will constitute income from sources outside the United States for U.S. foreign tax credit limitation purposes and will be categorized as "passive income" or, in the case of certain U.S. Holders as "general category income" for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.

In the event we are required to withhold PRC income tax on dividends paid to U.S. Holders on the H Shares or ADSs (see discussion under "Taxation - China"), you may be able to claim a reduced 10% rate of PRC withholding tax if you are eligible for the benefits under the Treaty. You should consult your own tax advisor about the eligibility for reduction of PRC withholding tax.

You may not be able to claim a foreign tax credit (and instead may claim a deduction) for non-United States taxes imposed on dividends paid on the H Shares or ADSs if you (i) have held the H Shares or ADSs for less than a specified minimum period during which you are not protected from risk of loss with respect to such shares, or (ii) are obligated to make payments related to the dividends (for example, pursuant to a short sale). The rules relating to the U.S. foreign tax credit are complex. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the effect of these rules in their particular circumstance.

Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition

Subject to the discussions below under "-Passive Foreign Investment Company", upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of the H Shares or ADSs, you will generally recognize capital gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between the U.S. dollar value of the amount realized and your tax basis, determined in U.S. dollars, in such H Shares or ADSs. The rules relating to the U.S. foreign tax credit are complex. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the effect of these rules in their particular circumstance. Any gain or loss will generally be United States source gain or loss for foreign tax credit limitation purposes and as a result of the U.S. foreign tax credit limitation, foreign taxes, if any, imposed upon capital gains in respect of H Shares or ADSs may not be currently creditable. Under that Treaty, if any PRC tax was to be imposed on any gain from the disposition of H Shares or ADSs, the gain may be treated as PRC-source income. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the tax consequences if a foreign withholding tax is imposed on a disposition of H Shares or ADSs, including the availability of the foreign tax credit under their particular circumstances.

If you are paid in a currency other than U.S. dollars, any gain or loss resulting from currency exchange fluctuations during the period from the date of the payment resulting from sale, exchange or other disposition is made to the date you convert the payment into U.S. dollars will be treated as United States source ordinary income or loss.

Passive Foreign Investment Company

In general, a foreign corporation is a PFIC for any taxable year in which, after applying relevant look-through rules with respect to the income and assets of subsidiaries:

 

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*

75% or more of its gross income consists of passive income, such as dividends, interest, rents, royalties, and gains from the sale of assets that give rise to such income; or

 

 

*

50% or more of the average quarterly value of its assets consists of assets that produce, or are held for the production of, passive income.

 

 

Passive income does not include rents and royalties derived from the active conduct of a trade or business. If we own at least 25% (by value) of the stock of another corporation, we will be treated, for purposes of the PFIC tests, as owning our proportionate share of the other corporation's assets and receiving our proportionate share of the other corporation's income.

Based on the composition of our assets and income and the current expectations regarding the price of the H Shares and ADSs, we believe that we should not be treated as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes with respect to our 2009 taxable year and we do not intend or anticipate becoming a PFIC for any future taxable year. The determination of PFIC status is a factual determination that must be made annually at the close of each taxable year and therefore, there can be no certainty as to our status in this regard until the close of the 2009 taxable year. Changes in the nature of our income or assets or a decrease in the trading price of the H Shares or ADSs may cause us to be considered a PFIC in the current or any subsequent year.

If we were a PFIC in any taxable year that you held the H Shares or ADSs, you generally would be subject to special rule" with respect to "excess distributions" made by us on the H Shares or ADSs and with respect to gain from your disposition of the H Shares or ADSs. An "excess distribution" generally is defined as the excess of the distributions you receive with respect to the H Shares or ADSs in any taxable year over 125% of the average annual distributions you have received from us during the shorter of the three preceding years, or your holding period for the H Shares or ADSs. Generally, you would be required to allocate any excess distribution or gain from the disposition of the H Shares or ADSs ratably over your holding period for the H Shares or ADSs. The portion of the excess distribution or gain allocated to a prior taxable year, other than a year prior to the first year in which we became a PFIC, would be taxed at the highest United States federal income tax rate on ordinary income in effect for such taxable year, and you would be subject to an interest charge on the resulting tax liability, determined as if the tax liability had been due with respect to such particular taxable years. The portion of the excess distribution or gain that is not allocated to prior taxable years, together with the portion allocated to the years prior to the first year in which we became a PFIC, would be included in your gross income for the taxable year of the excess distribution or disposition and taxed as ordinary income.

These adverse tax consequences may be avoided if the U.S. Holder is eligible to and does elect to annually mark-to-market the H Shares or ADSs. If a U.S. Holder makes a mark-to-market election, such holder will generally include as ordinary income the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the H Shares or ADSs at the end of each taxable year over their adjusted basis, and will be permitted an ordinary loss in respect of the excess, if any, of the adjusted basis of the H Shares or ADSs over their fair market value at the end of the taxable year (but only to the extent of the net amount of previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election). Any gain recognized on the sale or other disposition of the H Shares or ADSs will be treated as ordinary income. The mark-to-market election is available only for "marketable stock," which is stock that is traded in other than de minimis quantities on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter on a qualified exchange or other market, as defined in the applicable Treasury regulations. The H Shares or ADSs may qualify as "marketable stock" because the ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

A U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the H Shares or ADSs will be increased by the amount of any income inclusion and decreased by the amount of any deductions under the mark-to-market rules. If a U.S. Holder makes a mark-to-market election it will be effective for the taxable year for which the election is made and all subsequent taxable years unless the H Shares or ADSs are no longer regularly traded on a qualified exchange or the IRS consents to the revocation of the election. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors about the availability of the mark-to-market election, and whether making the election would be advisable in their particular circumstances.

Alternatively, a timely election to treat us as a qualified electing fund could be made to avoid the foregoing rules with respect to excess distributions and dispositions. You should be aware, however, that if we become a PFIC, we do not intend to satisfy record keeping requirements that would permit you to make a qualified electing fund election.

If you own the H Shares or ADSs during any year that we are a PFIC, you must file IRS Form 8621. The reduced tax rate for dividend income, as discussed above under "-Distributions on the H Shares or ADSs," is not applicable to a dividend paid by us if we are a PFIC for either our taxable year in which the dividend is paid or the preceding year. We encourage you to consult your own tax advisor concerning the United States federal income tax consequences of holding the H Shares or ADSs that would arise if we were considered a PFIC.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

In general, information reporting requirements will apply to dividends in respect of the H Shares or ADSs or the proceeds of the sale, exchange, or redemption of the H Shares or ADSs paid within the United States, and in some cases, outside of the United States, other than to various exempt recipients, including corporations. In addition, you may, under some circumstances, be subject to "backup withholding" with respect to dividends paid on the H Shares or ADSs or the proceeds of any sale, exchange or transfer of the H Shares or ADSs, unless you

 

*

are a corporation or fall within various other exempt categories, and, when required, demonstrate this fact; or

 

 

- 97 -

 


 

*

provide a correct taxpayer identification number on a properly completed IRS Form W-9 or a substitute form, certify that you are exempt from backup withholding and otherwise comply with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules.

 

 

Any amount withheld under the backup withholding rules generally will be creditable against your United States federal income tax liability provided that you furnish the required information to the IRS in a timely manner. If you do not provide a correct taxpayer identification number you may be subject to penalties imposed by the IRS.

Hong Kong Taxation

The following discussion summarizes the material Hong Kong tax provisions relating to the ownership of H Shares or ADSs held by you.

Dividends

Under current Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department practice, no Hong Kong tax is payable by the recipient in respect of dividends paid by us.

Taxation of Capital Gains

No Hong Kong tax is imposed on capital gains arising from the sale of property (such as H shares) acquired and held as investment assets. However, if a person carries on a trade, profession or business in Hong Kong (e.g., trading and dealing in securities) and derives trading gains from that trade, profession or business in or from Hong Kong, Hong Kong profits tax will be payable. Gains from sales of H shares effected on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange are considered to be sourced in Hong Kong for this purpose. Gains from sales of H shares effected off the Hong Kong Stock Exchange are considered to be sourced in Hong Kong if the sale and purchase are negotiated and concluded in Hong Kong. Hong Kong profits tax is currently charged at the rate of 16.5% for corporations and at the rate of 15% for individuals.

No Hong Kong tax liability will arise on capital or trading gains arising from the sale of ADSs where the purchase and sale is effected outside Hong Kong, e.g. on the NYSE.

Hong Kong Stamp Duty

Hong Kong stamp duty is payable by each of the seller and the purchaser for every sold note and every bought note created for every sale and purchase of the H shares. Stamp duty is charged at the total rate of 0.2% of the higher of the consideration paid or the market value of the H shares transferred (the buyer and seller each paying 0.1% of such stamp duty). In addition, a fixed duty of HK$5 is currently payable on an instrument of transfer of H shares. If one of the parties to a sale is a non-resident of Hong Kong and does not pay the required stamp duty, the stamp duty not paid will be assessed on the instrument of transfer (if any), and the transferee will be liable for payment of such stamp duty.

If the withdrawal of H shares when ADSs are surrendered, or the issuance of ADSs when H shares are deposited, results in a change of beneficial ownership in the H shares under Hong Kong law, Hong Kong stamp duty at the rate described above for sale and purchase transaction will apply. The issuance of ADSs for deposited H shares issued directly to the depositary or for the account of the depositary should not lead to a Hong Kong stamp duty liability. Holders of ADSs are not liable for the Hong Kong stamp duty on transfers of ADSs outside of Hong Kong so long as it does not result in a change of beneficial interest in the H shares under Hong Kong law.

Comparison of NYSE Corporate Governance Rules and PRC Corporate Governance Rules For Listed Companies

Under the amended Corporate Governance Rules of NYSE, foreign issuers (including us) listed on the NYSE are required to disclose a summary of the significant differences between their domestic corporate governance rules and NYSE corporate governance rules that would apply to a U.S. domestic issuer. We have posted a description of such differences on our website: http://www.chalco.com.cn/zl/html/144/2008/20080624130056702530523/20080624130151420123963.pdf

 

- 98 -

 


 

Documents on Display

We are subject to the information reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and, in accordance with the Act, file certain reports and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any report, statement or other information filed by us at the SEC's public reference rooms in Washington, D.C., New York and Chicago, Illinois. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms. Our reports and other information file with the SEC are also available to the public from commercial document retrieval services and the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov .

As a foreign private issuer, we are exempted from the rules under the Act prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements to shareholders.

 

ITEM 11.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to various types of market risks, including credit risk relating to financial assets, changes in foreign exchange rates, interest rates and the prices of alumina and primary aluminum, in the normal course of business.

We borrow short-term, medium-term and long-term funds, including variable-rate debts, principally denominated in Renminbi. We hedge a limited amount of our sales through trading of futures contracts on the Shanghai Futures Exchange. Our hedging activities are subject to policies approved by our senior management. Substantially all of the financial instruments we hold are for purposes other than trading.

The following discussion, which constitutes "forward-looking statements" that involve risk and uncertainties, summarize our market-sensitive financial instruments including fair value, maturity and contract terms. Such discussions address market risk only and do not present other risks, which we face in the normal course of business.

Credit Risk

Credit risk is managed on a group basis. Credit risk arises from bank balances, other receivables as well as credit exposures of customers, including outstanding receivables and committed transactions. The carrying amounts of these receivables represent the Group's maximum exposure to credit risk in relation to its financial assets and guarantees.

The Group maintains substantially most of its bank balances and cash in several major state-owned financial institutions in the PRC. With strong State support provided to these state-owned financial institutions, the Directors are of the opinion that there is no significant credit risk on such assets being exposed.

With regard to accounts receivable, the marketing department assesses the credit quality of the customers, taking into account their financial positions, past experience and other factors. The Group performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers and believes that adequate provision for doubtful debts have been made in the financial statements. Management does not expect any further losses from non-performance by these counterparties. The Group does not hold any collateral as security for these receivables.

As of December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008, none of the individual customers exceed 10% of the Group's total revenue, and thus, no significant concentration of credit risk existed.

Foreign Exchange Rate Risk

We conduct our business primarily in Renminbi, which is also our functional and reporting currency. We convert a portion of our Renminbi revenue into other currencies to meet foreign currency financial obligations and to pay for imported equipment and materials.

 

- 99 -

 


 

Many foreign currency exchange transactions involving Renminbi, including foreign exchange transactions under our capital account, are subject to foreign exchange controls and require the approval of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. Actions taken by the PRC government could cause future exchange rates to vary significantly from current or historical exchange rates. On July 21, 2005 the People's Bank of China announced changes to the RMB exchange rate regime to break the peg to the US Dollar. As a result, the value of the RMB has fluctuated. Fluctuations in exchange rates could adversely affect the value, translated or converted into U.S. dollars or Hong Kong dollars, of our net assets, earnings and any declared dividends. We cannot assure you that any future movements in the exchange rates of Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other foreign currencies will not adversely affect our operating performances and financial condition.

As of December 31, 2008, we had certain foreign currency denominated loans with principal of RMB52.8 million in Japanese Yen and RMB347.6 million in US dollars. In addition, our foreign currency denominated short-term bank deposits amounted to RMB465.4 million, of which RMB190.7 million was denominated in U.S. dollars, RMB218.40 million was denominated in Australian dollars, RMB46.4 million was denominated in Hong Kong dollars and RMB9.9 million was denominated in Euros. Most of our sales are domestic and as such we have a limited amount of foreign currency denominated accounts receivable.

As of December 31, 2008, as the foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities take an insubstantial portion of our total assets and liabilities, the Directors are of the opinion that we are not exposed to any significant foreign exchange risk.

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to interest rate risk resulting from fluctuations in interest rates on our debts, primarily on our long-term debt obligations. Our debts consist of fixed and variable-rate debt obligations with original maturities ranging from 1 to 30 years. We undertake debt obligations to support general corporate purposes including capital expenditures and working capital needs. Upward fluctuations in interest rates increase the cost of new debts and the interest cost of outstanding variable rate borrowings. We do not currently use any derivative instruments to modify the nature of our debts so as to manage our interest rate risk. Instead, our treasury department closely monitors the market interest rates and maintains proper portfolio of variable rate and fixed rate debts in order to reduce the exposure to any one form of interest rate risk.

The table below sets forth information about our interest rate sensitive financial instruments, including foreign currency denominated debt instruments that are sensitive to foreign currency exchange rates. The table presents principal cash flows and related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates. The information is presented in Renminbi equivalents. We do not have any capital lease obligations. The information below should be read in conjunction with our audited balance sheets and Note 18 to our audited consolidated financial statements.

 

 

Expected Maturity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair

 

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Thereafter

Total

value

 









 

RMB

RMB

RMB

RMB

RMB

RMB

RMB

RMB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands, except percentage data)

Short-term loans:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- 100 -

 


 

Fixed rate (RMB)

14,125,043

-

-

-

-

-

14,125,043

14,125,043

Average interest rate

6.27%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed rate (US$)

63,159

-

-

-

-

-

63,159

63,159

Average interest rate

5.40%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term bonds:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed rate (RMB)

5,152,283

-

-

-

-

-

5,152,283

5,152,283

Average interest rate

5.31%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term loans:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed rate (Japanese Yen)

2,934

2,934

2,934

2,934

2,934

38,149

52,819

45,051

Average interest rate

2.30%

2.30%

2.30%

2.30%

2.30%

2.30%

 

 

Variable rate (RMB)

2,946,796

3,374,992

5,344,715

3,317,485

4,495,848

7,302,120

26,781,956

26,781,956

Average interest rate

6.55%

6.49%

6.12%

6.42%

5.60%

5.59%

 

 

Variable rate (US$)

-

34,173

30,756

30,756

30,756

157,983

284,424

284,424

Average interest rate

 

4.95%

5.32%

5.30%

5.08%

4.55%

 

 

Medium-term notes and long-term bonds:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed rate (RMB)

-

-

5,000,000

-

5,000,000

2,000,000

12,000,000

12,499,330

Average interest rate

 

 

5.17%

 

4.84%

4.63%

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

Data in Renminbi equivalents.

 

 

Commodity Price Risk

We are exposed to fluctuations in the prices of alumina, primary aluminum and aluminum fabrication products. We import a portion of our alumina supply from suppliers outside China. Such purchases are made at market prices. In addition, all our sales of alumina, primary aluminum and aluminum fabrication products are made at market prices. Therefore, fluctuations in the prices of alumina and primary aluminum have a significant effect on our operating performances.

We use the majority of our futures and option contracts traded on the Shanghai Futures Exchange and LME to hedge against adverse fluctuations in aluminum prices. In addition, we entered into certain Asian option contracts on primary aluminum in 2008. The notional quantities of primary aluminum per settlement month totaled 25,000 tons. For the year ended December 31, 2008, realized gain and unrealized loss for these Asian option contracts amounted to approximately US$4.4 million (equivalent to RMB30 million) and US$16.7 million (equivalent to RMB114 million), respectively. The futures and option contracts are marked to market at balance sheet dates and corresponding unrealized holding gains (loss) are recorded in the income statement for the year. The fair value of the unrealized holding losses and gains for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007 were RMB10 million and RMB17 million, respectively. We have a fair value of unrealized holding losses of RMB21 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.

The fair value of futures and option contracts are based on quoted market prices. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company's position in futures and option contracts is as follows:

 

 

As of December 31, 2008

As of December 31, 2007

 

 

Contract

Market

Unrealized

 

 

Contract

Market

Unrealized

 

 

Tonnes

value

value

gain/(loss)

Maturity

Tonnes

value

value

gain/(loss)

Maturity

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Futures Contracts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- 101 -

 


 

Short

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Primary aluminum

-

-

-

-

N/A

17,440

322,342

314,239

8,103

January 2008 to March 2008

Long

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Primary aluminum

141,805

1,572,763

1,627,902

55,139

January 2009 to April 2009

-

-

-

-

N/A

Copper

6,245

115,625

118,350

2,725

January 2009 to March 2009

-

-

-

-

N/A

Option contracts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Primary aluminum

58,000

43,441

-

43,441

January 2009 to July 2009

-

-

-

-

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In addition, the Group entered into certain Asian option contracts on primary aluminum in 2008. The notional quantities of related unexpired contract on primary aluminum per settlement month totaled 25,000 tonnes from January 2009 to December 2009. For the year ended December 31, 2008, unrealized loss for the unexpired Asian option contracts amounted to approximately US$16.7 million (equivalent to RMB114 million).

 

ITEM 12.

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

Not applicable.

 

PART II

 

ITEM 13.

DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

None.

 

ITEM 14.

MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

 

ITEM 15.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Our President, who performs the functions of Chief Executive Officer, and our Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of Aluminum Corporation of China Limited's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 "the "Exchange Act")) as of the end of the period covered by this annual report, have concluded that, as of such date, our company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that material information required to be disclosed in the report that we file and furnish under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and regulations.

Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our 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. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of a company's assets, (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and Directors, and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervision of and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008 based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2008.

We have excluded Lanzhou Liancheng Longxing Aluminum Company Limited and its subsidiaries, Huaxi Aluminum Company Limited, Chalco Ruimin Company Limited, Chalco Southwest Aluminum Cold Rolling Company Limited, Chalco Southwest Aluminum Company Limited, Chalco Henan Aluminum Company Limited and Jiaozuo Wanfang Aluminum Manufacturing Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries from our assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008 because these businesses were acquired during 2008 and they are qualified under current United States Securities and Exchange Commission regulations for exclusion from our assessment of internal control over financial reporting. Total assets and total revenue of these acquirees in aggregate represent 12% and 21%, respectively, of our related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2008.

The effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

During 2008, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal year covered by this annual report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 16.

[RESERVED]

ITEM 16A.

AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

Our Audit Committee members are Mr. Wang Mengkui, Mr. Zhu Demiao, Mr. Kang Yi and Mr. Zhang Zhuoyuan. Our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Zhu Demiao is the financial expert serving on our Audit Committee as well as the Chairman of the Audit Committee. See "Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees".

 

ITEM 16B.

CODE OF ETHICS

We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, other Directors, Independent Non-executive Directors, senior management and employees. We have posted our Code of Ethics on our website: http://www.chalco.com.cn. A copy of this Code of Ethics is available, without charge, upon request from the address on the cover of this Form 20-F.

 

- 102 -

 


 

ITEM 16C.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

PricewaterhouseCoopers served as our independent auditor for the 2008 fiscal year. A description of the fees billed to us by PricewaterhouseCoopers for professional services in each of the last two fiscal years is set forth below:

 
 

Year ended December 31,

 

2008

2007

 



 

RMB

RMB

 



 

(in thousands)

Audit fees

19,900

22,000

Audit-related fees

8,332

6,500

All other fees

6,500

11,000

 



     

Total

34,732

39,500

 



     

"Audit fees" represents fee obtained from annual audit work.

"Audit-related fees" represents fees charged by PricewaterhouseCoopers for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our consolidated financial statements and are not reported under "Audit fees".

"All other fees" represents fees for the advisory services on SAP implementation project.

In April 2003, our Audit Committee established pre-approval policies and procedures under which all audit and non-audit services performed by our principal accountants must be approved by the Audit Committee. For 2008, all of the services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.

 

ITEM 16D.

EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES

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Not applicable.

 

ITEM 16E.

PURCHASE OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

None.

 

PART III

 

ITEM 17

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

See pages F-1 to F-111 following Item 19.

 

ITEM 18

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

We have elected to provide the financial statements and related information specified in Item 17.

 

ITEM 19

EXHIBITS

Index of Exhibits

Documents filed as exhibits to this Annual Report:

 

Exhibit Number

Description

8.1

List of Subsidiaries of Aluminum Corporation of China Limited as of December 31, 2008

12.1

Certifications pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

13.1

Certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

- 104 -

 


 

SIGNATURES

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.

 

 

 

ALUMINUM CORPORATION OF CHINA LIMITED

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ LUO Jianchuan

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

LUO Jianchuan

 

 

President and Executive Director


 

EXHIBIT 8.1

 

A list of Aluminum Corporation of China Limited's subsidiaries is provided in Note 2 to consolidated financial statements included in this annual report following Item 19.

 

EXHIBIT 12.1

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14 OR 15d-14
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, LUO Jianchuan, certify that:

 

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Aluminum Corporation of China Limited;

   

2.

Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

   

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material aspects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

   

4.

The company's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:

   

 

(a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

     
 

(b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

     
 

(c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the company's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

     
 

(d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company's internal control over financial reporting; and

     

5.

The company's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company's auditors and the Audit Committee of the company's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

   
 

(a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

     
 

(b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company's internal control over financial reporting.

     

/s/ LUO Jianchuan

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

LUO Jianchuan

President and Executive Director

 

April 30, 2009

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14 OR 15d-14
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, CHEN Jihua, certify that:

 

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Aluminum Corporation of China Limited;

   

2.

Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

   

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material aspects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

   

4.

The company's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:

   
 

(a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

     
 

(b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

     
 

(c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the company's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

     
 

(d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company's internal control over financial reporting; and

     

5.

The company's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company's auditors and the Audit Committee of the company's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

   
 

(a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

     
 

(b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company's internal control over financial reporting.

     

/s/ CHEN Jihua

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

CHEN Jihua

Chief Financial Officer

 

April 30, 2009

 

EXHIBIT 13.1

 

Certification of CEO and CFO Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

In connection with the annual report on Form 20-F of Aluminum Corporation of China Limited (the "Company") for the year ended December 31, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), LUO Jianchuan, as President and Executive Director of the Company, and CHEN Jihua, as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, each hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of his knowledge:

 

(1)

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

   

(2)

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the company.

   

By:    /s/   LUO Jianchuan

 

Name: LUO Jianchuan

Title: President and Executive Director

 

Date: April 30, 2009

 

By:   /s/   CHEN Jihua

 

Name: CHEN Jihua

Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

Date: April 30, 2009

 

This certification accompanies the Report pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 


 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Aluminum Corporation of China Limited

 

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Aluminum Corporation of China Limited (the "Company") and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008 in conformity with Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards ("HKFRS"). Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Item 15 appearing on page 102 of the Annual Report on Form 20-F - 2008. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and Hong Kong Standards on Auditing issued by Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

HKFRS vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in Note 35 to the consolidated financial statements.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

F-1

 


 

As described in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting of the Annual Report on Form 20-F - 2008, management has excluded Lanzhou Liancheng Longxing Aluminum Company Limited and its subsidiaries, Huaxi Aluminum Company Limited, Chalco Ruimin Company Limited, Chalco Southwest Aluminum Cold Rolling Company Limited, Chalco Southwest Aluminum Company Limited, Chalco Henan Aluminum Company Limited and Jiaozuo Wanfang Aluminum Manufacturing Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008 because these entities were acquired by the Company in business combinations during 2008 and qualified under current United States Securities and Exchange Commission regulations for exclusion from management's assessment of internal control over financial reporting. We have also excluded these entities from our audit of internal control over financial reporting. Their total assets in aggregate represent 12% and total revenues in aggregate represent 21% of the Company's related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2008.

