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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

x      QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013

 

OR

 

o         TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from      to

 


 

Commission file number: 001-33638

 

 

INTERNATIONAL TOWER HILL MINES LTD.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

British Columbia, Canada

 

N/A

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or
organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

2300-1177 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
(Address of principal administrative office)

 

V6E 2K3
(Zip code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (604) 683-3332

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   Yes  x  No  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   Yes  x  No  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerate filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large Accelerated Filer  o

 

Accelerated Filer  x

 

 

 

Non-Accelerated filer  o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

Small Reporting company  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).   Yes  o  No  x

 

As of November 5, 2013, the registrant had 98,068,638 Common Shares outstanding.

 

 

 



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Page

Part I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1

Financial Statements

4

Item 2

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

16

Item 3

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

22

Item 4

Controls and Procedures

23

 

 

 

Part II

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1

Legal Proceedings

24

Item 1A

Risk Factors

24

Item 2

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

33

Item 3

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

33

Item 4

Mine Safety Disclosures

33

Item 5

Other Information

33

Item 6

Exhibits

34

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

 

 



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CAUTIONARY NOTE TO U.S. INVESTORS REGARDING ESTIMATES OF MEASURED, INDICATED AND INFERRED RESOURCES AND PROVEN AND PROBABLE RESERVES

 

International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. (“we”, “us”, “our,” “ITH” or the “Company”) is a mineral exploration company engaged in the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties.  As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the terms “mineral reserve”, “proven mineral reserve” and “probable mineral reserve” are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101—Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the “CIM”)—CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council, as amended. These definitions differ from the definitions in the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Industry Guide 7 (“SEC Industry Guide 7”) under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a “final” or “bankable” feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average price is used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves, and the primary environmental analysis or report must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority. In addition, the terms “mineral resource”, “measured mineral resource”, “indicated mineral resource” and “inferred mineral resource” are defined in and required to be disclosed by NI 43-101; however, these terms are not defined terms under SEC Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of a mineral deposit in these categories will ever be converted into reserves.

 

“Inferred mineral resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all, or any part, of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists or is economically or legally mineable.

 

Disclosure of “contained ounces” in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute “reserves” by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. Accordingly, information contained in this report and the documents incorporated by reference herein contain descriptions of our mineral deposits that may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.

 

The term “mineralized material” as used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, although permissible under SEC Industry Guide 7, does not indicate “reserves” by SEC Industry Guide 7 standards. We cannot be certain that any part of the mineralized material will ever be confirmed or converted into SEC Industry Guide 7 compliant “reserves”. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of the mineralized material will ever be confirmed or converted into reserves or that mineralized material can be economically or legally extracted.

 

CAUTIONARY NOTE TO ALL INVESTORS CONCERNING ECONOMIC ASSESSMENTS THAT INCLUDE INFERRED RESOURCES

 

The Company currently holds or has the right to acquire interests in an advanced stage exploration project in Alaska referred to as the Livengood Gold Project (the “Livengood Gold Project” or the “Project”).  Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves have no demonstrated economic viability. The preliminary assessments on the Project are preliminary in nature and include “inferred mineral resources” that have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. It cannot be assumed that all, or any part, of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. There is no certainty that such inferred mineral resources at the Project will ever be realized. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists or is economically or legally mineable.

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the exhibits attached hereto contain forward-looking statements or information within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 concerning anticipated results and developments in the operations of the Company in future periods, planned exploration activities, the adequacy of the

 

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Company’s financial resources and other events or conditions that may occur in the future.  Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “potential,” “possible” and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions or results “will,” “may,” “could” or “should” (or the negative and grammatical variations of any of these terms) occur or be achieved.  These forward looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements concerning:

 

·                  the Company’s strategies and objectives, both generally and specifically in respect of the Livengood Gold Project;

 

·                  the potential for the expansion of the estimated resources at the Livengood Gold Project;

 

·                  the potential for a production decision concerning, and any production at, the Livengood Gold Project;

 

·                  the potential for cost savings due to the high gravity gold concentration component of some of the Livengood Gold Project mineralization;

 

·                  the sequence of decisions regarding the timing and costs of development programs with respect to, and the issuance of the necessary permits and authorizations required for, the Livengood Gold Project;

 

·                  the Company’s estimates of the quality and quantity of the resources at the Livengood Gold Project;

 

·                  the timing and cost of the planned future exploration programs at the Livengood Gold Project, and the timing of the receipt of results therefrom;

 

·                  the Company’s future cash requirements;

 

·                  general business and economic conditions, including changes in the price of gold and the overall value of the markets for public equity;

 

·                  the Company’s ability to meet its financial obligations as they come due, and to be able to raise the necessary funds to continue operations on acceptable terms, if at all;

 

·                  the ability of the Company to continue to refine the project economics for the Livengood Gold Project;

 

·                  the potential for opportunities to reduce capital costs for the Livengood Gold Project;

 

·                  the potential for opportunities to improve the economics of the Livengood Gold Project by reducing certain costs, including through the reduction of reagent consumption and energy costs, and improving recovery through intensive cyanide leach of gravity concentrates; and

 

·                  the potential for opportunities to improve the economics of the Livengood Gold Project by enhancing mill head grades through stockpile management strategies and/or additional  test work to confirm drill assays of the resource.

 

Such forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are subject to certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions.  Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, among others:

 

·                  the demand for, and level and volatility of the price of, gold;

 

·                  general business and economic conditions;

 

·                  government regulation and proposed legislation (and changes thereto or interpretations thereof);

 

·                  defects in title to other claims, or the ability to obtain surface rights, either of which could affect our property rights and claims;

 

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·                  the timing of the receipt of regulatory and governmental approvals, permits and authorizations necessary to implement and carry on the Company’s planned exploration and potential development program at the Livengood Gold Project;

 

·                  conditions in the financial markets generally, the overall value of the markets for public equity, interest rates and currency rates;

 

·                  the Company’s ability to secure the necessary consulting, drilling and related services and supplies on favorable terms in connection with its drilling program at the Livengood Gold Project and other activities;

 

·                  the Company’s ability to attract and retain key staff, particularly in connection with the development of any mine at the Livengood Gold Project;

 

·                  the accuracy of the Company’s resource estimates (including with respect to size and grade) and the geological, operational and price assumptions on which these are based;

 

·                  the timing of the ability to commence and complete planned work programs at the Livengood Gold Project;

 

·                  the terms of the consents, permits and authorizations necessary to carry out planned exploration and development programs at the Livengood Gold Project and the Company’s ability to comply with such terms on a safe and cost-effective basis;

 

·                  the ongoing relations of the Company with the lessors of its property interests and applicable regulatory agencies;

 

·                  the metallurgy and recovery characteristics of samples from certain of the Company’s mineral properties and whether such characteristics are reflective of the deposit as a whole; and

 

·                  the continued development of and potential construction of any mine at the Livengood Gold Project property not requiring consents, approvals, authorizations or permits that are materially different from those identified by the Company.

 

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein or implied by forward-looking statements.  This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company’s forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and actual achievements of the Company or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including without limitation those discussed in Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors, of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which are incorporated herein by reference, as well as other factors described elsewhere in this report and the Company’s other reports filed with the SEC.

 

The Company’s forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this report.  The Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management’s beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, except as required by law.  For the reasons set forth above, investors should not attribute undue certainty to or place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

 

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PART 1

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

INTERNATIONAL TOWER HILL MINES LTD.

(An Exploration Stage Company)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

As at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012

(Expressed in US Dollars - Unaudited)

 

 

 

Note

 

September 30,
2013

 

December 31,
2012

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

$

16,611,039

 

$

30,170,905

 

Marketable securities

 

 

 

75,839

 

180,415

 

Accounts receivable

 

 

 

5,141

 

262,516

 

Advance to contractors

 

 

 

482,034

 

582,009

 

Prepaid expenses

 

 

 

193,960

 

228,221

 

Total current assets

 

 

 

17,368,013

 

31,424,066

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment

 

 

 

73,352

 

89,714

 

Capitalized acquisition costs

 

4

 

55,173,564

 

55,173,564

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

 

 

$

72,614,929

 

$

86,687,344

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

 

 

$

503,431

 

$

1,198,771

 

Accrued liabilities

 

 

 

636,834

 

2,548,498

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

 

1,140,265

 

3,747,269

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative liability

 

5

 

16,700,000

 

22,400,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

 

 

17,840,265

 

26,147,269

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share capital, no par value; authorized 500,000,000 shares; 98,068,638 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012

 

6

 

236,401,096

 

236,401,096

 

Contributed surplus

 

 

 

32,243,815

 

28,589,591

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

 

3,512,426

 

4,101,968

 

Deficit accumulated during the exploration stage

 

 

 

(217,382,673

)

(208,552,580

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

 

 

54,774,664

 

60,540,075

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

 

 

$

72,614,929

 

$

86,687,344

 

 

Nature and continuance of operations (note 1)

Commitments (note 8)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

 

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INTERNATIONAL TOWER HILL MINES LTD.

(An Exploration Stage Company)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012

(Expressed in US Dollars - Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

Note

 

September 30,
2013

 

September 30,
2012

 

September 30,
2013

 

September 30,
2012

 

From Inception

 

Operating expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consulting fees

 

 

 

$

441,993

 

$

2,091,336

 

$

1,560,440

 

$

2,580,386

 

$

15,184,497

 

Depreciation

 

 

 

5,445

 

7,911

 

16,361

 

23,732

 

260,192

 

Insurance

 

 

 

73,123

 

82,420

 

215,962

 

229,425

 

1,132,139

 

Investor relations

 

 

 

61,685

 

224,918

 

256,720

 

405,969

 

4,657,424

 

Mineral property exploration

 

4

 

1,621,127

 

13,447,132

 

6,868,226

 

30,402,145

 

150,897,275

 

Office

 

 

 

21,953

 

45,407

 

77,144

 

122,596

 

974,401

 

Other

 

 

 

11,246

 

18,217

 

44,238

 

57,234

 

1,778,753

 

Professional fees

 

 

 

89,384

 

194,736

 

363,116

 

447,009

 

3,465,501

 

Regulatory

 

 

 

5,295

 

14,677

 

117,651

 

143,124

 

1,072,349

 

Rent

 

 

 

53,924

 

58,068

 

171,093

 

180,987

 

1,022,081

 

Travel

 

 

 

48,367

 

38,106

 

176,409

 

185,686

 

1,370,665

 

Wages and benefits

 

 

 

1,426,493

 

4,189,034

 

5,066,580

 

10,368,246

 

43,477,138

 

Write-down of mineral properties

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,605,522

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

 

(3,860,035

)

(20,411,962

)

(14,933,940

)

(45,146,539

)

(226,897,937

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expenses)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain (loss) on foreign exchange

 

 

 

(287,591

)

(660,392

)

622,232

 

(232,648

)

944,857

 

Interest income

 

 

 

22,865

 

38,574

 

80,384

 

152,174

 

2,583,681

 

Income from mineral property earn-in

 

 

 

 

 

 

141,948

 

660,744

 

Impairment of available-for-sale securities

 

 

 

 

 

(298,769

)

 

(298,769

)

Spin-out cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(775,249

)

Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative

 

5

 

 

(4,000,000

)

5,700,000

 

(4,300,000

)

6,400,000

 

Total other income (expense)

 

 

 

(264,726

)

(4,621,818

)

6,103,847

 

(4,238,526

)

9,515,264

 

Loss from continuing operations

 

 

 

(4,124,761

)

(25,033,780

)

(8,830,093

)

(49,385,065

)

(217,382,673

)

Loss from discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(19,630,113

)

Net loss for the period

 

 

 

(4,124,761

)

(25,033,780

)

(8,830,093

)

(49,385,065

)

(237,012,786

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities

 

 

 

18,777

 

83,828

 

(100,335

)

(75,862

)

(469,034

)

Reclassification of impairment of available-for-sale securities

 

 

 

 

 

298,769

 

 

298,769

 

Exchange difference on translating foreign operations

 

 

 

408,736

 

862,914

 

(787,976

)

1,112,160

 

3,682,691

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss) for the period

 

 

 

427,513

 

946,742

 

(589,542

)

1,036,298

 

3,512,426

 

Comprehensive loss for the period

 

 

 

$

(3,697,248

)

$

(24,087,038

)

$

(9,419,635

)

$

(48,348,767

)

$

(233,500,360

)

Basic and fully diluted loss per share

 

 

 

$

(0.04

)

$

(0.27

)

$

(0.09

)

$

(0.55

)

 

 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding

 

 

 

98,068,638

 

92,918,976

 

98,068,638

 

88,777,442

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

 

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INTERNATIONAL TOWER HILL MINES LTD.

