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Corporate Governance Quick Links... The Board of Directors is responsible for guiding and monitoring Birimian Gold Limited ("the Company") on behalf of shareholders by whom they are elected and to whom they are accountable. The Board is responsible for, and has the authority to determine all matters relating to the strategic direction, policies, practices, establishing goals for management and the operation of the Company. The monitoring and ultimate control of the business of the Company is vested in the Board. The Board's primary responsibility is to oversee the Company's business activities and management for the benefit of the Company's shareholders. The specific responsibilities of the Board include
Whilst at all times the Board retains full responsibility for guiding and monitoring the Company, in discharging its stewardship it may make use of committees. The Board has not established any committees at this time. Until such time as the Board determines that it is appropriate to establish separate committees, the function of the
as set out in this Charter will be performed by the Board. Each director has the right to seek independent professional advice on matters relating to his position as a director of the Company at the Company's expense, subject to the prior approval of the Chairman, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. In the event of a conflict of interest or where a potential conflict of interest may arise, involved directors will, unless the remaining directors resolve otherwise, withdraw from deliberations concerning the matter. In accordance with the constitution of the Company, directors (other than the Managing Director) must offer themselves for re-election by shareholders at least every 3 years. The Board does not specify a maximum term for which a director may hold office. The responsibility for the day-to-day operation and administration of the Company is delegated by the Board to the Managing Director. The Board ensures that the Managing Director and the management team is appropriately qualified and experienced to discharge their responsibilities and has in place procedures to assess the performance of the Managing Director and executive directors. The roles of Chairman and Managing Director are not combined. The Managing Director is accountable to the Board for all authority delegated to the position. Whilst there is a clear division between the responsibilities of the Board and management, the Board is responsible for ensuring that management's objectives and activities are aligned with the expectations and risks identified by the Board. The Board has a number of mechanisms in place to ensure this is achieved including
The Board has accepted the following definition of an Independent Director:
In accordance with the definition of independence no Directors are considered Independent. This policy is reviewed annually. PROCEDURES FOR SELECTION AND APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTORS The Board shall ensure that, collectively, it has the appropriate range and expertise to properly fulfil its responsibilities, including
In the circumstances where the Board believes there is a need to appoint another director, whether due to retirement of a director or growth or complexity of the Company, certain procedures will be followed, including the following:
The Board currently comprises 7 persons and is considered to have an appropriate balance of skills and experience. The Chairman regularly reviews the composition of the Board to ensure that the Board continues to have the mix of skills and experience necessary for the conduct of the Company's activities. If an invitation to become a director is accepted, the Board will appoint the new director and that person will then stand for re-election by shareholders at the next annual general meeting. Shareholders will be provided with relevant information on the candidates for re-election. When appointed to the Board, a new director will receive an induction appropriate to their experience. This policy is reviewed annually. This code of conduct aims to encourage the appropriate standards of conduct and behaviour of the directors, officers, employees and contractors (collectively called the employees) of the Company. Employees are expected to act with integrity and objectivity, striving at all times to enhance the reputation and performance of the Company. GENERAL PRINCIPLES
The Company views breaches of this code as serious misconduct. Employees who have become aware of any breaches of this code must report the matter immediately to their line manager or the Company Secretary. The line manager or Company Secretary has the responsibility to report the breach to the appropriate senior management and to advise the relevant employee of the outcome and actions implemented. Any employee who in good faith, reports a breach or a suspected breach will not be subject to any retaliation or recrimination for making that report. Employees who breach the policies outlined in the Code may be subject to disciplinary action, including in the case of serious breaches, dismissal. DIRECTORS The following additional comments apply to directors of the Company and aim to ensure directors have a clear understanding of the Company's expectations of their conduct. Fiduciary duties All directors have a fiduciary relationship with the shareholders of the Company. A director occupies a unique position of trust with shareholders, which makes it unlawful for directors to improperly use their position to gain advantage for themselves. Duties of directors Each director must endeavour to ensure that the Company is properly managed so as to protect and enhance the interests of all shareholders. To this end, directors need to devote sufficient time and effort to understand the Company's operations. Directors should ensure that shareholders and the ASX are informed of all material matters which require disclosure and avoid or fully disclose conflicts of interest. Conflict of interest At all times a director must be able to act in the interests of the Company. Where the interests of associates, the personal interest of a director or a director's family may conflict with those of the Company, then the director must immediately disclose such conflict and either:
