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Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc. - Annual Report: 2016 (Form 10-K)

New Jersey Mining Company

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K


(Mark One)


[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016


[   ] 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 000-28837


NEW JERSEY MINING COMPANY

(Name of small business issuer in its charter)


Idaho

 

82-0490295

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. employer identification No.)


201 N. Third Street, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)


(208) 503-0153

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code


Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:

None


Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:

Common Stock, No par value per share


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes [  ]  No [X]


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

Yes [  ]  No [X ]


Indicate by check mark whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the past 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 [  ]


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


Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and no disclosure will be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]


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


Large Accelerated Filer  ____

Accelerated Filer                   ____

Non-Accelerated Filer    ____

Smaller reporting company     X      


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act    Yes [ ]  No [X ]


The aggregate market value of all common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the average of the bid and ask prices on June 30, 2016 was $7,111,237.


On March 16, 2017 there were 105,418,759 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock outstanding.



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TABLE OF CONTENTS






CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

3

GLOSSARY OF SIGNIFICANT MINING TERMS

4

PART I

6

ITEM 1.  DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS

6

ITEM 2.   DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES

9

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

20

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

21

PART II

21

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

21

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

23

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

23

ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

28

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

29

ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING

AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

47

ITEM 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

47

ITEM 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION

47

PART III

48

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

48

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

49

ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

50

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR

INDEPENDENCE

51

ITEM 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

51

PART IV

52

ITEM 15.  EXHIBITS

52

SIGNATURES

53










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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS


This Annual Report on Form 10-K and the exhibits attached hereto contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Such forward-looking statements concern the Company’s anticipated results and developments in the Company’s operations in future periods, planned exploration and development of its properties, plans related to its business and other matters that may occur in the future. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. These statements include, but are not limited to, comments regarding:


·

the establishment and estimates of mineralization;

·

the grade of mineralization;

·

anticipated expenditures and costs in our operations;

·

planned exploration activities and the anticipated outcome of such exploration activities;

·

plans and anticipated timing for obtaining permits and licenses for our properties;

·

expected future financing and its anticipated outcome;

·

anticipated liquidity to meet expected operating costs and capital requirements;

·

our ability to obtain joint ventures partners and maintain working relationships with our current joint venture partners;

·

our ability to obtain financing to fund our estimated expenditure and capital requirements; and

·

factors expected to impact our results of operations.


Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “estimates” or “intends”, or stating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation:


·

risks related to our limited operating history;

·

risks related to our history of losses and our expectation of continued losses;

·

risks related to our properties being in the exploration or development stage;

·

risks related our mineral operations being subject to government regulation;

·

risks related to future legislation and administrative changes to mining laws;

·

risks related to future legislation regarding climate change;

·

risks related to our ability to obtain additional capital or joint venture partners;

·

risks related to land reclamation requirements and costs;

·

risks related to mineral exploration and development activities being inherently dangerous;

·

risks related to our insurance coverage for operating risks;

·

risks related to cost increases for our exploration and development projects;

·

risks related to a shortage of equipment and supplies adversely affecting our ability to operate;

·

risks related to mineral estimates;

·

risks related to the fluctuation of prices for precious and base metals, such as gold and silver;

·

risks related to the competitive industry of mineral exploration;

·

risks related to our title and rights in our mineral properties and mill;

·

risks related to joint venture partners and our contractual obligations therewith;

·

risks related to potential conflicts of interest with our management;

·

risks related to our dependence on key management;

·

risks related to the New Jersey Mill operations, management, and milling capacity;

·

risks related to our business model;

·

risks related to evolving corporate governance standards for public companies; and

·

risks related to our shares of common stock.


This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect our forward-looking statements. Some of the important risks and uncertainties that could affect forward-looking statements are described further under the sections titled “Description of Business” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Annual Report. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, believed, estimated, or expected. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. We disclaim any obligation subsequently to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events, except as required by law.


We qualify all the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report by the foregoing cautionary statements.



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GLOSSARY OF SIGNIFICANT MINING TERMS


Ag-Silver.


Au-Gold.


Alluvial-Adjectivally used to identify minerals deposited over time by moving water.


Argillites-Metamorphic rock containing clay minerals.


Arsenopyrite-An iron-arsenic sulfide. Common constituent of gold mineralization.


Ball Mill-A large rotating cylinder usually filled to about 45% of its total volume with steel grinding balls. The mill rotates and crushed rock is fed into one end and discharged through the other. The rock is pulverized into small particles by the cascading and grinding action of the balls.


Bedrock-Solid rock underlying overburden.


Cu-Copper.


CIL-A standard gold recovery process involving the leaching with cyanide in agitated tanks with activated carbon. CIL means "carbon-in-leach."


Crosscut-A nominally horizontal mine passageway, generally driven at right angles to the strike of a vein.


Dip-Angle made by an inclined surface with the horizontal, measured perpendicular to strike.


Deposit-A mineral deposit is a mineralized body that has been intersected by sufficient closely-spaced drill holes or underground sampling to support sufficient tonnage and average grade(s) of metal(s) to warrant further exploration or development activities.


Drift-A horizontal mine opening driven on the vein. Driving is a term used to describe the excavation of a mine passageway.


Exploration Stage-As defined by the SEC-includes all issuers engaged in the search for mineral deposits (reserves), which are not in the production stage.


Fault-A fracture in the earth's crust accompanied by a displacement of one side of the fracture with respect to the other and in a direction parallel to the fracture.


Flotation-A physiochemical process for the separation of finely divided solids from one another. Separation of these (dissimilar) discrete solids from each other is affected by the selective attachment of the particle surface to gas bubbles.


GPT-grams per metric tonne.


Galena-A lead sulfide mineral. The most important lead mineral in the Coeur d'Alene Mining District.


Grade-A term used to assign the concentration of metals per unit weight of ore. An example-ounces of gold per ton of ore (opt). One troy ounce per short ton is 34.28 parts per million or 34.28 grams per metric tonne.


Mill-A general term used to denote a mineral processing plant.


Mineralization-The presence of minerals, usually of potential economic significance, in a specific area or geologic formation.


Net Smelter Return (“NSR”)-The Net Smelter Return from a processed ore is the value recouped from the mineral products less the costs associated with smelting, refining, and transport to the smelter. The NSR specifically does not permit the deduction of mining and milling costs.


Ore-A mineral or aggregate of minerals that can be mined and treated at a profit. A large quantity of ore that is surrounded by waste or sub-ore material is called an orebody.


Patented Claim-A mineral claim where the title has been obtained from the U.S. federal government through the patent process of the 1872 Mining Law. The owner of the patented claim is granted title to the surface and mineral rights.


Production Stage-As defined by the SEC-includes all issuers engaged in the exploitation of a mineral deposit (reserve).


Pyrite-An iron sulfide mineral that usually has no commercial value but is commonly associated with mineral deposits of gold, copper, and other metals.


Quartz-Crystalline silica (SiO2). An important rock-forming and gangue material in veins or other types of mineral deposits.



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Quartzites-Metamorphic rock containing significant amounts of quartz.


Raise-An underground opening driven upward, generally on the vein.


Ramp-An underground opening usually driven downward, but not always, to provide access to an orebody for rubber-tired equipment such as loaders and trucks. Typically ramps are inclined at a slope grade of approximately 15%.


Reserves-That part of a mineral deposit which could be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination. Reserves are subcategorized as either proven (measured) reserves, for which (a) quantity is computed from dimensions revealed in outcrops, trenches, workings, or drill holes, and grade and/or quality are computed from the results of detailed sampling, and (b) the sites for inspection, sampling, and measurement are spaced so closely and geologic character is so well defined that size, shape, depth, and mineral content are well-established; or probable (indicated) reserves, for which quantity and grade and/or quality are computed from information similar to that used for proven (measured) reserves, yet the sites for inspection, sampling and measurement are farther apart.


Royalty or NSR Royalty-A mineral royalty is a percentage of the value extracted from an ore that is paid to an interest holding party, usually a claim owner. The NSR Royalty is calculated based on the value of the processed ore after deducting the costs of smelting, refining, and transport to a smelter. However, the cost of mining and milling is not deducted. Typical NSR Royalty rates in the United States are on the order of 1–5%.


Shoot – A body of ore, usually of elongated form, extending downward or upward in a vein.


Stope-An underground void created by the mining of ore.


Strike-The bearing or azimuth of the line created by the intersection of a horizontal plane with an inclined rock strata, vein or body.


Tellurium-Relatively rare chemical element found with gold and silver that can form minerals known as tellurides.


Tetrahedrite-Sulfosalt mineral containing copper, antimony, and silver.


Vein-A zone or body of mineralized rock lying within boundaries separating it from neighboring wallrock. A mineralized zone having a more or less regular development in length, width and depth to give it a tabular form and commonly inclined at a considerable angle to the horizontal.


Unpatented Claim-A mineral claim staked on United States Public Domain (USPD) that is open for mineral entry. Unpatented lode claims can be no more than 1,500 feet long by 600 feet wide. The claimant owns the mineral rights, but does not own the surface, which is USPD. Any exploration or mining on the claim must first be submitted in a plan of operations (POO) for approval to the appropriate federal land management entity.


Wallrock-Usually barren rock surrounding a vein.



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PART I


ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS


Form and Year of Organization

New Jersey Mining Company (“the Company” or “NJMC”) is a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Idaho on July 18, 1996. The Company was dormant until December 31, 1996, when all of the assets and liabilities of the New Jersey Joint Venture (a partnership) were transferred to the Company in exchange for 10,000,000 shares of common stock. The New Jersey Joint Venture, a partnership, was formed in 1994 to develop the New Jersey Mine.


Any Bankruptcy, Receivership or Similar Proceedings

There have been no bankruptcy, receivership, or similar proceedings.


Any Material Reclassification, Merger, Consolidation, or Purchase or Sale of a Significant Amount of Assets Not in the Ordinary Course of Business.

There have been no material reclassifications, mergers, consolidations, purchases, or sales not in the ordinary course of business for the past three years.


BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY


General Description of the Business

New Jersey Mining Company (“NJMC”) was incorporated in the State of Idaho on July 18, 1996. The business of the Company is to acquire and explore, develop, and/or operate mineral resource assets in the western United States. NJMC has focused to-date on mineral and/or mineral processing projects in the Belt Basin area of northern Idaho and western Montana with a primary focus on gold and a secondary focus on silver and base metals.


The Company’s portfolio of mineral properties includes:

·

the Golden Chest Mine (where gold production resumed in Q4 2016);

·

the Butte Highlands Mine (50% interest, “carried to production”);

·

the New Jersey Mine (historic mine, adjacent to the New Jersey Mill);

·

several exploration prospects including the McKinley, Eastern Star, and Toboggan projects.


In addition to mineral exploration and development, the Company is also the manager of the New Jersey Mill Joint Venture, which currently processes ore from the Golden Chest Mine and has capability to process both silver and gold ores through a 360 tonnes per day flotation plant.


The exploration focus for the Company is primarily gold with silver and base metals of secondary emphasis. NJMC has also sought joint venture partners or mineral lessees that bring mine development expertise, such that more advanced projects in the Company’s portfolio may be put into production.


In recent years, the Company has focused its efforts on the development and consolidation of ownership of the Golden Chest Mine and now has 100-percent ownership of the project. Golden Chest Joint Venture leased out a portion of the Golden Chest Mine from 2013 to 2015, resulting in gold production of 8,000 ounces from the property. During this period the Company generated revenue from processing the Golden Chest ores at its mill and from a modest NSR royalty. In 2015, the Company’s milling activities contributed $1,886,970 to its consolidated revenue. The Company also conducted minimal exploration on its McKinley and Eastern Star projects during 2015.


In August 2016, the Company commenced small-scale open pit mining at the Golden Chest and began shipping ore to the New Jersey Mill in October. The open pit is located in an area of Idaho Vein outcrop, about 200 meters directly above the recently built mine portal. The open pit contains an estimated 13,000 tonnes of mineralized material at an average grade of 4.99 grams per tonne (gpt) gold, or approximately 2,100 ounces of recoverable gold, with potential for expansion.


Also in August 2016, the Company acquired the remaining 33.3% outstanding shares of GF&H which held a strategic land package near the Golden Mine Project and now owns 100% of GF&H. The New Jersey Mill Joint Venture and GF&H are consolidated subsidiaries.


NJMC’s strategy emphasizes the generation of cash from mining, milling, and royalties, and possible future mining to support its operations and growth. The Company also actively works to form joint ventures and partnerships in order to minimize cash needs associated with future growth. These growth opportunities may come from exploration of its own properties or from new acquisitions or ventures. This strategy, if successful, is less reliant on private placements of common stock or the sale of equity to qualified investors, though the Company’s exploration and development progress is still dependent on securing financing in one form or another.



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Competitive Business Conditions

The Company competes on several different fronts within the minerals exploration industry. The Company competes with other junior mining companies for the capital necessary to sustain its exploration and development programs. NJMC also competes with other mining companies for exploration properties and mining assets, such as for gold properties in the western United States. In recent years, the Company has been successful in forming a joint venture at the New Jersey Mill, consolidating 100% ownership of the Golden Chest Mine and acquiring a 50% interest in the Butte Highlands Mine. Prior to consolidating 100% of the Golden Chest Mine the Company also received revenue on a per tonne basis for processing ores from the Golden Chest Mine in 2014 and 2015.


The year just ended, 2016, constitutes the third year of consistent milling production for the refurbished New Jersey Mill. The mill commenced limited operations in December of 2014, concluded those operations in September 2015 and restarted milling in October 2016. The New Jersey Mill joint venture agreement with Crescent Silver contemplated NJMC entering the mineral processing sector of the mining business, both to support mining operations at the Crescent Mine and possibly to provide contract milling services to other regional mining companies. Economic conditions and depressed commodity prices have prevented the commercial start-up of mining operations at the Crescent Silver Mine, but the Golden Chest Mine has continued to progress. In 2014 and 2015 NJMC was the operator and co-owner of the Golden Chest Mine, and acted as co-lessor on the Skookum Shoot mining lease. In October 2016 production at the Golden Chest resumed with the Company as the sole owner and operator. The New Jersey Mill has little competition for contract milling within an approximate 175 mile radius; however, it is conceivable that fuel prices and other factors could expand the milling market of the Silver Valley region to include mills outside of the market.


The risks associated with the Company’s mining and milling operations include other risks typical of the mining industry, such as: operational effectiveness in the processing plan that could result in lower recovery of the economic metals, mechanical failure of equipment that could increase costs or decrease efficacy, ability to hire and retain qualified operators, and risks that the mining operations are unable to economically extract material to feed the milling operation. The Company manages these risks with detailed mine planning and extraction processes, a preventive maintenance program, installing experienced and technically proficient management. Typically during the ramp-up period, the rate of production is not steady-state, so costs on a per tonne basis may tend to be higher, putting economic pressure on operations. Therefore, the Company will actively manage the staff to bring operators on and off shift as production fluctuates during the ramp-up period.


Generally, the Company is subject to the risks inherent to the mineral industry. The primary risk of mineral exploration is the low probability of finding a major deposit of ore. The Company attempts to mitigate this risk by focusing its efforts in areas known to host significant mineral deposits, and also by relying on its experienced management team to drive acquisitions of properties that have higher-than-average probabilities of success. In addition to deal essentials, such as cost, terms, timing, and market considerations, the Company’s process of property acquisition involves screening target properties based on geological, engineering, environmental, and metallurgical factors. In all its operations the Company also competes for skilled labor within the mining industry.


Another significant risk in the mining industry is the price of metals such as gold and silver. If the prices of these metals were to fall substantially it could lead to a loss of investor interest in the mineral exploration sector, which would make it more difficult to raise the capital necessary for the Company or other potential customers to move exploration and development plans forward.


Effect of Existing or Probable Governmental Regulations on the Business

The mining business is subject to extensive federal, state and local laws and regulations governing development, production, labor standards, occupational health, waste disposal, the use of toxic substances, environmental regulations, mine safety and other matters. The Company is subject to potential risks and liabilities occurring as a result of mineral exploration and production. Insurance against environmental risk (including potential liability for pollution or other hazards as a result of the disposal of waste products occurring from exploration and production) is not generally available to the Company (or to other companies in the minerals industry) at a reasonable price. To the extent that the Company becomes subject to environmental liabilities, the satisfaction of any such liabilities would reduce funds otherwise available to the Company and could have a material adverse effect on the Company. Laws and regulations intended to ensure the protection of the environment are constantly changing, and are generally becoming more restrictive.


All operating and exploration plans have been made in consideration of existing governmental regulations. Regulations that most affect operations are related to surface water quality and access to public lands. An approved plan of operations (POO) and a financial bond are usually required before exploration or mining activities can be conducted on public land that is administered by the United States Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or United States Forest Service (USFS).




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The New Jersey Mine, Golden Chest Mine, and other nearby properties are part of the expanded Bunker Hill Superfund Site. Current plans for expanded cleanup do not include any NJMC projects. There is no known evidence that previous operations at the New Jersey Mine (prior to 1910) caused any groundwater or surface water pollution or discharged any tailings into the South Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River; however, it is possible that such evidence could surface. Should such a liability emerge for the Company, its exposure would likely be to clean up or cover old mine tailings that may have washed downstream from upstream mining operations. There are no mineral processing tailings deposits at the Golden Chest Mine. However, at least two old adits have small water discharges. The Company could conceivably be required to conduct cleanup operations at its own expense, however, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Record of Decision for the Bunker Hill Mining and Metallurgical Complex Operating Unit 3 does not include any cleanup activities at the Company’s projects. Recently, the EPA has proposed a new cleanup plan that greatly increases the number of historic mine sites to be reclaimed, however, the plan has not been approved. NJMC has not received any notifications that it could be liable for any environmental cleanup.


Estimate of the Amount Spent on Exploration for the Last Two Years

During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company invested $284,657 and $200,587, respectively, on exploration activities.


Costs and Effects of Compliance with Environmental Laws (Federal, State and Local)

No major Federal permits are required for the Golden Chest and New Jersey Mines because the operations are on private land and there are no process discharges to surface waters. However, any exploration program conducted by the Company on unpatented mining claims, usually administered by the BLM or USFS, requires a POO to be submitted. The Company’s exploration programs on public land can be delayed for significant periods of time (one to two years) because of the slow permitting process applied by the USFS. The Company believes that such permitting delays are caused by insufficient manpower, complicated regulations, competing priorities, and sympathy for environmental groups who oppose all mining projects. The Company does have an approved POO by the USFS for the Toboggan Project, however the Company must post an $82,000 bond for it to become effective and the Company has not posted the bond to date.