(An Exploration Stage Company)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012

(Expressed in US Dollars - Unaudited)

 

 

 

Number
of shares

 

Share capital

 

Contributed
surplus

 

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income/(loss)

 

Deficit

 

Total

 

Balance, December 31, 2011

 

86,683,919

 

$

207,186,847

 

$

19,382,616

 

$

3,524,125

 

$

(151,909,118

)

$

78,184,470

 

Private placement

 

11,384,719

 

29,768,529

 

 

 

 

29,768,529

 

Stock based compensation

 

 

 

7,184,159

 

 

 

7,184,159

 

Share issuance costs

 

 

(554,280

)

 

 

 

(554,280

)

Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities

 

 

 

 

(75,862

)

 

(75,862

)

Exchange difference on translating foreign operations

 

 

 

 

1,112,160

 

 

1,112,160

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

(49,385,065

)

(49,385,065

)

Balance, September 30, 2012

 

98,068,638

 

236,401,096

 

26,566,775

 

4,560,423

 

(201,294,183

)

66,234,111

 

Private placement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share issuance costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock based compensation

 

 

 

2,022,816

 

 

 

2,022,816

 

Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities

 

 

 

 

(87,314

)

 

(87,314

)

Exchange difference on translating foreign operations

 

 

 

 

(371,141

)

 

(371,141

)

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

(7,258,397

)

(7,258,397

)

Balance, December 31, 2012

 

98,068,638

 

236,401,096

 

28,589,591

 

4,101,968

 

(208,552,580

)

60,540,075

 

Stock based compensation

 

 

 

3,654,224

 

 

 

3,654,224

 

Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities

 

 

 

 

(100,335

)

 

(100,335

)

Reclassification of impairment of available-for-sale securities

 

 

 

 

298,769

 

 

298,769

 

Exchange difference on translating foreign operations

 

 

 

 

(787,976

)

 

(787,976

)

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

(8,830,093

)

(8,830,093

)

Balance, September 30, 2013

 

98,068,638

 

$

236,401,096

 

$

32,243,815

 

$

3,512,426

 

$

(217,382,673

)

$

54,774,664

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

 

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INTERNATIONAL TOWER HILL MINES LTD.

(An Exploration Stage Company)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012

(Expressed in US Dollars - Unaudited)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,
2013

 

September 30,
2012

 

From Inception

 

Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss for the period from continuing operations

 

$

(8,830,093

)

$

(49,385,065

)

$

(217,382,673

)

Add items not affecting cash:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

16,361

 

23,732

 

260,192

 

Stock based compensation

 

3,654,224

 

7,184,159

 

36,968,934

 

Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative liability

 

(5,700,000

)

4,300,000

 

(6,400,000

)

Spin-out recovery

 

 

 

(254,339

)

Gain on foreign exchange

 

 

 

(254,512

)

Impairment of available-for-sale securities

 

298,769

 

 

298,769

 

Write-down of mineral properties

 

 

 

1,605,522

 

Other

 

 

(41,948

)

(285,323

)

Changes in non-cash items:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

345,426

 

218,039

 

73,213

 

Prepaid expenses

 

28,921

 

(39,791

)

(335,567

)

Advance to contractors

 

99,975

 

(175,000

)

413,057

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

(2,603,659

)

(2,051,982

)

1,135,424

 

Cash used in operating activities of continuing operations

 

(12,690,076

)

(39,967,856

)

(184,157,303

)

Cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations

 

 

 

(12,786,324

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of share capital

 

 

29,768,529

 

251,751,411

 

Share issuance costs

 

 

(554,280

)

(7,643,229

)

Cash provided by financing activities of continuing operations

 

 

29,214,249

 

244,108,182

 

Cash used in financing activities of discontinued operations

 

 

 

(3,902,947

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale-securities

 

 

 

172,734

 

Capitalized acquisition costs

 

 

(2,127,694

)

(27,781,245

)

Expenditures on property and equipment, net

 

 

 

(332,415

)

Cash used in investing activities of continuing operations

 

 

(2,127,694

)

(27,940,926

)

Cash used in investing activities of discontinued operations

 

 

 

(312,593

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of foreign exchange on cash of continuing operations

 

(869,790

)

1,211,203

 

2,137,826

 

Effect of foreign exchange on cash of discontinued operations

 

 

 

(534,876

)

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

(13,559,866

)

(11,670,098

)

16,611,039

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period

 

30,170,905

 

54,712,073

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period

 

$

16,611,039

 

$

43,041,975

 

$

16,611,039

 

 

Supplemental cash flow information (note 9)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

 

7



Table of Contents

 

INTERNATIONAL TOWER HILL MINES LTD.

(An Exploration Stage Company)

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012

(Expressed in U.S. dollars — Unaudited)

 

1.                                      GENERAL INFORMATION, NATURE AND CONTINUANCE OF OPERATIONS

 

International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. (“ITH” or the “Company”) is incorporated under the laws of British Columbia, Canada.  The Company’s head office address is 2300-1177 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  In these financial statements references to ITH include its wholly owned subsidiaries Tower Hill Mines, Inc. (formerly Talon Gold Alaska, Inc.) (“TH Alaska”) (an Alaska corporation), Tower Hill Mines (US) LLC (formerly Talon Gold (US) LLC) (“TH US”) (a Colorado limited liability company), Livengood Placers, Inc. (“LPI”) (a Nevada corporation), and 813034 Alberta Ltd. (an Alberta corporation).  The Company is in the business of acquiring, exploring and evaluating mineral properties, and either joint venturing or developing these properties further or disposing of them when the evaluation is completed.  At September 30, 2013, the Company was in the exploration stage and controls a 100% interest in its Livengood Gold Project in Alaska, U.S.A (the “Livengood Gold Project”).

 

The business of mining and exploration involves a high degree of risk and there can be no assurance that current exploration programs will result in profitable mining operations.  The Company has no source of revenue, and has significant cash requirements to meet its administrative overhead and maintain its mineral property interests.  The recoverability of amounts shown for capitalized acquisition costs is dependent on several factors.  These include the discovery of economically recoverable reserves, the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary financing to complete the development of these properties, and future profitable production or proceeds from disposition of capitalized acquisition costs.  The success of the above initiatives cannot be assured.  In the event that the Company is unable to obtain the necessary financing in the short-term, it may be necessary to defer certain discretionary expenditures and other planned activities.

 

2.                                      BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

These unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for annual financial statements. These unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012 as filed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.  In the opinion of the Company’s management these financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position at September 30, 2013 and the results of its operations for the nine months then ended.  Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013.  The 2012 year-end balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP.

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period.  These judgments, estimates and assumptions are continuously evaluated and are based on management’s experience and knowledge of the relevant facts and circumstances.  While management believes the estimates to be reasonable, actual results could differ from those estimates and could impact future results of operations and cash flows.

 

Basis of consolidation

 

These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ITH and its wholly owned subsidiaries TH Alaska, TH US, LPI and 813034 Alberta Ltd.  All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

 

8



Table of Contents

 

INTERNATIONAL TOWER HILL MINES LTD.

(An Exploration Stage Company)

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012

(Expressed in U.S. dollars — Unaudited)

 

3.                                      FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values due to the short-term maturity of these financial instruments.

 

Financial instruments measured at fair value are classified into one of three levels in the fair value hierarchy according to the significance of the inputs used in making the measurement.  The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

 

·             Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

·             Level 2 — Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly; and,

·             Level 3 — Inputs that are not based on observable market data.

 

 

 

Fair value as at September 30, 2013

 

 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Financial assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Marketable securities

 

$

75,839

 

$

 

Total

 

$

75,839

 

$

 

Financial liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative liability (note 5)

 

$

 

$

16,700,000

 

Total

 

$

 

$

16,700,000

 

 

 

 

Fair value as at December 31, 2012

 

 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Financial assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Marketable securities

 

$

180,415

 

$

 

Total

 

$

180,415

 

$

 

Financial liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative liability (note 5)

 

$

 

$

22,400,000

 

Total

 

$

 

$

22,400,000

 

 

4.                                      CAPITALIZED ACQUISITION COSTS

 

The Company had the following activity related to capitalized acquisition costs:

 

Capitalized acquisition costs

 

Amount

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2012

 

$

55,173,564

 

Additions

 

 

Balance, September 30, 2013

 

$

55,173,564

 

 

9



Table of Contents

 

INTERNATIONAL TOWER HILL MINES LTD.

(An Exploration Stage Company)

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012

(Expressed in U.S. dollars — Unaudited)

 

The following table presents costs incurred for exploration and evaluation activities for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:

 

 

 

September 30,
2013

 

September 30,
2012

 

Exploration costs:

 

 

 

 

 

Aircraft services

 

$

62,915

 

$

1,844,776

 

Assay

 

10,924

 

777,004

 

Drilling

 

(28,714

)

8,378,230

 

Environmental

 

1,776,134

 

2,874,513

 

Equipment rental

 

332,193

 

1,309,746

 

Field costs

 

752,928

 

6,017,737

 

Geological/geophysical

 

3,253,822

 

8,362,518

 

Land maintenance & tenure

 

414,351

 

354,708

 

Legal

 

170,756

 

286,396

 

Surveying and mapping

 

74,084

 

145,967

 

Transportation and travel

 

48,833

 

50,550

 

Total expenditures for the period

 

$

6,868,226

 

$

30,402,145

 

 

Livengood Gold Project Property

 

The Livengood Gold Project property is located in the Tintina gold belt approximately 110 kilometers (70 miles) northwest of Fairbanks, Alaska.  The property consists of land leased from the Alaska Mental Health Trust, a number of smaller private mineral leases, Alaska state mining claims purchased or located by the Company and patented ground held by the Company.