Executive directors must always be alert to the potential for a conflict of interest between their roles as executive managers and their fiduciary duty as directors. Insider trading Information concerning the activities or proposed activities of the Company, which is not public and which could materially affect the Company's share price must not be used for any purpose other than valid Company requirements. Managing Director, Finance Director and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") It is the responsibility of the Managing Director, Finance Director and the Company CFO to provide written assurances to the Board that in all material respects:
STAKEHOLDERS The Board recognises that the primary stakeholders in the Company are its shareholders. Other legitimate stakeholders in the Company include employees, customers and the general community. The Company's primary objective is to create shareholder wealth through capital growth and continued successful exploration, evaluation, development and mining of its mineral projects. The Company is committed to conducting all its operations in a manner which:
All employees (including directors) are expected to act with the utmost integrity and objectivity, striving at all times to enhance the reputation and performance of the Company This policy is reviewed annually. The Company's share trading policy regulates dealings by directors, officers and employees in securities issued by the Company. In certain circumstances this policy also applies to contractors and consultants. This policy imposes basic trading restrictions on all employees of the Company and its related companies who possess inside information and additional trading restrictions on
GENERAL RESTRICTIONS WHEN IN POSSESSION OF INSIDE INFORMATION Insider trading laws Insider trading laws cover all directors and employees of the Company. If a person is in possession of any unpublished price-sensitive information, it is a criminal offence to take advantage for personal gain or that of an associate. Price-sensitive information is any information which if it were generally available, a reasonable person would expect it to have a material effect on the price or value of the Company's securities, or would be likely to influence a person in deciding whether to buy or sell the Company's securities. Confidential information Employees and directors also have a duty of confidentiality to the Company. A person must not reveal any confidential information concerning the Company, use that information in any way which may cause loss to the Company, or use that information to gain an advantage for themselves or anyone else. ADDITIONAL TRADING RESTRICTIONS FOR DIRECTORS AND SOME EMPLOYEES Additional restrictions on trading in the Company's securities apply to directors of the Company, all executives reporting directly to the Managing Director and any other employees of the Company considered appropriate by the Managing Director and Company Secretary from time to time (Restricted Persons). Restricted Persons generally hold positions where it can be assumed that they may have inside information regarding the Company. Accordingly, additional restrictions apply for any proposed trading in shares by Restricted Persons during nominated "closed periods". The closed periods generally apply to the period immediately preceding periodic and continuous disclosure. Restricted Persons are prohibited from trading in the Company's securities during the following designated closed periods:
In exceptional circumstances clearance may be given for a Restricted Person to sell (but not to purchase) securities when they would otherwise be prohibited from doing so but not while there exists any matter which constitutes unpublished price-sensitive information in relation to the Company's securities. Any application for an exemption allowing the sale of Company securities based on exceptional circumstances must be made and approved in writing. Requirements before trading Before trading, or giving instructions for trading in the Company's securities, a Director must:
In the case of the Chairman intending to trade in the Company's securities, he must notify and obtain clearance from the Board before trading, or giving instructions for trading. In the case of any other Restricted Person, he must notify and obtain clearance from the Company Secretary before trading, or giving instructions for trading. Notification of trading Directors must notify the Company Secretary of any dealings in the Company's securities immediately any such dealings occur. Breaches of policy Strict compliance with this policy is a condition of employment. General The requirements imposed by this policy are separate from and additional to, the legal prohibitions in the Corporations Act on insider trading. This policy is reviewed annually. The Board has not established an Audit Committee at this time. Until such time as the Board determines that it is appropriate to establish an Audit Committee, the function of the Audit Committee as set out in this Charter will be performed by the Board. Scope The Audit Committee is a committee of the Board of the Company with the specific powers delegated under this charter. The charter sets out the Audit Committee's function, composition, mode of operation, authority and responsibilities. Function The primary function of the Committee is to assist the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities relating to accounting and reporting practices of the Company. In addition, the Committee will