The Company is also subject to the rules of the U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) for the New Jersey and Golden Chest operations. When an underground mine or mill is operating, MSHA performs a series of regular quarterly inspections to verify compliance with mine safety laws, and can assess financial penalties for violations of MSHA regulations. A typical mine citation order for a violation that is not significant or substantial is about $200.


The New Jersey Mine and Mill have two important State of Idaho permits. The first is an Idaho Cyanidation Permit and the second is a reclamation plan for surface mining operations. No permit is required for the current flotation process as there is no discharge of water to surface waters and the tailings impoundment is less than 30 feet high from toe to crest. An Idaho cyanidation permit was granted October 10, 1995 [No. CN-000027]. Construction of the Concentrate Leach Plant (CLP) at the New Jersey Mill was completed in November of 2007. The Idaho Cyanidation permit requires quarterly surface water and groundwater monitoring during the operation of the CLP. NJMC estimates the cost of water-monitoring associated with the CLP to be approximately $6,000 per year.


The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) approved a surface mining reclamation plan for the New Jersey Mine in 1993. The plan calls for grading of steep fill slopes and planting of vegetation on the area disturbed by the open pit mine. NJMC pays an annual reclamation fee of $133 to the Idaho Department of Lands for surface disturbance associated with the New Jersey Mine open pit. The Company has estimated its costs to reclaim the New Jersey Mine and Mill site to be $95,000.  The Company submitted a reclamation plan to the IDL for its current open pit mining operation at the Golden Chest Mine. The plan was approved and the Company was required to post a reclamation bond of $58,000. This plan also calls for the grading of steep fill slopes and revegetation of disturbed land as well as erosion control measures and best practices.


When the Company plans an exploration drilling program on public lands, it must submit a POO to either the BLM or USFS. Compilation of the plan can take several days of professional time and a reclamation bond is usually required to start drilling once the plan is approved. Bond costs vary directly with surface disturbance area, but a small, single set-up drilling program usually requires a bond amount of approximately $5,000. If a plan requires road building, the bond amount can increase significantly. Upon completion of site reclamation and approval by the managing agency, the bond is returned to the Company.


The Company complies with local building codes and ordinances as required by law.


Number of Total Employees and Number of Full Time Employees

The Company's total number of employees is 16 including its chief executive officer and vice president.



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REPORTS TO SECURITY HOLDERS


The Company is not required to deliver an annual report to shareholders, however, it plans to deliver an annual report to shareholders in 2017. The annual report will contain audited financial statements. The Company may also rely on the Internet to deliver annual reports to shareholders.


The Company filed a Form 10-SB with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 11, 2000. The filing became effective on January 27, 2000. The Company has filed the required annual 10-K reports, quarterly 10-Q reports, and 8-K reports since that time up to the Form 10-K report that was filed for 2012. A Form 15 was filed on May 15, 2013 suspending Company filing for the 2013 filing year. A Form 10 was subsequently filed on July 2, 2014 to return the Company to reporting status.


The public may read a copy of any materials the Company files with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE., Washington, D.C. 20549, on official business days during the hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the Commission and SEC.


The Company maintains a website where recent press releases and other information can be found. A link to the Company’s filings with the SEC is provided on the Company’s website www.newjerseymining.com.


ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES

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Figure  - Project Location Map



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GOLDEN CHEST PROJECT


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Figure  - Photo of New Golden Chest Mine Portal in October 2014


Property Location

The Golden Chest Mine is an underground mine, an open pit mine, and an exploration project located about 1.5 miles east of Murray, Idaho, comprised of 25 patented mining claims (280 acres) and 70 unpatented claims (990 acres). The site is along USFS Highway 9 and is accessible by several improved dirt roads from the paved highway. A three-phase power line was installed at the property in 2014 with power supplied by Avista Utilities.


Property Ownership

NJMC owns 100% of Golden Chest LLC which owns the Golden Chest project. The Company consolidated its ownership in December 2015, purchasing Marathon Gold Corporation’s (“Marathon”) 52.22% stake for $180,000 along with a 2% NSR on production from the Golden Chest property, as well as an adjacent Area of Interest.


Golden Chest LLC purchased the mine from Metaline Contact Mines and J.W. Beasley Interests for $3.75-million. As of December 31, 2016, Golden Chest LLC had paid $3,000,000, and has agreed to pay the sellers $625,000 over the next year with one remaining $125,000 payment in 2018. The sellers have a first mortgage on the mine as security for future payments owing.


In September 2013, the Skookum Shoot portion of the Golden Chest property was leased to Juniper Resources LLC (“Juniper”). The agreement was later assigned to Gold Hill Reclamation and Mining Inc. (“Gold Hill”), a private Idaho corporation affiliated with Juniper, which built and operated a modern gold mine. In September 2015, Gold Hill ceased operations and terminated its lease, forfeiting the mine and infrastructure back to Golden Chest LLC.


Property History

The Golden Chest Mine was developed in the late-1800s or early-1900s as part of the early gold production from the Coeur d’Alene Mining District. Historical accounts vary, but the district is believed to have produced approximately 300,000 ounces of gold from placer sources. It is estimated that the historic hard rock mining operations on the Golden Chest property produced approximately 75,000 ounces of gold, primarily from shallow, underground, high-grade veins. The Golden Chest is considered to be the largest historic lode producer of gold in north Idaho,




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Modern exploration of the Golden Chest area began in the late-1970s with several companies, including Cominco-American and Golden Chest Inc. (“GCI”), targeting gold and massive sulfides. Drill tests by GCI included a 200-foot hole from surface that intersected a 60-foot zone containing multiple low grade gold-bearing quartz veins.


Newmont Exploration Ltd. followed GCI’s discovery by evaluating the veins for bulk mineable potential in the late-1980s. A geochemical survey yielded soil samples from the mine area that were anomalous in both gold and arsenic, indicating a well-developed vein system. Newmont then drilled 35 shallow reverse-circulation and five core holes, establishing an historic resource, most of which is related the Idaho Vein system on the south end of the property.


Present Condition, Work Completed, and Exploration Plans

Exploration & Development by NJMC & Golden Chest LLC

NJMC first leased the property in 2003, then explored, drilled, and developed it over subsequent years, producing 8,400 tonnes of ore averaging 6.9 gpt gold, all of which was processed at its New Jersey Mill for total production of nearly 2,000 ounces of gold. From 2004 through 2008, the Company completed exploration core-drilling program at the Golden Chest totaling 3,415 meters of core during that period, successfully extending the Idaho Vein below the No. 3 Level. NJMC connected the historic No. 3 Level to the surface by driving a 440-meter ramp (the “North Ramp”), which was completed in 2008.


In 2010, NJMC terminated its operating leases to form Golden Chest LLC with Marathon. NJMC contributed certain mining claims, all geological data, and mining equipment to the venture, while Marathon contributed $4-million cash. As Marathon is a Canadian issuer, the joint venture operated and issued technical disclosures in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101).


In 2011, Golden Chest LLC completed the most aggressive exploration project in the history of the property, totaling 11,300 meters of surface drilling. Other work completed included the construction of a new core shed, construction of new roads, surface geological work, surface and underground surveying, underground exploration drifting, and mine rehabilitation. In 2012, Golden Chest LLC completed an additional 7,000 meters of drilling and exploration drifting on the Popcorn vein. Based on the results of those work programs, Golden Chest LLC delineated an updated gold resource and filed a technical report in compliance with NI 43-101.


The Juniper Lease & Mine Modernization

In September 2013, the Skookum Shoot portion of the Golden Chest property was leased to Juniper, which later reassigned the lease to Gold Hill, an affiliate company. Gold Hill began construction in Q3 2014, spending an estimated $7 to $9-million on mine development and infrastructure, building a modern gold mine that reached full production in May 2015. Mining activities continued until September 2015 when Gold Hill ceased operations and terminated its lease, forfeiting the mine and infrastructure back to Golden Chest LLC.


While in operation, NJMC processed Golden Chest ore at its New Jersey Mill, earning cash from milling fees and its share of a 2% net smelter return (“NSR”) royalty on gold production. In total, Gold Hill mined 40,840 dry metric tonnes of ore at an average grade of 6.70 gpt gold, resulting in production of approximately 8,000 ounces of gold.


The underground development performed by Gold Hill was based largely on prior exploration work done by Golden Chest LLC. Following lease termination, NJMC bought out Marathon’s interest in Golden Chest LLC in December 2015 for $180,000 and a 2% NSR royalty on production from the property and an adjacent Area of Interest.


Plans to Resume Underground Operations

In late-2015, NJMC launched an internal scoping study, outlining plans to resume production at the Golden Chest. The Company developed a two-year underground mine plan, focused on unmined ore from the Gold Hill mine plan and from other easily accessible zones, while retaining all upside potential of up-dip, down-dip, and on-strike extensions such as the Paymaster zone, as well as the larger, district-scale potential. The underground mine plan has a 3,000-tonne per month production target with all material to be processed at the New Jersey Mill.


In 2016, NJMC made and executed plans to resume underground mining at Golden Chest, purchasing an underground haul truck and loader, receiving long-lead electrical components, and, following the purchase of its interest in the Butte Highlands project, negotiated the use of certain equipment owned by the Butte Highlands Joint Venture. With the mine fully permitted and dewatering complete, NJMC plans to resume underground mining operations in early-2017. Including a planned ramp-up period, the Company expects to produce approximately 8,000 ounces of gold in the coming year.




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Modern exploration, including nearly 30,000 meters of drilling, reveals seven NW-trending ore shoots at Golden Chest that demonstrate strong periodicity, consistent width and spacing, along the Idaho Fault. Most historic production came from the northernmost of these shoots, the Katie-Dora and the Klondike. Excellent mineralization potential remains in unmined portions of the northern shoots as well as in the unmined Paymaster and Joe Dandy shoots to the south. The Company is targeting the Paymaster and Joe Dandy ore shoots as its top exploration priorities for future mine expansion.


Recent data compilation efforts by NJMC have integrated all available modern exploration data from the property and across the Murray area, including work by Cominco, Newmont, NJMC, Golden Chest LLC, and the recent information provided by Gold Hill. Based on these studies and the Company’s own exploration results, Management believes the Golden Chest property has district-scale production potential for the longer term, not only near the recently constructed mine, but in areas of past exploration and historic production.


Open Pit Gold Production at Golden Chest

In 2016, NJMC used its scoping study, including tightly-spaced drill data in an outcrop area, to identify a mineable open pit directly above the main Golden Chest portal. Following the receipt of necessary permits, the Company began pit excavation and resumed gold production in Q3 2016 and resumed shipping ore to the New Jersey Mill in Q4 2016. The starter pit contains an estimated 13,000 tonnes of mineralized material at an average grade of 4.99 gpt gold, or approximately 2,100 ounces of recoverable gold, with potential for expansion.


While developing the open pit, excavation revealed three veins in the pit area: a hanging wall vein thought to be the Jumbo vein, the Idaho vein, and the newly-discovered Stevens Vein, with which most of the gold in the pit area is associated. A review of drill data suggests that the Stevens Vein may extend along strike to the north, potentially allowing for pit expansion and/or possible underground mineralization. Development of the open pit allowed the Company to resume gold production while the underground mine was dewatered.


While significant modern drilling, underground development, and pit excavation have resulted in industrial scale mining and recovery of gold, there are no mineral reserves at the Golden Chest, as recognized by the SEC.


Present Condition of Plant & Equipment

During the lease, Gold Hill made many improvements to the Golden Chest property including approximately 1,000 meters of underground development at a nominal cross section of 4 meters by 4 meters, the establishment of a secondary escape-way and ventilation raises, the installation of three-phase power, and many surface improvements such as a septic field and major new haul road to keep mine traffic separate from employee and visitor traffic. Gold Hill also constructed a 2500 square-foot steel-clad pole building which stands at the top of the most easterly driveway to the property and is used primarily for office space and core logging. A 600 square-foot steel-clad pole building, constructed by NJMC in 2005, is also present near the northern ramp portal.


Geology & Mineralization

Gold mineralization occurs in veins associated with multiple faulting and folding events in the Coeur d’Alene Mining District. The gold mineralization is of a broad type known as orogenic gold, but it also appears to have an association with igneous rock activity. Hence, the vein deposits may be described as intrusion-related orogenic gold. The principal vein being exploited at the Golden Chest Mine is associated with the Idaho Fault, which juxtaposes the quartzites of the upper Prichard Formation against finer-grained argillites, also of the upper Prichard Formation.


Veins occur in the Idaho Fault and to a lesser extent in its hangingwall and footwall. The mineralization occurs in two types of quartz veins that are generally conformable to bedding of the Prichard Formation of Proterozoic age. Thin-banded veins, occurring in argillite, contain visible gold, pyrite, arsenopyrite, galena, and sphalerite. Thicker, massive veins occur in quartzite and contain pyrite, galena, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, scheelite and visible gold.


NEW JERSEY MILL


Property Location

The New Jersey Mill is a fully-permitted, 360-tonne per day, flotation mill and concentrate leach plant (“CLP”) located two miles east of Kellogg, Idaho, in the Coeur d'Alene Mining District. The mill is located on the same property as the New Jersey Mine, adjacent to U.S. Interstate Highway 90 and easily accessed by local roads year-round. Three-phase electrical power is supplied to the New Jersey Mill by Avista Utilities.



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Project Ownership

In 2011, NJMC signed a joint venture (“JV”) agreement with United Mine Services (“UMS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of United Silver Corporation, to increase the capacity of the New Jersey Mill. UMS funded the mill expansion in return for a 35% interest in JV assets plus the right to process 7,000 tonnes of its ore per month. NJMC is the JV manager and retains a 65% interest in JV assets as well as the right to process its own ore at the rate of 3,000 tonnes per month and to allocate unused and excess capacity in its role as manager. The property covered by the JV agreement includes the crushing circuit, grinding circuit, gravity circuit, flotation circuit, CLP, buildings and surface rights only over the patented mill site claim. Unpatented mill site claims are also part of the JV.


Present Condition of Plant & Equipment

Mill Expansion and Crescent Ore Processing

The mill expansion was completed in 2012, rendering the mill capable of processing 360 tonnes of sulfide ore per day (a four-fold increase) to produce a single flotation concentrate. The expansion cost approximately $3.2 million, all of which was funded by UMS under terms of the JV (Ex. 10.1). The expansion project included the installation of a new cone crusher, a new fine ore bin, new conveyors, a new 2.4-meter by 4.0-meter ball mill, additional flotation cells, a new paste thickener, associated pumps, and a new building. Subsequent to the mill expansion, the New Jersey Mill processed 8,470 dry tonnes of silver ore from the Crescent Mine before operations ended.


In April 2014, Hale Capital Partners, through its subsidiary Crescent Silver LLC (“Crescent”), acquired the assets of UMS, including its stake in the New Jersey Mill JV, in a consensual foreclosure process. Therefore, Crescent is now the NJMC’s joint venture partner at the New Jersey Mill.


Mill Upgrades and Golden Chest Ore Processing

In September 2013, the Skookum Shoot portion of the Golden Chest Mine was leased to Juniper Resources LLC which, through its affiliate companies, developed a modern gold mine that reached full production in May 2015. NJMC processed Golden Chest ore at its New Jersey Mill, earning cash from milling fees and its share of a 2-percent net smelter return royalty on gold production.


Significant additional upgrades, including installation of a new gravity gold recovery circuit and a tune up the crushing, grinding, flotation, and tailings circuits were completed in 2014 in anticipation of ore deliveries from the Golden Chest Mine. From December 2014 through September 2015, 40,840 dry tonnes from the Golden Chest mine were successfully processed at the New Jersey Mill producing approximately 8,000 ounces of gold.


In addition to producing concentrates in 2015, NJMC leached approximately 10 tonnes of flotation concentrate, produced from Golden Chest ore, in the CLP at the New Jersey Mill. An improved leaching process that employs a Carbon-in-Leach finishing tank was tested, with objectives of reduced process time and increased gold recovery. Test results provided an understanding of which capital improvements to the leach circuit will be necessary to reach these objectives and also, as expected, confirmed that Golden Chest concentrates are amenable to leaching.


Current Ore Processing Operations

NJMC now has 100-percent ownership of the Golden Chest Mine Project. In October 2016, the Company resumed operations at the New Jersey Mill, processing ore extracted from open pit development at the Golden Chest.


The mill recycles process water and utilizes a paste tailings disposal process patented by NJMC founder Fred Brackebusch to minimize impact on the environment. By implementing paste tailings processing methods, NJMC is able to recycle all of its process water and prevent the discharge of process water to surface waters. At full capacity, this method saves more than 50 million gallons of water per year. NJMC was recognized as a “Pollution Prevention Champion” by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality in 2014 for its efforts to reduce pollution at the mill.


As of December 31, 2016, the Company had a net capital cost of $4,647,120 associated with the New Jersey Mill.


BUTTE HIGHLANDS PROJECT


Property Location

In January 2016, NJMC purchased a 50% interest in Butte Highlands Joint Venture LLC (“BHJV”) from Timberline Resources Corporation (“Timberline”). BHJV owns the Butte Highlands Gold Project, located 15 miles south of Butte, Montana, within a gold-producing region that includes several large gold deposits. The property can be accessed via State Highway 2 and county and USFS roads. Electricity and water are available on the property.



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Property Ownership

The Butte Highlands property covers approximately 1,310 acres and includes 11 patented claims, 65 unpatented lode mining claims, and 20 unpatented mill-site claims. BHJV owns all of the unpatented lode mining claims and unpatented mill-site claims, along with mineral and/or surface rights to certain of the patented claims.


All of the private lands within the Butte Highlands property are patented lode and placer claims. BHJV is responsible for paying Montana state property taxes on all patented lands and for paying annual BLM maintenance fees on all unpatented mining claims.


Butte Highlands Joint Venture


In 2009, Timberline formed a 50/50 joint venture, the BHJV, with Highland Mining LLC (“Highland”) for the purpose of developing and mining the Butte Highlands property, with Highland to fund all mine development costs through to commercial production. In 2012, Montana State Gold Company LLC (“MSGC”) purchased Highland, assuming its project loan and its funding commitment.


