Answer:
a. $ 9,000,000
b.
Depletion Expense $ 9,000,000 (debit)
Accumulated Depletion $ 9,000,000 (credit)
Explanation:
The depletion expense is calculated using the formula :
Depletion expense = Cost of Asset / Estimated total contents in units × Number of units taken in the period
= $67,500,000 / 30,000,000 tons × 4,000,000 tons
= $ 9,000,000
The entry to recognize the depletion expense will be :
Depletion Expense $ 9,000,000 (debit)
Accumulated Depletion $ 9,000,000 (credit)