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Golden Minerals Co - Quarter Report: 2007 June (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 JUNE 30, 2007.

 

 

 

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 1-13627

APEX SILVER MINES LIMITED
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

CAYMAN ISLANDS, BRITISH WEST INDIES

 

NOT APPLICABLE

(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF

 

(I.R.S. EMPLOYER

INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)

 

IDENTIFICATION NO.)

 

 

 

WALKER HOUSE

 

 

MARY STREET

 

 

GEORGE TOWN, GRAND CAYMAN

 

 

CAYMAN ISLANDS, BRITISH WEST INDIES

 

NOT APPLICABLE

(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)

 

(ZIP CODE)

 

(345) 949-0050
(REGISTRANT’S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)

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 IS A LARGE ACCELERATED FILER, AN ACCELERATED FILER, OR A NON-ACCELERATED FILER:

LARGE ACCELERATED FILER x   ACCELERATED FILER o   NON-ACCELERATED FILER 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

AT AUGUST 9, 2007, 58,625,725 ORDINARY SHARES, $0.01 PAR VALUE PER SHARE, WERE ISSUED AND OUTSTANDING.

 




APEX SILVER MINES LIMITED
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2007

INDEX

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 2.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 3.

 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 4.

 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1.

 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1A.

 

RISK FACTORS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 2.

 

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE  OF PROCEEDS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 3.

 

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 4.

 

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 5.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 6.

 

EXHIBITS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

 

 

 

 

2




PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.    Financial Statements

APEX SILVER MINES LIMITED

An Exploration and Development Stage Company

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Expressed in United States dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

 

June 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

(in thousands, except share data)

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

151,156

 

$

49,840

 

Restricted cash

 

23,512

 

31,942

 

Investments

 

192,985

 

325,536

 

Restricted investments

 

18,138

 

65,343

 

Ore inventories

 

9,402

 

3,183

 

Material and supply inventories

 

3,289

 

3,149

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

6,988

 

9,984

 

Total current assets

 

405,470

 

488,977

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

822,649

 

641,758

 

Ore inventories

 

41,938

 

21,341

 

Deferred financing costs

 

17,003

 

19,485

 

Value added tax recoverable

 

73,383

 

54,158

 

Investments

 

17,005

 

42,255

 

Deferred tax asset

 

1,596

 

 

Other

 

5,958

 

2,122

 

Total assets

 

$

1,385,002

 

$

1,270,096

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Deficit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities

 

$

44,601

 

$

47,979

 

Accrued interest payable

 

3,645

 

3,405

 

Derivatives at fair value

 

203,388

 

39,080

 

Current portion of long term debt

 

8,024

 

4,408

 

Total current liabilities

 

259,658

 

94,872

 

Long term debt

 

575,734

 

492,195

 

Derivatives at fair value

 

672,150

 

779,118

 

Deferred gain on sale of asset

 

945

 

1,400

 

Uncertain tax positions

 

1,596

 

 

Asset retirement obligation

 

6,350

 

5,761

 

Total liabilities

 

1,516,433

 

1,373,346

 

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries

 

532

 

40

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ deficit

 

 

 

 

 

Ordinary Shares, $.01 par value, 175,000,000 shares authorized; 58,702,075 and 58,577,700 shares issued and outstanding at respective dates

 

587

 

586

 

Additional paid in capital

 

672,840

 

669,487

 

Accumulated deficit during development stage

 

(805,205

)

(773,339

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(185

)

(24

)

Total shareholders’ deficit

 

(131,963

)

(103,290

)

Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit

 

$

1,385,002

 

$

1,270,096

 

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

3




APEX SILVER MINES LIMITED

An Exploration and Development Stage Company

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(Expressed in United States dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

For the Period from
December 22, 1994
(inception)

 

 

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

 

through

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

June 30, 2007

 

 

 

(in thousands, except share data)

 

Operating income and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exploration

 

$

(3,635

)

$

(1,557

)

$

(6,366

)

$

(3,007

)

$

(88,113

)

Administrative

 

(5,446

)

(5,686

)

(11,736

)

(10,999

)

(102,841

)

Loss on commodity derivatives

 

(165,647

)

(78,143

)

(57,341

)

(250,961

)

(923,009

)

Gain on foreign currency derivatives and transactions

 

1,236

 

123

 

2,220

 

236

 

3,833

 

Asset retirement accretion expense

 

(146

)

(94

)

(285

)

(142

)

(691

)

Amortization and depreciation

 

(76

)

(101

)

(190

)

(196

)

(1,989

)

Total operating expenses

 

(173,714

)

(85,458

)

(73,698

)

(265,069

)

(1,112,810

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and other income

 

6,364

 

5,264

 

13,150

 

8,168

 

67,500

 

Royalty income

 

150

 

 

444

 

 

2,063

 

Gain on sale of interest in subsidiary

 

 

 

 

 

199,600

 

Gain on extinguishment of debt

 

 

 

 

2,875

 

9,640

 

Interest expense and other borrowing costs (1)

 

 

(255

)

 

(774

)

(11,696

)

Total other income and expenses

 

6,514

 

5,009

 

13,594

 

10,269

 

267,107

 

Loss before minority interest and income taxes

 

(167,200

)

(80,449

)

(60,104

)

(254,800

)

(845,703

)

Income taxes

 

(47

)

(53

)

(94

)

(107

)

(1,222

)

Minority interest in (income) loss of consolidated subsidiaries

 

23,402

 

 

28,332

 

(7

)

41,720

 

Net loss

 

$

(143,845

)

$

(80,502

)

$

(31,866

)

$

(254,914

)

$

(805,205

)

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gain (loss) on securities

 

$

71

 

$

77

 

$

(161

)

$

467

 

$

(428

)

Reclassification for gain on securities included in net loss

 

 

 

 

495

 

243

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

71

 

77

 

(161

)

962

 

(185

)

Comprehensive loss

 

$

(143,774

)

$

(80,425

)

$

(32,027

)

$

(253,952

)

$

(805,390

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss per Ordinary Share – basic

 

$

(2.45

)

$

(1.40

)

$

(0.54

)

$

(4.68

)

 

 

Weighted average Ordinary Shares outstanding - basic and diluted (2)

 

58,651,952

 

57,551,214

 

58,631,256

 

54,483,319

 

 

 

 


(1)             Interest expense and other borrowing costs are net of $12.5 million and $23.4 million capitalized for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2007, respectively, and $6.4 million and $11.0 million for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2006, respectively, and $59.1 million for the inception to date period ended June 30, 2007.

(2)             Diluted earnings per share were anti-dilutive for all periods presented.

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

4




APEX SILVER MINES LIMITED

An Exploration and Development Stage Company

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Expressed in United States dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

For the period from
December 22, 1994
(inception)

 

 

 

June 30,

 

through

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

June 30, 2007

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in operating activities

 

$

(44,413

)

$

(33,780

)

$

(223,475

)

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of available for sale investments

 

(411,878

)

(188,212

)

(2,232,390

)

Sale of available for sale investments

 

547,302

 

126,388

 

1,936,096

 

Purchase of held-to-maturity investments

 

 

 

(263,869

)

Maturities of held-to-maturity investments

 

5,000

 

1,003

 

227,620

 

Purchase of available for sale restricted investments

 

(32,150

)

(226,080

)

(298,600

)

Sale of available for sale restricted investments

 

93,700

 

181,900

 

373,935

 

Purchase of held-to-maturity restricted investments

 

 

(46,862

)

(49,877

)

Maturity of held-to-maturity restricted investments

 

2,800

 

30,819

 

84,252

 

Payment of derivative premiums & settlements, net

 

 

(32,219

)

(46,936

)

Advances for construction of port facility

 

(4,000

)

 

(6,000

)

Advances to suppliers and contractors

 

 

(4,089

)

 

Released from (transfer to) restricted cash to collateralize credit facility, letters of credit and interest payments, net

 

8,430

 

97,247

 

(26,475

)

Proceeds from the sale of interest in subsidiary

 

 

 

224,000

 

Payment of selling costs related to sale of interest in subsidiary

 

 

 

(6,384

)

Capitalized costs and acquisitions of property, plant and equipment

 

(129,587

)

(135,903

)

(693,316

)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

$

79,617

 

$

(196,008

)

$

(777,944

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from issuance of Ordinary Shares

 

 

156,795

 

580,357

 

Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes

 

 

 

339,987

 

Payment of debt issuance costs

 

 

(209

)

(24,992

)

Payments of notes payable and long term debt

 

(7,512

)

(1,204

)

(12,964

)

Proceeds from note to power line contractor

 

 

 

1,415

 

Borrowings under project finance facility

 

45,000

 

80,000

 

225,000

 

Minority interest contributions

 

27,390

 

 

27,390

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants

 

1,234

 

1,449

 

16,382

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

$

66,112

 

$

236,831

 

$

1,152,575

 

Net  increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

101,316

 

7,043

 

151,156

 

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period

 

49,840

 

4,808

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period

 

$

151,156

 

$

11,851

 

$

151,156

 

 

See Note 16 for supplemental cash flow information.

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

5




APEX SILVER MINES LIMITED
An Exploration and Development Stage Company

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in United States dollars)

1.              Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements and Nature of Operations

These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of Apex Silver Mines Limited (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  Such rules and regulations allow the omission of certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, so long as such omissions do not render the financial statements misleading.  Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

In the opinion of management, these financial statements reflect all adjustments that are necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods presented.  All adjustments were of a normal recurring nature.  These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements of the Company included in its 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The Company is a mining exploration and development company that holds a portfolio of exploration and development properties primarily in South America and Central America. The Company currently focuses its resources primarily on the development of its San Cristobal Project in Bolivia. At June 30, 2007, none of the Company’s properties were in production and, consequently, the Company does not have current operating income.

