PATRIOT GOLD CORP - Annual Report: 2016 (Form 10-K)
U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2016
Commission file number: 0--32919
PATRIOT GOLD CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada | 86-0947048 | |
(State of incorporation) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
3651 Lindell Road, Suite D165
Las Vegas, Nevada, 89103
(Address of principal executive offices)
702-456-9565
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:
None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
Common Stock, $0.001 par value
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 registrant (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not 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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o | Accelerated filer o |
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | 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 o No x
The issuer’s revenues for its most recent fiscal year were $Nil
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the average bid and asked price of such common equity as of November 30, 2015 was approximately $3,455,459.
The number of shares of the issuer’s common stock issued and outstanding as of August 31, 2016 was 55,877,604 shares.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | |||
Glossary of Mining Terms | 3 | ||
PART I | |||
Item 1 | Business | 6 | |
Item 1A | Risk Factors | 10 | |
Item 1B | Unresolved Staff Comments | 12 | |
Item 2 | Properties | 12 | |
Item 3 | Legal Proceedings | 22 | |
Item 4 | Mine Safety Disclosures | 22 | |
PART II | |||
Item 5 | Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities | 23 | |
Item 6 | Selected Financial Data | 24 | |
Item 7 | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 24 | |
Item 7A | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 26 | |
Item 8 | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data | 26 | |
Item 9 | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure | 26 | |
Item 9A | Controls and Procedures | 26 | |
Item 9B | Other Information | 27 | |
PART III | |||
Item 10 | Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance | 28 | |
Item 11 | Executive Compensation | 29 | |
Item 12 | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters | 31 | |
Item 13 | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence | 31 | |
Item 14 | Principal Accountant Fees and Services | 32 | |
PART IV | |||
Item 15 | Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules | 32 | |
SIGNATURES | 49 |
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Glossary of Mining Terms
Adit(s). Historic working driven horizontally, or nearly so into a hillside to explore for and exploit ore.
Adularia. A potassium-rich alteration mineral – a form of orthoclase.
Air track holes. Drill hole constructed with a small portable drill rig using an air-driven hammer.
BLEG sampling. Bulk leach sampling. A large sample of soil or rock that is leached using cyanide to determine gold and silver content down to a detection limit of as little as 1.0 parts per billion.
CSMT Survey. A Controlled Source Magneto-telluric geophysical method used to map the variation of the Earth’s resistance to conduct electricity by measuring naturally occurring electric and magnetic fields at the Earth’s surface.
Controlled Source Magneto-telluric Survey (CSMT). The recording of variations in a generated electrical field using sophisticated geophysical survey methods.
Core holes. A hole in the ground that is left after the process where a hollow drill bit with diamond chip teeth is used to drill into the ground. The center of the hollow drill fills with the core of the rock that is being drilled into, and when the drill is extracted, a hole is left in the ground.
Felsic Tertiary Volcanic Rocks. Quartz-rich rocks derived from volcanoes and deposited between two and sixty-five million years ago.
Geochemical sampling. Sample of soil, rock, silt, water or vegetation analyzed to detect the presence of valuable metals or other metals which may accompany them. For example, arsenic may indicate the presence of gold.
Geologic mapping. Producing a plan and sectional map of the rock types, structure and alteration of a property.
Geophysical survey. Electrical, magnetic, gravity and other means used to detect features, which may be associated with mineral deposits.
Ground magnetic survey. Recording variations in the earth’s magnetic field and plotting same.
Ground radiometric survey. A survey of radioactive minerals on the land surface.
Leaching. Leaching is a cost effective process where ore is subjected to a chemical liquid that dissolves the mineral component from ore, and then the liquid is collected and the metals extracted from it.
Level(s). Main underground passage driven along a level course to afford access to stopes or workings and provide ventilation and a haulage way for removal of ore.
Magnetic lows. An occurrence that may be indicative of a destruction of magnetic minerals by later hydrothermal (hot water) fluids that have come up along faults. These hydrothermal fluids may in turn have carried and deposited precious metals such as gold and/or silver.
Patented or Unpatented Mining Claims. In this Annual Report, there are references to “patented” mining claims and “unpatented” mining claims. A patented mining claim is one for which the United States government has passed its title to the claimant, giving that person title to the land as well as the minerals and other resources above and below the surface. The patented claim is then treated like any other private land and is subject to local property taxes. An unpatented mining claim on United States government lands establishes a claim to the locatable minerals (also referred to as stakeable minerals) on the land and the right of possession solely for mining purposes. No title to the land passes to the claimant. If a proven economic mineral deposit is developed, provisions of federal mining laws permit owners of unpatented mining claims to patent (to obtain title to) the claim. If one purchases an unpatented mining claim that is later declared invalid by the United States government, one could be evicted.
Plug. A vertical pipe-like body of magma representing a volcanic vent similar to a dome.
Quartz Monzonite. A medium to coarse crystalline rock composed primarily of the minerals quartz, plagioclase and orthoclase.
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Quartz Stockworks. A multi-directional system of quartz veinlets.
RC holes. Short form for Reverse Circulation Drill holes. These are holes are left after the process of Reverse Circulation Drilling.
Reserve. That part of a mineral deposit which could be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination. Reserves are customarily stated in terms of "ore" when dealing with metalliferous minerals; when other materials such as coal, oil, shale, tar, sands, limestone, etc. are involved, an appropriate term such as "recoverable coal" may be substituted.
Resource. An estimate of the total tons and grade of a mineral deposit defined by surface sampling, drilling and occasionally underground sampling of historic diggings when available.
Reverse circulation drilling. A less expensive form of drilling than coring that does not allow for the recovery of a tube or core of rock. The material is brought up from depth as a series of small chips of rock that are then bagged and sent in for analysis. This is a quicker and cheaper method of drilling, but does not give as much information about the underlying rocks.
Rhyolite plug dome. A domal feature formed by the extrusion of viscous quartz-rich volcanic rocks.
Scintillometer survey. A survey of radioactive minerals using a scintillometer, a hand-held, highly accurate measuring device.
Scoping Study. A detailed study of the various possible methods to mine a deposit.
Silicic dome. A convex landform created by extruding quartz-rich volcanic rocks.
Stope(s). An excavation from which ore has been removed from sub-vertical openings above or below levels.
Tertiary. That portion of geologic time that includes abundant volcanism in the western U.S.
Trenching. A cost effective way of examining the structure and nature of mineral ores beneath gravel cover. It involves digging long usually shallow trenches in carefully selected areas to expose unweathered rock and allow sampling.
Volcanic center. Origin of major volcanic activity
Volcanoclastic. Coarse, unsorted sedimentary rock formed from erosion of volcanic debris.
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Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking information. Forward-looking information includes statements relating to future actions, prospective products, future performance or results of current or anticipated products, sales and marketing efforts, costs and expenses, interest rates, outcome of contingencies, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, business strategies, cost savings, objectives of management of Patriot Gold Corp. (hereinafter referred to as the “Company,” “Patriot Gold” or “we”) and other matters. Forward-looking information may be included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or may be incorporated by reference from other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) by the Company. One can find many of these statements by looking for words including, for example, “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates” or similar expressions in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or in documents incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or future events.
The Company has based the forward-looking statements relating to the Company’s operations on management’s current expectations, estimates and projections about the Company and the industry in which it operates. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that we cannot predict. In particular, we have based many of these forward-looking statements on assumptions about future events that may prove to be inaccurate. Accordingly, the Company’s actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements. Any differences could result from a variety of factors, including, but not limited to general economic and business conditions, competition, and other factors.
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PART I
Item 1. Description of Business
We are engaged in natural resource exploration and anticipate acquiring, exploring, and developing natural resource properties. Currently we are undertaking programs in Arizona and Nevada.
Development of Business
We were incorporated in the State of Nevada on November 30, 1998. The Company was originally organized to engage in the business of breeding, raising and marketing meat and by-products to the wholesale and retail markets, and operated from November 30, 1998 through approximately May 31, 2000 when it ceased all operations due to lack of capital.
In June, 2003, the Company filed Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada changing its name to Patriot Gold Corp. and moving the Company into its current business of natural resource exploration and mining. On June 17, 2003, the Company adopted a new trading symbol - PGOL- to reflect the name change. The Company has been in the resource exploration and mining business since June, 2003.
On April 16, 2010, we caused the incorporation of our wholly owned subsidiary, Provex Resources Inc. (“Provex”) under the laws of Nevada.
On April 16, 2010, the Company entered into an Assignment Agreement with Provex to assign the exclusive option to an undivided right, title and interest in the Bruner and Vernal properties and the Bruner Expansion property to Provex. Pursuant to the Assignment Agreements, Provex assumed the rights, and agreed to perform all of the duties and obligations, of the Company arising under the Bruner and Vernal Property Option Agreement and the Bruner Property Expansion Option Agreement. Provex’s only assets are the aforementioned agreements and it does not have any liabilities.
On May 28, 2010, Provex entered into an exclusive right and option agreement with Canamex Resources Corp. (“Canamex”) whereby Canamex could earn up to 75% in the Bruner and the Bruner Property Expansion. Canamex agreed to spend an aggregate total of US $6 million on exploration and related expenditures over the ensuing seven years whereupon Provex agreed to grant the right and option to earn a vested seventy percent (70%) and an additional five percent (5%) upon delivery of a bankable feasibility study.
On February 28, 2011, the Company entered into an Exploration and Option to Enter Joint Venture Agreement with Idaho State Gold Company, LLC, (“ISGC”) whereby the Company granted the option and right to earn a vested seventy percent (70%) interest in the property and the right and option to form a joint venture for the management and ownership of the property called the Moss Mine Property, Mohave County, Arizona (the "Moss Property" or "Moss Mine Property"). Upon execution of the agreement ISGC paid the Company $500,000 USD and agreed to spend an aggregate total of $8,000,000 USD on exploration and related expenditures over the ensuing five years. Subsequent to exercise of the earn-in, ISGC and the Company agreed to form a 70/30 joint venture.
In March, 2011, ISGC transferred its rights to the Exploration and Option to Enter Joint Venture Agreement dated February 28, 2011, to Northern Vertex Capital Inc. (“Northern Vertex”).
On May 12, 2016, the Company entered into a material definitive Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Mining Claims and Escrow Instructions (the “Purchase and Sale Agreement”) with Golden Vertex Corp., an Arizona corporation (“Golden Vertex,” a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Northern Vertex) whereby Golden Vertex agreed to purchase the Company’s remaining 30% working interest in the Moss Gold/Silver Mine for C$1,500,000 (the “Purchase Price”) plus the retention by Patriot of a 3% net smelter returns royalty. Specifically, the Company conveyed all of its right, title and interest in those certain patented and unpatented lode mining claims situated in the Oatman Mining District, Mohave County, Arizona (the “Claims”) together with all extralateral and other associated rights, water rights, tenements, hereditaments and appurtenances belonging or appertaining thereto, and all rights-of-way, easements, rights of access and ingress to and egress from the Claims appurtenant thereto and in which Seller had any interest (collectively, the “Property”). The Purchase Price consisted of C$1,200,000 in cash payable at closing and the remaining C$300,000 was paid by the issuance of Northern Vertex common shares to the Company valued at $0.35 (857,140 shares), issued pursuant to the terms and provisions of an investment agreement (the “Investment Agreement”) entered between the Company and Northern Vertex contemporaneous to the Purchase and Sale Agreement. The Investment Agreement prohibits the resale of the shares during the four month period following the date of issuance and thereafter, the Company will not sell the shares in an amount exceeding 100,000 shares per month.
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Business Operations
We are a natural resource exploration and mining company with an objective of acquiring, exploring, and developing natural resource properties. Our primary focus in the natural resource sector is gold.
The search for valuable natural resources as a business is extremely risky. We can provide investors with no assurance that the properties we have either optioned or purchased in Nevada and Arizona contain commercially exploitable reserves. Exploration for mineral reserves is a speculative venture involving substantial risk. Few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing commercially feasible reserves. Problems such as unusual or unexpected formations and other conditions are involved in mineral exploration and often result in unsuccessful exploration efforts. In such a case, we would be unable to complete our business plan and any money spent on exploration would be lost.
Natural resource exploration and development requires significant capital and our assets and resources are limited. Therefore, we anticipate participating in the natural resource industry through the selling or partnering of our properties, the purchase of small interests in producing properties, the purchase of properties where feasibility studies already exist or by the optioning of natural resource exploration and development projects. To date, we have three (3) gold projects located in the southwest United States. In May 2016, we sold our interest in the Moss Mine project, leaving our project inventory to consist of the Bruner project, the Vernal project, and the Windy Peak project. Our Bruner Property is now jointly owned with Canamex which has earned 70% of the project having now fulfilled the terms of its option agreement with us; the project is still in the exploration and development stage, and further technical work will be required before final evaluation of the economic and legal feasibility of the projects can be determined. We have neither drilled nor developed exploration plans for our Vernal and recently acquired Windy Peak Property interests.
Financing
There was $552,008 of financing activities undertaken by the Company during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2016 through the issuance of common stock and warrants, and checks written in excess of cash. Management estimates that the Company will require approximately $350,000 to fund the Company’s planned operations for the next twelve months. Therefore, management believes current cash on hand is not sufficient to fund planned operations for 2017 after payment of outstanding checks written in-excess of cash and accounts payable outstanding at May 31, 2016. Our policy is to pay all operational expenses when due, provided that the vendor, in the normal course of business, has satisfied all necessary conditions for payment. Management plans to seek the additional capital through private placements and public offerings of its common stock but there can be no assurance that management would be successful in its attempt to raise the additional funds.
Competition
The mineral exploration industry, in general, is intensely competitive and even if commercial quantities of ore are discovered, a ready market may not exist for sale of same. Numerous factors beyond our control may affect the marketability of any substances discovered. These factors include market fluctuations, the proximity and capacity of natural resource markets and processing equipment, government regulations, including regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use, importing and exporting of minerals and environmental protection. The exact effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted, but the combination of these factors may result in our not receiving an adequate return on invested capital.
Compliance with Government Regulation and Regulatory Matters
Mining Control and Reclamation Regulations
The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 ("SMCRA") is administered by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement ("OSM") and establishes mining, environmental protection and reclamation standards for all aspects of U.S. surface mining, as well as many aspects of underground mining. Mine operators must obtain SMCRA permits and permit renewals for mining operations from the OSM. Although state regulatory agencies have adopted federal mining programs under SMCRA, the state becomes the regulatory authority. States in which we expect to have active future mining operations have achieved primary control of enforcement through federal authorization.
SMCRA permit provisions include requirements for prospecting including mine plan development, topsoil removal, storage and replacement, selective handling of overburden materials, mine pit backfilling and grading, protection of the hydrologic balance, subsidence control for underground mines, surface drainage control, mine drainage and mine discharge control and treatment and re-vegetation.
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The U.S. mining permit application process is initiated by collecting baseline data to adequately characterize the pre-mining environmental condition of the permit area. We will develop mine and reclamation plans by utilizing this geologic data and incorporating elements of the environmental data. Our mine and reclamation plans incorporate the provisions of SMCRA, state programs and complementary environmental programs which impact mining. Also included in the permit application are documents defining ownership and agreements pertaining to minerals, oil and gas, water rights, rights of way and surface land and documents required of the OSM’s Applicant Violator System, including the mining and compliance history of officers, directors and principal stockholders of the applicant.
Once a permit application is prepared and submitted to the regulatory agency, it goes through a completeness and technical review. Public notice of the proposed permit is given for a comment period before a permit can be issued. Some SMCRA mine permit applications take over a year to prepare, depending on the size and complexity of the mine and often take six months to two years to be issued. Regulatory authorities have considerable discretion in the timing of the permit issuance and the public has the right to comment on, and otherwise engage in, the permitting process including public hearings and intervention by the courts.