NJMC purchased Timberline’s 50% “carried to production” interest in BHJV in 2016, with Highland funding all development costs and NJMC’s 50% share of costs to be paid from proceeds of future mine production. Proceeds are to be split on an 80/20 basis (to Highland and NJMC, respectively) until payback is reached, after which proceeds will be split evenly.


Property History

The Butte Highlands gold mine was an historic lode mine that produced an estimated 60,000 ounces of gold from 1937 until the War Production Board forced its closure at the onset of WWII. The property was later explored by Battle Mountain, Placer Dome, ASARCO, and Orvana in the 1980s and 1990s which, in total, drilled more than 30,000 meters at Butte Highlands, prior to its acquisition by Timberline in 2007.


In 2009, Timberline formed a 50/50 joint venture with Highland to create BHJV for the purpose of developing and mining the property. In 2009 and 2010, Timberline conducted surface exploration, drilling, and permitting work as Highland began building surface and underground infrastructure.


In 2011, BHJV completed an underground exploration ramp and a 16,000-meter underground core drilling program to support mine modeling, focusing on the upper portion of the “Old Mill Block” which has dimensions of approximately 85 meters along strike, 335 meters down dip, and a mineralized thickness of 2.5 to 4.5 meters. The program returned many significant mineralized intercepts, including a highlight of 4.4 meters grading 232 gpt gold.


A NI 43-101 compliant technical report for Butte Highlands was completed in May 2013 by Mine Development Associates of Reno, Nevada.


The project has experienced significant timeline delays due, in part, to miscalculations of the permitting process and other technical issues. Permitting advanced more effectively from 2013 to 2015 with the following critical milestones successfully achieved:

In July 2013, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (“DEQ”) issued the final Montana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (“MPDES”) water discharge permit;

In January 2015, the Montana DEQ authorized BHJV to construct and operate an underground gold mine by publishing positive Record of Decision (“ROD”) on Final Environmental Impact Statement (“EIS”);

In October 2015, the U.S. Forest Service (“USFS”) released its Final Decision Notice on haul road with a Finding of No Significant Impacts.

These milestones represent the final major hurdles to the receipt of necessary permits allowing the project to proceed. Final construction designs and completion of work will be required, along with bond payments, before final authority is granted to proceed with the proposed operation. Once final designs and road construction are complete, the USFS will grant authority to use local USFS roads for material haulage. Upon payment of the reclamation bond, the Hard Rock Operating Permit will be granted by the Montana DEQ.



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Present Condition, Work Completed, and Exploration Plans

Prior to NJMC’s purchase of its stake in BHJV, the BHJV partners envisioned a 4 to 5-year mine life with estimated annual production of 30,000 to 35,000 ounces of gold. Mining was proposed to be conducted by cut and fill methods at a rate of 400 tons per day with a cut-off grade estimated at 4.8 gpt gold. Waste rock will be replaced underground as cemented rock backfill in the mined ore zones to supply geotechnical stability. Preliminary metallurgical testwork indicates recoveries of approximately 85% of the contained gold in a flotation concentrate. Based on a draft internal scoping study produced by Timberline, NJMC Management purchased the Company’s interest in Butte Highlands with a belief that the deposit has the potential to contain 300,000 to 500,000 ounces of gold.


NJMC bought its stake in BHJV in January 2016. In March 2016, the Company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) to modify the Operating Agreement that governs management of the Butte Highlands project. The non-binding MOU calls for NJMC, based on agreed to budgets and financing, to assume control of permitting and other day-to-day management functions. The Company and Highland have agreed to then formalize the MOU and execute a definitive agreement for purposes of moving the project forward and financing it into production.


NJMC intends to investigate the possibility of building and operating its own mill at Butte Highlands, as opposed to the existing plan of using USFS roads to haul material to a regional mill with excess capacity. On-site milling is expected to improve project economics but will involve additional permitting.


Present Condition of Plant & Equipment

Highland has invested nearly $40-million at Butte Highlands building a modern gold mine, including nearly a mile of underground mine development and construction of surface facilities, all of which are located on private lands owned by BHJV. Most surface facilities and infrastructure required for mining operations are already in place.


Geology & Mineralization

Gold mineralization at Butte Highlands is hosted primarily in lower Paleozoic Wolsey shale with higher-grade mineralization occurring within the sediments proximal to diorite sills and dikes. The project is within a favorable geologic domain that has hosted several multi-million ounce gold deposits.


NEW JERSEY MINE PROJECT


Property Location

The New Jersey Mine is an underground gold mine located two miles east of Kellogg, Idaho, in the Coeur d'Alene Mining District. The mine is adjacent to U.S. Interstate Highway 90 and is easily accessed by local roads year-round. The New Jersey Mill is located on the same property, providing a unique opportunity for small-scale production. Three-phase electrical power is supplied to the New Jersey Mill by Avista Utilities.


Property Ownership

At the New Jersey Mine and Mill complex, the Company owns 102 acres of private land with surface and mineral rights, 108 acres of private land with mineral rights only, 40 acres of private land with surface rights only, and approximately 130 acres of unpatented mining claims. The unpatented claims are on federal land administered by the BLM. The gold-bearing Coleman vein system, including the underground workings and the Coleman pit, are located on the patented mining claims that are wholly-owned by the Company and not part of the Mill Joint Venture.


Property History

In the late-1800s and early-1900s, New Jersey Mining and Milling (an unrelated company) drove more than 760 meters of development workings on the Coleman Vein and its northwest branch, including drifts, crosscuts, shafts, and raises. The historic development also included a 10-stamp gravity mill that was operated for a short period.


Present Condition, Work Completed, and Exploration Plans

Since 2001, NJMC has drilled 14 holes totaling 1,765 meters to explore the Coleman vein and associated zones. Drilling confirmed vein system continuity and resulted in the discovery of the broad, low grade (averaging about 0.70 gpt gold) Grenfel zone. The Company’s best intercept assayed 2.76 gpt gold over 12.5 meters, which included 6.80 gpt gold over 2.5 meters.

 

In 2008, the Company performed underground exploration on the Coleman vein at the 740 level, including 84 meters of drifting, with 20 meters along the vein before it was displaced by a fault. The Company also drill-tested the Scotch Thistle prospect, but a 400-meter program encountered only silicification and alteration with no significant gold mineralization. There are at least 14 gold prospects within or near the New Jersey Mine.




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In 2010, a raise was driven upward on the 740 level to explore a narrow high-grade vein that crosscut the main Coleman vein. This raise was driven 12 meters vertically, leading to the extraction of 367 dry tonnes that assayed 2.68 gpt gold in processing at the New Jersey Mill.


NJMC has not conducted material work at the New Jersey Mine since 2010, but Company geologists are again evaluating the known gold-bearing veins and historic targets. With the New Jersey Mill actively processing ores from the Golden Chest Mine, the potential economics of nearby gold prospects may have improved materially.


While the Company has conducted significant drilling, underground development, and even limited gold production from the New Jersey Mine, the project has no mineral reserves as recognized by the SEC.


As of December 31, 2015, the Company had a capitalized development plus investment cost of $215,127 associated with the mine.


Geology & Mineralization

The New Jersey Mine area is underlain by argillites and quartzites of the Prichard Formation [member of Belt Supergroup], which commonly hosts gold mineralization. The property occurs adjacent to and north of the major Osburn Fault, a major geological structure of the Coeur d’Alene Mining District. The Prichard Formation is divided into nine units of alternating argillites, siltites, and quartzites; the units exposed in the New Jersey Mine area appear to belong to the lower members. Gold mineralization is associated with sulfide-bearing quartz veins that cut the bedding in Prichard argillite and quartzite. Associated sulfides are pyrite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, low-silver tennantite, galena, and sphalerite.


TOBOGGAN PROJECT


Property Location

The Toboggan project is comprised of 106 unpatented mining claims, more than 2,100 acres, north and northwest of Murray, Idaho. The property covers an orogenic gold system with structurally-controlled zones occurring primarily along a northwest-trending corridor, approximately 3 miles north of the Company’s Golden Chest Mine. The claims can be accessed seasonally via a USFS dirt road.


Property Ownership

The project is comprised of 106 unpatented mining claims and is wholly-owned by NJMC.


The Little Baldy prospect is under lease to Hecla Silver Valley, a subsidiary of Hecla. The lease covers 39 unpatented claims owned by NJMC that surround 139 acres of patented claims owned by Hecla, but for which NJMC owns the surface rights.


The lease has a 20-year term and calls for annual payments to NJMC of $10,000 through the fifth year, then escalating to $15,000 for three years, $20,000 for one year, and $48,000 thereafter. Should gold production be realized from the leased claims, a 2% net smelter return royalty is due NJMC. The Company is currently in the fifth year of the lease. The annual requirement for 2017 is a payment of $15,000 and work commitment of $200,000 which will be paid by Hecla.


Property History

For the 2008 through 2010 exploration seasons, Toboggan was a joint venture between Newmont Mining Corporation (“Newmont”) and NJMC. Newmont generated and/or explored multiple prospects during the joint venture, including Little Baldy, Gold Butte, Mineral Ridge, Golden Reward, CA, Snowslide, Independence, and Progress. The Little Baldy prospect is under lease to Hecla Mining Company (“Hecla”).


The Little Baldy prospect was discovered when soil sampling by Newmont revealed a 700-meter by 300-meter gold anomaly. Follow-up rock sampling returned values of up to 2,130 gpt gold and more than 500 gpt tellurium, typical of the association of gold and tellurium found elsewhere at Toboggan. Five other surface rock samples from different locations averaged 26.6 gpt gold and 165 gpt tellurium.


The Gold Butte prospect has historic workings that include seven adits connected by a system of narrow roads. In 1941, ASARCO collected nine samples from within the workings, yielding an average grade of 6.4 gpt gold. The mineralized zone at Gold Butte outcrops over a strike length of at least 200 meters with a vertical extent of 120 meters. Soil sampling indicates the zone may continue north for at least another 400 meters, with a 75 to 90 meter width. Rock chip samples from Gold Butte have assayed up to 32.6 gpt gold in quartz vein and sulfidic breccia.




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Historic workings at the Mineral Ridge prospect include six adits and several pits and trenches. In 1991, soil sampling by Nord-Pacific led to the discovery of a 1,650-meter by 240-meter gold anomaly. In 1992, a 9-hole, 850-meter RC drill program was completed with each hole intercepting mineralization ranging from anomalous gold to a 1.5-meter intercept of 18.9 gpt gold. More recently, NJMC discovered and mapped a new eastern zone, a sample of quartz-pyrite float from which assayed 38.4 gpt gold, 19.6 gpt silver, and 61.4 ppm tellurium.


The Golden Reward prospect was identified by soil sampling that outlined a 400-meter by 240-meter gold anomaly. A second mineralized zone (along with several smaller gold-in-soil anomalies) was discovered by soil sampling east of the main zone. High grade float contained visible gold and telluride minerals, assaying up to 67.6 gpt gold and more than 100 gpt silver.


In the 1980s, Cominco-American discovered a large geophysical anomaly, the CA prospect, covering about two square kilometers at a depth of 450 to 670 meters below surface. In 1987, Cominco-American drilled a 500-meter hole on the eastern edge of the anomaly, though it appears that the hole was too far east and to insufficient depth to intersect the anomaly.


The Progress prospect features historic workings and prospect pits on outcropping mineralization. The 40 samples taken at Progress included up to 73.7 gpt gold and 54.6 gpt tellurium from mine dumps and up to 42.0 gpt gold from prospect pits. A drill program planned by Newmont for 2010 was canceled due to permitting delays.


Present Condition, Work Completed, and Exploration Plans

Toboggan was an exploration joint venture between Newmont and the Company from March 2008 until March 2011. Newmont spent approximately $2-million and then exited the joint venture, quitclaiming all claims back to the Company, and returning the data generated from three seasons of exploration.


In 2008, Newmont completed a comprehensive early-stage exploration program including claim staking, soil sampling, rock sampling, geologic mapping, a ground-based geophysical survey at Gold Butte, and an airborne geophysical survey over the entire joint venture area.


In 2009, Newmont completed a 6-hole, 1,359-metre core drill program including two holes each at the Gold Butte, Mineral Ridge, and Golden Reward prospects. The best intercept occurred at Gold Butte where a near-surface pyritic quartz vein assayed 2.5 gpt gold over 4.0 meters, just 24 meters below surface. Thick intercepts of anomalous gold mineralization were drilled at Mineral Ridge and Golden Reward.


In 2010, Newmont completed eight shallow core holes and seven shallow RC holes. Six core holes were drilled at Gold Butte, intercepting a fault with anomalous gold mineralization. Two core holes were drilled at Mineral Ridge but were terminated due to difficult ground conditions. The RC holes were drilled at various locations near Toboggan Creek, on the Golden Reward, CA, and Snowslide, prospects, also returning anomalous gold.


After the 2010 exploration season, Newmont finally obtained the USFS permit necessary to drill its best targets, but terminated the joint venture before proceeding. No significant exploration has occurred at Toboggan since 2010.


With the resumption of mining operations at the Company’s nearby Golden Chest Mine, NJMC is re-evaluating the potential of the Toboggan project, but has no specific work plans at Toboggan for the upcoming year.


Toboggan is an early-stage exploration project with no mineral reserves as recognized by the SEC.


Geology & Mineralization

Gold mineralization at Toboggan is primarily hosted in the Prichard Formation. The gold is structurally-controlled in nature, occurring in discrete high-grade quartz veins or within wider zones of brecciation. There is a spatial relationship between the richest gold values and major structures within the district, such as the Murray Peak, Bloom Peak Fault, and Niagara faults. Some of the controlling structures may be related to the Idaho Fault, which hosts the gold veins at the Company’s Golden Chest Mine, further south. Geochemical analysis has revealed high tellurium levels associated with zones of higher-grade gold. The presence of telluride minerals along with alkaline intrusive rocks and areas of potassic alteration are consistent with alkalic-related orogenic gold systems.




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McKINLEY PROJECT


Property Location

The McKinley property encompasses several historic mines and prospects in central Idaho, extending from just north of Riggins northward for nearly five miles. The property is easily accessible via public and private dirt roads off of US Highway 95.


Property Ownership

In 2013, NJMC acquired the McKinley property through its acquisition of Idaho Champion Resources (“ICR”).


The total property position is approximately 4,368 acres, which is comprised of the following:


A Purchase Option on the patented claims at the McKinley Mine (62 acres).  The patented mining claims that host the McKinley Mine are held under a purchase option with an exercise price of $285,000. NJMC can perform certain due diligence, including exploration drilling, prior to the exercise date, which has been extended to November 2017. Terms of the purchase require 10% to be paid on or before the exercise date with the remaining balance amortized over 15 years at a 5% interest rate with quarterly payments for 5 years followed by a balloon payment for the remaining balance. A prior lessee of the McKinley Mine (Ex. 10.5) is due a 1.0% to 2.0% NSR sliding scale royalty based on the price of gold, which is capped at a total of $500,000.


The Rupp Lease (Ex. 10.7), which consists of a much larger mineral lease (1,728 acres) and additional lands with certain rights for access and surface disturbance (1,518 acres).  An additional 3,246 acres is held through the Rupp Lease, including total surface and some mineral rights, that requires an annual rental payment of $6,100. If an ore reserve of 250,000 ounces of gold is achieved within the Rupp Lease, there is a 1% NSR royalty on future production less recoupment of capital costs. About 780 acres of the mineral rights subject to the Rupp Lease royalty are held through unpatented claims that also require an annual claim fee payment to the BLM.


A group of unpatented mining claims (1,060 acres).  These claims require an annual claim fee payment to the BLM.


During 2016, NJMC made a total of $15,100 in property option payments.


Property History

The McKinley project is located in the Simpson Mining District, which is mainly known for placer gold production although it also hosts several historic lode mines. The area was first worked in 1891 with intermittent activity and mine development over the following decades by unknown operators. After the Patent for the mine was granted in 1909, sporadic activity continued until the mine was shut down by the War Production Board at the onset of WWII.


While Hunt Energy performed limited sampling in the late-1970s and 1980s and Kennecott Exploration evaluated the property in the early-1990s, no other modern exploration is known to have occurred on the property before ICR started evaluating it in 2012.  ICR began assembling the McKinley land package in 2013, acquiring its larger components and entering into an Memorandum of Understanding for an option to purchase the McKinley Mine.  ICR was then acquired by NJMC under an Exchange Agreement in late-2013.  


Present Condition, Work Completed, and Exploration Plans

Prior to the Exchange Agreement, ICR conducted surface exploration, including a ground magnetic survey over a large portion of the property, approximately 2.4 by 5.6 kilometers. The survey indicates that potentially major structures passing through the district are associated with some degree of demagnetization.  It also appears to indicate the mineralization at the McKinley Mine along with several potential target areas, including historic mines and prospects that extend for several miles along the known trend.


Subsequent rock chip sampling by NJMC identified two areas, outside the McKinley Mine area and along this trend, with significant gold mineralization in outcrop: the Monarch Zone, about one kilometer S-SW of the McKinley Mine, and along Fiddle Creek, which crosses the southern portion of the property. Both areas have had historic prospecting but no significant development and both areas exhibit carbonatization and quartz-carbonate veining along with visible gold and auriferous pyrite mineralization, similar to the McKinley Mine. Much of the ground between these prospects remains completely unexplored.




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Of 285 rock chip samples collected by ICR and NJMC at the McKinley property, 49 samples returned gold values that exceeded 1 gpt, 32 samples exceeded 3 gpt, and 14 samples exceeded 10 gpt. Samples were collected over a broad area of the property, from both surface and underground, but primarily focused on its northern end, near the McKinley Mine. At the Monarch Zone, several samples returned high-grade gold with values up to 26 gpt. At Fiddle Creek, 10 of 20 samples exceeded 3 gpt gold with one sample exceeding 50 gpt gold.  


NJMC also conducted geologic mapping at McKinley, both surface and underground. On the main level of the McKinley Mine, underground mapping depicts a series of coalescing mineralized faults. These intersecting structural features indicate the potential for hosting large, continuous blocks of high-grade gold mineralization.  