The Committee is not required to personally conduct accounting reviews or audits and is entitled to rely on employees of the Company or professional advisers where appropriate. Membership and composition The Board shall appoint the members of the Committee and review the composition of the Committee at least annually. The Committee will comprise
The current structure of the Audit Committee meets ASX transitional requirements. Meetings The Committee shall
The secretary of the Committee is the Company Secretary. Authority In performing its functions in accordance with any applicable law, the Committee
Responsibilities The Committee must promote an environment within the Company which is consistent with best practice financial reporting. In particular, the Committee must
External audit arrangements The Committee shall report to the Board on external audit arrangements, including
Appointment of external auditor Should a change in auditor be considered necessary, a formal tendering process will be undertaken. The Committee will identify the attributes required of an auditor and will ensure the selection process is sufficiently robust so as to ensure selection of an appropriate auditor. The Committee will ensure that prospective auditors have been provided with a sufficiently detailed understanding of the Company, its operations, its key personnel and any other information, including group structures and financial statements, that will have a direct bearing on each firm's ability to develop an appropriate proposal and fee estimate. The Committee and the Board will consider the appointment in conjunction with senior management. In selecting an external auditor, particular consideration will be given to determining whether the fee quoted is sufficient for the work required, that the work is to be undertaken by people with an appropriate level of seniority, skill and knowledge and whether the work proposed is sufficient to meet the Company's needs and expectations. The appointment of a new external audit firm will be placed before shareholders for ratification at the next annual general meeting after the appointment is made. Rotation and succession planning The Committee will discuss with the auditor the provisions the audit firm has in place for rotation of the lead engagement partner and the independent review partner. The Company shall require that the lead engagement partner be rotated at least every 5 years and the review partner be rotated at least every 3 years. Management sign-off procedure The Audit Committee will ensure that the Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer and Finance Director prepare a written statement to the Board certifying that the Company's annual financial report and half yearly financial report present a true and fair view, in all material respects, of the financial condition of the Company and its operational performance and are in accordance with relevant accounting standards. The statement is to be presented to the Board prior to the approval and sign-off of the respective annual and half yearly financial reports. This policy is reviewed every two years. This policy outlines the disclosure obligations of the Company as required under the Corporations Act 2001 and the ASX Listing Rules. The policy is designed to ensure that procedures are in place so that the stock market in which the Company's securities are listed is properly informed of matters which may have a material impact on the price at which the securities are traded. The Company is committed to
Disilosure officer The Managing Director and the Company Secretary have been appointed as the Company's disclosure officers responsible for implementing and administering this policy. The disclosure officers are responsible for all communication with ASX and for making decisions on what should be disclosed publicly under this policy. In the absence of the Managing Director and Company Secretary, any matters regarding disclosure issues are to be referred to the Chairman. Communication with the ASX concerning the Company's Exploration Results, Mineral Resources or Ore Reserves is included in the responsibility of the disclosure officers. Any such report must be based on, and fairly reflect the information and supporting documentation prepared by a Competent Person or Persons. The Company shall disclose the name(s) of the Competent Person or Persons, state whether the Competent Person is a full-time employee of the company, and, if not, name the Competent Person's employer. The report shall be issued with the written consent of the Competent Person or Persons as to the form and context in which it appears. Material information In accordance with the ASX Listing Rules, the Company must immediately notify the market (via an announcement to the ASX) of any information concerning the Company which a reasonable person with experience in the industry in which the Company operates would expect to have a material effect on the price or value of the Company's securities. Information need not be disclosed if
The Company is also required to disclose information if asked to do so by the ASX, to correct or prevent a false market. Note that the Company is deemed to have become aware of information where a director or executive officer has, or ought to have, come into possession of the information in the course of the performance of his duties as a director or executive officer. The Corporations Act defines a material effect on price or value as being where a reasonable person would be taken to expect information to have a material effect on the price or value of securities if the information would, or would be likely to, influence persons who commonly invest in securities in deciding whether to acquire or dispose of the securities. Review of communications for disclosure The disclosure officers will review all communications to the market to ensure that they are full and accurate and comply with the Company's obligations. Such communications may include