Surface Disturbance
All mining activities governed by the Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") require reasonable reclamation. The lowest level of mining activity, “casual use,” is designed for the miner or weekend prospector who creates only negligible surface disturbance (for example, activities that do not involve the use of earth-moving equipment or explosives may be considered casual use). These activities would not require either a notice of intent to operate or a plan of operation. For further information regarding surface management terms, please refer to 43 CFR Chapter II Subchapter C, Subpart 3809.
The second level of activity, where surface disturbance is 5 acres or less per year, requires a notice advising the BLM of the anticipated work 15 days prior to commencement. This notice must be filed with the appropriate field office. No approval is needed although bonding is required. State agencies must be notified to ensure all requirements are met.
For operations involving more than 5 acres total surface disturbance on lands subject to 43 CFR 3809, a detailed plan of operation must be filed with the appropriate BLM field office. Bonding is required to ensure proper reclamation. An Environmental Assessment (EA) is to be prepared for all plans of operation to determine if an Environmental Impact Statement is required. A National Environmental Policy Act review is not required for casual use or notice level operations unless those operations involve occupancy as defined by 43 CFR 3715. Most occupancies at the casual use and notice level in Arizona are covered by a programmatic EA.
An activity permit is required when use of equipment is utilized for the purpose of land stripping, earthmoving, blasting (except blasting associated with an individual source permit issued for mining), trenching or road construction.
Future legislation and regulations are expected to become increasingly restrictive and there may be more rigorous enforcement of existing and future laws and regulations and we may experience substantial increases in equipment and operating costs and may experience delays, interruptions or termination of operations. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in the assessment of administrative, civil and criminal fines or penalties, the acceleration of cleanup and site restoration costs, the issuance of injunctions to limit or cease operations and the suspension or revocation of permits and other enforcement measures that could have the effect of limiting production from our future operations.
Trespassing
The BLM will prevent abuse of public lands while recognizing valid rights and uses under the mining laws. The BLM will take appropriate action to eliminate invalid uses, including unauthorized residential occupancy. The Interior Board of Land Appeals (IBLA) has found that a claim may be declared void by the BLM when it has been located and held for purposes other than the mining of minerals. The issuance of a notice of trespass may occur if an unpatented claim/site is:
(1) | used for a home site, place of business, or for other purposes not reasonably related to mining or milling activities; |
(2) | used for the mining and sale of leasable minerals or mineral materials, such as sand, gravel and certain types of building stone; or |
(3) | located on lands that for any reason have been withdrawn from location after the effective date of the withdrawal. |
Trespass actions are taken by the BLM Field Office.
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Environmental Laws
We may become subject to various federal and state environmental laws and regulations that will impose significant requirements on our operations. The cost of complying with current and future environmental laws and regulations and our liabilities arising from past or future releases of, or exposure to, hazardous substances, may adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition. In addition, environmental laws and regulations, particularly relating to air emissions, can reduce our profitability. Numerous federal and state governmental permits and approvals are required for mining operations. When we apply for these permits or approvals, we may be required to prepare and present to federal or state authorities data pertaining to the effect or impact that a proposed exploration for, or production or processing of, may have on the environment. Compliance with these requirements can be costly and time-consuming and can delay exploration or production operations. A failure to obtain or comply with permits could result in significant fines and penalties and could adversely affect the issuance of other permits for which we may apply.
Clean Water Act
The U.S. Clean Water Act and corresponding state and local laws and regulations affect mining operations by restricting the discharge of pollutants, including dredged or fill materials, into waters of the United States. The Clean Water Act provisions and associated state and federal regulations are complex and subject to amendments, legal challenges and changes in implementation. As a result of court decisions and regulatory actions, permitting requirements have increased and could continue to increase the cost and time we expend on compliance with water pollution regulations. These and other regulatory requirements, which have the potential to change due to legal challenges, Congressional actions and other developments increase the cost of, or could even prohibit, certain current or future mining operations. Our operations may not always be able to remain in full compliance with all Clean Water Act obligations and permit requirements. As a result, we may be subject to compliance orders and private party litigation seeking fines, penalties or changes to our operations.
Clean Water Act requirements that may affect our operations include the following:
Section 404
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act requires mining companies to obtain U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (“ACOE”) permits to place material in streams for the purpose of creating slurry ponds, water impoundments, refuse areas, valley fills or other mining activities.
Our construction and mining activities, including our surface mining operations, will frequently require Section 404 permits. ACOE issues two types of permits pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act: nationwide (or “general”) and “individual” permits. Nationwide permits are issued to streamline the permitting process for dredging and filling activities that have minimal adverse environmental impacts. An individual permit typically requires a more comprehensive application process, including public notice and comment; however, an individual permit can be issued for ten years (and may be extended thereafter upon application).
The issuance of permits to construct valley fills and refuse impoundments under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, whether general permits commonly described as the Nationwide Permit 21 (NWP 21) or individual permits, has been the subject of many recent court cases and increased regulatory oversight. The results may materially increase our permitting and operating costs, permitting delays, suspension of current operations and/or prevention of opening new mines.
Employees
Currently, we have no full time employees. Our officers and directors provide planning and organizational services for us on a part-time basis. All field work is tendered out and completed by service providers and/or exploration partners.
Subsidiaries
On April 16, 2010, we caused the incorporation of our wholly owned subsidiary, Provex Resources, Inc., under the laws of Nevada. On April 16, 2010, the Company entered into an Assignment Agreement to assign the exclusive option to an undivided right, title and interest in the Bruner and Vernal property; and the Bruner Property Expansion to Provex. Pursuant to the Assignment Agreement, Provex assumed the rights, and agreed to perform all of the duties and obligations, of the Company arising under the Bruner and Vernal Property Option Agreement; and the Bruner Property Expansion Option Agreement. Provex’s only assets are the aforementioned agreements and it does not have any liabilities.
On May 28, 2010, Provex Resources, Inc. entered into an exclusive right and option agreement with Canamex Resources Corp. (“Canamex”) whereby Canamex could earn up to a 75% undivided interest in the Bruner and the Bruner Property Expansion. Canamex agreed to spend an aggregate total of US $6 million on exploration and related expenditures over the ensuing seven years whereupon the Company agreed togrant the right and option to earn a vested seventy percent (70%) and an additional five percent (5%) upon delivery of a bankable feasibility study.
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Item 1A. Risk Factors
Factors that May Affect Future Results
1. We will require additional funds to achieve our current business strategy and our inability to obtain funding will cause our business to fail.
We expect to incur operating losses in future periods. This will happen because there are expenses associated with the acquisition, exploration and development of natural resource properties. We will need to raise additional funds in the future through public or private debt or equity sales in order to fund our future operations and fulfill contractual obligations. These financings may not be available when needed. Even if these financings are available, it may be on terms that we deem unacceptable or are materially adverse to your interests with respect to dilution of book value, dividend preferences, liquidation preferences, or other terms. Our inability to obtain financing would have an adverse effect on our ability to implement our current exploration and as a result, could require us to diminish or suspend our operations and possibly cease our existence. Obtaining additional financing would be subject to a number of factors, including the market prices for gold, silver and other minerals. These factors may make the timing, amount, terms or conditions of additional financing unavailable to us.
2. Because our Directors serve as officers and directors of other companies engaged in mineral exploration, a potential conflict of interest could negatively impact our ability to acquire properties to explore and to run our business.
Our Directors and Officers may work for other mining and mineral exploration companies. Due to time demands placed on our Directors and Officers, and due to the competitive nature of the exploration business, the potential exists for conflicts of interest to occur from time to time that could adversely affect our ability to conduct our business. The Officers and Directors’ employment and affiliations with other entities limit the amount of time they can dedicate to us. Also, our Directors and Officers may have a conflict of interest in helping us identify and obtain the rights to mineral properties because they may also be considering the same properties. To mitigate these risks, we work with several geologists in order to ensure that we are not overly reliant on any one of our Officers and Directors to provide us with geological services. However, we cannot be certain that a conflict of interest will not arise in the future. To date, there have not been any conflicts of interest between any of our Directors or Officers and the Company.
3. Because of the speculative nature of exploration and development, there is a substantial risk that our business will fail.
The search for valuable natural resources as a business is extremely risky. We can provide investors with no assurance that the properties in Arizona and Nevada contain commercially exploitable reserves. Exploration for natural reserves is a speculative venture involving substantial risk. Few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing commercially feasible reserves. Problems such as unusual or unexpected formations and other conditions are involved in mineral exploration and often result in unsuccessful exploration efforts. In such a case, we would be unable to complete our business plan.
4. Because we are in the early stages of business operations, we face a high risk of business failure due to our inability to predict the success of our business.
We are in the early stages of exploration and development of our mineral claims and thus have no way to evaluate the likelihood that we will be able to operate our business successfully. We have not earned any revenues as of the date of this report.
5. Because of the unique difficulties and uncertainties inherent in mineral exploration and the mining business, we face a high risk of business failure.
Potential investors should be aware of the difficulties normally encountered by early-stage mineral exploration companies and the high rate of failure of such enterprises. The likelihood of success must be considered in light of the problems, expenses, difficulties, complications and delays encountered in connection with the exploration of the mineral properties that we plan to undertake. These potential problems include, but are not limited to, unanticipated problems relating to exploration, and additional costs and expenses that may exceed current estimates.
In addition, the search for valuable minerals involves numerous hazards. As a result, we may become subject to liability for such hazards, including pollution, cave-ins and other hazards against which we cannot insure or against which we may elect not to insure. The payment of such liabilities may have a material adverse effect on our financial position.
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6. Because we anticipate our operating expenses will increase prior to our earning revenues, we may never achieve profitability.
We anticipate that we may continue to incur increased operating expenses without realizing any revenues. Therefore, we expect to incur potentially significant losses into the foreseeable future. We recognize that if we are unable to generate significant revenues from the exploration of our mineral claims we will not be able to earn profits or continue operations. There is no history upon which to base any assumption as to the likelihood that we will prove successful, and we can provide investors with no assurance that we will generate any operating revenues or ever achieve profitable operations. If we are unsuccessful in addressing these risks, we would be unable to complete our business plan.
7. Because access to our mineral claims may be restricted by inclement weather, we may be delayed in our exploration.
Access to our mineral properties may be restricted through some of the year due to weather in the area. As a result, any attempt to test or explore the property is largely limited to the times when weather permits such activities. These limitations can result in significant delays in exploration efforts. Such delays can have a significant negative effect on our results of operations.
8. Because our President has only agreed to provide his services on a part-time basis, he may not be able or willing to devote a sufficient amount of time to our business operations, causing our business to fail.
Because we are in the early stages of our business, Mr. Newton will not be spending all of his time working for the Company. Mr. Newton will expend enough time to undertake the work programs that have been approved by the Company. Later, if the demands of our business require additional time from Mr. Newton, he is prepared to adjust his timetable to devote more time to our business. However, it still may not be possible for Mr. Newton to devote sufficient time to the management of our business, as and when needed, especially if the demands of Mr. Newton’s other interests increase. Competing demands on Mr. Newton’s time may lead to a divergence between his interests and the interests of our shareholders.
9. Because of the speculative nature of exploration of mineral properties, there is substantial risk that no economic mineral deposits will be developed.
The search for valuable minerals as a business is extremely risky. Exploration for minerals is a speculative venture involving substantial risk. The expenditures to be made by us in the exploration of the mineral claims may not result in the discovery of economic mineral deposits. Problems such as unusual or unexpected formations and other conditions are involved in mineral exploration and often result in unsuccessful exploration efforts. In such a case, we would be unable to complete our business plan.
10. If we do not complete required option payments and capital expenditure requirements mandated in any prospective agreements, we will lose our interest in that respective property.
If we do not make all of the property payments or incur the required expenditures in accordance with any prospective property option agreements, we will lose our option to purchase the respective property for which we have not made the payments and may not be able to continue to execute our business objectives if we are unable to find an alternate exploration interest. Our payment obligations are non-refundable and if we do not make required payments, we will lose all amounts previously paid and all our rights to the prospective property.
11. Because the search for viable natural resources is extremely risky, no assurance can be made that we will obtain financing which will likely have a negative impact on our financial condition.
We are a natural resource exploration and development company with an objective of acquiring, exploring, and developing natural resource properties. The search for viable natural resources is extremely risky. A critical component of our operating plan is the ability to obtain additional capital through equity and/or debt financing. Since inception, we have financed our cash flow requirements through private placement issuances of common stock. No assurance can be made that such financing will be available, and if available it may take either the form of debt or equity, and may have a negative impact on our financial condition.
12. Because of the inherent dangers involved in mineral exploration, there is a risk that we may incur liability or damages as we conduct our business.
The search for valuable minerals involves numerous hazards. As a result, we may become subject to liability for such hazards, including pollution, cave-ins and other hazards against which we cannot insure or against which we may elect not to insure. The payment of such liabilities may have a material adverse effect on our financial position.
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13. We are heavily dependent on our CEO and President.
Our success depends heavily upon the continued contributions of our CEO and President, whose knowledge, leadership and technical expertise would be difficult to replace. Our success is also dependent on our ability to retain and attract experienced engineers, geoscientists and other technical and professional staff. We do not maintain key man insurance. If we were to lose our CEO and President, our ability to execute our business plan could be harmed.
Risks Related to Legal Uncertainties and Regulations
14. As we undertake exploration and development of our mineral claims, we will be subject to compliance with government regulation that may increase the anticipated cost of our exploration programs.
There are several governmental regulations that materially restrict mineral exploration. We will be subject to the federal, state and local laws as we carry out our exploration program. We may be required to obtain work permits, post bonds and perform remediation work for any physical disturbance to the land in order to comply with these laws. While our planned exploration and development program budgets for regulatory compliance, there is a risk that new regulations could increase our costs of doing business and prevent us from carrying out our exploration and development programs.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
There are no unresolved staff comments.
Item 2. Description of Properties.
We do not lease or own any real property for our corporate offices. We currently maintain our corporate office on a month-to-month basis at 3651 Lindell Road, Suite D165, Las Vegas, Nevada 89103. Management believes that our office space is suitable for our current needs.
Our property holdings as of May 31, 2016 consist of:
· | Bruner, Bruner Expansion and Vernal Properties |
· | Windy Peak Property |
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Bruner, Bruner Expansion and Vernal Properties
Map showing the location of our Bruner and Vernal properties located in Central Western Nevada.
Acquisition of Interests - Bruner, Bruner Expansion and Vernal properties
Pursuant to a Property Option Agreement (the “BV Agreement”), dated as of July 25, 2003, with MinQuest, Inc., a Nevada Company (“MinQuest”), we acquired the option to earn a 100% interest in the Bruner and Vernal mineral exploration properties located in Nevada. Together, these two properties originally consisted of 28 unpatented mining claims on a total of 560 acres in the northwest trending Walker Lane located in western central Nevada. The Bruner position was subsequently expanded from 16 unpatented mining claims to 80 unpatented mining claims bringing the total at Bruner to approximately 1,653 acres. Any additional claims agreed by the Company to be staked by MinQuest within 2 miles from the existing perimeter of the Property boundaries shall form part of the BV Agreement.
In order to earn a 100% interest in these two properties, option payments totaling $92,500 and an additional $500,000 in exploration expenditures were required. All mining interests in the property are subject to MinQuest retaining a 3% royalty of the aggregate proceeds from any smelter or other purchaser of any ores, concentrates, metals or other material of commercial value produced from the property, minus the cost of transportation of the ores, concentrates or metals, including related insurance, and smelting and refining charges.
Pursuant to the BV Agreement, we have a one-time option to purchase a portion of MinQuest’s royalty interest at a rate of $1,000,000 for each 1%. We may exercise our option 90 days following completion of a bankable feasibility study of the Bruner and Vernal properties, which, as it relates to a mineral resource or reserve, is an evaluation of the economics for the extraction (mining), processing and marketing of a defined ore reserve that would justify financing from a banking or financing institution for putting the mine into production.
