Applied Minerals, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2009 September (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
x |
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended |
September 30, 2009 |
o |
Transition report under section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act |
For the transition period from |
to |
Commission File Number |
000-31380 |
APPLIED MINERALS INC. | ||||||
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) | ||||||
Idaho |
82-0096527 | |||||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |||||
110 Greene Street – Ste 101, New York, NY |
10012 | |||||
(Address of principal executive offices) |
(Zip Code) | |||||
(208) 556-1181 |
||||||
(Issuer’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code) |
Former name, former address, and former fiscal year, if changed since last report: ATLAS
MINING COMPANY
Indicate by check 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 |
NO |
X |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated 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.
Large Accelerated Filer |
Accelerated Filer |
Non-accelerated Filer |
Smaller Reporting Company |
X |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
YES |
NO |
X |
The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, no par value per share, outstanding as of September 30, 2009 was 59,284,121.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: None.
ATLAS MINING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
(An Exploration Stage Company)
THIRD QUARTER 2009 REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION | ||
Page(s) | ||
Item 1. |
Consolidated Financial Statements |
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and December 31, 2008 |
3 - 4 | |
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (unaudited) for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 |
5 - 6 | |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 | 7 - 8 | |
Condensed Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) |
9 - 18 | |
Item 2. | Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation | 19 - 24 |
Item 3. |
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
24 |
Item 4. |
Controls and Procedures |
25 |
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION |
||
Item 1. |
Legal Proceedings |
26 - 27 |
Item 2. |
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds |
27 |
Item 3. |
Defaults Upon Senior Securities |
27 |
Item 4. |
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders |
27 |
Item 5. |
Other Information |
27 |
Item 6. |
Exhibits |
28 |
Signatures |
||
Certification Under Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ATLAS MINING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY |
||||||||
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
||||||||
Consolidated Balance Sheets |
||||||||
September 30, |
December 31, |
|||||||
2009 |
2008 |
|||||||
(Unaudited) |
||||||||
Current Assets |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 1,137,215 | $ | 903,001 | ||||
Accounts receivable |
- 0 - | 44 | ||||||
Investments – available for sale |
4,445 | 5,426 | ||||||
Deposits and prepaids |
41,669 | 282,306 | ||||||
Total Current Assets |
1,183,329 | 1,190,776 | ||||||
Property, Plant and Equipment |
||||||||
Land and tunnels |
523,729 | 523,729 | ||||||
Land improvements |
94,029 | 91,835 | ||||||
Buildings |
445,197 | 445,197 | ||||||
Mining equipment |
354,493 | 389,492 | ||||||
Milling equipment |
99,855 | 99,855 | ||||||
Laboratory equipment |
75,968 | 75,968 | ||||||
Office furniture and equipment |
37,522 | 37,962 | ||||||
Vehicles |
77,563 | 65,763 | ||||||
Less: Accumulated depreciation |
(364,876 | ) | (287,040 | ) | ||||
Total Property, Plant and Equipment |
1,343,480 | 1,442,761 | ||||||
Other Assets |
||||||||
Refund receivable from discontinued operations activities |
41,925 | - 0 - | ||||||
Assets from discontinued operations being held for sale |
983,319 | 1,872,577 | ||||||
Total Other Assets |
1,025,244 | 1,872,577 | ||||||
TOTAL ASSETS |
$ | 3,552,053 | $ | 4,506,114 | ||||
The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. |
3
ATLAS MINING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY |
||||||||
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
||||||||
Consolidated Balance Sheets |
||||||||
September 30, |
December 31, |
|||||||
2009 |
2008 |
|||||||
(Unaudited) |
||||||||
Current Liabilities |
||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
$ | 1,473,551 | $ | 741,885 | ||||
Stock awards payable |
315,000 | 52,500 | ||||||
Current portion of notes payable |
- 0 - | 115,836 | ||||||
Current portion of capital leases payable |
13,554 | 41,004 | ||||||
Total Current Liabilities |
1,802,105 | 951,25 | ||||||
Long-Term Liabilities |
||||||||
Long-term portion of capital leases payable |
28,660 | 118,765 | ||||||
Total Long-Term Liabilities |
28,660 | 118,765 | ||||||
Other Liabilities |
||||||||
Convertible debt |
4,141,874 | 1,000,000 | ||||||
Liabilities from discontinued operations |
112,752 | 239,128 | ||||||
Total Other Liabilities |
4,254,626 | 1,239,128 | ||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES |
6,085,391 | 2,309,118 | ||||||
Commitments & Contingencies |
- 0 - | - 0 - | ||||||
Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) |
||||||||
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized |
||||||||
non-cumulative, non-voting, non-convertible, |
||||||||
none issued or outstanding |
- 0 - | - 0 - | ||||||
Common stock, no par value, 60,000,000 shares authorized, |
||||||||
59,284,121 and 59,215,628 shares issued and outstanding, |
||||||||
respectively |
22,247,490 | 22,155,543 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit prior to exploration stage |
(20,009,496 | ) | (20,009,496 | ) | ||||
Accumulated deficit during the exploration stage |
(4,821,237 | ) | - 0 - | |||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
(2,447 | ) | (1,466 | ) | ||||
Total Atlas Mining Company |
||||||||
stockholders’ equity (deficit) |
(2,585,690 | ) | 2,144,581 | |||||
Non-controlling interest |
52,352 | 52,415 | ||||||
Total Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) |
(2,533,338 | ) | 2,196,996 | |||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) |
$ | 3,552,053 | $ | 4,506,114 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. |
4
ATLAS MINING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY |
||||||||||||||||||||
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss |
||||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) |
||||||||||||||||||||
For the Period |
||||||||||||||||||||
January 1, 2009 |
||||||||||||||||||||
(Beginning of |
||||||||||||||||||||
Exploration |
||||||||||||||||||||
Stage) |
||||||||||||||||||||
For the Three Months Ended |
For the Nine Months Ended |
Through |
||||||||||||||||||
September 30, |
September 30, |
September 30, |
||||||||||||||||||
2009 |
2008 |
2009 |
2008 |
2009 |
||||||||||||||||
(Restated) |
(Restated) |
|||||||||||||||||||
REVENUES |
$ | - 0 - | $ | - 0 - | $ | - 0 - | $ | - 0 - | $ | - 0 - | ||||||||||
COST OF SALES |
- 0 - | - 0 - | - 0 - | - 0 - | - 0 - | |||||||||||||||
GROSS PROFIT |
- 0 - | - 0 - | - 0 - | - 0 - | - 0 - | |||||||||||||||
Operating (Income) Expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Exploration costs |
300,159 | 300,970 | 855,776 | 1,068,466 | 855,776 | |||||||||||||||
General & administrative |
1,097,795 | 923,783 | 3,496,820 | 2,339,424 | 3,496,820 | |||||||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses |
1,397,954 | 1,224,753 | 4,352,596 | 3,047,890 | 4,352,596 | |||||||||||||||
Net Operating Loss |
(1,397,954 | ) | (1,224,753 | ) | (4,352,596 | ) | (3,047,890 | ) | (4,352,596 | ) | ||||||||||
Other Income (Expenses) |
||||||||||||||||||||
Interest income |
76 | 523 | 102 | 25,626 | 102 | |||||||||||||||
Interest expense |
(116,338 | ) | - 0 - | (224,255 | ) | (85 | ) | (224,255 | ) | |||||||||||
Sale of clay samples |
- 0 - | - 0 - | 6,000 | - 0 - | 6,000 | |||||||||||||||
Refund of insurance premium |
297 | - 0 - | 13,786 | - 0 - | 13,786 | |||||||||||||||
Special investigation fees and expenses |
- 0 - | (441,804 | ) | - 0 - | (1,436,605 | ) | - 0 - | |||||||||||||
Net proceeds from legal settlement |
193,913 | - 0 - | 193,913 | - 0 - | 193,913 | |||||||||||||||
Loss on impairment of assets |
(10,889 | ) | - 0 - | (10,889 | ) | - 0 - | (10,889 | ) | ||||||||||||
Gain (loss) on revaluation of stock awards |
(140,000 | ) | 63,000 | (262,500 | ) | 115,500 | (262,500 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total Other Income (Expense) |
(72,941 | ) | (378,281 | ) | (283,843 | ) | (1,295,564 | ) | (283,843 | ) | ||||||||||
Loss from exploration stage, |
||||||||||||||||||||
before income taxes |
(1,470,895 | ) | (1,603,034 | ) | (4,636,439 | ) | (4,703,454 | ) | (4,636,439 | ) | ||||||||||
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes |
- 0 - | - 0 - | - 0 - | - 0 - | - 0 - | |||||||||||||||
Net Loss from Exploration Stage Before Discontinued Operations |
(1,470,895 | ) | (1,603,034 | ) | (4,636,439 | ) | (4,703,454 | ) | (4,636,439 | ) | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax |
