Windhoek Mines, Ltd., of Namibia, is contemplating the purchase of equipment to exploit a mineral deposit on land to which the company has mineral rights. An engineering and cost analysis has been made, and it is expected that the following cash flows would be associated with opening and operating a mine in the area:
- Cost of new equipment and timbers R275,000
- Working capital required R100,000
- Annual net cash receipts R120,000*
- Cost to construct new roads in three years R40,000
- Salvage value of equipment in four years R65,000
*Receipts from sales of ore, less out-of-pocket costs for salaries, utilities, insurance, and so forth.
The currency in Namibia is the rand, denoted here by R.
The mineral deposit would be exhausted after four years of mining. At that point, the working capital would be released for reinvestment elsewhere. The company's required rate of return is 20%. (Ignore income taxes.)
To determine the appropriate discount factor(s) using tables, click here to view Exhibit 14B-1 and Exhibit 14B-2. Alternatively, if you calculate the discount factor(s) using a formula, round to three (3) decimal places before using the factor in the problem.
Required:
(a) Determine the net present value of the proposed mining project. (Round your answer to the nearest dollar amount. Negative amount should be indicated by a minus sign. Omit the "tiny_mce_markerquot; sign in your response.)
Net present value $ $$
(b) Should the project be accepted?