To date, the Company has paid the option payments totaling $92,500, and has accumulated approximately $625,070 and $79,760 of exploration expenditures on the Bruner and Vernal properties, respectively. These expenditures have satisfied the requirements of the BV Agreement and 100% interest in these two properties has been transferred to Patriot, subject to MinQuest retaining a 3% royalty.
On April 16, 2010, the Company entered into an Assignment Agreement with its wholly owned subsidiary, Provex Resources, Inc., a Nevada Company, to assign the exclusive option to an undivided right, title and interest in the Bruner, Bruner Expansion and Vernal properties to Provex. Pursuant to the Agreement, Provex assumed the rights, and agreed to perform all of the duties and obligations, of the Company arising under the original property option agreements.
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On May 28, 2010 Provex entered into an exclusive right and option agreement (“Bruner Option Agreement”) with Canamex Resources Corp. (“Canamex”) whereby Canamex may earn a 70% (or up to 75% if a bankable feasibility study is performed) undivided interest in the Bruner and Bruner Expansion properties, herein after collectively referred to as the “Bruner Property”. Upon the completion of the terms of the Bruner Option Agreement by Canamex, and upon earning its’ initial interest, the parties agreed to negotiate a definitive joint venture agreement in good faith which will supersede the current Bruner Option Agreement.
On April 1, 2009, the Company entered into a Property Option Agreement (the “AIV Agreement”) with American International Ventures Inc. (“AIV”), to acquire the exclusive option to an undivided right, title and interest in 28 patented Federal mining claims and millsites located in Nye County, Nevada. Simultaneous with the execution and delivery of the AIV Agreement, the Company paid AIV $30,000. In order to earn its option in the Property, the Company agreed to make annual property option payments each year on April 1 consisting of $35,000 in 2010, $40,000 in 2011, $45,000 in 2012, $50,000 in 2013, $55,000 in 2014, $60,000 in 2015, and $1,185,000 in 2016. Following said payments, the Company would be deemed to have exercised its option under the AIV Agreement and be entitled to an undivided 100% right, title and interest in and to the Bruner Property Expansion subject to a 1.5% Net Smelter Return (“NSR”) royalty payable to AIV and a 2% NSR payable to the former Property owner. The 2% NSR royalty may be purchased by the Company for a total payment of $500,000 and 1% of AIV’s 1.5% NSR royalty can be purchased by the Company for an additional payment of $500,000 at any time up to 30 days after beginning mine construction. The claims optioned under the agreement with AIV are contiguous with the Company’s existing Bruner property claims and therefore are also subject to the terms and conditions of the original BV Agreement with MinQuest.
In November 2015, Canamex announced that it had completed the purchase of the patented claims from AIV for US$760,000, securing ownership of those claims for the joint venture (in anticipation of Canamex earning 70% of the Bruner project) and saving the joint venture US$425,000. Canamex purchased the claims directly from American International Ventures Inc. (“AIV”), subject to Patriot Gold’s rights under an Option Agreement dated April 1, 2009 that gives Patriot Gold the ability to purchase those patented claims by making a final payment of US$1,185,000 on or before April 1, 2016. Both Canamex and Patriot Gold expect, however, that those patented claims will be conveyed to the joint venture once the more comprehensive joint venture agreement has been executed.
During the first half of 2016 it was determined by the company that Canamex had successfully earned a 70% interest in the Bruner Property according to the terms of the Bruner Option Agreement, and the parties began working to negotiate the terms of a definitive joint venture agreement. This joint venture agreement is still being negotiated.
Bruner Property
Description and Location of the Bruner Property
The Bruner Property (“Bruner”) is located approximately 130 miles east-southeast of Reno, Nevada at the northern end of the Paradise Range. Access from Fallon, the closest town of any size, is by 50 miles of paved highway and 16 miles of gravel roads. There is no mining plant or equipment located within the property boundaries. Currently, there is no power or water supply to the mineral claims; however, a subsurface water right has been granted by the Nevada Division of Water Resources. The water right approval, for mining purposes, allows for a 78 cubic feet per second or 350 gallons per minute well on the west side of the Bruner Property.
The Bruner consists of 27 patented claims (for an area of approximately 500 acres) and 230 unpatented lode claims, (for an area in excess of 3,000 acres). Included in the unpatented claims are new claims acquired by Canamex which are part of the Company’s May 28, 2010 option agreement with Canamex and the area of interest. The Bruner presently has a 43-101 compliant resource and Preliminary Economic Assessment.
Exploration History of the Bruner Property
The Bruner mining district is underlain by a sequence of intermediate to felsic Tertiary volcanic rocks, including ash flow tuffs, tuffaceous sediments, and flows. A volcanic center, the origin of major volcanic activity, is thought to underlie the district, with associated silicic domes (a convex landform created by extruding quartz-rich volcanic rocks) and plugs (landform similar to a dome, but smaller) intruding the volcanic section. The exposed stratigraphic section measures over 2,500 feet in thickness. The “Duluth Tuff”, a variably crystal rich ash flow tuff, is the host for gold and silver mineralization. Flow banded silicic volcanics, volcanoclastics (coarse, unsorted sedimentary rock formed from volcanic rocks) and andesite underlie the tuff and flow-banded rhyolite overlies the host unit. Two generations of intrusive rocks have been described within the district. Ore in the Bruner district is hosted by vuggy, fractured, quartz-adularia (potassium-rich alteration mineral) veined and/or stockworked tuff. Mineralization is primarily fault controlled, although some disseminated values do occur.
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The original operators at the Bruner Property were varied. Prospecting at the property began in the early 1900’s and underground mining began in 1920. Mining on several of the veins located within the property occurred up to 1949. The patented claims contain the Duluth set of workings on the south end of the claim group comprising over 1,000 feet of workings in 3 shafts and numerous stopes. Past production from the Duluth was reported from 1935 to 1944 but is not able to be verified. The Paymaster mine is located on the north end of the patented claim group. It has a 375-foot shaft with 2,000 feet of workings on three levels. The Paymaster has no recorded production.
The unpatented claims contain the Penelas workings with 1000 feet of shaft and 4,000 feet of crosscuts on nine levels. Past production of gold and silver from the Penelas was recorded from 1935 to 1942 but is not able to be verified. Other historic workings include the Bruner adit with over 1,000 feet of workings and several shafts, and the Derelict mine with a 300 foot shaft and small open pit.
Modern exploration of the Bruner Property began in 1979 and included the following work:
In 1983, Kennecott Minerals Company drilled fifteen RC (reverse circulation drilling) holes on the property.
In 1988-1990, Newmont Exploration Ltd. drilled approximately 10 RC holes; conducted detailed geologic mapping (producing a plan map of the rock types, structure and alteration), geochemical surveys (which is sampling of rocks or soil and determination of the abundances of elements), air and ground magnetic surveys (recording variations in the earth’s magnetic field and plotting same), and ground radiometric surveys (a survey of radioactive materials on the land surface).
In 1990-1995, Miramar Mining Corp. (“Miramar”) drilled 5 RC holes and conducted BLEG (bulk leach extractable gold) sampling and air photo interpretation. BLEG sampling involves a large sample of soil or rock that is leached using cyanide to determine the metallurgy and parameters required to recover the gold and silver content from the sample material. In their 1991 Annual Report, Miramar reported 82% extraction of gold in 56 days from a column test run on unagglomerated -3/8 inch particle size material from the historic resource area, with low cyanide consumption. The head grade was unreported.
In July 2003, members of our Board of Directors and geology team made an onsite inspection of the Bruner Property. From this visit, an exploration plan was determined and a schedule to begin work on the Property was organized to commence in the month of September 2003. The Company completed an exploration program consisting of geologic mapping, surface geochemical sampling, a Global Positioning System (GPS) survey of grid based magnetic survey, drill holes and cultural features, and a CSMT geophysical survey (electrical, magnetic and other means used to detect features, which may be associated with mineral deposits) was also conducted. Such a survey measures the magnetic variations within the underlying rocks.
Since then, a ground magnetics survey and detailed mapping and rock sampling of the western portion of the claim block on the Bruner Property has been completed. The rock sampling is a collection of a series of rock chips over a measured distance, which is then submitted for assays, a chemical analysis to determine the metallic content over the sampled interval. The magnetics indicate the presence of northwesterly and northerly trending faults under the pediment cover that may host gold mineralization. Faults, which are breaks in the rock along which the movement has taken place, are often the sites for the deposition of metallic rich fluids. A pediment cover is a broad, gently sloping surface at the base of a steeper slope. Geologic mapping of rocks exposed in the western portion of our claims shows several small quartz bearing structures trending northwest and dipping steeply to the northeast. These small structures are thought to be related to a much larger vein system, often filled with quartz, and contained within a fault or break in the rock (a fault-hosted vein system) under gravel cover in the broad valley south of the mapping. Approximately one square mile of ground magnetics was completed at Bruner. The survey was conducted on 50 meter spaced lines, running north-south, using a GPS controlled Geometrics magnetometer, which is the geophysical instrument used in collecting magnetic data with an attached GPS that allows the operator to more precisely determine the location of each station where the magnetic signature is taken.
The interpretation shows numerous northwest and north-south trending magnetic lows associated with faults. Magnetic lows are an occurrence that may be indicative of a destruction of magnetic minerals by later hydrothermal (hot water) fluids that have come up along these faults. These hydrothermal fluids may in turn have carried and deposited precious metals such as gold and/or silver. A much more continuous northwest trending feature that has not been drill tested is located to the southeast, under gravel cover (where there is no exposure of rock at the surface). Data were sufficiently encouraging that an expanded CSMT survey was conducted to trace these structures in the third dimension.
In October 2004, the Company received the approval of a Notice of Intent for Exploration Drilling and an environmental bond filed with the Nevada office of the Bureau of Land Management. A total of 18 drill sites were located to target both extensions of the gold intercepts in previous drilling and in geophysical anomalies found by a CSMT survey. With the proper approvals in place, the Company began drilling on the Bruner Property on December 20, 2004. This drilling program was completed in March 2005 at a total cost of approximately $153,800, with a total of 3,200 feet of reverse circulation (RC) drilling in 7 holes. The depths of the holes ranged from 300 to 750 feet. The Company has received assays for all holes and the results were encouraging enough that additional drilling was conducted.
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Because of the favorable drilling results from the drilling program which began on December 20, 2004, the Company decided to conduct additional drill testing on the Bruner Property, including both reverse circulation and core drilling. In April 2005, the Company filed an amended drilling plan with the Bureau of Land Management that allowed three fences of drill holes with the fences spaced 400 feet apart along the apparent trend of the mineralization. This program was completed in the fall of 2005 with 11 holes totaling 4,205 feet being drilled.
In 2007 the Board of Directors approved an exploration budget of approximately $120,000 for the Bruner Property. In November 2007, the Company drilled three holes at Bruner to test deeper targets within the gold-bearing tuffaceous host rocks. The holes were drilled using an RC drill rig and totaled 3,240 feet. The holes were spaced roughly 400 feet apart on a line running east-northeast. All holes were angled steeply to the north to cut projected, south-dipping shear zones. Drill hole B-18 and B-19 were drilled to a depth of 1,000 and B-20 was drilled 1,240 feet deep. All three holes contained intermittent gold at various depths. The results show a distinct increase in gold grade from the southwest (B-18) to the northeast (B-20). Only hole B-20 contained significant gold grades over any significant width. Further drilling north and east of B-20 may be warranted to vector in on the strongest part of the gold system. The drill program confirmed that gold mineralization continues at depth and is hosted by tuffaceous rocks.
The compilation of patented claims identified at least four viable drill targets separate from the Company’s original target. These targets include the Duluth, Penelas, Paymaster and Bruno which have seen moderate to intense drill programs in the past due to surface mineralization and alteration consistent with large precious metals systems located in other parts of the Great Basin.
In late 2010, shortly after entering into an option agreement regarding the Bruner Property with Canamex Resources Corp., Canamex drilled 11 RC holes totaling 4,800 feet/1,463 meters.
In October 2011, a two phase gold-silver drilling program totaling approximately 9,150 meters (30,000 feet) in 57 drill holes was initiated. Phase I was designed to consist of 12 holes testing high - grade veins that were mined historically the first half of the 20th century but largely ignored by exploration drilling in the second half of the century. In March 2012, the final geochemical results from this program which consisted of 2,434 meters (7,985 feet) in 13 angled RC drill holes were announced. A total of 2 of the first 3 holes drilled into the Penelas East Vein System intersected gold. Drill hole B-1115 penetrated a vein nearly 400 feet below the surface and 400 feet south of the historic drill intercepts in BRU-085 and BRU-105.
In May 2012, column leach test work was initiated on a bulk sample from underground on the Bruner Property. Approximately 650 kilograms (1500 lbs.) of minus 6-inch material collected from the Upper Adit at the Bruner gold-silver project were delivered to a metallurgical test facility which specializes in cyanidation tests for heap leaching. The final cyanide column leach results showed a +85% gold extraction in 83 days on the sample with +80% extractions in both -3 inch and -3/4 inch crush sizes in 40 days.
In May 2012, Phase II drilling was proposed to test the extensions to the high-grade gold-silver intersected in the Penelas East vein in drill hole B-1115. The drilling was intended to test the strike extension and the dip extension of the intercept in B-1115 between 30-60 meters (100-200 feet) along strike to the north and to the south and 30-60 meters (100- 200 feet) below the elevation of the intercept in B-1115 to evaluate the potential for continuity along strike and increased potential with depth per the epithermal vein model.
The 2012 drilling program concluded with a total of 17 RC holes totaling 13,400 feet/4084 meters and two core holes totaling 1,306 feet/398 meters, all drilled about 1,000 feet/300 meters southeast of the old Penelas mine workings and where significant gold intercepts were encountered in the last hole in the 2011 drilling program. Hole B-1201, the first hole in 2012, intersected 360 feet (110 meters) and the remainder of the 2012 drill holes focused on drilling around this intercept in B-1201. The geology in the vicinity of hole B-1201 is mostly covered by 30-50 feet (10-15 meters) of alluvium, and the geology and geometry of the mineralized zone cannot be gleaned by surface mapping or sampling, requiring close-spaced drilling to ascertain the orientation of the significant gold intercepts encountered in 2012.
In March 2013, a Reverse Circulation ("RC") drill program of 22,000 feet was announced and scheduled to commence at the Bruner Property. The drilling phase will begin on the west side of the northern extension of the former producing July-Duluth mine sites and then move east to the Penelas East discovery area, where drilling in 2012 encountered a mineralized interval of 360 feet. Metallurgical test work was underway on drill samples from the Penelas East discovery deposit area with results to be reported shortly.
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The 2013 drill program concluded with a total of 39 RC holes totaling 23,590 feet/7,190 meters and 3 core holes totaling 2,380 feet/725 meters being drilled between January and November. Of the total, seven RC holes were drilled at the north end of the Bruner vein target with disappointing results, although sufficient gold was encountered with increasing depth to indicate further drilling is warranted to chase this vein system to greater depths. Of the 35 holes drilled at the Penelas East discovery area, all but 5 holes intersected significant gold intercepts that help define the gold mineral system there. The 5 holes that failed to intersect significant gold intervals were drilled south of all other holes completed to date, encountered intense clay alteration which is generally indicative of being outside of the precious metal and proximal alteration of silica + adularia, and may be located on the opposite side of a fault that terminates or truncates the gold-silver mineral system at the Penelas East discovery area. The last hole of 2013 was drilled in the historic resource area to test a concept that high-grade gold was ponded beneath prominent silica + adularia spires that were mapped in detail during the summer of 2013.
In April 2014, a 53 hole drill program for both the Historic Resource and Penelas East discovery areas was announced. The program was to consist of approximately 1000 meters (3,280 feet) of core drilling and 9,000 meters (29,500 feet) of reverse circulation (RC) drilling. Core drilling in the Historic Resource area to start with an offset of RC hole B-1340, which tested at 93%-97% gold extraction levels after bottle roll cyanidation tests on hole composites were performed in early 2014. A total of 5 core holes and 24 RC holes are planned to test this high-grade feeder zone. Drilling at the Penelas East discovery area will focus on testing the prominent VLF-EM current density and coincident gold-in-soil anomalies. A total of 24 holes are planned in the Penelas East discovery area, which will expand the total number of holes drilled in this area to 62.