Examples of information or events that are likely to require disclosure include
Where there is any doubt as to whether an issue might materially affect the price or value of the Company's securities, the disclosure officers will assess the circumstances with appropriate senior executives and if necessary, seek external professional advice. All presentations to analysts and investors will be released to the ASX and then be included on the Company's web-site. Authorised spokespersons The Company's authorised spokespersons are the Managing Director, Chairman, and Company Secretary. In appropriate circumstances, the Managing Director may from time to time authorise other spokespersons on particular issues and those within their area of expertise. No employees or consultants are permitted to comment publicly on matters confidential to the Company. Any information which is not public must be treated by employees and consultants as confidential until publicly released. Reporting of disclosable information Once the requirement to disclose information has been determined, the disclosure officers are the only persons authorised to release that information to the ASX. Information to be disclosed must be lodged immediately with the ASX. Any such information must not be released to the general public until the Company has received formal confirmation of lodgement by the ASX. All information disclosed to the ASX in compliance with this policy must be promptly placed on the Company's web-site. Market speculation and rumours As a guiding principle, the Company has a "no comment" policy on market speculation and rumours, which must be observed by all employees. However, the Company will comply with any request by the ASX to comment upon a market report or rumour. Trading halts The Company may, in exceptional circumstances, request a trading halt to maintain orderly trading in the Company's securities and to manage any disclosure issues. No employee of the Company is authorised to seek a trading halt except for the disclosure officers. Meetings and group briefings with investors and analysts The Managing Director is primarily responsible for the Company's relationship with major shareholders, institutional investors and analysts and shall be the primary contact for those parties. Any written materials containing new price-sensitive information to be used in briefing media, institutional investors and analysts are to be lodged with ASX prior to the briefing commencing. Upon confirmation of receipt by ASX, the briefing material will be posted to the Company's web-site. Briefing materials may also include information that may not strictly be required under continuous disclosure requirements. The Company will not disclose price sensitive information in any meeting with an investor or stockbroking analyst before formally disclosing it to the market. The Company considers that one-on-one discussions and meetings with investors and stockbroking analysts are an important part of pro-active investor relations. However, the Company will only discuss previously disclosed information in such meetings. Periods prior to release of financial results During the time between the end of the financial year or half year and the actual results release, the Company will not discuss financial performance, broker estimates and forecasts and, particularly, any pre-result analysis with stockbroking analysts, investors or the media, unless the information to be discussed has already been disclosed to the ASX. Web-based communication The Company's web-site features discrete sections for shareholders and investors to ensure that such information can be accessed by interested parties. Such information will include
Announcements lodged with the ASX will be placed on the Company's web-site as soon as practicable after ASX confirms receipt of that information. Shareholders may be offered the option of receiving information via e-mail instead of post. Analysts reports and forecasts Stockbroking analysts frequently prepare reports on listed companies that typically detail their opinion on strategies, performance and financial forecasts. To avoid inadvertent disclosure of information that may affect the Company's value or share price. The Company's comments on analyst reports will be restricted to:
Given the level of price sensitivity to earnings projections, the Company will only make comment to correct factual errors in relation to information publicly issued by other parties and Company statements. This policy is reviewed annually. SHAREHOLDERS COMMUNICATION POLICY The Company recognises the value of providing current and relevant information to its shareholders. The Managing Director and Company Secretary have the primary responsibility for communicating with shareholders. Information is communicated to shareholders through
The Company is committed to the promotion of investor confidence by ensuring that trading in the Company's securities takes place in an efficient, competitive and informed market. Electronic communication and web-site The Company believes that communicating with shareholders by electronic means, particularly through its web-site, is an efficient way of distributing information in a timely and convenient manner. The Company's web-site includes the following pages, which contain relevant information for shareholders