 

Details of the leases are as follows:

 

a)             a lease of the Alaska Mental Health Trust mineral rights having a term beginning July 1, 2004 and extending 19 years until June 30, 2023, subject to further extensions beyond June 30, 2023 by either commercial production or payment of an advance minimum royalty equal to 125% of the amount paid in year 19 and diligent pursuit of development.  The lease requires minimum work expenditures and advance minimum royalties which escalate annually with inflation.  A net smelter return (“NSR”) production royalty of between 2.5% and 5.0% (depending upon the price of gold) is payable to the lessor with respect to the lands subject to this lease.   In addition, an NSR production royalty of l% is payable to the lessor with respect to the unpatented federal mining claims subject to the lease described in b) below and an NSR production royalty of between 0.5% and 1.0% (depending upon the price of gold) is payable to the lessor with respect to the lands acquired by the Company in December 2011.  As of September 30, 2013 the Company has paid $1,326,363 from the inception of this lease.

 

b)             a lease of federal unpatented lode mining claims having an initial term of ten years commencing on April 21, 2003 and continuing for so long thereafter as advance minimum royalties are paid and mining related activities, including exploration, continue on the property or on adjacent properties controlled by the Company.   The lease requires an advance minimum royalty of $50,000 on or before each anniversary date (all of which minimum royalties are recoverable from production royalties).  An NSR production royalty of between 2% and 3% (depending on the price of gold) is payable to the lessors.  The Company may purchase 1% of the royalty for $1,000,000.  As of September 30, 2013, the Company has paid $480,000 from the inception of this lease.

 

c)              a lease of patented lode claims having an initial term of ten years commencing January 18, 2007, and continuing for so long thereafter as advance minimum royalties are paid.  The lease requires an advance minimum royalty of $20,000 on or before each anniversary date through January 18, 2017 and $25,000 on or before each subsequent anniversary (all of which minimum royalties are recoverable from production royalties).  An NSR production royalty of 3% is payable to the lessors.  The Company may purchase all interests of the lessors in the leased property (including the

 

10



Table of Contents

 

INTERNATIONAL TOWER HILL MINES LTD.

(An Exploration Stage Company)

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012

(Expressed in U.S. dollars — Unaudited)

 

production royalty) for $1,000,000 (less all minimum and production royalties paid to the date of purchase), of which $500,000 is payable in cash over four years following the closing of the purchase and the balance of $500,000 is payable by way of the 3% NSR production royalty.  As of September 30, 2013, the Company has paid $95,000 from the inception of this lease.

 

d)             a lease of unpatented federal lode mining and federal unpatented placer claims having an initial term of ten years commencing on March 28, 2007, and continuing for so long thereafter as advance minimum royalties are paid and mining related activities, including exploration, continue on the property or on adjacent properties controlled by the Company.  The lease requires an advance minimum royalty of $15,000 on or before each anniversary date (all of which minimum royalties are recoverable from production royalties).  The Company is required to pay the lessor the sum of $250,000 upon making a positive production decision, payable $125,000 within 120 days of the decision and $125,000 within a year of the decision (all of which are recoverable from production royalties).  An NSR production royalty of 2% is payable to the lessor.  The Company may purchase all of the interest of the lessor in the leased property (including the production royalty) for $1,000,000.  As of September 30, 2013, the Company has paid $68,000 from the inception of this lease.

 

Title to mineral properties

 

The acquisition of title to mineral properties is a detailed and time-consuming process.  The Company has taken steps to verify title to mineral properties in which it has an interest.  Although the Company has taken every reasonable precaution to ensure that legal title to its properties is properly recorded in the name of the Company, there can be no assurance that such title will ultimately be secured.

 

5.                                      DERIVATIVE LIABILITY

 

During 2011, the Company acquired certain mining claims and related rights in the vicinity of the Livengood Gold Project located near Fairbanks, Alaska.  The aggregate consideration for the claims and rights was $13,500,000 in cash plus an additional contingent payment based on the five-year average daily gold price (“Average Gold Price”) from the date of the acquisition.  The contingent payment will equal $23,148 for every dollar that the Average Gold Price exceeds $720 per troy ounce.  If the Average Gold Price is less than $720, there will be no additional contingent payment.

 

At initial recognition on December 13, 2011 the derivative liability was valued at $23,100,000.  The key assumption used in the valuation of the derivative is the estimate of the future Average Gold Price.  The estimate of the future Average Gold Price was determined using a forward curve on future gold prices as published by the CME Group.  The CME Group represents the merger of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT), the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) and its commodity exchange division, Commodity Exchange, Inc. (COMEX).  Using this forward curve, the Company estimated an Average Gold Price based on actual gold prices to September 30, 2013 and projected gold prices from September 30, 2013 to the end of the five year period in December 2016 of $1,441 per ounce of gold.

 

The fair value of the derivative liability and the estimated Average Gold Price are as follows:

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

Average Gold
Price ($/oz.)

 

Derivative value at December 31, 2012

 

$

22,400,000

 

$

1,688

 

Unrealized (gain) loss for the period

 

(5,700,000

)

 

 

Derivative value at September 30, 2013

 

$

16,700,000

 

$

1,441

 

 

11



Table of Contents

 

INTERNATIONAL TOWER HILL MINES LTD.

(An Exploration Stage Company)

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012

(Expressed in U.S. dollars — Unaudited)

 

6.                                      SHARE CAPITAL

 

Authorized

 

500,000,000 common shares without par value.  At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 there were 98,068,638 shares issued and outstanding.

 

Stock options

 

The Company has adopted an incentive stock option plan (the “2006 Plan”).  The essential elements of the 2006 Plan provide that the aggregate number of common shares of the Company’s capital stock that may be made issuable pursuant to options granted under the 2006 Plan may not exceed 10% of the number of issued shares of the Company at the time of the granting of the options.  Options granted under the 2006 Plan will have a maximum term of ten years.  The exercise price of options granted under the 2006 Plan will not be less than the discounted market price of the common shares (defined as the last closing market price of the Company’s common shares immediately preceding the issuance of a news release announcing the granting of the options, less the maximum discount permitted under applicable stock exchange policies), or such other price as may be agreed to by the Company and accepted by the Toronto Stock Exchange.  Options granted under the 2006 Plan vest immediately, unless otherwise determined by the directors of the Company at the date of grant.

 

On March 14, 2013, the Company granted incentive stock options to certain officers, employees and consultants of the Company to purchase an aggregate of 613,000 common shares in the capital stock of the Company.  The options are exercisable on or before March 14, 2018 at a price of C$2.18 per share and will vest as to 204,328 shares on March 14, 2013; 204,328 shares on March 14, 2014; and the balance on March 14, 2015.

 

A summary of the status of the stock option plan as of September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012 and changes is presented below:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2013

 

December 31, 2012

 

 

 

Number of
Options

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
(C$)

 

Number of
Options

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
(C$)

 

Balance, beginning of the period

 

8,570,000

 

$

4.73

 

7,215,000

 

$

7.48

 

Granted

 

613,000

 

$

2.18

 

6,380,000

 

$

3.26

 

Exercised

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

Expired

 

(1,040,000

)

$

7.78

 

(4,050,000

)

$

7.16

 

Cancelled

 

(1,100,000

)

$

8.27

 

(975,000

)

$

5.42

 

Forfeited

 

(300,000

)

$

3.17

 

 

$

 

Balance, end of the period

 

6,743,000

 

$

3.52

 

8,570,000

 

$

4.73

 

 

The weighted average remaining life of options outstanding at September 30, 2013 was 3.86 years.

 

12



Table of Contents

 

INTERNATIONAL TOWER HILL MINES LTD.

(An Exploration Stage Company)

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012

(Expressed in U.S. dollars — Unaudited)

 

Stock options outstanding are as follows:

 

 

 

September 30, 2013

 

December 31, 2012

 

Expiry Date

 

Exercise
Price (C$)

 

Number of
Options

 

Exercisable

 

Exercise
Price (C$)

 

Number of
Options

 

Exercisable

 

January 10, 2013

 

 

 

 

$

9.15

 

190,000

 

190,000

 

July 28, 2013

 

 

 

 

$

7.47

 

950,000

 

950,000

 

May 9, 2016

 

 

 

 

$

8.35

 

1,000,000

 

666,666

 

August 23, 2016

 

$

8.07

 

600,000

 

600,000

 

$

8.07

 

600,000

 

400,000

 

November 15, 2016

 

$

5.64

 

100,000

 

66,666

 

$

5.64

 

100,000

 

66,666

 

January 9, 2017

 

$

4.60

 

30,000

 

20,000

 

$

4.60

 

30,000

 

10,000

 

August 24, 2017

 

$

3.17

 

4,400,000

 

2,933,321

 

$

3.17

 

4,700,000

 

1,566,655

 

September 19, 2017

 

$

2.91

 

1,000,000

 

666,666

 

$

2.91

 

1,000,000

 

333,333

 

March 14, 2018

 

$

2.18

 

613,000

 

204,328

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,743,000

 

4,490,981

 

 

 

8,570,000

 

4,183,320

 

 

A summary of the non-vested options as of September 30, 2013 and changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is as follows:

 

Non-vested options:

 

Number of
options

 

Weighted
average grant-
date fair value
(C$)

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2012

 

4,386,680

 

$

2.05

 

Granted

 

613,000

 

0.50

 

Vested

 

(2,547,660

)

2.27

 

Forfeited

 

(200,001

)

1.61

 

Outstanding at September 30, 2013

 

2,252,019

 

$

1.41

 

 

At September 30, 2013 there was unrecognized compensation expense of C$1,424,476 related to non-vested options outstanding.  The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average remaining period of approximately 0.92 years.

 

Share-based payments

 

During the nine month period ended September 30, 2013, the Company granted an aggregate of 613,000 stock options with a fair value of C$304,585 calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.  Share-based payment charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 totaled $3,654,224.

 

During the nine month period ended September 30, 2012, the Company granted an aggregate of 6,380,000 stock options with a fair value of C$10,688,119 calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.  Share-based payment charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 totaled $7,184,159.

 

The following weighted average assumptions were used for the Black-Scholes option pricing model calculations:

 

 

 

September 30,
2013

 

December 31,
2012

 

Expected life of options

 

4 years

 

4 years

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

1.29%

 

1.32%

 

Annualized volatility

 

59.48%

 

67.68%

 

Dividend rate

 

0.00%

 

0.00%

 

Exercise price (C$)

 

$ 2.18

 

$ 3.26

 

 

The expected volatility used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s shares.

 

13



Table of Contents

 

INTERNATIONAL TOWER HILL MINES LTD.

(An Exploration Stage Company)

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012

(Expressed in U.S. dollars — Unaudited)

 

7.                                      SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

 

The Company operates in a single reportable segment, being the exploration and development of mineral properties.  The following tables present selected financial information by geographic location:

 

 

 

Canada

 

United States

 

Total

 

September 30, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capitalized acquisition costs

 

$

 

$

55,173,564

 

$

55,173,564

 

Property and equipment

 

12,564

 

60,788

 

73,352

 

Current assets

 

15,661,511

 

1,706,502

 

17,368,013

 

Total assets

 

15,674,075

 

56,940,854

 

72,614,929

 

December 31, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capitalized acquisition costs

 

$

 

$

55,173,564

 

$

55,173,564

 

Property and equipment

 

14,317

 

75,397

 

89,714

 

Current assets

 

29,046,485

 

2,377,581

 

31,424,066

 

Total assets

 

$

29,060,802

 

$

57,626,542

 

$

86,687,344

 

 

Three months ended

 

September 30, 2013

 

September 30, 2012

 

Net loss for the period — Canada

 

$

(1,430,485

)

$

(5,346,486

)

Net loss for the period - United States

 

(2,694,276

)

(19,687,294

)

Net loss for the period

 

$

(4,124,761

)

$

(25,033,780

)

 

Nine months ended

 

September 30, 2013

 

September 30, 2012

 

Net loss for the period — Canada

 

$

(4,369,867

)

$

(8,690,609

)

Net loss for the period - United States

 

(4,460,226

)

(40,694,456

)

Net loss for the period

 

$

(8,830,093

)

$

(49,385,065

)

 

14



Table of Contents

 

INTERNATIONAL TOWER HILL MINES LTD.