In April 2014, the Company reported the acquisition of an additional 20 acre patented mining claim known as the Elk Lode claim. The Elk Lode claim complements the Company’s existing holdings at the Bruner site.
The 2014 drilling program concluded with a total of 51 RC holes were drilled totaling 24,610 feet/7,501 meters and 13 core holes totaling 7,257feet/2,212 meters.
Ten (10) RC holes totaling 2,870 feet/875 meters were drilled at the Paymaster hill/mine area where previous sampling of old underground workings, currently inaccessible, indicated the presence of high-grade gold associated with the intersection of steeply dipping structures a generally flat lying volcaniclastic sediments immediately overlying a basement of unaltered andesite flows. These holes were very successful and additional drilling at the Paymaster hill/mine target is warranted.
Twelve (12) RC holes totaling 7,785 feet/2,373 meters were drilled to test VLF-EM current density anomalies detected north and northwest of the Penelas East discovery area. Sufficient gold was intersected in these holes to suggest the VLF-EM method may be seeing mineralized structures and thus deserve further drilling to assess this apparent correlation further.
Three (3) RC holes totaling 1,935 feet/590 meters and 2 core holes totaling 1,865 feet/568 meters were drilled at the northern open extension of the Penelas East discovery area to test deep high-grade intercepts encountered there in 2013. All of these holes intersected significant gold intercepts both near the surface and at depth to warrant additional drilling of the open northern extension to the Penelas East discovery area.
The majority of the drilling in 2014 was concentrated in the historic resource area in order to provide sufficient modern geologic and controlled assay data. A total of 27 RC holes totaling 12,456 feet/3,797 meters and 10 core holes totaling 4,956 feet/1,510 meters were completed in the historic resource area. The data from these holes flush out the core mineralized zone of the historic resource area and provide the detailed understanding of the host geology and the distribution of grade to be able to properly model the deposit and the entire assay set.
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The table below summarizes Canamex’s exploration drilling at the Bruner Property.
The collar locations of the drilling on the Bruner Property are shown below.
Canamex has informed Patriot (and Patriot has agreed) that Canamex has incurred the expenditures required for it to earn an undivided 70% interest in the Bruner gold project. Patriot and Canamex are negotiating a definitive joint venture agreement that will supersede the 2010 agreement and govern the joint venture going forward.
Although a 43-101 compliant resource estimate has been developed for the Bruner as well as a Preliminary Economic Assessment, to date no mineral reserves have been reported for the Bruner.
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Vernal Property
Description and Location of the Vernal Property
The Vernal Property is located approximately 140 miles east-southeast of Reno, Nevada on the west side of the Shoshone Mountains. Access from Fallon, the closest town of any size, is by 50 miles of paved highway and 30 miles of gravel roads. The Company holds the property via 12 unpatented mining claims (approximately 248 acres).
Exploration History of the Vernal Property
Historical work includes numerous short adits constructed on the Vernal Property between 1907 and 1936. There appears to have been little or no mineral production.
The Vernal Property is underlain by a thick sequence of Tertiary age rhyolitic volcanic rocks including tuffs, flows and intrusives. A volcanic center is thought to underlie the district, with an intruding rhyolite plug dome (a domal feature formed by the extrusion of viscous quartz-rich volcanic rocks) thought to be closely related to mineralization encountered by the geologists of Amselco, the U.S. subsidiary of a British company, who explored the Vernal Property back in the 1980’s, and who in 1983 mapped, sampled and drilled the Vernal Property. Amselco has not been involved with the Vernal Property over the last 20 years and is not associated with our option on the Vernal Property or the exploration work being done. A 225 foot wide zone of poorly outcropping quartz stockworks (a multi-directional quartz veinlet system) and larger veining trends exist northeast from the northern margin of the plug. The veining consists of chalcedony containing 1-5% pyrite. Clay alteration of the host volcanics is strong. Northwest trending veins are also present but very poorly exposed. Both directions carry gold values. Scattered vein float is found over the plug. The most significant gold values in rock chips come from veining in tuffaceous rocks north of the nearly east-west contact of the plug. This area has poor exposure, but sampling of old dumps and surface workings show an open-ended gold anomaly that measures 630 feet by 450 feet.
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The Vernal Property claims presently do not have any known mineral reserves. The property that is the subject of our mineral claims is undeveloped and does not contain any commercial scale open-pits. Numerous shallow underground excavations occur within the central portion of the property. No reported historic production is noted for the property. There is no mining plant or equipment located on the property that is the subject of the mineral claim. Currently, there is no power supply to the mineral claims. Although drill holes are present within the property boundary, there is no known drilled reserve on our claims.
In July 2003, members of our Board of Directors and geology team made an onsite inspection of the Vernal property. Mapping (the process of laying out a grid on the land for area identification where samples are taken) and sampling (the process of taking small quantities of soil and rock for analysis) have been completed. In March 2005, the Company initiated the process to secure the proper permits for trenching and geochemical sampling from the U.S. Forest Service.
Our exploration of the Vernal Property to date has consisted of geologic mapping, trenching and rock chip geochemical sampling. The Board of Directors approved a budget of approximately $55,000 (including the refundable bond of $900) for the Vernal property. An exploration program was conducted in November, 2008. The program consisted of 200 feet of trenching, sampling and mapping, and opening, mapping and sampling of an underground workings consisting of approximately 275 feet of workings. The Company is currently evaluating the results of the program at the Vernal Property.
Planned Exploration
The Company’s current objectives are to assess the geological merits and if warranted and feasible establish an exploration program to identify the potential for economically viable mineralization. The cost of an exploration plan has not yet been determined therefore estimated exploration expenditures are not available at this time. The Company recognizes that the Vernal Property is an early-stage exploration opportunity and there are currently no proven or probable reserves.
Windy Peak Property
Acquisition of Interest
In May 2015, after a review of historical records and information available regarding a potential mineral property interest in Churchill County, Nevada, the Company acquired the Windy Peak Property, (referred to herein as the “Windy Peak Property,” "Windy Peak” or the “Property”). This early-stage exploration project was secured through the completion of an Assignment and Assumption Agreement. Windy Peak has not been visited by any current officers or directors of the Company.
The Windy Peak Property Location in Nevada
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Description and Location of the Windy Peak Property
The Windy Peak Property consists of 79 unpatented mineral claims covering approximately 1,630 acres, 3 miles NNE of the Bell Mountain and 7 miles east of the Fairview mining district in southwest Nevada. Windy Peak is approximately 45 miles southeast of Fallon and 6 miles SSW of Middlegate in sections 4,5,8,9,28,32,33 of T15 &16N R35E, Nevada. The Property is divided into 2 non-contiguous claim blocks with the northern claim block being adjacent to Hill 6483 in the Windy Fault.
Access to the Windy Peak Property is from U.S. Highway 50, thence south via Highway 361 to an unmarked dirt road that heads west along the south side of an unnamed wash referred to as Windy Wash. The dirt road exits Highway 95 near the border of Sections 27 & 34. The Bell Mountain quadrangle (dated 1972) shows an older dirt road that follows the floor of the wash. About 2 miles along the dirt road, trenching and cutting of trails to access various portions of the Property have extensively disturbed the hill. The dirt road is in good condition, however the steeper trails near Windy Peak will require a 4-wheel-drive for access. There is no plant, equipment, water source nor power currently on site. Power could be provided by portable diesel-powered generators. Non potable water may be source able on site for drilling, mining and milling purposes.
The Property claims are held as unpatented federal land claims administered under the Department of Interior, BLM and Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (“USFS”) under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. In order to acquire an unpatented mineral claim the land must be open to mineral entry. Federal law specifies that a claim must be located or “staked” and site boundaries be distinctly and clearly marked to be readily identifiable on the ground in addition to filing the appropriate state and or federal documentation such as Location Notice, Claim Map, Notice of Non-liability for Labor and Materials Furnished, Notice of Intent to Hold Mining Claims, Maintenance Fee Payment and fees to secure the claim. The State may also establish additional requirements regarding the manner in which mining claims and sites are located and recorded. An unpatented mining claim on U.S. government lands establishes a claim to the locatable minerals (also referred to as stakeable minerals) on the land and the right of possession solely for mining purposes. No title to the land passes to the claimant. If a proven economic mineral deposit is developed, provisions of federal mining laws permit owners of unpatented mining claims to patent (to obtain title to) the claim. The Property surface estate and mineral rights are federally owned and subject to BLM regulations. None of the Property claims have been legally surveyed. Although our legal access to unpatented Federal claims cannot be denied, staking or operating a mining claim does not provide the claim holder exclusive rights to the surface resources (unless a right was determined under Public Law 84-167), establish residency or block access to other users. Regulations managing the use and occupancy of the public lands for development of locatable mineral deposits by limiting such use or occupancy to that which is reasonably incident is found in 43 CFR 3715. These Regulations apply to public lands administered by the BLM.
The Property claims were located and recorded along with the necessary payments being filed in March 2013. Annual maintenance fees of $155 per claim paid to the BLM and recording fees of approximately $15 per claim must be paid to the respective county on or before September 1 of each year to keep the claims in good standing, provided the filings are kept current these claims can be kept in perpetuity.
Past Exploration in the Windy Peak Area
Fairview District
The Windy Peak area has been considered to be part of, or at least an extension of, the Fairview District, which, is located on Fairview Peak about 6 miles WNW of Hill 6483. Both areas are within the Fairview Peak caldera of Henry but their geochemical differences indicate they are not related.
Windy Peak
The only published information found regarding the Windy Peak area refers to a small leach pad at the Cye Cox prospect at Hill 6483. This exploration was located adjacent to but not on our northern claim block. According to historical reports, an initial 6 claims (Red Star) were staked by Cye Cox of Fallon from 1945 to 1969. Subsequent lessees staked an additional 79 Red Star claims from 1978 to 1979. Cye Cox together with Pete Erb and "Pine Nut" Forbush discovered high-grade gold on the south side of Hill 6483 in the Windy fault in 1970. The presence of old timbers near a mostly-covered hole at the western trench (about mile west of the Windy adit) indicates that they also did some work there. After further examination a plant with a 6-8" grizzly and trommel (21' x 30") was setup and operated.
At least 56 RC holes have been drilled on and around the Windy Peak claims area. The identifiable holes are vertical holes which is interesting because the primary target in the Windy area is bonanza grade veins in steep to vertical structures. In effect, the high-grade structurally hosted gold potential on the property has not been tested by previous drilling programs.
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Geology of the Windy Peak Property Area
Review of late Tertiary epithermal gold-silver deposits in the northern Great Basin, revealed that most deposits are spatially and temporally related to two magmatic assemblages: bimodal basalt-rhyolite and western andesite. The Fairview district, including the Bell Mine, is related to a third, minor magmatic assemblage, the late Eocene to early Miocene caldera complexes of the interior andesite-rhyolite assemblage. This assemblage hosts the giant late-Oligocene Round Mountain deposit plus smaller deposits in the Atlanta, Fairview, Tuscarora, and Wonder mining districts. The youngest rocks in the interior andesite-rhyolite assemblage are in the Fairview and Tonopah mining districts. Recent studies have shown that the magmatism associated with the interior andesite rhyolite assemblage had a close spatial and temporal association with crustal extension, and that these magmas may have been formed by partial mixing of mantle-derived basal with crustal melt.
Planned Exploration
The Company’s current objectives are to assess the Windy Peak geological merits to establish an exploration program and identify the potential for economically viable mineralization. The cost of this exploration plan has not yet been determined therefore estimated exploration expenditures are not available at this time. The Company recognizes that Windy Peak is an early-stage exploration opportunity and there are currently no proven or probable reserves.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
There are no pending legal proceedings involving the Company or in which any director, officer or affiliate of the Company, any owner of record or beneficially of more than 5% of any class of voting securities of the Company, or security holder is a party adverse to the Company or has a material interest adverse to the Company.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Act”) and Item 104 of Regulation S-K require certain mine safety disclosures to be made by companies that operate mines regulated under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. However, the requirements of the Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K do not apply as the Company does not engage in mining activities. Therefore, the Company is not required to make such disclosures.
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PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information
The Company’s common stock trades over the counter in the United States on the OTCQB tier of the electronic over-the-counter marketplace operated by OTC Markets Group, Inc. under the symbol “PGOL.” The following table sets forth the range of quarterly high and low closing bid prices of the common stock as reported on http://www.otcmarkets.com during the years ending May 31, 2016 and May 31, 2015:
Financial Quarter | Bid Price Information * | ||
Year | Quarter | High Bid Price | Low Bid Price |
2016 | Fourth Quarter | $0.15 | $0.05 |
Third Quarter | $0.09 | $0.05 | |
Second Quarter | $0.10 | $0.03 | |
First Quarter | $0.06 | $0.02 | |
2015 | Fourth Quarter | $0.08 | $0.05 |
Third Quarter | $0.10 | $0.06 | |
Second Quarter | $0.16 | $0.07 | |
First Quarter | $0.08 | $0.17 |
*The quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not represent actual transactions.
Holders
On May 31, 2016, there were approximately eighty-one (81) holders of record of the Company’s common stock.
Dividends
The Company has not declared or paid any cash dividends on its common stock nor does it anticipate paying any in the foreseeable future. Furthermore, the Company expects to retain any future earnings to finance its operations and expansion. The payment of cash dividends in the future will be at the discretion of its Board of Directors and will depend upon its earnings levels, capital requirements, any restrictive loan covenants and other factors the Board considers relevant.
Warrants or Options
There were 1,700,000 warrants issued during the fiscal year ending May 31, 2016. For further information, see Note 7 - Common Stock in the financial statements included in this 10-K filing.
There were 2,120,000 stock options issued during the fiscal year ending May 31, 2016. There were 100,000 stock options exercised and 200,000 stock options expired . For further information, see Note 6 - Stock Options in the financial statements included in this 10-K filing.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
We do not have any equity compensation plans that were approved by our shareholders. Set forth below is certain information as of May 31, 2016, the end of our most recently completed fiscal year, regarding equity compensation plans that have not been approved by our stockholders.
Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders as of May 31, 2016 | ||||||||
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 | |||||
2005 Stock Option Plan | 1,800,000 | $0.10 | 0 | |||||
2012 Stock Option Plan | 3,770,000 | $0.10 | 130,000 | |||||
2014 Stock Option Plan | 2,020,000 | $0.10 | 2,980,000 | |||||
Share Purchase Warrants | 35,711,204 | $0.09 |
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The following discussion describes material terms of grants made pursuant to the stock option plans as of May 31, 2016:
In November 2015, the 2005 Stock Option Plan expired. No more shares may be issued under this Plan. Outstanding stock options under this Plan may be exercised until the stock option expiration. Pursuant to the 2012 and 2014 Stock Option Plans, grants of shares can be made to employees, officers, directors, consultants and independent contractors of non-qualified stock options as well as stock options to employees that qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (“Code”). The Plans are administered by the Option Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Committee”), which has, subject to specified limitations, the full authority to grant options and establish the terms and conditions for vesting and exercise thereof. Currently the Board of Directors functions as the Committee .
In order to exercise an option granted under the Plans, the optionee must pay the full exercise price of the shares being purchased. Payment may be made either: (i) in cash; or (ii) at the discretion of the Committee, by delivering shares of common stock already owned by the optionee that have a fair market value equal to the applicable exercise price; or (iii) with the approval of the Committee, with monies borrowed from us.
Subject to the foregoing, the Committee has broad discretion to describe the terms and conditions applicable to options granted under the Plans. The Committee may at any time discontinue granting options under the Plans or otherwise suspend, amend or terminate the Plans and may make such modification of the terms and conditions of such optionee’s option as the Committee shall deem advisable.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities; Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities.