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Hong Kong
April 30, 2009

 

F-2

 


 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

As of December 31, 2008 and 2007

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB and USD unless otherwise stated)

 

 

Note

2008

2008

2007

 

 

 

 

Restated

 

 

 

(Note 1)

(Note 5)

 

 

RMB'000

USD'000

RMB'000


 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current assets

 

 

 

 

    Intangible assets

6

2,966,879

434,867

2,688,232

    Property, plant and equipment

7

86,014,123

12,607,420

69,285,278

    Land use rights

8

1,730,550

253,653

1,460,681

    Interests in jointly controlled entities

9(a)

701,850

102,873

636,296

    Interests in associates

9(b)

104,809

15,362

553,920

    Available-for-sale financial assets

10

38,714

5,674

40,113

    Deferred income tax assets

11

698,504

102,382

562,173

    Other non-current assets

12

785,103

115,076

346,496


 

Total non-current assets

 

93,040,532

13,637,307

75,573,189


 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

    Prepaid income tax

 

748,668

109,735

-

    Inventories, net

13

19,876,015

2,913,304

15,369,782

    Accounts receivable, net

14

2,035,324

298,325

3,718,806

    Other current assets, net

15

3,473,531

509,129

2,123,623

    Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

 

57,864

8,481

8,103

    Bank balances and cash

16

16,295,585

2,388,506

9,054,565


 

Total current assets

 

42,486,987

6,227,480

30,274,879


 

Total assets

 

135,527,519

19,864,787

105,848,068


 

F-3

 


 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)

As of December 31, 2008 and 2007

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB and USD unless otherwise stated)

 

 

Note

2008

2008

2007

 

 

 

 

Restated

 

 

 

(Note 1)

(Note 5)

 

 

RMB'000

USD'000

RMB'000


 

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share capital and reserves attributable

 

 

 

 

    to equity holders of the Company

 

 

 

 

    Share capital

17(a)

13,524,488

1,982,336

13,524,488

    Reserves

 

18,985,988

2,782,849

23,151,365

    Retained earnings

 

 

 

 

        Proposed dividend

30

-

-

716,798

        Others

 

22,488,006

3,296,153

23,295,412


 

 

 

54,998,482

8,061,338

60,688,063

Minority interest

 

5,198,340

761,941

3,805,144


 

Total shareholders' equity

 

60,196,822

8,823,279

64,493,207


 

LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

 

 

 

 

    Borrowings

18

36,132,552

5,296,087

17,459,597

    Deferred income tax liabilities

11

53,768

7,881

172,460

    Other non-current liabilities

12

693,549

101,656

180,555


 

Total non-current liabilities

 

36,879,869

5,405,624

17,812,612


 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

    Accounts payable

19

4,761,940

697,976

4,486,141

    Other payables and accrued expenses

20

11,151,653

1,634,540

7,162,129

    Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

 

114,047

16,716

-

    Dividends payable

 

108,812

15,949

37,015

    Current income tax liabilities

 

24,161

3,541

510,416

    Borrowings

18

22,290,215

3,267,162

11,346,548


 

Total current liabilities

 

38,450,828

5,635,884

23,542,249


 

Total liabilities

 

75,330,697

11,041,508

41,354,861


 

Total shareholders' equity and liabilities

 

135,527,519

19,864,787

105,848,068


 

Net current assets

 

4,036,159

591,596

6,732,630


 

Total assets less current liabilities

 

97,076,691

14,228,903

82,305,819


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-4

 


 

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB and USD unless otherwise stated)

 

 

Note

2008

2008

2007

2006

 

 

 

 

Restated

Restated

 

 

 

(Note 1)

(Note 5)

(Note 5)

 

 

RMB'000

USD'000

RMB'000

RMB'000


 

Revenue

22

76,725,941

11,246,016

85,198,835

74,287,003

Cost of sales

22

(70,073,660)

(10,270,965)

(64,936,133)

(52,358,293)


 

Gross profit

 

6,652,281

975,051

20,262,702

21,928,710

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling and distribution expenses

23

(1,562,409)

(229,008)

(1,355,534)

(1,185,088)

General and administrative expenses

24

(3,462,472)

(507,508)

(3,042,363)

(2,825,858)

Research and development expenses

 

(177,507)

(26,018)

(229,803)

(126,294)

Other gains, net

22

372,771

54,638

158,913

373,061


 

Operating profit

 

1,822,664

267,155

15,793,915

18,164,531

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

193,046

28,295

198,193

192,396

Interest expense

 

(1,864,742)

(273,322)

(1,226,175)

(933,955)

Exchange loss, net

 

(37,870)

(5,551)

(12,189)

(54,359)


 

Finance costs, net

 

(1,709,566)

(250,578)

(1,040,171)

(795,918)


 

Operating profit after finance costs

 

113,098

16,577

14,753,744

17,368,613

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares of profits/(losses) of

 

 

 

 

 

    jointly controlled entities

9(a)

1,672

245

(3,381)

(11,419)

Shares of profits of associates

9(b)

10,045

1,472

241,945

105,177


 

Profit before income tax

 

 

 

 

 

     benefits/(expense)

 

124,815

18,294

14,992,308

17,462,371

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax benefits/(expense)

28

33,557

4,919

(2,869,210)

(4,465,282)


 

Profit for the year

 

158,372

23,213

12,123,098

12,997,089


 

Attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

Equity holders of the Company

 

9,228

1,353

10,753,042

12,093,143

Minority interest

 

149,144

21,860

1,370,056

903,946


 

 

 

158,372

23,213

12,123,098

12,997,089


 

Basic earnings per share for profit

 

 

 

 

 

    attributable to the equity holders of

 

 

 

 

 

    the Company

 

 

 

 

 

    (expressed in RMB per share)

29

RMB0.00068

USD0.00010

RMB0.84

RMB1.03


 

Dividends

 

703,273

103,081

4,131,749

2,190,177


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-5

 


 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

 

 

Minority

Total shareholders'

 

Attributable to equity holders of the Company

interest

equity

 


 

 

 

 

 

Statutory

Statutory

 

 

Available-

 

 

 

 

 

 

surplus

public

Discretionary

Cumulative

for-sale

 

 

 

 

Share capital

Capital reserve

reserve

welfare fund

surplus reserve

translation

financial asset

 

 

 

 

(Note17(a))

(Note17(b)(i))

(Note17(b)(ii))

(Note17(b)(iii))

(Note17(b)(iii))

difference

revaluation reserve

Retained earnings

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000


 

As of January 1, 2006, as previously stated

11,049,876

6,731,011

2,084,642

1,962,173

34,430

-

-

11,285,208

2,295,956

35,443,296

Common control business combinations (Note 5)

-

1,537,684

36,894

-

-

-

-

(377,139)

884,771

2,082,210


 

As of January 1, 2006, as restated

11,049,876

8,268,695

2,121,536

1,962,173

34,430

-

-

10,908,069

3,180,727

37,525,506

Changes in equity for the year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    ended December 31, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grants payable transferred to capital reserve

-

5,300

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

5,300

Profit for the year ended December 31, 2006

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

12,093,143

903,946

12,997,089


 

Total recognized income and expense for the year

-

5,300

-

-

-

-

-

12,093,143

903,946

13,002,389

Issuance of new shares

600,000

3,902,492

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

4,502,492

Share issuance expenses

-

(112,023)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(112,023)

Acquisitions of minority interest

-

419,676

-

-

-

-

-

(20,679)

(224,416)

174,581

Acquisitions of subsidiaries

-

236,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,052,300

1,288,300

Establishment of a subsidiary by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    a shareholder of the Company

-

50,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

50,000

Capital injection from minority interest

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

582,400

582,400

Transfer

-

-

3,327,234

(1,962,173)

37,093

-

-

(1,402,154)

-

-

Profit appropriation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution to shareholders

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(4,587,163)

(135,901)

(4,723,064)


 

As of December 31, 2006

11,649,876

12,770,140

5,448,770

-

71,523

-

-

16,991,216

5,359,056

52,290,581


 

F-6

 


 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY(CONTINUED)

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

 

 

Minority

Total shareholders'

 

Attributable to equity holders of the Company

interest

equity

 


 

 

 

 

 

Statutory

Statutory

 

 

Available-

 

 

 

 

 

 

surplus

public

Discretionary

Cumulative

for-sale

 

 

 

 

Share capital

Capital reserve

reserve

welfare fund

surplus reserve

translation

financial asset

 

 

 

 

(Note17(a))

(Note17(b)(i))

(Note17(b)(ii))

(Note17(b)(iii))

(Note17(b)(iii))

difference

revaluation reserve

Retained earnings

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000


 

As of January 1, 2007, as previously stated

11,649,876

10,521,480

5,384,956

-

70,867

-

-

17,168,564

4,470,819

49,266,562

Common control business combinations (Note 5)

-

2,248,660

63,814

-

656

-

-

(177,348)

888,237

3,024,019


 

As of January 1, 2007, as restated

11,649,876

12,770,140

5,448,770

-

71,523

-

-

16,991,216

5,359,056

52,290,581

Changes in equity for the year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    ended December 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value changes from available-for-sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    financial asset - gross (Note 10)

-

-

-

-

-

-

8,879

-

5,608

14,487

Fair value changes from available-for-sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    financial asset - tax (Note 11)

-

-

-

-

-

-

(1,332)

-

(841)

(2,173)

Adjustment on equity change of an associate

-

168

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

168

Cumulative translation difference

-

-

-

-

-

10,047

-

-

-

10,047


 

Net income recognized directly in equity

-

168

-

-

-

10,047

7,547

-

4,767

22,529

Profit for the year ended December 31, 2007

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

10,753,042

1,370,056

12,123,098


 

Total recognized income and expense for the year

-

168

-

-

-

10,047

7,547

10,753,042

1,374,823

12,145,627

Issuance of new shares

1,874,612

7,852,275

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

9,726,887

Share issuance expenses

-

(179,000)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(179,000)

Acquisitions of minority interest (Note 5)

-

(3,028,896)

-

-

-

-

-

-

(2,472,094)

(5,500,990)

Capital injection from minority interest

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

10,094

10,094

Profit appropriation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appropriation of surplus reserve

-

-

1,083,388

-

-

-

-

(1,083,388)

-

-

Distribution to shareholders

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(3,533,257)

(466,735)

(3,999,992)

Adjustment to surplus reserves (Note 17(b)(ii))

-

-

(813,074)

-

(71,523)

-

-

884,597

-

-


 

As of December 31, 2007

13,524,488

17,414,687

5,719,084

-

-

10,047

7,547

24,012,210

3,805,144

64,493,207


 

F-7

 


 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONTINUED)

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

 

 

Minority

Total shareholders'

 

Attributable to equity holders of the Company

interest

equity

 


 

 

 

 

 

Statutory

Statutory

 

 

Available-

 

 

 

 

 

 

surplus

public

Discretionary

Cumulative

for-sale

 

 

 

 

Share capital

Capital reserve

reserve

welfare fund

surplus reserve

translation

financial asset

 

 

 

 

(Note17(a))

(Note17(b)(i))

(Note17(b)(ii))

(Note17(b)(iii))

(Note17(b)(iii))

difference

revaluation reserve

Retained earnings

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000


 

As of January 1, 2008, as previously stated

13,524,488

15,039,593

5,719,084

-

-

10,047

7,547

23,643,388

3,072,622

61,016,769

Common control business combinations (Note 5)

-

2,375,094

-

-

-

-

-

368,822

732,522

3,476,438


 

As of January 1, 2008, as restated

13,524,488

17,414,687

5,719,084

-

-

10,047

7,547

24,012,210

3,805,144

64,493,207

Changes in equity for the year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    ended December 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value changes from available-for-sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    financial asset - gross (Note 10)

-

-

-

-

-

-

(7,048)

-

(4,451)

(11,499)

Fair value changes from available-for-sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    financial asset - tax (Note 11)

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,057

-

668

1,725

Grants payable transferred to capital reserve

-

98,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

98,000

Cumulative translation difference

-

-

-

-

-

(180,400)

-

-

-

(180,400)


 

Net income recognized directly in equity

-

98,000

-

-

-

(180,400)

(5,991)

-

(3,783)

(92,174)

Profit for the year ended December 31, 2008

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

9,228

149,144

158,372


 

Total recognized income and expense for the year

-

98,000

-

-

-

(180,400)

(5,991)

9,228

145,361

66,198

Common control business combinations (Note 5)

-

(4,223,414)

-

-

-

-

-

-

(26,441)

(4,249,855)

Reversal of over-provision of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    share issuance expenses

-

28,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

28,000

Acquisition of a subsidiary (Note 2(b))

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,171,803

1,171,803

Acquisition of minority interest

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,958

2,958

Disposals of subsidiaries

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(7,554)

(7,554)

Capital injection from minority interest

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

555,443

555,443

Others

-

5,067

-

-

-

-

-

-

27,956

33,023

Profit appropriation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appropriation of surplus reserve

-

-

113,361

-

-

-

-

(113,361)

-

-

Distribution to shareholders

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(1,420,071)

(476,330)

(1,896,401)


 

As of December 31, 2008

13,524,488

13,322,340

5,832,445

-

-

(170,353)

1,556

22,488,006

5,198,340

60,196,822


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-8

 


 

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB and USD unless otherwise stated)

 

 

Note

2008

2008

2007

2006

 

 

 

 

Restated

Restated

 

 

 

(Note 1)

(Note 5)

(Note 5)

 

 

RMB'000

USD'000

RMB'000

RMB'000


 

Cash flows generated from operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profit before income tax expense

 

124,815

18,294

14,992,308

17,462,371

Shares of (profits)/losses of jointly controlled entities

 

(1,672)

(245)

3,381

11,419

Shares of profits of associates

 

(10,045)

(1,472)

(241,945)

(105,177)

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

7

5,269,853

772,423

4,821,208

3,979,504

Net loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

27

59,189

8,676

167,953

90,724

Impairment loss on property, plant and equipment

27

1,334

196

13,249

16,967

Amortization of intangible assets

6

52,755

7,733

31,056

25,087

Expensing off prepaid land use rights

 

46,501

6,816

47,677

36,754

Amortization of long-term deferred expenses

 

87,806

12,870

76,028

14,132

Loss/(Gain) on disposals of investments

 

324

47

(3,484)

411

Realized and unrealized gains on futures and option contracts

22

(267,328)

(39,183)

(108,362)

(51,985)

Interest income

 

(193,046)

(28,295)

(198,193)

(192,396)

Interest expense

 

1,864,742

273,322

1,226,175

933,955

Excess of interest in the net fair value of net assets acquired

 

 

 

 

 

    over cost arising from acquisitions of subsidiaries

 

-

-

-

(261,734)

Others

 

(4,986)

(730)

-

-


 

 

 

7,030,242

1,030,452

20,827,051

21,960,032

Changes in working capital:

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in inventories

 

(3,860,311)

(565,821)

(2,939,644)

(1,947,021)

Decrease/(Increase) in accounts receivable

 

1,998,898

292,986

(556,751)

(940,691)

(Increase)/Decrease in other current assets

 

(1,303,371)

(191,040)

85,359

(330,669)

(Increase)/Decrease in restricted cash

 

(104,213)

(15,275)

(6,122)

42,114

Increase in other non-current assets

 

(396,526)

(58,120)

(230,487)

-

(Decrease)/Increase in accounts payable

 

(66,125)

(9,692)

136,760

(410,567)

Increase/(Decrease) in other payables and accrued expenses

 

3,186,343

467,035

(1,166,223)

47,220

(Decrease)/Increase in other non-current liabilities

 

(14,759)

(2,163)

27,475

190,387


 

Cash generated from operating activities

 

6,470,178

948,362

16,177,418

18,610,805

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest received

 

186,683

27,363

96,069

158,472

Interest paid

 

(2,563,012)

(375,671)

(1,490,304)

(1,093,694)

PRC enterprise income taxes paid

 

(1,639,415)

(240,295)

(4,130,577)

(3,714,012)


 

Net cash generated from operating activities

 

2,454,434

359,759

10,652,606

13,961,571


 

F-9

 


 

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB and USD unless otherwise stated)

 

 

Note

2008

2008

2007

2006

 

 

 

 

Restated

Restated

 

 

 

(Note 1)

(Note 5)

(Note 5)

 

 

RMB'000

USD'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Cash flows generated from investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of intangible assets

 

(180,814)

(26,503)

(124,293)

(29,384)

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

 

(16,788,443)

(2,460,747)

(10,850,232)

(7,801,565)

Purchases of land use rights

 

(277,397)

(40,659)

(440,799)

(47,001)

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment

 

23,225

3,404

165,302

36,060

Proceeds from disposal of an associate

 

-

-

790

-

Cash and cash equivalents acquired from acquisitions of subsidiaries

 

247,784

36,319

313,662

519,646

Investment in a jointly controlled entity

9(a)

(63,882)

(9,363)

(63,883)

(402,814)

Investments in associates

9(b)

(30,000)

(4,397)

-

(247,454)

Acquisition of minority interest

 

-

-

(564,865)

(192,749)

Acquisitions of subsidiaries

 

(4,858,396)

(712,114)

(140,000)

(984,803)

Increase of available-for-sale financial assets

 

-

-

(2,500)

-

Decrease/(Increase) in short-term cash investments

 

-

-

2,981,946

(3,078,000)

Dividends received

 

33,067

4,847

52,004

-

Prepaid investment

 

(250,000)

(36,643)

-

-

Interest received

 

6,364

933

130,391

33,320

Others

 

(66,002)

(9,674)

(20,972)

(97,043)

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(22,204,494)

(3,254,597)

(8,563,449)

(12,291,787)


 

F-10

 


 

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB and USD unless otherwise stated)

 

 

Note

2008

2008

2007

2006

 

 

 

 

Restated

Restated

 

 

 

(Note 1)

(Note 5)

(Note 5)

 

 

RMB'000

USD'000

RMB'000

RMB'000


 

Cash flows generated from financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of shares, net of issuance expenses

 

-

-

(119,000)

4,390,469

Issuance of short-term bonds, net of issuance expenses

18(d)

4,980,000

729,938

2,988,000

4,913,400

Issuance of medium-term notes, net of issuance expenses

18(b)

9,970,000

1,461,341

-

-

Issuance of long-term bonds, net of issuance expenses

18(b)

-

-

1,978,500

-

Repayments of short-term bonds

 

(3,000,000)

(439,722)

(5,000,000)

(2,000,000)

Drawdown of short-term loans

 

21,107,101

3,093,749

7,160,149

6,293,469

Drawdown of long-term loans

 

11,294,303

1,655,449

5,101,948

1,642,094

Shareholder's loans

 

276,270

40,494

180,000

-

Repayments of short-term loans

 

(13,432,454)

(1,968,846)

(8,224,234)

(6,979,074)

Repayments of long-term loans

 

(2,616,640)

(383,531)

(3,929,976)

(2,781,284)

Dividends paid by subsidiaries to minority shareholders

 

(386,891)

(56,708)

(476,889)

(118,366)

Capital injection from a shareholder of the Company

 

-

-

-

412,660

Capital injection from minority shareholders

 

184,800

27,087

10,094

102,400

Dividends paid

 

(1,439,486)

(210,991)

(3,528,563)

(4,562,241)

Investment refund to minority shareholders of a subsidiary

 

-

-

(94,128)

(472,551)


 

Net cash generated from/(used in) financing activities

 

26,937,003

3,948,260

(3,954,099)

840,976


 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

7,186,943

1,053,422

(1,864,942)

2,510,760

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year

 

8,824,971

1,293,510

10,691,925

8,199,676

Exchange losses on cash and cash equivalents

 

(29,785)

(4,369)

(2,012)

(18,511)


 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

16

15,982,129

2,342,563

8,824,971

10,691,925


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-11

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

1.

General information

 

 

 

Aluminum Corporation of China Limited (logo) (the "Company") and its subsidiaries (together the "Group") are principally engaged in bauxite mining, alumina refining and aluminum smelting. Its principal products are alumina, primary aluminum and aluminum fabrication products.

The Company is a joint stock company incorporated on September 10, 2001 in the People's Republic of China (the "PRC") with limited liability. The address of its registered office is No. 62 North Xizhimen Street, Haidian District, Beijing, the PRC.

The Company had its dual listing on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and New York Stock Exchange in 2001. The Company also listed its A shares on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (the "SSE") on April 30, 2007.

The consolidated financial statements are expressed in Renminbi ("RMB"), the national currency of the PRC. Solely for the convenience of the reader, the financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2008 have been translated into United States Dollar ("USD") at the noon buying rate in New York City on December 31, 2008 for cable transfers in RMB by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York of USD1.00 = RMB6.8225. No representation is made that the RMB amounts could have been, or could be, converted into USD at that rate or at any other certain rates on December 31, 2008, or at any other date.

These consolidated financial statements have been approved for issue by the Board of Directors on April 30, 2009.

 

 

2.

Summary of significant accounting policies

 

 

 

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

 

 

 

(a)

Basis of preparation of financial statements

 

 

 

 

 

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards ("HKFRS"). These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of available-for-sale financial assets and financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit and loss (including derivative instruments).

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with HKFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgment in the process of applying the Group's accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgment or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements are disclosed in Note 4.

 

 

 

F-12

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

2.

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

 

 

(a)

Basis of preparation of financial statements (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

Standards and amendments to existing standards that are not yet effective and have not been early adopted by the Group

The following standards and amendments to existing standards have been published and are relevant to the operations of the Group. They are mandatory for the Group's accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2009 or later periods, but has not been early adopted by the Group:

 

 

 

 

 

*

Hong Kong Accounting Standard ("HKAS") 1 (Revised), 'Presentation of financial statements' (effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2009). The revised standard will prohibit the presentation of items of income and expenses (that is, 'non-owner changes in shareholders' equity') in the statement of changes in shareholders' equity, requiring 'non-owner changes in equity' to be presented separately from owner changes in equity. All non-owner changes in equity will be required to be shown in a performance statement, but entities can choose whether to present one performance statement (the statement of comprehensive income) or two statements (the consolidated income statement and statement of comprehensive income). Where entities restate or reclassify comparative information, they will be required to present a restated balance sheet as at the beginning comparative period in addition to the current requirement to present balance sheets at the end of the current period and comparative period. The Group will apply HKAS 1 (Revised) from January 1, 2009. It is likely that both the consolidated income statement and statement of comprehensive income will be presented as separate performance statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

HKAS 23 (Revised), 'Borrowing costs' (effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2009). The amendment requires an entity to capitalize borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset (one that takes a substantial period of time to get ready for use or sale) as part of the cost of that asset. The option of immediately expensing those borrowing costs will be removed. The adoption of HKAS 23 (Revised) will not affect the Group as interest and other costs on borrowings to finance the construction of property, plant and equipment are capitalized under the existing accounting policy of the Group.

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

HKAS 27 (Revised), 'Consolidated and separate financial statements' (effective for annual periods beginning on or after July 1, 2009). The revised standard requires the effects of all transactions with non-controlling interests to be recorded in equity if there is no change in control and these transactions will no longer result in goodwill or gains and losses. The standard also specifies the accounting when control is lost where any remaining interest in the entity is re-measured to fair value and a gain or loss is recognized in profit or loss. The adoption of HKAS 27 (Revised) will not affect the Group as changes in non-controlling interests which do not lead to loss of control in a subsidiary are recorded in equity under the existing accounting policy of the Group.

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

HKFRS 3 (Revised), 'Business combinations' (effective for annual periods beginning on or after July 1, 2009). The revised standard continues to apply the acquisition method to business combinations, with some significant changes. For example, all payments to purchase a business are to be recorded at fair value at the acquisition date, with contingent payments classified as debt subsequently re-measured through the consolidated income statement. There is a choice on an acquisition by acquisition basis to measure the non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at fair value or at the non-controlling interest's proportionate share of the acquiree's net assets. All acquisition-related costs should be expensed. The Group will apply HKFRS 3 (Revised) in its financial statements for any acquisition effective after December 31, 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

HKFRS 7 (Amendment), 'Financial instruments: disclosures' (effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2009). The amendment requires enhanced disclosures on fair value measurements and liquidity risk. The Group will apply HKFRS 7 (Amendment) from January 1, 2009.

 

 

 

 

F-13

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

2.

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

 

 

(a)

Basis of preparation of financial statements (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

Standards and amendments to existing standards that are not yet effective and have not been early adopted by the Group (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

*

HKFRS 8, 'Operating segments' (effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2009). HKFRS 8 replaces HKAS 14 and requires a "management approach", under which segment information is presented on the same basis as that used for internal reporting purposes. The Group will apply HKFRS 8 from January 1, 2009. Management concluded that there is no material impact from adopting this new standard on the financial statements of the Group.

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

Improvements to HKFRSs issued by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants published in October 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

>

HKAS 1 (Amendment), 'Presentation of financial statements' (effective for annual period beginning on or after January 1, 2009). The amendment clarifies that some rather than all financial assets and liabilities classified as held for trading in accordance with HKAS 39, 'Financial instruments: recognition and measurement' are examples of current assets and liabilities respectively. The Group will apply HKAS 1 (Amendment) from January 1, 2009. It is not expected to have a material impact on the Group's financial statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

>

HKAS 19 (Amendment), 'Employee benefits' (effective for annual period beginning on or after January 1, 2009)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-

The distinction between short-term and long-term employee benefits will be based on whether benefits are due to be settled within or after 12 months of employee service being rendered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-

HKAS 37, 'Provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets' requires contingent liabilities to be disclosed, not recognized. HKAS 19 has been amended to be consistent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Group will apply HKAS 19 (Amendment) from January 1, 2009. It is not expected to have a material impact on the Group's financial statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

>

HKAS 20 (Amendment), 'Accounting for government grants and disclosure of government assistance' (effective for annual period beginning on or after January 1, 2009). The benefit of a below-market rate government loan is measured as the difference between the carrying amount in accordance with HKAS 39, 'Financial instruments: recognition and measurement' and the proceeds received with the benefit accounted for in accordance with HKAS 20. The Group will apply HKAS 20 (Amendment) from January 1, 2009. The impact is still being assessed by management.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

>

HKAS 28 (Amendment), 'Investments in associates' (and consequential amendments to HKAS 32, 'Financial Instruments: presentation' and HKFRS 7, 'Financial instruments: disclosures') (effective for annual period beginning on or after January 1, 2009). An investment in an associate is treated as a single asset for the purposes of impairment testing and any impairment loss is not allocated to specific assets included within the investment, for example, goodwill. Reversals of impairment are recorded as an adjustment to the investment balance to the extent that the recoverable amount of the associate increases. The Group will apply HKAS 28 (Amendment) to impairment tests related to investments in associates and any related impairment losses from January 1, 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

>

HKAS 36 (Amendment), 'Impairment of assets' (effective for annual period beginning on or after January 1, 2009). Where fair value less costs to sell is calculated on the basis of discounted cash flows, disclosures equivalent to those for value-in-use calculations should be made. The Group will apply HKAS 36 (Amendment) and provide the required disclosures where applicable for impairment tests from January 1, 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

F-14

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

2.

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

 

 

(a)

Basis of preparation of financial statements (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

Standards and amendments to existing standards that are not yet effective and have not been early adopted by the Group (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

*

Improvements to HKFRSs issued by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants published in October 2008 (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

>

HKAS 38 (Amendment), 'Intangible assets' (effective for annual period beginning on or after January 1, 2009). The amendment deletes the wording that states that there is 'rarely, if ever' support for use of a method that results in a lower rate of amortization than the straight line method. The amendment will not currently have an impact on the Group's operations as all intangible assets are currently amortized using the straight line method.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

>

HKFRS 5 (Amendment), 'Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations' (effective for annual period beginning on or after July 1, 2009). The amendment clarifies that all assets and liabilities of a subsidiary are classified as held for sale if a partial disposal sale plan results in loss of control, and relevant disclosure should be made for this subsidiary if the definition of a discontinued operation is met. The Group will apply HKFRS 5 (Amendment) prospectively to all partial disposals of subsidiaries resulting from loss of control from January 1, 2010.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

>

There are a number of minor amendments to HKAS 8, 'Accounting policies, changes in accounting estimates and errors', HKAS 10, 'Events after the balance sheet date', HKAS 16 'Property, plant and equipment', HKAS 20, HKAS 23, HKAS 34, 'Interim financial reporting' and HKFRS 7, which are not addressed above. These amendments are unlikely to have material impact on the Group's financial statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

Consolidated financial statements

 

 

 

 

 

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and all of its subsidiaries made up to December 31.

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

Subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subsidiaries are investees over which the Group has the power to exercise control, i.e. the power to govern the financial and operating policies and obtains benefits from the operating activities of the investees. When determining whether the Group exercises control over an investee, the impact from potential voting rights of the investee, such as currently convertible bonds and exercisable warrants, etc. is taken into account.

Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date when control is transferred to the Group. They are de-consolidated from the date when control ceases. All the significant intra-group balances, transactions and unrealized profit are eliminated in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. The portion of the shareholders' equity and current period profit or loss of the subsidiaries, which is not attributable to the parent company, is separately presented as minority interest in the shareholders' equity and net profit in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

F-15

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

2.

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

 

 

(b)

Consolidated financial statements (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

Subsidiaries (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When there is any inconsistency in the accounting policies or financial periods adopted between subsidiaries and the Company, the financial statements of subsidiaries are adjusted according to the accounting policies or financial period adopted by the Company in preparing consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

Common control business combination

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merger accounting method stipulated under Hong Kong Accounting Guideline 5 'Merger accounting for common control combinations' is used to account for acquisitions of businesses under common control before and after the acquisitions. The difference between fair value of acquisition consideration and carrying amount of net assets acquired is adjusted to capital reserve. When equity securities are used as acquisition consideration, the carrying amount of net assets acquired is recognized as deemed acquisition costs. Direct costs attributable to the business combination are recorded in current period profit and loss. Any charges or commission arising from issuance of equity securities for business combination are offset against premium of those equity securities.

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the combining entities or businesses in which the common control combination occurs as if they had been combined from the date when the combining entities or businesses first came under the control of the controlling party. The net assets of the combining entities or businesses are combined using the existing carrying amounts from the controlling parties' perspective. The consolidated income statement includes the results of the combining entities or businesses from the earliest date presented or since the date when the combining entities or businesses first came under common control (whichever period is shorter regardless of the date of the common control combination). The comparative amounts in the consolidated financial statements are presented as if those entities or businesses had been combined at the previous balance sheet date or when they first came under common control (whichever period is shorter).

The following table lists the Company's principal subsidiaries acquired from common control business combinations as of December 31, 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Place of

 

Registered

 

Equity interest held

 

 

 

 

 

incorporation

 

and fully

Business nature and


 

 

 

 

Name

and operation

Legal status

paid capital

scope of operations

Direct

Indirect

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baotou Aluminum
    Co., Ltd.
    ()
    (Note (1))

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
500,000,000

Manufacture and distribution of primary aluminum, aluminum alloy and related fabrication products and
carbon products

100%

-

 

 

 

 

Wuxi Xinbao Aluminum
    Co., Ltd.
    ()
    (Note (2))

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
2,000,000

Sales of metal materials, carbon products, fire-resisting and heat preservation materials and chemical products

-

90%

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

F-16

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

2.

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

 

 

(b)

Consolidated financial statements (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

Subsidiaries (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

Common control business combination (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Place of

 

Registered

 

Equity interest held

 

 

 

 

 

incorporation

 

and fully

Business nature and


 

 

 

 

Name

and operation

Legal status

paid capital

scope of operations

Direct

Indirect

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lanzhou Liancheng Longxing
    Aluminum Company Limited
    ("Longxing Aluminum")
    ()
    (Note (3))

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
988,880,000

Manufacture and distribution of primary aluminum, other aluminum products and carbon products; export activities of self-manufactured products

100%

-

 

 

 

 

Shanghai Changle Industrial
    and Trading Co., Ltd.
    ("Shanghai Changle")
    ()
    (Note (4))

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
10,000,000

Trading of nonferrous materials, metal materials, machinery and aluminum smelting materials, etc.