4,830 | (109,289 | ) | (184,798 | ) | 684,156 | (184,798 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net loss from exploration stage after discontinued operations |
(1,466,065 | ) | (1,712,323 | ) | (4,821,237 | ) | (4,019,298 | ) | (4,821,237 | ) | ||||||||||
Add: Net loss attributable to the non-controlling interest |
33 | - 0 - | 62 | - 0 - | 62 | |||||||||||||||
Net Loss Attributable to Atlas Mining Company |
$ | (1,466,032 | ) | $ | (1,712,323 | ) | $ | (4,821,175 | ) | $ | (4,019,298 | ) | $ | (4,821,175 | ) | |||||
Earnings Per Share - Basic and Diluted: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss per share before discontinued operations attributable to Atlas Mining Company common shareholders |
$ | (0.03 | ) | $ | (0.03 | ) | $ | (0.08 | ) | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | (0.08 | ) | |||||
Discontinued operations attributable to Atlas Mining Company common shareholders |
0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.02 | 0.00 | |||||||||||||||
Net Loss Per Share Attributable to Atlas Mining Company Common Shareholders |
$ | (0.03 | ) | $ | (0.03 | ) | $ | (0.08 | ) | $ | (0.07 | ) | $ | (0.08 | ) | |||||
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding, basic and diluted |
59,284,121 | 57,178,672 | 59,278,852 | 55,351,503 | 59,278,852 | |||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. |
5
ATLAS MINING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY |
||||||||||||
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
||||||||||||
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss |
||||||||||||
(Unaudited) |
||||||||||||
For the Period |
||||||||||||
January 1, 2009 |
||||||||||||
(Beginning of |
||||||||||||
Exploration |
||||||||||||
Stage) |
||||||||||||
For the Nine Months Ended |
Through |
|||||||||||
September 30, |
September 30, |
|||||||||||
2009 |
2009 |
2009 |
||||||||||
(Restated) |
||||||||||||
Net Loss |
$ | (4, 821,175 | ) | $ | (4,019,298 | ) | $ | (4, 821,175 | ) | |||
Other Comprehensive Loss: |
||||||||||||
Change in market value of investments |
(981 | ) | 540 | (981 | ) | |||||||
Comprehensive Loss |
(4,822,156 | ) | (4,018,758 | ) | (4,822,156 | ) | ||||||
Comprehensive loss attributable to the non-controlling interest |
- 0 - | - 0 - | - 0 - | |||||||||
Net Comprehensive Loss |
$ | (4,822,156 | ) | $ | (4,018,758 | ) | $ | (4,822,156 | ) | |||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. |
6
ATLAS MINING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY |
||||||||||||
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
||||||||||||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows |
||||||||||||
(Unaudited) |
||||||||||||
For the Period |
||||||||||||
January 1, 2009 |
||||||||||||
(Beginning of |
||||||||||||
Exploration |
||||||||||||
Stage) |
||||||||||||
For the Nine Months Ended |
Through |
|||||||||||
September 30, |
September 30, |
|||||||||||
2009 |
2008 |
2009 |
||||||||||
(Restated) |
||||||||||||
Cash Flows From Operating Activities: |
||||||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (4,821,175 | ) | $ | (4,019,298 | ) | $ | (4,821,175 | ) | |||
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Loss to Net Cash Used by Operations: |
||||||||||||
Depreciation |
92,737 | 329,441 | 92,737 | |||||||||
Convertible debt issued for interest expense |
91,875 | - 0 - | 91,875 | |||||||||
Stock issued for directors fees |
10,000 | 80,000 | 10,000 | |||||||||
Valuation of options for compensation |
81,947 | 400,519 | 81,947 | |||||||||
(Gain) loss on revaluation of stock awards |
262,500 | (115,500 | ) | 262,500 | ||||||||
Gain on sale of equipment |
(11,111 | ) | (8,220 | ) | (11,111 | ) | ||||||
Loss on disposition of equipment |
159,249 | 5,173 | 159,249 | |||||||||
Loss on impairment of assets |
10,889 | - 0 - | 10,889 | |||||||||
Uncollectible notes receivable |
- 0 - | 281,163 | - 0 - | |||||||||
Change in Operating Assets and Liabilities: |
||||||||||||
(Increase) decrease in: |
||||||||||||
Accounts receivable |
44 | 612,666 | 44 | |||||||||
Accounts receivable – related party |
- 0 - | 1,618 | - 0 - | |||||||||
Deposits and prepaids |
240,637 | 218,350 | 240,637 | |||||||||
Advances |
- 0 - | 881 | - 0 - | |||||||||
Increase (decrease) in: |
||||||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
612,501 | (55,656 | ) | 612,501 | ||||||||
Convertible debt interest |
119,164 | - 0 - | 119,164 | |||||||||
Net Cash Used by Operating Activities |
(3,150,743 | ) | (2,268,863 | ) | (3,150,743 | ) | ||||||
Cash Flows from Investing Activities: |
||||||||||||
Purchases of equipment |
(14,775 | ) | - 0 - | (14,775 | ) | |||||||
Net Cash Used by Investing Activities |
(14,775 | ) | - 0 - | (14,775 | ) | |||||||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities: |
||||||||||||
Payments on notes payable |
(115,836 | ) | (126,389 | ) | (115,836 | ) | ||||||
Payments on capital leases payable |
(117,555 | ) | (178,041 | ) | (117,555 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds from notes payable |
- 0 - | 49,500 | - 0 - | |||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of convertible debt |
3,150,000 | - 0 - | 3,150,000 | |||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of common stock |
- 0 - | 2,500,000 | - 0 - | |||||||||
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities |
2,916,609 | 2,245,070 | 2,916,609 | |||||||||
Net Cash Provided by Discontinued Operations |
483,123 | 383,917 | 483,123 | |||||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Cash |
234,214 | (36,691 | ) | 234,214 | ||||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period |
903,001 | 1,210,621 | 903,001 | |||||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period |
$ | 1,137,215 | $ | 1,173,930 | $ | 1,137,215 | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. |
7
ATLAS MINING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY |
||||||||||||
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
||||||||||||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows |
||||||||||||
(Unaudited) |
||||||||||||
(continued) |
||||||||||||
For the Period |
||||||||||||
January 1, 2009 |
||||||||||||
(Beginning of |
||||||||||||
Exploration |
||||||||||||
Stage) |
||||||||||||
For the Nine Months Ended |
Through |
|||||||||||
September 30, |
September 30, |
|||||||||||
2009 |
2008 |
2009 |
||||||||||
Cash Paid For: |
||||||||||||
Interest |
$ | 51,724 | $ | 57,346 | $ | 51,724 | ||||||
Income Taxes |
$ | - 0 - | $ | - 0 - | $ | - 0 - | ||||||
Supplemental Disclosure of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities: |
||||||||||||
Equipment financed through leasing |
$ | - 0 - | $ | 16,908 | $ | - 0 - | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. |
8
ATLAS MINING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Condensed Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2009 and 2008
NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND GOING CONCERN
The foregoing unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X as promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Accordingly, these financial statements do not
include all of the disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America for complete financial statements. These unaudited interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the notes thereto included on Form 10-K/A for the period ended December 31, 2008. In the opinion of management, the unaudited interim financial statements furnished herein include all adjustments, all of which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary
for a fair statement of the results for the interim period presented.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company has incurred material recurring losses from operations. At December 31, 2008, the Company had accumulated deficits prior to the exploration
stage of $20,009,496, in addition to limited cash and unprofitable operations. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, the Company sustained net losses before discontinued operations $4,636,439 and $4,703,454, respectively, and has an accumulated deficit from exploration stage of $4,636,439 at September 30, 2009. These factors indicate that the Company may be unable to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time. The financial statements do not include any
adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. The Company's continuation as a going concern is contingent upon its ability to obtain financing and to generate revenue and cash flow to meet its obligations on a timely basis and management's ability to raise equity financing as required. If successful, this will mitigate
these factors that raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
Operating results for the nine months period ended September 30, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2009. The consolidated financial information as of December 31, 2008 included herein has been derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial
statements as of, and for the fiscal year ended, December 31, 2008.