See "Note 7 - Common Stock" in the financial statements included in this 10-K filing.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Company and Affiliated Purchasers.
There was no purchase of equity securities by the Company and affiliated purchasers during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2016.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
A smaller reporting company, as defined by Item 10 of Regulation S-K, is not required to provide the information required by this item.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation.
Overview
As a natural resource exploration company our focus is to locate explore and develop prospective properties that may host mineral reserves which could eventually be put into mining production. With this in mind, we have identified and secured interests in several mining claims with respect to properties in Nevada and Arizona. Current cash on hand is not sufficient to fund planned operations for 2017 after payment of outstanding checks written in-excess of cash and accounts payable outstanding at May 31, 2016; however, management plans to seek additional capital through private placements and public offerings of its common stock. There can be no assurance that management will be successful in its attempt to raise the additional funds needed to sustain operations going forward.
We do not have any employees. Outside advisors, attorneys and consultants will continue to be utilized to support operations as needed. Management is confident that it will be able to operate in this manner and continue during the next twelve months.
Plan of Operation
During the twelve-month period ending May 31, 2016, we continued to monitor the exploration and development of our existing properties in accordance with our property option agreements, we began negotiating a definitive joint venture agreement on our Bruner project, and we negotiated and finalized the sale/conversion of our Moss Mine interest into a royalty The funds in our treasury are currently sufficient to meet all planned activities as outlined below. The Company expects the short and long term funding of our operations going forward to be financed through existing funds or, as in the past, through equity issuances in the form of private placements of common stock and/or debt financing.
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We continue to run our operations with the use of contract operators and third party consultants and do not anticipate a change to our company staffing levels. We remain focused on keeping the staff compliment, which currently consists of our three directors, at a minimum, to conserve capital. Our staffing in no way hinders our operations, as outsourcing of necessary operations continues to be the most cost effective and efficient manner of conducting the business of the Company.
We do not anticipate any equipment purchases in the twelve months ending May 31, 2017.
Results of Operations
The Twelve Months Ended May 31, 2016 compared to the Twelve Months Ended May 31, 2015
During the year ended May 31, 2016, we had no revenues. We are currently exploring and developing our properties and are engaged in the search for mineral deposits.
Net loss for the year ended May 31, 2016 was $145,734 compared to net loss of $889,431 for the year ended May 31, 2015, for an approximate $744,000 decrease in net loss. The decrease is primarily comprised of an approximate $59,000 decrease in mineral and exploration expenses, an approximate $471,000 increase in general and administration expenses and an approximate $1,156,000 increase in gain on sale of a mineral property.
For the years ended May 31 2016 and 2015, mineral and exploration expenses were $49,055 and $107,729, respectively, for an approximate $59,000 decrease. The decrease is primarily due to no property acquisitions during the year ended May 31, 2016.
For the years ended May 31 2016 and 2015, general and administrative expenses were $1,247,813 and $776,596, respectively, for an approximate $471,000 increase. The increase was primarily comprised of an approximate $511,000 increase in arbitration fees and consulting fees in support of the proceedings with Northern Vertex regarding to the Moss Property, an approximate $11,000 increase in filing fees due to applying for a Canadian stock exchange listing and an approximate $29,000 decrease in stock option compensation expense due to fewer stock options being issued, and an approximate $22,000 decrease in marketing expenses as the company focused on the arbitration.
For the years ended May 31 2016 and 2015, other income and (expense) was $1,151,134 and ($5,106), respectively, for an approximate $1,156,000 increase. The increase is primarily due to the gain on sale of the Moss Property of $1,155,600, an approximate increase in fair value of marketable securities for $4,000, and offset by an approximate $4,000 increase in foreign currency loss.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We had total assets of $982,098 at May 31, 2016 consisting primarily of $732,019 of cash,$235,564 of marketable securities and reclamation deposits of $13,255. We had total liabilities of $519,874at May 31, 2016 consisting of $342,008 of checks in written in excess of cash and $177,866 of accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
We anticipate that we will incur the following during the year ended May 31, 2017:
· | $350,000 for operating expenses, including working capital and general, legal, accounting and administrative expenses associated with reporting requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and compliance with Canadian regulatory authorities. |
Cash used in operations was $902,399 and $523,711 for the years ended May 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The $378,688 increase in cash used in operations was primarily due to legal fees related to the Moss property arbitration.
Investing activities for the years ended May 31, 2016 and 2015 generated cash of $924,479 and $nil, respectively. Cash received during 2016 is due to the sale of the Moss property..
Financing activities during the years ended May 31, 2016 and 2015 generated cash of $552,008 and $89,500, respectively. Cash received during 2016 was due to $210,000 of common stock activity and $342,008 in checks written in excess of cash. During June 2016, cash was transferred between our bank accounts to cover the checks written. through a series of private placements. For further information regarding common stock activity see Note. 7 - Common Stock in the financial statements included in this 10-K filing.
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Going Concern Consideration
Management estimates that the Company will require approximately $350,000 to fund the Company’s planned operations for the next twelve months. Therefore, current cash on hand is not sufficient to fund planned operations for 2017 after payment of outstanding checks written in-excess of cash and accounts payable outstanding at May 31, 2016. We anticipate generating losses and therefore may be unable to continue operations in the future as a going concern. No adjustment has been made in the accompanying financial statements to the amounts and classification of assets and liabilities that could result from this uncertainty.
We currently have no agreements, arrangements or understandings with any person to obtain funds through bank loans, lines of credit or any other sources .
Accordingly, our independent auditors included an explanatory paragraph in their report on the accompanying financial statements regarding concerns about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our financial statements contain additional note disclosures describing the circumstances that lead to this disclosure by our independent auditors.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
A smaller reporting company, as defined by Item 10 of Regulation S-K, is not required to provide the information required by this item.
Item 8. Financial Statements.
The financial statements are set forth immediately preceding the signature page.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, under supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined under Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e). Based upon this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer concluded that, as of May 31, 2016, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Report on Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined under Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 14d-14(f). Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial reporting reliability and financial statement preparation and presentation. In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to risk that controls become inadequate because of changes in conditions and that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2016. In making the assessment, management used the criteria issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission’s (COSO) 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on its assessment, management concluded that, as of May 31, 2016, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting were effective.
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As defined by Auditing Standard No. 5, “An Audit of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting that is Integrated with an Audit of Financial Statements and Related Independence Rule and Conforming Amendments,” established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”), a material weakness is a deficiency or combination of deficiencies that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected. In connection with the assessment described above, management concluded the Company does not have control deficiencies that represent material weaknesses as of May 31, 2016.
Attestation Report of Registered Public Accounting Firm
This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to permanent rules of the SEC that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.
Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
As of May 31, 2016 and to date, management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and based upon that evaluation, they concluded the internal controls and procedures were effective. During the course of their evaluation, we did not discover any fraud involving management or any other personnel who play a significant role in our disclosure controls and procedures or internal controls over financial reporting.
We believe that our financial statements contained in our Form 10-K for the twelve months ended May 31, 2016, fairly present our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the years covered thereby in all material respects. We are committed to improving our financial organization. We will continue to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of our internal controls and procedures and our internal controls over financial reporting on an ongoing basis and are committed to taking further action and implementing additional enhancements or improvements as necessary.
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
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PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Directors and Officers
All Directors of our Company hold office until the next annual general meeting of the stockholders or until their successors are elected and qualified. The Officers of our Company are appointed by our Board of Directors and hold office until their earlier death, retirement, resignation or removal. Our Directors, Executive Officers and other significant employees, their ages, positions held and duration each person has held that position, are as follows:
Name | Position Held with the Company | Age | Date First Appointed |
Robert Coale(1) | Chairman of the Board | 76 | October 13, 2005(1) |
Trevor Newton(2) | President, Chief Executive Officer, Secretary Treasurer, and Director | 47 | October 9, 2014 |
Jared Beebe(3) | Director | 64 | September 5, 2008 |
Zachary Black(4) | Director | 47 | August 13, 1980 |
(1) Mr. Coale was first appointed as a Director on June 23, 2003. On September 12, 2008 Mr. Coale resigned as an officer of the Company but remained a Director. Subsequently, on October 18, 2010, Mr. Coale was reappointed as the Company’s President, Chief Executive Officer, Secretary and Treasurer and resigned these positions on May 27, 2016 where he was simultaneously appointed as Chairman of the Board.
(2) Mr. Newton was appointed as Director on October 9, 2014. On May 27, 2016, Mr. Newton was elected as CEO, President, Secretary and Treasurer.
(3) Mr. Beebe resigned as Director on July 18, 2016.
(4) Mr. Black was appointed Director on July 18, 2016.
Business Experience
The following is a brief account of the education and business experience of each director, executive officer and key employee during at least the past five years, indicating each person’s principal occupation during the period, and the name and principal business of the organization by which he was employed.
Robert Coale has been a Director since June 2003 and has served as our Chief Executive Officer, President, Secretary and Treasurer for two terms: (i) October 2005 to September 2008; and (ii) October 18, 2010 to present. Mr. Coale has over 50 years of resource related business and management experience and is currently an independent consulting engineer specializing in mineral processing and natural gas fueling systems, including development of projects for converting low-grade or stranded natural gas sources into liquefied natural gas. Mr. Coale is also a past Technical Advisor for Premium Exploration Inc. and a past Director of Francisco Gold Corporation and past Technical Advisor to Andean American Gold Corp. Mr. Coale is a Professional Engineer and holds two degrees in Engineering (1963 - MetE. - Colorado School of Mines, 1971 - MSc. - University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa) as well as an MBA from the University of Minnesota (1982).
Trevor Newton is President of Patriot Gold Corp. Mr. Newton has been involved in the development of the Company from its initial land acquisitions and discovery stages through to the present. He has assisted the company by establishing its corporate focus, assembling its team and helping advance its core projects. Mr. Newton's corporate experience has primarily been in the resource sector where he has assisted private and public companies in their financing, project acquisition, and development. Mr. Newton is also Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, Secretary and Director of Strata Oil & Gas Inc. Mr. Newton has a B.Sc. in Economics from the University of Victoria and an M.A. in Economics from Simon Fraser University.
Jared Beebe is an experienced geologist with an extensive background in mineral exploration. In his nearly 28 years of working in the mining industry, Mr. Beebe has worked for a variety of exploration companies in Canada and the United States. Mr. Beebe is currently an independent consulting Project Manager. Mr. Beebe previously worked for Soho Resources from 2007 to 2008, for Globex Mining in 2006, for Scorpio Mining in 2005 and from 1999 to 2004 he worked as a researcher at the University of Quebec where he studied Geographic Information Systems. Mr. Beebe earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Metropolitan State College, Denver, Colorado, in 1981. Mr. Beebe is a member of the Association of Applied Geochemists, the Geological Society of Nevada, the Ordre du Géologues du Québec, and the Society of Economic Geologists. Mr. Beebe is currently a Director of Goldfields International Inc. and Director/Vice President of Exploration for Duke Mountain Resources.
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Zachary Black is a Resource Geologist with 12 plus years of experience in geological exploration projects, consulting, database management, geotechnical engineering, project management and project engineering. Mr. Black has conducted professionally recognized, innovative work in geo-statistical modelling, and routinely provides his expertise to the mineral industry with regard to geologic modelling, geo-statistical evaluation, mineral resource estimation, and exploration program design and support. He is a Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Registered Member and is recognized as a Qualified Person for exploration, geology, and mineral resource estimation according to the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101). Mr. Black has participated in mineral resource projects at many levels of project development, from early exploration through bankable feasibility studies, and has assisted in the preparation of numerous NI 43-101 compliant technical reports. He has conducted site investigations, geologic field mapping and sampling, and data verification as an independent QP for a variety of gold, silver, and multiple commodity projects throughout the world.
There are no family relationships among our directors or officers. None of our Directors or Officers have been affiliated with any company that has filed for bankruptcy within the last five years. We are not aware of any proceedings to which any of our officers or directors, or any associate of our officers or directors, is a party adverse to our company or has a material interest adverse to it.
Audit Committee Financial Expert.
The Board of Directors has not established an audit committee and does not have an audit committee financial expert. Currently the Board of Directors function as the audit committee.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires officers and directors of the Company and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities to file reports of ownership and changes in their ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and forward copies of such filings to the Company. During the most recent fiscal year, the Company is not aware that any director, officer, and beneficial owner of more than ten percent of the equity securities of the Company registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act has failed to file such forms on a timely basis.
Code of Ethics.
The Company has not adopted a Code of Ethics due to the size and limited resources of the Company.
Changes to Procedures for Recommendations of Director Nominees.
During the fiscal year ended May 31, 2016, there were no material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to our Board of Directors.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
Summary Compensation
The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation paid or earned during the fiscal years ended May 31, 2016 and 2015 for services rendered to our Company in all capacities by the following persons: (i) all individuals who served as the principal executive officer or acting in a similar capacity during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2016, regardless of compensation level; (ii) all individuals who served as officers at May 31, 2016 and whose total compensation during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2016 exceeded $100,000; and (iii) up to two additional individuals who served as officers during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2016 and whose total compensation during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2016 exceeded $100,000, regardless of whether they were serving as officers at the end of such fiscal year.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE | |||||||||
Name and principal position (a) |
Year (b) |
Salary ($) (c) |
Bonus ($) (d) |
Stock Awards ($) (e) |
Option Awards ($) (f) |
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) (g) |
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) (h) |
All Other Compensation ($) (i) |
Total ($) (j) |
Robert Coale | 2016 | 2,000 | 0 | 0 | 22,538 | 0 | 0 | 23,008 | 47,547 |
2015 | 2,000 | 0 | 0 | 16,111 | 0 | 0 | 3,719 | 21,830 | |
Trevor Newton | 2016 | 2,000 | 0 | 0 | 84,152 | 0 | 0 | 110,921 | 197,073 |
2015 | 2,000 | 0 | 0 | 112,671 | 0 | 0 | 23,110 | 137,781 |
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Outstanding Equity Awards
The table set forth below presents certain information concerning unexercised options, stock that has not vested, and equity incentive plan awards for each named executive officer above outstanding as of May 31, 2016.
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END | |||||||||
OPTION AWARDS | STOCK AWARDS | ||||||||
Name (a) |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable (b) |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable (c) |
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options (#) (d) |
Option Exercise Price ($) (e) |
Option Expiration Date (f) |
Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#) (g) |
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($) (h) |
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#) (i) |
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#) (j) |
Robert Coale | 100,000(1)(3) | 200,000 | 0.10 | June 20, 2024 | |||||
Robert Coale | 250,000(2) | 0 | 0 | 0.10 | December 24, 2025 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
(1) | On June 20, 2014 Mr. Coale was granted the right to purchase 300,000 common shares at an exercise price of $0.10 per option pursuant to the 2005 Plan. The $0.10 options vest in equal installments of 100,000 commencing June 20 2015, June 20, 2016 and June 20, 2017 and had a fair market value at issuance of $28,819. |
(2) | On December 24, 2015 Mr. Coale was granted the right to purchase 250,000 common shares at an exercise price of $0.10 per option pursuant to the 2014 Plan. The $0.10 options vested immediately and had a fair market value at issuance of $16,830. |
(3) | Does not include 100,000 vested options issued pursuant to the 2014 Plan to purchase common stock at a purchase price of $0.05 per share that vested on July 17, 2015 and were exercised July 20, 2015. The fair market value at issuance was $5,709. |
Compensation of Directors
The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation paid or earned during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2016 for services rendered by the Directors.
Name | Fees earned or paid in cash ($) |
Stock Awards ($) |
Option Awards ($) |
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) |
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) |
All Other Compensation ($) |
Total ($) |
Robert Coale (1) | 2,000 | 0 | 22,538 | 0 | 0 | 23,008 | 47,547 |
Trevor Newton (2) | 2,000 | 0 | 84,152 | 110,921 | 197,073 | ||
Jared Beebe (3) | 6,000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6,000 |
(1) Mr. Coale was originally appointed as a Director on June 23, 2003. On September 12, 2008 Mr. Coale resigned as an officer of the Company but remained a Director. Subsequently, on October 18, 2010, Mr. Coale was reappointed as the Company’s President, Chief Executive Officer, Secretary and Treasurer and resigned these positions on May 27, 2016 where he was simultaneously appointed as Chairman of the Board. Compensation is also reflected in Item 11 - Executive Compensation. The total compensation for Mr. Coale as Executive Officer and Director for fiscal year ending 5/31/16 is $47,547 .