2.              Significant Accounting Policies

Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”), an interpretation of Financial Accounting Standards Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 requires that the Company recognize in its financial statements the impact of uncertain tax positions. FIN 48 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods and disclosure. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations (see Note 11).

New Accounting Standards

During February 2007 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities-Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (“FAS No. 159”). FAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. Most of the provisions of FAS No. 159 apply only to entities that elect the fair value option.  However, the amendment to FASB Statement No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” applies to all entities with available-for-sale and trading securities.  FAS No. 159 is effective as of the beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007 (fiscal year 2008 for the Company).  The Company does not expect the adoption of FAS No. 159 to have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

During September 2006 the FASB issued Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS No. 157”). FAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This Standard addresses how companies should measure fair value when they are required to use a fair value measure for recognition or disclosure purposes under U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, this Standard does not require any new fair value measurements. FAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those

6




fiscal years (fiscal year 2008 for the Company). The Company does not expect the adoption of FAS No. 157 to have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

3.              Investments

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.  The Company accounts for its investments in auction rate securities (“ARS”) in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” such that if the underlying security of an ARS has a stated or contractual maturity date in excess of 90 days, regardless of the frequency of the interest rate reset date, the security is classified as a current available-for-sale investment. Short-term investments include investments with maturities greater than three months, but not exceeding twelve months, and ARS.  Long-term investments include investments with maturities greater than twelve months.

The Company determines the appropriate classification of its investments in debt and equity securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluates classifications at each balance sheet date. Debt securities are classified as held to maturity when the Company has the intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity.  Held to maturity debt securities are stated at amortized cost and include government agency and corporate obligations.  Available for sale investments are marked to market at each reporting period with changes in value recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. If declines in value are deemed other than temporary, a charge is made to net loss for the period.

The Company invests only in government and corporate securities rated “investment grade” or better. The following tables, based on quoted market prices, summarize the Company’s investments at June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006:

June 30, 2007

 

Cost

 

Fair Value

 

Carrying
Value

 

 

 

(in Thousands)

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available for sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auction rate securities

 

$

174,445

 

$

174,281

 

$

174,281

 

Corporate notes

 

5,992

 

6,000

 

6,000

 

Government bonds

 

9,878

 

9,875

 

9,875

 

Common stock

 

761

 

829

 

829

 

Total available for sale

 

191,077

 

190,985

 

190,985

 

Held to maturity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Government bonds

 

2,000

 

1,996

 

2,000

 

Total held to maturity

 

2,000

 

1,996

 

2,000

 

Total short-term

 

$

193,077

 

$

192,981

 

$

192,985

 

Long-term

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available for sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate notes

 

$

2,000

 

$

1,937

 

$

1,937

 

Government bonds

 

15,097

 

15,068

 

15,068

 

Total available for sale

 

17,097

 

17,005

 

17,005

 

Total long-term

 

$

17,097

 

$

17,005

 

$

17,005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available for sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auction rate securities

 

$

15,350

 

$

15,348

 

$

15,348

 

Total available for sale

 

15,350

 

15,348

 

15,348

 

Held to maturity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Government bonds

 

2,790

 

2,785

 

2,790

 

Total held to maturity

 

2,790

 

2,785

 

2,790

 

Total short-term

 

$

18,140

 

$

18,133

 

$

18,138

 

 

 

7




 

December 31, 2006

 

Cost

 

Fair Value

 

Carrying
Value

 

 

 

(in Thousands)

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available for sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

$

761

 

$

779

 

$

779

 

Corporate notes

 

5,935

 

5,995

 

5,995

 

Bond funds

 

6,972

 

6,973

 

6,973

 

Auction rate securities

 

306,785

 

306,789

 

306,789

 

Total available for sale

 

320,453

 

320,536

 

320,536

 

Held to maturity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Government bonds

 

5,000

 

4,991

 

5,000

 

Total held to maturity

 

5,000

 

4,991

 

5,000

 

Total short-term

 

$

325,453

 

$

325,527

 

$

325,536

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available for sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate notes

 

$

6,988

 

$

6,960

 

$

6,960

 

Government bonds

 

33,374

 

33,295

 

33,295

 

Total available for sale

 

40,362

 

40,255

 

40,255

 

Held to maturity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Government bonds

 

2,000

 

1,996

 

2,000

 

Total held to maturity

 

2,000

 

1,996

 

2,000

 

Total long-term

 

$

42,362

 

$

42,251

 

$

42,255

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available for sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auction rate securities

 

$

59,800

 

$

59,800

 

$

59,800

 

Total available for sale

 

59,800

 

59,800

 

59,800

 

Held to maturity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Government bonds

 

5,543

 

5,500

 

5,543

 

Total held to maturity

 

5,543

 

5,500

 

5,543

 

Total short-term

 

$

65,343

 

$

65,300

 

$

65,343

 

 

Quoted market prices at June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were used to determine the fair values of the above investments.

The Company maintains the majority of its investments in ARS which provide acceptable interest rates with high liquidity allowing the Company to convert the securities to cash every 7 to 35 days depending on the terms of the specific ARS.  ARS are floating rate securities with long-term nominal maturities of 25 to 30 years but are marketed by financial institutions with maturity and interest rate reset dates at 7, 28, or 35 day intervals. As a result, the market typically is highly liquid, with large amounts of securities resetting interest rates every week.  Most of the Company’s ARS at June 30, 2007 have reset dates of either 7 days or 28 days and annual yields ranging from 5.0% to 5.8%.

8




Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk that a third party might fail to fulfill its performance obligations under the terms of a financial instrument. For cash and equivalents and investments, credit risk represents the carrying amount on the balance sheet. We mitigate credit risk for cash and equivalents and investments by placing our funds and investments with high credit-quality financial institutions, limiting the amount of exposure to each of the financial institutions, monitoring the financial condition of the financial institutions and investing only in government and corporate securities rated “investment grade” or better.

The Company invests with financial institutions that maintain a net worth of not less than $1 billion and are members in good standing of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation.  Of the Company’s $402.8 million total of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short and long term investments and restricted investments at June 30, 2007, $395.2 million was held at twelve large multinational banks.

4.   Prepaid expenses and other assets

Prepaid expenses and other assets consist of the following:

 

June 30,
2007

 

December 31,
2006

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Prepaid insurance

 

$

1,299

 

$

1,949

 

Accrued interest on investments

 

1,589

 

1,348

 

Prepaid consulting and contractor fees

 

3,314

 

3,507

 

Prepaid import taxes and duties receivable

 

144

 

1,637

 

Other

 

642

 

1,543

 

 

 

$

6,988

 

$

9,984

 

 

The prepaid consulting and contractor fees consist primarily of advance payments made to contractors for work being performed for the San Cristobal Project.

5.   Value Added Tax Recoverable

The Company has recorded value added tax (“VAT”) paid in Bolivia and related to the San Cristobal Project as a recoverable asset.  Bolivian law states that VAT paid prior to production is recoverable as a credit against Bolivian taxes arising from production, including income tax. The VAT is expected to be recovered through future production and sales from the San Cristobal Project.  Future changes to Bolivian tax law could have an adverse effect on the Company’s ability to recover the VAT paid in Bolivia (see Note 14).  At June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, the VAT recoverable was $73.4 million and $54.2 million, respectively.  The VAT recoverable amounts include $7.1 million and $5.3 million of recoverable Bolivian import duties for the periods ended June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.

The Company has also paid VAT in Bolivia as well as other countries, primarily related to exploration projects, which has been charged to expense as incurred because of the uncertainty of recoverability.

9




6.   Property, Plant and Equipment

The components of property, plant and equipment were as follows:

 

June 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Mineral properties

 

$

117,616

 

$

117,390

 

Construction in progress

 

617,078

 

482,979

 

Buildings

 

13,590

 

13,590

 

Mining equipment and machinery

 

15,027

 

13,580

 

Other furniture and equipment

 

3,656

 

3,166

 

 

 

766,967

 

630,705

 

Less: Accumulated depreciation

 

(8,618

)

(6,962

)

 

 

758,349

 

623,743

 

Equipment under capital lease

 

59,465

 

22,183

 

Less: Accumulated depreciation

 

(7,448

)

(4,168

)

 

 

52,017

 

18,015

 

Port facilities under lease

 

12,283

 

 

Less: Accumulated depreciation

 

 

 

 

 

12,283

 

 

 

 

$

822,649

 

$

641,758

 

 

The Company has a 17-year contract with a third party to provide port services at the port facilities in Mejillones, Chile.  Certain assets constructed at the port are for the exclusive use of the Company, including concentrate reception, unloading and storage facilities.  The Company has evaluated its contractual agreement with the port and has determined that the agreement contains a leasing arrangement with respect to the assets that will be operated exclusively for the use of the Company.  Following the guidance of Financial Accounting Standard No. 13, “Accounting for Leases,” the Company is deemed to be the owner of the assets for which it has exclusive use.  Accordingly, the Company has recorded $12.3 million to port facilities under lease with an offsetting financing obligation related to those assets (see Note 8).  The Company expects the port assets to be put into service during the third quarter of 2007, at which time the Company will begin recording depreciation.

For the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 the Company recorded depreciation expense of $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively.  Also, for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 the Company capitalized depreciation associated with the San Cristobal Project in the amounts of $4.7 million and $2.4 million, respectively.

The June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 construction in progress balances include $59.1 million and $35.5 million of capitalized interest respectively.  The capitalized interest amounts are related to the Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes, the project finance facility and equipment under capital lease (see Note 8).

At June 30, 2007 the Company had recorded a lease obligation of $47.9 million related to outstanding equipment under capital lease (see Note 8).