In 2014, NJMC conducted a channel sampling program, cutting more than 150 meters of channel from mine ribs and stoped areas in three separate zones on the main mine level. Highlights included a 4.27-meter continuous channel that returned a weighted average of 47.0 gpt gold and a 1.74-meter continuous channel that returned a weighted average of 72.3 gpt gold. The Company used these results to guide an initial drill program. 


Also in 2014, NJMC drilled 21 short, small-diameter (B sized) core holes totaling 388 meters from the main level of the McKinley Mine, where most of the historic production occurred. The holes were relatively short because of the use of a portable drill rig which NJMC custom engineered for the confined spaces of historic mine workings. While the custom drill has depth and angle limitations, it is also highly portable and does not require the construction of drill roads, realizing significant cost savings.


Eleven of the 21 drill holes encountered significant mineralization, including the following highlights:


DDH-02, which returned an 2.56-meter interval with a weighted average grade of 43.9 gpt gold

DDH-10, which returned an 3.44-meter interval with a weighted average grade of 18.5 gpt gold.


All channel sample and drill intervals reported are core length, not true thickness.


Although no significant work was performed at McKinley in 2016, the Company is preparing to resume exploration efforts in 2017. With historic production, widespread gold mineralization, and a mineralized trend that appears to be nearly three miles long, the Company’s exploration objective at its McKinley project is to evaluate its potential to host one or more high-grade gold deposits.  


McKinley is an early-stage exploration project with no mineral reserves as recognized by the SEC.


Present Condition of Plant & Equipment

The McKinley Mine has four levels and approximately 1,190 meters of accessible underground workings that remain in good condition. The workings include two main levels separated vertically by approximately 90 meters with two intermediate sublevels, all of which are connected by a series of sub-vertical raises. There are other small historic mines on the property, one of which includes more than 360 meters of underground workings. There is no usable equipment at the various historic mine sites.


Geology and Mineralization

The McKinley Project is located within the rocks of the Riggins and Seven Devils Groups of the Blue Mountains Island-Arc Complex. Rocks of the accreted Riggins Group and Seven Devils Terrane are widely considered to be the source of coarse gold found in the extensive historic placer operations near Lucile. The types of gold mineralization encountered in the rock samples, channel samples, and drill core from McKinley contain both coarse and microscopic gold, which is associated with low to moderate levels of geochemical pathfinder elements such as silver, arsenic, copper, cobalt, nickel, and others. The McKinley Project covers an extensive area of alteration and mineralization that can be classified as an orogenic gold model, also known as quartz-carbonate vein type deposits.


EASTERN STAR PROJECT


Property Location

In 2014, NJMC acquired the Eastern Star property which consists of 11 patented lode mining claims about four miles west of Elk City in central Idaho. The property is easily accessible via improved dirt roads off of Idaho State Highway 14.



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Property Ownership

NJMC acquired fee simple title to the property from Premium Exploration Inc. (“Premium”) for a purchase price of $250,818. In accordance with the note, the Company made two payments totaling $250,818 to complete the purchase. As part of the purchase agreement, an additional parcel was available to the Company with a final payment due in July 2015, but that option was not exercised by NJMC.


Property History

The Elk City Mining District is an historic gold mining region dating back to the 1860s that once supported more than 20 underground mines, including the Eastern Star, along with placer dredging operations. Modern exploration in the district by companies including Cypress-Amax, Kinross Gold, and Bema Gold has focused on near-surface bulk tonnage gold potential, while the many smaller-scale high-grade gold occurrences have largely been ignored.


In recent years, prior operator Premium collected grab samples from three separate locations, representing nearly one-half mile of mineralized trend. Of 25 grab samples, nine returned gold values greater than 16.9 gpt. Premium then drilled three core holes at Eastern Star, targeting a bulk mineable gold deposit.


Present Condition, Work Completed, and Exploration Plans

After acquiring the property in 2014, NJMC completed initial mapping and sampling programs, following up with a trenching program to help trace structures and map vein locations as there is little exposed outcrop on the property.


Company geologists identified several quartz veins that had been exploited by historic prospect pits and small shafts. Surface grab samples from these veins confirmed the widespread presence of high-grade gold within mineralized quartz vein material. Of 27 samples collected by the Company over multiple vein zones, 12 returned gold values exceeding 5.5 gpt with five of those exceeding 17.0 gpt. Individual samples from five of the zones assayed greater than 6.5 gpt gold. Two samples from a previously un-prospected area returned gold values of 53.8 gpt and 68.9 gpt. A sample from another previously un-prospected area returned 12.3 gpt gold.


As the rocks on the property are deeply weathered, the Company performed an 880-meter trenching program to access fresher rock. The channel samples intercepted notable gold mineralization including contiguous samples up to 10.4 meters of 2.25 gpt gold and 6.4 meters of 7.97 gpt gold (which included 4.3 meters of 11.34 gpt gold). Grab samples from within the trenched material returned values of up to 35.9 gpt gold.


In 2015, NJMC continued with limited mapping and sampling at Eastern Star, with the intent of extending known vein systems generating additional targets for a comprehensive core drill program. Although no significant work was performed at Eastern Star in 2016, the Company is preparing to resume exploration efforts in 2017. The Company’s exploration objective at Eastern Star is to evaluate its potential for high-grade gold-bearing quartz veins, similar to those that led to limited historic production and patenting of the mineral claims.


Eastern Star is an early-stage exploration project with no mineral reserves as recognized by the SEC.


ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


On March 19, 2015, Crescent Silver, LLC, an affiliate of Hale Capital Partners, LP and minority owner of the New Jersey Mill Joint Venture, filed an action against the Company as manager of the mill, seeking damages for, among other claims, alleged breach of the Joint Venture Agreement in connection with meetings, programs, budgets, and the milling of ore from the Company’s properties. The plaintiff seeks damages in excess of $75,000, as claimed in the complaint, which was filed in the Federal District Court of Idaho. On November 30, 2015, the United States District Court of Idaho entered an order dismissing the lawsuit. The court granted the Company’s Motion to Dismiss Pursuant to FRCP 12(b)(1) for lack of subject matter jurisdiction and gave Crescent Silver, LLC leave to amend its complaint within 14 days of the court’s order in order to plead diversity jurisdiction. Crescent Silver, LLC did not amend its complaint, and therefore, the court dismissed the lawsuit. Because the court dismissed the lawsuit on jurisdictional grounds, Crescent Silver, LLC is not barred from re-filing the claim in state court, where there is not a similar diversity requirement. While the outcome of any litigation is difficult to predict, the Company believes the claims are without merit and the Company is vigorously defending the lawsuit as manager of the New Jersey Mill Joint Venture.



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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES


Pursuant to Section 1503(a) of the recently enacted Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), issuers that are operators, or that have a subsidiary that is an operator, of a coal or other mine in the United States are required to disclose in their periodic reports filed with the SEC information regarding specified health and safety violations, orders and citations, related assessments and legal actions, and mining-related fatalities. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, the Company did not have a citation for a violation of mandatory health or safety standards that could significantly and substantially (S&S citation) contribute to the cause and affect a mine safety or health hazard under section 104 of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. There were no legal actions, mining-related fatalities, or similar events in relation to the Company’s United States operations requiring disclosure pursuant to Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act.


PART II


ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS


Market Information

The Company's Common Stock currently trades on the OTCQB tier of the OTC Market under the symbol "NJMC". The following table sets forth the range of high and low bid prices as reported by the OTCQB for the periods indicated. These quotations represent inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, markdown or commission and may not represent actual transactions.


Year Ending December 31, 2016

High Bid

Low Bid

First Quarter

 $0.10

$0.05

Second Quarter

$0.12

$0.07

Third Quarter

$0.15

$0.09

Fourth Quarter

$0.15

$0.09

Year Ending December 31, 2015

High Bid

Low Bid

First Quarter

 $0.11

$0.07

Second Quarter

$0.12

$0.05

Third Quarter

$0.10

$0.02

Fourth Quarter

$0.09

$0.02


Shareholders

As of March 16, 2017 there were approximately 1,200 shareholders of record of the Company's Common Stock.


Dividend Policy

The Company has not declared or paid cash dividends or made distributions in the past and the Company does not anticipate that it will pay cash dividends or make distributions in the foreseeable future. The Company currently intends to retain and reinvest future earnings, if any, to finance its operations.


Transfer Agent

The transfer agent for the Company's Common Stock is Columbia Stock Transfer Company, 1869 E. Seltice Way Suite 292, Post Falls, Idaho 83854.


Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

In April 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors established a stock option plan to authorize the granting of stock options to officers, directors, consultants and employees. Upon exercise of the options, shares are issued from the available authorized shares of the Company.


On April 30, 2014, 2,250,000 options were granted to management, 750,000 options vested immediately and the remaining 1,500,000 vested at a rate of 750,000 each year on the anniversary for 2 additional years, and they expire after 3 years. Each option allows the holder to purchase one share of the Company’s stock at $0.10 prior to expiration. Utilizing the Black Scholes option pricing model, an expected life of three years, a risk free rate of 0.87%, and expected volatility of 161.30% compensation cost of $173,250 is associated with the options. Of this $115,896 was recorded as a general and administrative expense in 2014 and $43,461 was recognized in 2015, at December 31, 2015 unrecognized compensation cost related to these options was $14,487 and it was recognized in 2016. All options expire on April 30, three years after their vest date.




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On December 1, 2014, 500,000 options, which vested immediately, were granted to Patrick Highsmith in connection with employment as the Company’s President/CEO. These options expired after 2 years. Each option allowed the holder to purchase one share of the Company’s stock at $0.11 prior to expiration. Utilizing the Black Scholes option pricing model, an expected life of two years, a risk free rate of 0.49%, and expected volatility of 158.10% compensation cost of $36,250 is associated with the options and was recorded as a general and administrative expense in 2014. These options expired December 1, 2016.


On December 12, 2014, 1,500,000 options were granted to management, 750,000 options vested immediately and the remaining 750,000 vested on December 12, 2015.The options expire 5 years after their corresponding vestment date. Each option allows the holder to purchase one share of the Company’s stock at $0.15 prior to expiration. Utilizing the Black Scholes option pricing model, an expected life of five years, a risk free rate of 1.65%, and expected volatility of 150.60%, a compensation cost of $99,558 is associated with the options. Of this, $49,780 was recorded as a general and administrative expense in both 2015 and 2014. At December 31, 2015, no unrecognized compensation cost related to these options remained. On December 12, 2014 an additional 250,000 options were issued to past President and CEO R. Patrick Highsmith with a vesting date of December 2015. As part of the resignation and release agreement those options are no longer valid.


On December 30, 2015, 1,500,000 options were granted to management, 750,000 options vested immediately and the remaining 750,000 vested on December 30, 2016.The options expire 5 years after their corresponding vestment date. Each option allows the holder to purchase one share of the Company’s stock at $0.10 prior to expiration. Utilizing the Black Scholes option pricing model, an expected life of five years, a risk free rate of 1.80%, and expected volatility of 158.50%, a compensation cost of $110,208 is associated with the options. Of this, $55,104 was recorded as a general and administrative expense in 2015. The remaining unrecognized compensation cost of $55,104 was recognized in 2016. All options expire on December 30, five years after their vest date.


In the fourth quarter of 2016 2,750,000 options were granted to management, directors, consultants, and employees of the Company. 1,225,000 vested in the fourth quarter of 2016 and the remaining 1,525,000 vest in 2017. The options expire three years after their grant date. Each option allows the holder to purchase one share of the Company’s stock at $0.15 prior to expiration. Utilizing the Black Scholes option pricing model, an expected life of three years, a risk free rate of between 0.91% and 1.47%, and expected volatility of between 147.1% and 148.2%, a compensation cost of $268,031 is associated with the options. Of this, $151,148 was recorded as a general and administrative expense in 2016. The remaining unrecognized compensation cost of $116,889 is expected to be recognized in 2017.


No additional fees are paid for attendance at Board of Directors’ meetings, committee membership or committee chairmanship


Equity Compensation Plan Information


Plan Category

Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights

Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights

Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))

 

(a)

(b)

(c)

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

7,500,000

$0.13

0

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

0

0

0

Total

7,500,000

$0.13

0


Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

Occasionally, we pay for goods and services with restricted common stock. Our policy is to determine the fair value of the goods or services, and then issue the number of corresponding shares using an agreed upon price for our common stock that considers the bid//offer price as quoted by the OTC Market.


For the year ended December 31 2015 no shares of stock were issued by the Company. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company issued 1,075,000 shares of restricted common stock for cash resulting in net proceeds of $92,500 and an average net proceed price of $0.086 per share. The transactions were strictly limited to persons in the United States who met certain minimum financial (accredited investors) or sophistication requirements. In management’s opinion, the



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securities were issued pursuant to exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.


For the year ended December 31, 2016 the Company issued 500,000 shares pursuant to the exercise of options at $0.10 per share for $50,000. During the year ended December 31, 2016 the Company issued 3,000,000 shares of common stock for the purchase of Butte Highlands at $0.07 per share for a value of $210,000 and 175,760 shares of common stock for the acquisition of GF&H at $0.15 per share for a value of $26,364.


During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company issued 682,796 shares of its common stock valued at $71,507 for professional services. Fair value was based on the trading price of the Company’s stock on the dates of each transaction.


ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA


Not required for smaller reporting companies.


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


When we use the terms "New Jersey Mining Company," the "Company," "NJMC," "we," "us," or "our," we are referring to New Jersey Mining Company (the "Company") and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.


Cautionary Statement about Forward-Looking Statements

This Report on Form 10-K includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements." All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this Form 10-K that address activities, events or developments that our management expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include discussion of such matters as:


The amount and nature of future capital, development and exploration expenditures;


The timing of exploration activities; and


Business strategies and development of our business plan.


Forward-looking statements also typically include words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "potential," "could" or similar words suggesting future outcomes. These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and our perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate in the circumstances. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including such factors as the volatility and level of metal prices, currency exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in cash flow, expected acquisition benefits, exploration mining and operating risks, competition, litigation, environmental matters, the potential impact of government regulations, and other matters related to the mining industry, many of which are beyond our control. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.


The Company is under no duty to update any of these forward-looking statements after the date of this report. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.


Plan of Operation

The Company is utilizing its business experience and operational capabilities to advance its diversified cash flow plan.


The Company’s plan of operation is to generate cash flow primarily from current and future mine operations (as they are developed) - with a view toward building an asset base focused on cash flow and/or production, thus reducing reliance on the capital markets. The Company has leveraged its property and mineral processing assets into joint ventures that brought exploration or development funding from partners. This strategy includes finding, evaluating, and developing potential mineral deposits of significant quality and quantity to justify investment in mining and/or mineral processing facilities, preferably following considerable prior investment and advancement (de-risking) by others. The Company’s primary focus is on gold with silver and base metals of secondary emphasis.


The Company has a portfolio of mineral properties including: the Golden Chest Mine (placed in production in the 4th quarter of 2016), the Butte Highlands Mine (50% carried interest – acquired during the first quarter of 2016), the New Jersey Mine (historic mine adjacent to the New Jersey Mill), and several exploration prospects including the McKinley,



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Eastern Star, and Toboggan projects. The Company is also the manager and majority-owner of the New Jersey Mill Joint Venture, which when in operation, is capable of processing both silver and gold ores through a 360 tonne per day (tpd) flotation plant. The New Jersey Mill is currently processing ore from the Golden Chest.


In early 2016, following consolidation of ownership of the Golden Chest property, the Company focused its efforts on development and advancing the Golden Chest property toward production. As part of its business plan to resume operations at the Golden Chest, the open-pit portion of the Golden Chest property was placed into production during the fourth quarter of 2016, with the first shipments of gold concentrate produced during the latter part of the quarter and shipped during the first quarter of 2017. As detailed below, and prior to consolidation of the property in early 2016, the Golden Chest Joint Venture leased out a portion of the Golden Chest Mine from 2013 to 2015, resulting in gold production of 8,000 ounces from the property.


During the fourth quarter of 2016, following continued work and investment in the Golden Chest project, through mid-December approximately 6,000 tonnes of ore from the open-pit had been processed at the New Jersey Mill with an average head grade of 3.8 grams per tonne (gpt) gold and average recoveries of 82-percent. Open-pit mining operations progressed from the 1116 level down to the recently blasted 1081 and 1078 benches which provided approximately 4,500 tonnes of ore and, as expected, returned assays of 4.5 to 5.0 gpt gold. The first 20-tonne wet metric concentrate shipment from the New Jersey Mill was produced during the quarter and shipped in mid-January. Dewatering of the underground mine was nearly complete during the quarter and more permanent mining equipment and mine ventilation components were installed, with underground mining operations scheduled to resume early in 2017.


Through the fourth quarter of 2016, NJMC’s progress includes:


Announced that it will target the drill-tested Paymaster and Joe Dandy Ore Shoots as its top exploration priority for future expansion (See Company news release dated December 09, 2016).

Announced that gold production has resumed at its Golden Chest Mine and New Jersey Mill (See Company news release dated October 25, 2016).


During the third quarter of the 2016, building upon prior work and investment in the Golden Chest Project, the Company began development of the open pit, stockpiling and shipping ore, and dewatering of the underground workings. The Company also completed acquisition of the GF&H, a private company that holds 374 acres of patented mining claims near the Golden Chest Project.


Through the third quarter of 2016, NJMC’s progress includes:


Announced anticipated commencement of open pit mining operations (See Company news release dated July 15, 2016).

Completed financing and announced plans to resume production at the Golden Chest Mine (See Company news release dated August 02, 2016).

Completed acquisition of GF&H and began stockpiling of ore from the open pit at the Golden Chest (See Company news release dated August 30, 2016).

Discovered a new footwall vein in the open pit and ships first ore to the New Jersey Mill (See Company news release dated September 22, 2016).



During the second quarter of 2016, the Company built upon progress made in the latter part 2015 and the first quarter of 2016 and focused largely on its goal to resume production at the Golden Chest. This included necessary permitting and site work along with raising the funding needed for the Golden Chest mine plan, as outlined the internal scoping study and subsequent mine plan.


Through the second quarter of 2016 NJMC’s progress includes:


Received permit to initiate open pit mining at Golden Chest (See Company news release dated June 21, 2016);

Advanced funding efforts for the forward sale of gold at $935/ounce, to be paid back over 2.5 years in gold produced from the Golden Chest. The offering closed subsequent to end of quarter (See Company news release dated August 2, 2016).