(2) Mr. Newton was appointed as Director on October 9, 2014. On May 27, 2016, Mr. Newton was appointed as the Company’s President, Chief Executive Officer, Secretary and Treasurer and remains a Director.
(3) Mr. Beebe was appointed as Director on September 5, 2008 and resigned on July 18, 2016.
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Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
The following table lists, as of May 31, 2016, the number of shares of common stock of the Company beneficially owned by (i) each person or entity known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding common stock; (ii) each officer and director of the Company; and (iii) all officers and directors as a group. Information relating to beneficial ownership of common stock by our principal stockholders and management is based upon information furnished by each person using “beneficial ownership” concepts under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Under these rules, a person is deemed to be a beneficial owner of a security if that person has or shares voting power, which includes the power to vote or direct the voting of the security, or investment power, which includes the power to vote or direct the voting of the security. The person is also deemed to be a beneficial owner of any security of which that person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days. Under the Securities and Exchange Commission rules, more than one person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the same securities, and a person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of securities as to which he or she may not have any pecuniary beneficial interest. Except as noted below, each person has sole voting and investment power.
The percentages below are calculated based upon 52,375,604 outstanding common shares as of May 31, 2016 which does not include vested options and warrants.
Name of Beneficial Owner | Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership | Percentage of Class | ||||||
Robert D. Coale | 200,000 | (1) | 0.4% | |||||
Trevor Newton | 14,079,572 | (2) | 26.9% | |||||
Jared Beebe | – | (3) | – | |||||
Directors and Officers as a Group (3 individuals) | 14,279,572 | 27.3% | ||||||
KF Business Ventures, LP | 6,000,000 | 11.5% |
(1) Does not include 100,000 vested options pursuant to the 2005 Plan to purchase common stock at a purchase price of $0.10 per share and 250,000 vested options pursuant to the 2014 Plan to purchase common stock at a purchase price of $0.10 per share.
(2) Does not include 1,000,000 vested options pursuant to the 2012 Plan to purchase common stock at a purchase price of $0.10 per share, 1,250,000 vested options pursuant to the 2014 Plan to purchase common stock at a purchase price of $0.10 per share and 6,000,000 vested warrants.
(3) Does not include 33,333 vested options pursuant to the 2012 Plan to purchase common stock at a purchase price of $0.10 per share.
Shareholder Agreements
We are unaware of any contract or other arrangement the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of our Company.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
Information regarding our equity compensation plans is set forth above under Part II, Item 5.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
Related Party Transactions
See Note 10 - Related Party Transactions in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this 10-K filing.
Director Independence
We are not subject to the listing requirements of any national securities exchange or national securities association and, as a result, we are not at this time required to have our board comprised of a majority of “independent directors.”
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Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
Fees Billed by Independent Public Accountants
Aggregate fees billed and expected to be billed for professional services by our independent registered public accounting firm for the audit of our consolidated financial statements for the years ended May 31, 2016 and 2015 are set forth below.
Fiscal year ending May 31, 2016 |
Fiscal year ending May 31, 2015 |
|||||
Audit Fees | $16,500 | $15,814 | ||||
Audit Related Fees | NIL | NIL | ||||
Tax Fees | NIL | NIL | ||||
All Other Fees | NIL | NIL |
All of the principal accounting fees and services were approved by the Board of Directors, currently acting in place of the Audit Committee in accordance with the By-Laws of the Company.
Item 15. Exhibits.
EXHIBIT NUMBER |
DESCRIPTION |
3.1 | Articles of Incorporation of Registrant. (1) |
3.2 | Registrant’s Restated Articles of Incorporation. (2) |
3.3 | By-Laws of Registrant. (1) |
10.10 | 2005 Stock Option Plan (3) |
10.20 | Bruner Property Option Agreement, dated April 1, 2009 between the Company and American International Ventures Inc. (4) |
10.21 | Resource Report for Moss Mine Gold Property(5) |
10.22 | 2012 Stock Option Plan (6) |
10.23 | 2014 Stock Option Plan (7) |
23.1 | Peterson Sullivan Consent |
31 | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d14(a) Certifications (attached hereto) |
32 | Section 1350 Certifications (attached hereto) |
(1) Previously filed with the Company’s Form 10SB12g submitted to the SEC on June 25, 2001, SEC file number 0-32919.
(2) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Information Statement submitted to the SEC on May 21, 2003.
(3) Previously filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form S-8 filed on November 18, 2005 File Number 333-129840.
(4) Previously filed with the Company’s Form 8-K submitted to the SEC on April 1, 2009.
(5) Previously filed with the Company’s Form 8-K submitted to the SEC on January 29, 2010.
(6) Previously filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form S-8 filed on July 20, 2012 File Number 333-182787.
(7) Previously filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form S-8 filed on September 19, 2014 File Number 333-198833.
32 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Patriot Gold Corp.
Las Vegas, Nevada
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Patriot Gold Corp. ("the Company") as of May 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholder's equity, and cash flows for the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated 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 from material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated 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 financial position of Patriot Gold Corp. as of May 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has not been able to generate any operating revenue to date and has an accumulated deficit at May 31, 2016. In addition, the Company had negative cash flows from operations during the year ended May 31, 2016. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans regarding these matters are also described in Note 2. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/S/ PETERSON SULLIVAN LLP
Seattle, Washington
September 1, 2016
33 |
PATRIOT GOLD CORP.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
May 31, 2016 | May 31, 2015 | |||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Current assets | ||||||||
Cash | $ | 732,019 | $ | 157,931 | ||||
Marketable securities | 235,564 | – | ||||||
Prepaid expenses | 1,260 | – | ||||||
Total current assets | 968,843 | 157,931 | ||||||
Reclamation Deposits (Note 4) | 13,255 | 13,255 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 982,098 | $ | 171,186 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||||
Current liabilities | ||||||||
Checks written in excess of cash | $ | 342,008 | $ | – | ||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 177,866 | 33,728 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 519,874 | 33,728 | ||||||
Stockholders' equity | ||||||||
Preferred stock, par value $.001 authorized 20,000,000 shares; no shares issued at May 31, 2016 and 2015 | – | – | ||||||
Common stock, par value $.001 authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding shares: 52,375,604 at May 31, 2016 and 48,175,604 at May 31, 2015 | 52,376 | 48,176 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 28,224,554 | 27,758,254 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | (16,361 | ) | (16,361 | ) | ||||
Retained deficit | (27,798,345 | ) | (27,652,611 | ) | ||||
Total stockholders' equity | 462,224 | 137,458 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 982,098 | $ | 171,186 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
34 |
PATRIOT GOLD CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Years Ended May 31, | ||||||||
2016 | 2015 | |||||||
Revenues | $ | – | $ | – | ||||
Cost of revenues | – | – | ||||||
Gross margin | – | – | ||||||
Expenses | ||||||||
Mineral costs | 49,055 | 107,729 | ||||||
General and administrative | 1,247,813 | 776,596 | ||||||
Net loss from operations | (1,296,868 | ) | (884,325 | ) | ||||
Other income / (expense) | ||||||||
Unrealized holding gain on marketable securities | 4,443 | – | ||||||
Currency exchange | (8,909 | ) | (5,106 | ) | ||||
Gain on sale of property | 1,155,600 | – | ||||||
1,151,134 | (5,106 | ) | ||||||
Net loss | $ | (145,734 | ) | $ | (889,431 | ) | ||
Earnings per share - basic and diluted | ||||||||
Income (loss) per common share | (0.00 | ) | (0.02 | ) | ||||
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding | 49,832,435 | 48,164,204 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
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PATRIOT GOLD CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred Stock | Common Stock | Additional Paid-In | Accumulated Other Comprehensive | Retained | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Par Value | Shares | Par Value | Capital | Income | Deficit | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance May 31, 2014 | – | – | 46,938,647 | 46,939 | 27,412,841 | (16,361 | ) | (26,763,180 | ) | 680,239 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock option grants | – | – | – | – | 289,150 | – | – | 289,150 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock and warrants | – | – | 1,236,957 | 1,237 | 56,263 | – | – | 57,500 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | – | – | – | – | – | – | (889,431 | ) | (889,431 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance May 31, 2015 | – | – | 48,175,604 | 48,176 | 27,758,254 | (16,361 | ) | (27,652,611 | ) | 137,458 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock option grants | – | – | – | – | 260,500 | – | – | 260,500 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options | – | – | 100,000 | 100 | 4,900 | – | – | 5,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock and warrants | – | – | 4,100,000 | 4,100 | 200,900 | – | – | 205,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | – | – | – | – | – | – | (145,734 | ) | (145,734 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance May 31, 2016 | – | $ | – | 52,375,604 | $ | 52,376 | $ | 28,224,554 | $ | (16,361 | ) | $ | (27,798,345 | ) | $ | 462,224 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
36 |
PATRIOT GOLD CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Twelve Months Ended | ||||||||
May 31, | ||||||||
2016 | 2015 | |||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||
Net loss | $ | (145,734 | ) | $ | (889,431 | ) | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||
Compensation expense of stock options | 260,500 | 289,150 | ||||||
Gain on sale of mineral property | (1,155,600 | ) | – | |||||
Unrealized holding gain on marketable securities | (4,443 | ) | – | |||||
Change in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
Increase in prepaid expenses | (1,260 | ) | 62,039 | |||||
Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 144,138 | 14,531 | ||||||
Net cash flows from operating activities | (902,399 | ) | (523,711 | ) | ||||
Cash flows from investing activity: | ||||||||
Proceeds from sale of mineral property | 924,479 | – | ||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||
Proceeds from sale of common stock | 205,000 | – | ||||||
Proceeds from exercise of stock options | 5,000 | 89,500 | ||||||
Checks written in excess of cash | 342,008 | – | ||||||
Net cash flows from financing activities | 552,008 | 89,500 | ||||||
Net (decrease) increase in cash | 574,088 | (434,211 | ) | |||||
Cash, beginning of period | 157,931 | 592,142 | ||||||
Cash, end of period | $ | 732,019 | $ | 157,931 | ||||
Supplemental disclosure of cash paid for: | ||||||||
Interest | $ | – | $ | – | ||||
Income taxes | $ | – | $ | – |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
37 |
PATRIOT GOLD CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 - NATURE OF BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS
The Company is currently engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of its natural resource properties.
The Company’s activities are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. The search for valuable natural resources as a business is extremely risky. There are no assurances that the properties the Company has contain commercially exploitable reserves. Additionally, natural resource exploration and development requires significant capital and the Company’s assets and resources are limited. The Company may fail to secure additional funding to support necessary exploration and development.
On April 16, 2010, we caused the incorporation of our wholly owned subsidiary, Provex Resources, Inc., (“Provex”) under the laws of Nevada. On April 16, 2010 the Company entered into an Assignment Agreement to assign the exclusive option to an undivided right, title and interest in the Bruner and Vernal property and the Bruner Expansion property to Provex. Pursuant to the Assignment Agreement, Provex assumed the rights, agreed to perform all duties and obligations of the Company arising under the Bruner and Vernal Property Option Agreement and the Bruner Expansion Property Option Agreement. Provex’s only assets are the aforementioned agreements and it does not have any liabilities.
NOTE 2 - GOING CONCERN
As shown in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, the Company has not realized any revenue from its present operations. During the year ended May 31, 2016, the Company incurred a net operating loss of $145,734 and had negative cash flows from operations of $902,399. The Company had a retained deficit of $27,798,345 at May 31, 2016.
The Company's ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on its ability to develop its natural resource properties and ultimately achieve profitable operations and to generate sufficient cash flow from financing and operations to meet its obligations as they become payable. Management estimates that the Company will require approximately $350,000 to fund the Company’s planned operations for the next twelve months. Current cash on hand is not sufficient to fund planned operations for 2017 after payment of outstanding checks written in-excess of cash and accounts payable outstanding at May 31, 2016. Please refer to Note 5 Mineral Properties for additional details on property commitments. Our policy is to pay all operational expenses when due, provided that the vendor, in the normal course of business, has satisfied all necessary conditions for payment. Management plans to seek the additional capital through private placements of its common stock but there can be no assurance that management will be successful in its attempt to raise the additional funds. Accordingly, no adjustment relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts and the classification of liabilities has been made to the accompanying financial statements in anticipation of the Company not being able to continue as a going concern.
NOTE 3 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Provex. Collectively, they are referred to herein as “the Company”. Inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Management’s Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Exploration and Development Costs
Mineral exploration costs and payments related to the acquisition of the mineral rights are expensed as incurred. When it has been determined that a mineral property can be economically developed as a result of establishing proven and probable reserves, the costs incurred to acquire and develop such property will be capitalized. Such costs will be amortized using the units-of-production method over the estimated life of the probable reserve. No costs have been capitalized through May 31, 2016.
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Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all investment instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents to the extent the funds are not being held for investment purposes. The Company had no cash equivalent as of May 31, 2016 and 2015.
Marketable Securities
The Company’s short-term marketable securities are comprised of Northern Vertex common stock which are classified as trading securities and are carried at their fair value based on the quoted market prices of the securities at May 31, 2016. Net realized and unrealized gains and losses on trading securities are included in net earnings. For purpose of determining realized gains and losses, the cost of securities sold is based on specific identification. The Company acquired the stock on May 26, 2016 as part of the Moss Property sale and is required to hold the stock for four-months after the date of acquisition and thereafter, the Company will not sell the shares in an amount exceeding 100,000 shares per month. The common stock will be free of trading restrictions within twelve months of acquisition.
Foreign Currency Translation
The Company’s functional currency and reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. Monetary items denominated in foreign currency are translated to U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and non-monetary items are translated at rates in effect when the assets were acquired or obligations incurred. Revenue and expenses are translated at rates in effect at the time of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses are included in the consolidated statements of operations.
Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company has no off-balance-sheet concentrations of credit risk such as foreign exchange contracts, options contracts or other foreign hedging arrangements. The Company maintains the majority of its cash balances with two financial institutions in the form of demand deposits.
Income/Loss per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing the net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares plus dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. As of the years ended May 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had 7,590,000 and 5,700,000, respectively, common stock options outstanding and 5,376,667 and 1,700,000, respectively, exercisable. As of the years ended May 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had 35,711,204 and 34,011,204, respectively, warrants outstanding of which 32,011,204 and 26,274,247, respectively, were exercisable. At May 31, 2016 and 2015, the effect of the Company’s outstanding options and warrants would have been anti-dilutive. Accordingly, only basic income per common share is presented for 2016 and 2015.
Comprehensive Income
The Company has adopted ASC 220 (formerly SFAS No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income”), which establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income, its components and accumulated balances. The Company has disclosed this information on its Statement of Operations. Comprehensive income is comprised of net income (loss) and all changes to retained deficit except those resulting from investments by owners and distribution to owners.
Accumulated other comprehensive income at May 31, 2016 and 2015, consists of foreign currency adjustments related to the Company changing its functional currency from Canadian to U.S. dollar in 2003.
Stock Options
The Company measures all employee stock-based compensation awards using a fair value method on the date of grant and recognizes such expense in its consolidated financial statements over the requisite service period. The Company uses the Black-Scholes pricing model to determine the fair value of stock-based compensation awards on the date of grant. The Black-Scholes pricing model requires management to make assumptions regarding option lives, expected volatility, and risk free interest rates.