7.   Other Long Term Assets

At June 30, 2007 other long term assets includes a $5.8 million note receivable, plus accrued interest, from the contractor that constructed the load out facilities at the Port of Mejillones for funds previously advanced by the Company. The note and accrued interest is to be repaid by applying a portion of the amounts owed for port charges by San Cristobal to the outstanding note and accrued interest balances. The note and accrued interest are expected to be fully repaid by December 2009. San Cristobal began incurring minimum port fees in May 2007, per the port agreement, with approximately $0.2 million of the minimum fees applied to the note as of June 30, 2007. Construction of the port facilities was completed during the second quarter 2007.

10




 

8.   Debt

The Company’s debt consists of the following:

 

June 30, 2007

 

December 31, 2006

 

 

 

Current

 

Long term

 

Current

 

Long term

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

2.875% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2024

 

$

 

$

180,000

 

$

 

$

180,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.0% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2024

 

 

109,987

 

 

109,987

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Project finance facility

 

 

225,000

 

 

180,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note payable to Ingelec for power line

 

681

 

 

1,415

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note assigned to Sumitomo

 

 

8,013

 

 

7,853

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital leases

 

6,981

 

40,871

 

2,993

 

14,355

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Port lease liability

 

362

 

11,863

 

 

 

 

 

$

8,024

 

$

575,734

 

$

4,408

 

$

492,195

 

 

2.875% Notes and 4.0% Notes

Both the 2.875% Notes and the 4.0% Notes (collectively the “Notes”) are convertible into the Company’s Ordinary Shares at a conversion rate of 34.9406 shares per $1,000 principal amount of the Notes (equal to an initial conversion price of approximately $28.62 per share), subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. Holders may convert their Notes only if: (i) the price of Apex Silver Ordinary Shares reaches a specified threshold; (ii) the trading price for the Notes falls below certain thresholds; (iii) the Notes have been called for redemption; or (iv) specified corporate transactions occur.  Full conversion of the Notes would result in the issuance of approximately 10.1 million of the Company’s Ordinary Shares.  Accumulated interest on the Notes is paid twice a year in March and September.

During 2006 the Company issued 1,086,653 of its Ordinary Shares, valued at $17.1 million, and repurchased $20.0 million of its outstanding 4.0% Notes. The transaction represented an early extinguishment of debt and the Company recorded a gain of $2.9 million and recognized accelerated amortization of deferred issuance costs of $0.5 million related to the transaction.  The Notes purchased in the transaction have been cancelled.

Costs incurred in connection with the issuance of the Notes were deferred and are being amortized to interest expense over ten years which corresponds to the related call provisions.  At June 30, 2007 the unamortized balance of deferred financing costs related to the Notes was approximately $7.1 million.

The indenture relating to the 4.0% Notes requires the Company to maintain restricted investments to cover the payment of interest through 2007.  The amount invested will at maturity equal the interest payments due.  As of June 30, 2007, $2.8 million of restricted investments were designated for this purpose.

San Cristobal Project Finance Facility

In December 2005 the Company closed on a $225 million project finance facility (the “Facility”), arranged by BNP Paribas and Barclays Capital, and funded by a group of international financial institutions including banks, export credit agencies and the Andean Development Corporation, a multilateral financial agency that promotes sustainable development in South America.  Borrowings from the Facility are being used to complete the development of the Company’s San Cristobal Project. As of June 30, 2007 the Company has

11




borrowed the full $225 million available under the Facility. Interest on the outstanding amounts drawn under the Facility is based on LIBOR plus a credit spread.  The first principal payment under the Facility is due in December 2008, and the Facility must be fully repaid in December 2012.

In connection with the September 2006 sale to Sumitomo Corporation (“Sumitomo”) of a 35% interest in the subsidiaries that own and will operate the San Cristobal Project, Sumitomo has guaranteed the repayment of 35% of the project finance facility debt through project completion. (For this purpose completion is defined as the satisfaction of certain financial and operational requirements including the creation of operating and debt service reserves and meeting certain operational performance levels over specified periods of time and can occur no later than December 2008.)

The Facility contains covenants that require the Company to, among other things, maintain certain security interests, financial ratios after project completion, insurance coverage, minimum sales contracts and metals price protection contracts as well as other requirements.  Failure to comply with these covenants or to cure related violations within specified periods could result in an event of default, pursuant to which the project lenders could require immediate repayment of all amounts outstanding under the Facility and immediate cash settlement of the outstanding metals derivative positions associated with the San Cristobal Project.

Pursuant to the debt covenants contained in the Facility, the Company is required annually to submit a revised Construction Budget, Operating Plan, and Financial Model (collectively the “Updated Plan”) for the San Cristobal Project.  The covenants require that the Updated Plan reflect certain set metals prices that are substantially less than current metals prices. Following discussions among representatives of the lenders and the Company, representatives of the lenders proposed (i) use in the Updated Plan of higher metals prices than those contained in the original agreement, which should allow the Company to meet the Facility’s financial requirements, (ii) an adjustment to the Facility repayment schedule to require a larger percentage of principal to be repaid in earlier years, (iii) an increase in the mandatory cash flow sweep from 35% to 45% of excess cash flow, (iv) purchase by the Company and Sumitomo of put options to protect additional cash flow needed for the adjusted loan repayment schedule, and (v) funding by the Company of a $91 million margin account, and a $49 million post-completion guarantee by Sumitomo, for the benefit of the two banks holding the derivative positions, with the margin account and guarantee decreasing by 33% at the end of each of 2008, 2009 and 2010.

The Company and Sumitomo have accepted these proposals.  The Company prepared and submitted to the lenders an Updated Plan and a formal request for and documentation of the Facility amendments.  The Company expects the Updated Plan and the Facility amendments to be approved by the lenders in August 2007, although there can be no assurance that this will occur.

If the amendments and the Updated Plan are not approved by the lenders, until such time as approval is obtained, the Company would be required to operate in all material respects, as defined by the Facility, in compliance with the initial Operating Plan and Financial Model (the “Initial Plan”). If the Company’s operations fail to comply with the Initial Plan in all material respects, the lenders could declare a default and require the Company to settle all amounts outstanding under the Facility and metals derivatives liability.  Because the Company’s current projections indicate that cash flows and operating ratios will exceed those in the Initial Plan, the Company believes that operations will comply in all material respects with the Initial Plan.  However, the Company cannot predict what actions the lenders might take if they deem that the Company is not in material compliance with the Initial Plan.

If an event of default occurs, the lenders could require immediate payment of amounts outstanding under the Facility and settlement of the derivatives liability.  If such a demand were successfully made, the Company would require additional debt or equity financing in order to satisfy its obligations. There is no assurance that the Company would be able to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms, or at all.

Direct costs incurred in obtaining the Facility were deferred and are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the facility. At June 30, 2007 the unamortized balance of deferred financing costs related to the Facility was approximately $9.9 million.

12




Power Line Notes

The Company has loaned funds to San Cristobal Transportadora de Electricidad, S.A. (“SC Tesa”), the contractor that has constructed the power line for the San Cristobal Project, and holds a note receivable from SC Tesa in the amount of $22.3 million. The Company expects to receive repayment of the note from SC Tesa in the form of credits against charges for the delivery of power.  In connection with the sale of 35% of the San Cristobal Project to Sumitomo, the Company sold 35% of the $22.3 million note to Sumitomo. As the Company receives payments from SC Tesa it must pay Sumitomo its 35% share of such payments. As a result, the Company has recorded a note payable to Sumitomo in the amount of $8.0 million, including accrued interest.

SC Tesa borrowed approximately $1.4 million from its parent company, Ingelec, to complete the construction of the power line.  Per the guidance of FASB Interpretation No. 46R, “Variable Interest Entities,” the Company consolidates the accounts of SC Tesa and accordingly has recorded the note payable on its consolidated books.  At June 30, 2007 $0.7 million of the note remains outstanding.

Capital Leases

During the six months ended June 30, 2007 the Company placed in service $37.3 million of additional mining equipment to be used in stripping and mine production, and recorded these transactions as capital leases, resulting in cumulative capital lease obligations of $47.9 million at June 30, 2007. During the six months ended June 30, 2007 the Company made payments of approximately $6.6 million related to capital lease obligations including $4.1 million of upfront mobilization fees.

Port Lease Liability

Certain assets constructed at the port of Mejillones are for the exclusive use of the Company, including concentrate reception, unloading and storage facilities.  The Company determined that a leasing arrangement exists with respect to those assets (see Note 6). Accordingly, at June 30, 2007 the Company recorded on its balance sheet $12.3 million to plant and equipment and a financing obligation of $12.2 million, which is net of $0.1 million of the obligation amortized during the second quarter of 2007.  In addition, the Company holds a $5.8 million note receivable from the port contractor for funds previously advanced to the contractor from the Company including interest (see Note 7).

9.   Sales Contracts and Derivative Instruments

Certain covenants related to the project finance facility required the Company to provide price protection for a portion of its planned production of metals from San Cristobal.  During the third quarter of 2005, the Company entered into certain derivative positions utilizing primarily forward sales but also puts and calls to comply with the project finance facility covenants.  In order to maintain leverage to silver market prices, the Company entered into proportionally more zinc and lead positions than silver positions. Non-cash mark-to-market gains and losses from the open derivative positions may fluctuate substantially from period to period based on spot and forward prices and option volatilities.

In addition, in the past the Company made limited investments in shorter duration put and call options and other metals derivatives not required by the project finance facility.  During 2006, the Company liquidated all of its discretionary derivative contracts. During the six months ended June 30, 2007 the Company did not hold any derivative contracts other than those required by the project finance facility.