-

60%

 

 

 

 

Chalco Ruimin Company Limited
    ("Chalco Ruimin")
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
416,244,027

Manufacture of aluminum, magnesium and related alloy products, export activities

75%

-

 

 

 

 

Huaxi Aluminum Company Limited
    ("Huaxi Aluminum")
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
604,360,000

Manufacture and distribution of primary aluminum, other aluminum products, mechanical and electrical products and equipment

56.86%

-

 

 

 

 

Chalco Southwest Aluminum
    Company Limited
    ("Chalco Southwest Aluminum")
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
540,000,000

Manufacture and distribution of metal materials (excluding precious metals), sales of general machinery and equipment

60%

-

 

 

 

 

Chalco Southwest Aluminum
    Cold Rolling Company Limited
     ("Chalco Southwest
    Aluminum Cold Rolling")
     ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
50,000,000

Rolling aluminum and aluminum alloy processing, development of high precision aluminum strip production technology, import and export activities on goods and technology

100%

-

 

 

 

 

Henan Aluminum
    Company Limited
     ("Henan Aluminum")
     ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
932,460,000

Manufacture and distribution of aluminum and alloy related products

84.02%

-

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The English names of subsidiaries represent the best effort by the management of the Group in translating their Chinese names as they do not have any official English names.

 

 

 

 

 

F-17

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

2.

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

 

 

(b)

Consolidated financial statements (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

Subsidiaries (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

Common control business combination (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

In May 2008, Baotou Aluminum Co., Limited ("Baotou Aluminum") was deregistered and its net assets was injected into Baotou Aluminum Co., Ltd., a newly established entity. The registered capital of Baotou Aluminum is changed to RMB500 million.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2)

In December 2008, Baotou Aluminum divested its interests in Wuxi Xinbao Aluminum Co., Ltd.. The deregistration of Wuxi Xinbao Aluminum Co., Ltd. is in process.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3)

The assets and liabilities of Longxing Aluminum were injected into Liancheng Branch of the Company on November 30, 2008. The deregistration of Longxing Aluminum is in process.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4)

Shanghai Changle, a subsidiary of Longxing Aluminum, was liquidated in November 2008. The deregistration is in process.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

Non-common control business combination

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase accounting is used to account for the acquisitions of subsidiaries by the Group from third parties. The acquisition costs and identifiable net assets obtained by acquirer are measured at the fair value on the acquisition date. Related separate financial statements are adjusted on the basis of the fair value of the identifiable net assets on acquisition date when preparing consolidated financial statements. The excess of acquisition costs over the proportionate share of the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. The shortfall of acquisition costs to the proportionate share of the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired is recognized through current period profit and loss.

Direct costs attributable to the business combination are recorded as acquisition costs. Any charges or commission arising from issuance of equity securities for business combination are offset against premium of those equity securities.

The following table lists the Company's principal subsidiaries acquired from non-common control business combinations and obtained through other methods as of December 31, 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Place of

 

Registered

 

Equity interest held

 

 

 

 

 

incorporation

 

and fully

Business nature and


 

 

 

 

Name

and operation

Legal status

paid capital

scope of operations

Direct

Indirect

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

China Aluminum International
    Trading Co., Ltd.
    ("Chalco Trading")
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
200,000,000

Import and export activities

90.50%

-

 

 

 

 

Chalco Foshan Trading Co., Ltd.
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
10,000,000

Distribution of nonferrous
materials and mineral products

-

89.60%

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

F-18

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

2.

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

 

 

(b)

Consolidated financial statements (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

Subsidiaries (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

Non-common control business combination (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Place of

 

Registered

 

Equity interest held

 

 

 

 

 

incorporation

 

and fully

Business nature and


 

 

 

 

Name

and operation

Legal status

paid capital

scope of operations

Direct

Indirect

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chalco Chongqing Trading Co., Ltd.
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
3,000,000

Distribution of nonferrous
materials and mineral products

-

90.05%

 

 

 

 

China Aluminum International
    Shipping and Forwarding
    (Beijing) Corp., Ltd.
    (
    )

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
6,000,000

Provision of
transportation services

-

88.69%

 

 

 

 

Shanghai Chalco Kailin
    Aluminum Co., Ltd.
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
3,000,000

Distribution of nonferrous
materials and mineral products

-

89.60%

 

 

 

 

Chalco Qinghai Western Int'l
    Trading Co., Ltd.
    (
    )

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
15,000,000

Direct and indirect import and export of goods and services

-

81.45%

 

 

 

 

Chalco Shandong International
    Trading Co. Ltd.
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
10,000,000

Import and export activities

-

81.90%

 

 

 

 

Chalco Henan International
    Trading Co. Ltd.
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
3,000,000

Import and export activities

-

81.90%

 

 

 

 

Shenyang China Aluminum
    Trading Co., Ltd.
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
10,000,000

Distribution of nonferrous
materials and mineral products

-

90.50%

 

 

 

 

Chalco Wuhan Kaihua
    Aluminum Trading Co., Ltd.
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
5,000,000

Distribution of nonferrous
materials and mineral products

-

90.50%

 

 

 

 

Chalco Foshan Aluminum
    Trading Co., Ltd.
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
5,010,000

Distribution of nonferrous
materials and mineral products

-

90.50%

 

 

 

 

Chalco Chengdu Aluminum
    Trading Co., Ltd.
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
5,000,000

Distribution of nonferrous
materials and mineral products

-

90.50%

 

 

 

 

Shanghai Chalco Kaihua
    Aluminum Trading Co., Ltd.
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
5,000,000

Distribution of nonferrous
materials and mineral products

-

90.50%

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

F-19

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

2.

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

 

 

(b)

Consolidated financial statements (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

Subsidiaries (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

Non-common control business combination (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Place of

 

Registered

 

Equity interest held

 

 

 

 

 

incorporation

 

and fully

Business nature and


 

 

 

 

Name

and operation

Legal status

paid capital

scope of operations

Direct

Indirect

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chalco Kaihua (Beijing)
    Aluminum Trading Co., Ltd.
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
5,000,000

Distribution of nonferrous
materials and mineral products

-

90.50%

 

 

 

 

Shanxi Longmen Aluminum
    Co., Ltd.
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
35,977,626

Manufacture and distribution
of primary aluminum

55%

-

 

 

 

 

Shanxi Huatai Carbon Co., Ltd.
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
42,000,000

Manufacture and distribution
of carbon related products

93.81%

4.53%

 

 

 

 

Shanxi Aluminum Factory
    Carbon Plant
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
11,820,000

Manufacture of backup cathode
and anode carbon blocks used in manufacture of primary aluminum

72.57%

-

 

 

 

 

The Institute of Shandong
    Qiyun Colored Metallurgy
    Engineering Co., Ltd.
    (
    )

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
9,900,000

Provision of design and consultation service of nonferrous metallurgy engineering projects and processing quotation consultation

100%

-

 

 

 

 

Henan Huahui Colored
    Engineering & Design Co., Ltd.
    (
    )

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
5,000,000

Provision of design service of nonferrous metallurgy engineering projects and processing quotation consultation

100%

-

 

 

 

 

Zibo Wancheng Industrial
    Trading Co., Ltd.
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
13,830,000

Provision of repairs and maintenance services for electrical plant and machinery

100%

-

 

 

 

 

Zhengzhou Hicer Hitech
    Ceramics Co., Ltd.
    (
    )

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
5,000,000

Manufacture and distribution
of alumina ceramic products

80%

-

 

 

 

 

China Aluminum Nanhai
    Alloy Co., Ltd.
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
100,000,000

Processing and distribution of nonferrous metal

100%

-

 

 

 

 

Shanxi Huasheng
    Aluminum Co., Ltd.
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
1,000,000,000

Manufacture and distribution
of primary aluminum, aluminum alloy and carbon-related products

51%

-

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

F-20

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

2.

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

 

 

(b)

Consolidated financial statements (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

Subsidiaries (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

Non-common control business combination (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Place of

 

Registered

 

Equity interest held

 

 

 

 

 

incorporation

 

and fully

Business nature and


 

 

 

 

Name

and operation

Legal status

paid capital

scope of operations

Direct

Indirect

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shanxi Huaze Aluminum and
    Power Co., Ltd.
    ("Shanxi Huaze")
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
1,500,000,000

Manufacture and distribution of
primary aluminum and anode
carbon products and electricity
generation and supply

60%

-

 

 

 

 

Shandong Aluminum Electronic
    Technology Co., Ltd.
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
20,000,000

Manufacture and distribution of
electronic products

75%

-

 

 

 

 

Lanzhou Aluminum Construction
    & Installation Co., Ltd.
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
1,500,000

Provision of construction services

93.33%

-

 

 

 

 

Lanzhou Aluminum Hewan Power
    Generation Company Limited
    ("Hewan Power")
    ()
    (Note (1))

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
816,330,000

Thermal power generation and
development and utilization of
power generation by-products

N/A

-

 

 

 

 

Fushun Aluminum Co., Ltd.
    ("Fushun Aluminum")
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
500,000,000

Aluminum smelting,
manufacture and distribution of
nonferrous metals

100%

-

 

 

 

 

Fushun Fluorizate Salt Co., Ltd.
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
30,000,000

Manufacture of metal structures,
development of fluorizate salt
related technology

100%

-

 

 

 

 

Zunyi Aluminum Co., Ltd.
    ("Zunyi Aluminum")
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
260,000,000

Manufacture and distribution
of primary aluminum

61.29%

-

 

 

 

 

Chalco Zunyi Alumina Co., Ltd.
    ("Zunyi Alumina")
    (
    )

PRC

Limited liability company

Registered capital RMB
1,400,000,000 Paid-in-capital RMB
840,000,000

Manufacture and
distribution of alumina

67%

-

 

 

 

 

Chongqing Qianbei Aluminum
    Trading Co., Ltd.
    ()
    (Note (2))

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
1,000,000

Distribution of nonferrous metal materials, nonferrous metal and chemical products and materials

-

N/A

 

 

 

 

Shandong Huayu Aluminum and
    Power Co., Ltd.
    ("Shandong Huayu")
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
1,627,696,671

Manufacture and distribution
of primary aluminum

55%

-

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

F-21

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

2.

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

 

 

(b)

Consolidated financial statements (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

Subsidiaries (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

Non-common control business combination (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Place of

 

Registered

 

Equity interest held

 

 

 

 

 

incorporation

 

and fully

Business nature and


 

 

 

 

Name

and operation

Legal status

paid capital

scope of operations

Direct

Indirect

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gansu Hualu Aluminum Co., Ltd.
    ("Gansu Hualu")
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
529,236,439

Manufacture and distribution
of primary aluminum

51%

-

 

 

 

 

Baiyin Ruiyuan Metal Co., Ltd.
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
4,800,000

Processing and distribution of
light nonferrous products

-

48.87%

 

 

 

 

China Aluminum Taiyue
    Mining Co., Ltd.
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

Registered capital RMB
60,000,000 Paid-in-capital RMB
20,600,000

Acquisition and distribution of
bauxite and iron ore mines

51%

-

 

 

 

 

Chalco Hong Kong Ltd.
    ()

Hong Kong

Limited liability company

Hong Kong Dollar
("HKD")
849,940,471

Oversea investments and
alumina import and export activities

100%

-

 

 

 

 

Chalco Singapore Pte. Ltd.
    ()

The Republic of Singapore

Limited liability company

Singapore Dollar1

Investment holding

-

100%

 

 

 

 

Chalco Australia Holdings
    Pty. Ltd.
    (
    )

The Commonwealth of Australia ("Australia")

Limited liability company

AUD1

Investment holding

-

100%

 

 

 

 

Chalco Australia Pty. Ltd.
    ()

Australia

Limited liability company

AUD1

Exploration and development of
bauxite mines

-

100%

 

 

 

 

Aurukun Alumina Refinery
    Pty Ltd.
    ()

Australia

Limited liability company

AUD1

Manufacture of alumina

-

100%

 

 

 

 

China Aluminum Mining Co., Ltd.

PRC

Limited liability

RMB

Manufacture, acquisition and

100%

-

 

 

 

 

    ("Chalco Mining")

 

company

1,000,000,000

distribution of bauxite mines,

 

 

 

 

 

 

    ()

 

 

 

limestone ore, aluminum

 

 

 

 

 

 

    ((Note (3))

 

 

 

magnesium ore and related

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

nonferrous metal products

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ruzhou Jinhua Mining Co., Ltd.
    ()
    (Note (4))

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
6,000,000

Exploration of dewalquite,
development of fluorizate salt
related technology

-

51%

 

 

 

 

Qingdao Light Metals Co., Ltd.
    ()
    (Note (3))

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
418,000,000

Processing and distribution of
aluminum and related products and import, processing and utilization
of recycled nonferrous metals

100%

-

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

F-22

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

2.

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

 

 

(b)

Consolidated financial statements (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

Subsidiaries (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

Non-common control business combination (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Place of

 

Registered

 

Equity interest held

 

 

 

 

 

incorporation

 

and fully

Business nature and


 

 

 

 

Name

and operation

Legal status

paid capital

scope of operations

Direct

Indirect

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Qingdao Huaye Industrial and
    Trading Co., Ltd.
    ()

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB6,000,000

Processing and distribution of
aluminum and related products and
import, processing and utilization
of recycled nonferrous metals

-

100%

 

 

 

 

Jiaozuo Wanfang Aluminum
    Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    ("Jiaozuo Wanfang")
    ()
    (Note (5))

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
480,176,000

Aluminum smelting,
manufacture and distribution
of nonferrous metals

29%

-

 

 

 

 

Shanghai Wanfang Aluminum
    Trading and Development
    Co., Ltd. ("Wanfang Trading")
    ()
    (Note (5))

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
10,000,000

Distribution of nonferrous metals,
metal materials, mechanical
equipment, instrumentation,
construction materials, raw
materials for aluminum smelting, etc.

-

26.10%

 

 

 

 

Jiaozuo AES Wanfang Power
    Co., Ltd. ("Wanfang Power")
    ()
    (Note (5))

PRC

Limited liability company

RMB
447,580,000

Operations, maintenance and
repairs of self-used power plants,
sales and utilization of electricity

-

29%

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The English names of subsidiaries represent the best effort by the management of the Group in translating their Chinese names as they do not have any official English names.

Notes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

The assets and liabilities of Hewan Power were injected into the Lanzhou Branch of the Company on January 1, 2008. Hewan Power is no longer a separate legal entity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2)

Chongqing Qianbei Aluminum Trading Co., Ltd. was deregistered in June 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3)

The assets and liabilities of the Mining Branch and Qingdao Secondary Aluminum Alloy Branch of the Company were injected into Chalco Mining and Qingdao Light Metals Co., Ltd., newly established companies, on January 1 and August 6, 2008, respectively.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4)

Chalco Mining, a subsidiary of the Company, acquired 51% equity interest in Ruzhou Jinhua Mining Co., Ltd. in May 2008, for a consideration of RMB3.060 million. The net cash outflow arising from this acquisition amounted to RMB2.958 million.

 

 

 

 

 

 

F-23

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

2.

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

 

 

(b)

Consolidated financial statements (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

Subsidiaries (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

Non-common control business combination (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes: (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5)

Jiaozuo Wanfang is a company with its A shares listed on the SSE in the PRC. The Company has determined that de facto control over Jiaozuo Wanfang was established in 2008. Jiaozuo Wanfang and its subsidiary, Wanfang Trading are therefore consolidated from January 1, 2008 onwards. The fair value of net identifiable assets acquired on January 1, 2008 approximated their carrying amounts. On December 1, 2008, Jiaozuo Wanfang acquired the remaining equity interest in Wanfang Power, and Wanfang Power then became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jiaozuo Wanfang.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(ii)

Transactions with minority interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Group treats transactions with minority interest as transactions with equity owners of the Group. When accounting for acquisition of minority interest in consolidated financial statements, the difference between the increased long-term equity investment cost arising from acquisition of minority interest and proportionate share of carrying amounts of net identifiable assets newly acquired calculated from the acquisition date is adjusted to equity. Upon disposal of minority interest, difference between consideration received and related share of minority interest is recorded in equity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(iii)

Jointly controlled entities and associates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A jointly controlled entity is an investee over which the Group and other parties exercise joint control. An associate is an investee over which the Group has significant influence on the financial and operating decisions.

Investments in jointly controlled entities and associates are initially recognized at cost and are subsequently measured using the equity method of accounting. The excess of the initial investment cost over the proportionate share of the fair value of identifiable net assets of investee acquired is included in the initial investment cost. Any shortfall of the initial investment cost to the proportionate share of the fair value of identifiable net assets of investee acquired is recognized in current period profit and loss and long-term investment cost is adjusted accordingly.

When applying equity accounting, the Group recognized investment income based on the proportionate share of net profit or loss of the investees. Net losses of investees are recognized to the extent of carrying amount of long-term equity investments and any other constituting long-term equity investments in investees in substance. However, the Group will continue to recognize investment losses and provision should it bears additional obligations which meet the recognition criteria under the provision standard. The Group recognizes related equity items based on its proportionate share on other shareholders' equity movements of the investees other than net profit or loss, given there is no change in shareholding ratio. When the investees appropriate profit or declare dividends, the carrying amount of long-term equity investments are reduced correspondingly by the proportionate share of the distribution. Profit or loss from transactions between the Group and the investees is eliminated to the extent of the Group's interest in the investees. Loss from transactions between the Group and the investees is fully recognized and not eliminated when there is evidence for asset impairment.

 

 

 

 

F-24

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

2.

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

 

 

(c)

Segment reporting

 

 

 

 

 

A business segment is a significant part of the Group which can be identified and provides a single or groups of products or services. Such a segment is subject to risks and rewards that are different from those of other business segments. A geographical segment is a part of the Group which can be identified and provides products or services within a particular economic environment. Such a segment is subject to risks and rewards of providing goods or services that are different from those of segments operating in other economic environments.

The Group presents business segment as its primary segments reporting. Transaction pricing among segments are set based on the market prices.

 

 

 

 

(d)

Foreign currency translation

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

Functional and presentation currency

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group's entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (the "functional currency"). The consolidated financial statements are presented in RMB, which is the Company's functional and presentation currency.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(ii)

Transactions and balances

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency at the spot exchange rate on the transaction date.

On the balance sheet date, foreign currency monetary items are translated into the functional currency at the spot exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Exchange difference is directly expensed in current period profit and loss unless it arises from foreign currency specific loans borrowed for purchasing, constructing or producing qualifying assets which is eligible for capitalization. Foreign currency non-monetary items measured at the historical cost are translated at the spot exchange rate on the transaction date.

 

 

 

 

 

(e)

Intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

Goodwill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an equity investment over the proportionate share of the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the investee at the date of investment.

Goodwill arising from business combination is included in 'intangible assets' of consolidated financial statements. The excess of the cost of investment of acquiring jointly controlled entity and associate over the fair value of the proportionate share of the net identifiable assets is included in the carrying amount of long-term equity investment. Upon disposal of such investments, goodwill relating to disposed investment is included in disposal gain or loss.

Goodwill arising from business combination is tested for impairment at least annually. When performing impairment testing, the carrying amount of goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units ("CGUs") or a group of CGUs and by each business segment according to synergy effect arising from business combination. Accounting policy on impairment test of CGUs or a group of CGUs is described in Note 2(i). Goodwill is stated at the net of cost less provision for impairment losses at the end of the period.

 

 

 

 

F-25

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

2.

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

 

 

(e)

Intangible assets (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

(ii)

Mining rights

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mining rights are initially recorded at cost which includes payments of consideration for extraction rights, exploration rights, exploration and other direct costs. Amortization is provided on a straight-line basis according to the shorter of expiration date of mining certificate or the mineable period of natural resources (not more than 30 years).

 

 

 

 

 

 

(iii)

Computer software

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquired computer software licenses are capitalized on the basis of the costs incurred to acquire and bring to use the specific software. These costs are amortized over their estimated useful lives (5 years).

 

 

 

 

 

 

(iv)

Periodic review of the useful life and amortization method

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For intangible assets with finite useful life, the estimated useful life and amortization method are reviewed annually at the end of each fiscal year and adjust when necessary.

 

 

 

 

 

(f)

Property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment refers to tangible assets which are held for the purpose of producing goods, rendering service or administration management with useful lives of more than one year.

Property, plant and equipment includes buildings, machinery, transportation facilities and office equipment, etc. Property, plant and equipment acquired or constructed are initially recognized at cost. Subsequent costs about property, plant and equipment are included in the asset's carrying amount only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognized. All other subsequent costs are charged in current period profit or loss when they are incurred.

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is provided based on carrying amount less estimated residual value over estimated useful life using straight-line method. For those impaired property, plant and equipment, depreciation is provided based on carrying amount after deducting impairment provision over estimated useful life.

Estimated useful lives for property, plant and equipment are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Buildings

15 - 40 years

 

 

Machinery

10 - 32 years

 

 

Transportation facilities

6 - 12 years

 

 

Office and other equipment

5 - 10 years

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the end of each year, the Group reviews the estimated useful life, estimated residual value and the depreciation method of the property, plant and equipment and adjusts when necessary.

 

 

 

F-26

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

2.

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

 

 

(f)

Property, plant and equipment (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment is derecognized when they are disposed of, or expected that cannot bring economic benefit through use or disposal. The amount of disposal income arising from sale, transfer, disposal or write-off of the property, plant and equipment less carrying amount and related tax expenses is recorded in general and administrative expenses.

 

 

 

 

(g)

Construction-in-progress ("CIP")

 

 

 

 

 

CIP is measured at cost. Cost comprises construction expenditures, other expenditures necessary for the purpose of preparing the CIP for its intended use and those borrowing costs incurred before the assets ready for intended use that are eligible for capitalization. CIP is transferred to property, plant and equipment when the CIP are ready for its intended use.

 

 

 

 

(h)

Research and development

 

 

 

 

 

Research and development expenditures are classified as research expenditures and development expenditures according to the nature of the internal research and development expenditures and whether there is significant uncertainty of development activities transforming to assets.

Research expenditures are recognized in current period profit and loss. Development expenditures are recognized as assets when all of the following criteria are met:

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

it is technically feasible to complete the asset so that it will be available for use or sale;

 

 

(ii)

management intends to complete the asset and uses or sells it;

 

 

(iii)

it can be demonstrated that the asset will generate probable future economic benefits;

 

 

(iv)

there are adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development of the asset and management has the ability to use or sell the asset; and

 

 

(v)

the expenditure attributable to the asset during its development phase can be reliably measured.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Development expenditures that do not meet the criteria above are recorded in current period profit and loss as incurred. Development expenditures that have been recorded in profit and loss in previous period will not be recognized as assets in subsequent period. Capitalized development expenditures are included in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets according to their natures, where appropriate.

 

 

 

 

(i)

Impairment of non-financial assets

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, CIP, intangible assets with finite useful life and long-term equity investments in jointly controlled entities and associates are tested for impairment when there is any impairment indication. If impairment test results show that the recoverable amount of the asset is less than its carrying amount, that difference is recognized as an impairment provision and recorded in general and administration expenses. Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less cost to sell of the asset and present value of its expected future cash flows. Asset impairment is calculated and recognized on individual asset basis. If it is difficult to estimate recoverable amount for the individual assets, the recoverable amount is determined based on the recoverable amount of the CGU to which the asset belongs. CGU is the smallest group of assets that independently generates cash flows.

 

 

 

F-27

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

2.

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

 

 

(i)

Impairment of non-financial assets (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill that is separately presented in financial statements is tested for impairment at least once annually irrespective of whether there is impairment indication. When performing impairment test, carrying amount of goodwill is allocated to CGU or groups of CGUs which is expected to be benefited from synergy effect arising from business combinations. If testing results show that the recoverable amount of the CGU or groups of CGUs containing allocated goodwill is less than its carrying amount, impairment loss is recognized accordingly. Impairment loss is firstly deducted from the carrying amount of goodwill that is allocated to the CGU or groups of CGUs, and is then deducted from the carrying amount of the other assets in the CGU or groups of CGUs (excluding goodwill) on a pro rata basis based on the weighting of carrying amounts of individual assets.

Except for goodwill, all impaired non-financial assets are subject to review for possible reversal of impairment at each reporting date.

 

 

 

 

(j)

Financial assets

 

 

 

 

 

Financial assets are classified as the following categories at initial recognition: at fair value through profit or loss, loans and receivables and available-for-sale. The classification depends on the intention and ability of the Group to hold the financial assets.

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss include: financial assets held for the purpose of selling in the short-term and derivatives not designated and not qualified for hedge accounting. These assets are presented as current assets on the balance sheet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(ii)

Loans and receivables

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans and receivables refer to the non-derivative financial assets for which there is no quotation in the active market with fixed or determinable amount, including accounts receivable, net, other receivables and cash and cash equivalents. These receivables are presented as current assets but classified as non-current assets when matured beyond 12 months from balance sheet date.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(iii)

Available-for-sale financial assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivatives that are either designated as available-for-sale at initial recognition or not classified in any of the other categories. They are included in current assets when management intends to dispose of the available-for-sale financial assets within 12 months of the balance sheet date.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(iv)

Recognition and measurement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regular way purchases and sales of financial assets are measured using trade-date accounting for recognition and derecognition - trade-date refers to the date on which the Group commits to purchase or sell the asset. Financial assets are recognized when the Group entered into the agreement and measured at fair value in the balance sheet. Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are initially recognized at fair value and related transaction costs incurred when acquiring the assets are recorded in current period profit and loss. Other financial assets are initially recognized at fair value plus transaction costs. Financial assets are derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial assets have expired or all risks and rewards related to the ownership of the financial assets have been transferred to the transferee.

 

 

 

 

F-28

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

2.

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

 

 

(j)

Financial assets (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

(iv)

Recognition and measurement (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss and available-for-sale are subsequently measured at fair value. When an active market exists for a financial instrument, fair value is determined based on quoted prices in the active market. When no active market exists, fair value is determined by using valuation techniques. Valuation techniques include making reference to the prices used by knowledgeable and willing parties in a recent transaction, the current fair value of other financial assets that are same in substance, discounted cash flow method and option pricing model, etc.. When applying valuation techniques, the Group uses market parameters to the fullest extent possible and use specific parameters of the Group as little as possible. Loans and receivables are carried at amortized cost using effective interest method.

Changes in fair value of the financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are recorded in the income statement within 'other gains, net'. Except for impairment loss, changes in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets are recorded in shareholders' equity. When these financial assets are derecognized, the accumulated fair value changes originally recorded in equity are included in 'other gains, net'. Cash dividends on available-for-sale equity instruments are recognized in 'other gains, net' when the investees declare dividends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(v)

Impairment of financial assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Except for financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, the Group performs assessment on the carrying amount of financial assets on balance sheet date. Provision for impairment is made when there is objective evidence showing that a financial asset is impaired.

When there is significant or prolonged decline in fair value of equity securities classified as available-for-sale financial asset, changes in the fair value that originally recorded in shareholders' equity should be recorded as impairment loss. Impairment loss on available-for-sale equity instrument is not reversed through profit and loss. For those impaired equity investments without quoted prices in active market and their fair value cannot be reliably measured, impairment loss is not reversed even when the value is recovered in subsequent period.

Please refer to Note 2(l) for impairment testing of accounts receivable and other receivables.

 

 

 

 

 

(k)

Inventories

 

 

 

 

 

Inventories comprise raw materials, work-in-progress, finished goods and spare parts and are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value.

Inventories are initially recorded at cost when acquired. Issuances of materials, work-in-progress, finished goods and spare parts are accounted for using weighted average cost method. The cost of finished goods and work-in-progress comprise the cost of materials, direct labor and an appropriate allocation of production overhead under normal production capacity.

 

 

 

F-29

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

2.

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

 

 

(k)

Inventories (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for inventory obsolescence is usually determined by the excess of cost over net realizable value on single item basis and recorded in general and administrative expenses in the income statement. Net realizable values are determined based on the estimated selling price less estimated conversion costs, selling expenses and related taxes in the ordinary course of business.

 

 

 

 

(l)

Accounts receivable and other receivables

 

 

 

 

 

Loans and receivables include accounts receivable, other receivables, etc. Accounts receivable arising from the Group's external sales of goods or services rendered are initially recorded at fair value of price receivable from buyer stipulated in the contract or agreement. Loans and receivables are subsequently measured at amortized cost less provision for doubtful debts using effective interest method.