Certain amounts in the 2008 financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2009 discontinued operations presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported results of accumulated deficit.
NOTE 2 – ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Atlas Mining Company, (“the Company”) was incorporated in the state of Idaho on March 4, 1924. The Company is currently focused on the commercialization of its Dragon Mine halloysite property located in Juab County, Utah. Management believes the clay resource found at the Dragon Mine property possesses, among other
things, certain structural and mineralogical characteristics that may possibly add functionality to applications such as, but not limited to, the controlled release of biological and chemical agents, polymer-related strengtheners and fire retardants, oil field drilling minerals, catalyst carriers, filtration technologies, hydrogen storage for fuel cells and cosmetics.
In 2008, a geological consulting firm was engaged by the Company to both conduct a resource survey of the Dragon Mine property and develop an appropriate methodology by which to process the mine’s future mineral production. At the date of this report, the work of the geological consultant is ongoing. Beginning
in 2009, the Company commenced distributing samples of its mineral resource to potential customers as part of a preliminary marketing program.
In late 2008, due to both a general downturn in mining activity worldwide and a desire to focus the Company’s resources on the commercialization of the Dragon Mine property, management discontinued its contract mining operation that, historically, had been its primary source of revenue and cash flow generation. Management
has engaged a firm to dispose of certain assets related to its discontinued contract mining operation.
9
ATLAS MINING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Condensed Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2009 and 2008
NOTE 3 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accompanying condensed, consolidated financial statements represent the consolidation of the Company and all companies that the Company directly controls either through majority ownership or otherwise.
Accounting Method
The Company’s financial statements are prepared using the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues
and expenses during the reporting period. In these financial statements assets and liabilities involve extensive reliance on management’s estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Impairment of Assets
The Company adopted guidance provided by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) with regards to the impairment of long-lived assets. Such guidance requires management to review fixed assets periodically to ensure that the carrying or book value of the asset does not exceed the asset’s fair value. During
the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company determined that certain mining equipment with a net book value of $10,889 would be impaired to $0 as such equipment no longer met underground safety requirements.
Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements
On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted guidance provided by the Financial Accounting Standards Board with regards to accounting for the non-controlling interest of a subsidiary. Such guidance establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and the accounting for the deconsolidation
of a subsidiary. The guidance also clarifies that changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation are equity transactions if the parent retains its controlling financial interest and requires that a parent recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. The gain or loss will be measured using the fair value of the non-controlling equity investment on the deconsolidation date. In addition, the guidance
includes expanded disclosure requirements regarding the interests of the parent and its non-controlling interest at September 30, 2009. There have been no material affects to the Company’s financial statements due to the adoption of this guidance.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company recognizes compensation expense for all share-based awards made to employees and directors, including employee stock options and shares issued through its employee stock purchase plan, based on estimated fair values. The estimated fair value of grants of stock options and warrants to nonemployees of the Company is charged to
expense, if applicable, in the financial statements. Accordingly, compensation expense of $81,947 and $400,519 has been recognized for vesting of options to employees and directors in the accompanying statements of operations for the periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
10
ATLAS MINING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Condensed Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2009 and 2008
NOTE 3 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
During May 2009, the FASB issued ASC 855, “Subsequent Events”, (formerly SFAS No. 165, “Subsequent Events”). ASC 855 requires all public entities to evaluate subsequent events through the date that the financial statements are available to be issued
and disclose in the notes the date through which the Company has evaluated subsequent events and whether the financial statements were issued or were available to be issued on the disclosed date. ASC 855 defines two types of subsequent events, as follows: the first type consists of events or transactions that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed at the date of the balance sheet and the second type consists of events that provide evidence about conditions that did not exist at the date of
the balance sheet but arose after that date. ASC 855 is effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009 and must be applied prospectively. The Company adopted the provisions of ASC 855 for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. The adoption of these provisions did not have a material effect on the financial statements.
In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 105, “Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (formerly SFAS No. 168, “The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy
of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”). ASC 105 establishes the FASB ASC as the single source of authoritative nongovernmental U.S. GAAP. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. All other literature will be considered non-authoritative after the effective date of the Codification. The Codification does not change US GAAP; instead, it introduces a new structure that is organized in an easily accessible, user-friendly
online research system. The Company has adopted the new Codification when referring to GAAP in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2009. This will not have an impact on the results of the Company.
Subsequent Events
The Company evaluates events that occur subsequent to the balance sheet date of periodic reports, but before financial statements are issued for periods ending on such balance sheet dates, for possible adjustment to such financial statements or other disclosure. This evaluation generally occurs through the date at which the Company’s
financial statements are electronically prepared for filing with the SEC. For the financial statements as of and for the periods ending September 30, 2009, this date was November 11, 2009, the date that the financial statements were available for issuance.
NOTE 4 – DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
At December 31, 2008, the Company permanently discontinued its contract mining operations. There are no plans to resume the contract mining business.
Under guidance provided by the FASB, the Company has identified assets attributed to the discontinued operation that are being held for sale or have been identified as part of the discontinued operation and have been identified as such. Assets and liabilities at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 attributed to the discontinued
operation are as follows:
September 30, |
December 31, |
|||||||
2009 |
2008 |
|||||||
Accounts receivable |
$ | 41,925 | $ | 336,237 | ||||
Mining supplies |
- 0 - | 40,544 | ||||||
Property and equipment |
983,319 | 1,495,796 | ||||||
Total assets from discontinued operations |
$ | 1,025,244 | $ | 1,872,577 |
11
ATLAS MINING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Condensed Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2009 and 2008
NOTE 4 – DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
Liabilities at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 attributed to the discontinued are as follows:
September 30, |
December 31, |
|||||||
2009 |
2008 |
|||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
$ | 7,650 | $ | 105,468 | ||||
Leases payable |
105,102 | 133,660 | ||||||
Total liabilities from discontinued operations |
$ | 112,752 | $ | 239,128 |
Income (loss) from discontinued operations for the periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 was calculated as follows:
For the nine months ended September 30, |
2009 |
2008 |
||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations |
$ | (184,798 | ) | $ | 684,156 | |||
Income tax liability |
- 0 - | - 0 - | ||||||
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations |
$ | (184,798 | ) | $ | 684,156 |
For the three months ended September 30, |
2009 |
2008 |
||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations |
$ | 4,830 | $ | (109,289 | ) | |||
Income tax liability |
- 0 - | - 0 - | ||||||
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations |
$ | 4,830 | $ | (109,289 | ) |
The Company does not believe there is an effect of income taxes on discontinued operations. Due to ongoing operating losses, the uncertainty of future profitability and limitations on the utilization of net operating loss carry-forwards under IRC Section 382 a valuation allowance has been recorded to fully offset the Company’s
deferred tax asset.
NOTE 5 – STOCK AWARD PAYABLE
The Company has issued certain options that represent shares in excess of shares authorized for issuance. These options have been recorded as a liability on the balance sheet, titled stock awards payable. The Company reviews the value of stock award payable and adjusts the carrying value to market based on the closing
price of the Company’s common stock on the last day of the quarter. Any adjustment made to the carrying value of the stock award is recorded as a gain or loss on revaluation of stock awards. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company realized a loss on the revaluation of stock awards totaling $262,500, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2008 during which a gain of $115,500 was realized. At September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the value of
all outstanding stock awards was $315,000 and $52,500, respectively.
NOTE 6 – CONVERTIBLE DEBT
On December 30, 2008, the Company sold $1,000,000 of 10% Convertible Notes (“Notes”) due December 15, 2018. The Notes convert into common stock at $0.35 per share. The principle is due December 15, 2018 subject to earlier acceleration or conversion of the Notes. The Notes bear interest at the
rate of 10% per annum payable (including by issuance of additional in kind notes) semi-annually in arrears on June 15th and December 15th of each year, commencing June 15, 2009.