The Company marks its open derivative positions to fair value at the end of each accounting period with the related change in fair value recorded to earnings. The Company recorded losses of $165.6 million and $57.3 million as a result of marking to market its open derivative position for the quarter and six month periods ended June 30, 2007, respectively.  For the quarter and six month periods ended June 30, 2006 the Company recorded total derivative losses of $78.1 million and $251.0 million, respectively, which included

13




mark to market losses of $49.0 and $221.9, respectively, and a realized loss of $29.1 for both periods.  The 2007 mark to market losses are primarily the result of increasing spot and forward prices for silver, zinc and lead during the six month period ended June 30, 2007. The 2006 mark to market losses were primarily the result of increasing spot and forward prices for silver and zinc during the six months ended June 30, 2006. The 2006 realized losses were related to the liquidation of the majority of the discretionary hedge positions held by the Company during the second quarter 2006. The actual final financial impact of the required project finance facility derivative positions will not be known until the positions are closed on their future settlement dates.  At the time of final settlement, the gain or loss recorded will exclude previously recognized non-cash mark to market gains or losses.

As the result of the sale to Sumitomo of a 35% interest in the subsidiary that holds the derivative positions, Sumitomo has guaranteed the payment of 35% of the hedge positions required by the project finance facility through completion (which may be no later than December 2008).

The following table sets forth the Company’s open derivative positions at June 30, 2007.

 

 

Current Maturity Date

 

 

 

Year 1

 

Years 2 and 3

 

Years 4 and 5

 

Thereafter

 

Total

 

Forward Contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Silver (000 ounces)

 

150

 

160

 

200

 

80

 

590

 

Average price (per ounce)

 

$

7.34

 

$

7.15

 

$

7.13

 

$

7.15

 

$

7.19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zinc (000 pounds)

 

112,931

 

480,985

 

181,880

 

 

775,796

 

Average price (per pound)

 

$

0.48

 

$

0.48

 

$

0.48

 

$

 

$

0.48

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lead (000 pounds)

 

99,866

 

223,104

 

 

 

322,970

 

Average price (per pound)

 

$

0.30

 

$

0.30

 

$

 

$

 

$

0.30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Put Option Contracts Owned

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Silver (000 ounces)

 

400

 

2,020

 

5,790

 

890

 

9,100

 

Average price (per ounce)

 

$

5.25

 

$

5.64

 

$

5.88

 

$

5.63

 

$

5.78

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Call Option Contracts Written

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Silver (000 ounces)

 

 

8,870

 

840

 

90

 

9,800

 

Average price (per ounce)

 

$

 

$

8.22

 

$

9.26

 

$

8.95

 

$

8.32

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zinc (000 pounds)

 

3,858

 

9,921

 

 

 

13,779

 

Average price (per pound)

 

$

0.57

 

$

0.57

 

$

 

$

 

$

0.57

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lead (000 pounds)

 

7,716

 

19,841

 

 

 

27,557

 

Average price (per pound)

 

$

0.39

 

$

0.39

 

$

 

$

 

$

0.39

 

 

The Company determines the fair value of its open derivative positions by applying market values obtained from the counterparties holding the Company’s derivative positions.  The Company independently verifies that the values received from the counterparties are based on major commodities price indices such as the LME and COMEX and other available market data.

The following table sets forth the fair value of the Company’s open derivative positions based on indices such as the LME and COMEX and valuations from counterparties holding the Company’s derivative positions at June 30, 2007, March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 and the change for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2007.

14




 

 

 

Amount To Be Realized In

 

 

 

Less Than

 

2 to 3

 

4 to 5

 

 

 

 

 

Period Ended

 

1 Year

 

Years

 

Years

 

Thereafter

 

Total

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

March 31, 2007

 

$

88,046

 

$

484,871

 

$

135,917

 

$

1,058

 

$

709,892

 

June 30, 2007

 

$

203,388

 

$

574,129

 

$

97,336

 

$

686

 

$

875,539

 

Change for the three months ended June 30, 2007

 

$

115,342

 

$

89,258

 

$

(38,581

)

$

(372

)

$

165,647

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2006

 

$

39,080

 

$

570,982

 

$

207,696

 

$

440

 

$

818,198

 

June 30, 2007

 

$

203,388

 

$

574,129

 

$

97,336

 

$

686

 

$

875,539

 

Change for the six months ended June 30, 2007

 

$

164,308

 

$

3,147

 

$

(110,360

)

$

246

 

$

57,341

 

 

10.   Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company has developed an asset retirement plan for its San Cristobal Project which is expected to begin producing in the third quarter 2007. The plan includes estimated reclamation, remediation and closure requirements based on Bolivian government requirements, World Bank financing requirements and the Company’s policies.  Since the third quarter 2005 the Company has conducted development and mining activities that fall within the scope of the asset retirement plan and will require future reclamation and closure expenditures. The Company accrues estimated reclamation liabilities based on the asset retirement plan as activities requiring future reclamation and remediation occur.

The Company prepares estimates of the timing and amount of expected cash flows when an asset retirement obligation (“ARO”) is incurred. The fair value of the ARO is measured by discounting the expected cash flows using a discount factor that reflects the credit-adjusted risk-free rate of interest. The Company records the fair value of an ARO when incurred with an adjustment to the corresponding asset carrying amounts. The ARO is adjusted to reflect the passage of time (accretion cost) calculated by applying the discount factor implicit in the initial fair value measurement to the beginning-of-period carrying amount of the ARO. The Company records accretion costs to expense as incurred.

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balance for the Company’s asset retirement obligations:

 

Six Months
Ended June 30,
2007

 

Year Ended
December 31, 2006

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Beginning balance

 

$

5,761

 

$

2,003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARO arising in the period

 

304

 

3,367

 

Changes in estimates, and other

 

 

 

Liabilities settled

 

 

 

Accretion expense

 

285

 

391

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ending balance

 

$

6,350

 

$

5,761

 

 

11.   Income Taxes

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries operating in the Cayman Islands do not file income tax returns as the Cayman Islands currently does not impose any income taxes.  The Company files Bolivian, United States and certain other foreign country income tax returns.  These tax returns and the amount of taxable income or loss reported are subject to examination by the relevant taxing authorities.  The Company and subsidiaries have not generated taxable income since inception.  For the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 the Company recorded approximately $0.1 million and $0.1 million of income tax expense related to withholding taxes on certain services provided to one of our Bolivian subsidiaries.

15




In January 2007, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”), an interpretation of Financial Accounting Standards Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of an uncertain tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 requires that the Company recognize in its financial statements the impact of uncertain tax positions.  FIN 48 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods and disclosure.

As of June 30, 2007, the Company had $1.8 million of total gross unrecognized tax benefits.  Certain of the unrecognized tax benefits resulted in a reduction of the Company’s operating loss carryforwards by approximately $0.2 million.  The Company has recorded a non-current tax payable and corresponding non-current deferred tax asset of approximately $1.6 million for all remaining unrecognized tax benefits.  There is no impact to retained earnings as a result of the adoption of FIN 48.

Tax years as early as 2001 remain open and are subject to examination in the Company’s principal tax jurisdictions.  Management has estimated that unrecognized tax benefits will not significantly increase or decrease within the next twelve months.  There are no interest or penalties estimated on the underpayment of income taxes as a result of these unrecognized tax benefits.  The Company’s policy is to classify tax related interest and penalties as income tax expense.

12.   Shareholders’ Deficit

The following table sets forth the changes in shareholders’ deficit during the first six months of 2007:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

 

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive

 

Total

 

 

 

Ordinary Shares

 

Paid-in

 

Accumulated

 

income

 

Shareholders’

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Capital

 

Deficit

 

(loss)

 

Deficit

 

 

 

(in thousands except share data)

 

Balance, December 31, 2006

 

58,577,700

 

$

586

 

$

669,487

 

$

(773,339

)

$

(24

)

$

(103,290

)

Stock compensation accrued

 

 

 

2,120

 

 

 

2,120

 

Stock options exercised ($10.54 per share)

 

103,575

 

1

 

1,233

 

 

 

1,234

 

Stock granted as compensation ($16.40 per share)

 

20,800

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized loss on marketable equity securities

 

 

 

 

 

(161

)

(161

)

Net loss

 

 

 

 

(31,866

)

 

(31,866

)

Balance, June 30, 2007

 

58,702,075

 

$

587

 

$

672,840

 

$

(805,205

)

$

(185

)

$

(131,963

)

 

Stock Option Plans – The Company established a plan to issue share options and other share awards to officers, employees, consultants and agents of the Company and its subsidiaries (the “Employees’ Plan”) as well as a Non-Employee Directors’ Share Plan (the “Directors’ Plan”) or jointly (the “Plans”).

The Company recognizes stock based compensation costs using a graded vesting attribution method whereby costs are recognized over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award.  The Company recognized stock based compensation costs of $2.1 million and $2.6 million for the six month periods ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 respectively, which includes amounts capitalized.

A summary of the Company’s stock options issued under the Plans at June 30, 2007 and changes during the six months then ended is presented in the following table:

16




 

Options

 

Number of
Shares

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price Per
Share

 

Outstanding at beginning of period

 

2,992,572

 

$

14.90

 

Granted during period

 

66,835

 

15.65

 

Forfeited or expired during period

 

(156,350

)

16.60

 

Exercised during period

 

(131,475

)

12.99

 

Outstanding at end of period

 

2,771,582

 

$

14.87

 

Exercisable at end of period

 

2,119,008

 

$

14.27

 

Expected to vest at the end of the period

 

636,992

 

$

17.02

 

 

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.

A summary of the status of the Company’s restricted stock grants issued under the Employees’ Plan at June 30, 2007 and changes during the six months then ended is presented in the following table:

Restricted Stock Grants

 

Number of
Shares

 

Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value Per Share

 

Oustanding at beginning of the period

 

223,575

 

$

17.30

 

Granted during period

 

38,200

 

                  16.40

 

Restrictions lifted during the period

 

(32,025

)

                  16.60

 

Forfeited during period

 

(8,850

)

                  16.40

 

Oustanding at end of the period

 

220,900

 

$

17.28

 

 

The fair value of each restricted stock grant is based on the closing price of the Company’s shares on the date of grant.

