b'STAATSOLIE MAATSCHAPPIJ SURINAME N.V.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018 (Continued)3.2 INFORMATION ABOUT KEY ITEMS COMPRISING OPERATING PROFIT/LOSSExploration expenses(X US$ 1,000) 2018 2017Expensedprojects(seebelow) (13,465) (1,616)Employeebenefitsexpense* (2,603) (1,163)External services(1,895) (301)DepreciationandamortizationofPPE (84)(17)Other expenses (71) (95)Total (18,118)(3,192)During2018theGroupwroteofftwoprojectsatCoronie(US$11,155)andCoesewijne(US$1,533)asitwasdeterminedthattheseprojectswerenolongercommercial.Selling and distribution expenses (X US$ 1,000) 2018 2017Freight (9,962) (12,367)Employeebenefitsexpense* (2,825) (2,641)Bad debt expense (416) -External services(4,352) (3,683)DepreciationandamortizationofPPE(21) (65)Maintenanceexpense(713) (616)Insurance costs (148) (97)Utility expenses(16)(11)Donations(50) -Travelexpenses(12) (18)Other expenses(439)(427)Total (18,954)(19,925)62 STAATSOLIE 2018 ANNUAL REPORT'