On April 7 and April 8, 2009, the Company sold, in aggregate, $1,500,000 of 10% Convertible Notes (“Notes”) due December 15, 2018. The Notes convert into common stock at $0.35 per share. The principle is due December 15, 2018 subject to earlier acceleration or conversion of the Notes. The Notes
bear interest at the rate of 10% per annum payable (including by issuance of additional in kind notes) semi-annually in arrears on June 15th and December 15th of each year, commencing June 15, 2009.
12
ATLAS MINING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Condensed Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2009 and 2008
NOTE 6 – CONVERTIBLE DEBT (CONTINUED)
In May 1, 2009, the Company sold $1,350,000 of 10% Convertible Notes (“Notes”) due December 15, 2018. The Notes convert into common stock at $0.50 per share. The principle is due December 15, 2018 subject to earlier acceleration or conversion of the Notes. The Notes bear interest at the rate
of 10% per annum payable (including by issuance of additional in kind notes) semi-annually in arrears on June 15th and December 15th of each year, commencing June 15, 2009.
On July 29, 2009, the Company entered into an agreement to sell to an accredited investor $200,000 principal amount of Series 10% PIK-Election Convertible Notes due 2018 (“Notes’) at a conversion price of $0.65 per share (“Conversion Price”) and entered into a Registration Rights Agreement in connection with the
shares of common stock to be issued upon conversion of the Notes. The principal under the Notes is due December 15, 2018 subject to earlier acceleration or conversion of the Notes as described below. The Notes bear interest at the rate of 10% per annum payable (including by issuance of additional in kind notes) semi-annually in arrears on June 15th and December 15th of each year commencing June 15, 2009.
As of September 30, 2009, the Company recorded $223,791 of accrued and unpaid interest expense associated with the Convertible Notes. At June 15, 2009, approximately $92,000 of this interest expense was converted into additional PIK-Election Convertible Notes due 2018. The remainder of the interest expense in currently
included as part of accrued expenses.
The Notes as described above may be converted at the option of the noteholder at any time there is sufficient authorized unissued common stock of the Company available for conversion. The Notes will be mandatorily converted when (i) sufficient common stock is available for conversion of all Notes in the Series, (ii) the average closing
bid price or market price of the Company’s common stock for the preceding five (5) trading days is above the conversion price and (iii) a registration statement is effective and available for resale of all of the converted shares or the noteholders may sell such shares under Rule 144 under the Securities Act.
On June 15, 2009, the holders of convertible exercised the PIK option that made it such that accrued interest payable on that date was converted to additional convertible debt in lieu of payment in cash. At September 30, 2009, the total liability attributed to Convertible Notes outstanding was $4,141,874.
On October 26, 2009, the Company entered into an agreement to sell to accredited investors $2,000,000 principal amount of Series 10% PIK-Election Convertible Notes due 2018 (the “Notes’) at a conversion price of $1.00 per share (the “Conversion Price”) and entered into a Registration Rights Agreement in
connection with the shares of common stock to be issued upon conversion of the Notes. The principal of the Notes is due December 15, 2018 subject to earlier acceleration or conversion of the Notes as described below. The Notes bear interest at the rate of 10% per annum payable (including by issuance of additional in kind notes) semi-annually in arrears on June 15th and December 15th of each year commencing December 15, 2009.
Within thirty days after the date on which the articles of incorporation of the Company are amended so that there are sufficient shares of common stock so that all outstanding 10% Convertible Notes may be converted, the Company is obligated to file a registration statement for (i) the shares of common stock of the Company issued or issuable
upon the conversion of the Notes; and (ii) all shares of common stock of the Company issued as a dividend or other distribution with respect to, or in exchange for or in replacement of, all such shares of Common Stock described in clause (i)) that the holder requests to be included in the registration statement (the securities described in (i) and (ii) being register-able securities”).
13
ATLAS MINING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Condensed Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2009 and 2008
NOTE 6 – CONVERTIBLE DEBT (CONTINUED)
If (i) a registration statement is not filed on a timely basis as required or (ii) after its effective date, such registration statement ceases for any reason to be effective and available for more than an aggregate of 40 trading days (which need not be consecutive) (any such failure or breach being referred to as an “Event,”
and for purposes of clause (i) the date on which such Event occurs, or for purposes of clause (ii) the date which such 40 trading day-period is exceeded, being referred to as “Event Date”), then in addition to any other rights the holders may have hereunder or under applicable law, on each such Event Date, and on each monthly anniversary of each such Event Date (if the applicable Event shall not have been cured by such date) until the applicable Event is cured, the Company shall pay to each holder
an amount in cash, as partial liquidated damages and not as a penalty, equal to 1.0% of the aggregate amount of the principal and accrued interest of the 10% Convertible Note that was converted and has not theretofore been sold. The partial liquidated damages pursuant to the terms hereof shall apply on a daily pro-rata basis for any portion of a month prior to the cure of an Event, except in the case of the first Event Date.
The Company will have no obligation to file a registration statement or to keep it effective or to make any payments in the event (a) the holder is not an affiliate and the securities then registered or proposed to be registered to be registered may be sold without registration under the Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities
Act”) pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act and (b) the holder is an affiliate and the register-able securities then registered or proposed to be registered to be registered may be sold in a three month period without registration under the Securities Act pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act.
NOTE 7 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred Stock
The Company is authorized to issue 10,000,000 shares of noncumulative, non-voting, nonconvertible preferred stock, $1.00 par value per share. At September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, no shares of preferred stock were outstanding.
In October 2009, as a result of a shareholders meeting, the par value of preferred stock changed to $0.001, and the terms of the preferred stock changed to be determined by the board of directors.
Common Stock
The Company is authorized to issue 60,000,000 shares of common stock, no par value per share. At the periods ended September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, 59,284,121 and 59,215,628 shares were issued and outstanding, respectively.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company did not have sufficient authorized unissued common stock available for conversion of all common stock equivalents.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company issued 68,493 shares of restricted stock at a price of $0.15 per share for director fees for a fair value of $10,000.
On October 25, 2009, as a result of a shareholders meeting, authorized capital was increased to 120,000,000 shares common, and a par value of $0.001 was approved.
14
ATLAS MINING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Condensed Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2009 and 2008
NOTE 7 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONTINUED)
The following schedule presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the equity attributable to the Company and the non-controlling owners, and the effect of the changes in the equity attributable to the Company.
Atlas Mining Company Shareholders |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
Accumulated Deficit During the Exploration Stage |
Accumulated Deficit Prior to the Exploration Stage |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss |
Common Stock |
Non-
controlling Interest |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning balance |
$ | 2,196,996 | $ | - 0 - | $ | - 0 - | $ | (20,009,496 | ) | $ | (1,466 | ) | $ | 22,155,543 | $ | 52,415 | ||||||||||||
Stock issued for services |
10,000 | 10,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Employee based stock compensation |
81,947 | 81,947 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss |
(4,821,300 | ) | (4,821,237 | ) | (4,821,237 | ) | (63 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in market value of investments |
(981 | ) | (981 | ) | (981 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Ending balance |
$ | (2,533,338 | ) | $ | (4,822,156 | ) | $ | (4,810,347 | ) | $ | (20,009,496 | ) | $ | (2,447 | ) | $ | 22,247,490 | $ | 52,352 |
NOTE 8 – OPTIONS TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK
A summary of the status and changes of the options granted under the Company’s 1998 Non-qualified Stock Option Plan and other agreements for the period ended September 30, 2009 is as follows:
September 30, 2009 |
||||||||
Weighted |
||||||||
Average |
||||||||
Shares |
Exercise Price |
|||||||
Outstanding at beginning of period |
625,000 | $ | 0.70 | |||||
Granted |
125,000 | 0.70 | ||||||
Exercised |
- 0 - | - 0 - | ||||||
Forfeited |
- 0 - | - 0 - | ||||||
Expired |
- 0 - | - 0 - | ||||||
Outstanding at end of period |
750,000 | $ | 0.70 | |||||
Exercisable at end of period |
625,000 | $ | 0.70 |
15
ATLAS MINING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Condensed Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2009 and 2008
NOTE 8 – OPTIONS TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK (CONTINUED)
A summary of the status of the options outstanding at September 30, 2009 is presented below:
Options Outstanding |
Options Exercisable |
||||||||||||||||||
Weighted |
|||||||||||||||||||
Average |
Weighted |
Weighted |
|||||||||||||||||
Remaining |
Average |
Average |
|||||||||||||||||
Range of |
Number |
Contractual |
Exercise |
Number |
Exercise |
||||||||||||||
Exercise Price |
Outstanding |
Life |
Price |
Exercisable |
Price |
||||||||||||||
$ | 0.65 - $0.71 | 75,000 |
4.00 years |
$ | 0.69 | 75,000 | $ | 0.69 | |||||||||||
$ | 0.70 | 675,000 |
4.33 years |
$ | 0.70 | 550,000 | $ | 0.70 | |||||||||||
750,000 | 625,000 |
Accordingly, compensation expense of $81,947 and $382,849 has been recognized for vesting of options to employees and directors in the accompanying statements of operations for the periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. At September 30, 2009, the total compensation cost of $31,250 for unvested shares is expected
to be recognized over the next year on a weighted average basis.
