Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. When assets are sold or retired, their cost and accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts and any gain or loss resulting from their disposal is included in the income statement.

The initial cost of property, plant and equipment comprises its purchase price, including import duties and non-refundable purchase taxes and any directly attributable costs of bringing the asset to its working condition and location for its intended use. Expenditures incurred after the fixed assets have been put into operation, such as repairs and maintenance and overhaul costs, are normally charged to income in the period in which the costs are incurred. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives:

Buildings	20-50 years
Machinery and technical equipment	4-10 years
Tools, office equipment and vehicles	3-10 years

Useful Life.htm

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The useful life and depreciation methods are reviewed periodically to ensure that the method and period of depreciation are consistent with the expected pattern of economic benefits from items of property, plant and equipment. Assets in the course of construction represent plant and properties under construction and are stated at cost. These include costs of construction, plant and equipment and other direct costs.