During the second quarter of 2007 the board of directors adopted a Non-Employee Director Deferred Compensation and Equity Award Plan (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”). In connection with the approval of this new compensation arrangement, the board of directors suspended the grant of options under the Directors’ Plan.  Pursuant to the Deferred Compensation Plan the directors will receive a portion of their compensation in the form of Restricted Stock Units. The Restricted Stock Units typically vest one year after the date of grant so long as the individual is still serving as a director. Each Restricted Stock Unit entitles the director to receive one unrestricted Ordinary Share for each vested Restricted Stock Unit upon the termination of the director’s board service.

A summary of the status of the Restricted Stock Unit grants issued under the Deferred Compensation Plan at June 30, 2007 and changes during the six months then ended is presented in the following table:

17




 

Restricted Stock Units

 

Number of
Shares

 

Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value Per Share

 

Oustanding at beginning of the period

 

 

$

 

Granted during period

 

25,806

 

19.18

 

Restrictions lifted during the period

 

 

 

Forfeited during period

 

 

 

Oustanding at end of the period

 

25,806

 

$

19.18

 

 

The fair value of each Restricted Stock Unit grant is based on the closing price of the Company’s shares on the date of grant.

The Company has granted stock-based performance bonuses under the Employees’ Plan to certain employees, related to cost targets and completion date targets for the construction of the San Cristobal Project, pursuant to which up to 23,000 Ordinary Shares with a grant date fair market value of $15.37 per share may be issued. The fair value of each performance bonus grant was based on the closing price of the Company’s shares on the date of grant.

13.   Minority Interest

Sumitomo Corporation

During 2006 the Company sold to Sumitomo a 35% interest in the three Company subsidiaries that own its San Cristobal Project, market project concentrates and hold the metals hedge positions required by the project lenders. The Company continues to own 65% of these three subsidiaries.

Subsequent to the September 2006 close of the transaction with Sumitomo, the Company incurred certain losses primarily related to marking to market its open derivative positions required by the project finance facility.  Such losses would normally be shared by Sumitomo in proportion to its 35% interest in the subsidiary recording the losses.  However, generally accepted accounting principles do not permit the allocation of losses to the minority interest in excess of the minority owner’s recorded interest in the subsidiary. Accordingly, the Company has absorbed approximately $98.8 million and $87.9 million of non-cash losses that normally would have been allocated to Sumitomo at December 31, 2006 and June 30, 2007, respectively.   The reduction to the amount being absorbed by the Company for the six months ended June 30, 2007 is the result of Sumitomo’s advance of $27.4 million to fund its share of certain excess costs related to the San Cristobal Project partially offset by Sumitomo’s minority interest in the loss for the period of $16.5 million. The Company expects to recover the remaining $87.9 million of losses it absorbed, and any additional losses it may absorb related to Sumitomo’s minority interest, from future earnings prior to the allocation of earnings to Sumitomo or from future contributions by Sumitomo.

SC Tesa

During 2005 the Company entered into a long-term contract with SC Tesa to construct a power line and transport power to the San Cristobal Project from the Bolivian power grid. The Company has loaned SC Tesa $22.3 million to construct the power line which will be repaid through credits against charges for the delivery of power (see Note 8).  Per the guidance of FIN 46R the Company fully consolidates the accounts of SC Tesa.

During the fourth quarter 2006, the San Cristobal Project began receiving limited amounts of power from the grid resulting in SC Tesa earning a transmission fee and recording earnings.  Because SC Tesa is treated as a consolidated entity, the intercompany profit earned by SC Tesa is eliminated and the Company recognizes a minority interest offset to net income equal to SC Tesa’s share of the transmission fee earnings representing 100% of such earnings.  For the six months ended June 30, 2007 the Company recorded $0.5 million as SC Tesa’s minority interest in the earnings.

18




14.   Commitments and Contingencies

Project Financing – Per the terms and conditions of the San Cristobal Project finance facility the Company was required to deposit cash and investments in an account the use of which is restricted to the development of the San Cristobal Project. At June 30, 2007 the remaining balance in the account was $29.1 million of which $23.0 million was recorded to restricted cash and $6.1 million recorded to restricted investments.

Capital Commitments – At June 30, 2007 the Company expects to spend approximately $85 million on the San Cristobal Project to complete the commissioning and startup, make final payment of accrued construction costs, provide for approximately $40 million of working capital requirements during the first several months of operation and complete construction of certain additional facilities not required for initial operations.  The San Cristobal Project began production of concentrates in August 2007 with the anticipated first sale scheduled for late August or early September 2007.

Taxes – The Company has received certain tax and duty benefits on a portion of the equipment it imported for its San Cristobal Project. The benefits are contingent upon the Project attaining production within two years after approval of the exemption, or by September 13, 2007, and fulfilling certain expenditure commitments within a specified period of time. Failing to comply with these commitments would obligate the Company to refund the benefits received, up to approximately $23.5 million plus penalties and interest. The Company believes it has met the requirements necessary to retain these benefits.

Performance Bonus – The Company may be required to pay up to an estimated $4.0 million bonus to the San Cristobal Project construction management contractor contingent upon certain project completion parameters. Based on the project status at June 30, 2007 the Company believes it is probable that it will be required to pay the construction management contractor a portion of the bonus up to $1.3 million and has accrued that amount at June 30, 2007 with the offset recorded to construction in progress.

Political Contingencies – At various times since his election, President Morales and others in his administration have made public statements regarding their desire to exert greater state control over natural resource production in Bolivia. To date, there have been no formal proposals by the Bolivian government to nationalize the mining industry but it is possible that the government may alter its current policies with respect to the mining industry in the future.  In addition, the Bolivian government continues to consider various changes to applicable mining taxes, including possible increases in income and other tax rates, modification of the creditability of the complementary mining tax against income tax, and elimination of the refund to exporters of a percentage of import duties and value added tax.  These potential changes would have the effect of increasing the total tax burden on the San Cristobal Project, which could adversely affect the earnings and cash flow generated by the Project and the Company’s ability to recover its investment in the Project and to meet its liabilities to the San Cristobal lenders and the counterparties holding the metals derivative positions required by those lenders.  The Company, together with Sumitomo, is engaged in continuing discussions with government representatives regarding various proposals and their potential effects on San Cristobal.  The Company is unable to predict which changes, if any, will be made to current mining tax legislation.

In May 2006, the Constitutional Court of Bolivia issued a ruling declaring certain articles of the 1997 Mining Code unconstitutional.  The Court’s ruling is not effective until May 2008 and the Court urged the Bolivian Congress to enact legislation during that time which may supersede the ruling.  Although the Court’s ruling is not expected to impact the Company’s ability to operate the San Cristobal Project, the ruling may limit the transferability of the Company’s mining concessions and restrict the ability to mortgage the San Cristobal mining concessions as collateral to the lenders providing financing for the Project.

Other Contingencies – As previously disclosed, the Company has concluded, based on the results of an internal investigation conducted under the direction of its Audit Committee, that certain senior employees of one of its South American subsidiaries were involved in making impermissible payments of approximately $125,000 to government officials in 2003 and 2004 in connection with an inactive, early stage exploration property that is not related to any of the Company’s active exploration or development properties.  Based on findings to date, no changes to the Company’s previously filed financial statements are warranted as a result

19




of these matters.  The Company contacted the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) and SEC and reported the results of our internal investigation.  The Company has been informed that the SEC and DOJ have commenced an investigation with respect to these matters, including possible violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.  The Company is cooperating fully with the SEC and DOJ investigations. The Company cannot predict with any certainty the final outcome of the investigations, including any fines or penalties that may be imposed.

15.   Foreign Currency

Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions consist of the following:

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

(in thousands)

 

Gain on re-measurement of monetary assets denominated in other than US dollars

 

$

1,236

 

$

123

 

$

2,220

 

$

236

 

Total

 

$

1,236

 

$

123

 

$

2,220

 

$

236

 

 

The re-measurement of monetary assets is related to certain taxes receivable and other accounts denominated in Bolivia’s local currency.

20




16.   Supplemental cash flow information

The following table reconciles net loss for the period to cash from operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

from December

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22, 1994

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(inception)

 

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

through

 

 

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(31,866

)

$

(254,914

)

$

(805,205

)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization and depreciation

 

190

 

196

 

1,989

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

 

555

 

3,134

 

Accretion of asset retirement obligation

 

285

 

142

 

691

 

Amortization of premiums and discounts

 

50

 

(1,033

)

(2,003

)

Mark-to-market (gain) loss on derivative positions

 

57,341

 

250,961

 

923,009

 

Loss (gain) on Euro hedge

 

 

 

(534

)

Gain on extingushment of debt

 

 

(2,875

)

(9,640

)

Gross gain on sale of interest in subsidiary

 

 

 

(199,600

)

Minority interest in loss of consolidated subsidiary

 

(28,332

)

7

 

(41,720

)

Stock compensation, net of amounts capitalized

 

1,610

 

2,035

 

20,787

 

Shares issued in consideration for services

 

 

27

 

8,585

 

Shares issued to purchase mineral rights

 

 

 

1,799

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in accrued interest receivable

 

(241

)

(954

)

(1,649

)

Port fees applied to Port of Mejillones note

 

217

 

 

 

217

 

(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets net of amounts capitalized

 

3,029

 

(1,273

)

(1,305

)

Increase in inventories

 

(26,957

)

(12,403

)

(54,629

)

Increase in value added tax recoverable (net)

 

(19,225

)

(14,829

)