NOTE 9 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
LITIGATION
Various lawsuits, claims, proceedings and investigations are pending involving us as described below in this section. Guidance provided by the FASB states that, when applicable, the Company records accruals for contingencies when it is probable that a liability will be incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. In
addition to the matters described herein, the Company is involved in or subject to, or may become involved in or subject to, routine litigation, claims, disputes, proceedings and investigations in the ordinary course of business, which in management’s opinion will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.
Issuance of Wells Notice
On March 6, 2009, the Company was informed that the Securities and Exchange Commission had issued a formal order of investigation of facts with respect to possible violations of the securities laws by the Company and its officers, directors and affiliates for the period of August 2002 through 2006. On July 7, 2009, the staff of the Commission
sent the Company a "Wells Notice," which is a notice that the staff intends to recommend to the Commission that enforcement proceedings be commenced against the Company for violations of registration provisions of Section 5 of the Securities Act, the reporting provisions of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act and the rules thereunder as well as Rule 12b-20, and the internal control provisions of Section 13(b)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act. The Wells Notice also referenced section
12(j) of the Securities Exchange Act, which would involve deregistration. However, the Company committed to the staff that it would bring the Company current in its Section 13(a) filings and the filing of the quarterly report for the period ended June 30, 2009 on Form 10-Q/A brought the Company current. The staff indicated that if the Company were current it would not make a recommendation related to Section 12(j), and the Company believes that this filing has mooted the issue. The
Company is cooperating with the investigation and has submitted an offer of settlement to the staff.
16
ATLAS MINING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Condensed Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2009 and 2008
NOTE 9 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
Settlement of Insurance Cases
Related to the Class Action Settlement, effective July 8, 2009, the Company entered into a Settlement Agreement and Release with Navigators, RSUI Indemnity Company and RSUI Group, Alexander, Morford & Woo, Inc., and the individual defendants listed above in settlement of the insurance litigation. Pursuant to this agreement
(i) Navigators will deliver $1,250,000 into a court registry, which will then be used upon final court approval of the Class Action Settlement to fund the $1,250,000 payment to class action plaintiffs, (ii) Navigators will deliver $750,000 to the Company for defense and investigative costs in connection with the Class Action and related matters, which Atlas will use in part to pay the individual defendants their costs in the class action and (iii) all claims under the insurance litigation will be released upon
final court approval of the Class Action Settlement.
During the three months ended September 30, 2009, the Company received $750,000 of insurance proceeds related to the settlement of a class action lawsuit. Approximately $556,087 of these proceeds were applied toward legal costs related to the settlement. The net effect of the insurance proceeds and related costs are
presented as $193,913 of other income in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
COMMITMENTS
Material Advisors LLC
On December 30, 2008, the Company entered into a Management Agreement with Material Advisors LLC, a management services company (“Manager”). The Management Agreement has a term ending on December 31, 2010 with automatic renewal for successive one-year periods unless either Manager or Company provides 90 days prior notice of
cancellation to the other party or pursuant to the termination provisions of the Management Agreement. Under the Management Agreement Manager will perform or engage others, including Andre Zeitoun, a principal of Manager, Chris Carney and Eric Basroon (“Management Personnel”), to perform senior management services including such services as are customarily provided by a chief executive officer but not (unless otherwise agreed) services customarily provided by a chief financial officer. Pursuant
to the Management Agreement, Andre Zeitoun will serve as Company’s Chief Executive Officer and will be appointed as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors.
The services provided by Manager will include, without limitation, consulting with the Board of Directors of the Company and the Company’s management on business and financial matters. Manager will be paid an annual fee of $1,000,000 per year, payable in equal monthly installments of $83,333. Manager will be
solely responsible for the compensation of the management personnel, including Mr. Zeitoun and the management personnel will not be entitled to any direct compensation or benefits from the Company (including, in the case of Mr. Zeitoun, for service on the Board). The Company will grant Manager non-qualified stock options to purchase, for $0.70 per share (the “$0.70 Option”) a number of shares of the Company equal to 10% of the outstanding common stock of the Company on a fully diluted basis
(which shall vest in equal monthly installments over three years).
Under certain very specific instances related to a going private transaction, the $0.70 option will be cancelled and replaced by a non-qualified option (the “Going Private Option”) accompanied by a tandem stock appreciation right (the “SAR”). The term of the $0.70 Option, the Going Private Option and the
SAR will be 10 years. During their terms, the Going Private Option and the SAR will be fully exercisable. If Company declares a dividend or distribution at any time while the $0.70 option is unvested, Manager will be entitled to receive an amount equal to the dividend or distribution that would be paid on the shares underlying the $0.70 Option, payable in the same form as such dividend or distribution on the same vesting schedule as the $0.70 Option. Manager will have the right to participate
in a going private transaction for up to 20% of the equity on terms and conditions, which are as favorable to Manager as the terms and conditions available to any other person who invests in the going private entity.
17
ATLAS MINING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Condensed Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2009 and 2008
NOTE 10 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On October 26, 2009, the Company entered into an agreement to sell to accredited investors $2,000,000 principal amount of Series 10% PIK-Election Convertible Notes due 2018 (the “Notes’) at a conversion price of $1.00 per (the “Conversion Price”) and entered into a Registration Rights Agreement in connection with
the shares of common stock to be issued upon conversion of the Notes. The principal under the Notes is due December 15, 2018 subject to earlier acceleration or conversion of the Notes as described below. The Notes bear interest at the rate of 10% per annum payable (including by issuance of additional in kind notes) semi-annually in arrears on June 15th and December 15th of each year commencing December 15, 2009. See Note 6.
On October 27, 2009, the shareholders of the Company voted at the Company’s 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to elect John Levy, David A. Taft, Morris D. Weiss, Andre Zeitoun, and Evan D. Stone as directors for a one-year term.
On October 27, 2009, the requisite majority of shareholders of the Company voted at the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders to (1) reincorporate the Company in the State of Delaware and (2) amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to:
· |
change the name of the Company from “Atlas Mining Company” to “Applied Minerals, Inc.” |
· |
provide that the Board of Directors may determine the terms of and authorize issuance of preferred stock (up to 10,000,000 shares authorized by the Certificate of Incorporation). |
· |
provide that the number of directors may be fixed from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution. |
18
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about our business and our industry.
Words such as "believe," "anticipate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "will," "may," and other similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements.
ITEM 2. |
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
OVERVIEW
We operate a Contract Mining business and are engaged in the development of our resource property, the Dragon Mine, located in the state of Utah.
Historically our primary source of revenue has been generated by our Contract Mining operations. On December 31, 2008 we discontinued our Contract Mining business due to adverse economic conditions and the desire to concentrate our efforts on the commercialization of the halloysite clay deposit at the Dragon Mine.
Property Exploration
We intend to continue our exploration activities the Dragon Mine. We do not intend to seek out and acquire other properties.
In August 2001 we acquired the Dragon Mine in Juab, Utah and began our clay exploration activities. Our exploration expenses for the nine months ending September 30, 2009 and 2008 were $855,776 and $1,068,466, respectively, on the halloysite clay property.
