Depletion; change in estimate
Response to the following problem:
In 2016, the Marion Company purchased land containing a mineral mine for $1,600,000. Additional costs of $600,000 were incurred to develop the mine. Geologists estimated that 400,000 tons of ore would be extracted. After the ore is removed, the land will have a resale value of $100,000.
To aid in the extraction, Marion built various structures and small storage buildings on the site at a cost of $150,000. These structures have a useful life of 10 years. The structures cannot be moved after the ore has been removed and will be left at the site. In addition, new equipment costing $80,000 was purchased and installed at the site. Marion does not plan to move the equipment to another site, but estimates that it can be sold at auction for $4,000 after the mining project is completed.
In 2016, 50,000 tons of ore were extracted and sold. In 2017, the estimate of total tons of ore in the mine was revised from 400,000 to 487,500. During 2017, 80,000 tons were extracted, of which 60,000 tons were sold.
Required:
1. Compute depletion and depreciation of the mine and the mining facilities and equipment for 2016 and 2017. Marion uses the units-of-production method to determine depreciation on mining facilities and equipment.
2. Compute the book value of the mineral mine, structures, and equipment as of December 31, 2017.
3. Discuss the accounting treatment of the depletion and depreciation on the mine and mining facilities and equipment.