b'STAATSOLIE MAATSCHAPPIJ SURINAME N.V.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 (Continued)3.2 INFORMATION ABOUT KEY ITEMS COMPRISING OPERATING PROFIT/LOSSExploration expenses(X US$ 1,000) 2019 2018Expensedprojects(seebelow)-(13,465)Employeebenefitsexpense* (2,545) (2,603)Externalservices (1,582) (1,895)DepreciationandamortizationofPPE(111) (84)Depreciationofleases (45)- Other expenses(375) (71)Total (4,658)(18,118)ThedecreaseofUS$13,460in2019whencomparedtopreviousyear,mainlyrelatestothewriteoffoftwoprojectsatCoronie(US$11,155)andCoesewijne(US$1,533)in2018asitwasdeterminedthattheseprojectswerenolongercommercial.Selling and distribution expenses (X US$ 1,000) 2019 2018Freight (8,405) (9,962)Employeebenefitsexpense* (2,445) (2,825)Bad debt expense (146) (416)Externalservices (2,885) (4,352)DepreciationandamortizationofPPE(133)(21)Depreciationofleases (51)- Maintenanceexpense (76) (713)Insurance costs(111) (148)Utility expenses(9) (16)Donations (17) (50)Travelexpenses(10)(12)Other expenses(748) (439)Total (15,036)(18,954)70 STAATSOLIE 2019 ANNUAL REPORT'