(An Exploration Stage Company)

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012

(Expressed in U.S. dollars — Unaudited)

 

8.                                      COMMITMENTS

 

The following table discloses, as of September 30, 2013, the Company’s contractual obligations including optional mineral property payments and work commitments and committed office and equipment lease obligations.  Under the terms of the Company’s mineral property purchase agreements, mineral leases and the terms of the unpatented mineral claims held by it, the Company is required to make certain scheduled acquisition payments, incur certain levels of expenditures, make lease or advance royalty payments, make payments to government authorities and incur assessment work expenditures as summarized in the table below in order to maintain and preserve the Company’s interests in the related mineral properties.  If the Company is unable or unwilling to make any such payments or incur any such expenditures, it is likely that the Company would lose or forfeit its rights to acquire or hold the related mineral properties.  The following table assumes that the Company retains the rights to all of its current mineral properties, but no other lease purchase or royalty buyout options:

 

 

 

Payments Due by Year

 

 

 

2013

 

2014

 

2015

 

2016

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019 and
beyond

 

Total

 

Livengood Property Purchase(1)

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

16,700,000

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 16,700,000

 

Mineral Property Leases(2)

 

 

401,236

 

405,979

 

410,794

 

415,681

 

425,641

 

430,676

 

2,490,007

 

Mining Claim Government Fees

 

54,810

 

89,110

 

89,110

 

89,110

 

89,110

 

89,110

 

89,110

 

589,470

 

Office and Equipment Lease Obligations

 

55,554

 

206,263

 

78,960

 

362

 

362

 

362

 

362

 

342,225

 

Total

 

$

110,364

 

$

696,609

 

$

574,049

 

$

17,200,266

 

$

505,153

 

$

515,113

 

$

520,148

 

$

20,121,702

 

 


1.               The amount payable in December 2016 of $16,700,000 represents the fair value of the Company’s derivative liability as at September 30, 2013 and will be revalued at each subsequent reporting period.  See note 5.

2.               Does not include required work expenditures, as it is assumed that the required expenditure level is significantly below the work for which will actually be carried out by the Company.  Does not include potential royalties that may be payable (other than annual minimum royalty payments).  See note 4.

 

9.                                      SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 

 

 

Nine months
ended
September 30,
2013

 

Nine months
ended
September 30,
2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes paid

 

$

 

$

150,282

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.  All currency amounts are stated in US dollars unless noted otherwise.

 

Current Business Activities

 

General

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, and to the date of this MD&A, the Company advanced its Livengood Gold Project in Alaska with the issuance of the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 report that is based on the Feasibility Study for the Livengood Gold Project.   The Feasibility Study had been underway since early 2012.

 

Livengood Gold Project - Feasibility Study Results

 

The Company announced the results of the Feasibility Study on July 23, 2013.  On September 6, 2013 the Company filed a technical report on SEDAR that summarizes the results of the Feasibility Study on the Livengood Gold Project.  The technical report is entitled “Canadian National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report on the Livengood Gold Project, Feasibility Study, Livengood, Alaska,” dated September 4, 2013.  The purpose of the Feasibility Study was to evaluate the feasibility of developing the Livengood Gold Project.  Using the trailing three year gold price of $1,500 per ounce, the Project generates an after-tax internal rate of return of 1.7%.  The study identified a number of opportunities that upon further study and analysis could improve the economics of the project.

 

Next Steps and Opportunities

 

The Company is reviewing certain opportunities as identified in the Feasibility Study.  These opportunities include optimizing and reducing project costs.   An opportunity may exist to improve project efficiencies through enhanced mine modeling and production scheduling.  Evaluation of mill throughput and capital cost studies may help determine the optimum scale for the Project.  Additional metallurgical testwork may confirm a higher resource grade, as the testing to date has shown generally higher calculated head grades compared to the average assay obtained from composited drill core assays that make up the metallurgical test samples.

 

There is an opportunity to expand the portion of the resource included within the present pit design with additional drilling.  Drilling may expand the resource at depth and to the southwest incorporating additional mineralized material into the current grade model.  Multiple exploration targets have been identified in the land package area and may increase the resource with additional exploration.

 

Other opportunities to improve the performance of the Project that warrant further study include improved recovery through intensive cyanide leach reactors and possible opportunities exist to reduce reagent consumption and costs and energy costs.

 

2013 Outlook

 

During the remainder of 2013, the Company will continue to review and prioritize opportunities for further study as identified with the completion of the Feasibility Study.  The Company also plans to complete critical baseline environmental studies required to maintain the integrity of five years of historical data already compiled, which will support future permitting and better position the Livengood Gold Project for a construction decision when warranted by market conditions.

 

In light of the recent decrease in the gold price and its effect on the gold mining industry, the Company has prepared for the potential of a continuing lower gold price by revising its 2013 program to limit spending to essential activities.  These activities included protection of the asset, reviewing opportunities identified in the Feasibility Study, continuing environmental baseline work and a reduction of corporate and administrative costs.

 

The Company will continue to seek a strategic alliance with a larger entity to help support the future development of the Project while considering all other appropriate financing options.  The strength of the gold asset, the favorable location, and the proven team are the reasons the Company would potentially attract a strategic partner with a long term development horizon who understands the Project is highly leveraged to gold prices.  To date ITH has signed multiple confidentiality agreements with large and intermediate mining companies and has been reviewing the final Feasibility Study results as well as the various opportunities with those companies.

 

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Results of Operations

 

Summary of Quarterly Results

 

 

 

September 30, 2013

 

June 30, 2013

 

March 31, 2013

 

December 31, 2012

 

Net loss

 

$

(4,124,761

)

$

(642,050

)

$

(4,063,282

)

$

(7,258,397

)

Basic and diluted net loss per common share

 

$

(0.04

)

$

(0.01

)

$

(0.04

)

$

(0.07

)

 

Description

 

September 30, 2012

 

June 30, 2012

 

March 31, 2012

 

4 months
December 31, 2011

 

Net loss

 

$

(25,033,780

)

$

(12,909,320

)

$

(11,441,965

)

$

(16,727,561

)

Basic and diluted net loss per common share

 

$

(0.27

)

$

(0.15

)

$

(0.13

)

$

(0.19

)

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2012

 

The Company incurred a net loss of $4,124,761 for the three months ended September 30, 2013, compared to a net loss of $25,033,780 for the three months ended September 30, 2012.  The following discussion highlights certain selected financial information and changes in operations between the three months ended September 30, 2013 and the three months ended September 30, 2012.

 

Mineral property expenditures decreased significantly to $1,621,127 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 from $13,447,132 for the three months ended September 30, 2012, primarily due to the Company completing its current exploration and drilling programs in 2012 and shifting to activities primarily related to the completion of the Feasibility Study including metallurgical, process engineering, and environmental baseline work.

 

Share-based payment charges were $904,343 during the three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $4,235,792 during the three months ended September 30, 2012.  The decrease in share-based payment charges during the period was mainly the result of option grants in August and September of 2012.  The Company did not grant any options during the three month period ended September 30, 2013.

 

Share-based payment charges

 

Share-based payment charges for the three month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were allocated as follows:

 

Expense category:

 

September 30,
2013

 

September 30,
2012

 

Consulting

 

$

359,007

 

$

1,653,692

 

Investor relations

 

15,681

 

124,298

 

Wages and benefits

 

529,655

 

2,457,802

 

 

 

$

904,343

 

$

4,235,792

 

 

Excluding share-based payment charges of $529,655 and $2,457,802, respectively, wages and benefits decreased to $896,838 during the three months ended September 30, 2013 from $1,731,232 during the three months ended September 30, 2012 as a result of decreased severance charges and decreased personnel during the current year period.

 

Excluding share-based payment charges of $359,007 and $1,653,692, respectively, consulting fees decreased to $82,986 during the three months ended September 30, 2013 from $437,644 during the three months ended September 30, 2012 due to additional fees incurred in the prior period primarily for the Company’s interim CEO.

 

Other expense categories reflected only moderate change period over period.

 

Other items amounted to expense of $264,726 during the three month period ended September 30, 2013 compared to expense of $4,621,818 during the three month period ended September 30, 2012.  The decrease in other expenses in the current period resulted primarily from an unrealized loss of $4 million on the revaluation of the derivative liability at September 30, 2012 resulting from a decrease in the average price of gold.  The Company had foreign exchange loss of $287,591 during the three month period ended September 30, 2013 compared to a loss of $660,392 during the three month period ended September 30, 2012 as a result of higher U.S. dollar cash balances in the prior year subject to currency fluctuations.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012

 

The Company incurred a net loss of $8,830,093 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2013, compared to a net loss of $49,385,065 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2012.  The following discussion highlights certain selected financial information and changes in operations between the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

 

Mineral property expenditures decreased significantly to $6,868,226 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 from $30,402,145 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 primarily due to the Company completing its exploration and drilling programs in 2012 and shifting to activities related to the completion of the Feasibility Study such as metallurgical, process engineering, and environmental baseline work.

 

Share-based payment charges were $3,654,224 during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $7,184,159 during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.  The decrease in share-based payment charges during the period was primarily the result of a reduction in the number and fair value of options granted during the period and vesting of prior option grants.  The Company granted 613,000 options during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to 6,380,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

 

Share-based payment charges

 

Share-based payment charges for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were allocated as follows:

 

Expense category:

 

September 30,
2013

 

September 30,
2012

 

Consulting

 

$

1,301,550

 

$

1,727,250

 

Investor relations

 

32,991

 

125,770

 

Professional fees

 

 

393

 

Wages and benefits

 

2,319,683

 

5,330,746

 

 

 

$

3,654,224

 

$

7,184,159

 

 

Excluding share-based payment charges of $2,319,683 and $5,330,746, respectively, wages and benefits decreased to $2,746,897 during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 from $5,037,500 during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as a result of decreased severance charges and decreased personnel during the current year period.

 

Excluding share-based payment charges of $1,301,550 and $1,727,250, respectively, consulting fees decreased to $258,890 during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 from $853,136 during the three months ended September 30, 2012 due to additional fees incurred in the prior period primarily for the interim CEO in 2012, general corporate matters and compensation benefits design and implementation.

 

Other expense categories reflected only moderate change period over period.