During the first quarter of 2016, the Company completed purchase of 50-percent interest in the Butte Highlands Joint Venture from Timberline Resources Corp. (See Company news release dated February 1, 2016). This acquisition fits into our plans to build upon our portfolio of assets having considerable prior investment and a path toward cash flow potential and/or in which we might provide our expertise to help advance the project or to provide milling services. More than $30-



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million has been invested at Butte Highlands to-date by Montana State Gold Company (“MSGC”) and prior funding partner, Highland Mining LLC.


Through Q1 of 2016 NJMC’s progress includes (See Company news release dated March 29, 2016):


Development of a small-scale, two-year mine plan at Golden Chest, focusing on easily-accessible near-mine ore, retaining all upside potential of up-dip, down-dip, and on-strike zones, as well as larger district-scale potential;

Purchase of underground haul truck and loader, receipt of long-lead electrical components, and agreement for use of BHJV-owned equipment, in anticipation of resumed production at Golden Chest.

Purchase of 50-percent interest in Butte Highlands Joint Venture (BHJV) which owns the Butte Highlands Gold Mine;

Signing Memorandum of Understanding with partner Highland Mining LLC for NJMC to assume control of Permitting and Management at BHJV.


The Companys focus during most of 2015 was focused on maintaining and running the New Jersey Mill in support of mining operations at the Golden Chest Mine. In anticipation of processing ores from the Golden Chest Mine, the Company invested in certain upgrades and expansions to the New Jersey Mill. The Company added a gravity processing circuit to the mill and expanded the tailings impoundment facility, among other minor modifications and adjustments. Gold Hill commenced construction and underground development during the third quarter of 2014, delivering the first ore to the New Jersey Mill in December of 2014. Mining activities continued during the year until Gold Hill ceased operations September, 2015 (See Company news release dated, September 21, 2015).


In October, 2015, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire 100-percent interest in the Golden Chest Mine from Marathon Gold Corporation, its joint venture partner in the project. It was considered by both parties that the Golden Chest Mine should have consolidated ownership going forward. The agreement with Marathon was completed in December (See Company news release dated December 4, 2015). The Company rendered payments of $180,000 to Marathon for its 52.22% interest in the Golden Chest Joint Venture and Marathon retained a 2% NSR on production from the Golden Chest, as well as an adjacent Area of Interest. An estimated $7-$9 million was spent by the lessee of the Skookum Shoot, which included mine development and infrastructure and any remaining mineralized material.


In May, 2015, the Company announced a realignment of management as it transitioned into an operating company to remain focused on cash flow and corporate overhead (See Company news release dated May 7, 2015).


In 2015, NJMC accomplishments and project milestones included (See Company news release dated March 29, 2016):


Completion of mine development at the Golden Chest property, by Juniper Resources under the Skookum lease, totaling approximately $7 to $9-million;

Completion of upgrades and commencement of commercial operations at the New Jersey Mill, achieving revenue of more than $1.8 million;

Commercial production, achieved by Juniper at the Golden Chest Mine, totaling 40,840 dry metric tonnes of ore produced at an average grade of 6.65 grams of gold per tonne;

Production of approximately 8,000 ounces of gold from Golden Chest ore at the New Jersey Mill, including approximately 500 ounces of gold from a cyanide leaching project which led to a series of recommendations for improving the concentrate leach circuit;

Consolidation of 100-percent ownership of the Golden Chest project, after the departure of Juniper, with the buy-out of former partner Marathon Gold;

Completed internal scoping study at Golden Chest, outlining plans for resumed production of unmined ore from the Juniper mine plan and from other easily accessible zones.


Prior to recent activity, during 2011 and 2012, the New Jersey mineral processing plant was expanded in order to process ore from the nearby Crescent silver mine. NJMC executed a definitive venture agreement with United Silver Corp (USC) and its subsidiary United Mine Services (UMS), owner of the Crescent mine, in January 2011. The plant was expanded from a processing rate of 4 tonnes/hr to 15 tonnes/hr. USC paid the expansion cost, which was $3.2 million. The joint venture agreement anticipated that USC would be entitled to process up to 7,000 tonnes per month from the Crescent Mine and NJMC would have rights for up to 3,000 tonnes per month of capacity during the processing of Crescent ores. Under the agreement, each party would pay its processing costs and NJMC will charge a management fee of $2.50/tonne. The plant was commissioned during 2012, but ore production from the Crescent Mine was curtailed by USC for economic reasons so the plant became idle in September 2012. The mill remained idle through 2013 and most of 2014, until commissioning its new upgrades in November of 2014 (See Company news release dated November 12, 2014).




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In April 2014, Hale Capital Partners, through its subsidiary Crescent Silver LLC (“Crescent Silver”), acquired the assets of United Mine Services in a consensual foreclosure process. This transaction included the UMS stake in the New Jersey Mill JV. Hence, Crescent Silver is the Company’s current joint venture partner at the New Jersey Mill. Crescent Silver produced no ore during 2014.


NJMC geologists conducted limited programs at the McKinley and Eastern Star projects during 2014 and 2015. The Company drilled just under 400 meters of small-diameter core from the underground workings at McKinley. The drill results returned several high-grade intersections that may warrant follow-up, including 2.5m of 43.7 gpt Au and 3.5m of 18.5 gpt Au. The McKinley Project is at a very early stage of exploration, but there are high-grade (+30 gpt Au) showings over more than 3.8 kilometers of prospecting on the 1,800-hectare (4,443 acres) project, (see Company news release dated January 2, 2015).  During 2014, 2015 and 2016, the Company conducted limited exploration work at the Eastern Star Project in the Elk City District of central Idaho. The property was acquired under a purchase option agreement with Premium Exploration Inc., (see Company news release dated April 25, 2014). In the first field season on the project, NJMC geologists collected rock samples and channel samples that included 11.34 gpt Au over 4.3 meters and 14.15 gpt over 0.9 meters. There has been no drilling at Eastern Star, so the project will require considerable additional work in order to assess its economic potential.


The Toboggan Project is a group of claims to the north of Golden Chest. Formerly joint ventured with Newmont Mining and including a lease agreement with Hecla Mining, the properties have seen well over $2.0 million in exploration investment in recent years. The gold prospects at Toboggan appear to be associated with alkalic intrusions and alteration is widespread.


At the Coleman underground mine, which is part of the New Jersey Mine and Mill property, the Company conducted no significant exploration during 2014 or 2015, but Company geologists are currently evaluating the known gold-bearing veins and historic targets for their future potential. Now that the New Jersey Mill is processing ores from the Golden Chest Mine, the potential economics of nearby gold prospects may have improved.


Changes in Financial Condition

The Company maintains an adequate cash balance by increasing or decreasing its exploration expenditures as limited by availability of cash from operations or from financing activities. The cash balance at the end of 2016 was $154,833 compared to $62,275 at the end of 2015.


Results of Operations

Revenue of $544,751 in 2016 was mostly achieved in the fourth quarter as production resumed at the Golden Chest. In 2015 milling of the Golden Chest ore contributed to total revenue of $1,891,173. The net loss for 2016 was $1,361,008 compared to a loss of $282,088 for 2015. The net loss increased in 2016 compared to 2015 because of a longer production run early in 2015.


The Company invested $191,374 in additional facilities at the mill in 2015 and began process ore from the Golden Chest in the fourth quarter of 2016. As of year-end 2016, the Company has no additional candidate projects for milling production, however it continues to conduct business development and exploration to generate future mill feed for New Jersey Mill.


The amount of money to be spent on exploration at the Company’s mines and prospects depends primarily on contributions of our joint venture partners, fundraising, and cash flow from mining and milling.


At the end of 2015, the Company consolidated ownership of the Golden Chest project. In the beginning of 2016, the Company acquired 50% of the Butte Highlands Joint Venture, LLC. In late 2016, the Company developed and implemented a plan to resume mining from the open-pit portion of the Golden Chest property. The Company’s near-term success depends on its ability to implement its production based business plan.


Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents increased in 2016 compared to 2015 as a result of debt acquired by the Company, the sale of common stock and resumed production at the Golden Chest Mine.


Gold Sales Receivables

Gold sale receivables at the end of 2016 are the result of resumed operations at the Golden Chest mine and New Jersey Mill.




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Inventory

An inventory balance at the end of 2016 is primarily processed concentrate from operations at the Golden Chest mine and New Jersey Mill that is awaiting shipment to the refiners.


Investment in Joint Venture

The investment in joint venture balance at the end of 2016 was a result of the Company’s acquisition of a 50% interest the Butte Highlands project.


Reclamation Bond

The reclamation bond balance at the end of 2016 represents a bond posted for reclamation responsibilities assumed by the Company as a result of operations at the Golden Chest Mine.


Accounts Payable

Accounts payable increased in 2016 compared to 2015 because of production activity at the Golden Chest mine and New Jersey mill.


Accrued Payroll and Related Payroll Expenses

Accrued payroll and related payroll expenses increased in 2016 compared to 2015 because of production activity at the Golden Chest mine and New Jersey mill.


Account Payable Related Party

Accounts payable related party increased in 2016 compared to 2015 because of notes payable to related parties to fund startup cost at the Golden Chest mine and acquisition of the Butte Highlands 50% interest.


Forward Gold Contracts

The Company acquired forward gold contracts in 2016 to help fund startup cost at the Golden Chest mine to be paid with funds from production.


Notes Payable

Notes payable decreased in 2016 compared to 2015 as a result of schedule note payments most notable $125,000 per quarter on the note payable for the Golden Chest mine property.


Gold Sales and Milling Revenue

Gold sales in 2016 were higher while milling revenue was higher in 2015 as the Company transitioned from milling only the Golden Chest ore in 2015 to assuming both mining and milling responsibilities in 2016.


Production Expense

Production expense decreased in 2016 compared to 2015 because the resumption of production at the end of 2016 was shorter than the production run at the beginning of 2015.


Exploration

Exploration expense increased for 2016 compared to 2015 because of increased activity at the Golden Chest property.


Net Loss (gain) on Sale of Equipment

Net loss (gain) on sale of equipment in 2015 was the result of the sale of a pickup.


Gain on Forfeiture of Milling Advance

The milling advance was a temporary advance from Juniper Resources at the end of 2014 to facilitate the mill startup costs for production. $75,000 was repaid to Juniper in 2015 and the remainder was relinquished by them at the termination of their lease of the Skookum project


Impairment of Mineral Property

The write down of mineral property in 2015 was a reduction in the capitalized amount for the New Jersey property and the Silver Button/Roughwater property to reflect lower gold prices.


Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased in 2016 compared to 2015 because the resumption of production at the end of 2016 was shorter than the production run at the beginning of 2015.


Timber Revenue

Timber revenue increased in 2016 compared to 2015 because of activity at the Company’s GF&H property.




27



Table of contents


Royalties and Other (Income) Expense

Royalties expense increased in 2016 as a result of operations at the Golden Chest mine.


Interest Expense

Interest expense increased in 2016 compared to 2015 as a result of the Company assuming additional debt to fund startup costs at the Golden Chest mine and acquisition of the Butte Highlands property interest.


Amortization of Discount on Note Payable

Amortization of discount is related to the impued interest calculation on the note payable on the Golden Chest mine which was assumed by the Company in the 4th quarter of 2015 and carried through the entire year of 2016.


Gain on Reameasurement of Previously Held Equity Interest in a Step Acquisition

Gain on remeasurement of previously held equity interest in a step acquisition was the adjustment to assumed fair value of the Company’s interest in the Golden Chest mine.


Stock Based Compensation

Stock based compensation increased in 2016 compared to 2015 because of expenses associated with the award of options granted to management, directors, consultants, and employees of the Company which began in 2014.


Financial Condition and Liquidity


 

 

For the Years Ended December 31

Net cash provided (used) by:

 

2016

 

2015

Operating activities

 

(672,941)

 

(117,305)

Investing activities

 

(448,946)

 

(316,718)

Financing activities

 

1,214,445

 

159,774

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

92,558

 

(274,249)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

 

62,275

 

336,524

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

$

154,833

$

62,275


At December 31, 2016, the Company’s current debt exceeded current assets by $1,787,197. In addition, the Company has accumulated deficit of $12,289,473 and ongoing net loss from operations. These factors indicate that there may be doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern for the next twelve months. 


During the first quarter of 2017, the Company completed $1,141,000 of equity sales. In addition, related party debt holders are willing to restructure payments that will allow the Company to defer $724,247 in current debt to long term debt if necessary. In addition, first quarter of 2017 production has resulted in positive cash flow and production planned for the remainder of the year indicate the trend to continue. As a result of its planned production, equity sales and ability to restructure debt, management believes there is not a substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for the next twelve months. Cash flows from operations and existing cash are sufficient to conduct planned operations and meet contractual obligations for the time period.


ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK


Not required for smaller reporting companies.



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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA







 [njmc10kmar2917v2004.gif]


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM



To the Board of Directors

New Jersey Mining Company


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of New Jersey Mining Company (“the Company”) as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements based on our audits.


We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.


In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of New Jersey Mining Company as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of its

operations and cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.


[njmc10kmar2917v2006.gif]


DeCoria, Maichel & Teague, P.S.

Spokane, Washington

March 30, 2017




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New Jersey Mining Company

Table of Contents





Page


Consolidated Balance Sheets, December 31, 2016 and 2015

  31


Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended

   December 31, 2016 and 2015

  32


Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2016

   and December 31, 2015

  33


Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015

  34


Notes to Financial Statements

36-47



















 



30



Table of contents



New Jersey Mining Company

Consolidated Balance Sheets

December 31, 2016 and 2015

 

 

2016

 

2015

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

154,833

$

62,275

Milling receivables

 

31,450

 

40,577

Gold sales receivable

 

54,319

 

 

Inventory

 

184,324

 

 

Joint venture receivables

 

2,888

 

3,109

Note receivable

 

58,386

 

58,386

Other current assets

 

43,550

 

40,350

Total current assets

 

529,750

 

204,697

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

 

5,788,362

 

5,698,831

Mineral properties, net of accumulated amortization

 

2,046,900

 

1,907,089

Investment in joint venture

 

435,000

 

 

Reclamation bond

 

58,000

 

 

Deposit on equipment

 

 

 

13,982

Total assets

$

8,858,012

$

7,824,599

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

243,123

$

58,267

Accrued payroll and related payroll expenses

 

37,861

 

14,513

Notes and interest payable related parties, current portion

 

567,580

 

88,114

Notes payable, current portion, net of discount

 

623,185

 

488,435

Forward gold contracts, current portion (Note 15)

 

845,198

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

2,316,947

 

649,329

 

 

 

 

 

Asset retirement obligation

 

72,218

 

28,656

Notes and interest payable related parties, long term

 

513,715

 

598,127

Notes payable, long term, net of discount

 

268,158

 

731,940

Forward gold contracts, long term (Note 15)

 

541,030

 

 

Total long term liabilities

 

1,395,121

 

1,358,723

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

3,712,068

 

2,008,052

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments (Notes 6 and 14)

 

-

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, no par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares

    issued or outstanding

 

-

 

-

Common stock, no par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized;

   97,193,704 and 91,760,148 shares issued and outstanding, respectively

 

14,293,105

 

13,590,739

Accumulated deficit

 

(12,289,473)

 

(10,981,432)

Total New Jersey Mining Company stockholders’ equity

 

2,003,632

 

2,609,307

Non-controlling interests

 

3,142,312

 

3,207,240

Total stockholders' equity

 

5,145,944

 

5,816,547

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

8,858,012

$

7,824,599


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



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New Jersey Mining Company

Consolidated Statements of Operations

For the Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015

 

 

December 31

 

 

2016

 

2015

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

Gold sales

$

523,637

 

 

Contract services revenue and other

 

 

$

4,203

Milling revenue

 

21,114

 

1,886,970

Total revenue

 

544,751

 

1,891,173

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

Production

 

544,721

 

1,263,931

Exploration

 

284,657

 

200,587

Depreciation and amortization

 

30,191

 

150,367

Management

 

315,580

 

282,299

Professional services

 

179,826

 

181,329

General and administrative

 

219,441

 

292,134

(Gain) on sale of equipment

 

 

 

(6,000)

(Gain) on forfeiture of milling advance

 

 

 

(125,000)

Impairment of mineral property

 

 

 

95,598

Total operating expenses

 

1,574,416

 

2,335,245

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

 

(1,029,665)

 

(444,072)

 

 

 

 

 

Other (income) expense:

 

 

 

 

Timber revenue

 

(130,574)

 

(51,815)

Timber expense

 

6,838

 

9,707

Royalties and other (income) expense

 

6,716

 

 

Gain on remeasurement of previously held equity interest (Note 14)

 

 

 

(164,696)

Interest income

 

(12,443)

 

(5,252)

Interest expense

 

80,338

 

22,722

Change in fair value of forward gold contracts

 

296,098

 

 

Amortization of discount on note payable

 

84,370

 

27,350

Total other (income) expense

 

331,343

 

(161,984)

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

(1,361,008)

 

(282,088)

Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests

 

15,708

 

(36,314)

Net loss attributable to New Jersey Mining Company

$

(1,376,716)

$

(245,774)

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss per common share-basic and diluted

$

0.01

$

Nil

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic and diluted

 

95,002,915

 

91,760,148




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




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Table of contents




New Jersey Mining Company

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity

For the Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Accumulated

 

Non-Controlling

 

Stockholders’

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Deficit

 

Interests

 

Equity

Balance, December 31, 2014

91,760,148

$

13,442,395

$

(10,735,658)

$

3,247,113

$

5,953,850

Net contribution (reduction) of non-controlling interest in Mill JV

-

 

-

 

-

 

(3,559)

 

(3,559)

Stock options granted

-

 

148,344

 

-

 

-

 

148,344

Net loss

-

 

-

 

(245,774)

 

(36,314)

 

(282,088)

Balance, December 31, 2015

91,760,148

 

13,590,739

 

(10,981,432)

 

3,207,240

 

5,816,547

Contribution from non-controlling interest in Mill JV

-

 

-

 

-

 

4,330

 

4,330

Acquisition of GF&H Company non-controlling interest (Note 13)

175,760

 

57,625

 

68,675

 

(84,966)

 

41,334

Issuance of common stock and warrants for cash net of offering costs

1,075,000

 

92,500

 

 

 

 

 

92,500

Issuance of common stock for services

682,796

 

71,507

 

 

 