The activities at our Dragon Mine property, located in Juab County, Utah, were suspended in October 2007 when previous management determined that both a resource survey and an appropriate processing facility were needed before the property could be successfully commercialized. In 2008, a geological consulting firm was hired
by us to both carry out a detailed geological review of the property and develop an appropriate method by which to process the mineral resource. This work is ongoing as of the date of this report. Beginning in 2009, we began processing material from the mine and distributing samples to potential customers as part of a preliminary marketing program. The geological consulting firm referred to above has sub-contracted with a firm with expertise in the development of mineral processing to identify
an appropriate processing system for the Company. Any subsequent reference to a geological consulting firm may be assumed to include the firm currently being contracted to identify the processing system.
Management believes that the clay resource found at the Dragon Mine property possesses, among other things, certain structural and mineralogical characteristics that may possibly add functionality to applications such as, but not limited to, the controlled release of biological and chemical agents, polymer-related strengtheners and fire
retardants, oil field drilling minerals, catalyst carriers, filtration technologies, hydrogen storage for fuel cells and cosmetics. For certain of the aforementioned applications, management believes the Dragon Mine resource has the potential to serve as a more effective alternative to the materials upon which these current technologies are established. Other above-mentioned applications are being developed to specifically utilize the structural characteristics of the clay resource.
19
The Dragon Mine property contains halloysite, kaolinite, alunite and other minerals located underground and in waste piles that are the result of previous mining operations. The geological resource survey being conducted on the Dragon Mine has involved the assessment of approximately 10,000 feet of borehole drill cores
and the analysis of samples taken from the five waste piles located at the mine site. The survey has included X-ray diffraction analysis to determine the levels of halloysite, kaolinite and other minerals found in the resource. Initial studies have indicated that conventional processing may be used to separate the halloysite and kaolinite fractions from alunite and other minerals found in the Dragon Mine resource. The geology of the deposit shows alterations of feldspar identified
along side the presence of monzanite, halloysite and kaolinite. Purer halloysite found at the mine has been identified along side the presence of iron ore. The morphology of the halloysite identified at the Dragon Mine, as determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (“SEM”) analysis, demonstrates the existence of both lath-like and tubular formations. The kaolinite present at the Dragon Mine has been determined to possess a highly crystalline structure.
NaturalNano, Inc. (OTC: NNAN), in conjunction with Cascade Engineering and it’s subsidiary, Noble Polymers, has developed Pleximer ™, a halloysite nanotube concentrate used to create stronger, lighter, environmentally friendlier and lower-cost polymer-based nanocomposites. According to NaturalNano’s 2008 annual
report, Pleximer ™ is being marketed to the global nanocomposites market that, in the estimation of BCC Research, is expected to grow from $273 million in 2005 to $4.0 billion by 2015. According to BCC Research, clay-based nanocomposites are expected to represent 47% of the nanocomposites market by 2010. The U.S. Department of the Navy, represented by the Naval Research Lab (NRL”), has patented a technology that provides for the controlled release of active agents using inorganic
tubules such as halloysite clay. The U.S. Navy’s technology has been licensed by at least two companies that are developing controlled-release applications for the fields of electromagnetic shielding/strength enhancement, cosmetics, fragrances, agriculture, ink and paper, electronics, fabrics and textiles, local drug delivery and mold-resistant building products. The U.S. Navy has also patented a technology that permits a controlled release of an active agent as an anti-scaling treatment
for environments such as oil wells.
As of the date of this report, a study is being conducted to identify the applications for which the Dragon Mine resource may provide functionality. Processed clay samples have been distributed to potential customers who have requested halloysite and/or halloysite-kaolinite mixtures. A number of advanced applications to which
the Company plans to market its resource are currently using plate-like structured clays that must undergo expensive exfoliation process to achieve proper functionality. The tubular morphology of the Dragon Mine resource does not require such an exfoliation process to achieve similar or, in many instances, greater functionality. Management, therefore, believes that it may be able to deliver its processed mineral to market at price points lower than those of competing clays, without sacrificing
performance.
In addition to certain advanced applications previously mentioned, we believe the Dragon Mine resource may also be marketed to certain established, low-tech applications such as, but not limited to, fine porcelain, bone china, high-performance advanced technical ceramics, paint fillers, suspension agents, animal feed, cement hardeners,
and food and pharmaceutical additives. Markets, such as fine porcelain and bone china, would likely require the Dragon Mine clay resource be processed for increased brightness and reduced presence of titanium whereas applications, such as a cement hardener, would require a relatively unprocessed version of the Dragon Mine resource. Management, as part of its overall business strategy, will continually assess the economic feasibility of pursuing potential markets.
Management believes that both existing and potential applications that utilize the Dragon Mine resource will require varying grades of clay to satisfy the unique technical requirements of each application. Some applications may require pure halloysite, composed of tubular and/or lath-shaped particles while other applications
may require a grade of clay consisting of a specific halloysite-kaolinite ratio. The determination of the appropriate grade of clay will likely require significant technical cooperation between the Company and the developer of the related application. As previously mentioned, the Company has hired a consulting firm to identify a processing system capable of producing the grades of clay required by potential applications. The identification of such a system is ongoing.
20
On May 11 2009, the Company entered into a development support agreement related to a research project at Louisana Tech University whose principal investigator is with Yuri M. Lvov, Ph.D., a professor of chemistry at Louisiana Tech the University and the T.C. Pipes Eminent Endowed Chair on Micro and Nanosystems at the Institute for Micromanufacturing
(LaTech). The scope of the agreement includes, among other things, the development of new anticorrosion additives based on the encapsulation of current standard protective agents in halloysite nanotubes in addition to the development of other related emerging applications. The Company’s support agreement commits the Company to fund up to $30,000 per year for three years. The funding will be principally accomplished through the supply of halloysite clay. The support
agreement could lead to distribution rights if the research project is successful.
Critical Accounting Policies
There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates since the end of our 2008 fiscal year. For detailed information on our critical accounting policies and estimates, see our financial statements and notes thereto included in this Report and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
We have identified below some of our accounting policies that we consider critical to our business operations and the understanding of our results of operations. This is neither a complete list of all of our accounting policies, nor does it include all the details surrounding the accounting policies we have identified. There are other
accounting policies that are significant to our company. For a more detailed discussion on the application of these and our other accounting policies, see “Note 3 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” included in this Report and “Note 3 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues
and expenses during the reporting period. In these financial statements assets and liabilities involve extensive reliance on management’s estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Impairment of Assets
We adopted guidance provided by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) with regards to the impairment of long-lived assets. Such guidance requires management to review fixed assets periodically to ensure that the carrying or book value of the asset does not exceed the asset’s fair value. During
the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we determined that certain mining equipment with a net book value of $10,889 would be impaired to $0 as such equipment no longer met underground safety requirements.
Stock-Based Compensation
We recognize compensation expense for all share-based awards made to employees and directors, including employee stock options and shares issued through its employee stock purchase plan, based on estimated fair values. The estimated fair value of grants of stock options and warrants to nonemployees is charged to expense, if applicable,
in the financial statements. Accordingly, compensation expense of $81,947 and $400,519 has been recognized for vesting of options to employees and directors in the accompanying statements of operations for the periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
21
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
During May 2009, the FASB issued ASC 855, “Subsequent Events”, (formerly SFAS No. 165, “Subsequent Events”). ASC 855 requires all public entities to evaluate subsequent events through the date that the financial statements are available to be issued
and disclose in the notes the date through which we have evaluated subsequent events and whether the financial statements were issued or were available to be issued on the disclosed date. ASC 855 defines two types of subsequent events, as follows: the first type consists of events or transactions that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed at the date of the balance sheet and the second type consists of events that provide evidence about conditions that did not exist at the date of the balance
sheet but arose after that date. ASC 855 is effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009 and must be applied prospectively. We adopted the provisions of ASC 855 for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. The adoption of these provisions did not have a material effect on our financial statements.
In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 105, “Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (formerly SFAS No. 168, “The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy
of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”). ASC 105 establishes the FASB ASC as the single source of authoritative nongovernmental U.S. GAAP. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. All other literature will be considered non-authoritative after the effective date of the Codification. The Codification does not change US GAAP; instead, it introduces a new structure that is organized in an easily accessible, user-friendly
online research system. We have adopted the new Codification when referring to GAAP in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2009. This will not have an impact on the results of our Company.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Due to a general downturn in worldwide mining activity resulting from a decline in commodity prices, the Company permanently ceased its contract mining operations in December 2008 and classified them as “discontinued” on its financial statements. The Company’s remaining operation, the exploration of its Dragon
Mine property, has yet to produce any revenue and, as such, the Company generated no revenue or gross profit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008.