The Company's web-site will be updated with material released to the ASX as soon as practicable after confirmation of release by the ASX. All web-site information will be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that information is current, or appropriately dated and archived. The Company places the full text of notices of meeting and explanatory material on the web-site. Written communication and annual report Shareholders have been given the opportunity to elect to receive a printed copy of the annual report from the Company. In addition, the Company publishes its annual report on the Company's website and notifies all shareholders of the web address where they can access the annual report. Annual general meeting The Company recognises the rights of shareholders and encourages the effective exercise of those rights through the following means
This policy is reviewed annually. RISK MANAGEMENT AND INTERNAL COMPLIANCE AND CONTROL Management determines the Company's risk profile and is responsible for overseeing and approving risk management strategy and policies, internal compliance and internal control. The Company's process of risk management and internal compliance and control includes
Within the identified risk profile of the Company, comprehensive practices are in place that are directed towards achieving the following objectives
The Board oversees an ongoing assessment of the effectiveness of risk management and internal compliance and control. The responsibility for undertaking and assessing risk management and internal control effectiveness is delegated to management. Management is required by the Board to report back on the efficiency and effectiveness of risk management, inter alia, by benchmarking the Company's performance against industry standards. The risk profile of the Company contains both financial and non-financial factors including but not limited to political, social, economic and environmental risks. To mitigate/manage these risks, the Company has in place a broad range of risk management policies and procedures including competent management in all disciplines, an experienced Board, regular Board meetings, six monthly financial audits, rigorous appraisal of new investments and advisers familiar with the Company. Management is responsible for the ongoing management of risk with standing instructions to appraise the Board of changing circumstances within the Company and within the international business environment. This policy is reviewed every two years. PERFORMANCE EVALUATION PRACTICES As part of the annual review of the performance of the Board, the appropriate size, composition and terms and conditions of appointment to and retirement from the Board are considered. The level of remuneration for non-executive directors is considered with regard to practices of other public companies and the aggregate amount of fees approved by shareholders. The Board also reviews the appropriate criteria for Board membership collectively. The Board has established formal processes to review its own performance and the performance of individual directors (including the Managing Director) and the committees of the Board, annually. Board A process has been established to review and evaluate the performance of the Board. The Board is required to meet annually with the specific purpose of reviewing the role of the Board, assessing its performance over the previous 12 months, including comparison with others, and examining ways in which the Board can better perform its duties. The review will incorporate the performance of the Board. The annual review includes consideration of the following measures
The method and scope of the performance evaluation will be set by the Board and which may include a Board self-assessment checklist to be completed by each director. The Board may also use an independent adviser to assist in the review. Committees Similar procedures to those for the Board review are applied to evaluate the performance of each of the Board committees. An assessment will be made of the performance of each committee against each charter and areas identified where improvements can be made. Non-executive directors The Chairman will have primary responsibility for conducting performance appraisals of non-executive directors in conjunction with them, having particular regard to
Where the Chairman, following a performance appraisal, considers that action must be taken in relation to a director's performance, the Chairman must consult with the remainder of the Board regarding whether a director should be counselled to resign, not seek re-election, or in exceptional circumstances, whether a resolution for the removal of a director be put to shareholders. Managing Director The Board will annually review the performance of the Managing Director. At the commencement of each financial year, the Board and the Managing Director will agree a set of generally Company specific performance measures to be used in the review of the forthcoming year. These will include
Senior executives The Managing Director is responsible for assessing the performance of the key executives within the Company. This is to be performed through a formal process involving a formal meeting with each senior executive. The basis of evaluation of senior executives will be on agreed performance measures. This policy is reviewed annually. REMUNERATION COMMITTEE CHARTER The Board has not established a Remuneration Committee at this time. Until such time as the Board determines that it is appropriate to establish a Remuneration Committee, the function of the Remuneration Committee as set out in this Charter will be performed by the Board. Functions and responsibilities The Remuneration Committee is a committee of the Board with its principle functions being