(73,383

)

Increase in accrued interest payable net of amounts capitalized

 

 

 

1,680

 

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities net of amounts capitalized

 

(484

)

156

 

4,153

 

Other increase (decrease)

 

(30

)

422

 

149

 

Net cash used in operating activities

 

$

(44,413

)

$

(33,780

)

$

(223,475

)

 

21




The following table sets forth supplemental cash flow information and non-cash transactions:

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Supplemental disclosure:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized

 

$

 

$

9,455

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash transactions:

 

 

 

 

 

Capitalized stock based compensation costs

 

$

483

 

$

560

 

Payment of debt with Ordinary Shares

 

 

17,125

 

Capitalized consulting services paid with Ordinary Shares

 

 

27

 

Depreciation expense capitalized

 

4,650

 

2,351

 

Initial measurment of asset retirement obligation

 

304

 

2,791

 

Equipment acquired through capital lease

 

37,282

 

3,896

 

Capitalized port facility lease

 

12,283

 

 

 

17.  Subsequent Events

During early August 2007 the Company financially settled the first of the metals derivative positions required by the San Cristobal Project finance facility.  These positions are held in a separate Cayman subsidiary which is owned 65% by the Company and 35% by Sumitomo, and not by the Bolivian operating entity, Minera San Cristobal. The Cayman Island does not impose a corporate income tax or allow deductions for losses. Certain of the positions matured July 31, 2007 and were settled based on the average price for July. The Company settled 1,388 tonnes of zinc sold forward with an average strike price of $1,060 per tonne by making a payment of $3.4 million and 2,583 tonnes of lead sold forward with an average strike price of $661 per tonne by making a payment of $6.3 million.  (See Note 9 for a discussion of the Company’s open derivative positions.)

22




Item 2:   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

General

The following discussion and analysis summarizes the results of operations of Apex Silver Mines Limited (“Apex Silver” or “we”) for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2007 and changes in our financial condition from December 31, 2006.  This discussion should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2006.

Apex Silver is a mining exploration and development company that holds a portfolio of exploration and development properties primarily in South America and Central America. We currently focus our resources primarily on the development of our San Cristobal Project in Bolivia. At June 30, 2007, none of our properties were in production and, consequently, we have no current operating income. Our first sale of concentrates from our San Cristobal mine and related operating results are expected to be recognized during the third quarter 2007.

Overview

Development of San Cristobal

Physical construction of our San Cristobal Project in southwestern Bolivia is substantially complete.  At June 30, 2007 we estimated that we will be required to make payments of approximately $85 million to complete the commissioning and startup, make final payment of accrued construction costs, provide for approximately $40 million of working capital requirements during the first several months of operation and complete construction of certain additional facilities not required for initial operations on our San Cristobal Project. The flotation circuit has been commissioned and in early August 2007 we began producing both silver bearing lead and zinc concentrates.  The filtration and load out system has been commissioned and concentrate containers have been loaded and shipped by rail to the port at Mejillones, Chile. We expect to record our first sale of concentrates in the third quarter 2007.

More than 3.5 million tonnes of sulfide ore have been stockpiled for the concentrator.  The primary crusher and overland conveyor are operating at design rates delivering ore to the coarse ore stockpile.  With production testing ongoing and operating with a previously untrained workforce, the plant is operating with the semi-autogenous mill and one of two ball mills.  Processing the harder of the two ore types in the San Cristobal ore body, we have achieved continuous throughput of 19,000 tonnes per day, within five percent of design capacity. The second ball mill motor has been repaired and is being commissioned, and we expect continuous production from this ball mill in early September.  Other systems including the well field, tailing system, railroad, and other supporting systems have been commissioned and are generally performing as anticipated.

The plant will continue in startup and commissioning during August with emphasis on commissioning of the zinc regrind circuit and fine tuning throughout the flotation plant including improvements in the calibration of instruments and tuning of control loops and level controls in the plant.  In addition, we expect to complete commissioning of the second ball mill, together with final processes and coordination with Bolivian power providers, in early September. We intend to ramp up production at San Cristobal until the full production rate of approximately 55 thousand tonnes of concentrate per month is reached during the fourth quarter 2007.

Financing and Commodity Derivatives Matters

During 2007 we borrowed $45 million under the $225 million San Cristobal Project finance facility (the “Facility”) bringing the total borrowings against the Facility to the full $225 million available. The covenants require that we annually submit a Construction Budget, Operating Plan and Financial Model (collectively, the “Updated Plan”) for the Project. The covenants in the Facility require that the Updated Plan reflect certain set metals prices that are substantially less than current metals prices. Following our

23




discussions with representatives of the lenders, representatives of the lenders proposed (i) use in the Updated Plan of higher metals prices than those contained in the original agreement, which should allow us to meet the Facility’s financial requirements, (ii) an adjustment to the Facility repayment schedule to require a larger percentage of principal to be repaid in earlier years, (iii) an increase in the mandatory cash flow sweep from 35% to 45% of excess cash flow, (iv) purchase by Apex and Sumitomo of put options to protect additional cash flow needed for the adjusted loan repayment schedule, and (v) funding by Apex of a $91 million margin account, and a $49 million post-completion guarantee by Sumitomo, for the benefit of the two banks holding the metals derivative positions, with the margin account and guarantee decreasing by 33% at the end of each of 2008, 2009 and 2010.

We and Sumitomo have accepted these proposals.  We have prepared and submitted to the lenders an Updated Plan and a formal request for and documentation of the Facility amendments.  We expect the Updated Plan and the Facility amendments to be approved by the lenders in August 2007, although there can be no assurance that this will occur.

If the amendments and the Updated Plan are not approved by the lenders, or until such time as approval is obtained, we would be required to operate in all material respects, as defined by the Facility, in compliance with the Construction Budget, Operating Plan and Financial Model initially approved by the lenders when the Facility was entered into (the “Initial Plan”). If our operations fail to comply with the Initial Plan in all material respects, the lenders could declare a default and require us to settle all amounts outstanding under the Facility, including the metals derivatives liability.  Because our current projections indicate that cash flows and operating ratios will exceed those in the Initial Plan, we believe that operations will comply in all material respects with the Initial Plan.  However, we cannot predict what actions the lenders might take if they deem that we are not in material compliance with the Initial Plan.

For the six months ended June 30, 2007, we recorded a $57.3 million loss as a result of marking-to-market our open derivative positions required by the terms of the project financing facility. The loss is the result of continuing high spot and forward prices for silver, zinc and lead. During the periods that the metals derivative positions are outstanding, gains and losses may fluctuate substantially from period to period based on spot prices, forward prices and quoted option volatilities. The actual final financial impact of the required project financing facility derivative positions will not be known until the positions are closed on their future settlement dates. At the time of final settlement, the gain or loss recorded will exclude previously recognized non-cash mark-to-market gains or losses. The first derivative positions to settle were positions with maturity dates of July 31, 2007 and settlement payments were made the first week of August 2007.  We settled 1,388 tonnes of zinc sold forward with an average strike price of $1,060 per tonne by making a payment of $3.4 million and 2,583 tonnes of lead sold forward with an average strike price of $661 per tonne by making a payment of $6.3 million.

Political Matters in Bolivia

At various times since his election, President Morales and others in his administration have made public statements regarding their desire to exert greater state control over natural resource production in Bolivia. To date, there have been no formal proposals by the Bolivian government to nationalize the mining industry but it is possible that the government may alter its current policies with respect to the mining industry in the future.  In addition, the Bolivian government continues to consider various changes to applicable mining taxes, including possible increases in income and other tax rates, modification of the creditability of the complementary mining tax against income tax, and elimination of the refund to exporters of a percentage of import duties and value added tax.  These potential changes would have the effect of increasing the total tax burden on our San Cristobal Project, which could adversely affect the earnings and cash flow generated by the Project and our ability to recover our investment in the Project and to meet our liabilities to the San Cristobal lenders and the counterparties holding the metals derivative positions required by those lenders.  We, together with Sumitomo, are engaged in continuing discussions with government representatives regarding various proposals and potential proposals, and their potential effects on the Project.  We are unable to predict which changes, if any, will be made to current mining tax legislation.

On May 1, 2007 President Morales issued a Supreme Decree declaring a Mining Fiscal Reserve over the entire Bolivian national territory to include all mineral resources, granting the Bolivian Mining

24




Corporation (COMIBOL) the authority and right to administer and exploit the Fiscal Reserve.  The Supreme Decree provides that mining concessions granted prior to enacting the Supreme Decree, which includes the San Cristobal mining concessions, will be respected and will remain in effect.

Exploration

Pursuant to our September 25, 2006 agreement with Sumitomo, Sumitomo has a two year Option Agreement whereby it may acquire a 20 percent to 35 percent interest in each of certain of our active exploration properties at historical cost, and in each of certain inactive exploration properties at historical cost once we have spent $0.2 million in exploration costs.  Sumitomo must exercise its option on each active property within 60 days of receiving complete information regarding the property and on each inactive property within 60 days of the Company spending $0.2 million on the property.  At June 30, 2007 Sumitomo had exercised its options to acquire an interest in three of our active exploration properties in Peru and plans to review certain of our active exploration properties in Mexico and Argentina later in the year.

Subsequent Event

Mr. Alan Edwards, the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since June 2004, has resigned effective August 20, 2007 to become the chief executive officer of another company.  Mr Edwards was instrumental in leading the successful development, commissioning and startup of our San Cristobal Project.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended June 30, 2007

Exploration.  Exploration expense was $3.6 million for the second quarter of 2007 compared to $1.6 million for the second quarter of 2006. Exploration expense is incurred primarily in Argentina, Mexico and Peru. During 2007, we have begun extensive drilling programs and other geologic testing to increase the rate of evaluation of many of our properties.