 

Other items amounted to a gain of $6,103,847 during the nine month period ended September 30, 2013 compared to expense of $4,238,526 during the nine month period ended September 30, 2012.  The gain in the current period resulted mainly from an unrealized gain of $5.7 million on the revaluation of the derivative liability at September 30, 2013 resulting from a decrease in the average price of gold, compared to an unrealized loss of $4.3 million on the revaluation of the derivative liability during the prior period which resulted from an increase in the average price of gold.  In addition to the unrealized gain on the derivative liability, the Company had foreign exchange gain of $622,232 during the nine month period ended September 30, 2013 compared to a loss of $232,648 during the nine month period ended September 30, 2012 as a result of an increase in the value of the Canadian dollar compared to the US dollar.  The increase in other income was partially offset by a loss of $298,769 related to the other than temporary impairment of certain available-for-sale securities during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  Furthermore, income of $141,948 from mineral property earn-in was recognized during the nine month period ended September 30, 2012 which was related to the Terra and Chisna properties transferred to Corvus Gold Inc. in 2010 compared to no mineral property earn-in income for the nine month period ended September 30, 2013.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The Company has no revenue generating operations from which it can internally generate funds.  To date, the Company’s ongoing operations have been predominantly financed through sale of its equity securities by way of private placements and the subsequent exercise of share purchase and broker warrants and options issued in connection with such private placements.  However, the exercise of warrants/options is dependent primarily on the market price and overall market liquidity of the

 

18



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Company’s securities at or near the expiry date of such warrants/options (over which the Company has no control) and therefore there can be no guarantee that any existing warrants/options will be exercised.

 

As at September 30, 2013, the Company reported cash and cash equivalents of $16,611,039 compared to $30,170,905 at December 31, 2012.  The decrease of approximately $13.6 million resulted mainly from expenditures on the Livengood Gold Project and advancing work to the completion of the Feasibility Study.  In light of the current market conditions, and upon completion of the Feasibility Study, the Company continues to manage its cash resources and advance the Livengood Gold Project by focusing on the Feasibility Study recommendations, including related metallurgical and geotechnical studies, and reducing its corporate administrative costs.

 

The Company had no investing cash flows during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  Investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 comprised of mineral property acquisitions of approximately $2 million.  Mineral property acquisition costs during 2012 related to certain mining claims and related rights in the vicinity of the Livengood Gold Project.

 

The Company had no cash flows from financing activities during the nine month period ended September 30, 2013.  During the nine month period ended September 30, 2012, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement financing through the issuance of 11,384,719 common shares for gross proceeds of $29,768,529.  Total share issuance costs for this non-brokered private placement financing amounted to $554,280.

 

As at September 30, 2013, the Company had working capital of $16,227,748 compared to working capital of $27,676,797 at December 31, 2012.  The Company expects that it will operate at a loss for the foreseeable future, but believes the current cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient for it to complete the non-discretionary activities at the Livengood Gold Project, and its currently anticipated general and administrative costs, through the 2014 fiscal year and well into 2015.  To advance the Livengood Gold Project towards permitting and development, the Company anticipates maintaining certain essential environmental baseline activities for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013.  The additional financing completed by the Company in the third quarter of 2012 will fund the continued operations for the 2013 fiscal year and the planned environmental baseline activities for continuing the Livengood Gold Project towards permitting and the Company’s currently anticipated general and administrative costs through the 2014 fiscal year.  The Company will require significant additional financing to continue its operations (including general and administrative expenses) in connection with post- Feasibility Study activities at the Livengood Gold Project and the development of any mine that may be determined to be built at the Livengood Gold Project, and there is no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain the additional financing required on acceptable terms, if at all.  In addition, any significant delays in the issuance of required permits for the ongoing work at the Livengood Gold Project, or unexpected results in connection with the ongoing work, could result in the Company being required to raise additional funds to advance permitting efforts.  The Company’s review of its financing options includes pursuing a future strategic alliance to assist in further development, permitting and future construction costs.

 

Despite the Company’s success to date in raising significant equity financing to fund its operations, there is significant uncertainty that the Company will be able to secure any additional financing in the current or future equity markets.  See “We will require additional financing to fund exploration and, if warranted, development and production. Failure to obtain additional financing could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operation and could cast uncertainty on our ability to continue as a going concern” in Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors, of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  The quantity of funds to be raised and the terms of any proposed equity financing that may be undertaken will be negotiated by management as opportunities to raise funds arise.  Specific plans related to the use of proceeds will be devised once financing has been completed and management knows what funds will be available for these purposes. Due to this uncertainty, if the Company is unable to secure additional financing, it may be required to reduce all discretionary activities at Livengood to preserve its working capital to fund anticipated non-discretionary expenditures beyond the 2013 fiscal year.

 

Other than cash held by its subsidiaries for their immediate operating needs in Alaska and Colorado, all of the Company’s cash reserves are on deposit with a major Canadian chartered bank.  The Company does not believe that the credit, liquidity or market risks with respect thereto have increased as a result of the current market conditions.  However, to achieve greater security for the preservation of its capital, the Company has, of necessity, been required to accept lower rates of interest which has also lowered its potential interest income.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

The following table discloses the Company’s contractual obligations for optional mineral property payments and work commitments and committed office and equipment lease obligations as of September 30, 2013.  The table also includes amounts payable under the purchase agreement related to the acquisition of certain mining claims and related rights in the vicinity of the Livengood Gold Project (“Livengood Property Purchase”). The Company does not have any other long-term debt or loan obligations.  Under the terms of the Company’s mineral property purchase agreements, mineral leases and the

 

19



Table of Contents

 

terms of the unpatented mineral claims held by it, the Company is required to make certain scheduled acquisition payments, incur certain levels of expenditures, make lease or advance royalty payments, make payments to government authorities and incur assessment work expenditures as summarized in the table below in order to maintain and preserve the Company’s interests in the related mineral properties.  The table reflects the amended lease terms with the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority effective as of June 30, 2013.  If the Company is unable or unwilling to make any such payments or incur any such expenditures, it is likely that the Company would lose or forfeit its rights to acquire or hold the related mineral properties.  The following table assumes that the Company retains the rights to all of its current mineral properties, but no other lease purchase or royalty buyout options:

 

 

 

Payments Due by Year

 

 

 

2013

 

2014

 

2015

 

2016

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019 and
beyond

 

Total

 

Livengood Property Purchase(1)

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

16,700,000

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

16,700,000

 

Mineral Property Leases(2)

 

 

401,236

 

405,979

 

410,794

 

415,681

 

425,641

 

430,676

 

2,490,007

 

Mining Claim Government Fees

 

54,810

 

89,110

 

89,110

 

89,110

 

89,110

 

89,110

 

89,110

 

589,470

 

Office and Equipment Lease Obligations

 

55,554

 

206,263

 

78,960

 

362

 

362

 

362

 

362

 

342,225

 

Total

 

$

110,364

 

$

696,609

 

$

574,049

 

$

17,200,266

 

$

505,153

 

$

515,113

 

$

520,148

 

$

20,121,702

 

 


1.                       The amount payable in December 2016 of $16,700,000 represents the fair value of the Company’s derivative liability as at September 30, 2013 and will be revalued at each subsequent reporting period.

2.                       Does not include required work expenditures, as it is assumed that the required expenditure level is significantly below the work for which will actually be carried out by the Company.  Does not include potential royalties that may be payable (other than annual minimum royalty payments).

 

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Table of Contents

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

The Company does not have any off balance sheet arrangements.

 

Environmental Regulations

 

The operations of the Company may in the future be affected from time to time in varying degrees by changes in environmental regulations, including those for future removal and site restoration costs.  Both the likelihood of new regulations and their overall effect upon the Company vary greatly and are not predictable.  The Company’s policy is to meet or, if possible, surpass standards set by relevant legislation by application of technically proven and economically feasible measures.

 

Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations for U.S. Holders

 

The Company has been a “passive foreign investment company” (“PFIC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes in recent years and expects to continue to be a PFIC in the future.  Current and prospective U.S. shareholders should consult their tax advisors as to the tax consequences of PFIC classification and the U.S. federal tax treatment of PFICs.  Additional information on this matter is included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, under “Part II. Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities - Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations for U.S. Holders.”

 

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Table of Contents

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

The Company has exposure to market risk in areas of interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange rate risk, and other price risk.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

Interest rate risk consists of the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates.

 

The Company’s cash and cash equivalents consists of cash and cash equivalents held in bank accounts with two major Canadian financial institutions that earn interest at variable interest rates.  Future cash flows from interest income on cash and cash equivalents will be affected by interest rate fluctuations.  Due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments, fluctuations in market rates do not have a significant impact on estimated fair values.

 

The Company manages interest rate risk by maintaining an investment policy that focuses primarily on preservation of capital and liquidity.  The Company’s sensitivity analysis suggests that a 0.5% change in interest rates would affect interest income by approximately $75,000.

 

Foreign Currency Risk

 

The Company is exposed to foreign currency risk to the extent that certain monetary financial instruments and other assets are denominated in Canadian dollars.  As the majority of the Company’s assets, aside from cash, are denominated in U.S. dollars, currency risk is limited to those Canadian cash balances.  The Company has not entered into any foreign currency contracts to mitigate this risk.  The Company’s sensitivity analysis suggests that a consistent 5% change in the absolute rate of exchange for the Canadian dollar would affect net assets by approximately $250,000. Furthermore, depending on the amount of cash held by the Company in Canadian dollars at the end of each reporting period using the period end exchange rate, significant changes in the exchange rates could cause significant changes to the currency translation amounts recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income.

 

As at September 30, 2013, Canadian balances were converted at a rate of C$1 to US $0.9723.

 

Credit Risk

 

Concentration of credit risk exists with respect to the Company’s Canadian cash and cash equivalents as all amounts are held at two major Canadian financial institutions.  Credit risk with regard to cash held in the United States is mitigated as the amount held in the United States is only sufficient to cover short-term requirements.

 

Other Price Risk

 

Other price risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices, other than those arising from interest rate risk or foreign exchange risk.  The Company’s investments in marketable securities are exposed to such risk.  The Company’s derivative liability, which consists of a future contingent payment valued using historic and estimated future gold prices, is also exposed to other price risk.  See Note 5 to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  The fair value of this liability will fluctuate with the average daily price of gold as well as with future projections for the average price of gold over the life of the obligation.  For every dollar change in the average daily price of gold, the value of the derivative liability will change by $23,148.

 

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Table of Contents

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

As of September 30, 2013, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision of and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (the principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (the principal financial officer and accounting officer), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act).  Based on the evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of September 30, 2013, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that: information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted to the SEC under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in applicable rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, in a manner that allows for timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

 

The effectiveness of our or any system of disclosure controls and procedures, however well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance that the objectives of the system will be met and is subject to certain limitations, including the exercise of judgement in designing, implementing and evaluating controls and procedures and the assumptions used in identifying the likelihood of future events.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2013 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Table of Contents

 

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

You should carefully consider the following risk factors in addition to the other information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as well as the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. Each of these risk factors could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition, as well as adversely affect the value of an investment in our common shares. The risks described below are not the only ones facing the Company. Additional risks that we are not presently aware of, or that we currently believe are immaterial, may also adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition. We cannot assure you that we will successfully address these risks or other unknown risks exist that may affect our business.

 

Risks Related to Our Business

 

Our success depends on the development and operation of the Livengood Gold Project, which is our only project and may not be commercially viable at current gold prices.

 

Our only property at this time is our Livengood Gold Project, which is in the exploration stage. We have issued a Feasibility Study on the Livengood Gold Project which indicates that the Project generates a minimal positive return at a gold price of $1,500 per ounce.  The price of gold is $1,307 per ounce as of November 5, 2013, and the Project is not commercially viable at current gold prices.  While management is exploring opportunities identified in the Feasibility Study for optimization and reducing Project costs, there can be no assurance that any such efforts will be successful or that the price of gold will increase sufficiently to warrant a decision to develop the Project.  If the Project is not developed, or if the Project is otherwise subject to deterioration, destruction or significant delay, we may never generate revenues and our shareholders may lose most or all of their investment in our common shares.