 

 

71,507

Issuance of common stock for investment in joint venture

3,000,000

 

210,000

 

 

 

 

 

210,000

Stock based compensation relating to options

 

 

220,734

 

 

 

 

 

220,734

Stock issued for exercise of options

500,000

 

50,000

 

 

 

 

 

50,000

Net income (loss)

-

 

-

 

(1,376,716)

 

15,708

 

(1,361,008)

Balance, December 31, 2016

97,193,704

$

14,293,105

$

(12,289,473)

$

3,142,312

$

5,145,944




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





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Table of contents





New Jersey Mining Company

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015

 

December 31,

Cash flows from operating activities:

2016

2015

Net loss

$

(1,361,008)

$

(282,088)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used) by operating activities

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

30,191

 

150,367

(Gain) loss on sale of equipment

 

 

 

(6,000)

Gain of forfeiture of milling advance

 

 

 

(125,000)

Amortization of discount on note payable

 

84,370

 

27,350

Gain on remeasurement of previously held equity interest (Note 14)

 

 

 

(164,696)

Accretion of asset retirement obligation

 

5,291

 

5,290

Impairment of mineral property

 

 

 

95,598

Stock based compensation

 

292,241

 

148,344

Change in fair value of forward gold contracts

 

296,098

 

 

Change in operating assets and liabilities

 

 

 

 

Milling receivables

 

9,127

 

77,038

Gold Sales Receivables

 

(54,319)

 

 

Inventory

 

(184,324)

 

 

Joint venture receivables

 

221

 

25,013

Other current assets

 

(3,200)

 

(7,909)

Accounts payable

 

184,856

 

(25,163)

Accrued payroll and related payroll expense

 

23,348

 

(35,449)

Interest payable related parties

 

4,167

 

 

Net cash (used) by operating activities

 

(672,941)

 

(117,305)

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

 

(131,657)

 

(133,260)

Purchase of mineral property

 

(102,823)

 

 

Deposit on equipment

 

 

 

(13,982)

Proceeds from sale of equipment

 

17,200

 

 

Purchase of controlling interest in GCJV, net of cash acquired

 

 

 

(179,476)

Gain recognized as equity transaction on GF&H acquisition (Note 13)

 

68,675

 

 

Purchase of GF&H non-controlling interest (Note 13)

 

(27,341)

 

 

Proceeds from option payment on property

 

10,000

 

10,000

Purchase of investment in joint venture

 

(225,000)

 

 

Purchase of reclamation bond

 

(58,000)

 

 

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities

 

(448,946)

 

(316,718)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

Sales of common stock and warrants, net of issuance costs

 

92,500

 

 

Cash from exercise of stock options

 

16,250

 

 

Proceeds from forward gold contracts

 

1,240,306

 

 

Payments on forward gold contracts

 

(150,176)

 

 

Principal payments on notes payable

 

(413,402)

 

(271,052)

Payment on milling advance

 

 

 

(75,000)

Borrowings from related parties

 

475,000

 

550,000

Principal payments on note and other payables, related party

 

(50,363)

 

(44,174)

Proceeds from non-controlling interest

 

4,330

 

 

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

 

1,214,445

 

159,774

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

92,558

 

(274,249)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

 

62,275

 

336,524

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

$

154,833

$

62,275

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

Interest paid in cash, net of amount capitalized

$

80,338

$

22,722

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

Deposit on equipment applied to purchase of equipment

$

13,982

 

12,480

Property exchanged on elimination of debt

 

 

 

175,000

Purchase of property and equipment with note payable

 

 

 

92,320

Shares of common stock issued for investment in joint venture

 

210,000

 

 

Stock option exercised in exchange for reduction of note payable, related party

 

33,750

 

 

   Shares of common stock issued for acquisition of GF&H

 

26,364

 

 


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



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Table of contents

New Jersey Mining Company

Notes to Financial Statements




1. Description of Business


New Jersey Mining Company (“the Company”) was incorporated as an Idaho corporation on July 18, 1996. The Company's primary business is exploring for and developing gold, silver, and base metal mineral resources in the Greater Coeur d’Alene Mining District of North Idaho and extending into Western Montana The Company is currently focused on mining and milling ore from the Golden Chest property. It is also evaluating new mineral investment and development opportunities in the western United States.


2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies


Principles of Consolidation

At December 31, 2016, the consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, the Golden Chest LLC Joint Venture (“GCJV”) and GF&H Company (“GF&H”); and its majority-owned subsidiary, the New Jersey Mill Joint Venture (“NJMJV”). During 2016, the Company acquired the remaining outstanding shares of GF&H.


At December 31, 2015, the consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, GCJV and its majority-owned subsidiaries, NJMJV and GF&H. During 2015, the Company acquired the remaining outstanding interest in GCJV.


Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. The portion of entities owned by other investors is presented as non-controlling interests on the consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations.


Accounting for Investments in Joint Ventures

For joint ventures where the Company holds more than 50% of the voting interest and has significant influence, the joint venture is consolidated with the presentation of non-controlling interest. In determining whether significant influence exists, the Company considers its participation in policy-making decisions and its representation on the venture’s management committee.


For joint ventures in which the Company does not have joint control or significant influence, the cost method is used. Under the cost method, these investments are carried at the lower of cost or fair value. For those joint ventures in which there is joint control between the parties, the equity method is utilized whereby the Company’s share of the ventures’ earnings and losses is included in the statement of operations as earnings in joint ventures and its investments therein are adjusted by a similar amount. The Company periodically assesses its investments in joint ventures for impairment. If management determines that a decline in fair value is other than temporary it will write-down the investment and charge the impairment against operations.


At December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company’s percentage ownership and method of accounting for each joint venture is as follows:


 

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Joint Venture

% Ownership

Significant Influence?

Accounting Method

% Ownership

Significant Influence?

Accounting Method

NJMJV

67%

Yes

Consolidated

67%

Yes

Consolidated

Butte Highlands Joint Venture (“BHJV”)

50%

No

Cost

NA

NA

NA


Non-controlling Interests

Non-controlling interests in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries are identified separately from the Company’s stockholders’ equity as is net income (loss). Non-controlling interests represent interests at the date of the original acquisition and the non-controlling investor’s share of changes in equity since that date.


Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes for items such as depreciation lives and methods, potential impairment of long-lived assets, deferred income taxes, fair value of forward gold contracts, fair value of stock based compensation, estimation of asset retirement obligations and reclamation liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.



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Table of contents

New Jersey Mining Company

Notes to Financial Statements




2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued


Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when title and risk of ownership of metals or metal bearing concentrate have passed and collection is reasonably assured. Revenue from the sale of metals may be subject to adjustment upon final settlement of estimated metal prices, weights and assays, and are recorded as adjustments to revenue in the period of final settlement of prices, weights and assays; such adjustments are typically not material in relation to the initial invoice amounts. Revenue received from drilling and exploration contracts with third parties is recognized when the contract has been established, the services are rendered and collection of payment is deemed probable. These services are not a part of normal operations. Income received as the operator of the Company's joint ventures is recognized in the months during which those operations occur. Revenue received from engineering services provided is recognized when services are rendered and collection of payment is deemed probable. These services are not a part of normal operations. Revenues from mill operations and custom milling are recognized in the period in which the milling is performed and collection of payment is deemed probable. Revenue from harvest of raw timber is recognized when a contract has been established, the timber has been shipped, and payment is deemed probable. Sales of timber found on the Company’s mineral properties are not a part of normal operations.


Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Under this method deferred income tax liabilities or assets are determined at the end of each period using the tax rate expected to be in effect when the taxes are expected to be paid or recovered. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the deferred tax assets, if there is uncertainty regarding their realization.


Fair Values Measurements

When required to measure assets or liabilities at fair value, the Company uses a fair value hierarchy based on the level of independent, objective evidence surrounding the inputs used. The Company determines the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements in their entirety fall. The categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Level 1 uses quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, Level 2 uses significant other observable inputs, and Level 3 uses significant unobservable inputs. The amount of the total gains or losses for the period are included in earnings that are attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to those assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date.


During 2016 and 2015, the Company determined fair value on a recurring basis and non-recurring basis as follows:


Asset or Liability

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Fair Value Hierarchy

Asset:

Non-recurring: Mineral properties (Note 6)

 

 

$

215,127

3

Liabilities:

Recurring: Forward gold contracts (Note 15)

$

(1,386,227)

 

 

2

Non-recurring: Asset retirement obligation (Note 8)

 

(38,271)

 

 

3


Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of financial instruments including cash and cash equivalents, reclamation bonds, note receivable, notes payable to related parties, and notes payable approximate their fair values.


Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net amount by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted net income (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur from common shares issuable through stock options, warrants, and other convertible securities. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the effect of the Company’s potential issuance of shares from the exercise of 10,737,500 warrants and 7,500,000 stock options in 2016 and 10,200,000 warrants and 5,750,000 stock options in 2015 would have been anti-dilutive. Accordingly, only basic net loss per share has been presented.


Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2016 financial statement presentation. Reclassifications had no effect on net loss, stockholders' equity, or cash flows as previously reported.



36



Table of contents

New Jersey Mining Company

Notes to Financial Statements




2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued


Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers cash in banks and other deposits with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash and cash equivalents.


Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are based on the estimated useful lives of the assets and are computed using straight-line or units-of-production methods. The expected useful lives of most of the Company’s buildings are up to 50 years and equipment life expectancy ranges between 2 and 10 years. When assets are retired or sold, the costs and related allowances for depreciation and amortization are eliminated from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in operations.


Mineral Properties

Significant payments related to the acquisition of mineral properties, mineral rights, and mineral leases are capitalized.


If a commercially mineable ore body is discovered, such costs are amortized when production begins using the units-of-production method based on proven and probable reserves. If no commercially mineable ore body is discovered, or such rights are otherwise determined to have no value, such costs are expensed in the period in which it is determined the property has no future economic value.


Mine Exploration and Development Costs

The Company expenses exploration costs as such in the period they occur. Mine development costs are capitalized as deferred development costs after proven and probable reserves have been identified. Amortization of deferred development costs is calculated using the units-of-production method over the expected life of the operation based on the estimated recoverable mineral ounces.


Claim Fees

Unpatented claim fees paid at time of staking are expensed when incurred. Recurring renewal fees which are paid annually are recorded as prepaid and expensed over the course of the year.


Impairment of Long-Lived Asset Evaluations

The Company evaluates the carrying amounts of its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable from the estimated future cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition. Estimated undiscounted future net cash flows from each mineral property are calculated using estimated future production, three year average metals prices, operating capital and costs, and reclamations costs. An impairment loss is recognized when the estimated discounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of an asset are less than the carrying amount of the asset. The Company’s estimates of future cash flows are subject to risks and uncertainties. It is reasonably possible that changes in estimates could occur which may affect the expected recoverability of the Company’s investments in mineral properties.


Asset Retirement Obligations and Remediation Costs

Mineral properties are subject to standards for mine reclamation that have been established by various governmental agencies. Asset retirement obligations are related to the retirement of the mine when a contractual obligation has been established and a reasonable estimate of fair value can be determined. These obligations are initially measured at fair value with the resulting cost capitalized at the present value of estimated reclamation costs. An asset and a related liability are recorded for the fair value of these costs. The liability is accreted and the asset amortized over the life of the related asset. Adjustments are made for changes resulting from either the timing or amount of the original estimate underlying the obligation. If there is an impairment to an asset’s carrying value and a decision is made to permanently close the property, changes to the liability are recognized and charged to the provision for closed operations and environmental matters. Separate from asset retirement obligations, the Company records liability for remediation costs when a reasonable estimate of fair value can be determined. Accrued remediation costs are not discounted.



37



Table of contents

New Jersey Mining Company

Notes to Financial Statements




2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued


Reclamation Bond

Various laws and permits require that financial assurances be in place for certain environmental and reclamation obligations and other potential liabilities. At December 31, 2016, the Company has a $58,000 reclamation bond for the Golden Chest Mine.


Share Based Compensation or Payments

All transactions in which goods or services are received for the issuance of shares of the Company’s common stock or options to purchase shares of common stock are accounted for based on the fair value of the goods or services received or the fair value of the equity interest issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. The value of common stock awards is determined based upon the closing price of our stock on the date of the award. The Company estimates the fair value of stock-based compensation using the Black-Scholes model, which requires the input of some subjective assumptions. These assumptions include estimating the length of time employees will retain their vested stock options before exercising them (“expected life”), the estimated volatility of our common stock price over the expected term (“volatility”), employee forfeiture rate, the risk-free interest rate and the dividend yield. Changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimate of the fair value of stock-based compensation.


Derivatives

The Company measures derivative contracts as assets or liabilities based on their fair value. Gains or losses resulting from changes in the fair value of derivatives in each period are recorded in current earnings (losses). None of the Company’s derivative contracts qualify for hedge accounting. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.


Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-17 Income Taxes-Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (Topic 740). The update is designed to reduce complexity of reporting deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and non-current amounts in a statement of financial position. ASU No. 2015-17 requires the presentation of deferred income taxes, changes to deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as non-current in the statement of financial position. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of implementing this update on the consolidated financial statements.


In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09 Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The update simplifies the accounting for stock-based compensation, including income tax consequences and balance sheet and cash flow statement classification of awards. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of implementing this update on the consolidated financial statements.


In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15 Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The update provides guidance on classification for cash receipts and payments related to eight specific issues. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of implementing this update on the consolidated financial statements.


In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01 Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The update clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company will apply the provisions of the update to potential future acquisitions occurring after the effective date.


Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by FASB that do not require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements upon adoption.




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Notes to Financial Statements




3. Going Concern


At December 31, 2016, the Company’s current debt exceeded current assets by $1,787,197. In addition, the Company has accumulated deficit of $12,289,473 and ongoing net loss from operations. These factors indicate that there may be doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern for the next twelve months.


During the first quarter of 2017, the Company completed $1,141,000 of equity sales which included an exchange of $100,000 in the Company’s commons stock for debt owed by the Company to a related party. In addition, related party debt holders are willing to restructure payments that will allow the Company to defer $724,247 in current debt to long term debt if necessary. In addition, first quarter of 2017 production has resulted in positive cash flow and production planned for the remainder of the year indicate the trend to continue. As a result of its planned production, equity sales and ability to restructure debt, management believes there is not a substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for the next twelve months. Cash flows from operations and existing cash are sufficient to conduct planned operations and meet contractual obligations for the time period.


4. Note Receivable


On September 30, 2014 the Company loaned $58,386 to Premium Exploration (USA) Inc under a convertible promissory note. The note carries simple interest at 8% and matured on August 1, 2015 at which time the principal and interest was due. Premium Exploration has since filed for bankruptcy and the Company is listed as a creditor in the bankruptcy proceedings and still expects to receive payment and has accrued no reserve for uncollectibility at December 31, 2016


5. Property, Plant and Equipment


Property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2016 and 2015, consisted of the following:


 

 

2016

 

2015

Mill

 

 

 

 

    Land

$

225,289

$

225,289

    Building

 

536,193

 

536,193

    Equipment

 

4,192,940

 

4,209,440

 

 

4,954,422

 

4,970,922

Less accumulated depreciation

 

(307,302)

 

(285,420)

Total mill

 

4,647,120

 

4,685,502

Building and equipment

 

434,897

 

362,188

Less accumulated depreciation

 

(223,264)

 

(217,738)

Total building and equipment

 

211,633

 

144,450

Land

 

 

 

 

Bear Creek

 

266,934

 

196,204

Little Baldy

 

62,139

 

72,139

BOW

 

230,449

 

230,449

Eastern Star

 

250,817

 

250,817

Gillig

 

79,137

 

79,137

Highwater

 

40,133

 

40,133

Total land

 

929,609

 

868,879

Total

$

5,788,362

$

5,698,831


During the year ended December 31, 2015, $16,295 in interest was capitalized in conjunction with the mill expansion project. None was capitalized in 2016 for the mill expansion.


During the year ended December 31, 2012, a lease agreement was entered into with Hecla Mining Company (“Hecla”) on the Company’s Little Baldy land holding. Under the agreement, Hecla has paid $10,000 each year in 2016 and 2015, respectively, to the Company for the option to obtain NJMC’s interest in the land. The Company has recorded these lease payments as a reduction in the carrying value of the land for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.




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New Jersey Mining Company

Notes to Financial Statements




6. Mineral Properties


Mineral properties are as follows:


 

 

December 31,

2016

 

December 31, 2015

New Jersey

$

215,127

$

215,127

McKinley

 

250,000

 

250,000

Golden Chest

 

1,586,324

 

1,445,229

Toboggan

 

5,000

 

5,000

Less accumulated amortization

 

(9,551)

 

(8,267)

Total

$

2,046,900

$

1,907,089


In the year ended December 31, 2016, $6,253 of interest was capitalized for the construction at the Golden Chest property. No interest was capitalized for development in 2015.


New Jersey

The Coleman property is located at the New Jersey Mine area of interest and consists of 62 acres of patented mining claims, mineral rights to 108 acres of fee land, 80 acres of land for which the Company owns the surface but not the mineral rights, and approximately 130 acres of unpatented mining claims. The Coleman property was acquired in October 2002. As of December 31, 2015, an impairment analysis determined that the property’s value had been impaired based upon current mineral prices and market conditions and a impairment loss of $70,098 was recognized. Fair value of the property at December 31, 2015 was determined using Level 3 fair value inputs based on recent sales of comparable properties in the immediate area.


McKinley

The McKinley Project is an exclusive exploration and mining lease which covers several historic mines and prospects, including the McKinley Mine, Ibex Mine, and Big Easy Mine, on private land located in central Idaho near the town of Lucile. On December 31, 2013, NJMC received all rights and agreements, intellectual property, historic and recent due diligence, surveys and maps, along with a 12-month option to purchase the historic McKinley Mine, located on 62 acres within the overall land package. The purchase option has an exercise price of $285,000. NJMC can perform certain due diligence, including exploration drilling, prior to the exercise date, which has been extended to November 2017. A prior lessee of the McKinley Mine is due a 1.0% to 2.0% NSR sliding scale royalty on future production based on the price of gold, which is capped at a total of $500,000.


