Question

There has been considerable publicity given to the damage caused to the land by mining operations which raises the issue of who is responsible for restoring the land after mining operations cease. If a company is not legally required to carry out the restoration but has decided that it will do so because as a global citizen in the Directors’ Report it states that it is the right thing to do, would the company recognise a liability in the financial statements? Give reasons for your answer.

300 words

Answer 1

The cost of property, plant and equipment may undergo changes subsequent to its acquisition or construction on account of changes in liabilities, price adjustments, changes in duties, changes in initial estimates of amounts provided for dismantling, removing, restoration and similar factors and included in the cost of the asset in accordance with respective standars. Howver they are not added to the Assets. So they need to recognise the liability in the Books of account.