 

We have a history of losses and expect to continue to incur losses in the future.

 

We have incurred losses and have had no revenue from operations since inception, and we expect to continue to incur losses in the future. We have not commenced commercial production on the Livengood Gold Project and we have no other mineral properties. We have no revenues from operations, and we anticipate we will have no operating revenues and will continue to incur operating losses until such time as we place the Livengood Gold Project into production and such project generates sufficient revenues to fund continuing operations. The Livengood Gold Project is currently in the exploration stage. Our activities may not result in profitable mining operations and we may not succeed in establishing mining operations or profitably producing metals at the Livengood Gold Project.

 

We are an exploration stage company and have no history producing metals from our properties. Any future revenues and profits are uncertain.

 

We have no history of mining or refining any mineral products or metals and the Livengood Gold Project is not currently producing. There can be no assurance that the Livengood Gold Project will be successfully placed into production, produce minerals in commercial quantities or otherwise generate operating earnings. Advancing properties from the exploration stage into development and commercial production requires significant capital and time and will be subject to further feasibility studies, permitting requirements and construction of the mine, processing plants, roads and related works and infrastructure. We will continue to incur losses until our mining activities successfully reach commercial production levels and generate sufficient revenue to fund continuing operations. There is no certainty that we will produce revenue from any source, operate profitably or provide a return on investment in the future. If we are unable to generate revenues or profits, our shareholders might not be able to realize returns on their investment in our common shares.

 

We will require additional financing to fund exploration and, if warranted, development and production. Failure to obtain additional financing could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operation and could cast uncertainty on our ability to continue as a going concern.

 

Advancing properties from exploration into the development stage requires significant capital and time, and successful commercial production from a property, if any, will be subject to completing feasibility studies, permitting and construction of the mine, processing plants, roads, and other related works and infrastructure. The Company does not presently have

 

24



Table of Contents

 

sufficient financial resources or a source of operating cash flow to undertake by itself to complete the permitting process and, if a production decision is made, the construction of a mine at the Livengood Gold Project. The completion of the permitting process, and any construction of a mine at the Livengood Gold Project following the making of a production decision, will therefore depend upon the Company’s ability to obtain financing through the sale of its equity securities, enter into a joint venture relationship, secure significant debt financing or find alternative means of financing. There is no assurance that the Company will be successful in obtaining the required financing on favorable terms or at all. Even if the results of exploration are encouraging, the Company may not be able to obtain sufficient financing to conduct the further exploration that may be necessary to determine whether or not a commercially mineable deposit exists.

 

Our ability to obtain additional financing in the future will depend upon a number of factors, including prevailing capital market conditions, the status of the national and worldwide economy, our business performance and the price of gold and other precious metals. Capital markets worldwide have been adversely affected in recent years by substantial losses by financial institutions. At present, it is impossible to determine what amount of additional funds, if any, may be required. Failure to obtain such additional financing on favorable terms or at all could result in delay or indefinite postponement of further mining operations or exploration and development and the possible partial or total loss of our interests in the Livengood Gold Project.

 

We have not yet identified, and may never identify, commercially viable reserves that would generate revenues.

 

We are considered an exploration stage company and will continue to be until we identify commercially viable reserves on our properties and develop our properties. We have no producing properties and have never generated any revenue from our operations. We have issued a Feasibility Study on the Livengood Gold Project.  Using the trailing three year gold price of $1,500 per ounce, the Project generates a minimal positive return; however, the Project is not economically robust at current gold prices.  The majority of exploration projects do not result in the discovery of commercially mineable deposits of ore. Further exploration and substantial expenditures are required to establish ore reserves through drilling and metallurgical and other testing techniques, determine metal content and metallurgical recovery processes to extract metal from the ore, and construct, renovate or expand mining and processing facilities. No assurance can be given that any level of recovery of ore reserves will be realized or that any identified mineral deposit will ever qualify as a commercial mineable ore body which can be legally and economically exploited. If we are not able to identify commercially viable mineral deposits or profitably extract minerals from such deposits, our business would be materially adversely affected and our investors could lose all or a substantial portion of their investment.

 

Resource exploration is a highly speculative business, and certain inherent exploration risks could have a negative effect on our business.

 

Our long-term success depends on our ability to identify mineral deposits on the Livengood Gold Project and other properties we may acquire, if any, that can then be developed into commercially viable mining operations. Resource exploration is a highly speculative business and involves a high degree of risk, including, among other things, unprofitable efforts resulting both from the failure to discover mineral deposits and from finding mineral deposits which, though present, are insufficient in size and grade at the then prevailing market conditions to return a profit from production. Substantial expenditures are required to establish proven and probable mineral reserves through drilling and analysis, to develop metallurgical processes to extract metal, and to develop the mining and processing facilities and infrastructure at any site chosen for mining. Although substantial benefits may be derived from the discovery of a major mineralized deposit, no assurance can be given that minerals will be discovered in sufficient quantities to justify commercial operations or that funds required for development can be obtained on a timely basis. The marketability of minerals which may be acquired or discovered by the Company will be affected by numerous factors beyond the control of the Company and which cannot be accurately predicted. These factors include market fluctuations, the proximity and capacity of milling facilities, mineral markets and processing equipment, and government regulations, including regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land use, importing and exporting of minerals and environmental protection. The exact effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted, but the combination of these factors may result in the Company not receiving an adequate return on invested capital.

 

Mineral resource estimates are based on interpretation and assumptions and could be inaccurate or yield less mineral production under actual conditions than is currently estimated. Any material changes in these estimates will affect the economic viability of placing a property into production.

 

The mineral resource estimates included in our reports are estimates only and no assurance can be given that any particular level of recovery of minerals will in fact be realized or that an identified reserve or resource will ever qualify as a commercially mineable (or viable) deposit which can be legally and economically exploited. The estimating of mineral resources and mineral reserves is a subjective process and the accuracy of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, the accuracy of statistical computations, and the assumptions used and judgments made in interpreting available engineering and geological information. There is significant uncertainty in any

 

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mineral resource or mineral reserve estimate and the actual deposits encountered and the economic viability of a deposit may differ materially from the Company’s estimates. In addition, the grade of mineralization ultimately mined may differ from that indicated by drilling results and such differences could be material. Because we have not commenced actual production, mineralization estimates, including mineral resource estimates, for the Livengood Gold Project may require adjustments or downward revisions.

 

Until ore is actually mined and processed, mineral resources, mineral reserves and grades of mineralization must be considered as estimates only. The grade of ore ultimately mined, if any, may differ from that indicated by any pre-feasibility or definitive feasibility studies and drill results. There can be no assurance that minerals recovered in small scale laboratory tests will be duplicated in large scale tests under on-site conditions or in production scale operations. Extended declines in market prices for gold may render portions or all of our mineral resources uneconomic and result in reduced reported mineralization or adversely affect the commercial viability determinations reached by us. Material changes in estimates of mineralization, grades, stripping ratios, recovery rates or of our ability to extract such mineralization may affect the economic viability of projects and the value of our Livengood Gold Project. The estimated resources described in our reports should not be interpreted as assurances of mine life or of the profitability of future operations. Estimated mineral resources and mineral reserves may have to be re-estimated based on changes in applicable commodity prices, further exploration or development activity or actual production experience. This could materially and adversely affect estimates of the volume or grade of mineralization, estimated recovery rates or other important factors that influence mineral resource or mineral reserve estimates. Market price fluctuations for gold, silver or base metals, increased production costs or reduced recovery rates or other factors may render any particular reserves uneconomical or unprofitable to develop at a particular site or sites. A reduction in estimated reserves could require material write downs in investment in the affected mining property and increased amortization, reclamation and closure charges. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and there is no assurance that any mineral resources will ultimately be reclassified as proven or probable reserves. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

 

There are differences in U.S. and Canadian practices for reporting reserves and resources.

 

Our reserve and resource estimates are not directly comparable to those made in filings subject to SEC reporting and disclosure requirements, as we generally report reserves and resources in accordance with Canadian practices. These practices are different from the practices used to report reserve and resource estimates in reports and other materials filed with the SEC. It is Canadian practice to report measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources, which are generally not permitted in disclosure filed with the SEC by U.S. issuers. In the United States, mineralization may not be classified as a “reserve” unless the determination has been made that the mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination is made. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured, indicated or inferred mineral resources will ever be converted into reserves.

 

Further, “inferred mineral resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to whether they can be mined legally or economically. Disclosure of “contained ounces” is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC only permits issuers to report “resources” as in place, tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.

 

Accordingly, information concerning descriptions of mineralization, reserves and resources contained in our reports may not be comparable to information made public by other U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC.

 

Increased costs could affect our ability to bring our projects into production and, once in production, our financial condition and ability to be profitable.

 

Management anticipates that costs at the Livengood Gold Project will frequently be subject to variation from one year to the next due to a number of factors, such as changing ore grade, metallurgy and revisions to mine plans, if any, in response to the physical shape and location of the ore body. In addition, costs are affected by the price of commodities such as fuel, rubber and electricity. Such commodities are at times subject to volatile price movements, including increases that could make production less profitable or not profitable at all. A material increase in costs could also impact our ability to maintain operations and have a significant effect on the Company’s profitability.

 

The volatility of the price of gold could adversely affect our future operations and, if warranted, our ability to develop our properties.

 

Even if commercial quantities of mineral deposits are discovered by the Company, there is no guarantee that a profitable market will exist for the sale of the metals produced, if any. The Company’s long-term viability and profitability, the value of

 

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the Company’s properties, the market price of its common shares and the Company’s ability to raise funding to conduct continued exploration and development, if warranted, depend, in large part, upon the market price of gold. The decision to put a mine into production and to commit the funds necessary for that purpose must be made long before the first revenue from production would be received. A decrease in the price of gold may prevent the Company’s property from being economically mined or result in the write-off of assets whose value is impaired as a result of lower gold prices.

 

The price of gold has experienced significant movement over short periods of time, and is affected by numerous factors beyond the control of the Company, including economic and political conditions, expectations of inflation, currency exchange fluctuations, interest rates, global or regional demand, sale or purchase of gold by various central banks and financial institutions, speculative activities and increased production due to improved mining and production methods. The volatility of mineral prices represents a substantial risk which no amount of planning or technical expertise can fully eliminate. There can be no assurance that the price of gold will be such that any such deposits can be mined at a profit.

 

The volatility in gold prices is illustrated by the following table, which presents the high, low and average fixed price in U.S. dollars for an ounce of gold, based on the London Bullion Market Association P.M. fix, over the past five years:

 

 

 

High

 

Low

 

Average

 

2008

 

$

1,011

 

$

713

 

$

872

 

2009

 

$

1,213

 

$

810

 

$

972

 

2010

 

$

1,421

 

$

1,058

 

$

1,225

 

2011

 

$

1,895

 

$

1,319

 

$

1,572

 

2012

 

$

1,792

 

$

1,540

 

$

1,669

 

January 1, 2013 to November 5, 2013

 

$

1,694

 

$

1,192

 

$

1,439

 

 

Our results of operations could be affected by currency fluctuations.