Golden Chest

The Golden Chest is an exploration and underground mine project located near Murray, Idaho consisting of 25 patented and 70 unpatented mining claims. Previously owned by GCJV, the property is now owned by NJMC after the Company acquired the remaining 52.22% interest in 2015 (Note 14). A 2% Net Smelter Royalty is payable to Marathon Gold on production at the Golden Chest and $6,916 was paid in the fourth quarter of 2016.


Silver Button/Roughwater

The Silver Button claim is the remaining property of the ten claims acquired from Roughwater Mining Company. During 2005, the other nine Roughwater unpatented claims were dropped. In 2001, the Company purchased the property through the issuance of 255,000 shares of its common stock to Roughwater Mining Company. The shares were valued at $0.10 per share, for a total acquisition cost of $25,500. As of December 31, 2015 an impairment analysis determined that the property had no value using Level 3 fair value inputs based on current mineral prices and market conditions and an impairment loss for the entire $25,500 carrying value was recognized.


Toboggan

Toboggan is a gold and silver exploration project consisting of 106 claims covering 2,100 acres of federal land administered by the U.S. Forest Service. In 2001, the Company issued 50,000 shares of stock to an individual to acquire the rights. The shares were valued at $0.10 per share for a total acquisition cost of $5,000. This cost was for a portion of the claims in the Toboggan property that were purchased; the remaining claims were staked by the Company.


The Little Baldy prospect which a part of the Toboggan project is under lease to Hecla. The lease has a 20-year term and calls for annual payments to NJMC of $10,000 through the fifth year, then escalating to $15,000 for three years, $20,000 for one year, and $48,000 thereafter. Should gold production be realized from the leased claims, a 2% net smelter return royalty is due NJMC. The Company is currently in the fifth year of the lease. The annual requirement for 2017 is a payment of $15,000 and work commitment of $200,000 which will be paid by Hecla.



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New Jersey Mining Company

Notes to Financial Statements




7. Notes Payable


At December 31, 2016 and 2015 notes payable are as follows:


 

2016

2015

Note payable, 4.91% interest rate payable monthly, remaining principal of note due in one payment at end of term, collateralized by property, monthly payments of $459

$

39,021

$

42,726

Note payable, 11.0% interest rate payable monthly, remaining principal of note due in one payment at end of term, collateralized by property, monthly payments of $1,124

 

98,559

 

105,196

Note payable, 17.53% interest per annum, collateralized by pump, monthly payments of $3,268

 

48,035

 

76,097

Note payable for mineral property, 10 quarterly payments, 0.0% interest rate discounted at 10%, collateralized by mineral property, quarterly payments of $125,000

 

750,000

 

1,125,000

Total notes payable

 

935,615

 

1,349,019

Due within one year

 

664,787

 

572,806

Due after one year

$

270,828

$

776,213


Future principal payments of debt and related discount amortization at December 31, 2016 are as follows:


 

 

Note

 

Discount

 

Net

2017

$

664,788

$

(41,603)

$

623,185

2018

 

146,849

 

(2,669)

 

144,180

2019

 

34,790

 

 

 

34,790

2020

 

3,872

 

 

 

3,872

Thereafter

 

85,316

 

 

 

85,316

Total

$

935,615

$

(44,272)

$

891,343


8. Asset Retirement Obligation


The Company has established asset retirement obligations associated with the ultimate closing of its mineral properties where there has been or currently is operations. Activity for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:


 

 

2016

 

2015

Balances at January 1

$

28,656

$

23,366

Accretion expense

 

5,291

 

5,290

Incurred on Golden Chest mining operations

 

38,271

 

 

Balance December 31

$

72,218

$

28,656


During 2016, the Company established a asset requirement obligation for its Golden Chest mine. Management estimated that the cost to reclaim the property based upon disturbance to date to be $42,182. The estimated reclamation costs were discounted using credit adjusted, risk-free interest rate of 5.0% from the time the obligation was incurred to the time management expects to pay the retirement obligation.


9. Joint Venture Arrangements


New Jersey Mill Venture Agreement (“NJMJV”)

In January 2011, the Company and United Mine Services, Inc. (“UMS”) entered into an agreement relating to the New Jersey mineral processing plant. To earn a 35 percent interest in the venture, UMS provided $3.2 million funding to expand the processing plant to 15 tonnes/hr. The Company is the operator of the venture and charges operating costs to UMS for milling its ore up to 7,000 tonnes/month, retain a milling capacity of 3,000 tonnes/month, and as the operator of the venture receive a fee of $2.50/tonne milled. UMS subsequently dissolved and its interest in the mill was transferred to Crescent Silver, LLC (Crescent). As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, an account receivable existed with the Mill Joint Venture from Crescent for $2,888 and $3,109 respectively. To date, no ore has been processed under this joint venture arrangement.



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Notes to Financial Statements




9. Joint Venture Arrangements, continued


Butte Highlands Joint Venture

On January 29, 2016, the Company purchased a 50% interest in Butte Highlands JV, LLC (“BHJV”) from Timberline Resources Corporation for $225,000 in cash and 3,000,000 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $210,000 for a total consideration of $435,000.  Highland Mining, LLC (“Highland”) is the other 50% owner and manager of the joint venture. Under the agreement, Highland will fund all future project exploration and mine development costs. The Agreement stipulates that Highland is manager of BHJV and will manage BHJV until such time as all mine development costs, less $2 million are distributed to Highland out of the proceeds from future mine production. The Company has determined that because it does not currently have significant influence over the joint venture’s activities, it will account for its investment on a cost basis. The Company purchased the interest in the BHJV to provide additional opportunities for exploration and development and expand the Company’s mineral property portfolio.


10. Income Taxes


The Company did not recognize a provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 due to net losses for those periods.


At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had net deferred tax assets principally arising from the net operating loss carry forwards for income tax purposes multiplied by an expected tax rate of 40%. As management of the Company cannot determine that it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefit of the deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance equal to the net deferred tax assets has been established at December 31, 2016 and 2015. The significant components of net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:


 

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

2016

 

2015

Deferred tax asset

 

 

 

 

Net operating loss carry forward

$

4,346,000

$

3,436,000

Mineral properties

 

920,000

 

1,321,000

Asset retirement obligation

 

8,000

 

11,000

Stock based compensation

 

176,000

 

 

Derivative contracts

 

44,000

 

 

Discount on note payable

 

118,000

 

 

Total deferred tax assets

 

5,612,000

 

4,768,000

Valuation allowance

 

(4,712,000)

 

(4,153,000)

 

 

900,000

 

615,000

Deferred tax liabilities

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of mineral interest

 

(90,000)

 

(90,000)

Property, plant, and equipment

 

(810,000)

 

(525,000)

Total deferred tax liabilities

 

(900,000)

 

(615,000)

Net deferred tax asset

$

0

$

0


At December 31, 2016 and 2015 the Company had net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $10,900,000 and $8,600,000 respectively for both federal and the state of Idaho, which expire in the years 2019 through 2036.


The income tax benefit shown in the financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 differs from the statutory rate as follows:


 

 

December 31,

2016

 

December 31,

2015

Provision (benefit) at statutory rate

 

$

(476,000)

 

$

(86,000)

State taxes, net of federal taxes

 

 

(68,000)

 

 

(12,000)

Adjustment of prior year tax estimate to actual

 

 

15,000

 

 

116,000

Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance

 

 

559,000

 

 

(18,000)

Total provision (benefit)

 

$

0

 

$

0


We are open to examination of our income tax filings in the United States and state jurisdictions for the 2014 through 2016 tax years. In the event that the Company is assessed penalties and or interest, penalties will be charged to other operating expense and interest will be charged to interest expense. Certain tax positions taken in the 2014 through 2016 tax years could result in adjustments to our exploration and development costs for tax purposes. However, such adjustments would not result in a tax provision because they would only revise to the net operating loss carry forwards balance.



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Notes to Financial Statements




11. Equity


The Company has authorized 200,000,000 shares of no par common stock at December 31, 2016 and 2015. In addition, the Company has authorized 1,000,000 shares of no par preferred stock, none of which had been issued at December 31, 2016 or 2015.


The Company began a private placement in the fourth quarter 2016 which ran through the first quarter of 2017. Each unit consisted of two shares of the Company’s common stock and one stock purchase warrant with each warrant exercisable for one share of the Company’s stock at $0.20 through February 2020. As of December 31, 2016, 537,500 units were sold consisting of 1,075,000 shares and 537,500 warrants for net proceeds of $92,500 after deducting the 10% commission and other related placement fees. See Note 16 Subsequent Events.


In 2016, the Company issued 500,000 shares of common stock pursuant to the exercise of stock purchase options at $0.10 per share for $16,250 in cash and $33,750 in exchange for a reduction of a note payable with a related party.


During the year ended December 31, 2016 the Company issued 3,000,000 shares of common stock for the purchase of a 50% interest in Butte Highlands joint venture at $0.07 per share for a value of $210,000 and 175,760 shares of common stock for the acquisition of GF&H at $0.15 per share for a value of $26,364. Fair values were based on the trading price of the Company’s stock on the date of the respective transactions.


During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company issued 682,796 shares of its common stock valued at $71,507 for professional services. Fair value was based on the trading price of the Company’s stock on the dates of each transaction.


No shares of common stock were issued in 2015.


Stock Purchase Warrants Outstanding

Transactions in common stock purchase warrants for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:


 

 

Number of Warrants

 

Exercise Prices

Balance December 31, 2014

 

21,200,000

$

0.10-0.20

Expired

 

(11,000,000)

 

0.15

Balance December 31, 2015

 

10,200,000

 

0.10-0.20

Issued in connection with private placement

 

537,500

 

0.20

Balance December 31, 2016

 

10,737,500

$

0.10-0.20


These warrants expire as follows:


Shares

Exercise Price

Expiration Date

3,000,000

$0.15

March 4, 2017

6,000,000

$0.20

August 11, 2017

1,200,000

$0.10

August 11, 2019

537,500

$0.20

February 28, 2020

10,737,500

 

 


Stock Options

In April 2014 the Board of Directors of the Company established a stock option plan to authorize the granting of stock options to officers and employees. Upon exercise of the options shares are issued from the available authorized shares of the Company.


On April 30, 2014, 2,250,000 options were issued to management, 750,000 options vested immediately and the remaining 1,500,000 vested at a rate of 750,000 each year on the anniversary for 2 additional years, and they expire 3 years after vesting date. Each option allows the holder to purchase one share of the Company’s stock at $0.10 prior to expiration. Utilizing the Black Scholes option pricing model, an expected life of three years, a risk free rate of 0.87%, and expected volatility of 161.30% compensation cost of $173,844 is associated with these options. Of this $115,896 was recorded as a general and administrative expense in 2014 and $43,461 was recognized in 2015, the remaining $14,487 was recognized in 2016.



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Notes to Financial Statements




11. Equity, continued


On December 30, 2015, 1,500,000 options were granted to management, 750,000 options vested immediately and the remaining 750,000 vested on December 30, 2016. The options expire 5 years after their corresponding vesting date. Each option allows the holder to purchase one share of the Company’s stock at $0.10 prior to expiration. Utilizing the Black Scholes option pricing model, an expected life of five years, a risk free rate of 1.80%, and expected volatility of 158.50%, a compensation cost of $110,208 is associated with the options. Of this, $55,104 was recorded as a general and administrative expense in 2015. The remaining compensation cost of $55,104 was recognized in 2016.


In the fourth quarter of 2016 2,750,000 options were granted to management, directors, consultants, and employees of the Company. 1,225,000 vested in the fourth quarter of 2016 and the remaining 1,525,000 vest in 2017. The options expire three years after their grant date. Each option allows the holder to purchase one share of the Company’s stock at $0.15 prior to expiration. Utilizing the Black Scholes option pricing model, an expected life of three years, a risk free rate of between 0.91% and 1.47%, and expected volatility of between 147.1% and 148.2%, a compensation cost of $268,032 is associated with the options. Of this, $151,143 was recorded as a general and administrative expense in 2016. The remaining unrecognized compensation cost of $116,889 is expected to be recognized in 2017.


 

 

Number of Options

 

Exercise Prices

Balance January 1, 2015

 

4,500,000

$

0.10-0.15

Cancelled

 

(250,000)

 

0.15

Issued

 

1,500,000

 

0.10

Balance December 31, 2015

 

5,750,000

 

0.10-0.15

   Exercised

 

(500,000)

 

0.10

Issued

 

2,750,000

 

0.15

Expired

 

(500,000)

 

0.11

Balance December 31, 2016

 

7,500,000

 

0.10-0.15

 

 

 

 

 

Exercisable at December 31, 2016

 

5,975,000

$

0.10-0.15


At December 31, 2016, the stock options have an intrinsic value of approximately $65,000 and have a weighted average remaining term of 3 years.


12. Related Party Transactions


At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had the following notes and interest payable to related parties:


 

 

December 31,

2016

 

December 31, 2015

Mine Systems Design (“MSD”), a company in which our Company’s Vice President owns 10.4%, 12% interest, monthly payments of $4,910 through October 2018

$

115,868

$

141,033

John Swallow, Company president, 5% interest, monthly payments of $5,834 with balloon payment of $475,973 in November 2017

 

520,010

 

545,208

John Swallow, Company president, 5% interest, principal and interest due January 2018

 

341,250

 

 

Margaret Bathgate, shareholder, 5% interest, principal and interest due January 2018

 

100,000

 

 

 

 

1,077,128

 

686,241

Accrued interest payable

 

4,167

 

 

Total

 

1,081,295

 

686,241

Current portion

 

567,580

 

88,114

Long term portion

$

513,715

$

598,127


Related party interest expense for the years ending December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $63,650 and $20,572, respectively. At December 31, 2016, $567,580 of total related party debt is payable in 2017 and $509,548 is payable in 2018. Also see Note 15 for Forward Gold Contracts with related parties and Note 16 Subsequent Events for related party debt exchanged for shares of common stock subsequent to year end.



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Notes to Financial Statements




13. Acquisition of GF&H Company


On July 11, 2014, the Company acquired two thirds of the issued and outstanding common shares of GF&H Company (“GF&H). In the third quarter of 2016, the Company acquired the remaining one third of GF&H’s outstanding shares at which time GF&H was dissolved.  For the remaining one third interest, the Company paid the non-controlling interest $27,341 in cash and 175,760 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $0.15 per share ($26,364) for a total consideration of $53,705. On the date of the acquisition, the non-controlling interest had a net asset value of $84,966 resulting in a gain of $31,261 which was been recognized as an addition to stockholders’ equity. The Company purchased the outstanding shares of GF&H Company to consolidate the Company’s land holdings in the area of the Golden Chest property and provide additional opportunities timber revenue and mineral exploration.


14. Acquisition of GCJV


In December of 2015 the Company became the 100% owner of the GCJV. Prior to that the Company held 47.77% of the joint venture. The Company received the 52.22% share of GCJV held by MUSA in exchange for $180,000 and a 2% NSR royalty payable to MUSA on all future gold production from the property. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recognized $6,916 of royalty expense in accordance with this agreement.


In addition to the assets of GCJV, a note payable of $1,250,000 for the patented mining claims was assumed by the Company. A summary of the acquisition is as follows:


 

 

December 2, 2015

Consideration

 

 

Cash for MUSA’s 52.22% interest

$

180,000

Assumed fair value of NJMC’s 47.77%

 

164,696

Total consideration

$

344,696

Fair value of assets acquired

 

 

Cash

$

524

Prepaid claim fees

 

9,946

Buildings and equipment

 

131,700

Golden Chest Mineral property

 

1,427,050

Fair value of liabilities

 

 

Note payable on property

 

(1,094,007)

Accounts payable

 

(130,517)

Net assets acquired

$

344,696

 

 

 


As the Company’s carrying value of their previously held 47.77% interest was Nil at the time of acquisition, a gain was recorded as remeasurement of previously held interest. The fair value of the remeasurement was established based upon the purchase price of 52.22% of GCJV held by MUSA for $180,000 which resulted in an impued full value for the property of $344,696 which implied that the original investment held a value of $164,696.


The note discount was calculated at an assumed rate of 10% for the remaining 10 quarterly payments on the full note value of $1,125,000 at the date of acquisition resulting in a discount of $155,992 to be amortized over the remainder of the note. At December 31, 2016 the balance remaining of the discount was $44,271.


The Company purchased the outstanding share in GCJV to consolidate ownership and facilitate exploration and mining plans going forward. GCJV had minimal operating activity over the past several years with the exception of the lease of the Skookum project which in 2015 included $1,093,317 in depreciation expenses and lease payments of $125,000 per quarter.



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Notes to Financial Statements



14. Acquisition of GCJV, continued


The unaudited pro forma financial information below represents the combined results of the Company’s operations as if the GCJV acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the period presented. The unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and is not indicative of the results of operations that would have occurred if the acquisition had taken place at the beginning of the period presented, nor is it indicative of future operating results.


 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2015 

(unaudited)

 

Revenue

$

1,891,173

 

Operating expenses

 

(3,273,219)

 

Net loss from continuing operations

 

(1,382,046)

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss per common share, basic and diluted

$

0.02

 


15.  Forward Gold Contracts


On July 13, 2016, the Company entered into a forward gold contract with Ophir Holdings LLC, a company owned by three of the Company’s officers, for net proceeds of $467,500 to fund startup costs at the Golden Chest. The agreement calls for the Company to deliver a total of 500 ounces of gold to the purchasers in quarterly payments starting December 1, 2016 for a period of two years as gold is produced from the Golden Chest Mine and New Jersey Mill. Ophir Holdings agreed to delay receipt of its December 1, 2016 payment until 2017. At December 31, 2016, future gold deliveries are 312.5 ounces in 2017 and 187.5 ounces in 2018.


On July 29, 2016, the Company entered into a forward gold contract through GVC Capital LLC for net proceeds of $772,806 to fund startup costs at the Golden Chest. The agreement calls for the Company to deliver a total of 904 ounces of gold to the purchasers in quarterly payments starting December 1, 2016 for a period of two years as gold is produced from the Golden Chest Mine and New Jersey Mill. The December 1, 2016 payment, was paid with an ounce equivalent of 114.5 ounces. At December 31, 2016, future gold deliveries are 450.5 ounces in 2017 and 339 ounces in 2018.


The gold to be delivered does not need to be produced from the Golden Chest property. In addition, the counterparties can request cash payment instead of gold ounces for each quarterly payment. The cash payments are on average gold prices for the applicable quarter. Due to these provisions, the contracts are accounted for as derivatives requiring their value to be adjusted to fair value each period end. For year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recognized a change in fair value of $296,098. The fair value was calculated using the market approach with Level 2 inputs for forward gold contract rates and a discount rate of 10%.