Provision for doubtful debts of accounts receivable and other receivables is made when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect the amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. Significant financial difficulties of the debtor, probability that the debtor will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganization, and default or delinquency in payments are considered indicators that the receivables are impaired. The provision amount is the difference between carrying amount of the asset and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate. The carrying amount of the asset is reduced through the use of an allowance account, and related loss amount is recognized in 'general and administrative expenses'. When a receivable is uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance account for the receivable. If there is objective evidence that the value of receivables has been recovered, and which objectively related to an event occurring after the loss was recognized, or amounts previously written off are subsequently recovered, the original impairment loss recognized is reversed and recognized as 'general and administrative expenses'.

 

 

 

 

(m)

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

Cash listed in the cash flow statement represents cash on hand and deposits held at call with banks. Cash equivalents refers to short-term (3 months or less), highly-liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.

For the cash flow statement, time deposits and other cash investments with original maturities of more than 3 months are excluded from cash and cash equivalents.

 

 

 

 

(n)

Borrowings

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings are recognized initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently stated at amortized cost; any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognized in the income statement over the terms of the borrowings using the effective interest method.

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the balance sheet date.

 

 

 

F-30

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

2.

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

 

 

(o)

Government grants

 

 

 

 

 

Government grants are recognized when the Group fulfils the conditions attached to them and there is reasonable assurance that the grant will be received. When government grant is in the form of monetary assets, they are measured at actual amount received. When the grant is provided based on a fixed standard rate, it is measured at the amount receivable.

Asset-related government grant is recognized as deferred income and is amortized evenly in the income statement over the useful lives of related assets.

Income-related government grant that is used to compensate subsequent related expenses or losses of the Group is recognized as deferred income and recorded in the income statement when the related expenses or losses are incurred. When the grant is used to compensate expenses or losses that were already incurred, they are directly recognized in current period profit and loss.

 

 

 

 

(p)

Accounts payable and other payables

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payables and other payables are recognized initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.

 

 

 

 

(q)

Employee benefits

 

 

 

 

 

Employee benefits mainly include salaries, bonuses, allowances and subsidies, retirement benefit obligations, social insurance and housing funds, labor union fees, employees' education fees and other expenses related to the employees for their services. The Group recognizes employee benefits as liabilities during the accounting period when employees rendered services and allocates to related cost of assets and expenses based on different beneficiaries.

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

Bonus plans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The expected cost of bonus plan is recognized as a liability when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of services rendered by employees and a reliable estimate of the obligation can be made.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(ii)

Retirement benefit obligations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Group primarily pays contribution on a monthly basis to various defined contribution retirement benefit plans organized by relevant municipal and provincial governments in the PRC. The municipal and provincial governments undertake to assume the retirement benefit obligations of all existing and future retired employees payable under these plans. The Group has no legal or constructive obligations for further contributions if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employees the benefit relating to their current and past services.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(iii)

Other social insurance and housing funds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Group provides other social insurance and housing funds based on certain percentages of salaries and at no more than the upper limits of the requirements. These benefits are paid to social security organization and the amounts paid are expensed as incurred. The Group has no legal or constructive obligations for further contributions if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employees the benefit relating to their current and past services.

 

 

 

 

F-31

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

2.

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

 

 

(r)

Current and deferred income tax

 

 

 

 

 

The income tax expense for the period comprises current and deferred income tax of the Group. Shares of income tax expense of jointly controlled entities and associates are include in 'Share of profits/(losses) of jointly controlled entities/associates'. Income tax expense is recognized in the income statement except to the extent that it related to items recognized directly in equity. In this case, the tax is also recognized in equity.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted in the countries where the Company, its subsidiaries, jointly controlled entities and associates operate and generate taxable income. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation and establishes provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the differences between tax bases of assets and liabilities and respective carrying amount (temporary differences). For deductible tax losses or tax credit that can be brought forward in accordance with tax law requirements for deduction of taxable income in subsequent years, related deferred income tax assets are recognized. No deferred income tax liability is recognized for temporary difference arising from initial recognition of goodwill. For those temporary differences arising from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a non-business combination transaction that affects neither accounting profit nor taxable profit (or deductible loss) at the time of the transaction, no deferred income tax asset and liability is recognized. On the balance sheet date, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled.

The Group recognizes deferred income tax assets for all deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available to offset the deductible temporary difference.

On balance sheet date, if there is conclusive evidence showing sufficient taxable profit be probably available to offset against deductible temporary difference, prior period unrecognized deferred income tax asset is recognized.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities arising from temporary difference relating to investments in subsidiaries, jointly controlled entities and associates are recognized. However, when the Company and the Group are able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that this temporary difference will not reverse in foreseeable future, no deferred income tax is recognized.

Deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are offset in financial statements when meeting all the conditions below:

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are related to the income tax levied by the same tax authorities;

 

 

 

 

 

 

(ii)

the Group has the legal enforceable right to settle current income tax assets and current income tax liabilities on a net basis.

 

 

 

 

F-32

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

2.

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

 

 

(s)

Revenue recognition

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue is recognized based on the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the sale of goods and rendering of services under contracts in the ordinary course of the Group's activities. Revenue is shown net of value-added tax.

The Group recognizes revenue when the amount of revenue can be reliably measured, it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the Group and when specific criteria have been met for each of the Group's activities (see descriptions below).

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

Sales of goods

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognized when the Group has already transferred significantly the risks and rewards of ownership of the goods to the buyers, retained neither continuing managerial involvement and control over the goods, economic benefits related to the transaction will flow into the Group, and that revenue and related costs incurred can be measured reliably.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(ii)

Interest income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income is recognized on a time-proportion basis using effective interest method.

 

 

 

 

 

(t)

Leases (as the lessee for operating lease)

 

 

 

 

 

Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives received from the lessor) are charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

 

 

 

 

(u)

Borrowing costs

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of any qualifying asset are capitalized during the period of time that is required to complete and prepare the asset for its intended use or sale. Borrowing costs capitalized are those costs that would have been avoided if the expenditure on the qualifying assets had not been made, which are either the actual costs incurred on a specific borrowing or an amount calculated using the weighted average method, considering all borrowing costs incurred on general borrowings outstanding.

Other borrowing costs are expensed as incurred.

 

 

 

 

(v)

Dividend distribution

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividend is recognized as a liability in the period when the dividend is approved in the shareholders' meeting.

 

 

 

F-33

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

3.

Financial and capital risks management

 

 

 

(a)

Financial risk management

 

 

 

 

 

The Group's activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including foreign currency risk, cash flow interest rate risk and commodity price risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The Group's overall risk management program focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimize potential adverse effects on the Group's financial performance.

Risk management is carried out by the treasury management department (the "Group Treasury") under policies approved by the Board of Directors. Group Treasury identifies, evaluates and hedges financial risks through close co-operation with the Group's operating units.

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

Market risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

Foreign currency risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency risk primarily arises from certain significant foreign currency deposits, short-term and long-term loans denominated in USD, Australian Dollar ("AUD"), Japanese Yen ("JPY"), Euro ("EUR") and HKD. Related exposures are disclosed in Notes 16 and 18 to the consolidated financial statements, respectively. The Group Treasury closely monitors the international foreign currency market on the changing exchange rates and takes these into consideration when investing in foreign currency deposits and loans raising. As the foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are minimal to the assets and liabilities of the Group, the Directors are of the opinion that the Group is not exposed to any significant foreign currency risk as of December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

Cash flow interest rate risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As the Group has no significant interest-bearing assets except for bank deposits (Note 16), the Group's income and operating cash flows are substantially independent of changes in market interest rates.

Most of the bank deposits are maintained in the savings and fixed deposit accounts in the PRC. The interest rates are regulated by the People's Bank of China while the Group Treasury closely monitors the fluctuation on such rates periodically. As the average interest rates applied to the deposits are relatively low, the Directors are of the opinion that the Group is not exposed to any significant interest rate risk for these financial assets held as of December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

The interest rate risk of the Group primarily arises from long-term loans. Loans borrowed at variable interest rates expose the Group to cash flow interest rate risk. The exposures to these risks are disclosed separately in Note 18 to the financial statements. The Group enters into debt obligations to support general corporate purposes including capital expenditures and working capital needs. The Group Treasury closely monitors the market interest rates and maintains a balance between variable rate and fixed rate borrowings in order to reduce the exposures to the interest rate risk described above.

 

 

 

 

 

F-34

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

3.

Financial and capital risks management (Continued)

 

 

 

(a)

Financial risk management (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

Cash flow interest rate risk (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At December 31, 2008, if interest rate had increased/decreased by 0.678% (2007: 0.062%; 2006: 0.585%) with all other variables held constant, post-tax profit for the year would have been RMB184 million (2007: RMB9 million; 2006: RMB62 million) lower/higher, respectively. The ranges of such sensitivity disclosed above were determined based on the observation of management on the historical trend of related interest rates during the previous year under each analysis period and are consistent with the measures reported to key management personnel in assessing this risk. The change from 2006 to 2008 is primarily attributable to the increased advances of principal during the years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

Commodity price risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Group uses a limited number of futures and option contracts to reduce its exposure to fluctuations in the price of primary aluminum.

The Group uses the majority of its futures and European option contracts traded on the Shanghai Futures Exchange and London Metal Exchange (the "LME") to hedge against fluctuations in primary aluminum price.

In addition, the Group entered into certain Asian option contracts on primary aluminum in 2008. The notional quantities of primary aluminum per settlement month totaled 25,000 tons. For the year ended December 31, 2008, realized gain and unrealized loss for these Asian option contracts amounted to approximately USD4.4 million (equivalent to RMB30 million) and USD16.7 million (equivalent to RMB114 million), respectively.

These futures and option contracts are marked to market at the balance sheet date and the corresponding unrealized holding gains/losses are recorded in the income statement for the year (Note 22). The exposure of the Group on such futures and option contracts is presented on the balance sheet.

At December 31, 2008, if the primary aluminum futures price had been increased/decreased by 2% (2007: 1%; 2006: 1%) and all other variables held constant, post-tax profit would have been increased/decreased by RMB30 million (2007: RMB0.9 million; 2006: decreased/increased by RMB20 million). The range of such sensitivity was determined based on the historical trend of related commodity price during the previous 3 years under each analysis period and was consistent with the measures reported to key management personnel in assessing this risk. The change from 2006 to 2007 is primarily attributable to the significant decrease of the number of unsettled contracts in 2007 and the opposite position of short contracts and long contracts between 2006 and 2007. The change from 2007 is primarily attributable to the significant increase of the number of unsettled contracts in 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

F-35

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

3.

Financial and capital risks management (Continued)

 

 

 

(a)

Financial risk management (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

(ii)

Credit risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit risk is managed on a group basis. Credit risk arises from bank balances, other receivables as well as credit exposures of customers, including outstanding receivables and committed transactions. The carrying amounts of these receivables included in Notes 14, 15 and 16 to the consolidated financial statements represent the Group's maximum exposure to credit risk in relation to its financial assets.

The Group maintains substantially most of its bank balances and cash in several major state-owned financial institutions in the PRC (Note 31(c)). With strong State support provided to these state-owned financial institutions, the Directors are of the opinion that there is no significant credit risk on such assets being exposed.

With regard to accounts receivable, the marketing department assesses the credit quality of the customers, taking into account their financial positions, past experience and other factors. The Group performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers and believes that adequate provision for doubtful debts have been made in the financial statements. Management does not expect any further losses from non-performance by these counterparties. The Group does not hold any collateral as security for these receivables.

As of December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008, none of the individual customers exceed 10% of the Group's total revenue, and thus, no significant concentration of credit risk existed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(iii)

Liquidity risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prudent liquidity risk management includes maintaining sufficient cash and short-term deposits, the availability of funding from an adequate amount of committed credit facilities and the ability to close out market positions. Due to the dynamic nature of the underlying businesses, Group Treasury maintains flexibility in funding by maintaining availability under committed credit lines.

As of December 31, 2008, the Group had total banking facilities of approximately RMB70,668 million (2007: RMB59,965 million). Out of the total banking facilities granted, amounts totaling RMB41,238 million have been utilized as of December 31, 2008 (2007: RMB22,291 million). Banking facilities of approximately RMB46,988 million will be subject to renewals in 2009. The Directors of the Company are confident that such banking facilities can be renewed upon expiration based on their past experience and good credit standing.

In addition, as of December 31, 2008, the Group had credit facilities through its primary aluminum futures agent at the LME amounting to USD117 million (equivalent to RMB800 million) (2007: USD74 million (equivalent to RMB541 million)) of which USD17 million (equivalent to RMB114 million) (2007: nil) has been utilized. The futures agent has the right to adjust the related credit facilities.

Management also monitors rolling forecasts of the Group's liquidity reserve on the basis of expected cash flows.

 

 

 

 

F-36

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

3.

Financial and capital risks management (Continued)

 

 

 

(a)

Financial risk management (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

(iii)

Liquidity risk (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The table below analyzes the Group's long-term financial liabilities and financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss that will be settled on a net basis into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period from the balance sheet to the contractual maturity dates. The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows. Except for the amounts presented below, all other financial liabilities, primarily including accounts payable, other payables, accrued expenses, short-term loans and short-term bonds are due within the next 12 months from the balance sheet date. As the impact of the discounting is not significant, the expected future cash flows of balances within 12 months approximate their carrying amount.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Within 1 year

1-2 years

2-5 years

Over 5 years

Total

 

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term loans

2,949,730

3,412,099

13,259,118

7,498,252

27,119,199

 

 

 

Medium-term notes

-

-

10,000,000

-

10,000,000

 

 

 

Long-term bonds

-

-

-

2,000,000

2,000,000

 

 

 

Interest payables for borrowings

2,249,839

1,562,719

2,919,781

999,735

7,732,074

 

 

 

Interest payables for bonds

828,700

584,000

1,222,000

360,000

2,994,700

 

 

 

Financial liabilities at fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     through profit or loss

119,055

-

-

-

119,055

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,147,324

5,558,818

27,400,899

10,857,987

49,965,028

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term loans

2,477,022

2,919,427

5,806,759

6,753,728

17,956,936

 

 

 

Long-term bonds

-

-

-

2,000,000

2,000,000

 

 

 

Interest payables for borrowings

1,261,007

892,758

1,853,131

665,433

4,672,329

 

 

 

Interest payables for bonds

196,500

90,000

270,000

450,000

1,006,500

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,934,529

3,902,185

7,929,890

9,869,161

25,635,765

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

(b)

Fair value estimation

 

 

 

 

 

The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets (such as trading and available-for-sale securities) is based on quoted market prices at the balance sheet date. The quoted market price used for financial assets held by the Group is the current bid price.

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market is determined by using valuation techniques. The Group uses a variety of methods and makes assumptions that are based on market conditions existing at each balance sheet date. Techniques such as estimated discounted cash flows, are used to determine fair value for the financial instruments.

The carrying amount less provision for doubtful debt of accounts and other receivables, bank balances and cash, accounts and other payables and accrued expenses, short-term bonds and short-term loans are assumed to approximate their fair values. The fair values of financial liabilities for disclosure purposes is estimated by discounting the future contractual cash flows at the current market interest rates that are available to the Group for similar financial instruments.

 

 

 

F-37

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

3.

Financial and capital risks management (Continued)

 

 

 

(c)

Capital risk management

 

 

 

 

 

The Group's objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group's ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital.

In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debts.

Consistent with other entities in the industry, the Group monitors capital on the basis of its gearing ratio. This ratio is calculated as net debts divided by total capital. Net debts are calculated as total borrowings (including borrowings, other non-current liabilities, accounts payable, other payables and accrued expenses and financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, as shown in the consolidated balance sheet) less bank balances and cash. Total capital is calculated as equity, as shown in the consolidated balance sheet, plus net debts less minority interest.

During 2008, the change in sales price has brought adverse impact on profitability and net operating cash flow of the Group. The Group raised more finance in order to ensure sufficient operating cash flows and thus, adjust the strategy to maintain gearing ratios between 30% and 60%. The gearing ratios of the Group as of December 31, 2007 and 2008 were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total borrowings

75,143,956

40,634,970

 

 

Less: bank balances and cash

(16,295,585)

(9,054,565)

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net debts

58,848,371

31,580,405

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total equity

60,196,822

64,493,207

 

 

Add: net debts

58,848,371

31,580,405

 

 

Less: minority interest

(5,198,340)

(3,805,144)

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total capital

113,846,853

92,268,468

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gearing ratio

51.69%

34.23%

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

F-38

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

4.

Critical accounting estimates and judgments

 

 

 

The Group continuously evaluates estimates and judgments based on historical experience and other factors, including reasonable expectations of future events.

Critical estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material impact on the carrying amount of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below:

 

 

 

(a)

Estimated impairment of goodwill

 

 

 

 

 

The Group tests annually whether goodwill has suffered any impairment, in accordance with the accounting policy stated in Note 2(e)(i). The recoverable amounts of CGUs have been determined based on value-in-use calculations. These calculations require the use of estimates. It is reasonably possible, based on existing knowledge, that outcomes within the next financial year that are different from assumptions could require a material impact on the carrying amount of goodwill.

 

 

 

 

(b)

Useful lives of property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

 

 

The Group's management determines the estimated useful lives of its property, plant and equipment. This estimate is based on the historical experience of the actual useful lives of property, plant and equipment of similar nature and functions. Management will adjust the depreciation charge where useful lives vary with previously estimated lives, or they will write off or write down technically obsolete or non-strategic assets that have been abandoned. It is reasonably possible, based on existing knowledge, that outcomes within the next financial year that are different from assumptions could have a material impact on the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment.

 

 

 

 

(c)

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

 

 

The Group also tests whether property, plant and equipment suffered any impairment whenever any impairment indication exists. In accordance with the Note 2(i), an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the recoverable amount of property, plant and equipment being lower than its carrying amount. As of December 31, 2008, no property, plant and equipment was impaired based on the impairment assessment performed by management. It is reasonably possible, based on existing knowledge, that outcomes within the next financial year that are different from assumptions could require a material impact on the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment.

 

 

 

 

(d)

Estimated obsolescence of inventories

 

 

 

 

 

In accordance with Note 2(k), the Group's management tests whether inventory suffered any impairment based on estimate on the net realizable value of the inventory. For different types of inventories, it requires the exercise of accounting estimates on selling price, costs of conversion, selling expenses and related tax expense to calculate its net realizable value. It is reasonably possible, that if there is a significant change in circumstances, outcomes within the next financial year would be significantly affected, including the Group's business and the external environment.

 

 

 

F-39

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

5.

Business combinations and acquisitions of minority interest

 

 

 

Business combinations

2008

 

 

 

On May 30, 2008, the Company acquired the following six entities from Aluminum Corporation of China ("Chinalco") and China Nonferrous Metals Processing Technology Co., Ltd. ("China Nonferrous Metals Technology") (an entity controlled by Chinalco) for total cash consideration of RMB4,174.759 million. On October 1, 2008, the Company also acquired the aluminum alloy (a kind of primary aluminum product) business from Pingguo Aluminum Company (an entity controlled by Chinalco) ("Aluminum alloy business of Pingguo Aluminum") for cash consideration of RMB96.393 million. Pursuant to the terms set out in the acquisition agreements, the original shareholders of the acquirees are entitled to profit or loss generated by the entities acquired between the agreed-upon valuation benchmark dates and respective effective acquisition dates. In this connection, the Company is required to pay to and receive from original shareholders an additional RMB5.740 million and RMB27.037 million, respectively. These entities (the "seven common control entities acquired in 2008") are incorporated and operated in the PRC.

 

 

 

Name of acquiree

Principal activities

Entity interest acquired

 


 

 

 

Longxing Aluminum

Manufacture and distribution of primary aluminum

100%

 

Huaxi Aluminum

Manufacture and distribution of aluminum fabrication products

56.86%

 

Chalco Ruimin

Manufacture and distribution of aluminum fabrication products

75%

 

Chalco Southwest Aluminum Cold Rolling

Manufacture and distribution of aluminum fabrication products

100%

 

Chalco Southwest Aluminum

Manufacture and distribution of aluminum fabrication products

60%

 

Henan Aluminum

Manufacture and distribution of aluminum fabrication products

84.02%

 

Aluminum alloy business of Pingguo Aluminum

Manufacture and distribution of aluminum alloy rods

100%

 


 

 

 

As both the Company and the above seven acquirees are under the common control of Chinalco before and after the acquisitions, these transactions were accounted for as common control business combinations, using merger accounting for all periods presented herein.

 

 

F-40

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

5.

Business combinations and acquisitions of minority interest (Continued)

 

 

 

Business combinations (Continued)

2008 (Continued)

 

 

 

The following is a reconciliation of the effect arising from the common control business combinations above on the consolidated balance sheet.

The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2008:

 

 

 

 

Group (before 2008

Seven common

Consolidation

 

 

 

common control

control entities

adjustments

 

 

 

business combinations)

acquired in 2008

(Note)

Consolidated

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

Investments in seven common control

 

 

 

 

 

    entities acquired in 2008

4,249,855

-

(4,249,855)

-

 

Other assets, net

56,946,250

3,250,572

-

60,196,822

 


 

 

 

Net assets

61,196,105

3,250,572

(4,249,855)

60,196,822

 


 

 

 

Share capital

13,524,488

2,543,067

(2,543,067)

13,524,488

 

Capital reserve

15,170,658

-

(1,848,318)

13,322,340

 

Surplus reserves

5,832,445

37,515

(37,515)

5,832,445

 

Cumulative translation difference

(170,353)

-

-

(170,353)

 

Available-for-sale financial asset

 

 

 

 

 

    revaluation reserve

1,556

-

-

1,556

 

Retained earnings

22,225,569

669,990

(407,553)

22,488,006

 

Minority interest

4,611,742

-

586,598

5,198,340

 


 

 

 

Total

61,196,105

3,250,572

(4,249,855)

60,196,822

 


 

 

 

Note:

The above adjustments represent the elimination of investments of the Company in the seven common control entities acquired in 2008.

 

 

F-41

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

5.

Business combinations and acquisitions of minority interest (Continued)

 

 

 

Business combinations (Continued)

2008 (Continued)

 

 

 

The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2007:

 

 

 

 

Group (before 2008

Seven common

Consolidation

 

 

 

common control

control entities

adjustments

 

 

 

business combinations)

acquired in 2008

(Note)

Consolidated

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Net assets

61,016,769

3,521,132

(44,694)

64,493,207

 


 

 

 

Share capital

13,524,488

3,531,947

(3,531,947)

13,524,488

 

Capital reserve

15,039,593

-

2,375,094

17,414,687

 

Surplus reserves

5,719,084

32,869

(32,869)

5,719,084

 

Cumulative translation difference

10,047

-

-

10,047

 

Available-for-sale financial asset revaluation reserve

7,547

-

-

7,547

 

Retained earnings

23,643,388

(50,481)

419,303

24,012,210

 

Minority interest

3,072,622

6,797

725,725

3,805,144

 


 

 

 

Total

61,016,769

3,521,132

(44,694)

64,493,207

 


 

 

 

Note:

The above adjustments represent: (i) the increase of the capital reserve of the Company for acquisitions of the net assets of the seven common control entities acquired in 2008; and (ii) the elimination of unrealized profit on inventories among the Group and these acquirees.

 

 

F-42

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

5.

Business combinations and acquisitions of minority interest (Continued)

 

 

 

Business combinations (Continued)

2007

 

 

 

Acquisition of Lanzhou Aluminum Co., Limited ("Lanzhou Aluminum")

Prior to April 24, 2007, the Company held 28% equity interest in Lanzhou Aluminum, a company listed on the SSE and principally engaged in the manufacturing and trading of primary aluminum products. On April 24, 2007, the Company issued 632 million A shares in exchange for the remaining 72% equity interest owned by the other shareholders of Lanzhou Aluminum. Upon the effective date of this acquisition, Lanzhou Aluminum became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and was delisted on April 30, 2007.

The acquired business contributed revenue and profit of approximately RMB3,415 million and RMB524 million to the Group, prior to intra-group elimination with the Group, for the period from the date of acquisition to December 31, 2007, respectively. If the acquisition occurred on January 1, 2007, the acquired business would have contributed unaudited revenue and unaudited profit for the year of approximately RMB4,510 million and RMB672 million to the Group, prior to intra-group elimination with the Group, respectively.

Details of net assets acquired and goodwill are as follows:

 

 

 

 

RMB'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

Acquisition costs-

 

 

fair value of purchase consideration (Note (a))

4,324,319

 

Less: proportionate share of fair value of net identifiable assets acquired (Note (b))

(2,400,060)

 

 


 

 

 

 

Goodwill (Note (c))

1,924,259

 

 


 

 

 

 

Notes:

 

 

 

(a)

The fair value of purchase consideration was determined by reference to the proportionate interest in the fair value of Lanzhou Aluminum as of April 24, 2007.

 

 

 

F-43

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

5.

Business combinations and acquisitions of minority interest (Continued)

 

 

 

Business combinations (Continued)

2007 (Continued)

 

 

 

Acquisition of Lanzhou Aluminum (Continued)

 

 

 

Notes: (Continued)

 

 

 

(b)

The fair values of the assets and liabilities arising from the acquisition approximated their carrying amounts and are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

RMB'000

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Bank balances and cash

313,662

 

 

Property, plant and equipment (Note 7)

5,739,957

 

 

Land use rights

78,150

 

 

Available-for-sale financial assets (Note 10)

5,000

 

 

Inventories

823,792

 

 

Receivables and prepayments

766,983

 

 

Other current assets

19,380

 

 

Deferred income tax assets (Note 11)

15,477

 

 

Other non-current assets

1,513

 

 

Payables and accruals

(634,435)

 

 

Borrowings

(3,169,662)

 

 

Other liabilities

(226,234)

 

 

Minority interest

(400,165)

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Net identifiable assets

3,333,418

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percentage of interest acquired

72%

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Proportionate share of fair value of net identifiable assets acquired

2,400,060

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents from the subsidiary acquired

313,662

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c)

Goodwill arising from this acquisition is attributable to the high profitability of the acquired business and the significant synergies expected to arise after the acquisition.

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of Baotou Aluminum

On December 28, 2007, the Company acquired 100% of the equity interest of Baotou Aluminum, a company listed on the SSE and principally engaged in the manufacturing and trading of primary aluminum products. The Company issued 638 million A shares in exchange for all the shares of Baotou Aluminum. Baotou Aluminum was delisted on December 26, 2007. Upon the effective date of this acquisition, Baotou Aluminum became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.

As both the Company and Baotou Aluminum are under the common control of Chinalco before and after the acquisition, this transaction is accounted for as a common control business combination. The Company adopted merger accounting. The operating results and equity changes for 2007 were restated in 2007 consolidated financial statements.

 

 

F-44

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

5.

Business combinations and acquisitions of minority interest (Continued)

 

 

 

Business combinations (Continued)

2006

 

 

 

Acquisitions of Fushun Aluminum, Zunyi Aluminum, Huayu Aluminum and Hualu Aluminum

During 2006, the Group completed the acquisitions of the following entities incorporated and operated in the PRC, which are engaged in the manufacturing and distribution of primary aluminum products.

 

 

 

 

 

Equity interest

Consideration

 

Date of acquisition

Name of entity

acquired

paid/payable

 


 

 

 

 

RMB'000

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 11, 2006

Fushun Aluminum

100%

500,000

 

July 15, 2006

Zunyi Aluminum

61.29%

202,251

 

July 18, 2006

Huayu Aluminum

55%

412,252

 

September 19, 2006

Hualu Aluminum

51%

270,300

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,384,803

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

The acquired businesses contributed revenue in aggregate of RMB3,924 million and net profit of RMB458 million to the Group for the period from the respective dates of acquisitions to December 31, 2006. Had all the acquisitions been occurred on January 1, 2006, the acquired businesses would have contributed in unaudited aggregate revenue of approximately RMB4,593 million and unaudited net profit of approximately RMB495 million to the Group for the period from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006. Contributions by each acquisition are summarized below:

 

 

 

 

Contribution by the acquired

Had the acquisitions taken place

 

 

businesses from the respective

on January 1, 2006,

 

 

dates of acquisitions

contribution by the

 

 

to December 31, 2006

acquired businesses

 


 

 

Revenue

Net profit

Revenue

Net profit

 

 

 

 

(unaudited)

(unaudited)

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fushun Aluminum

1,607,961

86,240

1,697,947

87,596

 

Zunyi Aluminum

718,455

153,696

1,297,348

189,584

 

Huayu Aluminum

1,020,194

129,469

1,020,194

129,469

 

Hualu Aluminum

577,465

88,655

577,465

88,655

 


 

 

 

 

3,924,075

458,060

4,592,954

495,304

 


 

 

F-45

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

5.