Administrative.  Administrative expense of $5.4 million for the second quarter of 2007 is comparable to $5.7 million for the second quarter 2006.  Administrative expenses are incurred primarily by our corporate headquarters and consist primarily of compensation costs, professional fees paid for accounting and legal services, office and equipment lease costs and other general costs. Administrative costs are incurred supporting the areas of finance, compliance, marketing and other administrative requirements including the indirect support of the financing, development and other requirements of our San Cristobal Project.

Gains and Losses - Commodity Derivatives.  For the second quarter of 2007 we recorded a loss related to our metals derivative positions in the amount of $165.6 million compared to a loss of $78.1 million on our derivative positions for the second quarter of 2006. The losses are the result of marking-to-market our open derivative positions as spot and forward prices for silver, zinc and lead fluctuate around record high levels and settlement dates draw closer. During the periods that the metals derivative positions are outstanding, gains and losses may fluctuate substantially from period to period based on spot prices, forward prices and quoted option volatilities. (See “Overview” for additional discussion of the 2007 derivative loss).

Interest and other income. We recorded interest and other income of $6.4 million for the second quarter of 2007 as compared to $5.3 million recorded during the second quarter of 2006.  The 2007 increase in interest and other income was the result of the increased interest we earned on the higher average cash and investment balances that we held during the 2007 period resulting from the proceeds from the sale of a 35% interest in our San Cristobal Project in September 2006 and the proceeds received from the Ordinary Share offering completed during the second quarter 2006.  Available interest rates were also higher for the second quarter 2007 as compared to the same period of 2006.

Royalty Income. During the second quarter 2007, we received $0.2 million of royalty income from a property in Mexico on which we retained a net smelter return royalty.  The property is being test mined by

25




a joint venture partner and we received royalties for product sold from the test mining operation. We did not receive any royalties in the second quarter 2006.

Interest expense and other borrowing costs.  We recognized no interest expense and other borrowing costs during the second quarter 2007 as the total $12.5 million of those costs were capitalized.  During the second quarter 2006 we recognized $0.3 million of interest expense and other borrowing costs which were net of approximately $6.4 million capitalized. Interest costs for both periods are primarily related to the Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2024 and the project finance facility. The increase in the 2007 costs is primarily the result of increased borrowings outstanding under the project finance facility.

Income Taxes.   For both the second quarter 2007 and 2006 we recorded nominal amounts of income tax expense consisting solely of withholding taxes on inter-company investment income and administrative charges associated with one of our Bolivian subsidiaries.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2007

Exploration.  Exploration expense was $6.4 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2007 compared to $3.0 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2006. Exploration expense is incurred primarily in Argentina, Mexico and Peru. During 2007 we have begun extensive drilling programs and other geologic testing to increase the rate of evaluation of many of our properties.

Administrative.  Administrative expense of $11.7 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2007 is comparable to $11.0 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2006.  Administrative expenses are incurred primarily by our corporate headquarters and consist primarily of compensation costs, professional fees paid for accounting and legal services, office and equipment lease costs and other general costs. Administrative costs are incurred supporting the areas of finance, compliance, marketing and other administrative requirements including the indirect support of the financing, development and other requirements of our San Cristobal Project.

Gains and Losses - Commodity Derivatives.  For the six month period ended June 30, 2007 we recorded a loss related to our metals derivative positions in the amount of $57.3 million compared to a loss of $251.0 million on our derivative positions for the six month period ended June 30, 2006. The losses are the result of marking-to-market our open derivative positions as spot and forward prices for silver, zinc and lead fluctuate around record high levels and settlement dates draw closer. The $57.3 million loss for the six months ended June 30, 2007 is the result of the combined $108.3 million gain recognized during the first quarter of 2007 and the $165.6 million loss recognized during the second quarter of 2007. During the periods that the metals derivative positions are outstanding, gains and losses may fluctuate substantially from period to period based on spot prices, forward prices and quoted option volatilities. (See “Overview” for additional discussion of the 2007 derivative loss).

Interest and other income. We recorded interest and other income of $13.2 million for the first six months of 2007 as compared to $8.2 million recorded during the first six months of 2006.  The 2007 increase in interest and other income was the result of the increased interest we earned on the higher average cash and investment balances that we held during 2007 resulting from the proceeds from the sale of a 35% interest in our San Cristobal Project in September 2006 and the proceeds received from the Ordinary Share offering completed during the second quarter 2006.  Available interest rates were also higher for the first six months of 2007 as compared to the same period of 2006.

Royalty Income. During the first six months of 2007, we received $0.4 million of royalty income from a property in Mexico on which we retained a net smelter return royalty.  The property is being test mined by a joint venture partner and we received royalties for product sold from the test mining operation. We did not receive any royalties in the first six months of 2006.

Interest expense and other borrowing costs.  We recognized no interest expense and other borrowing costs during the first six months of 2007 as the total $23.4 million of those costs were capitalized.  During the first six months of 2006 we recognized $0.4 million of interest expense and other borrowing costs which were net of approximately $11.0 million capitalized. Interest costs for both periods are primarily related to the Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2024 and the project finance facility.  The

26




increase in the 2007 costs is primarily the result of increased borrowings outstanding under the project finance facility.

Income Taxes.   For both the six months ended 2007 and 2006 we recorded nominal amounts of income tax expense consisting solely of withholding taxes on inter-company investment income and administrative charges associated with one of our Bolivian subsidiaries.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At June 30, 2007 our aggregate cash, restricted cash, short and long-term investments and restricted investments totaled $402.8 million compared to an aggregate of $514.9 million in cash, restricted cash, short and long-term investments and restricted investments at December 31, 2006.  The decrease in our aggregate cash and investment balances as of June 30, 2007 compared to December 31, 2006 was primarily the result of $129.6 million invested in property, plant and equipment related to the development of the San Cristobal Project, including $23.1 million of interest paid and capitalized.  In addition, $44.4 million was spent to fund operations, property holding costs and administrative costs, net of interest and other income and $7.5 million was spent for the payment of long term debt (primarily capital lease payments).  These amounts were partially offset by $45.0 million of borrowings against the project finance facility, $27.4 million advanced by Sumitomo as their share of funding of excess costs for the San Cristobal Project and $1.2 million of proceeds from employee stock options exercised.

The amounts held at June 30, 2007 include $151.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, $210.0 million in investments, $29.6 million of cash and investments that are restricted to fund development at our San Cristobal Project, $9.2 million of investments to collateralize certain letters of credit and $2.8 million of investments that are restricted and at maturity will provide the amounts necessary to pay interest through September 2007 on the 4.0% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2024.

During the third quarter of 2007 we expect to spend approximately $85 million on our San Cristobal Project to complete the commissioning and startup, make final payment of accrued construction costs, provide for approximately $40 million of working capital requirements during the first several months of operation and complete construction of certain additional facilities not required for initial operations.  The amount includes an approximate ten percent increase over the $650 million Project estimate previously disclosed, as a result of operating costs being experienced for a longer period before revenues are realized and additional costs associated with the delay and repairs of the ball mills and other costs.  We anticipate funding our 65% share of these requirements and any additional requirements from existing restricted cash and investments set aside to fund certain of these requirements and from existing non-restricted cash and investments. Sumitomo will fund their remaining 35% of the current requirements and any additional requirements. We expect operating cash flows from the Project to begin during the third quarter of 2007.

In addition, as a result of our negotiations with the project finance facility lenders discussed above, we expect to deposit $91 million in a restricted fixed margin account during the third quarter of 2007 as security for the existing metals derivative positions.  The margin account will be decreased by 33% at the end of each of 2008, 2009 and 2010. We also expect to spend approximately $8 million to purchase put options to provide additional cash flow protection for the San Cristobal Project.  The cost of the put options will be borne 65% by Apex and 35% by Sumitomo.

Finally, for the remainder of the year we expect to spend approximately $7 million on general corporate costs, $7 million on exploration efforts and approximately $5 million on interest payments related to the outstanding convertible debt.  We plan to fund these expenditures from our existing cash and investment balances and from interest and other income.

Because we were unable to timely file our December 31, 2006 annual report on Form 10-K our existing shelf registration statements will not be available as a source of equity or debt financing for at least nine months.

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Significant Accounting Policies

Effective January 1, 2007, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” (“FIN 48”), an interpretation of Financial Accounting Standards Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 requires that we recognize in our financial statements the impact of uncertain tax positions. FIN 48 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods and disclosure. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

New Accounting Standards

During February 2007 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (“FAS No. 159”). FAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. Most of the provisions of FAS No. 159 apply only to entities that elect the fair value option.  However, the amendment to FASB Statement No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” applies to all entities with available-for-sale and trading securities.  FAS No. 159 is effective as of the beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007, or fiscal year 2008 for us.  We do not expect the adoption of FAS No. 159 to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

During September 2006 the FASB issued Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS No. 157”). FAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This Standard addresses how companies should measure fair value when they are required to use a fair value measure for recognition or disclosure purposes under U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, this Standard does not require any new fair value measurements. FAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We do not expect the adoption of FAS No. 157 to have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

Contractual Obligations

As discussed above, at June 30, 2007 we will be required to spend an additional approximately $85 million related to our San Cristobal Project to complete the commissioning and startup, make final payment of accrued construction costs, provide for approximately $40 million of working capital requirements during the first several months of operation and complete construction of certain additional facilities not required for initial operations.

During the six months ended June 30, 2007 we borrowed the remaining $45 million available under the $225 million project finance facility. In addition during the six months ended June 30, 2007 we placed in service $37.3 million of mining equipment recorded as capital leases resulting in total capital lease obligations of $47.9 million at June 30, 2007.