16.  Subsequent Events


In the first quarter of 2017 the Company completed the private placement begun in the fourth quarter 2016 which ran through the first quarter of 2017. Each unit consisted of two shares of the Company’s common stock and one stock purchase warrant with each warrant exercisable for one share of the Company’s stock at $0.20 through February 2020. As of December 31, 2016, 537,500 units were sold consisting of 1,075,000 shares and 537,500 warrants for net proceeds of $92,500 after deducting the 10% commission and other related placement fees. In 2017 and additional 3,200,000 shares and 1,600,000 warrants were sold for net proceeds in 2017 of $291,000 after deducting the 10% commission. At closing of the private placement in March 2017, the total units for the private placement were 2,137,500 units consisting of 4,275,000 shares and 2,137,500 warrants, net proceeds of the private placement in total were $383,500.


On March 28, 2017 an additional private placement was completed by the Company. The private placement was for 4,250,000 units, each units consisting of two shares of the Company’s stock and one stock purchase warrant with each warrant exercisable for one share of the Company’s stock at $0.20 through March 28, 2020. No commission was paid with this private placement. Proceeds were $850,000 which included an exchange of $100,000 in private placement participation in exchange for $100,000 in debt owed by the Company to a related party.




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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE


None.


ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES


Disclosure Controls and Procedures


At the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our President who also serves as our Chief Accounting Officer evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d – 15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon that evaluation, it was concluded that our disclosure controls were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report, to ensure that: (i) information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within required time periods specified by the Securities & Exchange Commission rules and forms, and (ii) material information required to be disclosed in reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our President and Chief Accounting Officer, as appropriate, to allow for accurate and timely decision regarding required disclosure.


Internal Control over Financial Reporting


Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting


The management of New Jersey Mining Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. This internal control system has been designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of the Company’s published financial statements.


All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.


The management of New Jersey Mining Company has assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016. To make this assessment, we used the criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our assessment, we believe that, as of December 31, 2016, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective.


Changes in internal control over financial reporting


There was no material change in internal control over financial reporting in the quarter ended December 31, 2016.


ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION


None.




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PART III


ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE


Name & Address

Age

Position

Term

Delbert W. Steiner

201 N. Third Street

Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

71

Chairman of the Board

8/29/2013 to 12/1/2014 and 5/2/2015 to 1/10/17 CEO and /8/29/2013 to present Chairman

John Swallow

201 N. Third Street

Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

50

Chief Executive Officer/ President & Director

8/29/2013 to 12/1/2014 and 5/2/2015 to present President 1/20/17 to present CEO and 8/29/2013 to present Director

Grant A. Brackebusch

P.O. Box 131

Silverton, ID 83867

47

Vice President & Director

7/18/1996 to present

Monique Hayes

4159 E. Mullan Trail Rd

Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

51

Secretary

11/20/16 to present


Directors are elected by shareholders at each annual shareholders meeting to hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their respective successors are elected and qualified.


John Swallow was named Chief Executive Officer and President on January 10, 2017. Prior to being named as CEO, Mr. Swallow was appointed as the President and a Director of the Company on August 29, 2013. He resigned as president in December 2014, and subsequently reappointed as President on May 5, 2015 following the resignation of Mr. Highsmith. He holds a B.S. in Finance from Arizona State University. Mr. Swallow was the Vice President of Timberline Drilling, Inc. from November 2011 until accepting the role of President with the Company. From September 2009, until November 2011, Mr. Swallow was self-employed. From January 2006 until September 2009 he served as chairman of Timberline Resources Corporation. He brings wide-ranging experience from within the local mineral exploration industry as well as extensive knowledge of the junior equity markets. Mr. Swallow’s extensive experience in the drilling industry, his previous roles as a chairman of a board and as a vice president of a corporation qualify him to sit on the Board of the Company.


Delbert Steiner resigned as Chief Executive Officer on January 10, 2017 but remained as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company as previously appointed on August 29, 2013. In December 2014, he resigned as Chief Executive Officer, and was subsequently reappointed as Chief Executive Officer on May 5, 2015 following the resignation of Mr. Highsmith. He holds a B.S. from Lewis Clark State College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Idaho. He has held the position of CEO and Chairman for the Vancouver based Premium Exploration, Inc. since 2005 and was responsible for day-to-day business and financial decision making. He practiced law for more than 25 years and has an extensive background in environmental and mining law, including permitting projects from the exploration to mining phases. Mr. Steiner’s extensive background in the mining industry and in operating a publicly traded company qualifies him to sit on the Board of the Company.


Grant A. Brackebusch, P.E. has served as the Vice President and a Director of the Company since 1996. He holds a B.S. in Mining Engineering from the University of Idaho. He is registered in Idaho as a Professional Engineer. He has worked for New Jersey Mining Company since 1996, and worked for Newmont Mining previously. Currently, he supervises the daily operations of the exploration program at the Golden Chest, but also has experience with NJMC in mill operations, engineering, and environmental permitting. His background in the mining industry includes open pit mining planning and supervision as well as various engineering and geotechnical tasks. Mr. Brackebusch’s extensive mining background, knowledge of the Company’s day to day operations, and industry expertise qualifies him to sit on the Board of the Company.


Executive Officers and Key Employees

Monique Hayes was appointed Corporate Secretary in November 2016. She has over 10 years of investor relations corporate governance experience in the mining industry and over 10 years of communications and brand management experience. Prior to joining New Jersey Mining Company, Ms. Hayes worked for Hecla Mining Company, Revett Mining Company and Sterling Mining. Her advertising and communications experience includes working for Publicis Dialog Direct and WhiteRunkle Associates where she worked with national accounts including AT&T Wireless, Bell Atlantic and NordicTrack. Ms. Hayes attended City University where she studied business management, brand strategy and communications.



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Legal Proceedings

No Director or Officer has been involved in any legal action involving the Company for the past five years.


Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the regulations thereunder, the Company’s Directors, Executive Officers and beneficial owners of more than 10% of any registered class of the Company’s equity securities are required to file reports of their ownership of the Company’s securities and any changes in that ownership with the SEC.


Based solely on our review of the copies of such forms received by us, or written representations from certain reporting persons, we believe that during fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, all filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors and greater than 10% percent beneficial owners were complied with.


Code of Ethics

The Company adopted a Code of Ethics at a Board of Directors meeting on December 9, 2003, that applies to the Company’s executive officers. The Company also adopted a Code of Ethics for all employees at the Board of Directors meeting on February 18, 2008.


Board Nomination Procedures

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of directors.


ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION


Compensation of Officers

A summary of cash and other compensation for Delbert Steiner, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, John Swallow, the Company’s President, and Grant Brackebusch, the Company’s Vice President (the “Named Executive Officers”), for the two most recent years is as follows:


Executive Officer Summary Compensation Table

Name & Principal Position

Year

Salary ($)

Bonus ($)

Stock Awards

($)

Option Awards1

($)

Nonequity Incentive Plan Compensa-

tion

($)

Nonqualified Deferred Compensa-

tion Earnings

($)

All Other Compensa-tion

($)

Total

($)

Delbert Steiner

2016

65,000

 

 

23,469

 

 

 

88,470

Executive Chairman

2015

91,250

 

 

49,448

 

 

 

140,698

John Swallow

2016

 

 

 

23,469

 

 

 

23,469

President

2015

 

 

 

49,448

 

 

 

49,448

Grant Brackebusch

2016

75,000

 

 

23,469

 

 

 

98,470

Vice Pres.

2015

103,447

 

 

49,448

 

 

 

152,895

 (1) Stock Awards and Options Awards include fees earned as Directors. The Company has valued all Stock Awards granted at fair value as computed in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718. The compensation of the Named Executive Officers has been set by disinterested members of the Board of Directors to a level competitive with other mining companies of similar size with similar types of operations. The executive stock compensation is for services as directors.


The Company does not have a retirement plan for its executive officers and there is no agreement, plan or arrangement that provides for payments to executive officers in connection with resignation, retirement, termination or a change in control of the Company.


Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-end

As of December 31, 2016, 5,125,000 Options were vested and outstanding to directors Grant Brackebusch, Del Steiner, and John Swallow. An additional 375,000 options were granted but not vested as of December 31, 2016.


Director Compensation

All Directors were also executive officers therefore their compensation as a director is included in the above Executive Officer Compensation table.


In 2016 and 2015, Option Awards were issued to the Directors for service as directors of the Company. No additional fees are paid for attendance at Board of Directors’ meetings, committee membership or committee chairmanship. On occasion, Directors are retained for consulting services unrelated to their duties as Directors. These consulting services are either paid in cash or with unregistered Common Stock according to the Company’s policy for share-based payment of services.




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The Company does not have a retirement plan for its Directors and there is no agreement, plan or arrangement that provides for payments to Directors in connection with resignation, retirement, termination or a change in control of the Company.   


ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS


The following table sets forth information as of March 1, 2017 regarding the shares of Company Common Stock beneficially owned by: (i) each person known by the Company to own beneficially more than 5% of the Company’s Common Stock; (ii) each Director of the Company; (iii) the CEO and CFO of the Company (the “Named Executive Officers”); and (iv) all Directors and the Named Executive Officers of the Company as a group. Except as noted below, each holder has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares of the Company Common Stock listed as owned by that person.


Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

Title of Class

Name and Address Of Beneficial Owner

Amount and Nature of Beneficial Owner

Percent of Class(1)

Common

John Swallow

201 N. Third Street

Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

14,577,003

2,075,000 (a)

13.19%

Common

Steven Mark Bathgate and Margaret Bathgate

5350 S. Roslyn Suite #400

Greenwood Village, CO 8011

8,600,000

8.16%


Security Ownership of Management

Title of Class

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

Amount and Nature of Beneficial Owner

Percent of Class1

Common

John Swallow

201 N. Third Street

Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

14,577,003

2,075,000 (a)

13.19%

 

 

 

 

Common

Delbert W. Steiner

201 N. Third Street

Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

1,150,000

1,875,000 (b)

2.40%

 

 

 

 

Common

Grant A. Brackebusch

89 Appleberg Road

Kellogg, Idaho 83837

290,633 indirect

865,460 direct

1,925,000 (c)

2.44%

Common

Monique Hayes

4159 E. Mullan Trail

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83814

110,000 direct

75,000 (e)

0.15

Common

All Directors and Executive Officers as a group (3 individuals)

23,283,096

18.09%


(1) Based upon 105,418,759 outstanding shares of common stock 14,837,500 warrants, and 5,975,000 vested options at March 1, 2017.


a)

Mr. Swallow purchased with personal funds 300,000 units and 400,000 units as part of the Company’s Regulation D Rule 506(b) equity offering completed on August 13, 2014 and December 29, 2016. Each unit purchased in the offering consisted of two (2) shares of the Company’s common stock and one (1) purchase warrant, each warrant is exercisable for one (1) share of the Company’s stock at $0.20 through August 13, 2017 and January 31, 2020. By virtue of these purchases John A. Swallow holds 700,000 warrants. John Swallow also has the right to acquire 1,375,000 shares pursuant to options and an additional 125,000 options will vest on December 29, 2017. John Swallow does not have the right to acquire any additional securities pursuant to options, warrants, conversion privileges or other rights.


b)

Delbert Steiner has the right to acquire 1,875,000 shares pursuant to options and an additional 125,000 options will vest on December 29, 2017. Delbert Steiner does not have the right to acquire any additional securities pursuant to options, warrants, conversion privileges or other rights.


c)

Grant Brackebusch owns 10.4% of Mine Systems Design, Inc. (MSD) which is an S corporation that owns 2,794,550 common shares of the Company.


d)

Grant Brackebusch has the right to acquire 1,875,000 shares pursuant to options and an additional 125,000options will vest on December 29, 2017. Neither MSD nor Grant Brackebusch has the right to acquire any additional securities pursuant to options, warrants, conversion privileges or other rights. Mr. Brackebusch purchased with personal funds 50,000 units as part of the Company’s Regulation D Rule 506(b) equity offering completed on March 16, 2017. Each unit purchased in the offering consisted of two (2) shares of the Company’s common stock and one (1) purchase warrant, each warrant is exercisable for one (1) share of the Company’s stock at $0.20 through January 31, 2020. By virtue of these purchases Grant Brackebusch holds 50,000 warrants.


e)

Monique Hayes has the right to acquire 75,000 shares pursuant to options and an additional 75,000 options will vest on December 29, 2017. Monique Hayes does not have the right to acquire any additional securities pursuant to options, warrants, conversion privileges or other rights.



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None of the Directors or Officers has the right to acquire any additional securities pursuant to options, warrants, conversion privileges or other rights. No shares are pledged as security.  


Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Plans

In April 2014, the Company established a stock option plan to authorize the granting of stock options to officers and employee. The Company occasionally pays for goods or services with unregistered Common Stock and uses the average bid price of the stock, as quoted on the OTCQB, at the time to determine the number of shares to be issued.


Changes in Control

None.


ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE


Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

On December 30, 2015, 1,500,000 options were granted to management, 750,000 options vested immediately and the remaining 750,000 vested on December 30, 2016. The options expire 5 years after their corresponding vestment date. Each option allows the holder to purchase one share of the Company’s stock at $0.10 prior to expiration. Utilizing the Black Scholes option pricing model, an expected life of five years, a risk free rate of 1.80%, and expected volatility of 158.50%, a compensation cost of $110,208 is associated with the options. Of this, $55,104 was recorded as a general and administrative expense in 2015. The remaining unrecognized compensation cost of $55,104 was recognized in 2016.


On December 30, 2016, 750,000 option were granted to management, 375,000 options vested immediately and the remaining 375,000 vest on December 29, 2017. The options expire 3 years after their grant date. Each option allows the holder to purchase one share of the Company’s stock at $0.15 prior to expiration. Utilizing the Black Scholes option pricing model, and expected life of 3 years, a risk free rate of 1.47%, and expected volatility of 148.2% a compensation cost of $70,406 is associated with the options. Of this, $35,203 was recorded as general and administrative expense in 2016. The remaining unrecognized compensation cost of $35,203 is expected to be recognized in 2017.


These options that were awarded in 2016 and 2015 were for compensation as directors of the company and were recorded as management fees of $110,208 and $70,406 respectively


Director Independence

The Board of Directors has determined that Delbert Steiner, John Swallow and Grant Brackebusch are not independent directors.


The Board of Directors does not have separately designated nominating or compensation committees. The entire Board performs these functions. At a Board of Directors meeting on September 21, 2004, the Directors approved an audit committee. The audit committee is currently vacant.


ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES


Audit Fees

The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by the Company’s principal accountant for the audit of the annual financial statements included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and the review for the financial statements included in the Company’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q during those fiscal years, were $46,500 and $44,274 respectively.


Audit Related Fees

The Company incurred no fees during the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services by the Company’s principal accountant that were reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company’s financial statements, and not reported under “Audit Fees” above.


Tax Fees

$10,930 in 2016 and $3,335 in 2015 was paid to the Company's principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning services.


All Other Fees

The Company incurred no other fees during the last two fiscal years for products and services rendered by the Company’s principal accountant.




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Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies

The Board of Directors has adopted an audit committee pre-approval policy. The audit committee is required to pre-approve the audit and non-audit services performed by the independent auditor in order to assure that the provision of such services do not impair the auditor’s independence.


PART IV


ITEM 15. EXHIBITS



3.0*

Articles of Incorporation of New Jersey Mining Company filed July 18, 1996

3.1*

Articles of Amendment filed September 29, 2003

3.2*

Articles of Amendment filed November 10, 2011

3.3*

Bylaws of New Jersey Mining Company

10.1*

Venture Agreement with United Mine Services, Inc. dated January 7, 2011.

10.2*

Mining Lease with Juniper Resources, LLC dated September 3, 2013

10.3*

Exchange Agreement with Idaho Champion Resources, LLC dated December 31, 2013

10.4*

Second Amendment to Sale Agreement, Amendment to Lease Agreement, Release of Mortgage and Quitclaim Deed - Metaline Contact Mines and Beasley dated October 15, 2013.

10.5*

Idaho Champion Resources Lease with Cox dated September 4, 2013

10.6*

Memorandum of Understanding and Option to Purchase McKinley Mine dated November 18, 2013.

10.7**

Rupp Mining Lease dated May 3, 2013

10.8**

Mining Lease with Hecla Silver Valley, Inc. Little Baldy prospect dated September 12, 2012

10.9***

Purchase and Sale Agreement, Red Elk Group Of 13 Patented Mining Claims, Bennett Lumber Co. Mill Site Property dated April 18, 2014

10.10***

Consent, Waiver and Assumption of Venture Agreement by Crescent dated February 14, 2014

10.11***

Milling Agreement dated May 22, 2014

10.12

Option Agreement dated October 9, 2015, between Registrant and Marathon Gold USA Corp., incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 13, 2015.

10.13

Member Interest Purchase Agreement dated December 2, 2015, between Registrant and Marathon Gold USA Corp. and the Golden Chest LLC, incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 4, 2015.

10.14

Resignation and Release of R. Patrick Highsmith dated May 4, 2015, incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 7, 2015.

10.15

Registrant’s Grant of Options to Directors dated December 30, 2015, incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 6, 2016.

14*

Code of Ethical Conduct.

21*

Subsidiaries of the Registrant

31.1****

Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

31.2****

Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

32.1****

Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

32.2****

Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

99(i)

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies.-Filed as an exhibit to the registrant’s annual report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2003 and incorporated by reference herein.

101.INS****

XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH****

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL****

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF****

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB****

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE****

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

 


*

Filed with the Registrant’s Form 10 on June 4, 2014.

**

Filed July 2, 2014

***

Filed March 31, 2015.

****

Filed herewith.



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SIGNATURES


In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.



New Jersey Mining Company


Date: March 30, 2017         

By /s/ DELBERT STEINER

                                            

Delbert Steiner, Chief Executive Officer & Director


Date: March 30, 2017

By /s/ JOHN SWALLOW

                                            

John Swallow, President & Director


Date: March 30, 2017          

By /s/ GRANT A. BRACKEBUSCH

                                            

Grant A. Brackebusch, Vice President & Director   

[njmc10kmar2917v2008.gif]



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