Business combinations and acquisitions of minority interest (Continued)

 

 

 

Business combinations (Continued)

2006 (Continued)

 

 

 

Acquisitions of Fushun Aluminum, Zunyi Aluminum, Huayu Aluminum and Hualu Aluminum (Continued)

 

 

 

Details of net assets acquired and excess of cost over acquired interest of the above businesses during 2006 in aggregate are as follows:

 

 

 

 

RMB'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

Purchase consideration - cash

1,384,803

 

Fair value of proportionate share of net identifiable assets acquired (see below)

(1,562,775)

 

 


 

 

 

 

Excess of interest in the net fair value of net assets acquired over cost

(177,972)

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Fushun Aluminum

Zunyi Aluminum

Huayu Aluminum

Hualu Aluminum

Total

 

 






 

 

Carrying

 

Carrying

 

Carrying

 

Carrying

 

Carrying

 

 

 

amounts

Fair value

amounts

Fair value

amounts

Fair value

amounts

Fair value

amounts

Fair value

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

832,546

832,546

585,711

673,153

1,659,986

1,665,169

829,798

830,065

3,908,041

4,000,933

 

Land use rights

194,175

194,175

53,285

91,379

110,737

119,552

172,252

172,252

530,449

577,358

 

Inventories

171,208

171,208

60,068

60,068

204,379

204,379

230,802

230,802

666,457

666,457

 

Deferred income tax assets

-

-

22,821

22,821

-

-

10,353

10,353

33,174

33,174

 

Receivables

5,826

5,826

142,569

142,569

10,000

10,000

230,556

230,556

388,951

388,951

 

Cash and cash equivalents

1,392

1,392

241,402

241,402

-

-

269,879

269,879

512,673

512,673

 

Payables and accruals

(122,374)

(122,374)

(225,989)

(225,989)

(472,552)

(472,552)

(412,491)

(412,491)

(1,233,406)

(1,233,406)

 

Borrowings

(581,400)

(581,400)

(537,100)

(537,100)

(613,050)

(613,050)

(798,170)

(798,170)

(2,529,720)

(2,529,720)

 


 

 

 

Net assets

501,373

501,373

342,767

468,303

899,500

913,498

532,979

533,246

2,276,619

2,416,420

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest

 

-

 

(181,281)

 

(411,074)

 

(261,290)

 

(853,645)

 


 

 

 

Net assets acquired

 

501,373

 

287,022

 

502,424

 

271,956

 

1,562,775

 


 

 

 

Purchase consideration

1,384,803

 

Purchase consideration remained unsettled as of December 31, 2006 (included in other payables and accrued expenses)

(400,000)

 

Cash and cash equivalents in subsidiaries acquired

(512,673)

 

 


 

 

 

 

Cash outflow on acquisitions

472,130

 

 


 

 

 

F-46

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

5.

Business combinations and acquisitions of minority interest (Continued)

 

 

 

Acquisitions of minority interest

Acquisition of minority interest in Chalco Ruimin

On April 2, 2007, Chinalco paid cash of RMB110.810 million for the acquisition of 25% equity interest owned by a minority shareholder of Chalco Ruimin. The relevant share of the carrying amount of the net assets acquired was RMB111.660 million. As Chalco Ruimin is one of the entities acquired under common control during the year described above, the transaction is regarded as acquisition of minority interest during the year.

Acquisition of minority interest in Shandong Aluminum Industry Co., Ltd. ("Shandong Aluminum")

Prior to April 24, 2007, the Company held a 71.43% equity interest in Shandong Aluminum, a company listed on the SSE. On April 24, 2007, the Company issued 605 million A shares in exchange for the remaining 28.57% equity interest owned by the other shareholders of Shandong Aluminum. Upon the effective date of this acquisition, Shandong Aluminum became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and was delisted on April 30, 2007.

The fair value of purchase consideration was determined by reference to the proportionate interest in fair value of Shandong Aluminum. The difference between the consideration paid and the relevant share of the carrying amount of net assets of the subsidiary acquired amounted to approximately RMB3,058 million is deducted from equity.

Acquisition of minority interest in Hewan Power

Hewan Power was 51% owned by Lanzhou Aluminum at the time of the Group's acquisition of Lanzhou Aluminum. On November 23, 2007, the Company acquired the remaining 49% equity interest in Hewan Power. Upon the effective date of this acquisition, Hewan Power became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.

The cash paid for the acquisition was RMB497 million. The difference between the consideration paid and the relevant share of the carrying amount of net assets acquired amounted to approximately RMB97 million is deducted from equity.

 

 

F-47

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

6.

Intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Computer software

 

 

 

Goodwill

Mining rights

and others

Total

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

As of January 1, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

Cost, as previously stated

406,686

444,423

6,680

857,789

 

Seven common control entities

 

 

 

 

 

    acquired in 2008 (Note 5)

-

-

7,606

7,606

 

 


 

 

 

 

Cost, as restated

406,686

444,423

14,286

865,395

 

 


 

 

 

 

Accumulated amortization, as previously stated

-

(141,199)

(445)

(141,644)

 

Seven common control entities

 

 

 

 

 

    acquired in 2008 (Note 5)

-

-

(2,258)

(2,258)

 

 


 

 

 

 

Accumulated amortization, as restated

-

(141,199)

(2,703)

(143,902)

 

 


 

 

 

 

Net book amount, as restated

406,686

303,224

11,583

721,493

 

 


 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

Opening net book amount

406,686

303,224

11,583

721,493

 

Acquisition of a subsidiary (Note 5)

1,924,259

-

-

1,924,259

 

Additions

-

29,547

43,989

73,536

 

Amortization

-

(24,700)

(6,356)

(31,056)

 

 


 

 

 

 

Closing net book amount

2,330,945

308,071

49,216

2,688,232

 

 


 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

Cost, as previously stated

2,330,945

405,510

46,938

2,783,393

 

Seven common control entities

 

 

 

 

 

    acquired in 2008 (Note 5)

-

-

9,061

9,061

 

 


 

 

 

 

Cost, as restated

2,330,945

405,510

55,999

2,792,454

 

 


 

 

 

 

Accumulated amortization, as previously stated

-

(97,439)

(3,590)

(101,029)

 

Seven common control entities

 

 

 

 

 

    acquired in 2008 (Note 5)

-

-

(3,193)

(3,193)

 

 


 

 

 

 

Accumulated amortization, as restated

-

(97,439)

(6,783)

(104,222)

 

 


 

 

 

 

Net book amount, as restated

2,330,945

308,071

49,216

2,688,232

 

 


 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

Opening net book amount

2,330,945

308,071

49,216

2,688,232

 

Acquisition of a subsidiary

31,790

-

1,363

33,153

 

Additions

-

228,763

69,486

298,249

 

Amortization

-

(25,058)

(27,697)

(52,755)

 

 


 

 

 

 

Closing net book amount

2,362,735

511,776

92,368

2,966,879

 

 


 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

Cost

2,362,735

634,272

127,652

3,124,659

 

Accumulated amortization

-

(122,496)

(35,284)

(157,780)

 

 


 

 

 

 

Net book amount

2,362,735

511,776

92,368

2,966,879

 

 


 

 

 

F-48

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

6.

Intangible assets (Continued)

 

 

 

Impairment tests for goodwill

Goodwill is allocated to the Group's CGUs and groups of CGUs identified according to business segments. A segment level summary of goodwill allocation is presented below:

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 



 

 

Alumina

Primary aluminum

Alumina

Primary aluminum

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Qinghai Branch

-

217,267

-

217,267

 

Guangxi Branch

189,419

-

189,419

-

 

Lanzhou Branch

-

1,924,259

-

1,924,259

 

Wanfang Power

-

31,790

-

-

 


 

 

 

 

189,419

2,173,316

189,419

2,141,526

 


 

 

 

The recoverable amounts of CGUs or group of CGUs are determined based on value-in-use calculation. These calculations are based on five-year financial budgets approved by management using cash flow forecast. A growth rate of 2% is applied for cash flows beyond the five-year period, as this rate does not exceed the long-term average growth rate for respective businesses and is consistent with forecast information contained in industry reports. Key assumptions applied in the impairment tests include the expected product price, demand for the products, product cost and related expenses. Management determined these key assumptions based on past performance and its expectations on market development. Management adopts a pre-tax rate of 11% that can reflect specific risks related to CGUs and groups of CGUs as discount rates. The assumptions above are used in analyzing recoverable amounts of CGUs and groups of CGUs within business segments.

As of December 31, 2007 and 2008, no goodwill was impaired based on impairment tests of the Group above.

 

 

F-49

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

7.

Property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

 

 

Plant and

Transportation

Office and

Construction-in-

 

 

 

Buildings

machinery

facilities

other equipment

progress

Total

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 


 

As of January 1, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost, as previously stated

20,216,530

50,017,564

2,121,513

479,908

4,457,316

77,292,831

 

Seven common control entities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    acquired in 2008 (Note 5)

1,644,873

4,065,403

133,516

88,159

1,380,406

7,312,357

 

 


 

 

 

 

Cost, as restated

21,861,403

54,082,967

2,255,029

568,067

5,837,722

84,605,188

 

 


 

 

 

 

Accumulated depreciation and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    impairment, as previously stated

(5,833,264)

(19,220,223)

(1,029,490)

(169,502)

(16,876)

(26,269,355)

 

Seven common control entities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    acquired in 2008 (Note 5)

(292,526)

(865,252)

(57,397)

(42,223)

-

(1,257,398)

 

 


 

 

 

 

Accumulated depreciation and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    impairment, as restated

(6,125,790)

(20,085,475)

(1,086,887)

(211,725)

(16,876)

(27,526,753)

 

 


 

 

 

 

Net book amount, as restated

15,735,613

33,997,492

1,168,142

356,342

5,820,846

57,078,435

 

 


 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Opening net book amount

15,735,613

33,997,492

1,168,142

356,342

5,820,846

57,078,435

 

Acquisition of a subsidiary (Note 5)

718,659

1,130,745

115,170

49

3,775,334

5,739,957

 

Additions

32,684

97,928

93,638

20,158

11,390,190

11,634,598

 

Transfers/Reclassification

2,425,425

4,777,551

625,346

119,087

(7,947,409)

-

 

Depreciation

(806,677)

(3,726,123)

(200,941)

(87,467)

-

(4,821,208)

 

Impairment loss (Note 27)

(63)

(9,740)

(32)

(46)

(3,368)

(13,249)

 

Disposals

(134,445)

(192,826)

(4,674)

(1,310)

-

(333,255)

 

 


 

 

 

 

Closing net book amount

17,971,196

36,075,027

1,796,649

406,813

13,035,593

69,285,278

 

 


 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost, as previously stated

23,227,463

54,553,388

2,992,450

612,950

11,704,765

93,091,016

 

Seven common control entities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    acquired in 2008 (Note 5)

1,770,268

5,228,067

141,645

88,299

1,351,072

8,579,351

 

 


 

 

 

 

Cost, as restated

24,997,731

59,781,455

3,134,095

701,249

13,055,837

101,670,367

 

 


 

 

 

 

Accumulated depreciation and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    impairment, as previously stated

(6,695,490)

(22,569,710)

(1,276,864)

(250,476)

(20,244)

(30,812,784)

 

Seven common control entities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    acquired in 2008 (Note 5)

(331,045)

(1,136,718)

(60,582)

(43,960)

-

(1,572,305)

 

 


 

 

 

 

Accumulated depreciation and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    impairment, as restated

(7,026,535)

(23,706,428)

(1,337,446)

(294,436)

(20,244)

(32,385,089)

 

 


 

 

 

 

Net book amount, as restated

17,971,196

36,075,027

1,796,649

406,813

13,035,593

69,285,278

 

 


 

 

 

F-50

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

7.

Property, plant and equipment (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

Plant and

Transportation

Office and

Construction-in-

 

 

 

Buildings

machinery

facilities

other equipment

progress

Total

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 


 

Year ended December 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Opening net book amount

17,971,196

36,075,027

1,796,649

406,813

13,035,593

69,285,278

 

Acquisitions of subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    (Note 2(b)(i)(b))

709,384

1,989,700

22,548

23,492

60,058

2,805,182

 

Additions

37,625

338,762

30,003

13,015

18,857,859

19,277,264

 

Transfers/Reclassification

2,591,350

8,633,962

(25,279)

(95,687)

(11,104,346)

-

 

Depreciation

(886,088)

(4,106,954)

(213,087)

(63,724)

-

(5,269,853)

 

Impairment loss (Note 27)

-

(1,334)

-

-

-

(1,334)

 

Disposals

(18,517)

(57,007)

(5,464)

(1,426)

-

(82,414)

 

 


 

 

 

 

Closing net book amount

20,404,950

42,872,156

1,605,370

282,483

20,849,164

86,014,123

 

 


 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost

28,549,306

71,095,600

3,046,370

578,339

20,869,408

124,139,023

 

Accumulated depreciation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    and impairment

(8,144,356)

(28,223,444)

(1,441,000)

(295,856)

(20,244)

(38,124,900)

 

 


 

 

 

 

Net book amount

20,404,950

42,872,156

1,605,370

282,483

20,849,164

86,014,123

 

 


 

 

 

 

Note:

At December 31, 2008, the Group uses property, plant and equipment, net of RMB900.230 million (2007: RMB1,429.039 million) in pledges for loans. Please refer to Note 21 for details.

For the year ended December 31, 2008, depreciation expenses of RMB4,693.943 million, RMB5.260 million, RMB225.482 million and RMB345.168 million (2007: RMB4,330.897 million, RMB4.386 million, RMB218.043 million and RMB267.882 million; 2006: RMB3,623.504 million, RMB4.711 million, RMB132.770 million and RMB219.418 million) were recorded in cost of sales, selling and distribution expenses, general and administrative expenses and inventories, respectively.

Interest expense of RMB920.394 million (2007: RMB372.873 million; 2006: RMB264.098 million) arising from borrowings for the construction of property, plant and equipment during the year were capitalized and are included in 'Additions' in property, plant and equipment. The annual capitalization rate of approximately 6.77% (2007: 5.68%; 2006: 5.21%) was used.

During 2008, impairment loss of RMB10.490 million (2007: RMB113.058 million; 2006: RMB35.032 million) was included in the computation of disposal gain or loss on related property, plant and equipment.

 

 

F-51

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

8.

Land use rights

 

 

 

Details of land use rights are as follows:

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

In Hong Kong, held on:

 

 

 

Leases between 10 to 50 years

95,157

103,532

 

 

 

 

 

Outside Hong Kong, held on:

 

 

 

Leases less than 10 years

16,285

42,036

 

Leases between 10 to 50 years

1,618,926

1,314,929

 

Leases over 50 years

182

184

 


 

 

 

 

1,730,550

1,460,681

 


 

 

9.

Interests in jointly controlled entities/associates

 

 

 

(a)

Interests in jointly controlled entities

 

 

 

 

 

Movements in interests in jointly controlled entities are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of the year

636,296

575,794

 

 

Additional investments

63,882

63,883

 

 

Share of net profit/(loss) under equity method

1,672

(3,381)

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

End of the year

701,850

636,296

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Jointly controlled entities of the Group, all of which are unlisted, are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Place of

 

 

Registered and

 

 

 

 

incorporation and

 

 

fully

Equity

 

 

Name

operation

Legal status

Principal activities

paid capital

interest held

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Shanxi Jinxin Aluminum Co., Ltd.

PRC

Limited liability

Manufacture and

RMB20,000,000

50%

 

 

    ()

 

company

distribution of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

primary aluminum

 

 

 

 

Guangxi Huayin Aluminum Co. Ltd.

PRC

Limited liability

Manufacture and

RMB2,122,815,000

33%

 

 

    ()

 

company

distribution of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

alumina

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

The English names of jointly controlled entities represent the best effort by the management of the Group in translating their Chinese names as they do not have any official English names.

All investments are directly held by the Company.

 

 

 

F-52

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

9.

Interests in jointly controlled entities/associates (Continued)

 

 

 

(a)

Interests in jointly controlled entities (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

The Group's shares of interests in its jointly controlled entities are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

Non-current assets

2,244,869

1,796,704

 

 

Current assets

743,740

604,335

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

2,988,609

2,401,039

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

(616,141)

(17,618)

 

 

Current liabilities

(1,670,618)

(1,747,125)

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,286,759)

(1,764,743)

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Net assets

701,850

636,296

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Income

610,699

23,922

 

 

Expenses

(609,027)

(27,303)

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Net profit/(loss)

1,672

(3,381)

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Proportionate interests in jointly controlled entities' capital commitments

199,650

907,802

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

There are no material contingent liabilities relating to the Group's interests in the jointly controlled entities and the jointly controlled entities themselves.

 

 

 

 

(b)

Interests in associates

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Unlisted securities

109,815

75,600

 

 

Listed securities in the PRC (Note 2(b)(i)(b))

-

247,454

 

 

Proportionate share of net assets

(5,006)

230,866

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

104,809

553,920

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Market value of listed securities

N/A

6,242,625

 

 


 

 

 

F-53

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

9.

Interests in jointly controlled entities/associates (Continued)

 

 

 

(b)

Interests in associates (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

Movements in interests in associates are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of the year

553,920

1,273,707

 

 

Additional investments

30,000

-

 

 

Transfers from associates to subsidiaries

(461,075)

(933,755)

 

 

Share of net profit under equity method

10,045

241,945

 

 

Other equity movement

-

168

 

 

Cash dividends declared

(28,081)

(27,850)

 

 

Disposal of an associate

-

(295)

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

End of the year

104,809

553,920

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2008, associates of the Group are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Place of

 

 

Registered and

 

 

 

 

incorporation and

 

 

fully

Equity

 

 

Name

operation

Legal status

Principal activities

paid capital

interest held

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Jiaozuo Coal Group Xinxiang (Zhaogu)

PRC

Limited liability

Coal production

RMB252,000,000

30%

 

 

     Energy Corporation Co., Ltd.

 

company

 

 

 

 

 

    (
    
    )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABC-CA Fund Management Co., Ltd.

PRC

Limited liability

Investments

RMB200,000,000

15%

 

 

    ()

 

company

 

 

 

 

 

    (Note (i))

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jiaozuo Wanfang Industry Co., Ltd.

PRC

Limited liability

Sales of

RMB10,000,000

8.7%

 

 

    ()

 

company

construction

 

 

 

 

    (Note (ii))

 

 

materials and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

other goods

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

The English names of certain associates represent the best effort by the management of the Group in translating their Chinese names as they do not have any official English names.

Notes:

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

The Company exercises significant influence on ABC-CA Fund Management Co., Ltd. through its appointment of a director into the board.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(ii)

Jiaozuo Wanfang Industry Co., Ltd. is an associate of Jiaozuo Wanfang, a subsidiary of the Company, in which Jiaozuo Wanfang holds 30% direct equity interest. All the other investments are directly held by the Company.

 

 

 

 

F-54

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

9.

Interests in jointly controlled entities/associates (Continued)

 

 

 

(b)

Interests in associates (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

The Group's shares of interests in its associates are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Assets

539,437

1,282,265

 

 

Liabilities

434,628

728,345

 

 

Revenue

66,016

1,815,736

 

 

Profit

10,045

241,945

 

 


 

 

 

10.

Available-for-sale financial assets

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Beginning of the year

40,113

18,182

 

Acquisitions of subsidiaries

10,100

5,000

 

Additions

-

2,500

 

Disposals

-

(56)

 

Fair value changes

(11,499)

14,487

 


 

 

 

End of the year

38,714

40,113

 


 

 

 

Available-for-sale financial assets are denominated in RMB. Except for the investment in China Pacific Insurance (Group) Co., Ltd., which is stated at fair value, all the other available-for-sale financial assets are unquoted equity securities in which no quoted market prices are available in the PRC. They are stated at cost as their fair value cannot be reliably estimated and the portion of such assets is not material to the Group's consolidated financial statements.

 

 

F-55

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

11.

Deferred income tax

 

 

 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current income tax assets against current income tax liabilities and when the deferred income taxes relate to the same tax authority. The offset amounts are as follows:

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Deferred income tax assets:

 

 

 

- Deferred income tax asset to be recovered after more than 12 months

389,961

361,920

 

- Deferred income tax asset to be recovered within 12 months

308,543

200,253

 


 

 

 

Sub-total

698,504

562,173

 


 

 

 

Deferred income tax liabilities:

 

 

 

- Deferred income tax liabilities to be settled after more than 12 months

48,363

160,183

 

- Deferred income tax liabilities to be settled within 12 months

5,405

12,277

 


 

 

 

Sub-total

53,768

172,460

 


 

 

 

Total

644,736

389,713

 


 

 

 

The gross movement on the deferred income tax is as follows:

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Beginning of the year

389,713

339,810

 

Acquisitions of subsidiaries

(49,654)

15,477

 

Recognition in equity

1,725

(2,173)

 

Recognition in income statement (Note 28)

302,952

36,599

 


 

 

 

End of the year

644,736

389,713

 


 

 

F-56

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

11.

Deferred income tax (Continued)

 

 

 

The movement in deferred income tax assets and liabilities during the year, without taking into consideration the offsetting of balances within the same tax jurisdiction, is as follows:

Movement of deferred income tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

deduction on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for

Impairment

 

purchases of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

receivables

of property,

 

domestically

 

 

Reversal of

 

 

 

 

and

plant and

Accrued

manufactured

Deductible

Unrealized

asset

 

 

 

 

inventories

equipment

wages

equipment

tax losses

profit

revaluation

Others

Total

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

As of January 1, 2007

68,978

51,682

289,725

37,499

-

36,889

-

52,107

536,880

 

Acquisitions of subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    (Note 5)

2,703

12,774

-

-

-

-

-

-

15,477

 

Recognition in income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    statement

(6,388)

(42,297)

(217,678)

195,563

-

12,826

69,080

(1,290)

9,816

 

 


 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2007

65,293

22,159

72,047

233,062

-

49,715

69,080

50,817

562,173

 

Acquisition of a subsidiary

4,146

1,352

-

-

-

-

-

-

5,498

 

Recognition in income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    statement

160,348

(396)

(68,333)

47,235

211,845

(49,715)

(8,714)

2,542

294,812

 

 


 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2008

229,787

23,115

3,714

280,297

211,845

-

60,366

53,359

862,483

 

 


 

 

 

F-57

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

11.

Deferred income tax (Continued)

 

 

 

Movement of deferred income tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value

Depreciation of

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

changes

property, plant

Amortization of

 

 

 

 

capitalization

of financial assets

and equipment

intangible assets

Asset revaluation

Total

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

As of January 1, 2007

197,070

-

-

-

-

197,070

 

Recognition in equity

-

2,173

-

-

-

2,173

 

Recognition in income statement

(49,926)

3,297

18,500

1,346

-

(26,783)

 

 


 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2007

147,144

5,470

18,500

1,346

-

172,460

 

Acquisition of a subsidiary

-

-

-

-

55,152

55,152

 

Recognition in equity

-

(1,725)

-

-

-

(1,725)

 

Recognition in income statement

(13,914)

(3,297)

9,498

674

(1,101)

(8,140)

 

 


 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2008

133,230

448

27,998

2,020

54,051

217,747

 

 


 

 

 

 

Deductible temporary differences of unrecognized deferred income tax assets relating to deductible tax losses are as follows:

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Maturity

 

 

 

2008

N/A

-

 

2009

-

-

 

2010

-

-

 

2011

16,270

16,270

 

2012

279,094

279,094

 

2013

397,956

N/A

 


 

 

 

Total

693,320

295,364

 


 

 

F-58

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

12.

Other non-current assets/liabilities

 

 

 

(a)

Other non-current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Prepayment for alumina purchases (Note)

432,525

-

 

 

Prepayment for coal purchases

196,000

232,000

 

 

Others

156,578

114,496

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

785,103

346,496

 

 


 

 

 

 

(b)

Other non-current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Alumina consideration received in advance (Note)

432,228

-

 

 

Others

261,321

180,555

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

693,549

180,555

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Note:

These amounts represented portions of prepayments made and advances received for alumina to be fulfilled under long-term contracts entered into by Chalco Trading, a subsidiary of the Company.

 

 

 

13.

Inventories, net

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Raw materials

7,426,426

5,403,013

 

Work-in-progress

5,322,238

4,522,779

 

Finished goods

7,088,859

4,636,755

 

Spare parts

1,022,981

896,978

 


 

 

 

 

20,860,504

15,459,525

 

Less: provision for inventory obsolescence

(984,489)

(89,743)

 


 

 

 

 

19,876,015

15,369,782

 


 

 

 

Movements on the provision for inventory obsolescence are as follows:

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

As of January 1

89,743

70,559

 

Provision for inventory obsolescence

916,256

40,330

 

Reversal upon sales of inventories

(21,510)

(6,169)

 

Other reversal

-

(14,977)

 


 

 

 

As of December 31

984,489

89,743

 


 

 

F-59

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

14.

Accounts receivable, net

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Trade receivables

1,213,875

1,167,035

 

Less: provision for doubtful debts

(267,454)

(281,379)

 


 

 

 

 

946,421

885,656

 


 

 

 

Trade receivables from related parties

521,021

450,099

 

Less: provision for doubtful debts

(154,403)

(156,425)

 


 

 

 

 

366,618

293,674

 


 

 

 

 

1,313,039

1,179,330

 

Notes receivable

722,285

2,539,476

 


 

 

 

 

2,035,324

3,718,806

 


 

 

 

Certain of the Group's sales were on advanced payments or documents against payment. In respect of sales to large and long-established customers, subject to negotiation, a credit period for up to one year may be granted. The credit policies of some of the entities within Chinalco were receivables on demand. As of December 31, 2008, the ageing analysis of trade receivables is as follows:

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Within 1 year

1,964,801

3,651,991

 

Between 1 and 2 years

33,173

31,792

 

Between 2 and 3 years

17,834

15,399

 

Over 3 years

441,373

457,428

 


 

 

 

 

2,457,181

4,156,610

 


 

 

 

The credit quality of accounts receivable that are neither past due nor impaired is assessed by reference to the counterparty's default history. There is no history of default for the customers above.

Accounts receivable that are generally past due less than one year are not considered impaired. As of December 31, 2008, accounts receivable of RMB29 million (2007: RMB42 million) of the Group were past due but not impaired. These relate to a number of individual customers for whom there is no recent history of default. The ageing analysis of these accounts receivable is as follows:

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Within 1 year

14,340

29,450

 

Between 1 and 2 years

1,596

3,150

 

Between 2 and 3 years

2,115

3,879

 

Over 3 years

11,207

5,977

 


 

 

 

 

29,258

42,456

 


 

 

F-60

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

14.

Accounts receivable, net (Continued)

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2008, accounts receivable of RMB438 million (2007: RMB449 million) of the Group were substantially impaired and provided for. The individually impaired receivables mainly relate to customers which are in unexpected difficult economic situations. It was assessed that a small portion of the receivables is expected to be recovered. The ageing of these receivables is as follows:

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Between 2 and 3 years

11,478

9,025

 

Over 3 years

427,006

439,815

 


 

 

 

 

438,484

448,840

 


 

 

 

Movements on the provision for doubtful debts of accounts receivable are as follows:

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

As of January 1

437,804

467,102

 

Provision for doubtful debts

5,533

10,303

 

Accounts receivable written off

(13,674)

(12,268)

 

Reversal

(7,806)

(27,333)

 


 

 

 

As of December 31

421,857

437,804

 


 

 

15.

Other current assets, net

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Prepayments to third parties

601,774

1,453,427

 

Prepayments to related parties

835,181

90,212

 


 

 

 

Total prepayments

1,436,955

1,543,639

 


 

 

 

Contract performance deposits

548,592

52,427

 

Staff advances

38,617

40,912

 

Value-added tax recoverable

756,551

138,438

 

Export tax refund receivable

62,385

43,565

 

Dividends receivable

-

-

 

Receivables from sales of materials

68,507

84,531

 

Receivables from sales of water and electricity

32,733

34,051

 

Receivables from sales of spare parts

18,728

22,803

 

Deposits for investments

255,054

5,054

 

Others

397,511

297,679

 

Receivables from related parties

82,440

136,189

 


 

 

 

 

2,261,118

855,649

 

Less: provision for doubtful debts

(224,542)

(275,665)

 


 

 

 

Total other receivables

2,036,576

579,984

 


 

 

 

Total other current assets, net

3,473,531

2,123,623

 


 

 

F-61

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

15.