 

The Livengood Gold Project is located in the United States, with most costs associated with the Project paid in US dollars, and the Company maintains its accounts in Canadian and US dollars, making it subject to foreign currency fluctuations. There can be significant swings in the exchange rate between the US and Canadian dollar. There are no plans at this time to hedge against any exchange rate fluctuations in currencies. Adverse foreign currency fluctuations may cause losses and materially affect the Company’s financial position and results.

 

Resource exploration, development and production involve a high degree of risk and we do not maintain insurance with respect to certain of these risks, which exposes us to significant risk of loss.

 

Resource exploration, development and production involve a high degree of risk. Our operations are, and any future development or mining operations we may conduct will be, subject to all of the operating hazards and risks normally incident to exploring for and development of mineral properties, such as, but not limited to:

 

·                  economically insufficient mineralized material;

 

·                  fluctuation in exploration, development and production costs;

 

·                  labor disputes;

 

·                  unanticipated variations in grade and other geologic problems;

 

·                  water conditions;

 

·                  difficult surface or underground conditions;

 

·                  mechanical and equipment failure;

 

·                  failure of pit walls or dams;

 

·                  environmental hazards;

 

·                  industrial accidents;

 

·                  metallurgical and other processing problems;

 

·                  unusual or unexpected rock formations;

 

·                  personal injury, cave-ins, landslides, flooding, fire, explosions, and rock-bursts;

 

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·                  metal losses;

 

·                  power outages;

 

·                  periodic interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions; and

 

·                  decrease in the value of mineralized material due to lower gold prices.

 

These risks could result in damage to, or destruction of, mineral properties, facilities or other property, personal injury, environmental damage, delays in operations, increased cost of operations, monetary losses and possible legal liability. Although the Company maintains or can be expected to maintain insurance within ranges of coverage consistent with industry practice, no assurance can be given that the Company will be able to obtain insurance to cover all of these risks at economically feasible premiums or at all. The Company may elect not to insure where premium costs are disproportionate to the Company’s perception of the relevant risks. The payment of such insurance premiums and of such liabilities would reduce the funds available for exploration and production activities, if warranted. Should events such as these that are not covered by insurance arise, they could reduce or eliminate our assets and shareholder equity as well as result in increased costs and a decline in the value of our assets or common shares.

 

We may not be able to obtain all required permits and licenses to place any of our properties into production.

 

The current and future operations of the Company require licenses and permits from various governmental authorities. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain all necessary licenses and permits that may be required to carry out exploration, development and mining operations at its projects, on reasonable terms or at all. Costs related to applying for and obtaining permits and licenses may be prohibitive and could delay our planned exploration and development activities. Failure to comply with permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities causing operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment, or remedial actions. Delays in obtaining, or a failure to obtain, any such licenses and permits, or a failure to comply with the terms of any such licenses and permits that the Company does obtain, could delay or prevent production of the Livengood Gold Project and have a material adverse effect on the Company.

 

Title to the Livengood Gold Project may be subject to defects in title or other claims, which could affect our property rights and claims.

 

There are risks that title to the Livengood Gold Project may be challenged or impugned. The Livengood Gold Project is located in the State of Alaska and may be subject to prior unrecorded agreements or transfers or native land claims, and title may be affected by undetected defects. There may be valid challenges to the title of the Livengood Gold Project which, if successful, could impair development or operations. This is particularly the case in respect of those portions of our properties in which we hold our interest solely through a lease with the claim holders, as such interest is substantially based on contract and has been subject to a number of assignments (as opposed to a direct interest in the property).

 

Some of the mining claims at the Livengood Gold Project are U.S. federal or Alaska state unpatented mining claims. There is a risk that a portion of such unpatented mining claims could be determined to be invalid, in which case the Company could lose the right to mine any minerals contained within those mining claims. Unpatented mining claims are created and maintained in accordance with the applicable U.S. federal and Alaska state mining laws. Unpatented mining claims are unique property interests, and are generally considered to be subject to greater title risk than other real property interests due to the validity of unpatented mining claims often being uncertain. This uncertainty arises, in part, out of the complex federal and state laws and regulations under the provisions of the U.S. General Mining Law of 1872 (the “Mining Law”). Unpatented mining claims are always subject to possible challenges of third parties or validity contests by the United States federal government or the Alaska state government, as applicable. The validity of an unpatented mining claim, in terms of both its location and its maintenance, is dependent on strict compliance with a complex body of federal and state statutory and decisional law. Title to the unpatented mining claims may also be affected by undetected defects such as unregistered agreements or transfers and there are few public records that definitively determine the issues of validity and ownership of unpatented mining claims. The Company has not obtained full title opinions for the majority of its mineral properties. Not all the mineral properties in which the Company has an interest have been surveyed, and their actual extent and location may be in doubt. Should the federal government impose a royalty or additional tax burdens on the properties that lie within public lands, the resulting mining operations could be seriously impacted, depending upon the type and amount of the burden.

 

The leases and agreements pursuant to which the Company has interests, or the right to acquire interests, in a significant portion of the Livengood Gold Project provide that the Company must make a series of cash payments over certain time periods or expend certain minimum amounts on the exploration of the properties. Failure by the Company to make such payments or make such expenditures in a timely fashion may result in the Company losing its interest in such properties. There can be no assurance that the Company will have, or be able to obtain, the necessary financial resources to be able to

 

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maintain all of its property agreements in good standing, or to be able to comply with all of its obligations thereunder, which could result in the Company forfeiting its interest in one or more of its mineral properties.

 

The Company may not have and may not be able to obtain surface or access rights to all or a portion of the Livengood Gold Project.

 

Although the Company acquires the rights to some or all of the minerals in the ground subject to the mineral tenures that it acquires, or has a right to acquire, in most cases it does not thereby acquire any rights to, or ownership of, the surface to the areas covered by its mineral tenures. In such cases, applicable mining laws usually provide for rights of access to the surface for the purpose of carrying on mining activities, however, the enforcement of such rights through the courts can be costly and time consuming. It is necessary to negotiate surface access or to purchase the surface rights if long-term access is required. There can be no guarantee that, despite having the right at law to access the surface and carry on mining activities, the Company will be able to negotiate satisfactory agreements with any such existing landowners/occupiers for such access or purchase such surface rights, and therefore it may be unable to carry out planned exploration or mining activities. In addition, in circumstances where such access is denied, or no agreement can be reached, the Company may need to rely on the assistance of local officials or the courts in such jurisdiction the outcomes of which cannot be predicted with any certainty. The inability of the Company to secure surface access or purchase required surface rights could materially and adversely affect the timing, cost or overall ability of the Company to develop any mineral deposits it may locate.

 

Our properties and operations may be subject to litigation or other claims.

 

From time to time our properties or operations may be subject to disputes which may result in litigation or other legal claims. We may be required to assert or defend against these claims which will divert resources and management time from operations. The costs of these claims or adverse filings may have a material effect on our business and results of operations.

 

We are subject to significant governmental regulations which affect our operations and costs of conducting our business.

 

Any exploration activities carried on by the Company are, and any future development or mining operations we may conduct will be, subject to extensive laws and regulations governing various matters, including:

 

·                  mineral concession acquisition, exploration, development, mining and production;

 

·                  management of natural resources;

 

·                  exports, price controls, taxes and fees;

 

·                  labor standards on occupational health and safety, including mine safety;

 

·                  post-closure reclamation;

 

·                  environmental standards, waste disposal, toxic substances, explosives, land use and environmental protection; and

 

·                  dealings with indigenous peoples and historic and cultural preservation.

 

Companies engaged in exploration activities often experience increased costs and delays in production and other schedules as a result of the need to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permits. Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permits may result in civil or criminal fines or penalties, enforcement actions thereunder, including the forfeiture of claims, orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities requiring operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment or costly remedial actions, any of which could result in the Company incurring significant expenditures. The Company may also be required to compensate third parties suffering loss or damage as a result of our mineral exploration activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of such laws, regulations and permits.

 

It is also possible that future laws and regulations, or more stringent enforcement of current laws and regulations by governmental authorities, could cause additional expense, capital expenditures, restrictions on or suspension of the Company’s operations and delays in the exploration and development of the Company’s property.

 

Legislation has been proposed that would significantly affect the mining industry and our business.

 

In recent years, members of the United States Congress have repeatedly introduced bills which would supplant or alter the provisions of the Mining Law. If adopted, such legislation, among other things, could eliminate or greatly limit the right to a mineral patent, impose federal royalties on mineral production from unpatented mining claims located on United States

 

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federal lands (which includes certain of the mining claims at the Livengood Gold Project), result in the denial of permits to mine after the expenditure of significant funds for exploration and development, reduce estimates of mineral reserves and reduce the amount of future exploration and development activity on U.S. federal lands, all of which could have a material and adverse effect on the Company’s ability to operate and its cash flow, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our activities are subject to environmental laws and regulations that may increase our costs of doing business and restrict our operations.

 

The activities of the Company are subject to environmental regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Environmental legislation generally provides for restrictions and prohibitions on spills, releases or emissions into the air, discharges into water, management of waste, management of hazardous substances, protection of natural resources, antiquities and endangered species and reclamation of lands disturbed by mining operations.  Certain types of operations require the submission and approval of environmental impact assessments. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner involving stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects and a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their officers, directors and employees. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations and future changes in these laws and regulations may require significant capital outlays, cause material changes or delays in our current and planned operations and future activities and reduce the profitability of operations. It is possible that future changes in these laws or regulations could have a significant adverse impact on our Livengood Gold Project or some portion of our business, causing us to re-evaluate those activities at that time.

 

Examples of current U.S. federal laws which may affect our current operations and may impact future business and operations include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

The Comprehensive Environmental, Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), and comparable state statutes, impose strict, joint and several liability on current and former owners and operators of sites and on persons who disposed of or arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances found at such sites. It is not uncommon for the government to file claims requiring cleanup actions, demands for reimbursement for government-incurred cleanup costs, or natural resource damages, or for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by hazardous substances released into the environment. The Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”), and comparable state statutes, govern the disposal of solid waste and hazardous waste and authorize the imposition of substantial fines and penalties for noncompliance, as well as requirements for corrective actions. CERCLA, RCRA and comparable state statutes can impose liability for clean-up of sites and disposal of substances found on exploration, mining and processing sites long after activities on such sites have been completed.

 

The Clean Air Act (“CAA”) restricts the emission of air pollutants from many sources, including mining and processing activities. Our mining operations may produce air emissions, including fugitive dust and other air pollutants from stationary equipment, storage facilities and the use of mobile sources such as trucks and heavy construction equipment, which are subject to review, monitoring or control requirements under the CAA and state air quality laws. New facilities may be required to obtain permits before work can begin, and existing facilities may be required to incur capital costs in order to remain in compliance. In addition, permitting rules may impose limitations on our production levels or result in additional capital expenditures in order to comply with the regulations.

 

The National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”) requires federal agencies to integrate environmental considerations into their decision-making processes by evaluating the environmental impacts of their proposed actions, including issuance of permits to mining facilities, and assessing alternatives to those actions. If a proposed action could significantly affect the environment, the agency must prepare a detailed statement known as an Environmental Impact Statement (“EIS”). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), other federal agencies, and any interested third parties will review and comment on the scoping of the EIS and the adequacy of and findings set forth in the draft and final EIS. We are required to undertake the NEPA process for the Livengood Gold Project permitting. The NEPA process can cause delays in issuance of required permits or result in changes to a project to mitigate its potential environmental impacts, which can in turn impact the economic feasibility of a proposed project or the ability to construct or operate the Livengood Gold Project or other properties entirely.