Total operating expenses for the three months ending September 30, 2009 were $1,397,954 compared to $1,224,753 for the same period ending 2008, an increase of $173,201 or 14.1%. The increase was due primarily to a $174,012, or 18.8%, increase in general and administrative expense.
Exploration costs during the quarter were flat versus the same period in 2008. The majority of our exploration expenses during both quarters were related to work conducted by a geological consulting firm engaged by the Company to both produce a resource survey of the Dragon Mine and develop a mineral processing system.
The increase in general and administrative expense during the quarter was driven primarily by the incurrence of legal expenses related to a class action lawsuit, the implementation of certain corporate governance infrastructure, costs related to the restatement of certain of our SEC filings, and fees paid to Material Advisors, a management
consulting firm engaged in January 2009 to operate the Company’s business.
Net loss from continuing operations for the three-month period ending September 30, 2009 was $1,470,895 compared to $1,603,034 for the comparable period in September 2008, a decrease of $132,139 or 8.2%. The decrease in loss in continuing operations was due primarily to a $441,804 decline in fees and expenses related to a special
investigation that ended in August 2008 and the recognition of $193,913 of net proceeds related to the resolution of a class action lawsuit brought against the Company. The decline was partially offset by a $174,012 increase in general and administrative expense, a $116,338 increase in interest expense related to certain convertible notes issued between December 2008 and July 2009 and a $140,000 increase in the revaluation of stock awards to previous management.
Net income from discontinued operations for the three months ended September 30, 2009 was $4,830 compared to a net loss of $109,289 for the comparable period in 2008. The $114,119 increase was primarily due both to the absence of operational losses experienced during the comparable period in 2008 related to the Company’s
contract mining operation that was discontinued in December 2008 and income related to an insurance refund recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2009.
22
Total operating expenses for the nine-month period ending September 30, 2009 were $4,352,596 compared to $3,047,890 for the same period ending 2008, an increase of $1,304,706 or 42.8%. The increase was due primarily to a $,1,157,396 or 49.5%, increase in general and administrative expense, partially offset by a $212,690, or
19.9%, decline in exploration costs.
The decrease in exploration and development costs during the quarter was driven primarily by a decline in underground exploration activity partially offset by the incurrence of expenses related to work conducted by a geological consulting firm engaged by the Company to both produce a resource survey of the Dragon Mine and develop a mineral
processing system.
The increase in general and administrative expense during the quarter was driven primarily by the incurrence of legal expenses related a class action lawsuit, costs associated with the implementation of certain corporate governance infrastructure, costs related to the restatement of certain of our SEC filings and fees paid to Material
Advisors LLC, a management consulting firm engaged in January 2009 to operate the Company’s business.
Net loss from continuing operations for the nine months September 30, 2009 was $4,636,439 compared to $4,703,454 for the comparable period in September 2008, a decrease of approximately $67,015 or 1.4%. The decrease was due primarily to a $212,690 reduction in exploration costs, a $1,436,605 decrease in special investigation
fees and expenses, and the recognition of $193,913 of net proceeds related to the resolution of a class action lawsuit brought against the Company. These benefits were partially offset by a $1,157,396 increase in general and administrative expense, a $224,170 increase in interest expense, a $10,889 loss related to the impairment of certain assets, and a $262,500 loss on the revaluation of stock awards provided to previous management versus $115,500 gain recognized during the comparable period in 2008.
The decrease in exploration costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 versus the comparable period in 2008 was due primarily to decline in underground exploration activity, partially offset by expenses related to the engagement of a geological consulting firm engaged by the Company to both produce a resource survey of the Dragon
Mine and develop a mineral processing system.
The decline in special investigation fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 versus the comparable period in 2008 resulted from the conclusion of the investigation in August 2008. The special investigation was conducted by a committee formed by the Board of Directors to (i) review and investigate the conduct of our
prior management and any issues arising therefrom and (ii) review and evaluate our business, financial condition, assets, strategy, prospects and management and recommend to the Board of Directors various alternatives to improve our performance and prospects. The investigation was completed in August 2008 and resulted in the elimination of any further related expense.
The recognition of $193,913 of net proceeds from a legal settlement is related to the resolution of a class action lawsuit brought against the Company. Details of the settlement were disclosed via a Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 9, 2009.
The increase in general and administrative expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 versus the comparable period in 2008 was driven primarily by the incurrence of legal expenses related to a class action lawsuit, the implementation of certain corporate governance infrastructure, and fees paid to Material Advisors, a management
consulting firm engaged in January 2009 to operate the Company’s business.
The increase in interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 versus the comparable period in 2008 was related to the issuance of $4,050,000 face value of 10% PIK Convertible Notes due 2018 between December 2008 and July 2009. The notes are convertible into the common shares of the Company at prices ranging between
$0.35 and $0.65 per share.
The decline in the gain on the revaluation of stock awards during the quarter is related to the increase in the price of the Company’s common shares that were awarded to former CEO, Robert Dumont, and former Executive Vice President, John Gaensbauer.
Net loss from discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was $184,798 compared to net income of $684,156 for the comparable period in 2008. The $868,954 decline in net income was due primarily to the absence of any income from the Company’s contract mining operation discontinued in December 2008.
23
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
To date our activities have been financed through the sale of equity securities, borrowings, and, for the periods up through December 31, 2008, revenues from our contract mining operations. Until we are able to commercialize our Dragon Mine property, we intend to rely on public or private sales of equity securities and the utilization
of certain credit facilities to generate the cash flow needed to fund our operations.
The Company has incurred material recurring losses from operations. At December 31, 2008, the Company had accumulated deficits prior to the exploration stage of $20,009,496, in addition to limited cash and unprofitable operations. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, the Company sustained net losses before discontinued
operations of $4,636,439 and $4,703,454. These factors indicate that the Company may be unable to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time. The Company's continuation as a going concern is contingent upon its ability to obtain financing and to generate revenue and cash flow to meet its obligations on a timely basis and management's ability to raise equity financing as required. If successful, this will mitigate these factors that raise substantial doubt about the Company's
ability to continue as a going concern.
Cash used by operating activities was $3,150,743 during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 versus $2,268,863 used during the comparable period in 2008. The $881,880 increase in cash used during the period was due primarily to an increase in net loss of $801,877 and a reduction in depreciation expense, partially offset
by an increase in cash generated through working capital.
Cash used by investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was $14,775 versus $ 0 during the comparable period in 2008. During the nine months ended September 2009, the Company used $14,775 to purchase new equipment related to the exploration of its Dragon Mine. During the comparable period
in 2008, all equipment related purchases and dispositions were related to discontinued operations.
Cash generated by financing activities was $2,916,609 during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 versus $2,245,070 during the comparable period in 2008. The $671,539 difference was due primarily to a $650,000 increase capital raised through the sale of equity-related securities during the period.
Net cash generated from discontinued operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was $483,123 versus $383,917 in the comparable period of 2008. The $99,206 difference was due primarily to proceeds generated through the sale of certain equipment of the discontinued contract mining operation.
At September 30, 2009, the Company had, as part of its long-term liabilities, $4,141,874 face value of 10% Convertible PIK Notes due December 2018. The Company may sell similar notes in the future to raise cash to fund its operations.
As part of the Company’s decision to discontinue its contract mining operations, it is currently marketing for sale certain pieces of equipment related to the contract mining division. The potential net proceeds from the disposal of this equipment would be used, in part, to fund the operations of the Company.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
There are no off-balance sheet arrangements between the Company and any other entity that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, or capital resources that is material to investors.
ITEM 3. |
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
We have no exposure to fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currencies, or other market factors.
24
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
During the evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2009, management identified material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting, which management considers an integral component of disclosure controls and procedures. Material weaknesses identified include ineffective oversight of
related party transactions, accounting for securities available for sale, accounting for options, lack of appropriate accounting procedures and personnel, journal entry approval and procedures, and management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting. As a result of the material weaknesses identified, management concluded that Atlas Mining Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were ineffective.