Other current assets, net (Continued)

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2008, the ageing analysis of other receivables is as follows:

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Within 1 year

1,928,039

471,164

 

Between 1 and 2 years

25,816

29,296

 

Between 2 and 3 years

11,472

20,878

 

Over 3 years

295,791

334,311

 


 

 

 

 

2,261,118

855,649

 


 

 

 

The credit quality of other receivables that are neither past due nor impaired is assessed by reference to the counterparty's default history. There is no history of default for the receivables above.

Other receivables that are generally past due less than one year are not considered impaired. As of December 31, 2008, other receivables of RMB53 million (2007: RMB85 million) of the Group were past due but not impaired. These were contracts bound by repayment terms on demand. The ageing analysis of these other receivables is as follows:

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Within 1 year

6,311

22,772

 

Between 1 and 2 years

8,557

22,423

 

Between 2 and 3 years

6,095

6,000

 

Over 3 years

31,607

33,617

 


 

 

 

 

52,570

84,812

 


 

 

 

As of December 31, 2008, other receivables of RMB251 million (2007: RMB279 million) of the Group were impaired and provided for. The individually impaired receivables mainly relate to sales of materials and others, which are in unexpected difficult economic situations. It was assessed that a portion of the receivables is expected to be recovered. The ageing of these receivables is as follows:

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Between 2 and 3 years

2,630

4,606

 

Over 3 years

248,665

274,210

 


 

 

 

 

251,295

278,816

 


 

 

 

Movements on the provision for doubtful debts of other receivables are as follows:

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

As of January 1

275,665

293,686

 

Provision for doubtful debts

4,744

2,878

 

Other receivables written off

(25,721)

(17,384)

 

Reversal

(30,146)

(3,515)

 


 

 

 

As of December 31

224,542

275,665

 


 

 

F-62

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

16.

Bank balances and cash

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

15,982,129

8,824,971

 

Short-term cash investments (Note (a))

70,703

96,054

 

Restricted cash (Note (b))

242,753

133,540

 


 

 

 

Total

16,295,585

9,054,565

 


 

 

 

As of December 31, 2006, cash and cash equivalents, short-term cash investments and restricted cash amounted to RMB10,692 million, RMB3,078 million and RMB127 million.

Notes:

 

 

 

(a)

The annual effective interest rate of fixed deposits during the year was 7.60% (2007: 7.01%; 2006: ranged from 2.25% to 2.52%) with average maturity days of 365 days (2007: 365 days; 2006: 183 days to 365 days).

 

 

 

 

(b)

Restricted cash primarily represented credit and note deposits.

 

 

 

 

(c)

Material non-cash transactions

For the year ended December 31, 2008, there was a material non-cash transaction, which was a capital injection of property, plant and equipment amounting to RMB370.643 million to a subsidiary of the Company by a minority shareholder of the subsidiary.

For the year ended December 31, 2007, the material non-cash transactions were the issuances of A shares as consideration for the acquisitions disclosed in Note 5.

There were no material non-cash transactions for the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

 

 

 

Bank balances and cash of the Group were denominated in the following currencies:

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

RMB

15,830,194

8,733,697

 

USD

190,679

52,739

 

HKD

46,416

128,283

 

EUR

9,891

32,406

 

AUD

218,405

107,440

 


 

 

 

 

16,295,585

9,054,565

 


 

 

F-63

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

17.

Issued capital and reserves

 

 

 

(a)

Share capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

 

Number of shares

Share capital

Number of shares

Share capital

 

 

 

 

RMB'000

 

RMB'000

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of the year

13,524,487,892

13,524,488

11,649,876,153

11,649,876

 

 

Issuance of shares

-

-

1,874,611,739

1,874,612

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

End of the year

13,524,487,892

13,524,488

13,524,487,892

13,524,488

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2007 and 2008, all issued shares are registered and fully paid, divided into 13,524,487,892 shares (2007: 13,524,487,892 shares) of RMB1.00 par value each, comprised 9,580,521,924 A shares and 3,943,965,968 H shares (2007: 9,580,521,924 A shares and 3,943,965,968 H shares). Both A shares and H shares rank pari passu to each other.

On May 9, 2006, the Company entered into a placing agreement to place 600 million new H shares, representing approximately 5.43% of the issued shares of the Company immediately before the placement, at a price at HKD7.25 per share (the "Placement"). Total proceeds from the Placement amounted to RMB4,502 million and total issuance cost amounted to approximately RMB112 million.

On April 24, 2007, the Company issued 1,237 million A shares to acquire 72% equity interest of Lanzhou Aluminum and 28.57% equity interest of Shandong Aluminum. These A shares were then listed on the SSE on April 30, 2007.

On December 28, 2007, the Company issued 638 million A shares to acquire 100% equity interest of Baotou Aluminum.

Of the issued A shares, 3,931,304,879 A shares (2007: 1,430,619,989 A shares) are freely tradable while the remaining A shares can only be traded after lock-up periods.

 

 

 

 

(b)

Reserves

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

Capital reserve

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share premium

12,908,281

14,728,601

 

 

 

Merger reserve (Note 5)

-

2,375,094

 

 

 

Others

414,059

310,992

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,322,340

17,414,687

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The capital reserve can only be used to increase share capital.

 

 

 

 

F-64

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

17.

Issued capital and reserves (Continued)

 

 

 

(b)

Reserves (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

Capital reserve (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A merger reserve was created as a result of acquisitions of the seven common control entities acquired in 2008 (Note 5). Others primarily consist of the national debt fund. The specific national fund of the Ministry of Finance of the People's Republic of China ("MOF") was granted to support certain national key technical projects of certain branches of the Company. Pursuant to relevant MOF document, these funds were treated as a capital injection of Chinalco into the Company, and therefore can only be used to increase Chinalco's shares in the Company after satisfying all necessary shares increase conditions. These funds are regarded as capital reserve solely attributable to Chinalco before meeting these share increase conditions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(ii)

Statutory surplus reserve

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pursuant to the Company Law of the PRC, articles of association and board resolutions of the Company, the Company provides 10% from its net profit prepared in accordance with PRC accounting standards for the statutory surplus reserve until the balance reaches 50% of the paid-up share capital where the Company can opt for not providing. Statutory surplus reserve can be used to reduce any losses incurred or to increase share capital upon approval. Statutory surplus reserve balance should not fall below 25% of the registered capital after any such shares issuance.

The Group adopted the Accounting Standards for Business Enterprises promulgated by the MOF on February 15, 2006 (the "new PRC GAAP") on January 1, 2007. According to the relevant requirements under the new PRC GAAP, certain adjustments were made to the retained earnings in previous years upon first-time adoption. While the new PRC GAAP no longer permits the Group's share of surplus reserves of subsidiaries to be presented on a consolidated basis, an additional adjustment on surplus reserve and retained earnings was made in 2007.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(iii)

Statutory public welfare fund and discretionary surplus reserve

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In accordance with relevant PRC laws and financial regulations, every year the Company is required to transfer 5% to 10% of its profit after taxation prepared in accordance with PRC accounting standards to the statutory public welfare fund. The use of this fund is restricted to capital expenditure for employees' collective welfare facilities, the ownership in respect of which belongs to the Group. The statutory public welfare fund is not available for distribution to shareholders except under liquidation. Once any capital expenditure on staff welfare facilities has been made, an equivalent amount must be transferred from the statutory public welfare fund to the discretionary surplus reserve, a reserve which can be used to reduce any losses incurred or to increase share capital.

Prior to January 1, 2006, the Board of Directors determined on an annual basis the percentage of its profit after tax, as determined under the PRC accounting standards and regulations, to be appropriated to the statutory public welfare fund. Starting from January 1, 2006, the Company is prohibited from providing further appropriation out of net profit to the statutory public welfare fund pursuant to revised Company Law. The balance of the statutory public welfare fund as of January 1, 2006 was converted into the statutory surplus reserve.

 

 

 

 

F-65

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

18.

Borrowings

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Non-current:

 

 

 

    Long-term loans (Note (a))

24,169,469

15,479,914

 

    Medium-term notes and long-term bonds (Note (b))

11,963,083

1,979,683

 


 

 

 

 

36,132,552

17,459,597

 


 

 

 

Current:

 

 

 

    Long-term loans (repayable within one year) (Note (a))

2,949,730

2,477,022

 

    Short-term loans (Note (c))

14,188,202

5,818,055

 

    Short-term bonds (Note (d))

5,152,283

3,051,471

 


 

 

 

 

22,290,215

11,346,548

 


 

 

 

Total

58,422,767

28,806,145

 


 

 

F-66

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

18.

Borrowings (Continued)

 

 

 

(a)

Long-term loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

 

 

Original

 

Original

 

 

 

 

 

currency'000

RMB'000

currency'000

RMB'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Guaranteed loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Secured (Note 21)

RMB

613,000

613,000

815,400

815,400

 

 

 

JPY

697,834

52,819

735,895

47,190

 

 

- Guaranteed

RMB

5,535,874

5,535,874

7,460,223

7,460,223

 

 

 

USD

27,000

184,534

-

-

 

 

Unsecured loans

RMB

20,633,082

20,633,082

9,582,816

9,582,816

 

 

 

USD

14,615

99,890

7,024

51,307

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Total long-term loans

 

 

27,119,199

 

17,956,936

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Less: long-term loans within 1 year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Secured (Note 21)

RMB

215,000

215,000

198,364

198,364

 

 

 

JPY

38,763

2,934

42,416

2,720

 

 

- Guaranteed

RMB

1,398,543

1,398,543

241,938

241,938

 

 

- Unsecured

RMB

1,333,253

1,333,253

2,034,000

2,034,000

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Total long-term loans repayable within 1 year

 

 

2,949,730

 

2,477,022

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Total long-term loans (non-current portion)

 

 

24,169,469

 

15,479,914

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Estimated fair value of total long-term loans

 

 

27,111,431

 

17,949,069

 

 


 

 

 

F-67

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

18.

Borrowings (Continued)

 

 

 

(a)

Long-term loans (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2008, long-term fixed-rate loans of the Group amounted to RMB52 million (2007: RMB47 million). Annual fixed interest rate was 2.30% (2007: 0.30% to 7.83%; 2006: 0.30% to 2.30%). The remaining long-term loans are subject to floating interest rates from 2.55% to 8.51% (2007: 2.55% to 7.83%; 2006: 2.28% to 7.24%) per annum.

The estimated fair value of long-term loans (including current portion) is calculated based on discounted cash flow using applicable discount rate from the prevailing market interest rates offered to the Group for debts with substantially the same characteristics and maturity dates. The discount rates applied as of December 31, 2007 and 2008 was 2.01% to 8.51% and 2.20% to 7.83%, respectively. The estimated fair value of borrowings due within 1 year approximates their carrying amounts.

As of December 31, 2008, guaranteed loans were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

Guarantors

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Chinalco ()

2,902,228

2,640,058

 

 

Shanxi Zhangze Electric Power Co., Ltd.

 

 

 

 

    ("Zhangze Electric Power")

 

 

 

 

    () (Note (i))

780,000

780,000

 

 

Baotou Aluminum (Group) Co., Ltd.

 

 

 

 

    ("Baotou Group") () (Note (ii))

250,000

250,000

 

 

Luoyang Economic Investment Co., Ltd.

 

 

 

 

    () (Note (iii))

115,738

122,153

 

 

Luoyang Longquan Aluminum Products Co., Ltd.

 

 

 

 

    () (Note (iv))

57,000

57,000

 

 

Yichuan Power Industrial Group Company

 

 

 

 

    ("Yichuan Power") () (Note (v))

76,380

76,380

 

 

Lanzhou Aluminum Factory () (Note (vi))

103,922

1,399,292

 

 

China Nonferrous Metals Technology

48,340

48,340

 

 

Henan Tire Group Co., Ltd. ()

150,000

-

 

 

Jiaozuo Wanfang Group Co., Ltd.

 

 

 

 

    () (Note (vii))

 

 

 

 

    and Henan Tire Group Co., Ltd.

66,800

-

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Total

4,550,408

5,373,223

 

 


 

 

 

F-68

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

18.

Borrowings (Continued)

 

 

 

(a)

Long-term loans (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

Shanxi Zhangze Electric Power is a minority shareholder of Shanxi Huaze, a subsidiary of the Company.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(ii)

Baotou Group is a subsidiary of Chinalco and one of the shareholders of the Company.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(iii)

Luoyang Economic Investment Co., Ltd. is a minority shareholder of Henan Aluminum, a subsidiary of the Company.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(iv)

Luoyang Longquan Aluminum Products Co., Ltd. is a minority shareholder of Henan Aluminum, a subsidiary of the Company.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(v)

Yichuan Power is a minority shareholder of Henan Aluminum, a subsidiary of the Company.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(vi)

Lanzhou Aluminum Factory is a subsidiary of Chinalco and one of the shareholders of the Company.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(vii)

Jiaozuo Wanfang Group Co., Ltd. is a minority shareholder of Jiaozuo Wanfang, a subsidiary of the Company.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The maturity of long-term loans is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bank loans

Other loans

 

 

 

2008

2007

2008

2007

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Within 1 year

2,908,374

2,452,600

41,356

24,422

 

 

Between 1 and 2 years

3,393,820

2,905,974

18,279

13,453

 

 

Between 2 and 5 years

13,204,281

5,766,400

54,837

40,359

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Wholly repayable within 5 years

19,506,475

11,124,974

114,472

78,234

 

 

Over 5 years

7,399,102

6,594,877

99,150

158,851

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

26,905,577

17,719,851

213,622

237,085

 

 


 

 

 

 

(b)

Medium-term notes and long-term bonds

 

 

 

 

 

In June 2007, the Company issued long-term bonds with a total face value of RMB2 billion at par (face value of RMB100 per unit) with ten-year terms for capital expenditure purposes. The fixed annual coupon and effective interest rates of these bonds are 4.50% and 4.64%, respectively.

In June 2008, the Company issued medium-term notes with a total face value of RMB5 billion at par (face value of RMB100 per unit) with three-year terms for operating cash flows and bank loans re-financing. The fixed annual coupon and effective interest rates of these notes are 5.30% and 5.62%, respectively.

In October 2008, the Company issued medium-term notes with a total face value of RMB5 billion at par (face value of RMB100 per unit) with five-year terms for operating cash flows and bank loans re-financing. The fixed annual coupon and effective interest rates of these notes are 4.58% and 4.92%, respectively.

As of December 31, 2008, the fair values of bonds payable above of RMB12.499 billion (2007: RMB1.843 billion) is derived from discounted future cash flows using annual corporate bond interest rates with same terms between 3.52% to 3.90% (2007: 5.55%).

 

 

 

F-69

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

18.

Borrowings (Continued)

 

 

 

(c)

Short-term loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

 

 

Original

 

Original

 

 

 

 

 

currency'000

RMB'000

currency'000

RMB'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Guaranteed loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Secured (Note 21)

RMB

260,000

260,000

22,615

22,615

 

 

- Guaranteed

RMB

1,591,000

1,591,000

2,005,000

2,005,000

 

 

Unsecured loans

RMB

12,274,043

12,274,043

3,704,640

3,704,640

 

 

 

USD

9,241

63,159

11,746

85,800

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

14,188,202

 

5,818,055

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, all short-term loans of the Group were fixed-rate loans with annual interest rates from 4.49% to 7.47%, from 5.02% to 7.34% and from 3.78% to 7.34%, respectively.

As of December 31, 2008, details of guaranteed loans were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Guarantors

2008

2007

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Baotou Group

818,000

915,000

 

 

Yichuan Power

40,000

140,000

 

 

Chinalco

633,000

850,000

 

 

Lanzhou Baochuan Aluminum Company Ltd. ("Lanzhou Baochuan

 

 

 

 

    Aluminum") () (Note)

-

50,000

 

 

China Nonferrous Metals Technology

50,000

50,000

 

 

Luoyang Economic Investment Co., Ltd.

50,000

-

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Total

1,591,000

2,005,000

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Note:

Lanzhou Baochuan Aluminum is a subsidiary of LanZhou LianCheng Aluminum Industrial Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Chinalco.

 

 

 

 

(d)

Short-term bonds

 

 

 

 

 

In June 2007, the Company issued short-term bonds with a total face value of RMB3 billion at par (face value of RMB100 per unit) with one-year term for working capital purposes. The fixed annual coupon and effective interest rates of these bonds were 3.55% and 3.95%, respectively. These short-term bonds have matured and were fully redeemed in June 2008.

In February 2008, the Company issued short-term bonds with a total face value of RMB2 billion at par (face value of RMB100 per unit) with one-year term for working capital purposes. The fixed annual coupon and effective interest rates of these bonds were 4.99% and 5.40%, respectively.

In July 2008, the Company issued short-term bonds with a total face value of RMB3 billion at par (face value of RMB100 per unit) with one-year terms for working capital purpose. The fixed annual coupon and effective interest rates of these bonds were 4.83% and 5.25%, respectively.

 

 

 

F-70

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

19.

Accounts payable

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Trade payables

4,024,529

3,782,357

 

Trade payables to related parties

319,401

312,724

 


 

 

 

 

4,343,930

4,095,081

 

Notes payable (Note)

418,010

391,060

 


 

 

 

 

4,761,940

4,486,141

 


 

 

 

Note:

Notes payable are repayable within six months (2007: six months).

The ageing analysis of the trade payables and notes payable is as follows:

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Within 1 year

4,631,664

4,343,436

 

Between 1 and 2 years

70,967

67,862

 

Between 2 and 3 years

17,474

28,012

 

Over 3 years

41,835

46,831

 


 

 

 

 

4,761,940

4,486,141

 


 

 

20.

Other payables and accrued expenses

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Construction payables

3,042,479

2,020,352

 

Sales deposits from customers

3,956,631

960,106

 

Utilities payable

51,700

137,981

 

Accrued payroll and bonus

42,830

527,733

 

Staff welfare payables

71,444

100,686

 

Pension

47,180

46,632

 

Taxes other than income taxes payable (Note)

227,658

116,181

 

Equity investments payable

-

260,000

 

Contract performance deposits

294,131

481,894

 

Other guarantees and deposits

203,314

212,016

 

Interest payables

247,888

86,895

 

Others

336,762

452,893

 


 

 

 

 

8,522,017

5,403,369

 


 

 

 

Amounts due to related parties

2,629,636

1,758,760

 


 

 

 

 

11,151,653

7,162,129

 


 

 

 

Note:

Taxes other than income tax payable mainly comprise accruals for value-added tax, resource tax, city construction tax and education surcharge.

 

 

F-71

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

21.

Pledge of assets

 

 

 

As mentioned in Note 18, the Group has pledged various assets as collateral against certain loans. A summary of pledged assets is as follows:

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

900,230

1,429,039

 

Land use rights

52,262

49,481

 

Inventories

44,148

-

 


 

 

 

 

996,640

1,478,520

 


 

 

 

Note:

As of December 31, 2008, no short-term loans of Chalco Ruimin were secured by notes receivable (2007: RMB2.615 million).

As of December 31, 2008, the Group pledged notes receivable of RMB33 million (2007: RMB110 million) to certain banks for opening of certain notes payable.

 

 

22.

Revenue, other gains, net and segment information

 

 

 

The Group is principally engaged in the production and sales of alumina, primary aluminum and aluminum fabrication products in the PRC. Revenues recognized during the year are as follows:

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

2006

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Revenue

 

 

 

 

Sales of goods, net of value-added tax

73,675,820

81,719,663

72,133,323

 

Other revenue (Note)

3,050,121

3,479,172

2,153,680

 


 

 

 

Total revenue

76,725,941

85,198,835

74,287,003

 


 

 

 

Expenses related to sales of goods

(66,992,733)

(61,423,335)

(50,205,298)

 

Expenses related to other revenue (Note)

(3,080,927)

(3,512,798)

(2,152,995)

 


 

 

 

Total cost of sales

(70,073,660)

(64,936,133)

(52,358,293)

 


 

 

 

 

6,652,281

20,262,702

21,928,710

 


 

 

 

Other gains, net

 

 

 

 

Government grants

100,781

47,067

59,832

 

Realized and unrealized gain on futures and option contracts, net

267,328

108,362

51,985

 

Others

4,662

3,484

261,244

 


 

 

 

 

372,771

158,913

373,061

 


 

 

 

Revenue and gains, net

7,025,052

20,421,615

22,301,771

 


 

 

 

Note:

Other revenue primarily includes revenue from sales of scrap and other materials and coal, supply of electricity, gas, heat and water and provision of transportation and packaging services, machinery processing and other services. Expenses related to other revenue include costs arising from generating these revenues.

 

 

F-72

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

22.

Revenue, other gains, net and segment information (Continued)

 

 

 

Primary reporting format - business segments

The Group is primarily engaged in three main business segments in the PRC:

 

 

 

*

Alumina segment-comprising mining and processing of bauxite into alumina and the associated distribution activities

 

 

 

 

*

Primary aluminum segment-comprising production of primary aluminum and the associated distribution activities

 

 

 

 

*

Aluminum fabrication segment-comprising production of aluminum fabrication products and the associated distribution activities*

 

 

 

 

 

*

Following the acquisition of the five aluminum fabrication plants in 2008, the Group has acquired a new segment. As this acquisition qualified common control business combination (Note 5), the Group has restated 2006 and 2007 comparatives accordingly.

 

 

 

 

 

Others cover activities of the headquarters and other operations of the Group, including research and development activities relating to aluminum business.

Segment assets consist primarily of intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, inventories, receivables and operating cash, and exclude assets not dedicated to a particular segment. Segment liabilities consist primarily of operating liabilities and exclude liabilities not dedicated to a particular segment.

Capital expenditures comprise additions of property plant and equipment and intangible assets, including those additions arising from business combinations.

 

 

F-73

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

22.

Revenue, other gains, net and segment information (Continued)

 

 

 

Primary reporting format - business segments (Continued)

 

 

 

 

2008

 

 


 

 

 

Primary

Aluminum

 

 

 

 

 

Alumina

aluminum

fabrication

Others

Elimination

Total

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Segment revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Including: external sales

14,510,664

48,428,759

10,899,660

2,886,858

-

76,725,941

 

                 inter-segment sales

16,431,380

3,158,609

-

-

(19,589,989)

-

 


 

 

 

 

30,942,044

51,587,368

10,899,660

2,886,858

(19,589,989)

76,725,941

 

Segment expenses

(29,359,960)

(51,103,295)

(11,213,743)

(2,850,564)

19,856,163

(74,671,399)

 


 

 

 

Segment results

1,582,084

484,073

(314,083)

36,294

266,174

2,054,542

 

Add: unallocated gains and expenses

 

 

 

 

 

(231,878)

 

Finance costs, net

 

 

 

 

 

(1,709,566)

 

Shares of profits/(losses) of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    jointly controlled entities

3,039

(1,367)

-

-

-

1,672

 

Share of profits/(losses) of associates

-

15,051

-

(5,006)

-

10,045

 


 

 

 

Profit before income tax benefits

 

 

 

 

 

124,815

 

Income tax benefits

 

 

 

 

 

33,557

 


 

 

 

Profit for the year

 

 

 

 

 

158,372

 


 

 

F-74

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

22.

Revenue, other gains, net and segment information (Continued)

 

 

 

Primary reporting format - business segments (Continued)

 

 

 

 

2008

 

 


 

 

 

Primary

Aluminum

 

 

 

 

 

Alumina

aluminum

fabrication

Others

Elimination

Total

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

2,228,506

2,400,489

331,807

144,784

-

5,105,586

 

Add: depreciation and amortization of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           unallocated assets

 

 

 

 

 

227,542

 


 

 

 

Total depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    included in profit and loss

 

 

 

 

 

5,333,128

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Provision for impairment loss on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    property, plant and equipment

-

1,334

-

-

-

1,334

 

Net loss on disposal of property, plant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    and equipment

45,789

11,859

1,525

16

-

59,189

 

Provision for inventory obsolescence

252,759

477,684

185,813

-

-

916,256

 

Reversal of doubtful debts on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    receivables

(18,578)

(5,607)

(3,490)

-

-

(27,675)

 


 

 

 

The segment assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2008 are as follows:

 


 

 

 

Other assets

48,659,269

63,674,919

12,345,116

12,426,424

(6,762,607)

130,343,121

 

Jointly controlled entities

701,403

447

-

-

-

701,850

 

Associates

-

-

-

104,809

-

104,809

 

Unallocated assets

 

 

 

 

 

4,377,739

 


 

 

 

Total assets

 

 

 

 

 

135,527,519

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Segment liabilities

(6,801,213)

(12,702,017)

(1,905,614)

(956,614)

6,762,607

(15,602,851)

 

Unallocated liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

(59,727,846)

 


 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

(75,330,697)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Capital expenditure

8,582,811

10,668,948

1,805,806

138,921

-

21,196,486

 

Unallocated capital expenditure

 

 

 

 

 

1,217,362

 


 

 

 

Total capital expenditure

 

 

 

 

 

22,413,848

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


F-75

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

22.

Revenue, other gains, net and segment information (Continued)

 

 

 

Primary reporting format - business segments (Continued)

 

 

 

 

2007

 

 


 

 

 

Primary

Aluminum

 

 

 

 

 

Alumina

aluminum

fabrication

Others

Elimination

Total

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Segment revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Including: external sales

19,435,211

51,834,908

12,491,304

1,437,412

-

85,198,835

 

                 inter-segment sales

15,694,685

2,342,364

-

-

(18,037,049)

-

 


 

 

 

 

35,129,896

54,177,272

12,491,304

1,437,412

(18,037,049)

85,198,835

 

Segment expenses

(27,238,667)

(46,366,919)

(12,359,024)

(1,458,006)

18,466,866

(68,955,750)

 


 

 

 

Segment results

7,891,229

7,810,353

132,280

(20,594)

429,817

16,243,085

 

Add: unallocated gains and expenses

 

 

 

 

 

(449,170)

 

Finance costs, net

 

 

 

 

 

(1,040,171)

 

Shares of losses of jointly controlled

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    entities

(2,165)

(1,216)

-

-

-

(3,381)

 

Shares of profits of associates

-

241,945

-

-

-

241,945

 


 

 

 

Profit before income tax expense

 

 

 

 

 

14,992,308

 

Income tax expense

 

 

 

 

 

(2,869,210)

 


 

 

 

Profit for the year

 

 

 

 

 

12,123,098

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


F-76

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

22.

Revenue, other gains, net and segment information (Continued)

 

 

 

Primary reporting format - business segments (Continued)

Other segment items included in the income statement are as follows:

 

 

 

 

2007

 

 


 

 

 

Primary

Aluminum

 

 

 

 

 

Alumina

aluminum

fabrication

Others

Elimination

Total

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

2,122,831

2,056,515

265,654

159,785

-

4,604,785

 

Add: depreciation and amortization of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           unallocated assets

 

 

 

 

 

55,625

 


 

 

 

Total depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    included in profit and loss

 

 

 

 

 

4,660,410

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Provision for impairment loss on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    property, plant and equipment

-

9,880

-

3,369

-

13,249

 

Net loss on disposal of property, plant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    and equipment

62,881

42,402

179

62,491

-

167,953

 

Provision for/ (Reversal of) inventory

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    obsolescence

3,627

17,624

16,416

(12,314)

-

25,353

 

Provision for/ (Reversal of) doubtful

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    debts on receivables

1,279

(4,054)

(11,651)

(3,241)

-

(17,667)

 


 

 

F-77

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

22.

Revenue, other gains, net and segment information (Continued)

 

 

 

Primary reporting format - business segments (Continued)

The segment assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2007 are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Primary

Aluminum

 

 

 

 

 

Alumina

aluminum

fabrication

Others

Elimination

Total

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Other assets

37,987,759

45,137,809

10,534,783

8,159,828

(2,420,536)

99,399,643

 

Jointly controlled entities

634,482

1,814

-

-

-

636,296

 

Associates

-

553,920

-

-

-

553,920

 

Unallocated assets

 

 

 

 

 

5,258,209

 


 

 

 

Total assets

 

 

 

 

 

105,848,068

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment liabilities

(3,995,910)

(4,836,138)

(2,305,777)

(664,462)

2,420,536

(9,381,751)

 

Unallocated liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

(31,973,110)

 


 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

(41,354,861)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditure

4,634,932

12,651,715

1,203,204

493,746

-

18,983,597

 

Unallocated capital expenditure

 

 

 

 

 

497,954

 


 

 

 

Total capital expenditure

 

 

 

 

 

19,481,551

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F-78

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

22.