 

The Clean Water Act (“CWA”), and comparable state statutes, impose restrictions and controls on the discharge of pollutants into waters of the United States. The discharge of pollutants into regulated waters is prohibited, except in accordance with the terms of a permit issued by the EPA or an analogous state agency. The CWA regulates storm water mining facilities and requires a storm water discharge permit for certain activities. Such a permit requires the regulated facility to monitor and sample storm water run-off from its operations. The CWA and regulations implemented thereunder also prohibit discharges of dredged and fill material in wetlands and other waters of the United States unless authorized by an appropriately issued permit. The CWA and comparable state statutes provide for civil, criminal and administrative penalties for unauthorized

 

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discharges of pollutants and impose liability on parties responsible for those discharges for the costs of cleaning up any environmental damage caused by the release and for natural resource damages resulting from the release.

 

The Safe Drinking Water Act (“SDWA”) and the Underground Injection Control (“UIC”) program promulgated thereunder, regulate the drilling and operation of subsurface injection wells. The EPA directly administers the UIC program in some states and in others the responsibility for the program has been delegated to the state. The program requires that a permit be obtained before drilling a disposal or injection well. Violation of these regulations or contamination of groundwater by mining related activities may result in fines, penalties, and remediation costs, among other sanctions and liabilities under the SDWA and state laws. In addition, third party claims may be filed by landowners and other parties claiming damages for alternative water supplies, property damages, and bodily injury.

 

Regulations and pending legislation governing issues involving climate change could result in increased operating costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

A number of governments or governmental bodies have introduced or are contemplating regulatory changes in response to various climate change interest groups and the potential impact of climate change. Legislation and increased regulation regarding climate change could impose significant costs on us, our future partners and our suppliers, including costs related to increased energy requirements, capital equipment, environmental monitoring and reporting and other costs to comply with such regulations. Any adopted future climate change regulations could also negatively impact our ability to compete with companies situated in areas not subject to such limitations. Given the emotion, political significance and uncertainty around the impact of climate change and how it should be dealt with, we cannot predict how legislation and regulation will affect our financial condition, operating performance and ability to compete. Furthermore, even without such regulation, increased awareness and any adverse publicity in the global marketplace about potential impacts on climate change by us or other companies in our industry could harm our reputation. The potential physical impacts of climate change on our operations are highly uncertain, and would be particular to the geographic circumstances in areas in which we operate. These may include changes in rainfall and storm patterns and intensities, water shortages, changing sea levels and changing temperatures. These impacts may adversely impact the cost, production and financial performance of our operations.

 

Land reclamation requirements for our properties may be burdensome and expensive.

 

Land reclamation requirements are generally imposed on mineral exploration companies (as well as companies with mining operations) in order to minimize long term effects of land disturbance.

 

Reclamation may include requirements to:

 

·                  control dispersion of potentially deleterious effluents;

 

·                  treat ground and surface water to drinking water standards; and

 

·                  reasonably re-establish pre-disturbance land forms and vegetation.

 

In order to carry out reclamation obligations imposed on us in connection with the potential development activities at the Livengood Gold Project, we must allocate financial resources that might otherwise be spent on further exploration and development programs. We plan to set up a provision for reclamation obligations on the Livengood Gold Project, as appropriate, but this provision may not be adequate. If we are required to carry out unanticipated reclamation work, our financial position could be adversely affected.

 

The mining industry is intensely competitive, and we have limited financial and personnel resources with which to compete.

 

The Company’s business of the acquisition, exploration and development, if warranted, of mineral properties is intensely competitive. The Company may be at a competitive disadvantage in acquiring additional mining properties because it must compete with other individuals and companies, many of which may have greater financial resources, operational experience and technical capabilities than the Company. The Company may also encounter increasing competition from other mining companies in efforts to hire experienced mining professionals. Increased competition could adversely affect the Company’s ability to attract necessary capital funding, acquire suitable producing properties or prospects for mineral exploration in the future, or attract or retain key personnel or outside technical resources.

 

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A shortage of equipment and supplies could adversely affect our ability to operate our business.

 

We are dependent on various supplies and equipment to carry out our exploration and, if warranted, development and mining operations. The shortage of such supplies, equipment and parts could have a material adverse effect on our ability to carry out our operations and therefore limit or increase the cost of production.

 

We are dependent on key personnel and the absence of any of these individuals could adversely affect our business. We may experience difficulty attracting and retaining qualified personnel.

 

Our success is largely dependent on the performance and abilities of our directors, officers, employees and management and on our ability to attract and retain additional key personnel in exploration, mine development, sales, marketing, technical support and finance. In addition, the Company has relied and may continue to rely upon consultants and others for operating expertise. There is no assurance that we will be able to maintain the services of our directors, officers, employees or other qualified personnel required to operate our business. The loss of the services of these persons could have a material adverse effect on our business and prospects. Recruiting and retaining qualified personnel is critical to our success and there can be no assurance we will be able to recruit and retain such personnel. The number of persons skilled in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties is limited and competition for such persons is intense. If we are not successful in attracting and retaining qualified personnel, our ability to develop our properties could be affected, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. We do not maintain “key man” life insurance policies on any of our officers or employees.

 

Canadian investors may not be able to enforce their civil liabilities against us.

 

It may be difficult for Canadian investors to bring and enforce suits against us. As substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries are located outside of Canada, and certain of the directors and officers of the Company are resident outside of Canada, it may be difficult or impossible for Canadian investors to enforce judgments granted by a court in Canada against the assets of the Company or the directors and officers of the Company residing outside of Canada. A shareholder should not assume that the courts of the United States (i) would enforce judgments of Canadian courts obtained in actions against us or such persons predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the Canadian securities laws or other laws of Canada, or (ii) would enforce, in original actions, liabilities against us or such persons predicated upon Canadian securities laws or other laws of Canada.

 

Risks Related to Our Common Shares

 

Our share price may be volatile and as a result you could lose all or part of your investment.

 

In recent years, the securities markets in the United States and Canada have experienced a high level of price and volume volatility, and the market price of securities of many companies, particularly those considered exploration or development stage companies, have experienced wide fluctuations in price which have not necessarily been related to the operating performance, underlying asset values or prospects of such companies. It may be anticipated that any quoted market for our common shares will be subject to market trends and conditions generally, notwithstanding any potential success we have in creating revenues, cash flows or earnings. The price of our common shares has been subject to price and volume volatility in the past. In 2012, the price of our common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange ranged from a low of C$1.85 to a high of C$5.61, and on the NYSE MKT ranged from a low of $1.91 to a high of $5.62.  In 2013 to November 5, 2013, the price of our common shares on the TSX ranged from a low of C$0.32 to a high of C$2.43, and on the NYSE MKT ranged from a low of $0.30 to a high of $2.46.  There can be no assurance that significant fluctuations in the trading price of the Company’s common shares will not continue to occur, or that such fluctuations will not materially adversely impact the Company’s ability to raise equity funding without significant dilution to its existing shareholders, or at all. As a result, you may be unable to resell your shares at a desired price.

 

Future sales of our securities in the public or private markets will dilute our current shareholders and could adversely affect the trading price of our common shares and our ability to continue to raise funds in new stock offerings.

 

It is likely that the Company will sell common shares or securities exercisable or convertible into common shares in the future. The Company may issue securities on less than favorable terms to raise sufficient capital to fund its business plan. Any transaction involving the issuance of equity securities or securities convertible into common shares would result in dilution, possibly substantial, to present and prospective holders of common shares, could adversely affect the trading prices of our common shares, and could impair our ability to raise capital through future offerings of securities.

 

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We have never paid dividends on our common shares.

 

We have not paid dividends on our common shares to date, and we may not be in a position to pay dividends for the foreseeable future. Our ability to pay dividends will depend on our ability to successfully develop the Livengood Gold Project and generate earnings from operations. Further, our initial earnings, if any, will likely be retained to finance our operations. Any future dividends will depend upon our earnings, our then-existing financial requirements and other factors, and will be at the discretion of our board of directors.

 

Our business is subject to evolving corporate governance and public disclosure regulations that have increased both our compliance costs and the risk of noncompliance, which could have an adverse effect on our stock price.

 

We are subject to changing rules and regulations promulgated by a number of governmental and self-regulated organizations, including the British Columbia Securities Commission, the SEC, the TSX, the NYSE MKT, and the Financial Accounting Standards Board. These rules and regulations continue to evolve in scope and complexity and many new requirements have been created in response to laws enacted by the United States Congress, making compliance more difficult and uncertain. For example, on July 21, 2010, the United States Congress passed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) with increased disclosure obligations for public companies and mining companies in the United States. Our efforts to comply with the Dodd-Frank Act and other new regulations have resulted in, and are likely to continue to result in, increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from operating activities to compliance activities.

 

We likely constituted a “passive foreign investment company” during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, which may result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. holders.

 

We believe that we were a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, and we expect that we will be a PFIC in the current year and that we may be a PFIC in future years.  The determination of whether or not the Company is a PFIC is a factual determination dependent on a number of factors that cannot be made until the close of the applicable tax year and accordingly no assurances can be given regarding the Company’s PFIC status for the current year or any future year.  If ITH is a PFIC at any time during a U.S. holder’s holding period, then certain potentially adverse tax consequences could apply to such U.S. holder’s acquisition, ownership, and disposition of common shares.  For more information, please see the discussion in “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations for U.S. Holders” above.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Pursuant to Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act, issuers that are operators, or that have a subsidiary that is an operator, of a coal or other mine in the United States are required to disclose specified information about mine health and safety in their periodic reports.  These reporting requirement are based on the safety and health requirements applicable to mines under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Act”) which is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”).  During the nine month period ended September 30, 2013, the Company and its subsidiaries were not subject to regulation by MSHA under the Mine Act and thus no disclosure is required under Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Not applicable.

 

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

10.1*

 

Upland Mining Lease, effective July 1, 2004, between the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority and Tower Hill Mines, Inc. (as successor to AngloGold (U.S.A.)).

 

 

 

10.2

 

Addendum No. 2 to Upland Mining Lease, effective July 1, 2007, between the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Mental Health Trust Land Office and Tower Hill Mines, Inc. (formerly Talon Gold Alaska, Inc.).

 

 

 

10.3

 

Addendum No. 3 to Upland Mining Lease, effective January 1, 2010, between the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Mental Health Trust Land Office and Tower Hill Mines, Inc. (formerly Talon Gold Alaska, Inc.).

 

 

 

10.4

 

Addendum No. 4 to Upland Mining Lease, effective June 27, 2013, between the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Mental Health Trust Land Office and Tower Hill Mines, Inc.

 

 

 

10.5*

 

Addendum No. 5 to Upland Mining Lease, effective June 30, 2013, between the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Mental Health Trust Land Office and Tower Hill Mines, Inc.

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

32.2

 

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

101

 

Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the Three and Nine Months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, and (iv) the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements.


*  Certain portions of this exhibit have been omitted by redacting a portion of the text (indicated by asterisks in the text). This exhibit has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL TOWER HILL MINES LTD.

 

 

By:

/s/ Donald C. Ewigleben

 

 

Donald C. Ewigleben

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

Date: November 6, 2013

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Tom S. Q. Yip

 

 

Tom S. Q. Yip

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

Date: November 6, 2013

 

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