The Company accounts for non-employee stock-based awards in accordance with the provision of ASC 505, “Equity Based Payments to Non-Employees” (“ASC 505”), which requires that such equity instruments are recorded at their fair value on the measurement date. The measurement of stock-based compensation is subject to periodic adjustment as the underlying equity instruments vest. The Company uses the Black-Scholes pricing model to determine the fair value of stock-based compensation awards. The Black-Scholes pricing model requires management to make assumptions regarding option lives, expected volatility, and risk free interest rates.
39 |
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying value of the Company's financial instruments, including prepaids, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, at May 31, 2016 and 2015 approximates their fair values due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments. Management is of the opinion that the Company is not exposed to significant interest or credit risks arising from these financial instruments. The Company carries other company’s equity instruments at fair value as required by U.S. GAAP, which are valued using level 1 inputs under the fair value hierarchy.
In general, investments with original maturities of greater than 90 days and remaining maturities of less than one year are classified as short-term investments. Investments with maturities beyond one year may also be classified as short-term based on their highly liquid nature and can be sold to fund current operations.
Fair Value Hierarchy
Fair value is defined within the accounting rules as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The rules established a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. As presented in the tables below, this hierarchy consists of three broad levels:
Level 1. Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2. Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets), or model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from or corroborated with observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs also include non-binding market consensus prices that can be corroborated with observable market data, as well as quoted prices that were adjusted for security-specific restrictions.
Level 3. Unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology are significant to the measurement of the fair value of assets or liabilities. These Level 3 inputs also include non-binding market consensus prices or non-binding broker quotes that we were unable to corroborate with observable market data.
Asset measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy as of May 31, 2016 and May 31, 2015 is as follows:
Fair Value Measurement at | Fair Value Measurement at | |||||||||||||||
May 31, 2016 (1) | May 31, 2015 (1) | |||||||||||||||
Using Level 1 | Total | Using Level 1 | Total | |||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Marketable securities | $ | 235,564 | $ | 235,564 | $ | – | $ | – | ||||||||
Total asset | $ | 235,564 | $ | 235,564 | $ | – | $ | – |
(1) | The Company did not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value using Level 2 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy as of May 31, 2016 and 2015. |
Related Party Transactions
A related party is generally defined as (i) any person who holds 10% or more of the Company’s securities and their immediate families, (ii) the Company’s management, (iii) someone who directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Company, or (iv) anyone who can significantly influence the financial and operating decisions of the Company. A transaction is considered to be a related party transaction when there is a transfer of resources or obligations between related parties.
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets, including tax loss and credit carryforwards, and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred income tax expense represents the change during the period in the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities. The components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are individually classified as current and non-current based on their characteristics. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
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Interest costs related to unrecognized tax benefits are classified as “Interest expense, net” in the accompanying statements of operations. Penalties, if any, would be recognized as a component of “Selling, general and administrative expenses”. The Company recognized $0 of interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended May 31, 2016 and 2015.
New Accounting Pronouncements
From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) that are adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, management believes that the impact of recently issued standards did not or will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, Presentation of Financial Statements Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40) - Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. Currently, there is no guidance in U.S. GAAP about management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern or to provide related footnote disclosures. The amendments in this update provide that guidance. The amendments are intended to reduce diversity in the timing and content of footnote disclosures. The amendments require management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles that are currently in U.S. auditing standards. Specifically, the amendments (1) provide a definition of the term “substantial doubt,” (2) require an evaluation every reporting period, including interim periods, (3) provide principles for considering the mitigating effect of management’s plans, (4) require certain disclosures when substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of consideration of management’s plans, (5) require an express statement and other disclosures when substantial doubt is not alleviated, and (6) require an assessment for a period of one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued). The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17 which simplifies income tax accounting. The update requires that all deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet instead of separating deferred taxes into current and noncurrent amounts. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted. Adoption of the new guidance is not expected to have an impact on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01 new guidance which requires entities to measure all investments in equity securities at fair value with changes recognized through net income. This requirement does not apply to investments that qualify for the equity method of accounting, investments that result in consolidation of the investee, or investments for which the entity meets a practicability exception to fair value measurement. The new guidance also changes certain disclosure requirements for financial instruments. This standard is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the effect this new guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 a new standard on the accounting for leases, which requires a lessee to record a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than twelve months. The standard also expands the required quantitative and qualitative disclosures surrounding lease arrangements. The standard is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the effect this new guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09 which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the effect this new guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
There are no other recently issued accounting pronouncements that are expected to have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
NOTE 4 - RECLAMATION DEPOSITS
The Company has been granted an exploration permit from the State of Nevada for its Vernal property. As part of the application process, the Company was required to pay a refundable deposit to the State as surety for the estimated reclamation costs associated with the planned exploration program. During the years ended May 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company received a refund for the reclamation bond relating to the Vernal property in the amounts of $nil and $900, respectively.
In addition, as part of the Company’s acquisition and subsequent termination of the Imperial Property Option Agreement, the right to the reclamation bond for this property was transferred to the Company. Upon completion of the required reclamation, the Company will receive a refund of the deposit.
41 |
NOTE 5 - MINERAL PROPERTIES
Bruner and Vernal Properties
Pursuant to a Property Option Agreement (“BV Agreement”), dated as of July 25, 2003, with MinQuest, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“MinQuest”), we acquired the option to earn a 100% interest in the Bruner and Vernal mineral exploration properties located in Nevada. Together, these two properties originally consisted of 28 unpatented mining claims on a total of 560 acres in the northwest trending Walker Lane located in western central Nevada. The Bruner position was subsequently expanded from 16 unpatented mining claims to 80 unpatented mining claims bringing the total at Bruner to approximately 1,653 acres. Any additional claims agreed by the Company to be staked by MinQuest within 2 miles from the existing perimeter of the Property boundaries shall form part of the BV Agreement.
In order to earn a 100% interest in these two properties, option payments totaling $92,500 and an additional $500,000 in exploration expenditures were required. All mining interests in the property are subject to MinQuest retaining a 3% royalty of the aggregate proceeds received by us from any smelter or other purchaser of any ores, concentrates, metals or other material of commercial value produced from the property, minus the cost of transportation of the ores, concentrates or metals, including related insurance, and smelting and refining charges, including penalties.
Pursuant to the BV Agreement, we have a one-time option to purchase a portion of MinQuest’s royalty interest at a rate of $1,000,000 for each 1%. We may exercise our option 90 days following completion of a bankable feasibility study of the Bruner and Vernal properties, which, as it relates to a mineral resource or reserve, is an evaluation of the economics for the extraction (mining), processing and marketing of a defined ore reserve that would justify financing from a banking or financing institution for putting the mine into production.
To date, the Company has paid the option payments totaling $92,500, and has accumulated approximately $625,070 and $83,740 of exploration expenditures on the Bruner and Vernal properties respectively. These expenditures have satisfied the requirements of the BV Agreement and 100% interest in these two properties have been transferred to Patriot, subject to MinQuest retaining a 3% royalty.
On April 16, 2010, the Company entered into an Assignment Agreement with its wholly owned subsidiary, Provex Resources, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“Provex”), to assign the exclusive option to an undivided right, title and interest in the Bruner, Bruner Expansion and Vernal Properties to Provex. Pursuant to the Agreement, Provex assumed the rights, and agreed to perform all of the duties and obligations, of the Company arising under the original property option agreements.
On May 28, 2010 Provex entered into an exclusive right and option agreement with Canamex Resources Corp. (“Canamex”) whereby Canamex may earn a 70% (or up to 75% if a bankable feasibility study is performed) undivided interest in the Bruner, and Bruner Expansion properties, herein after collectively referred to as (the “Bruner Properties”). Upon the completion of the terms of the Agreement by Optionee, and upon earning its’ initial interest, the parties have agreed to negotiate a definitive joint venture agreement in good faith which will supersede the current agreement.
On April 1, 2009, the Company entered into a Property Option Agreement (the “AIV Agreement”) with American International Ventures Inc. (“AIV”), to acquire the exclusive option to an undivided right, title and interest in 28 patented Federal mining claims and mill sites located in Nye County, Nevada. Simultaneous with the execution and delivery of the Agreement, the Company paid AIV $30,000. In order to earn its option in the Property, the Company agreed to make annual property option payments each year on April 1 consisting of $35,000 in 2010, $40,000 in 2011, $45,000 in 2012, $50,000 in 2013, $55,000 in 2014, $60,000 in 2015, and $1,185,000 in 2016. Following which the Company would be deemed to have exercised its option under the Agreement and would be entitled to an undivided 100% right, title and interest in and to the Bruner Property Expansion subject to a 1.5% Net Smelter Return (“NSR”) royalty payable to AIV and a 2% NSR payable to the former Property owner. The 2% NSR royalty may be purchased by the Company for a total payment of $500,000 and 1% of AIV’s 1.5% NSR royalty can be purchased by the Company for an additional payment of $500,000 at any time up to 30 days after beginning mine construction. The claims optioned under the agreement with AIV are contiguous with the Company’s existing Bruner property claims and therefore are also subject to the terms and conditions of the original BV Agreement with MinQuest.
In November 2015, Canamex announced that it had completed the purchase of the patented claims from AIV for US$760,000, securing ownership of those claims for the joint venture (in anticipation of Canamex earning 70% of the Bruner project) and saving the joint venture US$425,000. Canamex purchased the claims directly from American International Ventures Inc. (“AIV”), subject to Patriot Gold’s rights under an Option Agreement dated April 1, 2009 that gives Patriot Gold the ability to purchase those patented claims by making a final payment of US$1,185,000 on or before April 1, 2016. Both Canamex and Patriot Gold expect, however, that those patented claims will be conveyed to the joint venture once the more comprehensive joint venture agreement has been executed.
During the first half of 2016 it was determined by the company that Canamex had successfully earned a 70% interest in the Bruner Property according to the terms of the Bruner Option Agreement, and the parties have began working to negotiate terms of a definitive joint venture agreement. This joint venture agreement is still being negotiated.
As of May 31, 2016, the Company has incurred approximately $625,070 and $83,740 of accumulated exploration expenses on the Bruner and Vernal properties respectively. During the years ended May 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company incurred exploration expenses of $nil and $nil on the Bruner property, respectively, and $1,990 and $1,990 on the Vernal property, respectively.
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Moss Property
The Moss Property consists of 104 unpatented claims and 15 patented claims located in the Oatman Mining District of Mohave County, Arizona. The Company acquired these claims in a series of transactions during fiscal 2004 and 2005.
We hold the MinQuest claims via 104 unpatented mining claims that were acquired from MinQuest. On March 4, 2004 the Company signed a Letter Agreement (the “Agreement”) that earned it a 100% interest in these claims by paying MinQuest a one-time fee of $50,000. This $50,000 fee was paid on July 7, 2004. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement, MinQuest will retain a 3% NSR on any and all production derived from the unpatented mining claims listed under the Agreement and on public lands within 1 mile of MinQuest, Inc.’s outside perimeter of the present claim boundary; a 1.0% NSR on patented claims with no other royalty within the property; and a 0.5% overriding NSR on all production within the property derived from patented claims with other royalty interests.
On February 28, 2011, the Company entered into an Exploration and Option to Enter Joint Venture Agreement (the “Moss Agreement”), with Idaho State Gold Company, LLC, (“ISGC”) whereby the Company granted the option and right to earn a vested seventy percent (70%) interest in the property and the right and option to form a joint venture for the management and ownership of the properties called the Moss Property, Mohave County, Arizona. Pursuant to the Moss Agreement, ISGC paid US $500,000 upon execution, and agreed to spend an aggregate total of US $8 million on exploration and related expenditures over the next five years and subsequent to exercise the earn-in, ISGC and Patriot Gold would form a 70/30 joint venture. Under this agreement financing of future work on the property would be on a proportional basis under the direction of a management committee with voting rights proportional to ownership percentage. Either party could be diluted on the basis of a standard formula if it does not contribute to the planned programs. If either party is diluted below 10 percent, their interest would convert to a three percent NSR (net smelter return) royalty. An existing 3-3.5 percent NSR exists on the Moss Mine Property.
In March, 2011, ISGC transferred its rights to the Exploration and Option Agreement dated February 28, 2011, to Northern Vertex Mining Corp. (“Northern Vertex”).
On January 21, 2016, an arbitrator ruled that Northern Vertex met the required expenditures, successfully carried out pilot production, and produced a feasibility study thereby fulfilling the Exploration and Option Agreement terms entitling them to have earned an undivided 70% interest in the Moss Property.
On May 12, 2016, the Company entered into a material definitive Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Mining Claims and Escrow Instructions (the “Purchase and Sale Agreement”) with Golden Vertex Corp., an Arizona corporation (“Golden Vertex,” a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Northern Vertex) whereby Golden Vertex agreed to purchase the Company’s remaining 30% working interest in the Moss Gold/Silver Mine for $1,155,600 (C$1,500,000) plus the retention by the Company of a 3% net smelter returns royalty. Specifically, the Company conveyed all of its right, title and interest in those certain patented and unpatented lode mining claims situated in the Oatman Mining District, Mohave County, Arizona together with all extralateral and other associated rights, water rights, tenements, hereditaments and appurtenances belonging or appertaining thereto, and all rights-of-way, easements, rights of access and ingress to and egress from the claims appurtenant thereto and in which the Company had any interest. The purchase price consisted of $924,479 (C$1,200,000) in cash payable at closing and the remaining $231,120 (C$300,000) was paid by the issuance of Northern Vertex common shares to the Company valued at $0.26 (C$0.35) (857,140 shares), issued pursuant to the terms and provisions of an investment agreement entered between the Company and Northern Vertex contemporaneous to the Purchase and Sale Agreement. The investment agreement prohibits the resale of the shares during the four-month period following the date of issuance and thereafter, the Company will not sell the shares in an amount exceeding 100,000 shares per month. As of May 31, 2016, the Company recognized a gain on sale of mineral property of $1,155,600 in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
During the years ended May 31, 2016 and 2015, MinQuest earned a 1.0% NSR totaling $12 and $26,827, respectively, generated from minerals recovered and sold during a Phase 1 plant operation completed by Northern Vertex. In accordance with the agreements, Northern Vertex paid the NSR to the Company and the Company paid the NSR to MinQuest. The receipt and disbursement of the NSR are recorded in mineral costs in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for a net effect of $nil. As part of the Purchase and Sale Agreement of the Moss Property, MinQuest retains their 1.0% NSR and will be paid directly by Northern Vertex.
As of May 31, 2016, the Company has incurred approximately $1,538,141 of accumulated exploration expenses on the Moss Property, $21,660 and $161 were spent on exploration for the years ended May 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Windy Peak Property
The Windy Peak Property, (“Windy Peak”) consists of 79 unpatented mineral claims covering approximately 1630 acres, 3 miles NNE of the Bell Mountain and 7 miles east of the Fairview mining district in southwest Nevada.
Windy Peak was acquired on May 22, 2015 when the Company entered into an Assignment and Assumption Agreement with Goldfields International, Inc., for the assignment of the rights, title and interest in the Windy Peak property for $75,000. Consideration for the assignment is included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as mineral costs during the year ended May 31, 2015.
Right of First Refusal - Peak Mineral Claims
On July 20, 2015, Patriot entered into a Right of First Refusal Agreement, (the “ROFR Peak Agreement”), with an unrelated third party whereby Patriot was granted a right of first refusal with respect to certain mineral claims which are located in British Columbia and registered to the third party. In consideration of the ROFR Peak Agreement, Patriot paid the sum of $12,977 ($16,500 CAD). Subject to the exercise of the ROFR Patriot would have the opportunity to enter into a mutually agreeable option with the third party to earn up to a 100% undivided interest in the property subject to Peak retaining a net smelter royalty. The ROFR expired on June 30, 2016.
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NOTE 6 - STOCK OPTIONS
Approval of 2014 Stock Plan
On June 30, 2014, the Board of Directors adopted the 2014 Stock Option Plan (the “2014 Plan”). The 2014 Plan provides for the authority to grant options to purchase 5,000,000 shares (subject to adjustment) of Patriot's common stock to officers, directors, consultants and agents of Patriot and its subsidiaries. Options granted to officers under the 2014 Plan may be incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options. Options granted to others under the 2014 Plan are limited to non-qualified stock options.