Revenue, other gains, net and segment information (Continued)

 

 

 

Primary reporting format - business segments (Continued)

 

 

 

 

2006

 

 


 

 

 

Primary

Aluminum

 

 

 

 

 

Alumina

aluminum

fabrication

Others

Elimination

Total

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Segment revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Including: external sales

25,111,515

41,166,964

7,177,748

830,776

-

74,287,003

 

                 inter-segment sales

13,157,278

557,539

-

-

(13,714,817)

-

 


 

 

 

 

38,268,793

41,724,503

7,177,748

830,776

(13,714,817)

74,287,003

 

Segment expenses

(24,410,285)

(36,372,630)

(6,972,902)

(890,219)

13,383,243

(55,262,793)

 


 

 

 

Segment results

13,858,508

5,351,873

204,846

(59,443)

(331,574)

19,024,210

 

Add: unallocated gains and expenses

 

 

 

 

 

(859,679)

 

Finance costs, net

 

 

 

 

 

(795,918)

 

Shares of losses of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    jointly controlled entities

-

(11,419)

-

-

-

(11,419)

 

Shares of profits of associates

-

105,177

-

-

-

105,177

 


 

 

 

Profit before income tax expense

 

 

 

 

 

17,462,371

 

Income tax expense

 

 

 

 

 

(4,465,282)

 


 

 

 

Profit for the year

 

 

 

 

 

12,997,089

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F-79

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

22.

Revenue, other gains, net and segment information (Continued)

 

 

 

Primary reporting format - business segments (Continued)

Other segment items included in the income statement are as follows:

 

 

 

 

2006

 

 


 

 

 

Primary

Aluminum

 

 

 

 

 

Alumina

aluminum

fabrication

Others

Elimination

Total

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

2,003,153

1,478,928

219,972

35,050

-

3,737,103

 

Add: depreciation and amortization of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           unallocated assets

 

 

 

 

 

105,151

 


 

 

 

Total depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    included in profit and loss

 

 

 

 

 

3,842,254

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for impairment loss on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    property, plant and equipment

6,385

10,582

-

-

-

16,967

 

Net loss/(gain) on disposal of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    property, plant and equipment

58,059

31,701

(100)

1,064

-

90,724

 

Provision for inventory obsolescence

22,417

11,816

70

558

-

34,861

 

Provision for doubtful debts on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    receivables

2,779

19,222

3,473

1,219

-

26,693

 


 

 

F-80

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

22.

Revenue, other gains, net and segment information (Continued)

 

 

 

Primary reporting format - business segments (Continued)

The segment assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2006 are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Primary

Aluminum

 

 

 

 

 

Alumina

aluminum

fabrication

Others

Elimination

Total

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Other assets

31,972,013

42,141,436

7,108,681

6,424,885

(1,029,771)

86,617,244

 

Jointly controlled entities

572,764

3,030

-

-

-

575,794

 

Associates

-

1,273,707

-

-

-

1,273,707

 

Unallocated assets

 

 

 

 

 

3,188,105

 


 

 

 

Total assets

 

 

 

 

 

91,654,850

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment liabilities

3,314,504

6,224,547

792,898

1,727,711

(1,029,771)

11,029,889

 

Unallocated liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

28,334,380

 


 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

39,364,269

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditure

3,462,875

8,649,685

1,198,764

120,286

-

13,431,610

 

Unallocated capital expenditure

 

 

 

 

 

682,054

 


 

 

 

Total capital expenditure

 

 

 

 

 

14,113,664

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secondary reporting format - geographical segments

As the business, operating activities and related assets are primarily located in the PRC, with the same risks and rewards in general in each region, no geographical segments are presented.

 

 

23.

Selling and distribution expenses

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

2006

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Transportation and loading expenses

1,057,839

877,054

715,751

 

Packaging expenses

202,116

190,875

190,810

 

Port expenses

62,121

53,770

50,276

 

Salaries and welfare expenses

39,267

41,930

34,492

 

Sales commissions and other handling fee

17,546

23,001

37,137

 

Storage fee

27,412

24,489

14,872

 

Marketing and advertising expenses

16,406

15,643

40,891

 

Depreciation - non-production property, plant and equipment

5,260

4,386

4,711

 

Others

134,442

124,386

96,148

 


 

 

 

 

1,562,409

1,355,534

1,185,088

 


 

 

F-81

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

24.

General and administrative expenses

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

2006

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Salaries and welfare expenses

622,659

580,330

839,389

 

Taxes other than income tax expense (Note)

566,984

759,803

706,045

 

Depreciation - non-production property, plant and equipment

225,482

218,043

132,770

 

Expensing off prepaid land use rights

41,468

46,056

35,298

 

Traveling and entertainment

163,128

175,012

172,661

 

Utilities and office supplies

90,559

99,491

69,490

 

Pollutants discharge fees

26,025

33,437

88,997

 

Repairs and maintenance

76,019

106,136

70,252

 

Insurance

68,572

62,378

61,516

 

Rental expenses

201,754

168,049

96,475

 

Pre-operation costs

10,120

21,106

7,941

 

Legal and professional fees

38,313

94,737

79,207

 

Auditors' remuneration

39,351

45,634

35,669

 

Net loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

59,189

167,953

90,725

 

Provision for inventory obsolescence

916,256

25,353

34,861

 

Others

316,593

438,845

304,562

 


 

 

 

 

3,462,472

3,042,363

2,825,858

 


 

 

 

Note:

Taxes other than income tax expense mainly comprise land use tax, property tax and stamp duty.

 

 

25.

Staff costs

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

2006

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Salaries and bonus

3,770,002

2,941,985

3,190,305

 

Housing fund

364,223

297,331

237,003

 

Pension (Note (a))

761,817

585,227

484,754

 

Staff welfare and other expenses (Note (b))

800,769

787,702

715,664

 


 

 

 

 

5,696,811

4,612,245

4,627,726

 


 

 

 

Notes:

 

 

 

(a)

The employees of the Group participate in various retirement benefit schemes organized by the relevant provincial and municipal governments. In each year, the Group makes monthly defined contributions at rates of 20% (2007: 20%; 2006: 15% to 20%) of the employees' salaries. The Group's contributions to these defined contribution schemes are expensed as incurred and are not reduced by forfeited contributions. These schemes are operated by the respective governments and related assets are held separately from the Group.

 

 

 

 

(b)

Staff welfare and other expenses include staff welfare, staff union expenses, staff education expenses and unemployment insurance expenses, etc.

 

 

 

 

Staff costs include remuneration payables to Directors, Supervisors and senior management as set out in Note 26.

 

 

F-82

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

26.

Directors', Supervisors' and senior management's remuneration

 

 

 

(a)

Directors' and Supervisors' remuneration

 

 

 

 

 

The aggregate amounts of remuneration payables to Directors and Supervisors of the Company during the year are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

2006

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Fees

947

970

1,098

 

 

Basic salaries, housing allowances, other allowances and benefits in kind

2,606

2,972

3,107

 

 

Discretionary bonus

1,121

1,827

2,016

 

 

Pension

115

114

106

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

4,789

5,883

6,327

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

The remuneration of each Director and Supervisor for the year ended December 31, 2008 is set out below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discretionary

 

 

 

 

Names of Directors and Supervisors

Fees

Salary

bonus

Pension

Total

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Directors:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Xiao Yaqing

-

684

374

23

1,081

 

 

Luo Jianchuan

-

572

312

23

907

 

 

Chen Jihua

-

468

169

23

660

 

 

Liu Xiangmin

-

468

169

23

660

 

 

Shi Chungui

150

-

-

-

150

 

 

Kang Yi

214

-

-

-

214

 

 

Poon Yiu Kin, Samuel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    (resigned on May 9, 2008)

84

-

-

-

84

 

 

Zhang Zhuoyuan

214

-

-

-

214

 

 

Zhu Demiao (appointed on May 9, 2008)

143

-

-

-

143

 

 

Wang Mengkui

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     (appointed on May 9, 2008)

142

-

-

-

142

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

947

2,192

1,024

92

4,255

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Supervisors:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ao Hong

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

Yuan Li

-

414

97

23

534

 

 

Zhang Zhankui

-

-

-

-

-

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

-

414

97

23

534

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Total

947

2,606

1,121

115

4,789

 

 


 

 

 

F-83

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

26.

Directors', Supervisors' and senior management's remuneration (Continued)

 

 

 

(a)

Directors' and Supervisors' remuneration (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

The remuneration of each Director and Supervisor for the year ended December 31, 2007 is set out below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discretionary

 

 

 

 

Names of Directors and Supervisors

Fees

Salary

bonus

Pension

Total

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Directors:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Xiao Yaqing

-

743

577

21

1,341

 

 

Wang Dianzuo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     (resigned on May 18, 2007)

91

-

-

-

91

 

 

Luo Jianchuan

-

622

480

21

1,123

 

 

Chen Jihua

-

500

261

21

782

 

 

Joseph C. Muscari

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     (resigned on May 18, 2007)

58

-

-

-

58

 

 

Helmut Wieser

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    (appointed on May 18, 2007 and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    resigned on September 17, 2007)

51

-

-

-

51

 

 

Liu Xiangmin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    (appointed on May 18, 2007)

-

500

261

21

782

 

 

Shi Chungui

150

-

-

-

150

 

 

Poon Yiu Kin, Samuel

229

-

-

-

229

 

 

Kang Yi

233

-

-

-

233

 

 

Zhang Chengzhong

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    (resigned on May 18, 2007)

-

208

109

9

326

 

 

Zhang Zhuoyuan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    (appointed on May 18, 2007)

158

-

-

-

158

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

970

2,573

1,688

93

5,324

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Supervisors:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ao Hong

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

Yuan Li

-

399

139

21

559

 

 

Zhang Zhankui

-

-

-

-

-

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

-

399

139

21

559

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Total

970

2,972

1,827

114

5,883

 

 


 

 

 

F-84

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

26.

Directors', Supervisors' and senior management's remuneration (Continued)

 

 

 

(a)

Directors' and Supervisors' remuneration (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

The remuneration of each Director and Supervisor for the year ended December 31, 2006 is set out below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discretionary

 

 

 

 

Names of Directors and Supervisors

Fees

Salary

bonus

Pension

Total

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Directors:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Xiao Yaqing

-

754

622

19

1,395

 

 

Xiong Weiping

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    (resigned on August 23, 2006)

-

423

346

12

781

 

 

Wang Dianzuo

266

-

-

-

266

 

 

Luo Jianchuan

-

555

351

19

925

 

 

Chen Jihua

-

506

282

19

807

 

 

Joseph C. Muscari

150

-

-

-

150

 

 

Shi Chungui

150

-

-

-

150

 

 

Kang Yi

266

-

-

-

266

 

 

Poon Yiu Kin, Samuel

266

-

-

-

266

 

 

Zhang Chengzhong

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    (appointed on October 13, 2006)

-

506

282

19

807

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

1,098

2,744

1,883

88

5,813

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Supervisors:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Luo Tao (resigned on August 23, 2006)

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

Ou Xiaowu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    (resigned on August 23, 2006)

-

267

133

13

413

 

 

Ao Hong (appointed on October 13, 2006)

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

Yuan Li

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

Zhang Zhankui

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    (appointed on October 13, 2006)

-

96

-

5

101

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

-

363

133

18

514

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Total

1,098

3,107

2,016

106

6,327

 

 


 

 

 

F-85

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

26.

Directors', Supervisors' and senior management's remuneration (Continued)

 

 

 

(a)

Directors' and Supervisors' remuneration (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

The remuneration of the Directors and Supervisors fell within the following bands:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of individuals

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008

2007

2006

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

RMBNil to RMB1,000,000

12

13

14

 

 

RMB1,000,001 to RMB1,500,000

1

2

1

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

During the year, no options were granted to the Directors or the Supervisors (2007 and 2006: Nil).

During the year, no emoluments were paid to the Directors or the Supervisors (including the five highest paid employees) as an inducement to join or upon joining the Company or as compensation for loss of office (2007 and 2006: Nil).

No Directors or Supervisors of the Company waived any remuneration during the respective years.

 

 

 

 

(b)

Five highest paid individuals

 

 

 

 

 

During the current year, the five highest paid individuals of the Group include 4 (2007: 4; 2006: 4) Directors whose remuneration are reflected in the analysis presented above. The remuneration payable to the remaining 1 (2007: 1; 2006: 1) individual during the year, is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

2006

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Basic salaries, housing allowances, other allowances and benefits in kind

468

500

506

 

 

Discretionary bonus

169

261

282

 

 

Pension

23

21

19

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

660

782

807

 

 


 

 

 

F-86

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

27.

Expenses/(Income) charged/(credited) to the consolidated income statements

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

2006

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Net loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

59,189

167,953

90,724

 

Provision for impairment loss on property, plant and equipment

1,334

13,249

16,967

 

Operating lease rentals in respect of land and buildings

847,815

604,425

359,273

 

Provision for inventory obsolescence

916,256

25,353

34,861

 

(Reversal of)/Provision for doubtful debts on receivables (Notes 14 and 15)

(27,675)

(17,667)

26,693

 

Bad debts recovery

(6,394)

(3,854)

(2,227)

 

Loss on production shutdown (Note)

370,216

-

-

 


 

 

 

Note:

In 2008, the Group suspended certain production lines after taking into account existing market environment, depreciation, unallocated overheads and related labor costs amounted to RMB370.216 million (2007 and 2006: nil) were not inventorized and directly recorded in cost of sales.

 

 

28.

Income tax (benefits)/expense

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

2006

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Current income tax

269,395

2,905,809

4,444,843

 

Deferred income tax (Note 11)

(302,952)

(36,599)

20,439

 


 

 

 

 

(33,557)

2,869,210

4,465,282

 


 

 

 

The current PRC enterprise income tax of the Group has been provided on the estimated assessable profit and the appropriate tax rates for the year. Certain branches and subsidiaries of the Company located in special regions of the PRC were granted tax concessions including paying preferential tax rate of 15% for a period of 10 years, exempting them from income tax for the first 5 years from its first production date, etc. In addition, the Group also enjoys preferential policy on tax credit approved in prior years in respect of domestically manufactured production equipment purchased.

On March 16, 2007, the National People's Congress approved the "Corporate Income Tax Law of the People's Republic of China" (the "new CIT Law"). The new CIT Law became effective from January 1, 2008, and the applicable corporate income tax rate of the Company adjusted from 33% implemented previously to 25%. For those branches and subsidiaries of the Company which are applying 15% income tax rate, the income tax rate will gradually increase to 25% over 5 years while those entities located in western region continue to enjoy income tax rate of 15% without any upward adjustment before 2011 when such income tax rate will change to 25% thereafter.

 

 

F-87

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

28.

Income tax (benefits)/expense (Continued)

 

 

 

Reconciliation of income tax (benefits)/expense from consolidated profit:

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

2006

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Profit before income tax (benefits)/expense

124,815

14,992,308

17,462,371

 


 

 

 

Tax calculated at standard tax rate of 25% (2007 and 2006: 33%)

31,204

4,947,462

5,762,582

 

Impact on original deferred income tax record upon promulgation of new CIT Law

-

(601)

-

 

Preferential income tax expense differentials of certain branches and subsidiaries

(11,897)

(1,253,034)

(1,239,109)

 

Tax losses for which no deferred income tax asset was recognized

99,489

92,101

5,369

 

Non-taxable income

(31,603)

(319,094)

(219,279)

 

Non-deductible costs, expenses and losses

33,294

262,464

269,045

 

Tax credit for equipment investment

(92,397)

(805,564)

(68,469)

 

Adjustment of income tax in prior years

(17,844)

(54,070)

-

 

Utilization of prior years' unrecognized deductible loss and expenses

(43,803)

(454)

(44,857)

 


 

 

 

Income tax (benefits)/expense

(33,557)

2,869,210

4,465,282

 


 

 

 

Average effective tax rate

(26.89%)

19.14%

25.57%

 


 

 

 

Note:

Share of income tax expense of associates included in 'Shares of profits of associate' amounted to RMB5 million (2007: RMB109 million; 2006: RMB28 million), respectively.

The jointly controlled entities did not incur any income tax expense for the year (2007 and 2006: nil).

The decrease of the average effective tax rate from 2006 to 2007 is mainly attributable to the enterprise income tax credit obtained from the purchase of domestically manufactured production equipment and the preferential income tax rate of 15% enjoyed from the acquisitions of Zunyi Aluminum and Lanzhou Aluminum, which are located in the western region of the PRC.

The decrease of the average effective tax rate from 2007 to 2008 is mainly attributable to the fact that the Company and certain subsidiaries are in tax loss positions and the tax credit in respect of acquisition of qualified equipment.

 

 

F-88

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

29.

Earnings per share

 

 

 

(a)

Basic earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

The calculation of basic earnings per share of the years 2008, 2007 and 2006 were based on the consolidated profit attributable to equity holders of the Company of RMB9 million, RMB10,753 million and RMB12,106 million and the weighted average number of 13,524 million, 12,792 million and 11,725 million ordinary shares in issue during the respective periods.

 

 

 

 

(b)

Diluted earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share is calculated based on consolidated profit attributable to equity holders of the Company for the year adjusted for the profit and loss impact from potential diluted ordinary share and the adjusted weighted average number of ordinary share in issue during the respective periods.

During 2008, 2007 and 2006, as the Company did not have any dilutive ordinary shares, there was no difference between basic and diluted earnings per share.

 

 

 

30.

Dividends

 

 

 

According to the articles of association of the Company, the Company considers the lower of the sum of current period net profit and opening retained earnings of financial statements prepared under HKFRS; and the sum of current period net profit and opening retained earnings derived under PRC GAAP and related regulations as the maximum limit in profit appropriation to shareholders.

A 2006 final dividend of RMB0.115 (2005: RMB0.214) per ordinary share, totaling approximately RMB1,482 million (2005: RMB2,365 million) was declared and approved in the shareholders' meetings. The 2006 and 2005 final dividends were fully paid before July 30, 2007 and May 31, 2006, respectively.

A 2006 final special dividend of RMB0.013 per ordinary share, totaling approximately RMB168 million was declared and approved in the shareholders' meeting on October 12, 2007. The 2006 final special dividends were fully paid before June 30, 2008.

The 2007 final dividends distribution plan of the Company was approved in the shareholders' meeting on May 9, 2008. Applying total share capital of 13,524,487,892 shares as of December 31, 2007 as the basis and excluding those interim dividends paid, cash dividends per share distributed amounted to RMB0.053, totaling approximately RMB717 million and was fully paid as of June 30, 2008.

The 2008 interim dividends distribution plan of the Company was approved in extraordinary shareholders' meeting on October 28, 2008. Applying total share capital of 13,524,487,892 shares as of September 30, 2008 as the basis, cash dividends per share distributed amounted to RMB0.052 (2007 interim: RMB0.137), totaling approximately RMB703 million (2007 interim: RMB1,765 million) and was fully paid as of December 24, 2008.

The Board did not recommend the payment of a final dividend for the period up to December 31, 2008.

 

 

F-89

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

31.

Related party balances and transactions

 

 

 

Related parties refer to entities in which the Company has the ability, directly or indirectly, to control or jointly control the other party, or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial and operating decisions, or Directors or officers of the Company and of its holding company, jointly controlled entities and associates.

State-owned enterprises and their subsidiaries, other than entities under Chinalco (also a state-owned enterprise), directly or indirectly controlled by the PRC government are also defined as related parties of the Group in accordance with HKAS 24 "Related Party Disclosures".

Given that the PRC government still owns a significant portion of the productive assets in the PRC despite the continuous reform of the governments structure, the majority of the Group's business activities are conducted with enterprises directly or indirectly owned or controlled by the PRC government ("other state-owned enterprises"), including Chinalco and its subsidiaries (collectively "Chinalco Group"), its associates and jointly controlled entities in the ordinary course of business.

For the purpose of the related party balances and transactions disclosure, the Group has established procedures to determine, to the extent possible, the identification of the ownership structure of its customers and suppliers as to whether they are state-owned enterprises. However, many state-owned enterprises have a multi-layered corporate structure and the ownership structures change over time as a result of transfers and privatization programs. Nevertheless, management believes that all material related party balances and transactions have been adequately disclosed.

Chinalco does not publish financial statements for public use.

 

 

 

(a)

Related party balances with Chinalco Group

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

Due from Chinalco Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts due from Chinalco Group are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade receivables

319,623

249,682

 

 

 

Prepayments and other receivables

848,719

155,051

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,168,342

404,733

 

 

 

Less: provision for doubtful debts

(171,360)

(203,723)

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

996,982

201,010

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables from Chinalco Group are unsecured, non-interest bearing and receivable on demand.

 

 

 

 

F-90

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

31.

Related party balances and transactions (Continued)

 

 

 

(a)

Related party balances with Chinalco Group (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

(ii)

Due to Chinalco Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts due to Chinalco Group are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade payables

312,542

306,887

 

 

 

Other payables

2,625,164

1,727,699

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,937,706

2,034,586

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payables to Chinalco Group are unsecured, non-interest bearing and repayable on demand.

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

Other related party balances

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

Due from other related parties

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts due from other related parties are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jointly controlled entities

42,322

17,631

 

 

 

Associates

-

100

 

 

 

Others

227,978

254,036

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

270,300

271,767

 

 

 

Less: provision for doubtful debts

(34)

(16,954)

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

270,266

254,813

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts due from other related parties are unsecured, non-interest bearing and receivable on demand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(ii)

Due to other related parties

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts due to other related parties were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jointly controlled entities

332

1,898

 

 

 

Associates

1,580

12,020

 

 

 

Others

9,419

22,980

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,331

36,898

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts due to other related parties are unsecured, non-interest bearing and repayable on demand.

 

 

 

 

F-91

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

31.

Related party balances and transactions (Continued)

 

 

 

(c)

Related party balances with other state-owned enterprises

 

 

 

 

 

Included in the consolidated balance sheet, balances with other state-owned enterprises are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivables, net

38,172

87,292

 

 

Other current assets, net

796,573

332,127

 

 

Bank balances

15,496,391

8,565,640

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

 

 

 

 

Long-term bank loans

23,721,674

15,258,843

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and other liabilities

2,728,012

1,145,123

 

 

Short-term loans

14,148,202

5,753,055

 

 

Current portion of long-term bank loans

2,949,730

2,332,600

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Except for bank balances and loans stated above, all the balances of assets and liabilities with other state-owned enterprises mentioned above are unsecured, non-interest bearing and receivable/repayable within one year.

Terms of bank balances, long-term loans and short-term loans are described in Notes 16 and 18, respectively.

For the year ended December 31, 2008, the annual interest rates of long-term loans and short-term loans from other state-owned enterprises are from 3.54% to 8.51% and from 4.49% to 7.47% (2007: 0.30% to 7.83% and from 5.02% to 7.34%; 2006: 0.30% to 7.24% and from 3.78% to 7.34%), respectively.

As of December 31, 2008, loans amounting to RMB1,336 million (2007: RMB1,176 million) were guaranteed by other state-owned enterprises.

 

 

 

F-92

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

31.

Related party balances and transactions (Continued)

 

 

 

(d)

Related party transactions with Chinalco Group and other related parties

 

 

 

 

 

Save as disclosed elsewhere in the consolidated financial statements, significant related party transactions which were carried out in the normal course of the Group's business during the year were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note

2008

2007

2006

 

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Sales of materials and finished goods, including:

(I)

 

 

 

 

 

    Chinalco Group

 

2,703,461

2,533,702

2,466,601

 

 

    Jointly controlled entities

 

20,939

16,882

11,109

 

 

    Associates

 

3,274

2,167,047

1,342,997

 

 

    Other related parties

 

5,736,264

8,120,244

3,200,265

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,463,938

12,837,875

7,020,972

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Provision of utility services, including:

(II)

 

 

 

 

 

    Chinalco Group

 

580,042

439,766

294,556

 

 

    Associates

 

5,461

3,659

24

 

 

    Other related parties

 

44

57

-

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

585,547

443,482

294,580

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Provision of engineering, construction and

 

 

 

 

 

 

    supervisory services, including:

(III)

 

 

 

 

 

    Chinalco Group

 

8,373,067

3,435,029

1,695,190

 

 

    Other related parties

 

22,585

24,342

-

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,395,652

3,459,371

1,695,190

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of key and auxiliary materials from, including:

(IV)

 

 

 

 

 

    Chinalco Group

 

1,804,594

2,051,360

1,795,942

 

 

    Jointly controlled entities

 

6,260

243,524

-

 

 

    Associates

 

345,029

-

585,835

 

 

    Other related parties

 

3,113,918

5,037,148

3,153,725

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,269,801

7,332,032

5,535,502

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Provision of social services and logistics

 

 

 

 

 

 

    services by Chinalco Group

(V)

723,129

903,272

1,043,606

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Provision of utilities services by other related parties

(III)

4,010

1,514

-

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Rental expenses for land use rights and

 

 

 

 

 

 

    buildings charged by Chinalco Group

(VI)

948,396

728,743

368,140

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

 

 

 

 

 

(I)

Sales of materials and finished goods comprised sales of alumina, primary aluminum, aluminum fabrication products and scrap materials. Transactions entered are covered by general agreements on mutual provision of production supplies and ancillary services. The pricing policy is summarized below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

Adoption of the price prescribed by the PRC government ("Stated-prescribed price");

 

 

 

(ii)

If there is no State-prescribed price then adoption of State-guidance price;

 

 

 

(iii)

If there is neither State-prescribed price nor State-guidance price, then adoption of market price (being price charged to and from independent third parties); and

 

 

 

(iv)

If none of the above is available, then adoption of a contractual price (being reasonable costs incurred in providing the relevant services plus not more than 5% of such costs).

 

 

 

 

 

F-93

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

31.

Related party balances and transactions (Continued)

 

 

 

(d)

Related party transactions with Chinalco Group and other related parties (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

Notes (Continued):

 

 

 

 

 

(II)

Utility services, including electricity, gas, heat and water are supplied at the prices as set out in (I)(i) above.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(III)

Engineering, project construction and supervisory services were provided for construction projects of the Company. The State-guidance price as stated in (I)(ii) or prevailing market price in (I)(iii) (including tender price where by way of tender) is adopted for pricing purposes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(IV)

The pricing policy for purchases of key and auxiliary materials (including bauxite, limestone, carbon, cement, coal, etc.) is the same as that set out in (I) above.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(V)

Social services and logistics services provided by Chinalco Group cover public security, fire services, education and training, school and hospital services, cultural and physical education, newspaper and magazines, broadcasting and printing as well as property management, environmental and hygiene, greenery, nurseries and kindergartens, sanatoriums, canteens and offices, public transport and retirement management and other services. Provision of these services are covered by the Comprehensive Social and Logistics Services Agreement. The pricing policy is the same as that set out in (I) above.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(VI)

Pursuant to the Land Use Rights Lease Agreements entered into between the Group and Chinalco Group, operating leases for industrial or commercial land are charged at market rent rate. The Group also entered into building rental agreement with Chinalco Group and pays rent based on market rate for its lease of buildings owned by Chinalco.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(VII)

Pursuant to Trademark License Agreement, the Company granted to Chinalco a non-exclusive right to use two trademarks for a period of ten years from July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2011 at zero cost. The Company will be responsible for the payment of a total annual fee of no more than RMB1,000 to maintain effective registration. According to the agreement terms, Chinalco may negotiate extension of effective period in using these trademarks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(VIII)

As of December 31, 2008, the Company provided guarantee to its subsidiary in opening letters of credit amounted to RMB223.515 million (2007: RMB312.162 million).

 

 

 

 

 

(e)

Related party transactions with other state-owned enterprises

 

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

2006

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

 

Sales of goods

12,885,826

10,304,947

17,018,797

 

 

Purchases of raw materials

5,033,356

5,820,666

4,702,040

 

 

Purchases of electricity

14,966,469

12,800,946

9,415,036

 

 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment (including construction services and materials)

1,253,629

915,477

1,255,639

 

 

Drawdown of loans (including short-term and long-term)

31,941,421

11,826,200

7,667,719

 

 

Interest expense paid

2,255,532

1,370,749

1,184,139

 


 

 

F-94

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

31.

Related party balances and transactions (Continued)

 

 

 

(f)

Key management personnel compensation

 

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

2006

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

 

Basic salaries, housing allowances, other allowances and benefits in kind

3,130

3,413

3,789

 

 

Discretionary bonus

1,362

2,123

2,493

 

 

Pension

130

123

126

 


 

 

 

 

 

4,622

5,659

6,408

 


 

 

32.

Contingent liabilities

 

 

 

Litigation

As of December 31, 2008, Fushun Aluminum, a subsidiary of the Company was named in the claims by various banks for its joint and several liabilities amounting to approximately RMB171 million (2007: RMB681 million) for the repayments of loans due from a third party.