Forward-Looking Statements

Some information contained in or incorporated by reference into this report may contain forward-looking statements. These statements include comments regarding San Cristobal development and construction plans, capital and other costs, funding and timing; the timing of completion of San Cristobal construction, start-up and commencement of operations; anticipated spending during 2007; increased funding requirements, capital costs and working capital requirements for the San Cristobal Project; contractual arrangements with Sumitomo, including Sumitomo’s obligations with respect to funding commitments; the likely increased volatility in future earnings due to forward sales, derivative positions and metals trading activity; compliance with and anticipated amendments to the San Cristobal Project finance facility; possible changes in the mining or taxation policies of the Bolivian government; anticipated

28




ramp-up of San Cristobal production and sales, the commissioning of and continuous production from the second ball mill, and the timing and amounts of spending on the evaluation and expansion of our exploration portfolio. The use of any of the words “anticipate,” “continues,” “estimate,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “project,” “should,” “believe” and similar expressions are intended to identify uncertainties.  We believe the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable.  However, we cannot assure that these expectations will prove to be correct.  Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of the factors set forth below and other factors set forth in, or incorporated by reference into this report:

·                  worldwide economic and political events affecting the supply of and demand for silver, zinc and lead;

·                  political unrest and economic instability in Bolivia including the communities located near the San Cristobal Project and other countries in which we conduct business;

·                  future actions of the Bolivian government with respect to nationalization of natural resources or other changes in the mining or taxation policies of the Bolivian government;

·                  volatility in market prices for silver, zinc and lead;

·                  financial market conditions;

·                  uncertainties associated with developing a new mine, including potential cost overruns and the unreliability of production and cost estimates in early stages of mine development;

·                  variations in ore grade and other characteristics affecting mining, crushing, milling and smelting operations and mineral recoveries;

·                  geological, technical, permitting, mining and processing problems;

·                  delays or difficulties on the start-up or operation of the San Cristobal Project;

·                  failure to comply with obligations under the San Cristobal Project finance facility;

·                  failure to reach agreement with Sumitomo Corporation regarding future development or operation of San Cristobal, or failure to comply with agreements with Sumitomo related to the San Cristobal Project;

·                  uncertainties regarding future changes in applicable law or implementation of existing law, including Bolivian laws related to tax, mining, environmental matters and exploration; and

·                  the factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2006.

Many of those factors are beyond our ability to control or predict.  You should not unduly rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements speak only as of the date of this report on Form 10-Q.  Except as required by law, we are not obligated to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or developments.

Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

Our outstanding debt consists primarily of our 4.0% and 2.875% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2024 and amounts borrowed under our San Cristobal Project finance facility.  The Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes bear interest at a fixed rate and thus do not have exposure to interest rate changes.  The project finance facility bears interest at the LIBOR rate plus a credit spread.  With the full $225 million borrowed under the facility, a 1% increase in the LIBOR rate would result in an annual increase in interest expense of $2.25 million.  We have not entered into any agreements to hedge against unfavorable changes in interest rates, but may in the future manage our exposure to interest rate risk.

We invest excess cash in U.S. government and debt securities rated “investment grade” or better.  The rates received on such investments may fluctuate with changes in economic conditions. As a result, our investment income may fall short of expectations during periods of lower interest rates.  Based on the average cash, restricted cash, investments and restricted investment balances outstanding during the first six months of 2007, a 1% decrease in interest rates would have resulted in a reduction in interest income for the period of approximately $2.3 million.

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Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

Although most of our expenditures are in U.S. dollars, certain purchases of labor, operating supplies and capital assets are denominated in Bolivianos, Euros or other currencies.  As a result, currency exchange fluctuations may impact the costs of our operations.  Specifically, the appreciation of Bolivianos against the U.S. dollar may result in an increase in operating expenses and capital costs at the San Cristobal Project in U.S. dollar terms.  To reduce this risk, we maintain minimum cash balances in all foreign currencies, including Bolivianos, and complete most of our purchases, including purchases relating to the San Cristobal Project, in U.S. dollars.

We have previously engaged in a limited amount of currency hedging activities primarily related to an equipment order for the San Cristobal Project that was denominated in Euros.  At June 30, 2007 we did not hold any foreign currency derivative positions.

Commodity Price Risk

None of our properties are in production and, consequently, we do not have any current revenue from sales.  When the San Cristobal Project begins production, our primary source of income will be from sales of concentrates containing silver, zinc and lead.  As a result, changes in the price of any of these commodities could significantly affect our results of operations and cash flows.

To complete the San Cristobal Project finance facility, we were required to implement price protection for a portion of our planned silver, zinc and lead production from San Cristobal.  We have entered into contracts utilizing forward sales, puts and calls.  Non-cash mark-to-market gains and losses from these and other derivative positions may fluctuate substantially from period to period based on spot and forward prices and option volatilities.  The actual final financial impact of the derivative positions required by the project financing facility will not be known until the positions are closed on their future settlement dates.  Our outstanding derivative positions represent 4%, 13% and 17% of planned life-of-mine payable production of silver, zinc and lead at San Cristobal but represent a significantly higher proportion of our planned production during the six years in which the derivative positions are in place.   For the first six years of production, we have hedged approximately 10%, 24% and 32% of planned production of silver, zinc and lead, respectively.

During the first six months of 2007 we recorded a non-cash mark-to-market loss on our open derivative positions in the amount of $57.3 million. For the year ended December 31, 2006 we recorded non-cash mark-to-market losses of $672.5 million on our open derivative positions.  As of June 30, 2007 the fair value of our open derivative positions reflected a $875.5 million liability.  Non-cash mark-to-market gains and losses from the open derivative positions have fluctuated substantially from period to period based on spot and forward prices and option volatilities and will most likely continue to do so as long as the derivative positions are outstanding. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Results of Operations”.

Related to certain pending amendments to the project finance facility agreement as discussed above, we and Sumitomo have agreed to purchase put options to protect additional cash flow needed for the accelerated loan schedule.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

(a)    Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to Apex Silver’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Disclosure Committee and management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of

30




1934.  Based upon this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as a result of the unremediated material weakness related to loan covenant compliance discussed below, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

(b)    Change in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Apex Silver’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).  Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with policies and procedures may deteriorate.

Management issued a report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006.  In making its assessment, management used criteria set forth in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).  Management’s assessment concluded that, as of December 31, 2006, we did not maintain effective controls over the valuation of the metals derivatives positions and the monitoring of our compliance with certain covenants related to its project finance facility.  As disclosed in management’s report, these control deficiencies constituted material weaknesses as of December 31, 2006 and resulted in the following adjustments to our financial statements:

·                  Restatement of our 2005 annual consolidated financial statements; interim consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 and for each of the first three quarters of 2006 as a result of adjustments to the balances of our derivative liabilities, gain on the sale of an interest in subsidiaries, minority interest in subsidiaries, minority interest in loss of consolidated subsidiaries and the accumulated deficit accounts as a result of reassessing available market data in the valuation of our metals derivatives.

·                  An audit adjustment to our 2006 annual consolidated financial statements to properly reflect the balances of our derivative liabilities, gain on sale of an interest in subsidiaries, minority interest in subsidiaries, minority interest loss of consolidated subsidiaries and the accumulated deficit accounts as a result of reassessing available market data in the valuation of our metals derivatives.

The material weakness relating to the controls over the valuation of the metals derivatives positions has been remediated during the first six months of 2007.

However the material weakness relating to the controls over the monitoring of compliance with certain covenants related to our project finance facility had not been remediated. We have been actively engaged in the implementation of remediation efforts to address the monitoring of our compliance with certain covenants related to its project finance facility material weaknesses described above.

Remediation efforts completed or to be completed include:

·                  We have hired a Senior Treasury Analyst, with experience commensurate with the complexity of our loan compliance requirements and we are designing and implementing effective controls to ensure the Senior Treasury Analyst will closely monitor compliance of our project finance facility and other financing arrangements.  Training will also be provided to all key personnel involved in the loan compliance processes and procedures.

We will continue to assign the highest priority to the remediation efforts in this area, with the goal of remediating this material weakness before the end of the third quarter of 2007.

There has been no other change in our internal control over financial reporting during the most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or that is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II: OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

There were no material developments to proceedings previously discussed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There were no material changes from the risk factors as previously discussed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.

Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

The following matters were voted upon at the annual meeting of shareholders held on June 7, 2007:

(a)           Election of four directors whose terms expire at the date of the 2010 annual meeting,

(b)                                 Ratification of the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for the current fiscal year.

All matters voted on at the annual meeting were approved.  The voting results were as follows:


Election of Directors

 

For

 

Against
or
Withheld

 

Abstain

 

Broker
Non-Votes

 

Harry M. Conger

 

47,596,428

 

110,835

 

 

 

Rodman L. Drake

 

47,460,399

 

246,864

 

 

 

Ian Masterton-Hume

 

47,589,395

 

108,868

 

 

 

Charles B. Smith

 

47,308,223

 

399,040

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers

 

47,217,115

 

470,479

 

19,669

 

 

 

Item 5.    Other Information

Mr. Alan Edwards, the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since June 2004, has resigned effective August 20, 2007 to become the chief executive officer of another company.

Item 6.    Exhibits

10.1

Indemnification Agreement dated July 10, 2007 between Apex Silver Mines Limited and Deborah Friedman

10.2

Change of Control Agreement dated July 10, 2007 between Apex Silver Mines Limited and Deborah Friedman

10.3

Non-Employee Directors Deferred Compensation and Equity Award Plan

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

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Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C., 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act)

 

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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 behalf of the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

APEX SILVER MINES LIMITED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:    August 8, 2007

By:

\s\ Jeffrey G. Clevenger

 

 

 

  Jeffrey G. Clevenger

 

 

  President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:    August 8, 2007

By:

\s\ Gerald J. Malys

 

 

 

  Gerald J. Malys

 

 

  Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

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