The 2014 Plan is administered by the Board of Directors or a committee designated by the Board of Directors. Subject to the provisions of the 2014 Plan, the Board of Directors or the Committee has the authority to determine the directors, officers, consultants and advisors to whom options will be granted, the number of shares covered by each option, vesting rights and the terms and conditions of each option that is granted to them. However, the aggregate fair market value (determined at the time the option is granted) of the shares with respect to which incentive stock options are exercisable for the first time by an optionee during any calendar year cannot exceed $100,000.
Options granted pursuant to the 2014 Plan are exercisable no later than ten years after the date of grant. The exercise price per share of common stock for options granted under the 2014 Plan shall be determined by the Board of Directors or the designated committee, except for incentive stock options granted to a holder of ten percent or more of Patriot's common stock, for whom the exercise price per share will not be less than 110% of the fair market value. No option can be granted under the 2014 Plan after June 30, 2024.
As of May 31, 2016, there were 2,980,000 shares available for grant under the 2014 Plan.
2005 and 2012 Stock Option Plans
The Company’s Board of Directors adopted the 2005 Stock Option Plan in November 2005 which has reserved 2,000,000 shares of common stock and adopted the 2012 Stock Option Plan in July 2012 which has reserved an additional 3,900,000 shares of common stock reserved for grant to employees, officers, directors, consultants and independent contractors. In November 2015, the 2005 Stock Option Plan expired so that no share maybe granted pursuant to this Plan.
As of May 31, 2016, there were 130,000 shares of common stock available for grant under the 2012 Plan.
In general, options are granted with an exercise price equal to the fair value of the underlying common stock on a 30 day rolling average. Options generally have a contractual life of 10 years and vest over periods ranging from being fully vested as of the grant dates to four years.
Pursuant to the 2005 and 2012 Stock Option Plans, grants of shares can be made to employees, officers, directors, consultants and independent contractors of non-qualified stock options as well as for the grant of stock options to employees that qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (“Code”) or as non-qualified stock options. The Plan is administered by the Option Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Committee”), which has, subject to specified limitations, the full authority to grant options and establish the terms and conditions for vesting and exercise thereof. Currently the entire Board functions as the Committee.
Stock Option Activity
On December 24, 2015, the Board of Directors of the Company granted an aggregate 2,020,000 common stock options to five consultants and two Directors of the Company under the 2014 Plan. The stock options vested immediately and have an exercise price of $0.10 per share and expire on December 24, 2025. The Company recognized stock option compensation expense of approximately $254,791.
On July 17, 2015, the Board of Directors of the Company granted options to a Director of the Company to purchase 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock under the 2014 Plan. The stock options vested immediately and have an exercise price of $0.05 per share and expire on July 17, 2025. The Company recognized stock option compensation expense of approximately $5,709. On July 20, 2015, the director exercised all 100,000 common stock options for total proceeds to the Company of $5,000.
On June 20, 2014, the Board of Directors of the Company granted an aggregate 1,070,000 common stock options to six consultants and one director of the Company. The stock options vest in three equal installments of 356,667 on the anniversary dates of June 20, 2016, 2016 and 2017. The options have an exercise price of $0.10 per share and expire on June 20, 2024. The Company will recognize stock option compensation expense of approximately $103,000 over the vesting period.
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The fair value of each stock option is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted-average fair value of stock options granted in 2016 was $0.067 per share. Assumptions regarding volatility, expected term, dividend yield and risk-free interest rate are required for the Black-Scholes model. The volatility assumption is based on the Company’s historical experience. The risk-free interest rate is based on a U.S. treasury note with a maturity similar to the option award’s expected life. The expected life represents the average period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The assumptions for volatility, expected life, dividend yield and risk-free interest rate are presented in the table below:
2016 | 2015 | |||
Risk-free interest rate | 1.37% - 1.73% | 1.710% - 1.965% | ||
Expected life in years | 5.5 | 5.0 - 6.5 | ||
Volatility | 126.11% - 130.20% | 116.88% - 125.12% | ||
Expected dividend yield | $0 | $0 | ||
Weighted average grant date fair value | $0.067 | $0.095 |
The following table summarizes stock option activity and related information for the years ended May 31, 2016 and 2015:
Number of Stock Options Outstanding | Weighted Average Exercise Price | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) | Aggregate Intrinsic Value | |||||||||||||
Balance, May 31, 2014 | 200,000 | $ | 0.25 | 1.8 | $ | 0.00 | ||||||||||
Option granted | 5,570,000 | 0.10 | ||||||||||||||
Options expired | – | – | ||||||||||||||
Options exercised | – | – | ||||||||||||||
Balance, May 31, 2015 | 5,770,000 | 0.11 | 8.4 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||
Option granted | 2,120,000 | 0.10 | ||||||||||||||
Options expired | (200,000 | ) | 0.19 | |||||||||||||
Options exercised | (100,000 | ) | 0.05 | 0.02 | ||||||||||||
Balance May 31, 2016 | 7,590,000 | 0.10 | 8.6 | 0.03 | ||||||||||||
Exercisable at May 31, 2016 | 5,376,666 | 0.10 | 8.6 | 0.03 |
For the years ended May 31, 2016 and 2015, total stock compensation expense recognized in general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations was $260,500 and $289,150, respectively.
The following table summarized information pertaining to unvested stock options for the years ended May 31, 2016 and 2015:
Shares | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | |||||||
Unvested at May 31, 2014 | – | $ | – | |||||
Granted | 5,570,000 | 0.096 | ||||||
Vested / Forfeited | (1,500,000 | ) | 0.096 | |||||
Exercised | – | – | ||||||
Unvested at May 31, 2015 | 4,070,000 | 0.096 | ||||||
Granted | 2,120,000 | 0.067 | ||||||
Vested / Forfeited | (3,876,667 | ) | 0.067 | |||||
Exercised | (100,000 | ) | 0.057 | |||||
Unvested at May 31, 2016 | 2,213,333 | – |
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The following tables summarizes outstanding options as of May 31, 2016:
Options Outstanding | Options Exercisable | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Range of Exercise Price | Number of Options | Weighted Average Exercise Price | Remaining Contractual Life (yrs) | Number of Options | Weighted Average Exercise Price | Remaining Contractual Life (yrs) | ||||||||||||||||||||
$0.10 | 7,590,000 | $ | 0.10 | 8.6 | 5,376,666 | $ | 0.10 | 8.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
7,590,000 | 5,376,666 |
As of May 31, 2016, the Company had $20,845 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.32 years.
The Company issues new stock when options are exercised.
NOTE 7 - COMMON STOCK
The Company may issue up to 100,000,000 shares of $.001 par value common stock. As of May 31, 2016 the Company had 52,375,604 common shares outstanding.
In June 2014, the Company closed private placements totaling 1,236,957 units at a range of $0.046 to $0.05 per unit for a total offering price of $57,500 of which $37,141 was allocated to the warrants. Each unit consists of one common stock share and one Class A Warrant exercisable twelve months from issuance for a period of four years at an exercise price ranging from $0.069 to $0.08. The relative fair value of the warrants was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and was recorded in the equity section of the balance sheet.
During the year ended May 31, 2016, the Company completed multiple private placements issuing 2,400,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at $0.05 per share. Total proceeds were $120,000.
During the year ended May 31, 2016, the Company completed multiple private placements issuing 1,700,000 units for $0.05 per unit where a unit consists of one share of the Company’s common stock and one Class A Warrant. Total proceeds were $85,000 of which $39,726 was allocated to the warrants. The relative fair value was determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model and was recorded in the equity section of the balance sheet. Each warrant allows for the purchase of one share of the Company’s common stock for $0.08. The vesting period of the warrants is one year from the date of grant.
The following table summarizes the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes models to estimate the grant date fair value of the warrants:
2016 | 2015 | ||
Volatility | 115.34% - 123.98% | 133.77% | |
Expected life | 2.5 years | 2.5 years | |
Risk-free interest rate | 0.775% - 1.055% | 0.630% - 0.635% | |
Dividend yield | $0 | $0 | |
Weighted average grant date fair value | $0.044 | $0.085 |
The following table summarizes warrant activity during the years ended May 31, 2016 and 2015.
Number of Warrants | Weighted Average Exercise Price | Warrants Exercisable | Weighted Average Exercise Price | |||||||||||||
Outstanding May 31, 2014 | 32,774,247 | $ | 0.09 | 5,811,757 | $ | 0.13 | ||||||||||
Issued | 1,236,957 | $ | 0.07 | |||||||||||||
Canceled / exercised | – | – | ||||||||||||||
Expired | – | – | ||||||||||||||
Outstanding May 31, 2015 | 34,011,204 | $ | 0.09 | 26,274,247 | $ | 0.08 | ||||||||||
Issued | 1,700,000 | $ | 0.08 | |||||||||||||
Canceled / exercised | – | – | ||||||||||||||
Expired | – | – | ||||||||||||||
Outstanding May 31, 2016 | 35,711,204 | $ | 0.09 | 32,011,204 | $ | 0.089 |
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The following tables summarizes outstanding warrants as of May 31, 2016:
Warrants Outstanding | Warrants Exercisable | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Range of Exercise Price | Number of Warrants | Weighted Avg Exercise Price | Remaining Contractual Life (yrs) | Number of Warrants | Weighted Avg Exercise Price | Remaining Contractual Life (yrs) | ||||||||||||||||||||
$0.06 - $0.08 | 22,196,957 | $ | 0.07 | 3.2 | 20,496,957 | $ | 0.07 | 3.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
$0.09 - $0.14 | 9,839,643 | $ | 0.11 | 5.2 | 9,839,643 | $ | 0.11 | 5.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
$0.15 - $0.21 | 3,674,604 | $ | 0.17 | 4.6 | 1,674,604 | $ | 0.19 | 3.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
35,711,204 | 32,011,204 |
On March 1, 2014, the Company decreased the exercise price on the remaining outstanding warrants issued on November 27, 2003, as follows: 320,000 Class A warrants exercise price decreased from $1.40 to $0.06; 320,000 Class B warrants exercise price decreased from $1.45 to $0.07; 320,000 Class C warrants exercise price decreased from $1.50 to $0.08; and 320,000 Class D warrants exercise price decreased from $1.55 to $0.09. These warrants are exchangeable for one share of the Company’s common stock. On October 23, 2012, the expiration date on these Warrants was extended from November 27, 2013 to November 27, 2015. On October 29, 2015, the expiration date of the Warrants was extended from November 27, 2015 to November 27, 2017. The Company determined there was no material financial statement impact due to the extension of the expiration date and the reduction of the exercise price as the warrants were originally classified as equity when issued and modifications were done primarily as a benefit to the Company. Accordingly, no additional warrant expense was recorded for the year ended May 31, 2016.
NOTE 8 - PREFERRED STOCK
The Preferred Stock may be issued in one or more series, from time to time, with each such series to have such designation, relative rights, preferences or limitations, as shall be stated and expressed in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such series adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company.
The Company has authorized a total of 20,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock with a par value of $0.001 of which 13,500,000 Preferred Stock have been designated as the Series A, 7% Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value of $0.001. The Corporation is under no obligation to pay dividends on the Series A Redeemable Preferred Stock, and the stock is redeemable at the option of the Company. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Corporation, the holders of outstanding shares of Series A Preferred shall be entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Corporation available for distribution to shareholders, before any payment shall be made to or set aside for holders of the Common Stock, at an amount of $.001 plus any unpaid and accrued dividends per share. A holder of Series A Preferred has the right to one vote per share in the case of matters provided for in the General Corporation Law of the State of Nevada or the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws to be voted on by the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock as a separate class. In the case of matters to be voted on by the holders of Common Stock and the holders of Series A Preferred voting together as a single class, each share of Series A Preferred, has full voting rights and powers equal to the voting rights and powers of the holders of the Common Stock.
As of May 31, 2016, there are no preferred shares outstanding.
NOTE 9 - INCOME TAXES
As of May 31, 2016, the Company had a net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward for income tax reporting purposes of approximately $10,840,000 that may be offset against future taxable income through 2036. Current tax laws limit the amount of loss available to be offset against future taxable income when a substantial change in ownership occurs. Therefore, the amount available to offset future taxable income may be limited. No tax benefit has been reported in the financial statements, because the Company believes there is a 50% or greater chance the carryforwards will expire unused. Accordingly, the potential tax benefits of the loss carryforwards are offset by a valuation allowance of the same amount.
Deferred tax assets of the Company are as follows:
2015 | 2015 | |||||||
Loss carryforwards | $ | 3,685,000 | $ | 3,723,000 | ||||
Stock compensation expense | 186,000 | 101,000 | ||||||
Mineral property amortization | 11,000 | 16,000 | ||||||
Deferred tax asset | 3,882,000 | 3,840,000 | ||||||
Less valuation allowance | (3,882,000 | ) | (3,840,000 | ) | ||||
Deferred tax asset recognized | $ | – | $ | – |
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A valuation allowance has been recorded to reduce the net benefit recorded in the financial statements related to these deferred tax assets. The valuation allowance is deemed necessary as a result of the uncertainty associated with the ultimate realization of these deferred tax assets.
The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 34% (2016 - 34%) to net loss for the year. The sources and tax effect of the differences are as follows:
2016 | 2015 | |||||||
Computed expected tax benefit | $ | 49,550 | $ | 302,407 | ||||
Permanent differences | (1,616 | ) | (11 | ) | ||||
Other | (5,934 | ) | 4,604 | |||||
Change in valuation allowance | (42,000 | ) | (307,000 | ) | ||||
Income tax provision | $ | – | $ | – |
With few exceptions, the Company is generally no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2013.
NOTE 10 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
For the years ended May 31, 2016 and 2015, consulting services fees in the amount of $23,008 and $3,719, respectively, were paid to Mr. Robert Coale the President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, Treasurer and Director. On May 27, 2016, Mr. Coale resigned these positions and was simultaneously appointed as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Coale provides geological consulting services to the Company pursuant to a consulting agreement. He is paid on an hourly basis for his services and reimbursed for his out-of-pocket expenses in performing such consulting services.
For the years ended May 31, 2016 and 2015, consulting services fees in the amount of $110,921 and $23,110, respectively, were paid to Mr. Trevor Newton a Director of the Company. On May 27, 2016, Mr. Newton was appointed as President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer. Mr. Newton provides geological consulting services to the Company pursuant to a consulting agreement. He is paid on an hourly basis for his services and reimbursed for his out-of-pocket expenses in performing such consulting services.
The Company recognizes these consulting fees as general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
On May 22, 2015, the Company entered into an Assignment and Assumption Agreement with Goldfields International, Inc., for the assignment of the rights, title and interest in the Windy Peak property for $75,000. One individual serves on the Board of Directors for both companies. Consideration for the assignment is included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as mineral costs during the year ended May 31, 2015.
NOTE 11 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
During the period June 1, 2016 through June 22, 2016, the Company issued a series of private placements for a total of 3,336,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $0.05 per share for total proceeds of $176,800.
On July 27, 2016, one director of the Company exercised 66,000 common stock options at an exercise price of $0.10 per option for total proceeds to the Company for $6,600.
On August 8, 2016, one warrant holder exercised 100,000 Class A Warrants to purchase 100,000 common stock shares for $0.06 per share for total proceeds to the Company of $6,000.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
PATRIOT GOLD CORP. | |
Dated: September 1, 2016 | By: /s/ Trevor Newton |
Name: Trevor Newton | |
Title: President |
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.
SIGNATURE | TITLE | DATE | ||
/s/ Trevor Newton Trevor Newton |
Director | September 1, 2016 | ||
/s/ Robert Coale Robert Coale |
Director | September 1, 2016 | ||
/s/ Zachary Black Zachary Black |
Director |
September 1, 2016 |
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