In consultation with the Managing Director, the Committee will review and recommend to the Board for approval, the Company's general approach to compensation and will oversee the development and implementation of the compensation regime. Composition The Committee shall comprise at least three members of the Board the majority of whom will be non-executive directors. Directors serving on the Remuneration Committee should have diverse, complementary backgrounds. The Chairman of the Committee shall be an independent director. The Company Secretary will be the secretary of the Committee and will act as the principal liaison between executive management and the committee on remuneration matters. Meetings The Committee shall meet as frequently as required, but at not less than two times per year. The Committee shall have access to professional advice. Two members of the Committee shall comprise a quorum. Where only two members are present, the unanimous vote of the two members will constitute an act of the Committee. Where the committee comprises more than two committee members, the vote of a majority of the members present will constitute an act of the Committee. Remuneration policy This policy governs the operations of the Remuneration Committee. The Committee shall review and reassess the policy at least annually and obtain the approval of the Board. General Director remuneration Shareholder approval must be obtained in relation to the overall limit set for directors' fees. The directors shall set individual Board fees within the limit approved by shareholders. Shareholders must also approve the framework for any equity based compensation schemes and if a recommendation is made for a director to participate in an equity scheme, that participation must be approved by the shareholders. Executive remuneration The Company's remuneration policy for executive directors and senior management is designed to promote superior performance and long term commitment to the Company. Executives receive a base remuneration which is market related, together with performance based remuneration which is met out of a profit sharing pool on a calendar year basis. Overall remuneration policies are subject to the discretion of the Board and can be changed to reflect competitive market and business conditions where it is in the interests of the Company and shareholders to do so. Executive remuneration and other terms of employment are reviewed annually by the Remuneration Committee having regard to performance, relevant comparative information and expert advice. The Committee's reward policy reflects its obligation to align executive's remuneration with shareholders' interests and to retain appropriately qualified executive talent for the benefit of the Company. The main principles of the policy are:
The total remuneration of executives and other senior managers consists of the following:
Remuneration of other executives consists of the following
Non-executive remuneration Shareholders approve the maximum aggregate remuneration for non-executive directors. The Remuneration Committee recommends the actual payments to directors and the Board is responsible for ratifying any recommendations, if appropriate. All directors are entitled to have their indemnity insurance paid by the Company. Profit participation plan Performance incentives are offered to executive directors and senior management of the Company through the operation of a profit participation plan. The amount available is based on profit performance above pre-determined returns on shareholders funds. This policy is reviewed annually. The Board has not established a Nomination Committee at this time. Until such time as the Board determines that it is appropriate to establish a Nomination Committee, the function of the Nomination Committee as set out in this Charter will be performed by the Board. Functions and responsibilities The Nomination Committee is a committee of the Board with its principle functions being to
Composition The Committee shall comprise at least three directors, the majority of whom must be non-executive directors, one of whom will be appointed the Committee Chairman. The Board may appoint additional non-executive directors to the Committee or remove and replace members of the Committee by resolution. The Company Secretary shall be the Secretary of the Committee and shall attend meetings of the Committee as required. Meetings The Committee will meet at least once a year and additionally as circumstances may require. Meetings are called by the Secretary as directed by the Board or at the request of the Chairman of the Committee. Where deemed appropriate by the Chairman of the Committee, meetings and subsequent approvals may be held or concluded by way of a circular written resolution or conference call. A quorum shall comprise any two members of the Committee. In the absence of the Committee Chairman or appointed delegate, the members shall elect one of their number as Chairman. Decisions will be based on a majority of votes with the Chairman having a casting vote. The Committee may invite executive management team members or other individuals, including external third parties to attend meetings of the Committee, as they consider appropriate. Access Members of the Committee have rights of access to the books and records of the Company to enable them to discharge their duties as Committee members, except where the Board determines that such access would be adverse to the Company's interests. The Committee may consult independent experts where the Committee considers this necessary to carry out its duties and responsibilities. Any costs incurred as a result of the Committee consulting an independent expert will be borne by the Company. Responsibilities The Committee shall periodically review and consider the structure and balance of the Board and make recommendations regarding appointments, retirements and terms of office of directors. In particular, the Committee is to
This policy is reviewed every two years. |
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