Notwithstanding the existence of these material weaknesses, Atlas Mining Company believes that the condensed consolidated financial statements in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q fairly present, in all material respects, Atlas Mining Company’s financial condition as of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, and results of its
operations and cash flows for the period ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
(b) Changes in Internal Controls.
We have begun to implement changes in its internal control procedures. The changes have been made as there has been an addition to the accounting staff and segregation of duties and reassignment of accounting functions has taken place. These changes in internal controls are viewed to have a positive impact to our
disclosure controls and, thus, creating a stronger control environment.
25
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Various lawsuits, claims, proceedings and investigations are pending involving us as described below in this section. In accordance with SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, when applicable, we record accruals for contingencies when it is probable that a liability
will be incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. In addition to the matters described herein, we are involved in or subject to, or may become involved in or subject to, routine litigation, claims, disputes, proceedings and investigations in the ordinary course of business, which in our opinion will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.
Securities Litigation
The Company, certain of its directors and former officers and employees, its prior auditor, Chisolm, Bierwolf & Nilson, LLC, and Nano Clay and Technologies, Inc., its defunct, wholly owned subsidiary, are defendants in a class action filed on October 11, 2007 In Re Atlas Mining Company
Securities Litigation pending in the United States District Court for the District of Idaho, Civil Action No. 07-428-N-EJL(D. Idaho) (the “Class Action”). The Class Action was filed on behalf of purchasers of the Company’s publicly traded common stock during the period January 19, 2005 through October 8, 2007. The First Amended Complaint (“Complaint”) alleges that the Company damaged purchasers by making material misstatements in publicly disseminated press releases
and Securities and Exchange Commission filings regarding the extent of the halloysite deposit on Company property, the availability and quality of halloysite for sale, and claimed sales of halloysite. The Complaint also alleges that the Company improperly manipulated reported earnings with respect to purported halloysite sales and misrepresentations by the individual defendants as to its financial statements. The plaintiffs seek remedies under Section 10(b) of the Securities and Exchange
Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder and for violations of Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act.
On July 2, 2009, the Company entered into a Settlement Agreement (“Class Action Settlement Agreement”) with the lead plaintiffs in the class action Under the terms of the Class Action Settlement Agreement the Company will pay plaintiffs $1,250,000 (which includes fees to plaintiff’s counsel), to be funded by the proceeds
of an insurance policy issued by Navigators Insurance Co.(as provided below), in exchange for release of all claims against Company, Nano Clay & Technologies, Inc., and William T. Jacobson, Robert Dumont, Ronald Price and Barbara Suveg (the “Individual Defendants”). The Company will also fund up to $75,000 to fund expenses in connection with notification to class members. The Class Action Settlement Agreement is the settlement agreement contemplated by the Memorandum of Understanding
(“MOU”) described in its prior response and the terms of it are consistent with the terms of such MOU. The Settlement Agreement is subject to a number of conditions including successful completion of confirmatory due diligence by the lead plaintiffs and final court approval.
Insurance Litigation
Atlas Mining Company v. Navigators Insurance Company et al.
Our complaint, filed in federal district court in Idaho, seeks coverage (“Coverage Claim”) for claims in connection with the securities litigation described above under (A) a primary $5,000,000 D&O liability insurance policy issued by Navigators Insurance Company (“Navigators”) on October1, 2007 (“Navigators
$5,000,000 Policy), and (B) a $5,000,000 excess D&O liability policy issued by RSUI Indemnity Company (“RSUI”) effective October 1, 2007. The Company has asserted claims for declaratory judgment, specific performance, and breach of contract, as well as claims alleging bad faith, against Navigators and RSUI. The Company also has asserted claims of negligence and fraud against a broker involved with the alleged issuance of the policies. This case was removed to federal
court. Navigators, RSUI, and the broker are vigorously defending the lawsuit and have filed answers in federal court, arguing in part that such policies are not effective and pleading other affirmative defenses, such as accord and satisfaction.
26
Navigators Insurance Co. v. Atlas Mining Company, et. al.
This is an interpleader complaint filed by Navigators in federal district court in Idaho with respect to our coverage claims and those of certain of our former officers and directors arising from the securities litigation described above. The interpleader complaint alleges that Navigators issued a D&O liability policy to
the Company for the period October 17, 2006 and October 17, 2007 that afforded $2 million in limits. Navigators alleges that, based on the current rate of expenditures, the defense and investigation costs alone will soon exceed the policy’s $2 million limit of liability, excess of applicable retentions, and the Company disagrees with certain of its former officers and directors on the appropriate priority of payments under the policy. As such, Navigators alleges that it was subject
to multiple competing demands for the limits of the Policy. Based on such allegations, Navigators is seeking a court order permitting Navigators to tender $2 million into the registry of the Court and to be discharged from liability. The Company filed a Motion to Dismiss on June 17, 2008, citing Navigators’ failure to advance defense costs under such policy and arguing that Navigators is not subject to multiple liability under the policy. The parties have filed several consent
motions to stay the proceedings in this action. The court entered an indefinite stay on December 11, 2008 that will remain in effect until any party seeks to re-open the matter because (a) the parties have reached an agreement to resolve the matter, (b) the Coverage Action is resolved, or (c) a party seeks to terminate the stay and renew litigation.
Settlement Of Insurance Cases
Related to the Class Action Settlement, effective July 8, 2009, the Company entered into a Settlement Agreement and Release with Navigators, RSUI Indemnity Company and RSUI Group, Alexander, Morford & Woo, Inc., and the individual defendants listed above in settlement of the insurance litigation. Pursuant to this agreement
(i) Navigators will deliver $1,250,000 into a court registry, which will then be used upon final court approval of the Class Action Settlement to fund the $1,250,000 payment to class action plaintiffs, (ii) Navigators will deliver $750,000 to the Company for defense and investigative costs in connection with the Class Action and related matters, which Atlas will use in part to pay the individual defendants their costs in the class action and (iii) all claims under the insurance litigation will be released upon
final court approval of the Class Action Settlement.
Issuance of Wells Notice
On March 6, 2009, the Company was informed that the Securities and Exchange Commission had issued a formal order of investigation of facts with respect to possible violations of the securities laws by the Company and its officers, directors and affiliates for the period of August 2002 through 2006. On July 7, 2009, the staff of the Commission
sent the Company a "Wells Notice," which is a notice that the staff intends to recommend to the Commission that enforcement proceedings be commenced against the Company for violations of registration provisions of Section 5 of the Securities Act, the reporting provisions of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act and the rules thereunder as well as Rule 12b-20, and the internal control provisions of Section 13(b)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act. The Wells Notice also referenced section
12(j) of the Securities Exchange Act, which would involve deregistration. However, the Company committed to the staff that it would bring the Company current in its Section 13(a) filings and the filing of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q brings the Company current. The staff indicated that if the Company were current it would not make a recommendation related to Section 12(j), and the Company believes that this filing has mooted the issue. The Company is cooperating with the
investigation and has submitted an offer of settlement to the staff.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
During the third quarter of 2009, we sold stock in a transaction not registered under the Securities Act as listed below. Management at the time deemed such sales to be exempt under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and indicated that all sales were made to accredited investors.
During July 2009, the Company sold to accredited investors $200,000 principal amount of Series 10% PIK-Election Convertible Notes due 2018 (the “Notes”) at a conversion price of $0.65 per share (the “Conversion Price”) and entered into a Registration Rights Agreement in
connection with the shares of common stock to be issued upon conversion of the Notes.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
27
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
(a) |
Exhibits. |
The following exhibits are included in this report:
Exhibit Number |
Description of Exhibits | |
31.1 |
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act, as adopted pursuant to the Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of the Chief Executive Officer | |
31.2 |
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act, as adopted pursuant to the Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of the Chief Financial Officer | |
32.1 |
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of the Chief Executive Officer | |
32.2 |
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of the Chief Financial Officer |
28
SIGNATURES
In accordance with 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.
APPLIED MINERALS INC. | ||
Dated: November 13, 2009 |
/s/ ANDRE ZEITOUN | |
By: Andre Zeitoun | ||
Chief Executive Officer | ||
Dated: November 13, 2009 |
/s/ CHRISTOPHER T. CARNEY | |
By: Christopher T. Carney | ||
Interim Chief Financial Officer |