Fushun Aluminum was acquired by the Company from a third party. The Directors of the Company are of the opinion that as the acquisition was conducted on fair principle and the consideration was set close to the asset value of the assets acquired, no contingency provision for such claims was provided as of December 31, 2008 (2007: Nil).

 

 

33.

Commitments

 

 

 

(a)

Capital commitments of property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Contracted but not provided for

10,278,172

10,946,124

 

 

Authorized but not contracted for

30,131,209

25,473,768

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

40,409,381

36,419,892

 

 


 

 

 

 

(b)

Commitments under operating leases

 

 

 

 

 

Pursuant to non-cancelable lease agreements entered into by the Group, the future aggregate minimum lease payments are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

2007

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Not later than one year

905,493

686,921

 

 

Later than one year and not later than five years

3,621,972

2,747,684

 

 

Later than five years

30,877,194

23,713,941

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

35,404,659

27,148,546

 

 


 

 

 

F-95

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

33.

Commitments (Continued)

 

 

 

(c)

Commitments for capital contribution

 

 

 

 

 

The Company entered into an investment agreement with Guizhou Wujiang Hydropower Development Co., Ltd. on April 17, 2006 to establish Zunyi Alumina with a registered capital of RMB1,400 million, including an injection by the Company of RMB938 million in exchange for a 67% equity interest. As of December 31, 2008, the Company has injected capital of RMB562.80 million (2007: RMB387.60 million) and is still obliged to make the remaining capital injection of RMB375.20 million (2007: RMB550.40 million).

As of December 31, 2008, the Company committed to a further capital injection into its subsidiary, China Aluminum Taiyue Mining Co., Ltd. for RMB20 million (2007: RMB20 million).

 

 

 

34.

Ultimate holding company

 

 

 

The Directors regard Chinalco, a company incorporated in the PRC, as being the ultimate holding company.

 

 

35.

Significant differences between HKFRS and US GAAP

 

 

 

The consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 have been prepared in accordance with HKFRS. HKFRS may differ in various material respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("US GAAP"). Such differences involve different measurements for items shown in these consolidated financial statements, as well as additional disclosures required by US GAAP.

In preparing the summary of differences between HKFRS and US GAAP, the Directors of the Company are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the estimates of gains and expenses. Accounting estimates have been employed in these financial statements to determine reported amounts, including useful lives of tangible and intangible assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

 

F-96

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

35.

Significant differences between HKFRS and US GAAP (Continued)

 

 

 

Effect on net profit of significant differences between HKFRS and US GAAP is as follows:

 

 

 

 

Note

2008

2008

2007

2006

 

 

 

 

(Note 1)

 

 

 

 

 

RMB'000

USD'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Profit under HKFRS (Remark)

 

158,372

23,213

12,123,098

13,009,795

 

US GAAP adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional depreciation on revalued

 

 

 

 

 

 

    property, plant and equipment

(a)

269,999

39,575

269,999

269,999

 

Unrecognized excess of interest in the net fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

    of net assets acquired over cost

(c)

11,103

1,627

21,921

(224,950)

 

Additional amortization on revalued mining rights

(d)

9,307

1,364

9,307

9,307

 

Common control business combinations

(g)

(214,679)

(31,466)

(1,016,337)

(361,173)

 

Impairment of goodwill

(g)

(6,690,223)

(980,612)

-

-

 

Minority interest

(h)

(149,144)

(21,860)

(1,370,056)

(903,946)

 

Income tax effect of US GAAP adjustments

(i)

(41,721)

(6,115)

(138,304)

(72,561)

 


 

 

 

Net (loss)/profit under US GAAP

 

(6,646,986)

(974,274)

9,899,628

11,726,471

 


 

 

 

Basic and diluted net (loss)/earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

    per share under US GAAP

 

RMB(0.49)

USD(0.07)

RMB0.79

RMB1.03

 


 

 

 

Remark:

As a result of common control business combinations described in Note 5, the operating results of 2006 and 2007 have been restated accordingly under HKFRS.

 

 

F-97

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

35.

Significant differences between HKFRS and US GAAP (Continued)

 

 

 

Effect on equity of significant differences between HKFRS and US GAAP is as follows:

 

 

 

 

Note

2008

2008

2007

2006

 

 

 

 

(Note 1)

 

 

 

 

 

RMB'000

USD'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 


 

 

 

Equity under HKFRS (Remark)

 

60,196,822

8,823,279

64,493,205

52,290,581

 

US GAAP adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revaluation of property, plant and equipment,

 

 

 

 

 

 

    net of related depreciation

(a)

(1,781,721)

(261,154)

(2,051,720)

(2,321,719)

 

Amortization of goodwill

(b)

73,944

10,838

73,944

73,944

 

Unrecognized excess of interest in the net fair value of

 

 

 

 

 

 

    net assets acquired over cost

(c)

(191,926)

(28,131)

(203,029)

(224,950)

 

Revaluation of mining rights, net of related amortization

(d)

(215,193)

(31,542)

(224,500)

(233,807)

 

Difference on fair value of acquisition consideration

(e)

(789,739)

(115,755)

(789,739)

-

 

Acquisition of minority interest

(f)

1,955,426

286,614

1,955,426

-

 

Common control business combinations

(g)

12,799,089

1,876,012

8,372,437

(2,706,792)

 

Impairment of goodwill

(g)

(6,690,223)

(980,612)

-

-

 

Minority interest

(h)

(5,198,340)

(761,941)

(3,805,144)

(5,359,056)

 

Income tax effect of US GAAP adjustments

(i)

166,938

24,469

626,576

764,881

 


 

 

 

Equity under US GAAP

 

60,325,077

8,842,077

68,447,456

42,283,082

 


 

 

 

Remark:

As a result of common control business combinations described in Note 5, the equity of 2006 and 2007 has been restated accordingly under HKFRS.

Notes:

 

 

 

(a)

Revaluation of property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

 

 

Under HKFRS, property, plant and equipment transferred from Chinalco to the Group were accounted for in the financial statements using acquisition accounting. As a result, the Group's property, plant and equipment were revalued at fair value under HKFRS. As the transfers of these property, plant and equipment are regarded as common control transactions, no new cost basis was established under US GAAP. When an asset is transferred from the parent to its wholly-owned subsidiary, the subsidiary should record the asset at the parent's carrying value.

 

 

 

 

(b)

Amortization of goodwill

 

 

 

 

 

Until December 31, 2004, under HKFRS, goodwill arising from acquisitions under purchase accounting was recognized as an intangible asset and amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful economic life of not more than 20 years. Under US GAAP, annual amortization of goodwill ceased from January 1, 2002. Goodwill is subject to annual impairment testing and is written down if carrying value exceeds fair value. In accordance with HKFRS 3 effective from January 1, 2005, the Group ceased amortization of goodwill and goodwill is subject to annual impairment testing. Except for the differences with US GAAP recognized in prior years, there is no further difference.

 

 

 

F-98

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

35.

Significant differences between HKFRS and US GAAP (Continued)

 

 

 

Notes (Continued):

 

 

 

(c)

Unrecognized excess of interest in the net fair value of net assets acquired over cost

 

 

 

 

 

Excess of interest in the net fair value of net assets acquired over cost arises from business combinations where the shares of fair value of the acquiree's identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are in excess of acquisition cost. Under HKFRS, the identification and measurement of identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are required to be reassessed. After reassessment, any remaining portion is recognized in the income statement immediately. Under US GAAP, any excess after reassessment is used to reduce proportionately the fair values assigned to the non-current assets acquired (with certain exceptions). Any remaining excess is then recognized in the income statement as an extraordinary gain.

 

 

 

 

(d)

Revaluation of mining rights

 

 

 

 

 

As part of the Group reorganization and pursuant to the Mining Rights Transfer Agreement, the Group acquired mining rights for eight bauxite mines and four limestone quarries from Chinalco for consideration of RMB285,341,000. Under HKFRS, mining rights acquired are stated at acquisition cost less accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment loss. Amortization of mining rights is calculated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of not more than 30 years. Under US GAAP, as the transfer was a transaction under common control, a new cost basis was not established for the Group.

 

 

 

 

(e)

Fair value of consideration on acquisitions

 

 

 

 

 

In November 2006, the Company entered into agreements with the other shareholders of Lanzhou Aluminum to acquire the remaining equity interests of this entity. On April 24, 2007, the Company acquired such equity interests through the issuance of A shares. These A shares were then listed on the SSE on April 30, 2007. Under HKFRS, the fair value of the acquisition cost was measured at the fair value of these instruments on the closing date of the transaction. Under US GAAP, the fair value of the acquisition was measured over a reasonable period of time before and after the agreement and announcement of the terms of acquisition.

Accordingly, the balance of goodwill and the related impacts on equity (see (f) below) are different between HKFRS and US GAAP.

 

 

 

F-99

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

35.

Significant differences between HKFRS and US GAAP (Continued)

 

 

 

Notes (Continued):

 

 

 

(f)

Acquisition of minority interest

 

 

 

 

 

Prior to 2007, the Company held a 71.43% equity interest in Shandong Aluminum. In April 2007, the Company acquired the remaining 28.57% equity interest in this subsidiary. In addition, in connection with the acquisition of Lanzhou Aluminum (see (e) above), the Company obtained a 51% indirect equity interest in Hewan Power in 2007. In November 2007, the Company acquired the remaining 49% equity interest in Hewan Power. Under HKFRS, the acquisitions above do not qualify as business combinations and any difference between the consideration paid and the proportionate shares of the carrying amount of net assets acquired are accounted for in equity. Under US GAAP, acquisitions of minority interest are accounted for using the purchase method.

Accordingly, the balance of goodwill and the related impacts on equity and income are different between HKFRS and US GAAP.

 

 

 

 

(g)

Common control business combinations

 

 

 

 

 

In July 2007, the Company entered into agreements with Baotou Aluminum to acquire all the equity interest from their shareholders. On December 28, 2007, the Company acquired 100% equity interest of Baotou Aluminum through the issuance of A shares. On May 30, 2008, the Company acquired Longxing Aluminum, Huaxi Aluminum, Chalco Ruimin, Chalco Southwest Aluminum Cold Rolling, Chalco Southwest Aluminum and Henan Aluminum from Chinalco and China Nonferrous Metals Technology for cash. In addition, on October 1, 2008, the Company further acquired the aluminum alloy business of Pingguo Aluminum from Pingguo Aluminum Company for cash. Under HKFRS, these transactions are considered common control transactions as the Company, Baotou Aluminum and the seven common control entities acquired in 2008 are under de facto and actual control of Chinalco, respectively, and therefore, merger accounting is used to account for these transactions. However, for US GAAP purposes, the Company is not considered to be controlled by Chinalco. Therefore, under US GAAP, these are not regarded as common control transactions and are accounted for under the purchase method. The fair value of the consideration paid for the acquisition of Baotou Aluminum was measured over a reasonable period of time before and after the agreement and announcement of the terms of acquisition while proportionate shares of all the net identifiable assets acquired were recorded at fair value based on the respective acquisition dates.

Accordingly, the balance of goodwill and the related impacts on equity and income are different between HKFRS and US GAAP.

 

 

 

F-100

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

35.

Significant differences between HKFRS and US GAAP (Continued)

 

 

 

Notes (Continued):

 

 

 

(g)

Common control business combinations (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

During each of the periods presented, management performed its annual impairment test for goodwill using the two-step approach according to SFAS 142. Goodwill was not impaired in 2006 and 2007. In 2008, except for goodwill arising from the acquisition of Baotou Aluminum, the fair values of those reporting units into which goodwill is allocated, exceed their respective carrying amounts including goodwill. Management concluded that the goodwill arising from the acquisition of Baotou Aluminum was impaired. A discount rate of 11% was applied to determine the implied fair value of goodwill based on the five-year financial budget approved by management. A growth rate of 2% was applied for cash flows beyond the five-year period, which does not exceed the long-term average growth rate for respective businesses and is consistent with forecast information contained in industry reports. An impairment loss of RMB6.690 billion was recorded as a result. This impairment is mainly attributable to the decline of the 2008 operating results of Baotou Aluminum due to changes in the economic environment and management considered the synergy initially expected to arise from acquisition of Baotou Aluminum was affected.

 

 

 

 

(h)

Minority interest

 

 

 

 

 

Under HKFRS, minority interest is included as a component of equity and the profit and loss attributable to minority interest is included as a component of the Group's total net profit. Under US GAAP, minority interest is excluded from equity and presented as a separate item before net profit.

 

 

 

 

(i)

Income tax effect of U.S. GAAP adjustments

 

 

 

 

 

Under US GAAP, deferred income tax relating to the reversal of the property, plant and equipment revaluation, mining rights revaluation and the effect of unrecognized excess of interest in the fair value of net assets acquired over cost and the effect of common control business combinations are recognized.

 

 

 

 

(j)

Other disclosure: effects of tax holiday

 

 

 

 

 

Six branches and five subsidiaries of the Company located in the western region of China were granted tax concessions to pay PRC enterprise income tax at a preferential rate of 15%. The preferential tax rate is applicable to qualified businesses of the six branches and five subsidiaries in specified regions with effect from January 1, 2001 for a ten-year period to December 31, 2010. The preferential treatment persists so long as the qualified businesses of these branches and subsidiaries continue to operate during the applicable period.

 

 

 

F-101

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

35.

Significant differences between HKFRS and US GAAP (Continued)

 

 

 

Notes (Continued):

 

 

 

(j)

Other disclosure: effects of tax holiday (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

A subsidiary of the Company, which is located in Xining Economic and Technology Developing District and registered in October 2003, is exempted from PRC enterprise income tax for the first 5 years starting from the commencement of its business and is entitled to a preferential rate of 15% for the years after pursuant to "Certain policies under the Strategic Development of Western Region in Qinghai Province" (Qing Zheng [2003] No. 35).

Pursuant to the Statement on Supporting Fund for Development of Enterprises issued by the local government of Caolu Town, Pudong New Areas, Shanghai, a subsidiary was exempted from PRC income tax for the first year and at a preferential rate of 15% for the two years after.

Under US GAAP, the aggregate amount and effect on earnings per share of the tax holiday are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

2008

2007

2006

 

 

 

RMB'000

USD'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

The aggregate amount of tax holiday

14,621

2,143

954,681

1,032,399

 

 

Effect on basic earnings per share

RMB0.0011

USD0.0002

RMB0.08

RMB0.09

 

 


 

 

 

 

(k)

Recent U.S. accounting pronouncements

 

 

 

 

 

FASB Statement No. 141 (Revised 2007), 'Business combinations' ("SFAS 141R"). SFAS 141R provides additional guidance on improving the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of the financial information that a reporting entity provides in its financial reports about a business combination and its effects. This Statement applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Group will apply SFAS 141R in the financial statements for any acquisition effective after December 31, 2008.

FASB Statement No. 160, 'Non-controlling interests in consolidated financial statements - an amendment of ARB No. 51' ("SFAS 160"). SFAS 160 amends ARB No. 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. This Statement is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Group will apply SFAS 160 from January 1, 2009.

 

 

 

F-102

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

35.

Significant differences between HKFRS and US GAAP (Continued)

 

 

 

Notes (Continued):

 

 

 

(k)

Recent U.S. accounting pronouncements (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

FASB Staff Position FAS 141(R)-1, 'Accounting for assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies' ("FSP FAS 141(R)-1"). FSP FAS 141(R)-1 amends and clarifies SFAS 141R to address application issues raised by preparers, auditors, and members of the legal profession on initial recognition and measurement, subsequent measurement and accounting, and disclosure of assets and liabilities arising from contingencies in a business combination. Under the new guidance, assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies should be recognized at fair value on the acquisition date if fair value can be determined during the measurement period. If fair value cannot be determined, companies should typically account for the acquired contingencies using existing guidance. This FSP is effective for assets or liabilities arising from contingencies in business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Group will apply FSP FAS 141(R)-1 in the financial statements for any acquisition effective after December 31, 2008.

FASB Staff Position FAS 152-2 and FAS 124-2, 'Recognition and presentation of other-than-temporary impairments' ("FSP FAS 152-2 and FAS 124-2"). FSP FAS 152-2 and FAS 124-2 clarifies that in periods in which an entity determines that a security's decline in fair value below its amortized cost basis as other than temporary, the entity shall present the total other-than-temporary impairment in the income statement with an offset for the amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment that is recognized in other comprehensive income, if any. This FSP is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Group will apply FSP FAS 152-2 and FAS 124-2 from January 1, 2009. Management considered these is no material impact from adopting this FSP on the financial statements of the Group.

FASB Staff Position FAS 157-2, 'Effective date of FASB Statement No. 157' ("FSP FAS 157-2"). FSP FAS 157-2 delays the effective date of FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements ("SFAS 157") for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). This FSP partially defers the effective date of SFAS 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years for items within the scope of this FSP. The Group will adopt the provisions of SFAS 157 from January 1, 2009 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities and do not expect this to have any material impact on the financial statements.

FASB Staff Position FAS 157-4, 'Determining fair value when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased and identifying transactions that are not orderly' ("FSP FAS 157-4"). FSP FAS 157-4 provides additional guidance for estimating fair value in accordance with SFAS 157 when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased. This FSP also includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly. This FSP is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009 and is applied prospectively. The Group will apply FSP FAS 157-4 from January 1, 2009.

 

 

 

F-103

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

35.

Significant differences between HKFRS and US GAAP (Continued)

 

 

 

Notes (Continued):

 

 

 

(l)

Condensed US GAAP consolidated financial information

 

 

 

 

 

The following are condensed consolidated balance sheets of the Group as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, the related condensed consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity, comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the three-year period ended December 31, 2008 and a summary of explanatory notes restated to reflect the impact of the differences between HKFRS and US GAAP.

Condensed consolidated balance sheets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note

2007

2008

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Note 1)

 

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

USD'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepaid income tax

 

-

748,668

109,735

 

 

Inventories, net

 

13,507,173

19,253,709

2,822,090

 

 

Accounts receivable, net

i

2,975,668

1,961,501

287,505

 

 

Other current assets, net

 

1,949,826

3,447,050

505,247

 

 

Trading securities

 

8,103

57,864

8,481

 

 

Bank balances and cash

 

7,802,907

15,759,432

2,309,920

 

 

Deferred income tax assets

 

201,078

377,082

55,270

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Total current assets

 

26,444,755

41,605,306

6,098,248

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Non-current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets

ii

14,813,846

8,933,451

1,309,410

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

iii

60,048,471

82,109,284

12,035,073

 

 

Land use rights

 

1,180,840

2,161,246

316,782

 

 

Interests in jointly controlled entities

 

636,296

701,850

102,873

 

 

Interests in associates

iv

495,992

571,556

83,775

 

 

Available-for sale financial assets

 

40,113

28,614

4,194

 

 

Deferred income tax assets

 

793,067

769,341

112,765

 

 

Other non-current assets

 

325,103

785,103

115,076

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Total non-current assets

 

78,333,728

96,060,445

14,079,948

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

104,778,483

137,665,751

20,178,196

 

 


 

 

 

F-104

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

35.

Significant differences between HKFRS and US GAAP (Continued)

 

 

 

Notes (Continued):

 

 

 

(l)

Condensed US GAAP consolidated financial information (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed consolidated balance sheets (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note

2007

2008

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Note 1)

 

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

USD'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders' equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share capital

 

13,524,488

13,524,488

1,982,336

 

 

Other capital

 

54,922,968

46,800,589

6,859,742

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Total shareholders' equity

 

68,447,456

60,325,077

8,842,078

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest

 

3,009,485

3,934,093

576,635

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

3,611,425

4,665,957

683,907

 

 

Other payables and accrued expenses

 

6,330,116

11,055,762

1,620,485

 

 

Other financial liabilities

 

-

114,047

16,716

 

 

Dividends payable

 

21,627

107,039

15,689

 

 

Current income tax liabilities

 

509,041

22,653

3,320

 

 

Borrowings

 

8,360,133

21,398,415

3,136,448

 

 

Deferred income tax liabilities

 

3,296

22,369

3,279

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

18,835,638

37,386,242

5,479,844

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings

 

14,168,443

35,070,552

5,140,425

 

 

Deferred income tax liabilities

 

169,164

267,284

39,177

 

 

Other non-current liabilities

 

148,297

682,503

100,037

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Total non-current liabilities

 

14,485,904

36,020,339

5,279,639

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

33,321,542

73,406,581

10,759,483

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Total equity and liabilities

 

104,778,483

137,665,751

20,178,196

 

 


 

 

 

F-105

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

35.

Significant differences between HKFRS and US GAAP (Continued)

 

 

 

Notes (Continued):

 

 

 

(l)

Condensed US GAAP consolidated financial information (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed consolidated income statements

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note

2006

2007

2008

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Note 1)

 

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

USD'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

v

62,001,158

72,429,551

65,900,619

9,659,307

 

 

Cost of sales

v

(41,615,637)

(54,509,975)

(60,238,973)

(8,829,457)

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

20,385,521

17,919,576

5,661,646

829,850

 

 

Selling and distribution expenses

 

(958,133)

(1,093,670)

(1,488,670)

(218,200)

 

 

General and administrative expenses

 

(2,188,685)

(2,535,229)

(3,187,570)

(467,214)

 

 

Research and development expenses

 

(113,529)

(217,209)

(176,809)

(25,916)

 

 

Impairment loss of goodwill

 

-

-

(6,690,223)

(980,612)

 

 

Other gains, net

v

145,205

130,261

361,504

52,987

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Operating income/(loss)

 

17,270,379

14,203,729

(5,520,122)

(809,105)

 

 

Finance costs, net

 

(532,203)

(636,547)

(1,432,372)

(209,948)

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Operating profit/(loss) after finance costs

 

16,738,176

13,567,182

(6,952,494)

(1,019,053)

 

 

Shares of (losses)/profits of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    jointly controlled entities

 

(11,419)

(3,381)

1,672

245

 

 

Shares of profits of associates

 

105,141

242,131

91,753

13,449

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Profit/(Loss) before income tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    (expense)/benefits

 

16,831,898

13,805,932

(6,859,069)

(1,005,359)

 

 

Income tax (expense)/benefits

 

(4,466,122)

(2,825,198)

165,298

24,228

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Profit/(Loss) for the year

 

12,365,776

10,980,734

(6,693,771)

(981,131)

 

 

Minority interest

 

(639,305)

(1,081,106)

46,785

6,857

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Net profit/(loss) for the year

 

11,726,471

9,899,628

(6,646,986)

(974,274)

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share

 

RMB1.03

RMB0.79

RMB(0.49)

USD(0.07)

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per ADS*

 

RMB25.63

RMB19.78

RMB(12.29)

USD(1.80)

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

*

Based on a ratio of 25 ordinary shares to 1 ADS.

 

 

 

 

F-106

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

35.

Significant differences between HKFRS and US GAAP (Continued)

 

 

 

Notes (Continued):

 

 

 

(l)

Condensed US GAAP consolidated financial information (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed consolidated statements of changes in shareholders' equity and comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

Shareholders' equity

comprehensive income

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders' equity as of January 1, 2006

30,720,995

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profit for the year ended December 31, 2006

11,726,471

11,726,471

 

 

Issuance of new shares

4,502,492

-

 

 

Share issuance expense

(112,023)

-

 

 

Dividends

(4,554,853)

-

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

 

11,726,471

 

 




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders' equity as of December 31, 2006

42,283,082

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value gains from available-for-sale investment - gross

8,879

8,879

 

 

Fair value gains from available-for-sale investment - tax

(1,332)

(1,332)

 

 

Equity pick up from an associate

168

168

 

 

Cumulative translation difference

10,047

10,047

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income

17,762

17,762

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profit for the year ended December 31, 2007

9,899,628

9,899,628

 

 

Issuance of new shares

9,726,887

-

 

 

Share issuance expense

(179,000)

-

 

 

Acquisitions of subsidiaries

10,114,049

-

 

 

Dividends

(3,414,952)

-

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

 

9,917,390

 

 




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders' equity as of December 31, 2007

68,447,456

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

F-107

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

35.

Significant differences between HKFRS and US GAAP (Continued)

 

 

 

Notes (Continued):

 

 

 

(l)

Condensed US GAAP consolidated financial information (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed consolidated statements of changes in shareholders' equity and comprehensive income (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

Shareholders' equity

comprehensive income

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Fair value gains from available-for-sale investment - gross

(7,048)

(7,048)

 

 

Fair value gains from available-for-sale investment - tax

1,057

1,057

 

 

Grants payable transferred to capital reserve

98,000

98,000

 

 

Cumulative translation difference

(180,400)

(180,400)

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss

(88,391)

(88,391)

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss for the year ended December 31, 2008

(6,646,986)

(6,646,986)

 

 

Reversal of over-provision of share issuance expenses

28,000

-

 

 

Dividends

(1,420,071)

-

 

 

Others

5,069

-

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive loss

 

(6,735,377)

 

 




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders' equity as of December 31, 2008

60,325,077

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

F-108

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

35.

Significant differences between HKFRS and US GAAP (Continued)

 

 

 

Notes (Continued):

 

 

 

(l)

Condensed US GAAP consolidated financial information (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

2007

2008

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Note 1)

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

USD'000

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

14,159,471

10,041,678

3,138,661

460,046

 

 

Investing activities

(10,701,133)

(7,134,413)

(21,153,183)

(3,100,503)

 

 

Financing activities

(1,253,290)

(5,003,198)

25,753,655

3,774,812

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Increase/(Decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

2,205,048

(2,095,933)

7,739,133

1,134,355

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

7,597,727

9,802,775

7,706,842

1,129,621

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

9,802,775

7,706,842

15,445,975

2,263,976

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

Accounts receivable, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

2008

 

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

3,396,042

2,364,146

 

 

 

Less: provision for doubtful debts

(420,374)

(402,645)

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,975,668

1,961,501

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

F-109

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

35.

Significant differences between HKFRS and US GAAP (Continued)

 

 

 

Notes (Continued):

 

 

 

(l)

Condensed US GAAP consolidated financial information (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

Notes: (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

(ii)

Intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

2008

 

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

14,686,927

14,806,955

 

 

 

Mining rights

120,413

349,175

 

 

 

Customer relationship

-

288,770

 

 

 

Trademark

-

211,630

 

 

 

Software and others

46,938

121,931

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14,854,278

15,778,461

 

 

 

Less: accumulated amortization and impairment

(40,432)

(6,845,010)

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14,813,846

8,933,451

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

(iii)

Property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

2008

 

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buildings

21,526,867

26,509,045

 

 

 

Plant and machinery

52,356,696

67,498,683

 

 

 

Transportation facilities

2,909,645

2,919,339

 

 

 

Office and other equipment

592,260

553,035

 

 

 

Construction-in-progress

11,704,765

20,737,655

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

89,090,233

118,217,757

 

 

 

Less: accumulated depreciation and impairment

(29,041,762)

(36,108,473)

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

60,048,471

82,109,284

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

(iv)

Interests in associates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Under HKFRS, the Company has determined that de facto control over Jiaozuo Wanfang was established in 2008. Interest in Jiaozuo Wanfang is consolidated from January 1, 2008 onwards. However, for US GAAP purposes, the Company is not considered to control Jiaozuo Wanfang. Therefore, under US GAAP, Jiaozuo Wanfang remains an associate and is accounted for using the equity method.

 

 

 

 

F-110

 


 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts expressed in thousands of RMB unless otherwise stated)

 

35.

Significant differences between HKFRS and US GAAP (Continued)

 

 

 

Notes (Continued):

 

 

 

(l)

Condensed US GAAP consolidated financial information (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

Notes: (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

(v)

Revenue and gains, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

2007

2008

 

 

 

 

RMB'000

RMB'000

RMB'000

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales of goods, net of value-added tax

61,015,134

71,177,734

63,569,110

 

 

 

Other revenue

986,024

1,251,817

2,331,509

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenue

62,001,158

72,429,551

65,900,619

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses related to sales of goods

(40,489,916)

(53,242,320)

(57,860,815)

 

 

 

Expenses related to other revenue

(1,125,721)

(1,267,655)

(2,378,158)

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total cost of sales

(41,615,637)

(54,509,975)

(60,238,973)

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20,385,521

17,919,576

5,661,646

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other gains, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

Government grants

58,515

23,461

95,841

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gain on futures and option contracts, net

86,633

106,716

267,328

 

 

 

Others

57

84

(1,665)

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

145,205

130,261

361,504

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

F-111